From the hilltop, Thelwyn surveyed the scene below him, noting the contingent of skeletal guards standing silently at the tomb’s entrance. The cleric of Avandra considered his options, smiling a bit, and turned to his compatriots. “Twelve skeletons brandishing rusty blades,” said Thelwyn in a matter-of-fact tone. “They shouldn’t be much of a prob- lem. Avandra will aid us.” Thelwyn’s second, Bria Hammerhelm, looked at him incredulously. “Four on twelve. No, that shouldn’t be a problem.” “We could create a distraction,” offered Elistrial, the party’s thief. “Perhaps draw a few of them away from the tomb doors. I bet Tornal’s wizardry could manage that.” The acerbic wizard snorted. “Skeletons might not fall for such trickery.” Thelwyn’s three companions fell to bick- ering over how to deal with the skeletons. The cleric’s smile never faltered as he broke into the exchange. “Friends! We Channel Divinity: Avandra don’t have time for intricacies. The ghost within the tomb is about to rise. We need to act now.” He glanced over his shoulder The Ever- and began reciting the credo he had driven into his friends’ minds over the past few months. “A life lived timidly . . .” He rose, turned, and charged toward the tomb. Forking Path As Thelwyn ran forward, his friends By Craig Campbell smiled to one another and finished in one Illustration by Miguel Coimbra voice: “. . . is a life not worth living!”

TM & © 2011 LLC. All rights reserved. Apr il 2011 | Dragon 398 1 Channel Divinity: Avandra

he ver The Wind Always Blows Although one might think that this way of doing T E - things would create resentment among the older, Avandra promotes change in all forms, but more so more experienced clerics, it instead creates a strong Forking Path as an agent for bringing about a better tomorrow. Her sense of camaraderie. All followers of Avandra con- The faithful of Avandra see the cosmos in simple faithful never shy away from changes in life, whether sider their brothers and sisters in faith to be on equal terms. History informs their decisions, and thoughts such changes occur in government, trade, or personal footing with themselves as they, as a group, work to of what might come fill their hearts with hope. But goals. They consider change to be an opportunity that deliver Avandra’s message to all. This is not to say their place in the world, right now, is paramount. might be harnessed or influenced to improve the lives that censure or even excommunication doesn’t occur They see themselves walking along a road that began of all. in history and leads forward to myriad possibilities. within the faith. If a member is not pulling his or her They call this road the Ever-Forking Path. Eyes on the Horizon weight, he or she is told so. If the offending individual doesn’t step up his or her work, he or she is removed What lies along the path? They don’t know, but Avandra’s faithful always look to the future. They seek they’re eager to find out. They live their lives in the from the faith. out the new and undiscovered (as well as rediscover- When a leader is needed, such as in times of politi- now, daring the world around them to meet their ing the forgotten past), and bask in the opportunities stride, always seeking the next horizon and the next cal turmoil or war, all a follower of Avandra needs the future holds. They foster such beliefs in others by to do is step forward and take control. If more than great adventure. leading them into these new frontiers. Avandra’s faithful hold to the following as the core one takes a leadership role, they work as a team for precepts of their faith. the good of the faith, dividing up responsibilities The Greatest Blessing according to their personal strengths. If conflicts One Foot in Front Paramount among the favors bestowed by Avandra arise among these leaders, they call for a vote by all is luck. Avandra’s faithful don’t consider luck to be a involved parties (including nonfollowers who have a of the Other random occurrence or something the gods mete out stake in the matter) to settle the dispute. Avandra’s faithful are constantly on the move. They on a whim. Rather, they believe luck to be a reward travel to distant lands, seek new adventures, and revel for a life filled with forthrightness and daring, Initiation into the Faith with all those they meet along the way. They consider and they teach others to respect luck in the same Although some members seek to join the ranks of travel a gift and trade a joy. Rare is the follower of manner. Avandra, sometimes becoming a member of the Avandra who settles in one place for long, even in old faith is a happy accident. Those already in the faith age. Wanderlust, and all the glories it brings with it, is Avandra’s Faithful keep an eye open for anyone who lives a bold life, in each one’s blood. Given Avandra’s embrace of all things free and ever- helps others, and spreads Avandra’s beliefs and Left, Right, or Straight Ahead changing, her followers don’t hold to a stringent philosophies—whether these people do so on purpose hierarchy within her faith. No high priest of Avandra or because that is how they live their life normally. Followers of Avandra promote freedom in all aspects exists. Instead, the faithful revere individual merit Initiation is not a complicated process of oaths and of life. They seek to bring independence to the within their ranks. A young member of the faith who rites. Instead, the new member is welcomed to the subjugated and promote self-determination and self- has promoted the precepts of the faith throughout his faith by those attending, and then the group shares awareness in those who have fallen into stagnant, or her short life is held in as high regard as an elder tales of derring-do while enjoying an evening feast close-minded lives. They oppose slavery and oppres- who has worshiped Avandra for many decades. and a round of drinks to toast the goddess. sion in all its forms.

