Old Shell

in: True Gods

**Alignment:** Lawful Evil

**Domains:** Ambition, Cities, Secrets, Wealth

**Symbol:** A golden turtle shell with an eye in the center

**Favored Weapon:** Trident

**Epithets:** The Golden City, The Keeper of Secrets, The Lord of Atlantis

**Divine Font:** Harm

**Divine Skill:** Society

## History:

Old Shell was once a giant turtle named Shelkor who lived in the depths of the ocean. He was obsessed with hoarding secrets and treasures, and enslaved many aquatic creatures to serve him. He was ascended by an ancestor god who recognized his cunning and ambition. With his ascension he was increased to a massive size and became a living city for his people. He rules the Old Shell's Republic, an underwater city that he calls Atlantis.

## Appearance:

Old Shell appears as a colossal turtle with a golden shell that is covered with buildings and structures. His eyes are piercing and his mouth is full of sharp teeth. He rarely moves from his resting place at the bottom of the ocean, but when he does, he causes massive waves and earthquakes.

## Personality:

Old Shell is a ruthless and greedy deity who values power and wealth above all else. He is secretive and paranoid, trusting no one but himself. He demands absolute loyalty and obedience from his followers, and punishes any dissent or betrayal harshly. He is also cunning and manipulative, using his vast knowledge and influence to further his own agenda.

## Domain:

Old Shell's domain is the city of Atlantis, a sprawling metropolis that covers his entire shell. Atlantis is a marvel of engineering and magic, with advanced technology and defenses. It is also a hub of commerce and culture, attracting traders and travelers from all over the world. However, it is also a place of corruption and oppression, where the rich and powerful exploit the poor and weak. Old Shell watches over his city with a network of spies and informants, ready to crush any threat or opposition.

## Worshippers:

Old Shell's worshippers are mostly aquatic races, such as merfolk, tritons, sahuagin, locathahs, and sea elves. They are loyal citizens of Atlantis, who enjoy the benefits and privileges of living in the city. They are also ambitious and greedy, seeking to gain more wealth and power for themselves and their deity. They are secretive and distrustful of outsiders, especially those who worship other gods or question Old Shell's authority.

## Clergy:

Old Shell's clergy are known as Shellkeepers, who serve as his priests, judges, enforcers, and spies. They wear golden robes and masks that conceal their faces. They are responsible for maintaining order and harmony in Atlantis, as well as collecting taxes and tithes for Old Shell. They also conduct rituals and ceremonies to honor Old Shell and seek his guidance. They are feared and respected by the citizens of Atlantis, who know better than to cross them.

## Temples and Shrines:

Old Shell's temples are grandiose buildings that adorn his shell. They are decorated with gold, gems, statues, paintings, and other symbols of wealth and power. They also contain vaults and archives that store Old Shell's treasures and secrets. His shrines are smaller structures that can be found throughout Atlantis and other underwater settlements. They usually consist of a golden turtle shell with an eye in the center.

## Holy Texts:

Old Shell's holy texts are known as the Golden Scrolls, which contain his laws, teachings, history, prophecies, and secrets. They are written in a secret language that only his clergy can decipher. They are kept in secure locations within his temples or vaults. Some of them are also hidden or scattered around the world, waiting for someone worthy or clever enough to find them.

## Spells

#### Secrets of the Deep (divination) Spell Level 3

Casting: 10 minutes

Components: V, S

Range: touch; Targets: one willing creature

Duration: 1 hour

You imbue the target with Old Shell’s knowledge of the sea. The target gains a +4 status bonus to checks to Recall Knowledge about aquatic creatures, locations or phenomena. The target also gains darkvision and can breathe underwater for the duration.

#### Secrets of the Soul (necromancy) Spell Level 8

Casting: 1 action (verbal)

Range: 30 feet; Targets: one living creature

Duration: sustained up to 1 minute

Saving Throw: Will; see text

You invade the target’s mind and extract their secrets. The target must attempt a Will save to resist.

Success The target is unaffected.

Failure You learn one piece of information about the target’s past or present actions that relates to secrets, treasures or tyranny. You can ask a specific question or let Old Shell decide what to reveal.

Critical Failure As failure, plus the target takes 10d6 mental damage each round they remain in your mind.