Priestesses of Eorde, Part I

Eorde

Anglo-Saxon Goddess of the Earth 

Tenets of Eorde
* Honor the land
* Protect your people
* Be strong
* Providing bounty

Followers of Eorde
Special: Eorde is served by priestesses and clerics.
Allowed Weapons: Club, staff, dagger, mace
Allowed Armor: Leather or lighter
Symbols: Soil, Rocks, a Strong Arm, Fertile Lands
Can Turn: None
Mysteries of Eorde: Followers of Eorde gain either +1 Strength or Constitution. They can also grant themselves or another either a +2 AC bonus for 1d6 minutes or 4 hit points of healing if they're touching natural earth. They may do so up to once per day per level. Which is gained or granted is determined at character creation.

Folk Variations
Changes to Eorde's guidelines can be used for those who follow similar goddesses.

Jord/ Fjörgyn (Norse): can substitute select elements of Thor's followers (see Volume I), since she is his mother.
Airtha (Gothic): Can turn undead and other evil spirits, but give up the Strength or Constitution bonus.
Nerthus/ Erda (Germanic): What her mysteries grant can vary, being determined at random each time they're used or needed (rather than at character creation), since they're influenced by spirits and various portents.

Next week: priestesses of Eorde, Part II!

Druids of Gwydion , Part IV

Spells of Gwydion

Such transformations Gwydion can bestow, granting such magic that few know.

1st Level

(All) Command, Detect Magic, Light, Protection from Evil, Purify Food & Drink, Remove Fear, Detect Snares and Pits (D), Entangle (D), Faerie Fire (D), Pass without Trace (D), Shillelagh (D), Speak with Animals (D), Charm Person*, Comprehend Languages*,  Mending*, Read Magic*, Scribe*, Shield*, Sleep*

Gwydion Magician: Unseen Servant*

Gwydion Trickster: Magic Aura*

Gwydion Guide: Message*

2nd Level
Augury, Bless, Delay Poison, Find Traps, Hold Person, Holy Chant, Reveal Charm, Speak with Animal, Barkskin (D), Charm Person or Mammal (D), Find Plant (D), Fire Trap (D), Obscuring Mist (D), Stumble (D), Amnesia*, Detect Invisible*, Levitate*, Magic Mouth*, Phantasmal Force*, Pyrotechnics*, Rope Trick*, Stinking Cloud*

Gwydion Magician: Mirror Image*
Gwydion Trickster: Auditory Illusion* or False Gold*
Gwydion Guide: Spiritual Weapon

3rd Level
Cure Blindness, Cure Disease, Dispel Magic, Locate Object, Remove Curse (reversible), Call Lightning (D), Plant Growth (D), Snare (D), Stone Shape (D), Tree Shape (D), Clairaudience*, Clairvoyance*, Infravision*, Lightning Bolt*, Protection from Normal Missiles*

Gwydion Magician: Blink*

Gwydion Trickster: Invisibility*

Gwydion Guide: Striking

4th Level
Create Food and Water, Divination, Neutralize Poison, Protection from Evil 10' Radius, Speak with Plants, Tongues, Hallucinatory Terrain (D), Hold Vegetation and Fungus (D), Passplant (D), Charm Monster*, Globe of Invulnerability (lesser)*, Polymorph Others*, Polymorph Self*

Gwydion Magician: Dimension Door*

Gwydion Trickster: Confusion*

Gwydion Guide: Enchant Arms* (they also gain a +1 bonus to hit and to damage)

5th Level

Flame Strike, Quest, Plane Shift, Animal Growth (D), Control Winds (D), Tree Stride (D), Atmospheric Bubble*. Hold Monster*, Interposing Hand*, Passwall*, Secret Chest*, Telekinesis*, Wall of Force* 

Gwydion Magician: Teleport*

Gwydion Trickster: Feeblemind*

Gwydion Guide: True Seeing

6th Level

Animate Objects, Blade Barrier, Conjure Animals, Find the Path, Stone Tell, Summon Aerial Servant, Control Weather (D), Fire Seeds (D), Transport via Plants (D), Anti-Magic Shell*, Arcane Window*, Disintegrate*, Globe of Invulnerability*, Guards and Wards*, Irresistible Dance*, Move Earth*, Repulsion* (reversible)

