Rath

God of Knowledge, Foresight, and Magic

Known as the Shadowed One, his face and body eternally cloaked from view, Rath his existence to save the gods from annihilation at the hands of the devil Unshppari. He journeyed to the Titan Gate and peered into its depths. Whatever he saw in there not only gave him the knowledge to destroy the devil, but more knowledge than even a god could understand. Since that day he has cloaked his body and worn a mask covering his entire face. The mask is so dark that simply looking at it gives one the feeling of being drawn into it.

Rath is not worshiped, but rather asked for guidance on matters involving uncovering hidden knowledge or the study of magic. He rarely intervenes in the affairs of the world, but when he does it is never straight-forward and always signals immense danger. A common phase, “I had visions of Rath” is used when imminent doom or death is on the horizon.

There is no real organization of clerics that seek out Shadowed One, but there are small groups within the temple_of_light whose purpose is gain insight by increasing their own understanding of knowledge. These Societies often gather to exchange information discuss obscure knowledge and portents. Rath never provides any answers directly, instead inspiring the smallest bit of knowledge where it will grow to eventually reveal its full potential.

Like their god, many of the clerics adapt voluminous robes of simple woolen cloth in dark colors. Some even go as far getting a mask to obscure all or part of their face. Satchels with books, scrolls, scraps of information, and writing instruments are commonly worn as well. Even the smallest bit of information could be valuable so handwriting and illumination is of paramount importance.

The temples to Rath are almost always large libraries that serve not only as a repository for knowledge, but assist those who seek to understand. Workshops and rooms used to debate and argue are found in nearly all of the temples. The ever increasing amount of information that adherents bring to the temple means that most temples more than a few decades old have been expanded and expanded again. It can also appear as a complex maze of buildings and walls to newcomers.

Along with all of the physical knowledge, the temples of Rath also serve as places where the power of the Shadow Realms can be studied. Most temples are placed in areas were the Shadow Realm is interesting or accessible. In secure places within these temples powerful magicians, wizards, and sorcerers study their craft and the secrets of the Shadow Realms. More than once a temple has been greatly damaged, or destroyed, but the pursuit of knowledge drives the clerics of Rath and they would risk all to increase their understanding.

Physical symbols of Rath have a long history of being destroyed by seemingly random events. It is believed that Rath plants a small seed of knowledge on the world and waits for it to bear fruit and eventually destroy the painting, sculpture, or drawing. Some see this as a challenge, while others avoid any depictions of the god.

The only symbol that has lasted over the years is the image of a single eye. This eye is always open because a closed eye seeks no knowledge secure in the knowledge they already know everything. When used solely on a banner the eye is black on a gray field. Different societies within the church will have their own banner, but the Eye of Rath is always prominent.