Deer King

in: True God

**Alignment:** Neutral Good

**Domains:** Animal, Life, Nature, Protection

**Symbol:** A golden antler

**Favored Weapon:** Lance

**Epithets:** The Firstborn, The Horned Lord, The Guardian of the Wild

**Divine Font:** Heal

**Divine Skill:** Survival

## History

Deer King was the first animal born into the world of Spielatz. He roamed the lands freely and befriended many other creatures, becoming their leader and protector. He witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, the wars and calamities that plagued the world, and the changes that shaped the landscape. He also saw the decline of his own kind, as more and more lines of the First Animals died out or were corrupted by evil forces.

He was eventually slain in battle protecting his kind from a powerful dragon who coveted his golden antlers. His death caused a great sorrow among his followers and allies, who mourned him for many years. An Ancestor god was moved by their grief, and Deer Kings sacrifice and decided to resurrect Deer King as a god, granting him a place in the pantheon. Deer King accepted this gift gratefully and vowed to continue his mission of safeguarding the natural world and its inhabitants.

## Appearance

Deer King appears as a majestic stag with golden fur and antlers. He has piercing green eyes that radiate wisdom and compassion. He can also assume a humanoid form that resembles a tall and muscular elf with deer-like features, such as ears, horns, and a tail. He wears simple clothes made of leather and fur, adorned with natural ornaments such as feathers and flowers. He carries a longbow made of wood and bone, which he uses to shoot arrows of pure light.

## Personality

Deer King is a benevolent and noble deity who values life, freedom, and harmony. He is loyal to his friends and allies, especially first animals. He is gentle and kind to those who respect nature and its laws, but fierce and wrathful to those who harm or exploit it. He is also wise and curious, always eager to learn new things and explore new places. He enjoys music, poetry, and art, as well as hunting, racing, and playing with other animals.

## Domain

Deer King’s domain is the Wildlands, a vast and verdant realm that mirrors the natural beauty of Spielatz, the domain lies next to Great Willows Domain and together they create the Ageless Isles. It is home to many animals of all shapes and sizes, some of which are extinct or rare in the mortal world. The Wildlands are also populated by fey creatures such as nymphs, dryads, satyrs, and pixies, who serve Deer King as his messengers and agents. The Wildlands are constantly changing according to Deer King’s mood and whims, creating new landscapes and phenomena.

Deer King’s palace is a colossal tree of bone that stands at the center of the Wildlands. It is called the Antler Throne, and it is where Deer King holds court with his divine allies and guests. The Antler Throne is also a portal to other realms of nature.

## Worshippers

Deer King’s worshippers are mostly druids, rangers, hunters, farmers, herders, and others who live close to nature or depend on it for their livelihood. They revere Deer King as their patron and protector, seeking his guidance and blessing in their daily activities. They also honor him as the firstborn of all animals, and respect his kinship with them.

Deer King’s worshippers celebrate his festivals by performing rituals such as sacrificing animals or plants to him (usually by burning them or burying them), singing hymns or chants in his praise (often accompanied by drums or flutes), dancing or running in circles around bonfires or sacred groves (sometimes wearing animal masks or costumes), or engaging in friendly competitions or games (such as archery contests or races).

Some of Deer King’s worshippers also form secret cults or societies that emulate his aspects or teachings more closely. These include:

The Horned Brotherhood: A group of male warriors who dedicate themselves to Deer King as their lord and master. They wear horned helmets or masks to show their allegiance, and practice martial arts and survival skills. They often hunt dangerous beasts or evil creatures in Deer King’s name.

The Golden Sisters: A group of female healers who devote themselves to Deer King as their father and lover. They wear golden jewelry or ornaments to show their affection, and practice herbalism and magic. They often heal wounded animals or people in Deer King’s name.

The Wild Children: A group of young adventurers who follow Deer King as their friend and teacher. They wear animal skins or furs to show their affinity, and practice exploration and discovery. They often travel to new lands or realms in Deer King’s name.

## Clergy

Deer King’s clergy are called Horned Priests or Priestesses. They are chosen by Deer King himself from among his most faithful and devoted worshippers. They act as his representatives and emissaries in the mortal world, spreading his word and will. They also serve as his eyes and ears, reporting any threats or opportunities to him.

Horned Priests or Priestesses wear simple robes of green or brown, decorated with natural symbols such as leaves, flowers, or feathers. They also wear a golden antler pendant around their necks, which serves as their holy symbol and a sign of their authority. They carry longbows as their favored weapons, and use them to defend themselves or their flock.

Horned Priests or Priestesses perform various duties such as:

Leading worship services and ceremonies in honor of Deer King.

Teaching his doctrines and values to his followers and potential converts.

Offering guidance and counsel to those who seek Deer King’s wisdom or aid.

Healing the sick or injured with Deer King’s power or herbs.

Protecting the natural environment and its inhabitants from harm or exploitation.

Mediating conflicts or disputes between different groups or factions.

## Temples and Shrines

Deer King does not have any formal temples or shrines, as he prefers his worshippers to worship him in natural settings such as forests, meadows, or hills. However, some of his followers may erect simple altars or statues in his honor, usually made of wood, stone, or bone. These are often placed near sources of water or life, such as springs, rivers, lakes, or trees.

Some of Deer King’s worshippers may also carve his symbol (a golden antler) on rocks, trees, or walls, to mark his presence or territory. These are usually done with respect and reverence, but sometimes also with defiance or challenge.

## Holy Texts

Deer King does not have any written holy texts, as he believes that his teachings and stories are best passed down orally from generation to generation. He also thinks that writing is a tool of civilization that distances people from nature and its mysteries. However, some of his followers may record some of his sayings or parables in scrolls, books, or tablets, for personal use or reference.

Some examples of Deer King’s sayings or parables are:

“Life is a gift from Nature. Cherish it and share it with others.”

“Freedom is a right for all living beings. Respect it and defend it from those who would take it away.”

“Harmony is a state of balance between oneself and the world. Seek it and maintain it with wisdom and compassion.”

“The first animal was a deer. The last animal will be a deer.”

“The dragon stole my antlers. I stole his life.”

## Spells

### Return to Nature (transmutation) Spell Level 8

Casting: 2 actions (somatic, verbal)

Range: 2 miles

Duration: Concentration

Saving Throw: None

An uninhabited, unowned area may be sped up in time. For each round you concentrate on the spell 1 year passes in this area. Each round the caster must pass a concentration check that is one higher than the first concentration check so that the first is 18, then 19, then 20 and so on. While the spell is going on the space that the caster is standing in passes in regular time so that the caster does not age while they are concentrating on the spell.