Petyr Valiantheart
Dogma
Petyr is a staunch protector of the material realm from any evil beings that seek to invade it. As the protector god, he is vigilant for these threats. Since he is an ascended deity, he believes strongly in the Heart of man and will accept the prayers of any alignment if they are seeking redemption or turning toward the light. His life as a Paladin of Alorna gives him a unique perspective on both war and home life. The Prime Divines count him as a leader among their number, and in the Great Conflict, he was at the fore, holding the defense from the invasion of Prodromus and his plague children.
Alorna was the first goddess of the Hearth until she bequeathed her powers to Petyr in the mortal's realm time of need. Now she is the demigoddess of Hearth and comfort. It is a rare occasion that she acts in the role of an avatar for Petyr, which means when she does, it is a matter of most seriousness or something she holds dear. She often appears as an older woman, not quite silver hair that is braided and runs down the length of her back. Her face is warm, and she has a hint of smile or threat of scowl, depending on circumstances, as a mother would. Wearing a brown dress with a red sash tied around her waist, she is unassuming as a Goddess, but the green of her eyes is vivid, and oft gives her away.
Alexius was a gift to Petyr from Biance, the Goddess of Rebirth and Repose. He had been the childhood pet of Petyr in his mortal life, and Biance granted the faithful hound the ability to serve his master as gratitude for saving the material plane. He appears a big mottled mastiff/shepherd mix, shoulders coming to Petyr's waist as they move together. He is a friendly dog, with a silly personality, until it comes time for defense. Then he is a fierce beast with sharp teeth and a bark that sends fear into any evil creatures nearby.
A former enemy of Petyr in service of The Destroyer, Prodromus, he was redeemed and forgiven at the beginning of the great conflict, and Petyr bestowed upon him a touch of Divinity, making him the First Son. Priam has the form of a young male figure made of light. His feet do not touch the ground when he walks, and he cast no shadows. He is often a messenger or herald of Petyr's will and moves quickly from place to place. Calling him by his old name will incur not only his wrath but the wrath of Petyr, and one might find themselves surrounded promptly by HearthGuard.
History
Petyr was born a mortal to mortal parents and then given to the Church of Alorna as a small child in the first era. He trained and dedicated his life to bringing her love and light to all corners of the world. He would go rushing to the defense of any who would but call out for it. He was given the title Valiantheart after his involvement in thwarting the Lich Lord Guvarog and his army from invading Sugrana's eastern coast. His ascension to godhood was not a moment of glory, but hard choices and sacrifice. At the beginning of the Great Conflict, when Petyr was fighting off the Plague Children in South Cardia, he discovered that a man, a high priest of Prodromus, the Destroyer, had been able to access and corrupt the Heart of the world. This crystalline structure, hand-spun by Nona the first herself, was known to be the source of the planar shield that kept the Destroyer at bay. He prayed for guidance, and not for the first time, Alorna spoke to him. The corruption of the Heart of the World ejected the Good Divines from the realm. They were powerless, stopped by the powerful shield they had made. Prodromus was coming, and Solwin would perish if they could not return. She offered him the power to save the world, but at a high cost to them both. Petyr steeled himself at that moment for his death. He knew that one day he would give life in the mother's service. He was ready and told her as much. It was then that Alorna enlightened him that his death was not what she sought. She explained that she had chosen him, for his purity of heart, to do this. She would bequeath to him her divine power, her domain, and he would use that power to stop Prodromus at all costs, even if it meant destroying the Heart. Any other mortal would have jumped at the idea of Divinity, but Petyr balked. He did not wish The Mother to die. Alorna filled him with warm resolve as she explained she would not die, she would take on a smaller role, as Nona would see fit not to have her firstborn die. Petyr agreed then, to take on her mantle. The sun shone brightly for a moment through green smog and haze on him. The divine filled him, moved beyond him even, and those within eyesight of him rejuvenated as they watched the Knight burst into a globe of light. He knew what she expected him to do. Rallying the troops behind him, he led a charge on the Heartkeep. Through Plague children and corrupted corpses, Petyr pushed, his aura protecting the men and women around him from the deadly air as they broke the siege with a slam from his shield to the back of the gate breaker. It was a sight of miracles, to have this now living god, unable to be ejected due to his mortal origins cut a divide through troops that outnumbered him by the thousands. But it was what had to happen. In the final atrium, his troops got the order to hold the door and to no matter what, let nothing past. Petyr found the High Priest Diggory the Vile, imbuing the Heart with the vile powers of Prodromus. The pulsing red gem, the size of a seafaring vessel, now pulsed green, yellow, and black, and he could feel the Evil pushing back at him. He marched forth, his gifted divine light filling the room as his eyes training on the Plague Priest. It was here that he became known as the Redeemer. Rather than striking down the Priest, he offered him the choice to turn away from the Destroyer. This conversation took time, yet to Petyr, it felt as if time had stood still as he gently and firmly, like a father, encouraged the man to see the error. Diggory did not budge on his ways, and a battle between the two began. However, Petyr was not a man made god, and this mortal man who had been ravaged by the plague was no match. Having bested his enemy, Petyr gave him a final chance. No one knows what Petyr said to Diggory at that moment, but something had changed in the man. It was as if with every blow, Petyr had chipped away at the Evil