The Spoken Word

**The Spoken Word**, also known as **Orataur**, **The Oratory** and **The Father of Language**, is the god of words, language, speaking, nobility, love, peace and emotional truth. His domains are **Art, Charm, Honesty, Literature, Nobility, Peace, Song, Speaking, and Words.** He is represented in old tomes as a beautiful and noble centaur, holding a scroll. His other *(and far more commonly witnessed)* form is that of a graceful eight legged horse, this is how he is depicted in most holy symbols. Worship of this deity is approved and legally recognised, he can be openly worshipped in Vari, with religious rights protected. Some do not worship this being as a god, but worship **The Spoken Word** as an ideal or theory, proposing that there is power in the spoken word that should be respected, while others truly characterise him as the recognisable Centaur deity Orataur. In either case, there is no division amongst those that disagree and all worship **The Spoken Word** together as one.

**The Spoken Word** blesses inspired poets and visionaries, gives expression and energy to those he loves and that worship him; he is considered a friend to all who wish to speak truth, honesty and express genuine emotion. **Orataur** is the father of language and is responsible for the first spoken words, the **Words of Creation**, used chiefly to bring peace between the early gods and mortals during the Forgotten Age.

He is responsible for **Words of Power**, which use the vocalization of specific words and emotional force, to create powerful magical effects, sometimes for offensive purposes but more often than not for healing, calming or restraining people without harming them. The magic spell **Healing Word** is an example of this type of magic.

### True Names and the Words of Creation

**True names** are another example of words of power. A **true name** is a creature's hidden name that, rather than just acting as a label, metaphysically truly belongs to that creature. All beings have true names, assigned by **Orataur**, though most of these are unknown especially to mere mortals. Knowing a creature's true name can grant significant power over it. Each creature has a unique true name among the Words of Creation, a language so primal even speaking a word of it has a powerful effect. If an individual had knowledge of this language it could learn a creature's true name and use it to weaken the creature's resistance against different effects, to teleport it or cause other things to happen. It is even possible that, when an individual's true name is spoken, they can fall under the complete control of the speaker, directly compelled to do anything they ordered. True names have particular power in the realms of fiends and celestials. However, this language is thought long lost to mortals.

### Diplomacy

Diplomacy has always been important in all cultures, not only are words important, but how they are phrased or presented. Envoys, Diplomats, Delegates, Courtiers, Nobles and other similar professionals study **The Spoken Word** vigilantly to ensure they are able to present themselves as reasonable as possible, using the etiquette expected in the situation provided.

**Suggested Class:** Bard, Sorcerer, Paladin, Warlock