Mardain

Mardain, or The Kindly Hand, was the lawful good god of redemption, mercy, healing, and renewal. His first appearance was during the Divine Emergence when gods were brought back onto Evalon.

"The hand that harms may yet be the hand that heals. No soul is beyond the reach of mercy, save those who choose never to grasp it."

— Mardainian Priest

Description

Mardain was usually depicted as a white-robed judge. He was often shown as a solemn figure in simple, flowing robes. He always had one hand extended outwards offering his help.

Personality

Mardain was not judgemental and patient with those who sought forgiveness. However, he stood proudly against evil and cruelty. While he believed in mercy, he knew that naivety could be exploited. To Mardain, no soul is beyond redemption and will never force a person to undergo a journey they do not choose themselves. Mercy and forgiveness is attributed heavily to Mardain, but he despises false repentance. Those who feign guilt to exploit others will find his hand withdrawn.

Worshipers

Those who followed Mardain typically were penitents, healers, caretakers, ex-soldiers, judges, or outcasts. The Hands Of Mardain were the formal clergy of this deity and sought to bring anyone under their wing to right their wrongs and do good for others.

Mardainian temples could be found in many places, but they were easy to miss. Temples dedicated to Mardain were typically built with clean stone, timber beams, and open courtyards. Wealth was never spend on gilding but on beds, kitchens, and clean water. Doors to temples of Mardain were left wide open or even absent to allow asking for help that much easier. These temples acted as hospices, infirmaries, charity kitchens, or whatever else the people needed most.

Tenets of Mardain

General Tenets

1. No Soul is Beyond Redemption: Offer the chance of mercy, even to the fallen, thought they must walk the path willingly.
2. Mercy Before Judgement: Temper justice with compassion; punishment must never eclipse the chance for renewal.
3. Heal the Wounded, Comfort the Broken: Where there is suffering, bring relief. Where there is despair, bring hope.
4. Scars Remain, but Scars Teach: Do not deny the past, for pain endured may guide others away from it.
5. Extend the Hand, Not the Fist: Kindness is not weakness, but the greatest strength.

Clerics of Mardain

• Doctrine of the Open Palm: Always offer healing, counsel, or sanctuary to those who seek it in earnest.
• The Kindly Word: Words can save as surely as spells — use your voice to guide, not condemn.
• Sanctuary Above All: Defend temples, hospices, and places of refuge fiercely; they are sacred havens.
• Light in Dark Places: Carry forgiveness to prisons, battlefields, and places others will not tread.

Paladins of Mardain

• Oath of the Extended Hand: Always give foes the chance to surrender before the sword is swung.
• Protect the Penitent: Stand between the redeemed and those who would drag them back into darkness.
• Strike Without Malice: If battle must be waged, do so with resolve, never cruelty.
• Chains Broken, Never Forged: Never take slaves, and never allow others to be bound in unjust chains.
• Mercy is a Blade: Wield mercy as your greatest weapon, but when mercy is rejected, strike swiftly and cleanly.

Holidays and Traditions

Everyday Traditions

• The Washing of Hands: Before entering a temple or sharing a meal, worshipers wash their hands in clean water as a sign of leaving behind guilt and ill will.
• The Bell of Mercy: Most temples hang a bell that anyone may ring to seek sanctuary, forgiveness, or aid. Tradition demands the clergy respond without question.
• The Open Palm Greeting: A common gesture of respect — one hand raised, palm outward, to show no weapon is held and forgiveness is offered.

Holidays

Day of The Broken Chains

• Date: Early spring.
• Tradition: At dawn, worshipers gather in temples and symbolically break small clay or wooden chains. Some communities free caged birds as a sign of release.
• Purpose: Celebrates the freeing of the soul from guilt, sin, or bondage. Criminals pardoned on this day are expected to devote themselves to service and atonement.

The Vigil

• Date: Varies; often held before great battles, trials, or dangerous journeys.
• Tradition: A night spent awake in prayer or meditation. Worshipers keep a single candle burning in the temple or at home until dawn, asking Mardain to grant mercy for what may come.
• Purpose: A reminder that even in dark times, the light of mercy endures.

Basic Information

Title

The Kindly Hand, Father of the Fallen

Gender

Masculine

Status

Alive

Game Statistics

Power Level

Greater Deity

Alignment

Neutral Good

Portfolio

Redemption, Mercy, Healing, Renewal

Domains

Balance, Community, Hope, Peace, Protection

Worshipers

Clerics, Paladins, Healers, Judges, Outcasts, Ex-soldiers

Manifestations

Favored Animals

Doves, stags, lambs

Favored Weapon

Mace, Quarterstaff

Favored Monsters

Metallic Dragons, celestials

Favored Minerals

Marble, jasper, gold

Favored Colors

White, pale blue, soft gold