Gwydion Magician: Word of Recall

Gwydion Trickster: Speak with Creatures

Gwydion Guide: Legend Lore*

7th Level

Astral Projection, Gate, Regenerate, Antipathy//Sympathy*,  Animate Tree (as Animate Mineral, but creates a treant, D), Transmute Metal to Wood (D), Charm Plants*, Instant Summons*, Magic Sword*, Phase Door, Reverse Gravity*, Shape Change*

Gwydion Magician: Duo-Dimension*

Gwydion Trickster: Vanish*

Gwydion Guide: Grasping Hand*

Next week: we begin our series on Anglo-Saxon divinities, starting with Eorde!

Druids of Gywdion, Part III

What we may battle can transform us further.

Divine Tests
1-8. Cunning may bring Gwydion's follower to bear. He loses access to some of his spells (50% chance for each one), possibly including his turn ability. Roll 1d6 or select which ones are the most fitting to see what he must do to get each one back. 
[1] Use magic in a new way, unlike how he's done before. (Gwydion Magician)
[2] Witness another casting a new spell or using magic in a way he's never seen. (Gwydion Magician)
[3] Steal at least 1d4+1 pigs or other items of value from someone of import. (Gwydion Trickster)
[4] Deceive another. (Gwydion Trickster)
[5] Help someone overcome a curse or similar hardship. (Gwydion Guide)
[6] Aid another in achieving their goal, helping to bring them closer to success. (Gwydion Guide) 

9-16. But cleverness may not be enough. Roll 1d3 to see what challenge now befalls the druid or select what seems best.
[1] An ongoing magical effect of the druid's turns bad, much as Bloudewedd did, betraying its original purpose. (Gwydion Magician)
[2] 1d4+1 animate trees attack the nearest follower(s) of Arawn, guaranteeing their ire against the druid. (Gwydion Trickster)
[3] An unfaithful woman that the druid knows is turned into an owl. Any of her remaining lovers (who still give a hoot) will seek bloody vengeance. (Gwydion Guide)

17+ Transformed, the druid will be so affected for 2 days, plus 2 additional days for every divine test result over 17. Roll 1d3 or choose to see what he will experience.
[1] Turned into various animals, such as an elk, sow, and wolf, being unable to speak or use magic and happily breeding with others of the same kind. Each day brings a new change, though he will still be able to speak with such animals at will after the test ends. (Gwydion Magician)
[2] Encounters a foe of equal level/ HD each day whom he must defeat in single combat. He will be entitled to any lands of those he vanquishes. (Gwydion Trickster)
[3] Becomes a henchman advisor for a follower of Lleu (Lugh), fully subservient to the latter's goals. Goodwill will continue after the test is complete even if his goals become his own once again, and Gwydion's. (Gwydion Guide)

Next week, Druids of Gwydion, Part IV!

Druids of Gwydion, Part II

Gwydion's Magical Side-Effects
Not only magic itself, but trickery, guidance, and transformation are the ways of Gwydion. Roll 1d12 whenever one of his talented followers works a spell.

1. Angen Gwaith: Something is needed for the spell to work. Once given, it will.

2-3. Cyrraedd Yno: If something isn't provided, then the magic will only occur at 50% its usual strength. 

4. Yn Araf: The spell will happen, but if the druid doesn't perform a requirement, its effects will only transpire 2d3 turns later.

5. Teyrnas Arawn: All within 1d6 x 10' gain a +1d3 bonus to certain rolls for the next 2d6 rounds, depending on which one of Gwydion's aspects is manifest (roll 1d3): [1] enchantment, [2] deception, or
[3] change. 

6-8. Arwydd o Newidd: Except for a minor occurrence representing the magic, trickery, or transformation showing up (a 33% chance), the spell works as usual this time. 

9-10. Gwych: The magic's effect, range, or duration can be boosted by 50% if a requirement is given. If not, then it works normally.

