Oghma
The Binder, the Lord of Knowledge Oghma
Oghma is the god of inspiration, invention, and knowledge. Above all else, Oghma represents knowledge in its most supreme, raw form — the idea. An aphorism cited by his faithful about this concept serves them as a prayer when it is repeated aloud: “An idea has no heft but it can move mountains. An idea has no authority but it can dominate people. An idea has no strength but it can push aside empires. Knowledge is the greatest tool of the mortal mind, outweighing anything made by mortal hands. Before anything else can exist, the idea must exist.”
Oghma’s faithful spread knowledge and literacy as widely as possible, believing that minds ought never to be shackled by ignorance and thus not be able to bequeath the benefit they might otherwise provide their fellows. Not surprisingly, those who follow Oghma oppose those who foster deceit, trickery, and ignorance.
Folk of many professions favor the Binder: wizards, cartographers, artists, bards, clerks, inventors, sages, scribes, and all manner of others who uncover, preserve, and create knowledge and learning. The worship of Oghma was, at one point, one of the few organized faiths in Eastern Farraway that had an established orthodoxy and a complete network of temples that adhered to that orthodoxy. Schisms during the Second Calamity shattered that network, and now the structures that house the faith are individual temples or small networks of allied temples, much in the manner of other faiths.
Divine Domains
Knowledge
Artifacts
Oghma's Journal: This artifact is a magical tome that contains all knowledge ever written, including forgotten and lost texts. The book updates itself with new knowledge and can be used to research any topic.
The Quill of Oghma: This magical quill never runs out of ink and can write in any language. It is said that whatever is written with this quill becomes true.
Oghma's Gift: This artifact is a powerful staff that can be used to cast spells related to knowledge and inspiration. It can also grant its wielder the ability to understand any language and know any answer to a question.
The Book of Keeping: This artifact is a tome that can store and protect any knowledge, preventing it from being lost or destroyed. It is said that the book is sentient and can choose who can access its contents.
The Ring of Oghma: This magical ring enhances the wearer's intelligence and wisdom and grants them the ability to understand any language. It can also be used to cast divination spells and grant inspiration to others.
Holy Books & Codes
The Tome of Understanding: This holy book is said to contain Oghma's teachings on knowledge, creativity, and inspiration. It is often studied by scholars, bards, and wizards seeking to expand their understanding of the world and unlock new ideas.
The Code of Oghma: This code outlines the principles and ethics that Oghma's followers should strive to uphold. It emphasizes the importance of seeking and sharing knowledge, encouraging creativity, and avoiding the suppression of ideas.
The Scroll of Inspiration: This magical scroll is said to be inscribed with Oghma's own words, and reading it can grant a person great inspiration and insight. It is often kept in libraries and places of learning, where it can be consulted by scholars and adventurers seeking a creative spark.
The Book of Secrets: This ancient tome is said to contain knowledge that has been deliberately hidden from the world, whether to protect it from destruction or to keep it out of the hands of those who might misuse it. Oghma's followers may seek to uncover these secrets in order to further their knowledge and understanding.
The Scroll of Languages: This enchanted scroll can be used to teach a person any language, regardless of how obscure or ancient it may be. It is often used by adventurers and scholars who need to communicate with unfamiliar cultures or unlock ancient texts.
These holy books and codes are often studied and revered by Oghma's followers, and can provide guidance and inspiration to those seeking knowledge and creativity.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The most common symbol of Oghma is an unfurled blank scroll, but other symbols such as a quill, a tome, or a lantern has been used in years past.
Tenets of Faith
Seek knowledge in all its forms. Oghma's followers believe that knowledge is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the world and that they should always strive to expand their understanding of the universe.
Share knowledge freely with others. Oghma's followers believe that knowledge is meant to be shared and that keeping it hidden or secret is against the will of the god of knowledge.
Promote creativity and innovation. Oghma's followers believe that new ideas and creations are essential to progress and that they should always seek to inspire and support creative endeavors.
Respect the power of words. Oghma's followers believe that words have great power to shape the world and that they should use them carefully and responsibly.
Preserve knowledge for future generations. Oghma's followers believe that they have a duty to protect and preserve knowledge for future generations, whether by writing it down or passing it on to others.
Seek out hidden knowledge. Oghma's followers believe that there is knowledge hidden away in the world, waiting to be discovered, and that they should always be on the lookout for it.
Avoid the suppression of knowledge. Oghma's followers believe that the suppression of knowledge, whether by force or by neglect, is a great evil and should be opposed wherever it is found.
Encourage free expression of ideas. Oghma's followers believe that everyone has the right to express their ideas and opinions, and that they should work to create a world where all voices are heard and valued.
Embrace new technologies and discoveries. Oghma's followers believe that new technologies and discoveries are essential to progress and that they should embrace them rather than fear or reject them.
Use knowledge and creativity for the greater good. Oghma's followers believe that knowledge and creativity should be used to benefit society as a whole, rather than just a privileged few or for personal gain.
These tenets guide the actions of Oghma's followers, who seek to spread knowledge and creativity throughout the world and unlock the secrets of the universe.
Holidays
There are no specific holidays or holy days associated with Oghma, as the god of knowledge is more concerned with the acquisition, sharing, and use of knowledge than with formal rituals or ceremonies. However, his followers may choose to celebrate certain events or milestones that are significant to the acquisition or sharing of knowledge. Some examples include:
The unveiling of a new invention or discovery: Oghma's followers may choose to hold a celebration or ceremony to unveil a new invention or discovery, whether it be a new technological advancement or a new piece of knowledge.
The completion of a significant work: Oghma's followers may celebrate the completion of a significant work, such as a new book, research paper, or artistic creation.
The passing down of knowledge to a new generation: Oghma's followers may hold a ceremony or celebration to mark the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next, whether it be through a mentor-student relationship or through the creation of new written works or artistic creations.
The discovery of hidden knowledge: Oghma's followers may celebrate the discovery of hidden knowledge, whether it be through the unearthing of ancient tomes or through the revelation of secret teachings.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
Discover and catalog all knowledge: Oghma seeks to uncover all knowledge, whether it be hidden in ancient tomes or discovered through scientific inquiry. His followers are encouraged to seek out new knowledge and record it for posterity.
Promote the free flow of information: Oghma believes that knowledge should be freely shared, without restrictions or barriers. He seeks to promote the spread of information and ensure that all individuals have access to it.
Inspire creativity and innovation: Oghma believes that new ideas and creations are essential to progress. He seeks to inspire his followers to be creative and innovative in their thinking, and to use their knowledge to solve problems and create new possibilities.
Preserve and protect knowledge: Oghma recognizes that knowledge can be lost or destroyed over time. He seeks to ensure that knowledge is preserved and protected, whether by physical means such as books or by passing it down through oral tradition.
Use knowledge for the greater good: Oghma believes that knowledge should be used to benefit society as a whole, rather than just a select few. He seeks to inspire his followers to use their knowledge and creativity for the betterment of all.
Uncover hidden knowledge: Oghma recognizes that there are many secrets and mysteries in the world that have yet to be uncovered. He seeks to inspire his followers to seek out hidden knowledge and bring it to light.
Oppose the suppression of knowledge: Oghma opposes any attempt to suppress or restrict the flow of information. He seeks to inspire his followers to oppose such efforts and ensure that knowledge remains free and accessible to all.
These divine goals are central to Oghma's teachings and guide the actions of his followers as they seek to unlock the secrets of the universe and promote the free flow of information and knowledge.
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