Apr il 2011 | Dragon 398 2 Channel Divinity: Avandra

The Stepping Stone Holy symbols of Avandra vary as much as her fol- shrewdest barterers in the world. They also give lowers. When first embarking upon the Ever-Forking thanks to her for her continued protection of their Worshipers of Avandra have little use for holy days Path, the faithful craft their own holy symbols from freedom after ages of slavery. and clerical rites, but they do greet each new year whatever materials they find readily available. Dragonborn, proud and bold by nature, see Avan- with a short ceremony called the Rite of the Step- Symbols of Avandra might be made of stone, wood, dra as a strong, daring female who rewards forthright ping Stone. leather, or bone. behavior. They refer to her as Thes Ilnnen, a formal At this event, all followers of Avandra in atten- These holy symbols are utilitarian and never Draconic phrase meaning “unwavering female.” dance take turns stepping upon a large, flat runestone ostentatious. The faithful dislike the idea of using pre- Given their race’s past foibles, honor blessed by Avandra. There they renew their faith cious metals or gemstones in their symbols, because Avandra’s support of change for the better. After all, and declare their intentions for the coming year, these materials can be better used to purchase goods if anyone or anything can change, so too can the tief- with the caveat that intentions could be changed by or services for those in need or to finance further lings shrug off their collective past and create a better reality. Once a follower’s declaration is finished, he travels. Even those who craft magic holy symbols future for themselves. or she takes a long stride off the Stepping Stone as a create simple implements bereft of expensive metaphorical representation of his or her continuing material. journey on the Ever-Forking Path. Holy Sites Temples dedicated to Avandra are rare. The most The Traveler’s Journal Avandra well known is the Temple of the Fates, in which Each of Avandra’s followers keeps a personal jour- Embraces All worshipers of Avandra, Ioun, and the Raven Queen congregate to pay homage to the three gods of nal. Some faithful record facts in it. Others compose Though Avandra holds the race near and destiny. poems or songs. Still others pen sweeping prose, dear, she embraces all the intelligent and goodly races Small shrines to Avandra, on the other hand, are connecting the entirety of the journal in a grand, of the world. Given this fact and her dominion over plentiful along major roadways and less traveled epic tale. many aspects of life, Avandra’s faith is among the paths all over the world. Travelers, trade caravans, When they congregate, followers recite the stories most widespread in the world. pilgrims, and adventurers stop at these shrines to rest of their adventures while enjoying fine ale and a see Avandra in a particular light. Her and pray for continued safety in their travels and suc- hearty meal. Sometimes, a group performs a mum- “adoption” of their race marks her as more than a cess in their coming endeavors. mer’s play based on the accomplishments of a guest of goddess—she is a mother. They call her “Our Mother” Every major city boasts a shrine to Avandra near honor or a recently deceased member of the faith. as a sign of respect for the guidance she offers them. the main gate of the city. Smaller towns and villages, Because humans are the most widely traveled of particularly those on the edges of civilization, often Vestments and the races, they see Avandra’s dominion over travel as contain shrines as well. Holy Symbols important to them. Regardless of its location, a shrine to Avandra is a Elves and eladrin honor Avandra for her unwaver- Members of the faith do not have a specific uniform. simple structure, composed of a single standing stone ing belief in freedom and change. They call upon her Instead, followers of Avandra garb themselves in roughly 4 feet tall and 1 foot in diameter. The side regularly to bless their endeavors and ask for her help whatever is appropriate for their current travels and of the stone facing the nearest road or trail is etched to better their people. the climate. When possible, they sprinkle the colors with the symbol of Avandra. Followers who visit the Dwarf traders revere Avandra as the godly agent of Avandra—green and brown—into clothing that oth- shrine ensure that green and brown dyes cause the erwise doesn’t contain those colors. of trade. Dwarf followers of Avandra are among the

