Orientation Day 4
Today we'll look at the pantheon of deities in Windgrest, continue learning about Guild history and meeting your fellow apprentices and members, and finally, a short section from the Guild charter.
The Windgrest Pantheon
The most important and powerful deity in the pantheon is Yeay Mao. This deity is a protector of the seaport, guiding travelers and sailors safely through rough waters. He is the ruler of the gods of Windgrest. Yeay Mao is distant and rarely intervenes directly, believing mortals must learn through struggle. The worship of Yeay Mao is solemn, with rituals focused on endurance and survival. Yeay Mao and his followers see time and fate as tides—inevitable, cyclical, and powerful. Their priests are often consulted for long-term decisions, like city planning or war.
The Deep Temple: Yeay Mao’s main temple is built into the cliffs overlooking the sea, accessible only during low tide. It’s a place of pilgrimage and mystery.
The Tidebound Order: A monastic group that serves Yeay Mao by studying ocean currents, celestial movements, and fate. They may be neutral arbiters in political disputes.
Another god linked directly to the sea is Yamata no Orochi. He is a fearsome but powerful deity associated with storms and waves and is often depicted as a sea serpent that protects the port from harm. He has a stable power base with many worshipers. Yeay Mao and Yamata no Orochi are uneasy allies. Yamata no Orochi is destructive but necessary. Yeay Mao may have brokered a divine pact to keep Yamata no Orochi’s wrath in check.
To counter the destructiveness of Yamata no Orochi we have Alizé. She is a benevolent deity who brings prosperity to the port city, ensuring that our merchants can trade freely with other nations. She has a stable power base with many worshipers. Yeay Mao respects Alizé’s prosperity but sees her as too indulgent. Their followers sometimes clash over policy in the area of security vs. growth.
Finally, we have a goddess notable primarily for her absence, Nehalennia. This goddess once represented commerce and trade in the seaport and promoted economic growth and prosperity for all residents. She was imprisoned and put into eternal slumber by Yamata no Orochi, but her dreams still touch the waking world. It is believed that Yeay Mao mourned Nehalennia’s imprisonment but did not intervene, believing her sacrifice was necessary. Some say Yeay Mao secretly preserves her essence in the deep ocean.
Guild History
On 4 Emberwane 87, the Guild accepted its first four apprentices: Sige Blackthorn, Santa Claus, Rudolph the Crimson, Buddi du Elf, and Kristina Kringle. Of these apprentices, Sige Blackthorn has currently completed his apprenticeship and is now a full member. The other three apprentices, well, there is something a bit odd about them, but I guess you could say that about all adventurers. Still…
On this same date, the Guild undertook its second job. We sent Santa Claus, Boenra Nelja, Faelina Sablefoot and Prasha Centense to Islebury to investigate strange noises in the library late at night. They discovered a previously unknown dungeon under the library and purged it of monsters.
Here’s my personal favorite piece of Guild History. On 5 Emberwane 87, the Guild hired its first employee, Niamh Greenspirit (that’s me!). She will administer the Guild when members are offsite working. Niamh is a witch, herbalist, alchemist, and astrologer.
A Bit from the Guild Charter
Article III: Governance
1. Guild Council
The Guild Council is composed of the President, all Owners, the Treasurer, Members, Quartermaster, Archivist, and Steward.
The Guild Council is responsible for strategic decisions, contract approvals, and disciplinary actions.
Apprentices and other prospective members may be invited to attend and participate in open portion council meetings, but will have no vote.
2. Voting
Each Owner and Member holds one vote.
Decisions require a simple majority unless otherwise specified.
3. Roles
Guild President: Owner who serves as spokesperson for a 1 year term. This position is elected by the Guild Council and is responsible for supervising the Quartermaster and Archivist. Atlene Swiftsword is our first Guild President.
Guild Treasurer: Owner who is responsible for day-to-day financial decisions and oversees the Steward for a 1 year term. The Treasurer will report the Guild's financial status to the Council at the time of the monthly profit sharing for approval. Elowen Dawnbringer is our first Guild Treasurer.
Quartermaster: Staff position which oversees the armory and maintenance of the Guild training facilities. Elvyn Thorngrit is currently serving in this position until the Guild hires a staff to take over.
Archivist: Staff who maintains historical documents, libraries, and research. Niamh Celeste is currently serving in this position until the Guild hires another staff to take over the position.
Steward: Staff who manages daily operations, supplies, budget, and staff. Niamh Celeste serves in this position.
In our next orientation briefing, we will cover the complicated magic system of Darya, learn more Guild history, and complete our reading of the Guild Charter.
[disclaimer: The Silver Spire Guild is a homebrew solo TTRPG that exists only in my head… and now in yours.]