Al'Akbar (Greyhawk Action)

Greyhawk Action!

(High Cleric, Restorer of Righteousness), LG demigod of Guardianship, Faithfulness, Dignity, and Duty

A title meaning simply "the great", Al’Akbar was a prophet that led the Baklunish after the invoked devastation, helping them survive as a people and to maintain their traditions and lore. His faith is the most popular, especially among city people.

Al'Akbar (ahl AHK-bar) first came to prominence in the days following the Invoked Devastation, when he was called by the gods of the Paynims to restore the Baklunish people to the path of righteousness and dignity. In earnest of this mission, he was given the fabled Cup and star-shaped Talisman that now bear his name. He taught that true religion must include proper devotion to the gods, protection of the community, and guidance of the faithful. Eventually, he caused his own mosque to be constructed and allowed his followers to call upon his name in their prayers, soon thereafter ascending to take his place among the gods, although he remains a demigod out of respect for the rest of the pantheon. His symbol is an image of the Cup and Talisman artifacts.

Be as a vessel of kindness and emblem of devotion, for the righteous man is both steadfast and merciful. Be not as the untutored infidel, but rather heed your superiors, and submit to their wisdom and guidance. Let the faithful strive always to nurture the seed of Good in the soil of Law, that by doing so they are received into the Garden of Al'Akbar.

The faith of Al'Akbar dominates the Baklunish culture with its sense of community and propriety. They teach Baklunish as the language of poetry and learning; they are generally well disposed toward other faiths that use the classical language in their liturgy.

Two historical branches of this faith exist, the Exhalted Faith and the True Faith. More obscure divisions exist among Paynim dervishes. Clerics of both types hold office as ministers, judges, scholars and teachers in civil government, while also serving as healers, advisers and guardians for the military. Adventuring clerics are tolerant of infidels, though they are still expected to uphold the ideals of the faith. The wandering clergy may travel to any land in search of the Cup and Talisman of Al'Akbar. Ritual prayers may be made at dawn and dusk.

The followers of the Exalted Faith recognize the supremacy of the holy caliph (the ruler of Ekbir); they are masters of rhetoric and diplomacy, with high regard for academic achievement. Clerics of the Exalted Faith usually bear the title of qadi, and tend toward lawful good or neutral good.

Followers of the True Faith defer to the authority of the grand mufti of the Yatils, taking a more fundamental approach to religion that emphasizes hard work, plain speech, and obedience. Clerics of the True Faith are called mullahs, and strongly favor lawful neutral.

Action Domains: Force, Life, Light, Order, Spiritual.

Pathfinder Domains: Good, Healing, Law, Nobility, Protection.