Ardan, The Eternal Vigor

in: True Gods

**Alignment:** Neutral Good

**Domains:** Courage, Strength, Endurance, Honor, Justice

**Symbol:** A shield with a hammer crossed over it

**Favored Weapon:** Meteor Hammer

**Portfolio:** Heroes, Warriors, Leaders, Adventurers

**Epithets:** The Eternal Vigor, The Unbreakable Shield, The Father of Heroes

**Divine Font:** Harm or Heal

**Divine Skill:** Athletics

### **History**

Ardan is a divine being who embodies courage, strength, and endurance. He is also known as the Eternal Vigor, the Unbreakable Shield, and the Father of Heroes. Ardan is a neutral good deity who values honor, loyalty, and justice. He inspires mortals to overcome their fears and challenges, and to protect those who are weaker or oppressed. He often intervenes in mortal affairs to aid those who fight for a noble cause, or to punish those who abuse their power.

### **Appearance**

Ardan’s appearance is that of a muscular man with bronze skin and golden hair. He wears a suit of shining armor and a red cloak. He carries a large shield and a spear in his hands, which he uses to defend and attack his enemies. He can also shape his form into anything he desires, such as animals, plants, or objects.

### **Personality**

Ardan is a brave and noble deity who cares deeply for his followers and allies. He is loyal to his friends and ruthless to his enemies. He is honorable and fair in his dealings, but he does not tolerate injustice or oppression. He is passionate and enthusiastic about life and combat, but he also knows when to be calm and wise. He is proud of his achievements but humble about his flaws.

### **Domain**

Ardan’s domain is a vast battlefield that contains all the possible conflicts and wars of every era. He can travel through any battle and see what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. He can also alter or create new battles by using his magic. However, he does not do this lightly, as he respects the free will of mortals and other gods.

### **Worshipers**

Ardan’s followers are mostly warriors, soldiers, heroes, leaders, and adventurers who seek his guidance and blessing. They worship him by training their skills and abilities, by fighting for a righteous cause, by defending the innocent and oppressed, or by challenging themselves and their foes. They also honor him by celebrating festivals of victory, glory, and honor.

### **Clergy**

The priests of Ardan are called Champions they dress in red robes armor They act as leaders teachers healers warriors for their people They also perform rituals to honor Ardan invoke his blessing prepare for battle

### **Temples and Shrines**

Ardan’s temples or shrines are usually located near battlefields or fortresses where his followers can train or fight. They are grandiose and impressive structures that display his symbols and statues. The temples serve as places of worship combat schools barracks hospitals for the wounded

### **Holy Texts**

Ardan does not have any holy texts but rather oral traditions that pass down his stories teachings wisdom from generation to generation His followers recite these stories during their ceremonies or gatherings They also sing hymns songs praise glory Ardan

### **Holy Days**

Ardan’s holy days are the days of battle when his followers prove their courage strength honor in combat They also observe special rites on their birthdays when they thank Ardan for giving them life on their deathdays when they prepare to meet Ardan in the afterlife

### **Spells**

Ardan grants his followers access to spells that enhance their courage, strength, endurance, honor, and justice. These spells are usually divine or primal in nature, and they often involve fire, light, or metal. Here are some examples of spells that Ardan’s followers can cast:

#### **Ardan’s Shield - Spell Level 1st**

Traditions: divine, primal

Cast: somatic, verbal

Range: touch; Targets: 1 willing creature

Duration: 1 minute

You touch a creature and imbue it with Ardan’s protection. The target gains a +1 status bonus to AC and saving throws. The bonus increases by 1 for every 4 levels you have.

Heightened (+1): The bonus increases by 1.

#### **Ardan’s Spear - Spell Level 5th**

Traditions: divine, primal

Cast: somatic, verbal

Range: 120 feet; Targets: 1 creature or object

Saving Throw: basic Reflex

You hurl a fiery spear of divine energy at a target. The spear deals 10d6 fire damage and 10d6 piercing damage. If the target is an enemy of Ardan or his followers, it takes a -2 circumstance penalty to its Reflex save.

Heightened (+1): The damage increases by 2d6 fire and 2d6 piercing.

#### **Ardan’s Glory - Spell Level 7th**

Traditions: divine, primal

Cast: somatic, verbal

Area: 60-foot emanation

Duration: sustained up to 1 minute

You radiate Ardan’s glory, inspiring your allies and intimidating your foes. Allies in the area gain a +2 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, skill checks, and saving throws. Enemies in the area take a -2 status penalty to attack rolls, damage rolls, skill checks, and saving throws. In addition, enemies that enter the area for the first time or start their turn there must attempt a Will save.

Critical Success: The enemy is unaffected.

Success: The enemy is frightened 1.

Failure: The enemy is frightened 2.

Critical Failure: The enemy is frightened 3 and fleeing for 1 round.