Erathis, Goddess of Civilization and Invention: The Lawbearer (LN)

“Create, build, and innovate. The world is yours to shape and mold. Embrace the power of progress and the beauty of civilization. For life is understood backwards, but must be lived forwards.” - Priest of Erathis while blessing a new city

Culture Names

Culture	Name	Title	Pronouns	Group
Alonian (Tallman) Generic	Erathis	The Lawbearer	She/Her	The Harmonious Gods
Asteni (Tallman) Italian	Civitas	The Inventrix	She/Her	Gli Dei Armoniosi (The harmonious gods)
Dal (Tallman) Hispanic	Civilis	The Mother of Progress	She/Her	Los Armoniosos (The harmonious ones)
Duir (Dwarven) German	Zivilisation	The Builder of Strongholds	He/Him	Die Eintrachtigen (The harmonious ones)
Dwelmer (Dwarven) Nordic	Borir	The Torchbearer of Innovation	He/Him	Ástin Gudar (Loving gods)
Eldar (Elven) Elven	Amarie	The Elegance of Civilization	She/Her	Maiar (Brotherhood)
Eldarin (Elven) Japanese	Benzaiten	The Painter of Cities	She/Her	Waigami(Harmonious deities)
Mularir (Tallman) Greek	Polis	The First City	They/It	Armonía theoí (Harmony gods)
Yotunn (Dwarven) Giant	Thrudheim	The Builder of The Great Halls	He/Him	Samraddar Guir (United gods)

Extra Titles

The Mother of Civilization: Erathis, Goddess of Progress The Creator of Wonders: Erathis, Goddess of Invention The Engineer of Society: Erathis, Goddess of Order The Guardian of Knowledge: Erathis, Goddess of Wisdom

Commandments

• Utilize the company and aid of others. The efforts of the individual often pale against the capabilities of community.
• Strive to tame the wilds in the name of civilization, and defend the points of light and order against the chaos of darkness.
• Uphold and revere the spirit of invention. Create new settlements, build where inspiration strikes, and expand the edicts of the Lawbearer.

Portfolio

1. Civilization: Erathis promotes the advancement of civilization, encouraging the establishment of cities, laws, and organized societies.
2. Gnomes: She is the patron deity of gnomes, guiding them in their pursuits of knowledge, innovation, and technological advancement.
3. Cities: Erathis oversees the growth and prosperity of cities, ensuring they thrive as centers of culture, trade, and governance.
4. Progress: She inspires progress and innovation, urging mortals to push boundaries and seek new discoveries in science, magic, and industry.
5. Invention: Erathis blesses inventors and craftsmen, granting them inspiration and ingenuity to create tools, machines, and advancements that benefit society.
6. Society: As the embodiment of social order, she promotes harmony and cooperation among individuals and communities, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose.
7. Culture: Erathis influences the development of art, literature, and music, encouraging the expression of creativity and the preservation of cultural heritage.
8. Law: She advocates for justice through the rule of law, ensuring fairness and equality in the treatment of all individuals within civilized societies.
9. Archtecture: Erathis influences urban planning and architecture, guiding the design and development of cities to optimize efficiency and livability.
10. Prosperity: She blesses communities with prosperity and abundance, fostering economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange among diverse populations.

Alignment

Lawful Neutral

Symbols

¹

Double-headed axe inset with a pattern of scales

²

Upper half of a clockwork gear

Avatars

Alonian (Tallman) Generic

The Lawbearer is shown as a hooded, armored woman sitting atop a throne or a throne of pillars, her face obscured or expressionless. She is often depicted with light brown skin and a strong but lithe body

¹

Cleric Domains

Domains
Civilization
Law
Peace

Religious Practices

The worship of Erathis is characterized by a reverence for civilization, innovation, and order. Her followers seek to create and maintain harmonious societies, uphold the rule of law, and promote progress and development. Through rituals, ceremonies, and communal practices, devotees of Erathis honor the goddess’s teachings and strive to embody the values of civilization and invention.

