The Soldier

The Deity of Combat

This deity is often mistaken as a deity of warfare but for the most part this is not the case. They are the deity of battle itself- of combat. Unlike other gods in the same vein, this deity puts an emphasis on duty and the protection of others. They are the patron of all soldiers, warriors, and guards, regardless of their reasons for choosing such a life- but only if they are properly committed to their cause. Most cultures see them as a good-aligned deity- a champion of light and honor and sacrifice, but they are also worshiped by those who fight for less honorable reasons- like those who fight as gladiators or work as mercenaries. These worshipers often follow their own code of honor and believe that this deity understands and respects this.
This deity has one Exarch that is widely worshiped as a goddess by the Elves- Shathar. The source of their power is this deity.

Tirias OF THE COMMON PANTHEON

Portfolio: Duty, Battle, Strength, Loyalty, Honor, The Sun
Domains: Protection, War, Light
Alignment: LG
Alias: The Light Bearer, The White Knight
Symbol: Shield, Sunflower
Tirias is a deity of strength, skill, and honor, whether in a gladiatorial fighting ring or a bloody battlefield. He is worshiped by soldiers, marines, mercenaries, guards, and pit fighters- anyone who makes their living through battle. He is not, however, a deity of wanton destruction or blood-thirst. He commands his followers keep to certain codes of honor which include things like not slaughtering the unarmed, women, or children. He is also considered in many societies to be a god of light and radiance and a protector of their country or kingdom. Many a paladin order are champions in his name. Tirias favors the bold and the fearless but especially has a soft spot for those who fight to protect as opposed to those who fight for the thrill of battle or to sooth anger. He has no tolerance for disloyalty and disrespect. Clerics of Tirias are supposed to be first and foremost honorable. Even if one can hardly swing a sword, if they carry within their heart his virtues, they may well find themselves under his watchful and protective gaze.

Kishar of the Draconic Pantheon

Portfolio: War, Protection, Duty, Bravery, Sacrifice
Domains: War, Protection, Order, Light
Alignment: LG
Alias: The Silent Guardian
Symbol: Shield Surmounted by Dragon Wings
Kishar is one of the older gods in the world but currently one of the widest worshiped ones in draconic societies. Kishar is a protector deity- a guardian of cities and patron of those to take up his charge in the mortal realm. Soldiers and Paladins alike bear his crest proudly as they protect their respective countries, cities, and people from the threats and savagery of war and the wilds. The average person worships them as well- praying for general protection. It is said that Kishar was the first proper son of Danha and was the general of his army in the First War. In his first battle against Nammu, Nammu ripped his tongue from his mouth so he could not give orders to his troops. Despite this, he still managed to lead his soldiers to victory. When civilization was finally established, and Nammu banished from the material plane, Danha designated him the guardian over all dragonkind and over the civilized world they fought so hard against savagery to create. He guards the gate that keeps Nammu at bay. He is the main draconic deity of skill in combat. In some myths he is especially protective of children and widows of war. Compared to other draconic gods, Kishar is said to be one that interacts the most with their followers in a direct way- though obviously speaking to them is out of the question.

Khagarr of the Orcish Pantheon

Portfolio: Might, Skill, Bravery, Survival
Domains: Light, War, Protection
Alignment: N
Alias: The Falcon Chief
Symbol: Falcon
Most tribes of orcs can be divided into two groups- those who follow Khagarr and those who are swayed into following Bhagra. These tribes are generally at odds and many tribes of Bhagra will attempt to slaughter followers of Khagarr on sight. Both are gods of battle, but Khagarr is the nobler of the two. According to some myths he is the son of Bhagra who understands his mother's folly. In others they were once a couple. He does not ask his followers to fight and conquer for the sake of sating their bloodlust or his. He asks his followers to fight to survive and to protect their kin at all costs; he is a god of survival as well as battle. Khagarr is revered for his physical might and skill, and the greatest of orcish warriors are said to be his chosen, but bravery is more important in his eye than physical prowess. Bravery and sacrifice for the protection and greater good of the tribe is the greatest standard a Khagarrian tribe member can aspire to. Khagarr is associated with falcons as according to myth he has a faithful falcon familiar or pet who delivers messages to his devout. Many of his followers are also falconers- they use falcons to assist in hunting out in the seemingly barren landscapes of the world.

TEMPLES OF THE Soldier

The largest temples to The Soldier are located in the following places.

• Elderlight (Capital of the Marasen Empire)
• Redgarden (Marasen Empire)
• Valwick (Kaspar Province of Belstrad)
• Aramastil (Astrithyr) (Temple of Shathar)
• Monastery of the Light Bringer (The Marasen Empire)
• Demusra (Hathas Rhogan)
• Monastery of the Divine Martyr (Astrithyr) (Temple of Shathar)
• Clawpoint (Namiza)
• Silverhold (Kardath)
• Lakewatch (Ardenmore)
• Podzámok (Krasnava province of Belstrad
• Sharokhar (Va'Sehir)
• Shatharas (Astrithyr) (Temple of Shathar)

Worshipers

Worshipers of The Soldier are generally fighters of some kind, often paladins, knights and clerics or even aasimar that champion their ideals of protecting others. The everyman might worship them for protection as well, but the most devout are those who find themselves often in dangerous conflicts. Guards, soldiers, marines, and even sword wielding bards, rogues, mercenaries and bounty hunters worship them for their potential aid. There are monks dedicated to this deity as well (Order of the Light Bearer most famously). This deity is also the chief deity of many barbarians & tribesmen. Druids and rangers or outlanders who feel they have a duty to protect a certain territory may also worship The Soldier, connecting to their sense of duty and the need for bravery.
On Brand Worshipers

• Artificer: Battle Smith
• Barbarian: Path of the Berserker & Battlerager
• Bard: College of Valor & Swords
• Cleric: War & Protection Domains
• Druid: Circle of The Land
• Fighter: All
• Monk: Way of the Open Hand, Kensei & Sun Soul
• Paladin: All
• Ranger: Hunter
• Rogue: Swashbuckler
• Wizard: Bladesingers, War Magic
• Knight Background
• City Watch Background
• Soldier Background
• Marine Background
• Pirate Background
• Mercenary Veteran Background
• Urban Bounty Hunter Background