11-12. Grymus: The spell occurs for double its usual effect, range, or duration, as well as it not being expended so it can be used again that day. What is more, if the druid fulfills a requirement, then the spell's aspect can be tripled instead.

Requirements by Aspect

When a magical side-effect has a requirement, roll either based on which aspect of Gwydion the caster most resonates with or simply pick at random.

Gwydion Magician (d4)

The caster must...
1-2. Use a staff or wand.
3. Have used magic (the same as is being used now or another type) within the last 4d6 hours.
4. Call his magic unto him or speak aloud some charm.

Gwydion Trickster (d4)

The caster must...
1. Attempt to deceive another with the spell.
2. Use the spell to attempt to foil one who has defied him.
3. Successfully deceive another with the spell.
4. Roll per Gwydion Magician, above.

Gwydion Guide (d4)
The caster must...
1. Attempt to aid an ally with the spell.
2. Use the spell to attempt to foil one who has defied an ally.
3. Successfully aid an ally with the spell.
4. Roll per Gwydion Magician, above.

For example, a druid of Gwydion casts a spell and his player rolls a 9 (Gwych). So if he wants an element of the spell to be increased by 50%, his player can roll for a requirement. He opts to do so and, because the druid relates more to Gwydion Guide, he rolls on that table and gets a 3. Therefore if the druid's spell ends up assisting an ally of his, then its effect, range, or duration can be improved by half.

Next week: Druids of Gwydion, Part III!

Druids of Gwydion, Part I

Gwydion
Welsh God of Magic, Trickery, Guidance, & Transformation

Tenets of Gwydion

* Work great magic
* Assist your allies
* Undermine your foes
* Be transformed in the process

Druids of Gwydion

Special: Gwydion is served by druids, brydydds (Welsh bards), cyfrinydds (Welsh mystics), gweledydds (Welsh seers), and dewins (Welsh wizards). He can also be followed in one of various ways, bestowing distinct abilities based on which of his aspects most applies (see below). 

Allowed Weapons: Staff, sword, dagger, rod
Allowed Armor: None

Symbols: Stag, Sow, Wolf, Trees

Can Turn: (by aspect)

     Gwydion Magician: those summoned by or use magic
     Gwydion Trickster: those who fail an Intelligence check with a +5 bonus (DC 10)
     Gwydion Guide: those who have attacked an ally.

Mysteries of Gwydion: 

Up to once per day per level, spellcasters who follow Gwydion can do one of the following:

     Gwydion Magician: gain a +2 bonus to a magical-related roll.
     Gwydion Trickster: gain a +2 bonus to a deception-related roll.
     Gwydion Guide: gain a +2 bonus to assist an ally.

For example, a druid of Gwydion might turn as Gwydion Trickster, but access mysteries as Gwydion Magician in a particular instance, or all the time, or turn and access mysteries as Gwydion Guide only, etc.

For details on related divinities, see here.

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Next week: druids of Gwydion, Part II!

Druidesses of Rhiannon, Part IV

Spells of Rhiannon
What we ride may drive us further. Those who follow Rhiannon have access to the following spells.

1st Level
(All) Cure Light Wounds, Detect Evil (if it is a lowborn evil), Detect Magic, Protection from Evil, Sanctuary, Purify Food & Drink, Remove Fear

Rhiannon Queen: Command

Adar Rhiannon: Charm Person*

Rhiannon Mare: Animal Companion (D) (a single horse)

2nd Level

(All) Bless, Find Traps, Hold Person, Reveal Charm, Speak with Animal

Rhiannon Queen: ESP*

Adar Rhiannon: Charm Person or Bird (as Charm Person or Mammal (D), but works on people and birds and birdlike creatures instead)

Rhiannon Mare: Charm Person or Horse (as Charm Person or Mammal (D), but works on people and just horses and horselike creatures instead)

3rd Level
(All) Cure Blindness, Cure Disease, Protection from Evil 10' Radius, Remove Curse (reversible)

