Brashar (he/him/his) is the
Deity of Civilization. He falls under the
Divine Domains of Ambition, Cities, Confidence, Creation, Family, Knowledge, Life, Luck, Protection and Wealth. Other aliases include Catala.
History
As the Deity of Civilation, Brashar's existence has been devoted to overseeing and inspiring mortals' creations and advancement and is often credited with the creation of mortal species, though in truth the opposite is true. Many of mortals' early advancements—such as agriculture and permanent dwellings—were attributed to divine inspiration which culminated in Brashar's emergence as the specific source. Afterwards, Brashar did have a hand in inspiring further advancements in developing intercity roads, city defenses and even systems of rulership. Some other early gods felt threatened by his growing popularity and turned on him during The Divine Wars, but Brashar held firm against their attacks. He quickly allied himself with other powerful gods including
Valirand and
Lōahnir which proved invaluable when the God of Pestilence descended on the world. With his quick thinking, however, and aid from others he was able to destroy the hostile God.
When
Sinjaani suggested the treaties to end the war, he wrote many of the specific stipulations under her guidance. Though he endeavored to give all parties equal treatment, his favor of
Myr in particular led to at least one controversial addition slipping in. Eventually, however, all of the remaining gods were brought to bear and he oversaw the oath which binds all of the Divine to this day.
Personality
Brashar is a bright but level-headed deity—quick of thought but slow to act. He thinks of all mortals as his children and is ever delighted by what they prove capable of, though he is saddened by what advancements are used for violence or domination.
Appearance & Aspects
Brashar appears like his mortal children, usually presenting himself as the same species as the viewer, but always with a golden aura and wearing flowing garnet robes.
He has the Aspect of Catala, the Muse. Catala's role is to inspire artistic and creative endeavors throughout the world. He appears as an elven bard with a lyre and his music is said to clear artistic block and present visions of what exists in the listener's heart.
Relationships
Brashar and Myr have overlapping roles in many mortals' lives. Though Myr is asked to bless the love between mortals, Brashar is asked to protect the vows they make in marriage. As such, their respective priests often co-officiate marriages when able. The gods themselves, despite differing in temperament, are said to get along well with some going so far as to say Brashar is wholly devoted to Myr, though it's unclear if the latter returns his affections.
Followers
Brashar has one of the largest followings among the deities, though their devotion is seldom as fervent as other deities' may be. His followers' titles are added after their names, with High Priests being "of the First Order," lesser priests being "of the Second Order," and laypeople being "of the Third Order." Despite the naming convention, Brashar's adherents are encouraged to act in service of those in a higher-numbered order.
Those who are particularly devoted to Catala calls themselves "Chorales," regardless of their artistic medium of choice. They generally view themselves as all being of equal standing with none taking on the role of a High Priest of any sort.
Tenets & Practices
Brashar's priests teach that the downfalls of mortalkind are Arrogance, Apathy, Avarice and Artifice. Therefore, his followers must demonstrate Humility, Industry, Restraint and Honesty in all their dealings. Those who seek blessings from Brashar are often asked to partake in an act of service to demonstrate one or more of his virtues. In many smaller communities, a priest of Brashar serves as a local judge and some of his followers travel the land specifically to offer their service as a judge, officiate weddings and minister to the poor.
Catala's Chorales additionally teach that artists and art must always be elevated. To create art is the highest form of worship while destroying or obstructing any art is the greatest blaspheme.
Holy Symbol
As representation of the facets of life Brashar is most known for, his holy symbol is a quill and a spear crossed in an X above a mallet. The items are traditionally depicted in bronze and backed by a ring to connect them all. Some followers will choose only one of these items, depending on their priority, to represent their faith.
Catala's holy symbol is a lyre with a paintrbrush for its crossbar. Chorales are meant to craft their own holy symbol whenever possible meaning the representations are never quite the same. They can range from simple line drawings to imprints or carvings to wire sculptures or rarely even as a functional lyre.
Pathfinder Game Info
Brashar's favored weapon is a Broad Spear and his Divine Attributes are Strength and Intelligence.
Clerics who follow him can choose a Holy sanctification and can only choose Heal, not Harm. They can then choose between Crafting and Society as their Divine Skill. Additionally, Brashar grants Fleet Step (1st Rank), Cozy Cabin (3rd Rank), Forceful Hand (5th Rank) and Disjunction (9th Rank) as Cleric Spells.
Comments