1. Founding Rituals: When establishing a new settlement or city, followers of Erathis perform elaborate founding rituals. These ceremonies often involve blessings from clerics or devout worshippers, the laying of foundation stones with sacred inscriptions, and communal pledges to uphold the principles of civilization and progress.
2. City Planning Ceremonies: Regular ceremonies are conducted to plan and organize the expansion of existing cities or the construction of new infrastructure within urban areas. These rituals involve community leaders, architects, and engineers seeking divine guidance from Erathis to ensure efficient and harmonious development.
3. Invention Festivals: Dedicated to celebrating innovation and creativity, invention festivals are held periodically in honor of Erathis. During these events, artisans, inventors, and scholars showcase their latest creations and discoveries. Offerings of prototypes, blueprints, or newly crafted items are presented at temples or public squares, seeking the goddess’s favor and inspiration for future endeavors.
4. Advancement Meditation: Followers of Erathis engage in meditative practices while reading books or scrolls, studying maps, or contemplating architectural designs. These meditations focus on seeking clarity, while cleaning the mind and fostering inspiration for new ideas and projects. Devotees pray to Erathis for guidance, epiphanies, and insights to advance their work and contribute to the betterment of society.
5. Ruins Preservation Rites: Followers of Erathis conduct ceremonies to safeguard ancient ruins and remnants of past civilizations. Through prayers and symbolic acts, such as protective wards and sacred inscriptions, devotees seek the goddess’s blessing to ensure these structures remain intact. By preserving the lessons learned from studying these ruins, believers contribute to the ongoing evolution of civilization under Erathis’s guidance.
6. Educational Rites: In temples and academies dedicated to Erathis, educational rites are performed to inspire learning, wisdom, and intellectual pursuits. These rituals include lectures, debates, and seminars on subjects ranging from history and philosophy to architecture and engineering. Participants seek Erathis’s guidance in their quest for knowledge and enlightenment.
7. Unity Ceremonies: During times of social or political discord, followers of Erathis organize unity ceremonies to promote cooperation, consensus-building, and civic engagement. These rituals emphasize the importance of unity and solidarity in overcoming challenges and advancing the common good. Prayers for reconciliation, understanding, and compromise are offered to Erathis, the Lawbearer.
8. Cleansing and Purification Rites: In times of strife or upheaval, cleansing and purification rites are conducted to restore harmony and order within communities. These rituals involve symbolic acts of cleansing, such as ritual baths, incense burning, or the sprinkling of blessed water, to purify individuals, homes, and public spaces from negative influences or malevolent forces.
9. Blessing of Constructs: Followers of Erathis who specialize in the creation of mechanical or magical constructs perform blessing ceremonies to imbue their creations with the goddess’s favor and guidance. These rituals involve the chanting of sacred incantations, the anointing of constructs with consecrated oils or runes, and the activation of their animating mechanisms in the presence of Erathis’s holy symbols.

Cultural Norms

The worship of Erathis influences the cultural norms and values of societies that revere her, shaping their beliefs, practices, and social structures. Devotees of the Lawbearer embody the ideals of civilization, innovation, and order in their daily lives, seeking to create harmonious and prosperous communities guided by the goddess’s teachings. The following cultural norms are commonly associated with Erathis’s worship:

