Lord of Magic, Scribe of the Gods, the Keeper of Knowledge
Intermediate Deity
Symbol: Ankh above an ibis head
Home Plane: Heliopolis
Alignment: Neutral
Portfolio: Neutral magic, scribes, knowledge, invention, secrets
Worshippers: Loremasters, scribes, those who craft magic items, wizards
Cleric Alignments: CN, N, NE, NG, LN
Domains: Crafts, Knowledge, Magic, Rune, Spell
Favoured Weapon: “Knowledge Keeper” (Quarterstaff)
Thoth (thoth) is one of the oldest deities of the Mulhorandi pantheon, and he is also one of the most vigorous and creative. He is very intellectual and rarely displays great shows of emotion except when engaged in a heated academic debate. He speaks in clipped, efficient phrases, and is an elitist towards those he considers “uncultured barbarians” (a category that includes most foreigners). He has been given credit for the creation of many of Mulhorand’s unique magic items and its experiments with technology, which have caused significant, but gradual cultural changes over the centuries.
The church of Thoth is organized in a strict hierarchy, although individuals are free to pursue almost any course of inquiry. Thothians spend several hours each morning studying. They spend most afternoons researching magics, serving as scribes, clerks or librarians for the church or the state or teaching the young. Particularly pious young clerics often spend their evenings assisting the poor and unschooled as scribes and tutors. Traditionally, the contents of any message written by a scribe of Thoth is held in strictest confidence as a religious trust between the scribe and the person who dictated the message. Scribes do not typically deliver messages; that is a job for messengers.
Clerics of Thoth pray for their spells at dawn, prior to a new day of invention and discovery. The clergy of Thoth inscribe their deity’s symbol at the top of each page of papyrus before writing anything else on that page. Prior to undertaking any major task requiring engineering, writing or magical skill, Thoth’s faithful draw the symbol of Thoth on the backs of their hands and over their hearts. In general, the clergy of Thoth put less emphasis on excessive pageantry and ceremony than most other clergy of Mulhorand; they regard most of it as a waste of valuable time. During the winter and summer solstices, clerics of Thoth are required to fast for an entire day and then immerse in an icy bath. The Ceremony of Introspection, as this is known, symbolizes their desire for true understanding and their re-emergence into the world with a clear head and invigorated heart. Many clerics multi-class as arcane devotees, loremasters or wizards. They turn rather than rebuke undead.
Thoth is one of the oldest deities of the Mulhorandi pantheon, second only to Ra (now dead) and Geb. He is allied with Horus-Re, Isis and Osiris, and works to oppose Set. In recent years, he has forged contacts with like-minded gods of Faerûnian pantheon as well, including Azuth, Deneir, Gond, Oghma, Mystra and Savras.
Learn all you can and help to spread wisdom throughout the world. Research magic, protect the secrets of Thoth and spread magic throughout Mulhorand. Explore new invention and better ways of doing things, pushing the limits of engineering, architecture and magic item construction. Protect Mulhorand from the traitorous Red Wizards of Thay and undermine their efforts at every possible turn. Use weaponry as little as possible, for magic is your weapon.
Source: Faiths and Pantheons (Page 147)