in his Heart. Diggory fell to his knees and, rather than beg for mercy, asked forgiveness. Time seemed to return at that moment, and Petyr offered what the now dying man sought. Forgiveness, and as had been his custom before, he gave the man a new name, Priam. This change would distance him from the evilness that had been committed. He offered Priam healing and then set his mind on purifying the Heart of the World. But it was too late. Petyr could feel the weight of Prodromus on him as if his putrid breath was brushing past his ear. Petyr knew now, with his divinely gifted knowledge, what the price would for him to save the world. The Heart of the World was tied to every man and woman on the continent, and if he destroyed it, their souls would be forfeit and lost. And he would die doing it because the only way to eradicate the corruption of the Heart would be to take it into a heart that was pure from corruption. There were no other options, and Alorna had known it all along. Good and Law does not mean that decisions to uphold them are easy. He had moments, and he did what he knew needed to be done. He wished for a way to save the brave men and women fighting along with side him, but a few souls did not outweigh the souls of the world. Petyr placed his hands on the corrupted Heart and pulled its power into him. He felt the taint enter his body, but it was a fire that did not burn him, but instead filled him with an inferno. His final mortal thoughts were of his troops and his sorrow at not saving them. Because of his last thought is a wish for their safety, Petyr, in a feat of Divinity unbeknownst to him, his desire to protect the world and his people had created magic that would change history. That magic lifted the troops of Alorna from the ground and slipped them into the Shielded Hearth. The Heart of the World shattered, and with it shattered the land of South Cardia. The planar shield broke, and in a mass of sound, the Prime Divines entered the material plane, ripping Prodromus from it and sending him to the forgotten plane. This action was the start of the Great Conflict. Petyr woke in the Shielded Hearth, surrounded by the souls of the men and woman he saved from a fate worse than death. Alorna was there, weeping for her children as she embraced each one. As he stood, she stopped and gave him a bow. She announced him as The God of the Hearth and that her followers were now his children. A battle in the cosmos began around them, and Petyr gave no pause as he asked his fellows if they would follow him into action once more. With the thud of shields and the cry of war, these soldiers became the Hearthguard, following Petyr as he defended the vulnerable realm from Prodromus and his ilk. But there is one last piece to the tale of Petyr's ascension. In his divine action, the man formerly known as Diggory, now Priam, was in the Shielded Hearth. Cured in death by the disease that destroyed his body, his mind now clear of Prodromus' touch, Priam was a new being. Washed clean of evil in Petyr's light and sacrifice, he pledged at that moment, to always serve Petyr, in any battle, in any manner. Petyr could see his heart and knew that Priam was a changed being, the decay of Evil gone from him. It was then that Petyr gave Priam a touch of Divinity and named him The First Son, and his messenger.Appearance
Petyr often appears as he looked in life. A middle-aged man, with dark brown hair, hazel eyes framed by wrinkled and thought lines. Skin that has been darkened and tanned by years in the sun. Scar lines that have long since healed, reminding many that he was once mortal. He is well built, like a man ready to defend what is his. His demeanor is often welcoming and warm. A short, trimmed beard and mustache frame his mouth, lightly speckled with silver hairs. He comes either wearing his armor from Knighthood, or in a blue tunic, hemmed in silver, and leather pants. Rarely, he is not accompanied by Alexius, the Hound of the shield on any of this material plane visits.Relationships
Petyr has a reverent relationship with Alorna, who he refers to as The Mother and holds above all others. She is his counsel, and though her power places her as a Demigoddess, she is not treated as such by him. With Alorna's blessing, he gave one of his fellow Knights some of his Divinity, making Tristania, his second in command, the Demigoddess of Protection on the Warfront. She leads the HearthGuard and is often the shock troop leader in any conflict with the Dark Gods. Petyr has had only one divine intimate relationship, with one of the Twin Goddesses, Elira. The tale goes that at Yuletide, Petyr and Elira took to enjoying a luxurious tryst in a bath of Dwarven wine at The Abundant Vineyard. The product of this tryst was born from the foam at the top of the aerated wine fully grown, much to Petyr's surprise. She was born the Shieldmaiden Chalice, a Dwarven Demigoddess of Craftsman, Finery, and Fire. She would go on to wed Dugan Hamer, the GodSmith, making Petyr the Prime Divines father-in-law.Providence
Petyr holds all dogs in high regard, and those that displease the Shieldbearer may find themselves on the wrong end of man's best friend. Alternatively, those who are seeking to defend themselves or their homes may find assistance in the city stray or a random canine or their beloved companion. Servants Petyr's servants are members of the HearthGuard, which are men and women who choose to spend their afterlife in his service. They act as messengers, guards, enforcers, and agents in the mortal world for him, should there be a need for them there.Avatars
Alorna - (Demi)Goddess of the Hearth
Alorna was the first goddess of the Hearth until she bequeathed her powers to Petyr in the mortal's realm time of need. Now she is the demigoddess of Hearth and comfort. It is a rare occasion that she acts in the role of an avatar for Petyr, which means when she does, it is a matter of most seriousness or something she holds dear. She often appears as an older woman, not quite silver hair that is braided and runs down the length of her back. Her face is warm, and she has a hint of smile or threat of scowl, depending on circumstances, as a mother would. Wearing a brown dress with a red sash tied around her waist, she is unassuming as a Goddess, but the green of her eyes is vivid, and oft gives her away.
