What Deities are in D&D? A Comprehensive Guide to Gods and Powers
Deities in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) are powerful, immortal beings who hold significant sway over the various planes of existence. Often referred to as gods, powers, or patrons, these entities are a cornerstone of the D&D universe, deeply influencing the world’s lore, culture, and player characters’ (PCs) abilities. They are heavily inspired by the polytheistic mythos of ancient real-world religions, like the Norse and Greek pantheons, but are creatively reimagined for the fantasy setting. A key distinction is that deities in D&D are not just distant figures; they actively involve themselves in mortal affairs, offering guidance, blessings, and sometimes, curses. Understanding D&D deities is crucial, as they drive the motivations of clerics, paladins, and other classes, shaping the narrative of the game and enriching the overall experience. Unlike real-world religions, D&D gods are provable in their existence and their powers, making their presence undeniably felt in the world.
The Nature of D&D Deities
Immortality and Power
Deities in D&D are, by definition, immortal beings, although the specifics of their immortality can vary between settings. Their power far surpasses that of mortal creatures, allowing them to manipulate the elements, command hordes of followers, and even alter reality itself. While gods generally cannot be killed by conventional means, they can be weakened or imprisoned. A deity’s strength often correlates with the number and devotion of their followers. A god with many ardent followers is typically more powerful than one with only a few.
Domains and Portfolios
Each deity is associated with one or more domains or portfolios, which are spheres of influence over which they exert power. These portfolios can range from tangible aspects of the world, such as fire, water, or the sun, to more abstract concepts, like knowledge, justice, or death. A deity’s domain defines their areas of expertise and also influences the type of magic that their clerics and paladins can wield. For example, a deity of the sea might grant their followers control over water and wind magic, while a deity of war would offer martial and strategic abilities.
Pantheon Diversity
The D&D world is home to numerous pantheons, each representing a distinct cultural or racial group. While there are common threads, such as the concept of good versus evil, each pantheon has its own unique structure, hierarchical relationships, and internal conflicts. These differences are important and add depth to the game world, offering distinct narrative and roleplaying opportunities. The most common pantheons are found in settings like the Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk. Some of the pantheons are for specific races like dwarves or elves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About D&D Deities
1. How many deities are there in D&D?
The number of deities in D&D is vast and varies greatly depending on the specific setting. Greyhawk, for example, boasts over 100 deities. Wizards of the Coast selected a subset of iconic deities for core D&D use, streamlining things somewhat. However, with numerous campaign settings available, the count easily goes into the hundreds. There is not a definitive number as it is continuously growing.
2. What is a deity, god, or power in D&D?
These terms are largely interchangeable in D&D. They all refer to immortal beings of immense power who possess a sphere of influence and are worshipped by mortals. They are all sources of divine magic and greatly affect the D&D world.
3. Are there gods in all D&D settings?
Yes, gods exist in virtually all D&D settings, including the Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk, Eberron, and many others. While some settings might use different terms or have different interpretations of the divine, the fundamental concept of powerful immortal beings influencing the world remains constant.
4. Who is the deity of protection in D&D?
Helm, known as the Vigilant One or the Watcher, is the primary deity of protection in many D&D settings. He is the god of guardians, protectors, and those who stand between the world and its dangers.
5. Who is the deity of pain in D&D?
Loviatar is the Faerûnian intermediate goddess of pain and torture. She is often associated with the darker aspects of suffering and manipulation.
6. Who is the god of witchcraft in D&D?
Hecate is often associated with witchcraft, though this varies in different D&D settings. She is a deity of abundance, magic, and the moons and is sometimes seen as an interloper deity from another plane.
7. Is it okay for Christians to play D&D?
Absolutely. D&D is a game of make-believe with no requirement to reflect real-world beliefs. The game’s deities are purely fictional, and there is no element of devil worship. Any individual, including Christians, can enjoy it.
8. Who is the strongest god in D&D?
While strength can be subjective, Oghma, the god of knowledge, is often considered among the most powerful. This is because knowledge in D&D is often associated with power. Other deities, like those commanding elements or ruling regions, may seem more powerful at face value, but it is thought knowledge ultimately makes one the strongest.
9. Is Cthulhu in D&D?
Originally, the Cthulhu mythos deities were included in an early edition of D&D. This was a controversial decision as the intellectual property of these deities was not owned by D&D and they were later removed.
10. Who is the cannibalism deity in D&D?
Karaan is associated with cannibalism in D&D, although it appears to be a minor and unusual aspect of his domain. His inclusion as a god of cannibalism seems to be an oddity in the mythology.
11. Who is the greed deity in D&D?
Abbathor is the intensely greedy deity of D&D. He is the god of avarice and desires valuables to a sensual degree.
12. Who is the deity of air in D&D?
Akadi is the embodiment of the element of air, also referred to as the Queen of Air. She is the goddess of elemental air, speed, and flying creatures.
13. Who are the three evil gods in D&D?
The Dead Three, or Dark Gods, are a collective of death-themed deities: Bane (Lord of Darkness), Bhaal (Lord of Murder), and Myrkul (Lord of Bones). These were powerful mortals who sought godhood.
14. Who is the god of all Dragons in D&D?
Bahamut, the God of Dragons or the Lord of the North Wind, is a child of the dragon god Io. He is the main god of the metallic dragons.
15. Who is the god of death in D&D?
Kelemvor, also known as the Lord of the Dead and Judge of the Damned, is the god of death in the Forgotten Realms. He maintains the order and peace of the dead.
Conclusion
The deities of D&D are integral to the rich tapestry of its worlds. They are more than just figures of worship; they are active participants in the unfolding story, influencing the fate of mortals and shaping the very fabric of reality. By understanding their roles, domains, and interactions, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the game’s lore and find new avenues for roleplaying and adventure. The vast array of gods and powers offers nearly limitless possibilities for creative and captivating gameplay experiences, demonstrating just how important and well-realized the gods in D&D are.