Vaelion (VG)
(Vay-lee-on)
The god of knowledge.
Epithet: "The Strategist", "The Scholar of the Stars", "The Philosopher God".
Vaelion is the patron deity of strategists, philosophers, and scholars. His symbol is an open book with stars and constellations drawn upon the pages. Vaelion offers insight and clarity to those who pursue knowledge. He is opposed to Kaerellun "The Princess of Deceit", for she seeks to keep knowledge as secrets, while he aims to reveal them. Vaelion is called upon by military commanders, sorcerers and even thieves to reveal knowledge and secrets to them; though the later often walk on a razors edge when it comes time for them to request that Kaerellun hide their own secrets well.
Affinities
- Knowledge
- Strategy
- Reason
- Literature
- Patron Deity of Strategists, Philosophers and Scholars
Also Known As
- The Strategist
- The Philosopher
- Scholar of the Stars
Symbol
His symbol is an open book with stars and constellations drawn upon the pages.
Methods of Worship
- Discovering new literature or knowledge (especially tactical)
- Defeating an army in battle
Vision and Driving Beliefs - Dogma
Vaelion teaches his followers to become masters of all things intellectual. The study of war, philosophy, and mathematics are but the beginning for those who worship him and they often dedicate their entire lives to the pursuit of learning.
As masters of strategy, Vaelion and his followers are no strangers to combat. They tend, however, to avoid physical combat, preferring instead roles of leadership where their patient and astute tactics make their ability to command armies unsurpassed. It is often said that when armies meet sword with shield, only Vaelion holds the outcome.
Vaelion offers insight and clarity to those who pursue knowledge. He is opposed to Kaerellun "The Princess of Deceit", for she seeks to keep knowledge as secrets, while he aims to reveal them. Vaelion is called upon by military commanders, sorcerers and even thieves to reveal knowledge and secrets to them; though the later often walk on a razors edge when it comes time for them to request that Kaerellun hide their own secrets well.
Personality Traits
Vaelion is a solitary deity, considered to be an intellectual elitist by most of the pantheon. He views Telon with the ambivalence of a scientist observing an experiment, never becoming involved in the day to day struggle of its inhabitants. He prefers, instead, to watch, listen, and learn from a safe distance. He reserves action for only the most extreme circumstances.
Physical Appearance
Vaelion is wizened with age and wears a flowing robe of pale blue. His white, shoulder-length hair rests behind his ears. He wears a calm, detached expression on his face as he stares inquisitively toward the horizon.
Races that Often Worship this Divine Being
- Gnome
- High Elf
- Raki
Professions that Often Worship this Divine Being
- Cleric
- Diplomat
- Druid
- Necromancer
- Psionicist
- Sorcerer
- Rogue
- Military Commanders
- Strategists
- Philosophers
- Scholars
Relationship with Other Divine Beings
Vaelion is opposed to Kaerellun "The Princess of Deceit", for she seeks to keep knowledge as secrets, while he aims to reveal them. Because Vaelion is considered an intellectual elitist by most of the other deities of Telon, they rarely deal with him. Those who do interact with him respect him for his great intellect, and though they rarely understand him, they consider him trustworthy. Vaelion's only enemies are those deities which strive to destroy knowledge. Against only they do the armies of Vaelion march.
Quotes
- Acolyte Loram (Thestran), Tursh: "May the Scholar of the Stars grant you an objective mind."
Acolyte Loram (Thestran), Tursh: "To please Vaelion, learn battle strategies and win fights by putting those tactics into practice. Remember, when sword and shield meet, only Vaelion holds the outcome."
Sample Parley
You say, "You look deep in thought."
Acolyte Moratio glances up at you and nods. "I suppose I was..."
"May I ask what you were thinking about?" you ask.
"Oh, nothing important," says Acolyte Moratio. "I just felt Vaelion's need..."
"Vaelion's need?" you ask. "Could you explain what you mean by that?"
"You've never heard that phrase?" asks Acolyte Moratio. "I suppose that it is a bit out of date. But it has to do with Vaelion's great intellect..."
