Japeth - High Paladin, Lord of Protection, God of Courage

This was the first of the deities codes that I created for one of my games. A long time ago... I had a good player, but he always seemed to stretch what he could when running his paladin which caused many of the other players frustration. I wrote the code, and said that it was up to him to interpret him, but that I expected him to keep it. He did and always did a good job, and stepped up to game it in a good, consistent and fun way. It worked so well, I eventually wrote the codes as brief belief outlines for my other good aligned gods.

Japeth - God of Courage

Alignment: Lawful Good
Follower's Alignment: Any non-chaotic & non-evil
Associated Colour: Orange
Holy Days: Every Month or once a Tenday
Sacrifice: Tithe (10%) or twenty days of service every year
Patron: Paladin, Lawyers, Scribes, Politicians, Soldiers
Familiar Form: Tiger, Orange Fox
Domains: Good, Law, Protection, War
Prohibited Domains: Chaos, Darkness, Destruction, Evil, Madness, Trickery
Followers Titles: Paladin, Defender, Knight, Orange Sash Knight, General


God of Courage. High Paladin. Lord of the Holy. The sword and the shield. The protector. The ever-vigilant. These are the names for Japeth, the High Lord Paladin, defender of the weak. He is a hero, always willing to sacrifice himself for the greater cause. He is also brother to Cush, the Chaotic Evil Lord of bloodshed and murder, and always they fight in a eternal struggle. Yet, there are stories told of many adventures they undertook together

He is the patron of paladins, and all warriors who risk their lives to protect someone else. He is the celestial general and just as others follow him, so too his followers lead other mortals. Yet, unlike many mortals, Japeth knows he is a leader in wartime, and is a steadfast servant to His queen – Quanna. Studied experts also revere the High Lord, as they know that generals don't just lead because of grace or charm, but work and dedication to a cause.

Orange is the most often worn colour for his faithful, it represents tenacity of purpose. Many times, the devoted wear trim of gold, green, purple or brown to show their unity with other faiths. Perhaps because of the great devotion that mortal paladins show Japeth, he constantly tries to show his own willingness to serve others for he leads by example, an important tenet in the faith.

His familiar form is that of a tiger, large, strong and brave. It appears when invoked, ready to guard an important paladin or cleric. Often, they come not during battle, but in times of supposed safety, to remind the faithful that they must always be ready. These forms can be sent to the faithful, but do not remain under the command of a paladin, always to a cleric, and usually to someone protecting a holy site. An orange-tailed or a fully orange fur-skin animal is a common familiar type, that suddenly appears serving someone of the faith.

His avatar is a paladin, in full plate armor, and a golden vorpal sword; ready to strike down evil. They say few words, but may lead the faithful in a battle song. They stand in front of a leader, and will defend them at any cost. When accompanied by at least a dozen faithful, he can sing a song of sharpness, giving all other warriors within 200 feet of him, remarkable abilities with their own swords. At the battle of Thoresh, he slew avatars to both Keran and Cush; yet he fell from the massive damage inflicted by a greater tyrant.


Japeth’s Code
Remember, lead by example
Show honour to all
Obey the law
Protect the weak, our charge
Enforce the rules
And not your beliefs
Respect the enemy
But never let them see doubt
For we are brave, strong and true
Go in the name of Japeth
He will protect you, Always

Blue Bees of Boreth

On Nyssa, all healing magics have a blue colour, and some experts believe it was the use of these blue potions from the blue bees that created the first association.

Blue Bees of Boreth
Dimunitive Outsider (Swarm)

Init:                      +6
HD:                     40hp (9d8+0 con) 
Speed:                 Fly 60 (E)
AC                      20 (+2 size, +6 Dex, +2 natural), touch 18, flat-footed 14 
BAB +14           CMB -1      CMD 16
Attack: Swarm (2d6)+
SA:                      Buzzing as Distraction (17)
SQ:                      Immune to Poison, Swarm traits
Saves: F +6, R +11, W +6
Abilities: S 1, D 22, Co 10, In 7, W 12, Ch 10
Skills: Perception +17
Feats: Alertness, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes
Environment: Spirelands (Bor-Vessan Region)
Organization: Rave (5-7 Swarms)
CR: 4
Treasure: None
Alignment: Neutral
Advancement: None

The blue bees are infamous in the Boreth Spireland region for many reasons, primarily because of the blue honey made from there nectar. Unlike other kinds of bees, they do not have a poisonous sting, but they do significant damage because of their numbers. Few other creatures would dare hold these creatures prisoner, their buzzing sound drives men insane.

Bee farmers from the region discovered that the buzzing could be countered by concentration, they train their young men to ignore the damning buzz, and it is these few that harvest the blue nectar. These bottles of blue honey are usually sold for 50 crowns (g.p.) but some of the more elaborate bottles can go for much higher. Druids often use the blue honey for components for many potions and elixirs.

Buzzing: Their constant buzzing is maddening, those who hear it must save vs Will 17 or go into a blind rage, unable to control their action and will do anything to get away from the sound.

Swarm: These bees inflict 2d6 on the first round. For each additional round, their attack inflicts +1d6 additional damage.