God of Shadows and Secrets
Group (Pantheon): The Void Covenant
Domains: Shadow, Knowledge
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Naeris's holy symbol is a half-moon wreathed in swirling shadows, representing the balance between what is hidden and what is revealed. Delicate arcane symbols of secrecy and concealment trace the moon's edge, glowing faintly in silver and deep violet. His faithful often wear cloaked pendants etched with this symbol or carry enchanted tokens enchanted to obscure their presence.
The faith of Naeris is secretive and decentralized, organized into hidden sects, shadowy covens, and espionage networks. Temples dedicated to Naeris, called Sanctuaries of the Veil, are found in underground crypts, forgotten ruins, and concealed vaults.
The Masked Whisper
The elusive, unknown leader of Naeris's faith. Their identity is always hidden, even from senior clergy. Some believe that multiple Masked Whispers exist, each manipulating events on a grand scale.
Keepers of the Shadowed Lore
Senior priests responsible for collecting, guarding, and interpreting ancient secrets. They are tasked with deciding what knowledge should remain hidden and what should be revealed -- if ever.
Agents of the Veil
Spies, assassins, and covert operatives who perform Naeris's will through manipulation, subterfuge, and silent elimination of threats. Their oaths bind them to their task until death -- or beyond.
Nightbinders
Magical enforcers trained in shadowmancy and illusion, wielding secret spells to deceive, manipulate, and conceal. They ensure that no dangerous truth escapes the confines of the faith's control.
Whispers in the Dark
Initiates and informants who gather secrets from the world's dark corners. They are often disguised as commoners, merchants, or diplomats, feeding intelligence into the faith's vast network.
Nyara Duskveil (past)
Role: Masked Whisper and Master Spy
Legacy: Nyara orchestrated the Silent Accord, a series of secret treaties that ended several wars through manipulation, blackmail, and deception. Her title became a legend whispered in fear and awe among rulers and warlords.
Varis Nightthorn (past)
Role: Agent of the Veil
Legacy: Known as the Shadow of the North, Varis toppled kings and undermind rulers during the Fifth Age, leaving behind only whispers of his work. His enchanted dagger, Shadefang, is said to vanish into shadows when wielded with stealth and purpose.
Elyra Darkwhisper (past)
Role: Whisper in the Dark
Legacy: A master manipulator and spy, Elyra became a power behind the throne in several kingdoms without ever revealing her true identity. Her Ring of Silent Echoes allowed her to listen to conversations from across vast distances, ensuring no secret was beyond her reach.
Oris Thalrin (present)
Role: Keeper of the Shadowed Lore
Legacy: Oris oversees the Vault of Forgotten Truths, a hidden repository of dangerous magical artifacts and ancient tomes of forbidden lore. He has sealed away countless relics that could reshape or destroy Thaloria if released.
Avelis Moondrift (present)
Role: Nightbinder and Shadowmage
Legacy: Avelis is the head enforcer of the Hidden Covenant, commanding an elite network of sorcerers dedicated to erasing ancient knowledge. Her Amulet of Shrouded Will grants her unparalleled mastery of illusions and shadowmancy.
The faith of Naeris is strongest in regions known for intrigue and espionage, such as the Redspire Compact, the Stormmarch Republic, and the mysterious Shrouded Isles. Hidden shrines to Naeris can be found in darkened alleyways, deep forests, and forgotten catacombs where few dare to tread.
The faith of Naeris frequently clashes with that of Talandra (order and peace) and Theris (justice), whose strict devotion to law and fairness stands against Naeris's belief in secrets and manipulation. However, Naeris's followers sometimes cooperate with those of Sarna (trickery) when schemes align. They hold a wary respect for Valkyr (fate and time), acknowledging that even destiny's threads can be hidden.
Though Naeris's influence is vast, the withdrawal of the gods has made some secrets harder to conceal:
Naeris, the God of Shadows and Secrets, is the keeper of whispered truths, hidden knowledge, and the veiled forces that shape the world from the shadows. He governs secrecy, intrigue, and the delicate balance between concealment and revelation. His influence is subtle but undeniable -- felt in the darkened corners of whispered conversations, ancient vaults of forbidden lore, and the hidden strings that guide powerful destinies.
Naeris is often depicted as a tall, enigmatic figure cloaked in shifting shadows that seem to move with their own will. His face is partially obscured by a mask of dark silver, with only faint, piercing eyes glowing like distant stars. In one hand, he holds Nyx's Veil, a staff topped with a half-moon symbolizing concealment. His other hand is open, offering either hidden knowledge or a deadly secret.
Naeris's faith thrives in the shadows, where secrets are currency and knowledge is both weapon and shield. His followers ensure that what should remain hidden stays buried -- and that what is revealed serves only their will.
"What you see is never the whole truth. The shadows always know more."
Source: Homebrew, 2024
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church RPG Club | Mechanicsburg, PA