Apr il 2011 | Dragon 398 3 Channel Divinity: Avandra etchings to show up against the stone, making the Portents he anderer symbol visible from a distance. T W Given Avandra’s dominion over change, freedom, If a member of the faithful comes upon a shrine and travel, her worshipers see her hand at work in in the World in disrepair, he or she takes the time to fix the stone seemingly inconsequential events. Avandra doesn’t Most of the gods reside in their own realms dotted or sees to the crafting of another one if the existing provide signs that dictate specific actions. Instead, throughout the multiverse. Avandra, however, has no shrine is damaged beyond easy repair. Travelers in she alerts her faithful to change and the possibilities divine realm or palace. She calls the world her home, a hurry have been known to leave bags of coins with it represents. and she wanders with no apparent final destination complete strangers if those people promise to use the The following omens are ones that Avandra’s faith- in mind. funds to repair a damaged or dilapidated shrine. ful consider important. Given her travels, adventurers might meet Avan- Although Avandra doesn’t require sacrifices, par- F A feather held aloft by the wind in the presence dra at any time while adventuring. She can take any ticularly superstitious travelers burn small offerings of the viewer indicates a change is coming. guise, and those who encounter her likely do not real- on the tops of the standing stones, leaving the tops a A white feather predicts the end of a war or ize they are in the presence of the deity. bit charred. foretells of a period of prosperity. A dark feather Although paragon and epic tier adventurers have Many shrines also feature a secret hiding place indicates coming trouble. access to spells and magic items that allow them to near the base of the stone. These niches, collectively F A person bearing three parallel scars (similar to traverse the planes and seek audience with a deity, known as Fortune’s Cache, are hidden cunningly. the lines in Avandra’s holy symbol) is viewed as such capabilities do not aid someone seeking Avan- Only the faithful of the Avandra know of their exis- a likely unwitting agent of Avandra. Followers dra. Finding Avandra is a journey that relies more tence, though anyone who knows what to look for can should speak to such a person and heed what he on the follower’s insight, boldness, and faith than on find one. If a follower discovers a shrine that has no or she has to say. magic. cache, he or she can create one given enough time. F A follower who wakes to the sight of a young, Avandra’s faithful, even those in the heroic tier, Within the cache, followers of Avandra leave three-leafed plant knows that the day will be a can seek her out. Accomplishing such a goal can tokens to mark their visit, as well as spare items that good one and that he or she should pursue the take months or even years, since Avandra tests her other followers might find useful. A typical cache current path with greater vigor. Waking to the faithful to determine if they are truly worthy of gar- might contain a few dry rations, a snare kit, a fish- sight of buzzing insects or a snake is an ill omen; nering an audience with her. The specifics of a quest hook on a length of line, or a map of the area. The followers should be careful that day. to gain audience with Avandra are in the hands of faithful are free to take items they need, and those F Abrupt changes in weather also provide the DM. who have useful items they don’t need are expected to signs. The sudden end of a storm, followed leave them for future travelers to use. by a rainbow, hearkens to great deeds being performed in the area. A clear, calm day suddenly beset by high wind indicates that one should be wary of betrayal or loss. F One specific type of omen is more important than all these others. Witnessing a green and brown butterfly emerging from a cocoon signals that Avandra is nearby.

Apr il 2011 | Dragon 398 4 Channel Divinity: Avandra

Backgrounds Followers of Avandra come to the faith in myriad ways. The following are two ideas for how your char- Feats, Paragon Paths, and Epic Destinies acter first embraced Avandra’s teachings. Many options are available for followers of Avandra Paragon Path Source accidental Initiate: You had a happy child- in previously published material. The following list Cerulean Adept Player’s Handbook 3 hood that involved a lot of running and playing, and contains character options that are favored by fol- lowers of Avandra. Compassionate Healer Divine Power your parents were overjoyed that you were strong Flame of Hope Player’s Handbook 2 and healthy. When you came of age, you set out to Feat Source Guardian of the Living Gate Player’s Handbook 2 explore the world with wanderlust in your veins. Hospitaler Player’s Handbook Agile Opportunist Player’s Handbook 2 Pathfinder Player’s Handbook Over time, you fell in love with the freedom you Armored by Faith Divine Power Watchful Shepherd Divine Power experienced while on the road. But you never gave Avandra’s Rescue Player’s Handbook Wild Mage Player’s Handbook 2 much thought to worshiping Avandra. One fate- Battle Hardened Player’s Handbook 3 ful day, you happened upon a cleric espousing the Blessed Scoundrel Divine Power Epic Destiny Source Gritty Determination Player’s Handbook 3 virtues of Avandra, and you realized you were a fol- Avatar of Freedom Divine Power Improved Initiative Player’s Handbook lower without knowing it. Avatar of Hope Divine Power Indomitable Will Player’s Handbook 2 Associated Skills: Insight, Perception Chosen Divine Power Lucky Start Player’s Handbook 3 Associated Quests: Establish five new roadside Dark Wanderer Martial Power Reserve Maneuver Player’s Handbook 2 Eternal Seeker Player’s Handbook shrines to Avandra in distant locations and stock their Seize the Moment Player’s Handbook Glorious Spirit Player’s Handbook 2 hidden caches; blaze a trail into unexplored territory Skill Focus Player’s Handbook on another plane of existence; work with followers of Unfailing Vigor Player’s Handbook 3 Ioun and the Raven Queen to establish a new temple Unfettered Stride Player’s Handbook to all three deities of fate. Born in Avandra’s Presence: Avandra was pres- ent at your birth, though none knew that she was there. Hidden behind one of her many disguises, she was present for the moment your life began, and she touched you with a divine spark. Her touch imbues you with knowledge that you don’t truly understand, but this knowledge can guide you in your endeavors. Associated Skills: History, Religion Associated Quests: Compose and perform an enter- taining, inspiring epic poem about your exploits or those of another respected follower of Avandra; destroy a temple of Tiamat, Torog, or Zehir; bring freedom to people whose liberty has been stripped away by a tyrant or slave master.

