Boccob
Title(s)
The Uncaring, The Lord of All Magic, The Archmage of the Deities
Alignment
Neutral
Symbol
An eye within a pentagon, often worn as an amulet or depicted on magical items. This symbol represents Boccob's omniscience over all things magical and his ability to perceive all times and realities.
Domains
Knowledge, Magic, Arcana, Trickery
Followers and Clergy
Boccob’s followers consist primarily of wizards, sorcerers, arcane scholars, and magic practitioners who seek to uncover the secrets of the universe. His clergy are dedicated to collecting and preserving magical knowledge and artifacts, often serving as librarians, researchers, or advisors to powerful spellcasters. Clerics of Boccob typically wear purple robes adorned with gold runes, similar to the deity himself. There is no rigid hierarchy within the clergy; instead, status is gained through one’s mastery of magic and knowledge of obscure magical lore. His followers strive to remain detached from moral concerns, focusing instead on the pursuit of magical understanding.
Worship Practices
Boccob has no fixed holy days, but his worshippers observe moments of celestial significance, such as the conjunction of planets or the appearance of magical phenomena like comet showers or eclipses. Rituals often involve complex magical ceremonies, the casting of powerful spells, or the creation of magical items. Followers may spend weeks in isolation conducting arcane research or crafting enchanted artifacts as a form of devotion. The most devout followers of Boccob often perform rituals to unlock the secrets of ancient spells or magical items.
Character and Doctrine
Boccob is known for his detached nature, caring little for the affairs of mortals unless they directly affect magic itself. His doctrine emphasizes the pursuit of arcane knowledge and the preservation of magical lore. Boccob’s followers believe that magic should be wielded with care, but not withheld from those who seek it, as knowledge itself is neutral. He teaches that magic transcends good and evil, law and chaos, and should be studied for its own sake. His clergy is encouraged to be observers and chroniclers rather than active participants in the events of the world.
Manifestations and Interventions
Boccob often appears as a middle-aged man with white hair, dressed in purple robes decorated with golden runes. He carries the original staff of the magi, a powerful artifact said to be the very first of its kind. When Boccob manifests, it is usually to grant knowledge, offer cryptic guidance, or provide a glimpse of future possibilities. His interventions are rare and subtle, often involving the manipulation of magical forces to subtly alter the course of events rather than direct action. He is also known to manifest as a glowing eye or a shimmering pentagon when appearing in visions or magical projections.
Divine Relationships and Stories
Boccob maintains a neutral stance towards most other deities, seeing them as little more than variables in the grand equation of magic. He has a distant respect for deities of knowledge and magic, such as Wee Jas and Mystra, but is largely indifferent to those who seek to control magic for personal gain. Tales involving Boccob often recount his journeys across different planes, including realms unknown even to the Elder Evils. Legends also speak of his role as the guardian of the Mobius Archive, which contains copies of every spell, potion, and magical item ever created.
Sacred Items and Symbols
Boccob’s sacred items include magical tomes, enchanted scrolls, staves, and rare magical components. The staff of the magi is considered his most iconic artifact, said to grant its wielder unparalleled power. His symbol, the eye within a pentagon, is often etched onto magical items, appearing as a protective sigil or a mark of authenticity. Followers may also consider rare or ancient spellbooks as sacred, believing them to hold a piece of Boccob's infinite knowledge.
Temples and Shrines
Temples dedicated to Boccob are often grand libraries or arcane towers filled with magical tomes, scrolls, and artifacts. They serve as centers of magical learning and research, where followers can study, share knowledge, and conduct experiments. Shrines to Boccob may be found in places where magic is particularly strong, such as near ley lines, ancient ruins, or arcane academies. These shrines are often simple, consisting of a stone pedestal bearing Boccob's symbol, surrounded by runes or enchanted objects.
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