The Stormbrand

The Stormbrand is a minor deity - a manifestation of the generations of souls, legends, myths, and tales of the Islands of Alvah. Therefore, the power of The Stormbrand is felt most in the archipelago moreso than anywhere else. It protects the archipelago through the form of immense storms and other natural phenomena, and ensures its well being with pleasant weather and fertile soil within the island cluster. Though there is no direct avatar of The Stormbrand, occasionally it manifests itself through heroes known as "Champions of the Stormbrand" - individuals who have proven themselves to be courageous, brave, and selfless in the defense or growth of their homeland and its people. They may find their health improved and empowered, manifest magical powers, or manifest an aura of strength and confidence in allies, and dread in their enemies. It is unclear how The Stormbrand chooses a Champion - at times there have been none for decades, and at other times there may be several Champions at once, but one thing remains in common: the sound of thunder rumbles in their voice, and when angered, lightning clouds form even on an otherwise sunny and cloudless sky to strike at the object of their condemnation.

*For any questions you may have about this deity, feel free to ping Pandasecret#0561 in the Questions-and-Answers channel.*

## Deity

### Portfolio

Home, Loyalty, Wrath, Community, Runic Magic

### Worshipers

Community leaders, fishers, lumberjacks, stonemasons, magi, warriors

### Domains

Community, Protection, Rune, Strength, Weather

### Subdomains

Family, Defense, Wards, Ferocity, Monsoon

## History

An accumulation of various myths, tales, and superstitions from the denizens of the Isles of Alvah coalesced to form The Stormbrand. It is unclear when the Stormbrand began to manifest itself in various Champions, but the elders of any Alvahan clan can recount there having been a Champion for as long as they can remember, even if for years there may be no news of them.

The prevailing theology among elders of the Alvahan clans claims that the Stormbrand was a powerful fey who had lived on the islands before even the first Walanian settlers arrived, and simply found the new populace so interesting and endearing, she took it upon herself to become their ward. Others believe that the souls of brave fallen Alvahan heroes merge together in the clouds above Alvah, the archipelago's unnatural pull preventing them from being taken to the Outer Planes, until one day they reached critical mass and became a deity made manifest from all fallen Alvahan souls.

## Home

The Stormbrand never moves far from the land and people of the Islands of Alvah - though her Champions are free to travel with her blessings as long as they keep home in mind. Large stone menhirs are scattered on the Islands of Alvah which bear depictions of the deeds of her Champions. Some myths state that the souls of the Champions are imbued in these stones whose magic connects them to the First World. Non-native heroes have occasionally also been deemed as Champions, the manifestations of the Stormbrand's powers perhaps a reward for their heroic deeds done for the people of Alvah.

## Clergy

The Stormbrand is celebrated as a manifestation of the joviality and wrath of the people of Alvah. Most clan leaders subscribe to this faith, though often may have their own religious beliefs separate from The Stormbrand as well - if she is jealous, she has yet to show it. Almost all oracles, clan elders, and meteorologists in Alvah are more than happy to praise their deity when pleasant seas and good harvests are abound. In times of conflict, warriors carry The Stormbrand's symbol in an effort to curry her favor, for whomever becomes a Champion will see lightning bolts strike where their sword strikes, and waves to swallow up their foe's ships.