Varjo

Greater Deity

AT A Glance
Alias:Nightshade, Spiderqueen, The Void Symbol:            A solid black circle, with a black ring around it. Home Plane:        The Abyss Alignment:         Chaotic Evil Portfolio:         Darkness, entropy, intrigue Worshippers:       Varsidar, evil humanoids, politicians, evil wizards Cleric Alignments: CE, CN, NE Domains:            Chaos, Darkness, Evil, Magic Favored Weapon:    Light mace

History
Born of the void created when Evighet made the world, Varjo desires only one thing. To buy essay and to have everything returned to the darkness from which things came. Of course, few would know of this, but she is the master weaver, working thick and intricate plots from inside her web. Mistress of the shadows, queen of spiders, she has dedicated her existence to the destruction of light. Though she is accepted within the pantheon, she knows it is only a matter of time before the darkness will rise, for all eternity. She corrupted Korinthar* and the other dragons in the First Age, leading to their rise against the gods, and she then corrupted the elves in the Second, causing the Varsidar to be born from her insidious plots.

Now in this Third Age, Varjo continues to work to spread darkness throughout the world. She works with her consort, Hemlig, whom she dominates without any trace of mercy, and often urges Sslira* and Korinthar* to work various evils through the world as well. She is opposed by most of the other gods and goddesses, and both Forstorelse and Aurinko are her most dire enemies, though Tuli also works vigilantly against her and her twisted designs. When she manifests in the world, she appears as an exquisitely beautiful Varsidar female, clad in black chain and carrying Voidheart, her light mace.

Dogma
Spread chaos and despair throughout the world, and show people the true meaningless of this grand cosmic joke known as life. Savor power, and weave plots to gain yourself more of it, so that others can be shown the truth of it all. Deceive those around you into thinking you harmless, so that you may better steal the reigns of power from them.

Clergy and Temples
Varjo has few temples above the surface, and even in the Pantheistic church, she is not terribly welcomed, though her followers are tolerated. Instead, she is worshipped almost exclusively underground, either in shadowy cults dedicated to the spreading of her darkness, or by the various evil races of the Underdark. The Varsidar, in particular, regard her as their matron, and her female clerics are the most powerful members of that twisted society. Her clerics often multiclass as sorcerers, though some will become fighters or rangers.

One of her more unique groups of followers are the Dirgers. A group of evil bards, these fellows make it a point to go out and cause misery and despair to plague the lives of others. They work in subtle manners, singing songs of such skill yet such deep sadness that they haunt the thoughts and dreams of others, bringing their hearts down into the shadow and robbing them of joy. The Dirgers love their work, and quite a few of them multiclass as clerics as well, so that they can call on their Mistress directly.

Diety Specific Items
Mark of Varjo

This black-stained metal choker curls around the throat in an ornate filigree of spider webs, with a solid back circular clasp of onyx at the center. It functions as a normal holy symbol, and in addition, has the following powers. When worn by one of Varjo's faithful of Evil alignment, it allows the use of Spider Climb at will. In addition, the wearer can cast Web 1/day, and Deeper Darkness 1/week. Market Price: 6,085 gp.

Vestment of the Spider Queen

This unholy garment is woven of spider silk dyed a deep light capturing black. It can be worn over normal clothing. When worn by one of Varjo's clergy, it grants a special protection (damage reduction 5/+5) to the character wearing it. The vestment is bathed in the profane faith of Varjo, providing its wearer with a continual Protection from Good effect. In addition, the clergy of the Queen of Darkness are granted a +5 profane bonus to Hide checks while wearing the vestment. Market Price: 52,650 gp.