Valkur
Valkur (pronounced val-KURR ), the Captain of the Waves, is an exarch of Tempus, patron of sailors, ships, favorable winds, and naval combat.
Character and Reputation
Valkur can pilot any sailing craft in any conditions, and he never shies away from a challenge. His moods are as mercurial as the weather, but he is always incredibly loyal to his crew. He is usually jolly, always lucky, emphasizes his points by shaking his fist in the air, and has a great belly laugh. Valkur never holds a grudge, but when angered, his voice cracks like rolling thunder. Valkur epitomizes the daring sea captain who can sail his ship through anything the Deities of Fury can unleash.
Clergy and Temples
The church of Valkur is only loosely organized, with clergy members coming together to worship only when serving on the same ship or in port at the same time. Some clerics of Valkur captain sailing ships that sail the length of Abios. Most serve as officers on some ship or other. Few clerics of Valkur serve on pirate ships, but many enjoy serving their homelands as privateers. While in port, Valkur’s clerics provide care and small amounts of monetary support to sailors down on their luck and to families whose chief breadwinner has been lost at sea. Other clerics run shipyards or administer fleets of merchant ships. Valkur’s clerics are also fond of contributing to (if not totally sponsoring) seaborne exploration and long-distance trading expeditions because of the challenges and opportunities they present.
Clerics of Valkur pray for their spells at around dawn, whenever the first hint of a breeze begins to stir. The church of Valkur celebrates only one holy day per year. The Shattering is always held in early spring, but the exact date varies from year to year. The festival is held to mark the end of winter and the beginning of the sailing season in the north and is celebrated even in the south where the winter ice does not block or trouble ocean travel. Valkur is said to communicate to his High Captains the exact date of the festival each year, and it often varies from city to city. The Shattering is marked by the unfurling of many new sails throughout the port districts or coastal cities and the christening of at least one new ship that then departs for its maiden voyage crewed by Valkur’s clergy. Valkur’s clergy regularly perform over a dozen separate ceremonies in the course of their duties. Most of these rituals are related to ships and voyages, including ceremonies at a ship’s christening, before departing on a voyage, when arriving at a new port, and when returning to the home port, among others.
Relationships
Valkur is the sworn foe of Umberlee and looks to Selûne to guide him across the oceans and seas of Abios. He may have once been a sea captain from Drova who dared challenge Umberlee and won. The Red Knight , and through her Tempus, is trying to persuade Valkur to take more of an interest in the disposition of naval conflicts, but he feels his primary responsibilities lie the protection of sailors.
Dogma
There is nothing more invigorating than challenging the elements. The feel of wind and spray on one’s face and the deck pitching beneath one’s feet is the greatest feeling in the world. If humankind is to expand its reach, daring men and women must defy the odds and dare the impossible. The thrill of exploration is sweeter than wine or rum. There is always risk, but without risk life is empty. Life is to be lived and damn the consequences. One’s loyalties are first to one’s mates, then to one’s ship, and then to Valkur, who protects all sailors. Rely not on Valkur’s hand to always extract you from difficulties, for such is coddling and leads to a lack of challenge and the room to grow. Rather, Valkur helps those actively solving their own problems by helping their plans work.
Realm
Valkur is said to sail the infinite Astral Sea in his corsair, the Seaspray Scimitar, which cuts through the phlogiston of the plane and carries him anywhere in the multiverse. His crew is made up of the most dedicated petitioners, the most capable sailors that served him in life and now man the deck forever in the glory of their god.
It is also said that Valkur holds dominion over the realm of Safe Harbor, which is the only realm separate from the others on the plane of Warrior's Rest. His is a placid sea of saltwater that separates the rocky battlefield deserts from the a larger expanse of water where naval battles are waged.
Divine Classification
Exarch
Honorary & Occupational Titles
- Captain of the Waves
- The Mighty
Children
Gender
Male
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