Metroshka (meh-trohsh-kuh)

The Deceiver

Metroshka, the Dame of Lies and Poison, is the patron deity of the drow and assassins everywhere. She is part of the Olcrid deities and, like many others in that group, was born from the union between the two Elder Beings Morwyn and Divone. Metroshka's teachings focus not only on landing the killing blow perfectly, but also on infiltration and poisoning the minds - as well as the cups - of one's enemies. She spent much of her "childhood" with her siblings Dur'dyn and Stiletto, which has given all three a close connection. This connection is mirrored in Ayndrinor's criminal hideouts, which often contain statues or small shrines to all three deities.
Metroshka's followers are highly valued by criminal organizations and (especially autocratic) nations around the world. There are no known formal temples in the world, though rumor and legend tell of a few placed in remote villages and small towns that train would-be assassins in their craft. This training allegedly focuses on knife skills, sleight of hand, poison brewing, and also building up resistance to all manner of poisons. Not all who travel to these "temples" make it out alive, be it from poison or a wicked wound that nicked the wrong artery.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Sigil: black spider with a green poison droplet on its back

Divine Symbol: scimitar or spider-shaped darts/shuriken

Tenets of Faith

• Never let anyone know your true thoughts or intentions.
• Misdirection, deflection, and turnabout are the most powerful tools in the deceiver's arsenal.
• It is better to lure one's enemies with kindness and get past their defenses.

Physical Description

Identifying Characteristics

Metroshka has a few different appearances, based on different sources who claim to have encountered the deity. Many describe her as a bent old woman, almost hag-like in appearance, wearing a shabby cloak. Others describe her as a svelte, beautiful drow. A few sources mention the legs and lower body of a spider on both of these forms, so there's really no telling what this deity's true form is.

Portrait art by me using HeroForge

Divine Classification

Olcrid

Religions

• Dark Pantheon

Alignment

Neutral Evil

Realm

Gehenna

Parents

Divone

Morwyn