Rhiannon Queen: Suggestion*

Adar Rhiannon: Haste* (reverse)

Rhiannon Mare: Haste*

4th Level

(All) Create Food and Water, Cure Serious Wounds, Divination, Neutralize Poison, Protection from Evil 10' Radius

Rhiannon Queen: Detect Lie

Adar Rhiannon: Bag Trick (as Rope Trick*), but uses a bag in which things put in it are stored in an extradimensional space)

Rhiannon Mare: Summon Animal I (D, horses only)

5th Level 
(All) Atonement, Commune, Cure Critical Wounds, Dispel Evil, Quest, Distort Distance*

Rhiannon Queen: Interposing Hand*

Adar Rhiannon: Polymorph Self* (bird and birdlike forms only)

Rhiannon Mare: Polymorph Self * (horse and horselike forms only)

6th Level

(All) Find the Path, Heal, Plane Shift, Speak with Creatures. Commune with Nature (D), Arcane Window*

Rhiannon Queen: Feeblemind*

Adar Rhiannon: Summon Monster* (Adar Llwch Gwin- see below)

Rhiannon Mare: Summon Monster* (a pegasus or unicorn)

7th Level

(All) Gate, Holy Word, Restoration

Rhiannon Queen: Fire Chariot (D)

Adar Rhiannon: Wind Walk

Rhiannon Mare: Regenerate

For info on the Adar Llwch Gwin (Welsh griffons), see here.

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Next week: our series on Welsh divinities concludes with druids of Gwydion! 

Druidesses of Rhiannon, Part III

Divine Tests

1-8. Such challenges arise, surely only to be overcome. The druidess loses access to some of her spells (50% chance for each one), possibly including her turn ability. Roll 1d6 or select which is the most fitting to see what she must do to get each one back. 

[1] Be blamed for something she didn't do. Charisma checks may be in order to set things right. (Rhiannon Queen) 

[2] Give wise advice. (Rhiannon Queen)
[3] Court a man, yet remain unreachable for at least 2d3 turns. (Adar Rhiannon) 

[4] Be unclad for the next 2d3 hours, which may create a situation similar to #3 above. (Adar Rhiannon)
[5] Tend to the next horse she sees for 1 hour (Rhiannon Mare) 

[6] Be mounted for 1d3 hours. (Rhiannon Mare)

9-16. What befell Rhiannon now befalls her druidess too. Roll 1d3 or select one.
[1] Her child (or next most prized possession) ends up 1d20 miles away, safely in the care of others, but at a location unbeknownst to her. (Rhiannon Queen)

[2] She is given to a random nobleman, and must remain his until she convinces another to place him in a bag and be beaten soundly. (Adar Rhiannon)
[3] From now on, she must carry around like a horse any person who so requests it. She can save vs. spell/ make a Will save DC 15 to resist each instance, otherwise she must do so for at least 3d4 rounds, and will likely have to make a Strength check (DC 15 or more, per Referee) every round to be able to do so, unless the person is much lighter than her. Any additional difficulties from the rider will automatically end the requirement in each case. (Rhiannon Mare)

17+ Trials can change even the ones who overcome them. Rhiannon will so transform the druidess for 1 day for every divine test result over 16, preventing her from being able to use any of her abilities. Choose which one it is or roll 1d3.
[1]  She becomes lowly, losing all her rank and level, along with her Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores being reduced by 2d3 too. (Rhiannon Queen)
[2] She is turned into a bird. (Adar Rhiannon)
[3] She is turned into a horse (Rhiannon Mare)

For additional info on fey ellyllon, Welsh spirit-elves, see here.

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 Next week, Druidesses of Rhiannon, Part IV!

Druidesses of Rhiannon, Part II

Magical Side-Effects of Rhiannon
All just endeavors can be done, so sayeth the queen, the birds, and the mare. Roll 1d12 and consult the table below, referring to any requirements based on which of those three aspects best match.

1-2. Gofyniad: The spell will only happen once some requirement is met.

