God of Disease
Titles: Keeper of Plagues, The Infested One
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Pantheon: Global
Areas of Concern: Famine, Disease, Vermin, Poverty
Worshippers: Intelligent Undead, Evil Alchemists, Plague Doctors, and Antipaladin
Domains: Death, Darkness, Vermin, Trickery, Evil, Travel
Subdomains: Plague, Loss, Insect, Greed, Trade
Favored Weapon: Switchscythe
Symbol: A Skeletal Bird Skulll
Sacred Animal: Vulture
Sacred Colors: Yellow, Green, and Black
Dogma
Many often misinterpret his spread of his plagues and the like as a mass culling of the weak to prune those who should not be alive. This interpretation is close though Grotek is not so methodical with the handing out of his “Blessing”. He rarely singles out places though he can be swayed with a proper offering.
Appearance
Grotek’s true appearance is that of an unnaturally tall, spindly figure cloaked in filthy bandages and rags that drag on the ground around him. Often times he is described as having the head of a decayed bird with rotting flesh and feathers barely clinging to the bone. Small pieces disconnect from the main body and manifest themselves in the form of various insects that crawl in and out of his robes and on the ground near him. In the form of a human, Grotek assumes the appearance of a homeless man with long, filthy, black hair and unruly facial hair. He is said to occasionally appear in this form in crowds to spectate when something particularly interesting is going on.
Providence
Grotek has shown his pleasure by lifting plagues in the past though he can also can grant permanent immunity to disease if he deems the individual worthy.
He will often show his displeasure by plaguing a particular area more harshly than usual.
Servants
Herald of the Plague
The Herald was the first to have fallen to Grotek’s power. As such he was granted eternal life and power as an Antipaladin. On occasion he is sent into an area to spread disease or to directly send a message to someone.
Vermin of Grotek
These black furred rodents are a tell sign that a place has been blighted by Grotek especially hard. These black (but ordinary) rats are an extreme pest, making their way into supplies and overall causing problems.
Uthiir, Ravener of Grotek
It is said that Grotek once took a Great Wyrm as his own and turned it into a plague bearing nightmare. Bits and pieces of this tale can be found though there are no accounts of it ever officially being seen anywhere. More of this beast’s life is said to be documented in a holy text.
Church of Grotek
Worshipers
While most who worship Grotek to ward off disease during times of hardship, some followers believe the spreading of disease will bring the salvation of mankind.
Obedience
Most followers will present some form of offering to a shrine of Grotek or spend an hour worshipping a symbol of Grotek
Clergy
Clerics heavily makeup Grotek’s clergy, maintaining his shrine. However there are Antipaladins who wander under his name.
Temples and Shrines
Shrines of Grotek can be found scattered throughout the land. Often times they are small places meant to leave offerings. Some are more well hidden for those who may not be accepted by the public.
Performing the obedience at a shrine will grant a +2 bonus once per day on a fortitude save against disease
The King’s Cauldron
A world renowned apothecary said to hold Grotek’s blessing.
Canker’s Mire
This bog is best known to be the home to a group known as the “Keepers of the Mire”. Their activity there is said to have gained the favor of Grotek.
Ruins of The Great Dredge
These ruins are said to be the first town to have ever been affected by Grotek and serves as a constant reminder of his ire. This town is also said to be the original home of both Grotek’s Herald and Liliana, the eternal child.
Holy Texts
There is no standard holy text of Grotek.
Uthiir
This massive tome contains the life of the dragon Uthiir. It is said to document his life thoroughly, even to the point of becoming a Ravener. The exact location of this tome is not known publicly.
Holidays
Wake
Wake is a day of rememberance of those who have died to an illness. The more radical worshippers of this day may celebrate this day more cheerfully.
Organizations
Keepers of the Mire
This congregation of plague-crazed druids is said to be officially recognized by Grotek though not many travel out to inspect this group as they can be unpredictable and carry disease.
The Cleansers
This group who call Grotek their patron is primarily made up of plague doctors and the healers within his clergy. They work to provide aid for those who have been afflicted by one of his “blessings”