Shang-ti (LL)

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==Shang-ti (greater god)==
Shang-ti, also known as Yu-Huang-Shang-Ti, is the Supreme Ruler of the universe. He is the giver of life, the vitalizing power of the earth, the bestower of the Mandate of Heaven, the supreme judge, forgiver, savior of mankind, and the personification of heaven itself. As the head of the Celestial Bureaucracy, all other deities rule through his grace and authority. His word is law among all gods and goddesses, and he is the final arbitrator in any dispute among them. In his true form, Shang-ti is an ethereal, aged man with a bald head and a long white beard.
Role-playing notes: Shang-ti runs the Celestial Bureaucracy with the welfare of the Chinese Empire at heart. He never gets angry, but will replace any subordinate god who fails to perform his duty correctly. In cases of corruption, Shang-ti has returned even the most powerful gods to mortal form and sent them to the Afterworld to be punished for their misdeeds.
Omens come from Shang-ti only when the Emperor has lost his Mandate from Heaven. In such times, the Empire is besieged by natural disasters such as plagues, floods, and earthquakes.
Statistics: AL lg; WAL any lawful; AoC creation, social order; SY jade dragon.
==Shang-ti's Avatar (fighter 16, priest 18)==
In his avatar form, Shang-ti appears as a wizened old man. The avatar has access to spells in any sphere.
: Str 18/95
: Int 19 
: MV 18
: AC -4
: #AT 2	
: Dex 18 
: Wis 19
: SZ 6' 
: HD18
: THAC0 3	
: Con 18
: Cha 17
: MR 50%
: HP 144
: Dmg 1d8 + 2/1d8 + 2 (staff) + 5
Special Att/Def: Shang-ti's avatar carries a staff of thunder and lightning as described in the Dungeon Master's Guide. All missile attacks directed at him through the air turn around and strike the sender.
==Duties of the Priesthood==
Only the Emperor may worship Shang-ti, although lower nobility and peasants are allowed to make offerings to him once a year. The Emperor's sole duty consists of administering the earthly bureaucracy as efficiently as possible and with the welfare of the Chinese Empire at heart.
Requirements: AB standard, but at least 17 Intelligence; AL any lawful; WP any; AR e; SP any; PW 5) Charisma of 19 and innate ability to detect lies; TU turn.
==Sage Advice (Dragon Issue #200)==
These are unofficial suggestions for using the optional spheres of priest spells from the Tome of Magic with the deities of the Chineese pantheon in Legends & Lore:
* Shang-ti: Major: Law, Thought; Minor: War, Wards.