Raven
by Marco Dalmonte English translation by Gary DaviesPatron of Good Luck, Patron of Jokes and Fun, Master of Guile
Level, Alignment, Sphere: 7th (Temporal), CN, Thought
Symbol: a black crow with spread wings seen from above
Portfolio: good luck, fun, jokes, games, guile, pranks, halflings
Worshipped in: Alphatia, Known World (Five Shires), Serraine
Appearance: an old but active halfling who wears showy clothes, with sparkling eyes and malicious look that only promises trouble, short blond hair streaked with grey and a face full of wrinkles, despite his body he is still healthy and vigorous.
History: in his mortal life, Falcho Fallowguard known as the Raven was a halfling from the flying city of Serraine who never took anything serious, not even his quest for Immortality. Perennially blessed with luck, all his life was an unending anthem to recklessness, in search of adventure and fun, always relying on his instincts, guile or chance and never plans anything. After decades spent among the skies in his favourite Serraine and among the lands of the Known World to bring disorder (in particular in the Five Shires), Falcho by chance during his journey came across the legend of the Epic Hero pointed to in the writings of a sage in some books that he had recently stolen from the library of a Thyatian mage. He subsequently literally slammed against an Immortal on the peak of a mountain where he was trying to recover some of his property, lost while travelling through clouds on the back of a friendly dragon. Tyche was affected to such an extent by his boastful attitude and his luck that she wanted to propel him on the path of Immortality. During his research Falcho continued to be blessed with luck, since the deeds to which he was called to achieve turned out to be child’s play for him, so that Tyche, amused beyond measure, welcomed him among the Immortals in the IV century AC.
Personality: The Raven is not at all interested in the problems of Mystara and doesn’t want anything to do with the obligations that normally relevant to an Immortal. He doesn’t ignore the orders of his superiors, but every time finds an excuse by seeming busy and avoids them, he never losing the occasion to infringe the rules. What he nevertheless prefers is to exploit his sense of humour in order to play practical jokes and make fun of the other Immortals, in particular those too serious, and in this he has good allies both in Cretia (who often participates in his digressions) and in Korotiku. The Raven doesn’t practice jokes and tricks for malice or with spitefulness, but merely for enlivening an otherwise too placid and boring life, and this is exactly the philosophy that he teaches his followers. Furthermore, due to his incredible luck, he is worshipped especially as patron of good luck, and for this it often amuses him to take in turn Tourlain, eternally unlucky and his preferred target, who is also under the protection of Tyche for the unknown will of the bandaged goddess. His cult is popular in the Five Shires, among the Alphatian halflings and in the flying city of Serraine.
Patron: unknown [presumed: Tyche]
Allies: Tyche, Cretia, Korotiku
Enemies: none (playful rivalry with Tourlain)
Alignment of followers: Neutral or Chaotic; clerics must be Chaotic
Favourite weapon: none (allowed all bludgeoning weapons)
Clerics’ skills and powers: free acrobatics and taunt skills
Domains: Thought, Chaos, Luck, Deceit
Preferred weapon: sling
Source: IM3