Kord
Often somewhat discounted as a simple deity, Kord nevertheless boasts a devoted following throughout Nerath. Though Bane is the god of war, Kord is celebrated as the god of battle and is much more likely to receive the prayers of average soldiers. Likewise, while Melora is the goddess of the sea, Kord is given offerings as the Lord of Storms, that he might hold his wrath from the faithful. His most zealous followers are a boisterous and argumentative lot, but are welcomed into the militaries and adventuring guilds of the eight cities.
The numbers of Kord’s faithful surged during the Ahkasic War, with many leaders of the church being former veterans. The church has slowly returned to the smaller, pre-war numbers in the two decades since the end of the conflict, but they remain a potent force in Nerath. While many of the church’s leaders eschew politics, companies of Kord’s faithful are courted by many seeking a dedicated and skillful fighting force. Likewise, even outside of the licensed guild structure, the divinely inspired of Kord are often welcomed in the small villages and holdings of Nerath for their willingness to pit themselves against the dangers of the Changing wilderness.
Kord’s temples, like his followers themselves, are a fractious lot who value strength and wisdom in equal measure. No central authority exists, with Kord’s faithful rallying around those perceived to carry their god’s blessing. Often, this is manifested as physical strength, though Kord’s temple likewise boast a fair number of storm sorcerers whose magical gifts are considered a mark of favor from the Storm Lord. His worship is most prevalent in Issenvik, but significant numbers of his faithful exist in Grimfar and Highmark as well. Kord’s temples are few; his followers tend to gather in small lodges of like-minded adherents. What few true temples of Kord exist mostly double as gymnasiums, arenas, and various other places where physical ability might be improved and demonstrated.
A great many of Kord’s clergy take up the adventurer’s life, both within the guildsand outside of them. Paladins and clerics are by far the most common of his divinely empowered champions representing the most common public face of the faith. Avengers of Kord are not common, but those that exist find the guilds just as attractive as their more common counterparts. The few invokers Kord chooses to empower can be truly frightening, forces of nature which carry the strength of their god against those who have earned his wrath. Worship of Kord is relatively common among non-divine adventurers as well, with fighters, wardens, warlords and some rogues even counting themselves among his lay clergy.