Alexius - The Hound of the Shield
Alexius was a gift to Petyr from Biance, the Goddess of Rebirth and Repose. He had been the childhood pet of Petyr in his mortal life, and Biance granted the faithful hound the ability to serve his master as gratitude for saving the material plane. He appears a big mottled mastiff/shepherd mix, shoulders coming to Petyr's waist as they move together. He is a friendly dog, with a silly personality, until it comes time for defense. Then he is a fierce beast with sharp teeth and a bark that sends fear into any evil creatures nearby.
Priam - The First Son
A former enemy of Petyr in service of The Destroyer, Prodromus, he was redeemed and forgiven at the beginning of the great conflict, and Petyr bestowed upon him a touch of Divinity, making him the First Son. Priam has the form of a young male figure made of light. His feet do not touch the ground when he walks, and he cast no shadows. He is often a messenger or herald of Petyr's will and moves quickly from place to place. Calling him by his old name will incur not only his wrath but the wrath of Petyr, and one might find themselves surrounded promptly by HearthGuard.
Church of Petyr
Worshipers and Clergy
The faithful of Petyr can be found across Solwin, from the floating island of Dulkath to the Tundra of Frostbellos. He has temples to him on the continents of Alona, North Cardia, Heolos, Anca, Sugrana, and Goton Fyre. The Largest Temple is on the Eastern Coast of Sugrana, where as a man, he defended the land from a Lich Lord. Followers of the Redeemer fill many roles depending on where they are found. In vast cities, they can be judges and lawmakers, seeking to keep the land safe, or as counsel for the people, giving advice and steering the community to work together as a whole. Many militias commanded by a Paladin of Petyr or a KnightValiant protect the common man from raiders or outside threats.Faithful
Petyr holds humans in high regard but values all manner of races as long as they are good and lawful or seeking redemption. Petyr's faithful often wear shades of blue and white, or silver if they can afford it. Clerics carry a holy hearth symbol and a spiked mace and accompanied by dogs of all sizes. These hounds have a blue leather collar blessed by a priest. Faithful have a medallion of the Shielded Hearth in their homes. It is placed on the mantle so that Petyr will watch over their homes.Temples and Shrines
A temple of Petyr is commonly the central building in a small community. These act as centers of prayer, comfort, and barracks for the local militia. Churches and Temples are often simple, made to match the surrounding village, as opulence wastes the resources of the community. Large festivals held here for yearly celebrations, and there is always a hearth fire going with a spot open for a traveler or someone seeking comfort from the harsh world outside. Widows and orphans are sheltered by the church when needed, often working there as cooks and runners for the militia.Holy Text
The Hearthfire Chronicle
This book is a chronicle of Petyr's deeds in life and death, with teachings on redemption, defense, and the place of fathers in family and community.The Mother's Way
The original holy text of Alorna, it holds the tenets of Law, Goodness, and home management. It focuses on the hearth fire being the center of the home and the heart of humanity.Holidays
Cloudmelt 22 - Ending of Winter - Return of the Sun There is a great festival of the coming sun and the warmth it will bring on this day. Hearths will get cleaned on this day, and the sweeping of the old and the cold ashes out signifies new growth for the year. This day is the first day of farming for many communities as well.Organizations
Petyr's Sons -
A lordless militia that travels through Sugrana acting as it's defense force from Evil.The Redeemers -
A priest sect that operates in prisons and work camps focusing on bringing the light of Petyr to the fallen and redeeming them for society. They run halfway houses for those who genuinely seek redemption in the name of their god.Favored Animals
Petyr's favored animals are dogs for their bravery, loyalty, and pureness of heart. He feels a great kinship with the animals and has a friendly disposition to any who treats them right.Divine Domains
