Hephaestus (LL)

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==Hephaestus (intermediate god)==
Hephaestus is the god of blacksmithing and the patron of artisans, craftsmen, and mechanics. Unlike most gods, he is slightly deformed, resembling a tall, bearded hill giant with a club foot and a hunchback. His mother, Hera, was embarrassed by her son's deformities and kept him out of sight. In order to win the respect of the other gods, he fashioned a golden throne for her. When she sat in it, she was trapped, and he would not release her until she and the other gods accepted him as their equal. Since then, he has proven one of Olympus' most valuable residents, fashioning golden palaces, intricate machines, and beautiful armor for his fellows.
Role-playing Notes: Hephaestus is generally a benevolent god, though he is extremely touchy about his deformity. Although he is married to Aphrodite, he is in love with Athena, who will have nothing to do with him. Because he has so few worshipers, he treats them well, often making gifts of adamant weapons, shields, and armor to those that serve him especially well. Such objects have a magical +5 bonus. Omens from Hephaestus often appear in the flames of forges.
Statistics: AL ng; WAL any; AoC smithing, crafts; SY hammer and anvil.
==Hephaestus' Avatar (fighter 15, wizard 12)==
Hephaestus' avatar usually takes the form of a dark- haired man with some sort of deformity. He can call upon the alteration school of magic for his spells.
: Str 22
: Int 18
: MV 12
: AC 0
: #AT 2	
: Dex 14
: Wis 16
: SZ 6'
: HD 15
: THAC0 5	
: Con 19
: Cha 10
: MR 25%
: HP 120
: Dmg 1d6 (hammer) +10
Special Att/Def: Any being struck by the avatar's hammer must save versus paralyzation or be knocked unconscious for 1d10 minutes.
==Duties of the Priesthood:==
Before accepting any person as a priest, Hephaestus sends his avatar to see how the person reacts to a deformed person. If they are kind, they are accepted. Priests of Hephaestus must have the blacksmithing proficiency (if these rules are used in the campaign).
Requirements: AB standard plus Str 15 +; AL any non-evil; WP hammer; AR f; SP all, combat, creation, divination, elemental, guarding, healing, sun, weather; PW 1) +1 per level ability scores when making a blacksmithing check; 5) able to repair magic weapons and armor (proficiency check required); 10) able to create magical weapons or armors with a bonus of up to +1 per 3 levels of experience (maximum of +5).
==Sage Advice (Dragon Issue #202)==
These are unofficial suggestions for using the optional spheres of priest spells from the Tome of Magic with the deities of the Greek pantheon in Legends & Lore:
* Hephaestus: Major: None; Minor: Thought, Wards.