1. Collective Endeavors: Communities that worship Erathis prioritize collaboration and cooperation in all aspects of life. Individuals are expected to contribute to the greater good of society, whether through communal projects, economic initiatives, or civic engagement.
2. Urban Development: Cultures influenced by the worship of Erathis place a high value on urbanization and city planning. They view the establishment and expansion of cities as symbols of progress and civilization, and urban development is often guided by religious principles emphasizing order, efficiency, and innovation.
3. Innovation and Creativity: Invention and innovation are celebrated as divine gifts bestowed by Erathis. Cultures that worship her encourage the pursuit of knowledge, invention, and technological advancement. Artisans, engineers, and scholars are revered for their contributions to society’s development.
4. Adherence to Laws and Regulations: Followers of Erathis are expected to uphold laws and regulations that govern society. Respect for authority, adherence to legal or moral codes, and a sense of civic duty are deeply ingrained cultural norms. Disobedience, disorder, or irresponsibility is viewed as antithetical to the goddess’s teachings.
5. Respect for Order and Stability: Cultures influenced by Erathis value order, structure, and tradition. They maintain individual autonomy, respect for others, and adherence to established customs and rituals for the societal good. Creating a society where stability and predictability are seen as essential is of unconditional importance.
6. Emphasis on Education and Knowledge: Education is highly prized in cultures that worship Erathis. Access to knowledge, intellectual pursuits, and academic excellence are encouraged and supported by religious institutions. Libraries, schools, and academies dedicated to Erathis serve as centers of learning and enlightenment.
7. Urban Aesthetics and Architecture: Aesthetic beauty and architectural innovation are important cultural values inspired by the worship of Erathis. Cities and urban spaces are designed with both functionality and elegance in mind, incorporating elements of symmetry, proportion, and harmony. Public art, monuments, and landmarks celebrate the achievements of civilization.
8. Environmental Stewardship: While prioritizing urbanization and development, cultures influenced by Erathis also emphasize environmental stewardship and sustainability. They recognize the importance of preserving natural resources, mitigating pollution, and minimizing ecological impact in their quest for progress and prosperity.
9. Community Engagement and Service: Service to the community is considered a sacred duty among followers of Erathis. Cultures that worship her promote volunteerism, philanthropy, and social activism as expressions of devotion to the greater good. Community events, charity drives, and public works projects foster a sense of belonging and collective responsibility.

Political Structures

The worship of Erathis often shapes the political structures and governance systems of societies that revere her, influencing their organizational principles, decision-making processes, and social institutions. Political structures associated with Erathis reflect her domains of civilization, innovation, and order, embodying the goddess’s teachings and values. The following political structures are commonly found in societies that worship Erathis:

1. Democratic City-States: Inspired by the principles of community collaboration and collective decision-making, political structures associated with Erathis often manifest as democratic city-states. In these societies, power is decentralized, and governance is based on direct or representative democracy. Citizens actively participate in decision-making processes, electing leaders, and shaping policies through consensus-building and civic engagement.
2. Meritocratic Councils: Some societies influenced by Erathis adopt meritocratic political structures, where individuals are appointed to leadership positions based on their skills, knowledge, and contributions to society. Meritocratic councils composed of experts, scholars, and community leaders oversee different aspects of governance, ensuring that decisions are informed by expertise and experience.
3. Technocratic Administrations: In societies that prioritize innovation and progress, technocratic administrations may emerge as political structures associated with Erathis. These administrations are led by technocrats—individuals with expertise in fields such as science, engineering, and economics—who utilize evidence-based approaches to governance and policymaking. Technocratic governments focus on promoting technological advancement, infrastructure development, and societal progress.
4. Decentralized Federations: Recognizing the diversity of communities and regions within their territories, political structures associated with Erathis may take the form of decentralized federations. These federations consist of autonomous city-states or regions that retain a significant degree of self-governance while collaborating on matters of common interest, such as defense, trade, and infrastructure. A central governing body coordinates cooperation and facilitates communication among member entities.
5. Civic Assemblies: At the local level, political structures associated with Erathis often involve civic assemblies or town meetings where residents gather to discuss issues, propose initiatives, and make decisions collectively. These assemblies serve as forums for democratic participation and community engagement, allowing citizens to have a direct voice in shaping the policies and priorities of their communities.
6. Councils of Elders: In societies that value tradition and wisdom, political structures associated with Erathis may include councils of elders or sages who provide guidance and counsel to community leaders. These councils consist of respected individuals with a wealth of experience and knowledge, advising on matters of governance, ethics, and societal development.
7. Citizen Juries: To promote fairness and justice in legal proceedings, political structures associated with Erathis may incorporate citizen juries composed of randomly selected individuals from the community. These juries participate in the adjudication of legal disputes, ensuring that decisions reflect the values and norms of society as a whole. Citizen juries uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and community involvement in the administration of justice.
8. Anarcho-Syndicalist Collectives: Within Erathis-influenced societies, Anarcho-syndicalist collectives emerge as decentralized, worker-controlled political structures. These collectives, aligned with Erathis’s principles of community collaboration and personal autonomy, emphasize democratic decision-making and cooperative ownership. Workers organize into syndicates or unions to collectively manage production and distribution, ensuring economic equality and grassroots empowerment through direct action and mutual aid.

