Shifukujin (LL)

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==Shifukujin (lesser gods)==
The Shichifukujin are the Seven Gods of Happiness. Sometimes referred to as the Seven Gods of Luck, they come from various origins. They include Hotei (god of happiness through fortunate chance), Jurojin (god of happiness through long life), Fukurokujo (god of happiness through good health), Bishamon (god of happiness through good cheer, he also looked after his worshipers during war), Benzaiten (goddess of happiness through love), Daikoku (god of happiness through wealth), and Ebisu (god of happiness through food, he also presides over fishing and honest dealing). Each of these gods oversees a particular aspect of life. To be truly happy, a man must worship all seven gods in the proper balance. Each god can grant worshipers the particular aspect of happiness that he or she embodies. In their true forms, these gods have the following appearances: Hotei, a man with a huge stomach; Jurojin, an old man with a long white beard; Fukurokujo, long narrow head with a short stocky body; the smiling Bishamon is always dressed in full armor (to ward off war); Daikoku, a portly, balding man; Ebisu, an elderly man; and Benzaiten, a beautiful woman.
Role-playing Notes: The Shichifukujin respond to their worshipers as individual gods. Thus, a man who pays a great deal of attention to Ebisu and none to Benzaiten is likely to have plenty of food but no wife to share it with. They do not send omens, although the degree of happiness in a person's life might be perceived as one.
Statistics: AL lg, eg, ng; WAL any; AoC as listed, happiness collectively; SY varies.
==Shichifukujin Avatars (all priest 12)==
Avatars of the Shichifukujin appear very much the same as the gods themselves. They may draw upon any sphere for their spells.
: Str 18
: Int 18
: MV 15
: AC 4-0
: #AT 1	
: Dex 18
: Wis 18
: SZ 6'
: HD 12
: THAC0 9	
: Con 18
: Cha 18
: MR 10-15%
: HP 96
: Dmg 1d6 (staff) +2
Special Att/Def: Any being striking the avatar of a Shichifukujin is condemned to eternal unhappiness and has his Wisdom, Constitution, and Charisma reduced by two points.
==Duties off the Priesthood==
The Shichifukujin retain separate priestly orders, with duties appropriate to the individual god.
Requirements: AB standard; AL any good; WP club, mace; AR a; SP all, charm, creation, divination, guardian, healing, protection, weather; PW nil; TU turn.
==Sage Advice (Dragon Issue #204)==
These are unofficial suggestions for using the optional spheres of priest spells from the Tome of Magic with the deities of the Japanese pantheon from Legends & Lore:
* Shichifukujin: Major: Priest chooses one of the following: Time, Travelers, Wards; Minor: None