Tempus
Lord of Battles, Foehammer
war, battle, warriors

Tempus is random in his favor; he may be on an army's side one day and against them the next; such is the nature of war. He doesn't win battles - he helps the deserving warrior win battles. He sometimes appears on the battlefield; if he appears to an army riding on Veiros, that army will be victorious. If he appears on Deiros, they will lose. Most often, he appears with one foot on either horse. Tempus is venerated by all warriors, and is a strong, robust, exuberant god. He loves food, drink and the hunt, but loves battle best. Although mighty and profoundly honorable in battle, he answers to his own warrior's code, and pursues no long-term alliance among the other gods. He has never been known to speak, instead communicating his will through dead warriors. He is thought to manifest through the valiant dead who serve him, eagles, badgers, war horses, war dogs, panthers, tigers, special weapons, the ghosts of dead battle companions, and items made of steel. Tempus is depicted as giant in battered and bloodied plate armor, his gaze a palpable force despite his massive war helm. He bears massive silver-bladed weapons, blackened and battle-worn, and the god's blood is said to burn like acid, while the blood of his mounts grants mortals strength. Priests of Tempus gain proficiency with all martial weapons. The faith uses military ranks. The faithful are charged to arm all who need to do battle, even foes. They should never avoid battle, but should retreat from hopeless fights. It's better to end the conflict with a single blow than to allow it to drag on. They must defend what they believe in, and remember the fallen. Above all, they should disparage no foe and respect all. The clergy are charged to keep war a thing of rules, respected reputation, and professional behavior. Training for battle must be promoted. The crimes of warriors who employ craven and unworthy tactics should be made to atone or perish, and their crimes publicized far and wide. They must preserve the names of the fallen, both on markers, in prayers and in an annual chant at the March of the Dead, and collect and venerate the weapons and armor of famous and respected warriors. One must pray over one's weapon before entering battle. Clergy perform at least two ceremonies a day: the Feast of Heroes at highsun and the Song for the Fallen at sunset.The anniversary of great battles are the holy days of the Church.

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