Sorath

Sorath is venerated as the deity of learning, knowledge in general, study, and books. He is the Patron of Sages, Scribes, Librarians, and all those that dwell with or rely upon books. Sorath gave the gift of language and the written word to Men when they were created. Sorath is also the God of Philosphers and Aescetics. This latter Aspect is recognizable in Sorath's disdain of many of the accoutrements normally associated with the worship of the Gods or with their Temples.

Sorath is not widely worshipped among the common folk, but the influence of his Temple is widely felt throughout maen'la. In addition to the roles dictated by Soraths sphere of influence, the Temple of Sorath has assumed some of the roles once filled by the Temple of Kethlim since that latter Temple was wiped out prior to the Diaspora which brought humans to Ley-ya and Lehr.

Following: Sorath counts sages and teachers primarily among his followers, but also playwrights and others who rely upon the written word to make their living. Anyone who requires knowledge makes a pilgrmage and offering to one of the greater Temples of Sorath in hopes that their quest might succeed.

Books, scrolls, and other such works are considered holy by this order and the most heinous crime imaginable is the destruction of recorded knowledge.

Manifestation: Sorath generally manifests as an older male human of indeterminate age. In this form he usually has long, white hair and beard, and has grey eyes. Sorath wears a simple robe of plain grey, which is often cowled. Sorath is girdled by many ppouches, small and large, which contain a multitude of scrolls, as well as inks, quills, and other such stuff. Sorath carries a crooked staff in his right hand, and a heavy tome under his left arm. The Book is often the Canon of Changes, when it is in his keeping, but it might be any other tome, magical or mundane, which serves his purpose. The staff is Sorath's only weapon. It never misses any target he directs it at, but inflicts no damage, rather subjecting the target to a fumble. Sorath can surround himelf at will with an aura that combines the effects of a wall of force and an anti-magic shell.

Those who anger and offend Sorath he feebleminds with his touch. Only Sorath may lift this curse.

Temples: Temples of Sorath are actually great libraries, and like all such storehouses of knowledge, tend to located in the larger population centers. The Temple environs are usually crowded with sages, scribes, translators, letter writers and readers, philosophers, as well as those who offer wine and food for the community of the Temple and the followers. It is not uncommon for small academies to form around particularly well-spoken or well-learned members of the Temple community, but separate from the actual Temple.

Traditionally, the Temples of Sorath never close their doors and are staffed day and night, for it would be considered poor service to turn away a petitioner merely becasue the Cloak of Mahn was spread. Priests do not dwell within the Temple proper, although most do not make their homes far from the Temple itself. Many priests form households devoted to certain lines of study and learning, and these communes may gain influence and notoriety beyond the confines of the Temple.

Yune, known for its schalarship and universities once featured many excellent library-temples founded in Sorath's name, but the greatest Temple remains the Great Library in Toth, founded when Men first settled that enchanted isle. A major Temple remains in Kharnh and a newly established Temple has gained some notoriety in Ghoriah.

Services: Priests of Sorath do not hold services as do most other Temples. Rather, they believe that they serve their deity best by spreading knowledge. Many lesser priests spend their careers as the resident teacher in the smaller towns and villages apread out across Ley-ya, and all are required to dedicate a period of at least two years in such a capacity. Those priests that are attached to the library-Temples, serve by assisting others in finding the knowledge they seek, or by dedicating themselves to the preservation of knowledge by serving in the ranks of scribes and illuminators of a Temple. Among the priests, each answer granted a petitioner or each opportunity for instruction is considered an act of devotion.