Theology terminology

Holy symbol

The holy symbol is a unique expression of a deity. It often represents the central tenet of that deity's personality or portfolio.

Like a wizard relies on his spell components, many divine spellcasters require a suitable holy symbol to cast their magic.

Pantheon

The pantheon of a deity indicate which grouping it is commonly asociated with. This is usually determined by the society of their worshipers - a constellation of related deities that relates to one another through their adherents.

Alignment

See Alignment for a general alignment description

Like people, deities have an alignment, and attract worshipers close to it. They are usuallly somewhat lenient, and accept one step of deviation from their own alignment.

Portfolio

The general themes the deity concerns itself with. Acts of devotion for a deity usually incorporates one or more of the concepts in its portfolio, like the various Obediences of the Eldest, or similar.

Acting to promote the values of a deity, which involves its portfolio, may also attract its attention. This may turn to it becoming your patron deity, granting you a variety of spells or powers it can offer. It may likewise provoke a negative reaction if antagonized.

If no portfolio is given, the entry may still be a work in progress, and it may also be open for contributions. Read through what is written, and let me know if you have any suggestions in these cases.

Favored weapon

This weapon is associated with the deity on a thematiic level. Clerics of a deity gain proficiency with this weapon.

Domain

See all domains

Subdomain

A subdomain is a variation on the original domain. It changes some of the spells and abilities granted by the domain, while leaving others unchanged.

A deity with a listed subdomain may grant this subdomain as well as its parent domain as options to clerics, paladins, or others with features that selects from the domains a deity offers.