Apr il 2011 | Dragon 398 5 Channel Divinity: Avandra

aragon ath bonus to speed and a +2 bonus to attack rolls, ability Divine Boon P P checks, and skill checks until the end of your next turn. Avandra bestows special blessings on those who Many heroes strive to be the pinnacle of boldness and avandra’s Favor (16th level): While you are exemplify her ideals. A follower of Avandra who has to embody the spirit of adventure. The following para- bloodied, you gain a +2 bonus to all defenses. gon path is available to those who worship Avandra and impressed the goddess might gain a divine boon that bolsters his or her confidence in future endeavors. who hope to become the quintessential adventurer. Exemplar of Avandra Powers Avandra’s Blessing Level 3+ Uncommon Exemplar of Avandra Exemplar of Avandra Attack 11 Forceful Response of Confidence “I am the living embodiment of Avandra’s spirit.” You channel Avandra’s energy to strike back at a foe that has Individuals blessed by Avandra gain an indomitable confi- wounded you, emboldening your future actions against this foe. dence in their own capabilities, allowing them to call upon Prerequisite: Must worship Avandra Encounter F Divine, Force, Implement their inner strength to augment themselves. Immediate Reaction Ranged 5 Lvl 3 680 gp Lvl 18 85,000 gp Trigger: An enemy within 5 squares of you hits you with an Lvl 8 3,400 gp Lvl 23 4250,000 gp The life of an adventurer is a life of extremes. attack. Lvl 13 17,000 gp Lvl 28 2,125,000 gp Target: The triggering enemy Although you stare death (or worse) in the face on Alternative Reward: Divine Boon Attack: Wisdom vs. Reflex a regular basis while serving Avandra, you also Property: You gain resist 5 to all damage against opportunity Hit: 2d6 + Wisdom modifier force damage, and you knock the attacks. embrace everything else life has to offer. target prone. Additionally, the target grants combat advan- Level 13: Resist 10. You find joy in sharing a hearty meal in the tage to you until the end of your next turn. Level 23: Resist 15. company of friends both old and new. You hunt Property: You gain a +1 item bonus to saving throws against and fish as needed and enjoy the world around you. Share Avandra’s Favor Exemplar of Avandra effects that render you dazed, dominated, immobilized, You delight in journeying to a previously unknown Utility 12 restrained, slowed, or stunned. Level 13: +2 item bonus. You grant Avandra’s favor to one of your friends. land, whether the journey is safe and quick or filled Level 23: +3 item bonus. with peril. When danger draws near or when those Encounter F Divine around you are in need, you don’t hesitate to spring Minor Action Close burst 10 About the Author Target: One bloodied ally in the burst Craig Campbell is a long-time follower of Avandra. Four into action, calling upon Avandra as your greatest Effect: Until the end of your next turn, the target gains a +4 years ago, he left the frigid North and blazed a personal trail ally. Regardless of the situation, you embrace life with power bonus to all defenses. into the South, establishing a shrine to Avandra in Marietta, unbridled confidence and optimism, and you accept Georgia. He encourages all travelers to worship Avandra in the inevitable challenges you face with equanimity. Bold Invitation Exemplar of Avandra Attack 20 the beaming light and suffocating heat of the Georgia sun, All these joys fill your heart to brimming, and you You blast a foe with divine energy, forcing it to meet you in which is different from Pelor’s sun. praise Avandra for the opportunity to live an adven- battle and bolstering yourself with Avandra’s protection. turous life filled with beauty and peril. Daily F Divine, Implement, Radiant, Teleportation Standard Action Ranged 10 Target: One creature Exemplar of Avandra Path Features Attack: Wisdom vs. Fortitude Bold Step (11th level): Whenever you use a move Hit: 4d8 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage, and you can teleport the target to a square adjacent to you. action to shift, you can shift 1 extra square. Miss: Half damage, and you pull the target up to 2 squares. Exemplar Action (11th level): When you spend Effect: You gain a +2 bonus to all defenses against attacks an action point to take an extra action, you gain a +2 made by the target until the end of your next turn.

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