Areas of Concern: Protection - Redemption - Home Life
Cleric Alignments: LG - LN - NG
Domains: Protection - Good - Law - Sun - Fire - Community
Subdomains: Light - Redemption - Defense - Family - Home
Cleric Alignments: LG - LN - NG
Domains: Protection - Good - Law - Sun - Fire - Community
Subdomains: Light - Redemption - Defense - Family - Home
Holy Books & Codes
The Hearthfire Chronicle
This book is a chronicle of Petyr's deeds in life and death, with teachings on redemption, defense, and the place of fathers in family and community.The Mother's Way
The original holy text of Alorna, it holds the tenets of Law, Goodness, and home management. It focuses on the hearth fire being the center of the home and the heart of humanity.Divine Symbols & Sigils
Favored Weapon:
Spiked Mace and ShieldSymbol:
Silver Shield with Crossed Blue with Lit Hearth on itSacred Animal:
The DogSacred Colors:
Silver - Blue - BrownTenets of Faith
Petyr is a staunch protector of the material realm from any evil beings that seek to invade it. As the protector god, he is vigilant for these threats. Since he is an ascended deity, he believes strongly in the Heart of man and will accept the prayers of any alignment if they are seeking redemption or turning toward the light. His life as a Paladin of Alorna gives him a unique perspective on both war and home life. The Prime Divines count him as a leader among their number, and in the Great Conflict, he was at the fore, holding the defense from the invasion of Prodromus and his plague children.
Holidays
Cloudmelt 22
Ending of Winter - Return of the Sun:
There is a great festival of the coming sun and the warmth it will bring on this day. Hearths will get cleaned on this day, and the sweeping of the old and the cold ashes out signifies new growth for the year. This day is the first day of farming for many communities as well.
Skyfire 12
Remembrance Day:
This day signifies the breaking of the Heart of the World and Petyr's ascension to divinity. This day is marked by the breaking of clay hearts that are then swept into the fire. This signifies the full cycle of the historical event. Bards, Skalds, and Historians spend much of his day retelling the tale of Petyr's ascension and reading from The Heartfire Chronicle.
Remembrance Day:
This day signifies the breaking of the Heart of the World and Petyr's ascension to divinity. This day is marked by the breaking of clay hearts that are then swept into the fire. This signifies the full cycle of the historical event. Bards, Skalds, and Historians spend much of his day retelling the tale of Petyr's ascension and reading from The Heartfire Chronicle.
Relationships
Titles:
The God of The Hearth
The Redeemer
The Shieldbearer
Followers Adjective: Alornites, Children of Petyr
Home Plane: The Shielded Hearth
Alignment: Lawful Good
Areas of Concern: Protection - Redemption - Home Life
Cleric Alignments: LG - LN - NG
Domains: Protection - Good - Law - Sun - Fire - Community
Subdomains: Light - Redemption - Defense - Family - Home
Favored Weapon: Spiked Mace and Shield
Symbol: Silver Shield with Crossed Blue with Lit Hearth on it
Sacred Animal: The Dog
Sacred Colors: Silver - Blue - Brown
Arcana Card: The Emperor
Avatars:
Alorna - (Demi)Goddess of the Hearth
Alexius - The Hound of the Shield
Priam - The First Son
The God of The Hearth
The Redeemer
The Shieldbearer
Followers Adjective: Alornites, Children of Petyr
Home Plane: The Shielded Hearth
Alignment: Lawful Good
Areas of Concern: Protection - Redemption - Home Life
Cleric Alignments: LG - LN - NG
Domains: Protection - Good - Law - Sun - Fire - Community
Subdomains: Light - Redemption - Defense - Family - Home
Favored Weapon: Spiked Mace and Shield
Symbol: Silver Shield with Crossed Blue with Lit Hearth on it
Sacred Animal: The Dog
Sacred Colors: Silver - Blue - Brown
Arcana Card: The Emperor
Avatars:
Alorna - (Demi)Goddess of the Hearth
Alexius - The Hound of the Shield
Priam - The First Son
Divine Classification
Prime Divine
Realm
Church/Cult
Circumstances of Birth
Born to farmers and given to the church of Alorna as a child.
Spouses
Elira
(spouse)
Siblings
Children
Gender
male
Eyes
Hazel Eyes
Hair
Dark brown hair, medium length.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Tanned, with wrinkles and scars
Height
6'7"
Weight
220 lbs
Ruled Locations
Comments