3. Cymwynasgar: Without a requirement being done, the magic will only occur at 50% its usual strength. 

4. Yn Araf: The spell's effects will transpire 2d3 turns later unless the druidess performs a requirement.

5. Teyrnas Rhiannon: All within 1d6 x 10' gain a +1d3 bonus to certain rolls for the next 2d6 rounds, depending on which one of Rhiannon's aspects is manifest (roll 1d3): [1] majesty, [2] birds/ attraction, or
[3] horses/ protection. 

6-8. Arwydd Her: Except for a possible, minor occurrence symbolizing one or more of Rhiannon's aspects (a 50% chance), the spell works as usual this time. 

9. Mad: The spell needs a requirement and will also have a 50% bonus to its effect, range, or duration. If not given, then nothing will occur.

10. Gwell: The magic's effect, range, or duration can be boosted by 50% by adding a requirement. If that doesn't happen, then it just works normally.

11-12. Prawf: The spell occurs for an additional 50% bonus (or 100% if a 12 is rolled) to its usual effect, range, or duration, as well as it not being expended that day. What is more, if the druidess has undergone a divine test or other significant challenge sometime within the last 4d6 hours, then one of those spell elements may be tripled.

Requirements by Aspect

Roll either based on which part of Rhiannon the caster most resonates with, or simply pick one at random.

Rhiannon Queen (d4)

The druidess must be...

1. Dressed well, such as in a golden brocade or other finery.

2. In a position of authority, or at least a higher vantage point than all others present.

3. Mounted upon, or at least next to, a noble steed.

4. Advising someone, a noble or her consort at least.

Adar Rhiannon (d4)

The spell or spellcasting must involve...

1. Birds.

2. Courtship, especially being hard to get.

3. Something at least somewhat related to waking the dead or lulling the living to sleep.
4. Sweet singing.

Rhiannon Mare (d3)

The spell or spellcasting must involve...

1. Horses.

2. Her offspring.

3. Protection.
4. Labor.

For example, a druidess of Rhiannon casts a spell and her player rolls a 3 (Cymwynasgar). Therefore she must perform a requirement or else all the spell's aspects will be reduced by 50%. To prevent this, she rolls on the Rhiannon Mare table since it is the most fitting for her. She then rolls a 3 on it, so the spell or the spellcasting must involve some sort of protection in order to avoid the penalty.

For the full article, including Welsh semi-mortal elves, the Ellyllon, see here.

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Next week: Druidesses of Rhiannon, Part III! 

Druidesses of Rhiannon, Part I

Rhiannon
Welsh Goddess of Wise Rulership, Courtship, & Horses

Tenets of Rhiannon

* Be a wise queen
* Allure a great consort for even greater offspring
* Emulate the noble horse

* Overcome all challenges

Druidesses of Rhiannon

Special: Rhiannon is served by druidesses, priestesses, gweledydds (Welsh seers), and swynwraigs (Welsh sorceresses). She can also be followed in various ways, bestowing distinct abilities based on  her aspects (see below). 

Allowed Weapons: Staff, sword, mace, javelin, lance
Allowed Armor: None

Symbols: Crown, Birds, Horse

Can Turn: (by aspect)

    Rhiannon Queen: those at a lower position than her (physical or otherwise- pick one to always use) 

    Adar Rhiannon: those who have an Intelligence score of 3d3 or less (reroll each time this ability is used)
    Rhiannon Mare: those who have endangered horses sometime within the last 3d4 hours or could endanger her offspring (if not known, a base 50% chance)

Mysteries of Rhiannon: Up to once per day per level, followers of Rhiannon can gain a +2 bonus to a roll when doing one of the following:

    Rhiannon Queen: behaving regally, or advising her consort.

    Adar Rhiannon: behaving alluringly, or when birds can be seen or heard.
    Rhiannon Mare: behaving protectively, or when adjacent to a horse.

For example, a druidess of Rhiannon might turn as Adar Rhiannon, but access mysteries as Rhiannon Queen in a particular instance, or all the time, or turn and access mysteries as Rhiannon Mare only, etc.

For details on related divinities, see here.

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Next week: druidesses of Rhiannon, Part II!