"And the way in which we all sometimes feel compelled to just... think about something," says Acolyte Moratio.
"To think and think and think until there is nothing left to think about," says Acolyte Moratio.
"You almost make it sound like the intellectual process is destructive," you say.
"Well, says Acolyte Moratio, "I didn't mean that to be taken directly... but, certainly. Even the other gods find it difficult to interact with Vaelion."
"Haven't you ever stood in the presence of a Magus and felt weak?" asks Acolyte Moratio. "Like they can take something apart about you?"
You nod and say, "I may have felt that."
"Well, Vaelion is the greatest intellect," says Acolyte Moratio, "and perhaps even the gods themselves feel... deconstructed by his gaze."
"He has constructed much too though, hasn't he?"
"Oh yes," says Acolyte Moratio, "he and his followers are responsible for all the ingenuity of Telon. Without him, humans wouldn't have the wheel, and gnomes wouldn't have the crysolwork rapid fire extended combustor tube."
"So, like most things, his intellect is a dual concept," says Acolyte Moratio. "And all we can do is hope to use our own to similarly balanced ends."
Sample Parley
Prophet of Vaelion: (Qaliathari, Ahgram)
"I greet you in the name of Vaelion the Wise, our lord of literature, of deep thought."
"I have been charged by Vaelion himself to find those who can find the answer to my riddle. Those who succeed will receive a boon from the Scholar of the Stars, the Philosopher God, the Master of Strategy himself!"
- Vaelion?
Response if below 150 in diplomacy:
"The Prophet regards you with sagacity for a moment, then says:
"You are too inexperienced in the way of words to truly hear my words."
"Vaelion respects learning. Come back when you have learned more, and Vaelion will place you under his gaze - through me."
Response if you are 150+ in diplomacy:
The Prophet draws himself up and orates:
"Vaelion! The Strategist, he who reads all and knows all! He who gives a diplomat the edge in argument. He who aims the warrior's bow. He who channels the magery of the wizard. He who drives the blacksmith's hammer!"
- Vaelion sounds important, or at least active in people's lives.
The Prophet gets a smug look on his face:
"Ahh, yes. I can see a fire burns in your eyes."
"Vaelion, of the Stars themselves, has spoken to me. Aspire to answer me this:"
"It makes the work of nations mighty, it separates the poor general from the conqueror. This one thing the rogue and the householder employ, and make Vaelion smile. What am I?"
Sample Parley
Prophet of Vaelion: (Qaliathari, Ahgram)
"I greet you in the name of Vaelion the Wise, our lord of literature, of deep thought."
"I have been charged by Vaelion himself to find those who can find the answer to my riddle. Those who succeed will receive a boon from the Scholar of the Stars, the Philosopher God, the Master of Strategy himself!"
- "I understand that Vaelion enjoys puzzles..."
The prophet states:
"Indeed, the Star-eyed one enjoys plumbing the secrets of the universe. Those who respect his ways enjoys the puzzles of the universe as well."
"I have a puzzle inspired by Vaelion himself. Solve this puzzle and receive the gifts of Vaelion."
"Fail, and you will die."
- "I am ready to hear the puzzle."
"The Millstone is a constellation especially beloved of Vaelion. It contains six stars, all of different colors."
"The stars are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white."
"Listen now to Vaelion's words, and be prepared to answer three questions about the Millstone."
- "I'm ready to continue."
"Faroin is located before Djerokul." "A star is associated with beginnings." "Caluuzman is the fourth star." "The yellow star is first." "Bezalkar is the green star." "Faroin is the bluest star." "The fifth star, white in color, is beloved of Vaelion." "Almuuz is clearly the second star of the Millstone." "Elameen is a star." "The orange star is located immediately before the blue star."
- "I... see. Continue."
"Answer the following three questions correctly, and you will profit."
"Answer any incorrectly, and you will die."
"Your first question is: What is the name of the star beloved of Vaelion?"
"What is the color of the sixth star?"
"Finally, In which position on the Millstone lay the star Faroin?"
"You have answered Vaelion's riddle correctly."
"Reap now, his rewards."
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