 Ao
| |
|---|---|
| Alias(es): | The Overgod, Lord Ao, the Hidden One |
| Power: | Overgod |
| Pantheon: | Faerûnian pantheon |
| Symbol: | None |
| Alignment: | True neutral |
| Cleric alignment: | None |
| Portfolio: | Creation of deities, maintenance of cosmic balance, portfolio distribution |
| Worshippers: | Technically anyone |
| Domains: | |
| Favoured weapon: | Longsword |
| Allies: | None |
| Enemies: | None |
While the inhabitants of the Realms are aware of Ao's existence, there is little reason for them to call on him or seek his words of wisdom which would be unforthcoming in any case.
Before the Time of Troubles, the question of who the gods answered to was a philosophical conundrum better suited to sages than priests. During the coming of the Avatars, however, it was revealed that the powers themselves had a deity, or at least a more powerful power who had the ability to chasten and punish them for their actions. This entity is Ao (AY-oh). He was present during the Time of Troubles, yet since that time has retreated to his home plane, dimension, or existence, and has not responded to mortal entreaties since (though one paladin claims to have seen him in a vision). While the inhabitants of the Realms are aware of Ao’s existence, there is little reason for them to call on him or seek his words of wisdom, which would be unforthcoming in any case. Ao is the only over-power in Realmspace. Ao lies beyond the bounds of the rankings of deities’ powers in any way. He is considered to be more powerful than any other power and all powers combined. Ao has little concern for day-to-day mortal life, but he regards the powers of the Realms as his creations. He requires no worshipers and grants no spells to mortals. It is doubtful that he even listens to mortal prayers or pleas. He serves as a watcher and a guardian over the Realms from outside of its cosmos.
The Church
Immediately following the Time of Troubles, cults grew up that worshiped Ao directly. These cults appeared suddenly and then evaporated just as quickly when it became clear that Ao did not answer prayers, offer protection, or grant spells to faithful priests. Direct worship of Ao has subsided, save for a cult in Waterdeep. The group in Waterdeep tends to behave more like a debating society than a church, and its members act in accordance with the tenets they believe Ao espoused by seeking to maintain the balance among the various deities and their faiths. The established faiths of Faerûn do not see any reason to speak out against or act against the cult of Ao, because they do not fear it. Their high priests have been informed by their deities that Ao does not interact with mortals. Cult members and ministers receive no spells or special powers at all from Ao. The cult of Ao has no priests. Cults of Ao which do receive spells or special powers are not truly cults of Ao, and their abilities are being supplied by another deity or through the clever use of magical items.
Dogma
Most doctrinal discussions of the Waterdhavian cult of Ao are partially or totally phrased as questions. These include: Ao is the over-power, but what does that mean, really? Does Ao worship someone? What would that being’s function be? If Ao did not create the Realms, only the powers of the Realms, then who did — if anyone? Some cults of Ao are more activist and feel that it is their responsibility to ensure that all faiths in the Realms actively support the assigned portfolios of their deities
Day-to-Day Activities
Most of the activities of the cult center around debating the meaning of Ao’s nature, what he said during his sole appearance during the Time of Troubles, and whether he serves another over-overpower himself.
Holy Days/Important Ceremonies
On Gods’ Day, a Waterdhavian holiday on the 15th day of Marpenoth celebrating the anniversary of the end of the Godswar (and the day when Lord Ao appeared on Mount Waterdeep), a day-long party is sponsored by the cult of Ao in the Cynosure in Waterdeep. The celebration is followed by a solemn evening prayer service.
Major Centers of Worship
Ao’s cult raised a temple to Ao in Waterdeep called the Temple of the Overgod Ao, but when Ao continued to prove indifferent to worshipers, the building was renamed the Cynosure. It now serves as a public forum and rental hall.
Priestly Vestments
The ceremonial garb of the ministers (not priests) of Ao is black trousers and shirt over which is worn a long, flowing robe of black dotted with either white spots or jeweled spangles. Ao has no holy symbol. Ministers of Ao wear whatever is currently in fashion, appropriate for the weather, or suited to their profession when they are not holding services.