Nardoth, the Interloper

Nardoth is a god of magic and knowledge. Though he is an orcish god, he does not seem to be of the traditional orcish pantheon. Indeed, worship of the Keeper of Secrets seems to be a recent occurrence, with the earliest mentions of his faith a few hundred years ago. Nardoth does not venerate physical strength like most other orcish gods. Though he is not weak, his strength lies in his magic. Even as he is looked down upon by Korgath and his ilk as a weakling and an interloper, they grudgingly admit that his knowledge and power is valuable.

Nardoth has few worshipers amongst the more warlike orcish tribes, who distrust the magic that he wields. They may beseech him for knowledge useful for battle, but most shun him in favor of Korgath. The less warlike tribes are more likely to venerate him, but he is never a major figure in the beliefs of most orcs. Nardoth, however, is not selective in who worships him, and his faith actively cultivates followers from all races. As a god of magic, he has gained a following amongst the magically inclined hobgoblins and kobolds, and as one who accepts all worshipers, he appeals to mongrels. Nardoth even has worshipers amongst the Others, at least those whose thirst for knowledge and power overcomes their traditional religions and their antipathy towards worshiping a god of the People.

Statistics: AL le, WAL any; AoC magic, knowledge; SY a dark tower on a gray background

Nardoth's Avatar (Fighter 10, Mage 20)
While Nardoth sends avatars best suited for his current purposes, he favors that of a tall orc with delicate features, robed in black and silver. Though he prefers to fight with his magical abilities, he sometimes carries a massive battle axe of black steel and silver, with which he is almost as capable as he is with magic.

Str 21 Dex 13 Con15
Int 23 Wis 10 Cha 15
MV 12 SZ L MR 20%
AC -2 HD 20 HP 200
#AT 1 THACO 4 DMG 2d8 + 12 (battle axe)

Special Attacks/Defenses: Nardoth's avatar has access to all wizard spells and can cast twice as many spells per day as a mortal mage. He can communicate with any creature of low intelligence or greater via telepathy. He may cast ESP at will. His axe is a +4 weapon.

Duties of the Priesthood:
Nardoth's priests are collectors of knowledge, and are not stingy with it. They share their knowledge with all who seek it, as long as the seekers share knowledge in return. As Nardoth is a new god, his priests have yet to gain many duties amongst their societies, and seem unlikely to gain them among those of the People who distrust magic.

Requirements: AB int 15; AL any; WP as cleric, battle axe; AR all; SP all, astral, charm*, combat*, creation, divination, elemental*, protection*, necromantic*, summoning, ; PW 2) ESP 1/day, 5) spells cast from scrolls have a 20% chance of not disappearing when used, 8) may use scrolls or other magical items created for wizards as if a wizard; TU turn; HD d8; LL as cleric.

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