Foscor

**Foscor:** ((diction|*Fah-score*; adjective *Fascorian* (*Fah-score-ee-uhn*))) is the eternal darkness, one of The Two titans of creation, the source of life. Together with his wife, Illum, as the two infinite beings he created the Major Gods and the planes on which all creation play.

Foscor’s avatar often appears as a tall, wisened human with pale skin, long silver hair with a matching beard. His eyes appear as voids of darkness enclosed by his silvery lashes. His being seemingly leaks shadow tendrils of it curling off of him like smoke. He is often seen as a great silver horned owl with eyes that match the night.

Foscor indicates his favor by spontaneously covering his devoted in shadow or shade, sightings of his silver owl, and rays of the black of night skies sailing above. His disapproval is most commonly exhibited by sudden blindness (although he has a soft spot for those who are born or grow to be blind), and by darkening of the sky with black nothingness extinguishing any stars. He is associated with owls (especially horned ones), bats, and Moonflowers. Foscor’s holy symbol is the black silhouette of an owl.

## Description

### Dogma

Foscor demands first-most that his followers seek personal truth. He does not ask his followers to make confessions to him or others, but to themselves. Foscor also appreciates existence of life, and finds fulfillment in acts that showcase or continue it: sex, merry-making (especially singing), and schools all please him. His favored worshipers have risen to the peaks of their capabilities, becoming heroes and performing glorious acts. His final tenet is that of self-sacrifice. Martyrs, healers, and those who help the children and the struggling are often objects of his attentions.

### Temples and Shrines

Foscorian is rarely celebrated without its counterpart, Illumni. Grand temples dedicated to *The Two* tend to be massive buildings of shining equal parts black and white marble. These joint temples are easily spotted by dual spires reaching into the heavens. Such temples often act as safe havens, and must be large enough to welcome the needy.
Shrines to Foscor vary from a personal makeshift shrine, with only an owl feather, or single black stone, to grand statues larger than life often smiling knowingly in the direction of a statue of Illum.

### Clothing

Foscor does not care in what his worshipers dress; he is interested in their creativity. But he finds imitation flattering and enjoys recognizing himself in the hues of black and dark blue followers wear to religious ceremonies to mimic his nights. Those with more fortune add silver jewelry to their outfits, some even adorning themselves in silver threaded veils.

### Rituals and Holidays

* *Lunar Eclipse* This is a night of rebirth and renewed truth. The day is observed by fasting, cleansing, and meditation, leading up to the eclipse and jubilance begins as soon as the moon has been eclipsed.
	+ If observed properly his followers gain +2 to sense motive checks during the following week.
* *Winter Solstice* This is a three day long celebration of life, with the day of the solstice in the middle. Parties are held throughout the night, the jubilation thought to keep Foscor company. Contests of the arts are held, as well as various shows of talent. This is a great show of companionship and all who seek blessing during this time are required to bring another to Foscor’s temple/shrine that none may spend the long night alone as he did.
	+ The specifics differ within each locality; however, such comradery is always reflected in pairs with required handholding, or the tying of two persons' waits or writs together.
	+ Followers gain a +1 to any charisma based skill during the festivities. Pairs who observed the holiday are granted a +2 camaraderie bonus against fear effects (while within 500ft of each other) for the following 10 days (ending at dusk on the 10th night).
* *New Moon* This is a night of observation. Foscor calls his worshipers to confession and encourages continued introspection.
	+ Those who observe gain a +1 to any one intelligence check (can include intelligence based checks) during the next day.

### Relations with other Religions

Foscor considers other gods, to include druidic gods, his children. He wishes them all the best, but unless they are wiping out vast amounts of creation, he does not get involved in their politics.

### Realm

Foscor’s is the realm of night and shadow called *Ombra*. It is a place of quiet meditation, a place of emotional refuge, often likened to a meadow during a new moon. Foscor brings his most pious here and tasks them with guiding the souls of those who were internally broken by turmoil they experienced on the planes. But all realms are his as he and Illum created them all, and none can bar his entrance.