Helm
The Vigilant One, The Watcher
Helm
Description
Helm, also known as the Vigilant One and The Watcher, was the god of guardians, protection, and protectors. He was worshiped by guards and paladins both, long being seen as a cold and focused deity who impartially took the role of defender and sometimes also enforcer. A very old deity, Helm was the eternal sentry and was always seen wearing a full suit of armor that represented the weight of his heavy responsibility. Yet Helm always got the job at hand done without complaint. The people of the Realms widely admired these qualities in what they saw as a humble and reassuring god.
Helm was particularly fond of children, and often forgave their minor transgressions.
Far back in time, the deity Lathander caused a divine purge in which Helm's lover, a lesser deity of pragmatism called Murdane, was a victim. Helm begrudged the Lathander for this. However, Helm reserved his real opposition for deities whose plots threatened the people and stability of Thuria, especially Bane, Cyric, Mask, and Shar. He was also especially at odds with the uncontrolled violence and careless destruction of the deity Talos.
The only god who could have been considered a full ally of the Watcher was Torm.
Rituals and Beliefs
The practice of controlling the undead, as opposed to their outright destruction, was abhorrent to the faithful of Helm.Novices, or initiates, of the church were trained to be vigilant and dutiful in carrying out their orders. In their service, they learned to never betray the trust that was bestowed upon them, which extended to the manner in which they considered martial combat. They had to rely upon themselves, their weapons, and their allies in order to best plan and coordinate defense and attacks in battle.
Holidays
The faithful of Helm celebrated their devotion with the Ceremony to Honor Helm on Shieldmeet. They held no other annual observances or holidays.Ceremonies
- Consecration of a Postulant: One of the holiest of the Helmite rituals, this consecration was performed upon the confirmation of a person's dedication as they entered into the ranks of the Helmite clergy.
- Consecration of a Glymtul: This ceremony was used to dedicate items into service unto Helm.
- Purification: A ritual of atonement that was performed when a clergy member returned to the faith after leaving its service, or otherwise failed in their vigilance, obedience or faithfulness.
- Holy Vigil: This night-long ceremony was performed by a priest of Helm when they ascended in rank within the church.
Priesthood
The Church of Helm set out to win favor among the people of Thuria with demonstrations of excellent and loyal service as protectors, and they went as far as sponsoring the training of guards and armed escorts in various cities throughout Hyboria, extolling their virtues and worthiness as the only guardians that were worthy for hire.The clergy of Helm would take in anyone who sought sanctuary within the walls of their fortified churches, persecuted and criminally accused alike. Those running from the authorities would be turned over to local law enforcement, though the presiding Helmite priest would ensure a fair and just trial.
Helm
Children
HELM
(Intermediate Deity)
Pantheon: --Gender: Masculine Regions: Hyboria Representations: Staring eye on upright left gauntlet Sphere of Power:
- Life
- Light
- Twilight
- War
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