Lore of the Gods (d20)

By Steven Creech, Kevin Ruesch and Troye Grgurin. Additional design by Tim Hitchcock, Todd Laing and Kevin Melka

Shaina brushed the dust off her cloak as she stepped into the tent. There, sitting on a weathered rug, sat a frail man as old as any she had ever seen. He looked at her with a gaze that spoke volumes and left just as many unanswered questions. His eyes were almost hypnotic.

"Are you Annomen?" she asked respectfully.

"Indeed", he replied feebly, "and you are searching for that which should not be found. Go back and forget this folly. Leave the secrets where they are supposed to remain...hidden."

His answer stunned Shaina for a moment. Could he really know what her real purpose was? Was there more to this man than it seemed? Shaina crouched down and took Annomen's hand in her own and looked into those hypnotic eyes.

"Would you rather someone else found it? Someone not worthy who would use it for ill?"

For the first time she saw sadness in his eyes.

"Do you not think that the gods would take steps to ensure that did not happen? Is your faith weak?"

It was almost as if a door had closed between the two of them.

"No matter; I cannot dissuade from your quest. Outside you will find a ranger who will act as your guide and take you to the ruins. He will not go farther than that, nor will he remain there. His only duty is to guide you to that which you seek. It is up to you to find the way in."

Shaina thanked the man and moved to leave only to hear his whispered warning,

"Be careful what you seek. Knowledge from the gods isn't meant to be known by mere mortals. There are high prices that must be paid for such knowledge. You will likely not live to see the next new moon..."

Deities from literature and history have long had a place in fantasy campaigns. Egyptian, Greek, Norse and Mesopotamian pantheons all contribute to the lore, superstitions and cosmology that make fantasy roleplaying so popular. For the first time in print, these pantheons are presented for the d20 system in a completely Open Game Content format for the 3.5 revised edition rules. Learn about the gods themselves, their avatars, the divine artifacts they possess, and their interactions with other deities. Lore of the Gods breaks down the Egyptian, Greek, Norse and Mesopotamian mythologies into gaming terms that will enhance your campaign and provide new elements to incorporate into your world. Familiar deities, monsters and heroes grace the interior of this tome. In addition, new artifacts, prestige classes, domains, spells, templates, skills, feats and forbidden lore await discovery. The power of Zeus, the wisdom of Odin, the knowledge of Thoth, and the evil malice of Lilith all reside inside these pages. Do you dare unlock the secrets of the gods?

Shaina smiled a half smile and replied, "If that is the gods wish, then so be it. But it is possible I will succeed."

"Ah yes, child. But even if you do succeed, ultimately you will fail. I do not believe you understand this... yet."

"Then I will pay whatever they demand," she said as she walked out into the hot sun.

Annomen watched her depart while small flickers of lightning coursed across his eyes. He did everything he was allowed to do but yet it was not enough. She had a relatively pure soul, but it would not be enough to save her. Pity. Out of the many that came seeking the forbidden lore of the gods, he had liked her best. Still, there would be more. There were always mortals who believed they could outwit the gods and claim what they thought was rightfully theirs. Annomen's thoughts reached outward and found another heading in his direction. In a day or so he would arrive. Maybe this mortal would listen...

320 page b&w, softcover