Phaenax

**Phaenax** is worshipped as the god of wine, theater, and undeath. Phaenax is the newest god of the pantheon, joining just over a half century ago. He gained godhood by being the only humanoid to escape the Underworld by tricking Erebos and walking out of the gates.

The Acolytes in Sexy Tights summoned Phaenax during the Festival of Life. He came ready to party but the Acolytes tricked him into drinking the godkiller potion. This removed his immortality and resistance to magic. The group successfully killed him for Erebos who gifted them another bottle of the godkiller potion in exchange.

## Myth

Phaenax was renowned bard in the satyr tribe that lives in the Nessian Wood. He started a theater festival that saw the performances of poets, plays, and musicals. He was also legendary for his ability to consume wine. Satyrs continue his theater festival to this day in his honor.

## Influence

Throughout the month of October, which is believed to be the time Phaenax escape from the Underworld, Satyrs have a 31 day long festival. They believe the spirits of their ancestors will follow Phaenax's path and come visit them. Satyrs light candles, tell tales of their deceased family and friends, and try to commune with the dead to coax the spirits out.

## Worship

Phaenax is worshipped by those suffering from terminal conditions in hopes that he will help them escape their deaths. Satyrs worship Phaenax more than any other Therosian humanoid community.

Those who worship Klothys, Erebos, and Athreos see Phaenax as an abomination. His escape is seen as an affront to the natural order of things.

Phaenax worshippers are aware their god is dead. When he entered the Underworld, they all felt a collective despair. Spyral, Phaenax's son, is the only person outside of the Acolytes who know how he died. Reaction to his death has been mixed. Some are heartbroken. Some have abandoned their faith to the dead god. Many believe he will escape the Underworld again.

Phaenax's clerics, paladins, oracles, and priests are experiencing problems with their holy magic now that their god is dead. Some have lost their abilities all together. Those with the strongest faith seem to still tap into his divinity. Most of them can't seem to control their abilities or suffer wild magic surges after casting spells.

## Piety

#### **Earning and Losing Piety**

You increase your piety score to Phaenax when you expand the god’s influence in the world in a concrete way through acts such as these:

* Helping a fugitive escape justice
* Pulling off a daring robbery
* Obstruct champions of other gods
* Building or restoring a temple to Phaenax

Your piety score to Phaenax decreases if you diminish Phaenax’s influence in the world, contradict his ideals, or make him look ridiculous or ineffectual through acts such as these:

* Forthrightly assisting lawgivers in their duties
* Swearing and then honoring an oath
* Bringing order in times of chaos

**Phaenax’s Devotee**

*Piety 3+ Phaenax trait*

As a devotee of Phaenax, you have proven yourself accomplished at deception. You can call on Phaenax’s blessing and cast *disguise self* with this trait. While the spell is active, your shadow still resembles your original form. You can cast the spell in this way a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

**Phaenax’s Votary**

*Piety 10+ Phaenax trait*

Much like Phaenax himself, you can deny Erobos a soul and Athreos a passenger. You can cast revivify once per long rest.

**Phaenax’s Disciple**

*Piety 25+ Phaenax trait*

You can cast danse macabre once per long rest. Charisma is your spell casting ability for this spell.

**Champion of Deception**

*Piety 50+ Phaenax trait*

You can increase your Dexterity or Charisma score by 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2.