Barclaw (3.5e Deity)
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| Greater Deity | |
|---|---|
| Symbol: | A mountain in the shape of an anvil |
| Home Plane: | Unknown |
| Alignment: | Neutral Good |
| Portfolio: | Dwarves, Gnomes, Goliaths, Family, Community, Mechanics, Tinkering, Mountains, Stone, Earth |
| Clergy Alignments: | Any Good or True Neutral |
| Domains: | Earth, Good, Protection, Strength, War |
| Favored Weapon: | Warhammer |
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In the Edia campaign setting, Gnomius Barclaw is the creator and guardian of dwarves, gnomes, and goliaths. He protects the continent of Gelfland and is tied to the well-being of the land and his worshippers. He appears in the shape of a man, but closer observation reveals that he seems to be made of trees, plant life, dirt, and stone.
In another campaign setting, a DM should use Barclaw in place of Moradin, Garl Glittergold, and the goliath pantheon, if said DM wishes to unify the races of stone under one faith and promote better relationships between the three races. Alternatively, the dwarf, gnome, and goliath gods could be subservient to Barclaw as lesser or intermediate deities.
Dogma[edit]
Barclaw's followers are encouraged to maintain a deep relationship with nature, specifically the earth itself. Different races interpret this in different ways. Dwarves tend to take this (along with many things) literally, making their homes in the mountains themselves and developing connections with stone and metal. Goliaths rely on the mountains for survival, but they live on them, not inside of them. Gnomes live in the middle, reveling in the world above but living just below the ground. While the dwarves and gnomes freely develop cities and enjoy an increasingly urban lifestyle, goliaths have embraced what some would call a "primitive" lifestyle, holding a deep connection to the raw forces of nature as a result.
The followers of Barclaw are also encouraged to put aside racial or other differences and strive to coexist peacefully with each other. Strong familial and clan- or tribe-based connections are very important to Barclaw. Hospitality to strangers and caring for the weak is considered equally important.
Clergy and Temples[edit]
The form in which the worship of Barclaw is practiced varies by race. Dwarf clerics of Barclaw are likely to also be smiths, miners, government officials, or warriors. They preside over courts of law and enforce the law. Barclaw's word is law to dwarves to an even greater extent than the other races of stone. Dwarf clerics are most likely to be lawful good. Dwarf temples to Barclaw, when built above ground, resemble the traditional idea of a chapel, cathedral, or church. When below ground, Barclaw's dwarven shrines are either reverently carved from stone or built inside natural caverns. Most dwarven settlements have some sort of chapel, shrine, or holy site devoted to Barclaw. Often these buildings double as barracks, armories, or courts.
Gnome clerics of Barclaw do not have secondary professions, dedicating their life to the faith. Most gnome villages have a single priest and a dozen or so acolytes to help with his priestly duties. Gnome clerics often take the Cloistered Cleric variant, as they focus much less on combat abilities and more on dedicating their lives to Barclaw and preserving historical and religious knowledge. Gnome clerics are usually neutral good. Gnome shrines to Barclaw are usually simple structures built around some natural feature, like a spring or sacred cave.
Goliaths are more likely to serve Barclaw as druids than clerics. However, goliath clerics do exist and serve as the tribe's healer, shaman, and diviner. Druids and clerics serve very similar roles in goliath society. Goliath clerics are most often chaotic good. Shrines to Barclaw do exist in the mountains, but they are often simple altars where travelers can make offerings, likely in similar places to gnome shrines. Goliaths do not have temples, as their nomadic lifestyle renders them useless.
Pantheon[edit]
In the Edia campaign setting, Barclaw is loosely affiliated with the other gods of the pantheon, but has no very strong affiliations, or enemies.
In other campaign settings, Barclaw likely has similar relationships with the other gods of the pantheon. He is an enemy of any who threaten his people, and a friend of those who help his people.
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