Elemental Affinities

Elements
Order
Earth
Air
Water
Life
Mind
Transmutation
Abjuration

Home Plane

Peaceable Kingdoms of Arcadia

Champions

Holidays

Holidays

Blessings

A follower of Erathis can gain favor with their deity by upholding the principles of civilization, innovation, and order. As they embody the values of progress, community, and urban development, Erathis may bestow the following blessings upon them:

Any spell-like abilities granted by these blessings use the character’s spellcasting ability, if the character does not have a spellcasting ability, they can use their highest ability score.

1. Blessing of Civil Harmony:

   • The followers of Erathis are granted the ability to temporarily enhance their allies’ cooperation and coordination in battle. Once per day, as an action, the blessed individual can cast a modified version of the Bless spell, granting up to three creatures of their choice within 30 feet a d6 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws for 1 minute.

2. Blessing of Urban Insight:

   • Erathis bestows upon her followers a heightened awareness of their urban surroundings. Once per long rest, the blessed individual gains advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) and Wisdom (Perception) checks made within city limits for 1 hour. Additionally, they can easily find their way through urban mazes and crowded streets without getting as long as they know the general direction or have a general description of their destination.

3. Blessing of Architectural Mastery:

   • Erathis blesses her followers with skill and expertise in the art of architecture. Followers of Erathis gain proficiency in the use of artisan’s tools related to architecture, such as mason’s tools or carpenter’s tools. Additionally, they receive aditional insight into the structural integrity of buildings and fortifications, allowing them to identify weak points or hidden passages with ease.

4. Blessing of Civic Influence:

   • Erathis empowers her followers with the ability to inspire civic engagement and cooperation among the populace. Once per short rest, the blessed gains advantage in any Charisma (Persuasion) or Charisma (Intimidation) checks made to influence the opinions or actions of others for 1 hour. Additionally, they can cast Mass Suggestion using this blessing, but doing so causes the blessing to only be usable once per long rest. For this spell, the spellcasting ability is Charisma.

5. Blessing of Technological Innovation:

   • The followers of Erathis gain insight into technological advancements and inventions. Once per day, as an action, the blessed individual can gain proficiency in a set of tools related to a specific craft/skill (e.g., alchemist’s supplies, tinker’s tools) for 1 hour.

6. Blessing of Order’s Protection:

   • Erathis shields her followers from chaotic influences and disruptions. Once per long rest, the blessed individual can cast Protection from Evil and Good on themselves or a willing creature they touch without expending a spell slot, material components, or concentration.

7. Blessing of Urban Resilience:

   • Followers of Erathis are imbued with resilience and adaptability of large cities. Once per day, as a reaction, the blessed individual can gain resistance to non-magical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage for 1 minute.

8. **Blessing of **:

   • Erathis blesses her followers with the ability to learn about a civilization by analyzing its architecture. Whenever inside a city, settlement or ruins, the blessed individual can cast Legend Lore without expending a spell slot or material components. This ability can be used once per short rest.

Curses

Erathis’s followers can invoke their deity’s wrath upon their enemies by cursing them with afflictions that reflect the deity’s domains. As the followers gain favor with Erathis, they may gain access to the following curses to unleash upon their foes:

The follower must cast Bestow Curse to invoke their available curses:

1. Curse of Discord:

   • The enemies of Erathis find their ability to cooperate and communicate disrupted. This effect casts a version of the Bane spell, targeting up to three creatures of their choice within 30 feet, causing them to take a d6 penalty to attack rolls and saving throws for 1 minute.

2. Curse of Stagnation:

   • Erathis curses her foes with a lack of progress and decay in their endeavors. The cursed individual finds their movement speed halved and their ability to take reactions gone for the duration of the effect. Additionally, whenever two or more creatures are within 5 feet of the cursed individual, they must make a Wisdom saving throw or be unable to take any actions on their turn and take 2d6 psychic damage.

