Lesser God, Gnomish pantheon
God of Protection, Vigilance, Combat
| Symbol | Iron Band (worn on upper left arm) | |
| Alignment | Lawful Good (Neutral) | |
| Crusader Alignment | LG, LN | |
| Plane | Twin Paradises (The Golden Fields) | |
| Worshippers | Warriors, Watchgnomes | |
| Race | Gnome | |
| Sex | Any | |
| Attributes | Strength 13, Wisdom 13, Charisma 15 | -2 |
| Proficiency Groups | Warrior, Priest, General | 5 |
| Bonus Proficiency | N/A | |
| Preferred Weapon | War hammer (required at first level) | |
| Allowed Weapons | As standard cleric | |
| Armor | Any metal armor (chainmail preferred), any shield | |
| Primary Sphere | Combat | 10 |
| Major Spheres | All, Guardian, Healing, Protection | 30 |
| Minor Spheres | Divination, Creation, Law, wards | 19 |
| Additional Spells | Call Upon Faith (1st level), Draw Upon Holy Might (2nd level), Armor (1st level, as 1st level Wizard spell) | 1 |
| Abilities | ||
| Turn Undead (1/2 level, rounded down) | 10 | |
| No followers | ||
| THACO, hit points (d10), and multiple attacks as fighter | 40 | |
| Laying on of hands: heal 2 hp/level, once per day | 10 | |
| 1st level | Strength (1/day), on self only 5 (1/day) + 4 (W2) - 0 (1st level) - 2 (3 powers) = 7 |
7 |
| 3rd level | Expertise with war hammer | 1 |
| 5th level | Aura of Protection from Evil, 10' radius (as paladin, -1 to AC) 10 (base cost) - 2 (5th level) = 8 |
8 |
| 7th level | Specialization in war hammer | 2 |
| 9th level | Cloak of Bravery (1/day) 5 (1/day) + 4 (P4) - 4 (9th level) - 2 (3 powers) = 5 (minimum) |
5 |
| 14th level | Earthquake (1/week) 3 (1/week) + 7 (P7) - 6 (14th level) - 2 (3 powers) = 3 (minimum) |
3 |
| Limitations | ||
| Very reduced spell casting (2 less spells of each level, no 6th or 7th level spells) | -25 | |
| Code of Gaerdal: crusader must always uphold the ideals of law, and protect and respect the defenseless and needy of the gnome community from enemies within and without. Minor infractions require prayer and fasting, serious infractions require atonement, and major infractions result in all loss of special abilities -- permanently. | -5 | |
| Raiment | Bare head, chain armor, hammer always carried | |
| Animal | Gray wolf | |
| Holy Days | Godsday of each week, spent in prayer or fasting when not travelling | |
| Notes | ||
| The Knights of Iron is the official name of Gaerdal's priesthood The crusaders are very similar to a gnomish form of paladin, and may not be multi-classed Gaerdal's crusaders have a great dislike for priests and worshippers of Baravar (god of illusions) Gaerdal is revered by many, but has few priests |
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| Background | ||
| Gaerdal, the most stern and serious of gnome deities, is the patron of warriors and protectors of gnomish communities. As such, he is honored in some manner by nearly all good-aligned gnomes, and one or two crusaders will be found in most good sized settlements. He has no formal church as such: each Knight of Iron (as they are called) advances in his service through prayer, fasting, and meditation. When a knight commits a serious transgression, he (or she) must seek out the nearest higher-level Knight of Iron, and atone with a quest of that knight's (and Gaerdal's) choice. Gaerdal's knights are expected to defend their people against any threat, even at cost of their lives. They are typically served by one or more fighters in the service of Gaerdal, and will occasional build and maintain stone forts on the borders of gnomish lands. Failed Knights of Iron are still welcomed by their people, but are shunned by all in Gaerdal's service. |
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| Sources | ||
| Monster Mythology, p.35 (original source) Dragon #61: The Gnomish Point of View (reprinted in Best of Dragon vol. III) Unearthed Arcana, pp. 117-118, 121-122 |
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