3. Curse of Urban Blight:

   • Erathis inflicts her enemies with a curse that causes urban decay and destruction. The cursed individual finds that any structures or buildings they enter begin to crumble and decay around them, making them difficult terrain for the cursed creature. Additionally, they take 1d10 bludgeoning damage at the start of their turn while inside a building or structure as the walls and ceilings collapse around them.

4. Curse of Law’s Burden:

   • Once per day, Erathis burdens her enemy’s mind with the responsability of upholding laws and regulations. The cursed individual cannot attack anything that is not in a specific direction of them, roll a 1d4 to determine the direction. Any attack made in a different direction automatically misses.

5. Curse of Technological Regression:

   • The enemies of Erathis find their advancements and inventions hindered and reversed. Any time an enemy tries to do anything than the action they took before becoming cursed the creature must make a Wisdom saving throw or be unable to take any actions on their turn and take 2d6 psychic damage.

6. Curse of Chaotic Thoughts:

   • Erathis curses her foes with chaotic and disruptive thoughts. The cursed individual finds their mind clouded and confused, making it difficult to focus on tasks or make decisions. The cursed creature becomes unnable to speak coherently or understand any language, and must make a Wisdom saving throw at the start of their turn or start doing random actions determined by the DM.

7. Curse of Animosity:

   • The enemies of Erathis find their ability to cooperate and communicate disrupted. The cursed creature starts considering all creatures within 30 feet as enemies if no creature is within 30 feet they will become paranoid and attack innanimate objects.

8. Curse of The Lawbearer’s Judgement:

   • Once per day, Erathis curses her enemies with the weight of her divine judgement. The cursed individual finds that any time they try to do something that goes against the laws of the land or the principles of civilization, they must make a Wisdom saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. Additionally, they take 2d6 psychic damage as the weight of their transgressions weighs heavily on their mind.

Myths

The Creation of the Gnomes with Ioun

The Creation of Gnomes

The Goddess of Knowledge, Ioun was constantly writing her knowlegde of the world, and she wrote the laws that rule over reality and the many secrets of reality, but the goddess wished to write stories, she thirsted for tales, myths and adventures to be written in her vast collection of books, but the beings that already existed in Aeloria were not enough to satisfy her thirst for stories, they weren’t curious enough, or not enough of them existed to create the stories she wished to write. While that, Goddess of Invention, Erathis, was exploring the world, and watching over the creatures that lived in it. But these creatures were content with their lot in life, they didn’t seek to explore or create, she desired to see them use the materials around them to create new wonders, to explore and enjoy every second of the world, she dreamed of beings filled with curiosity and creativity. So the two goddesses joined forces, they used their knowledge and creativity to invent a infinitely complex and intricate machine, that could create beings curious and inventive, the gnomes. As the goddesses activated the machine, it’s cogs spun quickly and it took the materials from the depths of the world, the forests and the rocks around it, and from the machine, the gnomes emerged, ever curious and inventive, they explored the world, creating stories, tales and machines.

Link to original

The Creation of the First cities

The First Cities

After the dragons had successfully sealed the primordial elements, indulging in a era of peace, mortals began to thrive. Guided by Erathis and the Harmonious Deities, mortals began to build the first cities. These cities were a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of mortals, a reflection of their potential to shape the world around them.

The very first city became known with many names but most commonly as Aelor, the City of Light. It was a beacon of hope and progress, a place where mortals could gather, learn, and grow. The city of Aelor stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit of mortals to overcome adversity and build a better future for themselves.

Link to original

Battle with Asmodeus

Transclude of The-Great-War-(GW)#the-siege-of-aelor---the-first-city-aelor-and-the-pact-between-erathis-goddess-of-civilization-and-invention---the-lawbearer-ln-erathis-and-asmodeus-god-of-tyranny---the-lord-of-the-nine-hells-le-asmodeus

Footnotes

1. Critical Role Wiki ↩ ↩²

2. Pinterest ↩