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Baldr, The Radiant God of Light

Baldr, The Radiant God of Light
Midjourney
  • Pantheon: Norse Pantheon
  • Deity Title: Baldr, The Radiant God of Light
  • Deity Symbol: A shining sunburst
  • Home Plane: Asgard, Realm of the Gods
  • Deity Level: Greater Deity
  • Alignment: Lawful Good
  • Aliases: Baldur, Baldor
  • Superior: Odin, All-Father of the Gods
  • Traditional Allies: Freyr, Heimdall, Forseti
  • Traditional Foes: Loki, Hel, Fenrir
  • Divine Artifact: The Radiant Longsword, Sword of the Dawn
  • Servants: Divine Valkyries and Luminous Spirits
  • Servitor Creatures: Radiant Guardians and Celestial Hounds
  • Sacred Animal: White Dove
  • Manifestations: A halo of light, warm sunlight, gentle gusts of wind, divine glow
  • Signs of Favor: Unusual warmth during winter, sunrays breaking through clouds, divine blessings on crops
  • Worshipers: Warriors, healers, farmers, seekers of truth and justice
  • Cleric Alignments: Lawful Good, Neutral Good
  • Specialty Priests: Lightbringers, Healers of the Heart
  • Holy Days: Midsummer Festival, Feast of the Dawn
  • Portfolio: Light, Sun, Love, Peace, Healing
  • Domains: Life, Light, Nature, Protection
  • Favored Weapon: Radiant Longsword
  • Favored Class: Cleric
  • Favored Race: Humans, Elves
  • Duties of the Priesthood: Spreading hope, healing the wounded, tending to the sick, promoting peace
  • Major Cult/Temple Sites: Temple of the Luminous Sun (Asgard), Shrine of Eternal Dawn (Midgard)
  • Benefits: Divine healing, immunity to darkness effects, radiant resistance, blessings of protection and guidance.

Baldr, the radiant god of light, stands tall and majestic, his divine presence illuminating the realms of Asgard. His golden hair flows like the rays of the sun, cascading down his broad shoulders. His eyes are the color of the clearest sky, reflecting wisdom, compassion, and boundless joy. A radiant aura surrounds him, filling the air with warmth and hope.

Clad in resplendent armor woven from starlight and moonbeams, Baldr’s regal figure exudes an aura of invincibility. Each step he takes seems to leave a trail of blooming flowers and lush greenery in his wake, for he is the embodiment of life’s vibrancy and beauty.

Persona: Baldr’s persona is one of unwavering goodness and kindness. He is the epitome of love and compassion, extending his caring touch to all beings, divine or mortal. His laughter resonates like the gentlest of winds, and his voice carries the soothing melody of a celestial choir. A harbinger of joy and merriment, he brightens the spirits of those who are fortunate enough to encounter him.

Despite his divine status, Baldr is approachable and humble, treating all with respect and empathy. His radiant smile warms the hearts of the despairing, and his wisdom guides those seeking counsel. His boundless love for his fellow gods and mortals knows no bounds, making him a pillar of support and unity in the divine realms.

Bio: Baldr, the beloved son of Odin and Frigg, stands as a symbol of goodness and purity in Norse mythology. As the god of light and beauty, he illuminates the cosmos with his brilliance, bringing hope and inspiration to all. His purpose as a deity is to foster harmony and love among the inhabitants of the nine realms, bridging the divide between gods and mortals.

Baldr’s actions are driven by his desire to protect and preserve life. His benevolent nature compels him to strive for a world where peace reigns, and all beings can live in harmony. As the god of light, he battles against the forces of darkness, defending the realms from malevolent threats.

His tragic death serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of goodness in a world fraught with deceit and treachery. Yet, even in death, Baldr’s legacy lives on, inspiring others to cherish and uphold the values of love, compassion, and unity. As the embodiment of purity, he remains an everlasting beacon of hope and a symbol of the undying power of goodness amidst the shadows of the divine realms.

Baldr1
Midjourney

Medium Celestial (Deity), Lawful Good


Armor Class 30 (Divine Armor) Hit Points 700 (40d10 + 400) Speed 60 ft., fly 120 ft. (hover)


STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
302428263030

Saving Throws Str +20, Dex +17, Con +19, Wis +20, Cha +22 Skills Perception +20, Insight +20, Persuasion +22 Damage Immunities Radiant, Necrotic Condition Immunities Charmed, Frightened, Paralyzed, Stunned Senses Truesight 120 ft., Passive Perception 30 Languages All, telepathy 120 ft. Challenge 40 (700,000 XP)


Divine Aura. Baldr emits a radiant aura within 30 feet that grants immunity to fear and charm effects to allies and grants advantage on saving throws against them.

Divine Resilience. Baldr is immune to all damage types except for radiant damage.

Radiant Form. Baldr’s body radiates blinding light, and creatures that start their turn within 10 feet of him must succeed on a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the start of their next turn.

Divine Blessing. As a bonus action, Baldr can grant any willing creature within 60 feet temporary hit points equal to his current hit points. These hit points last until depleted or after a long rest.

Radiant Fury. Baldr’s weapon attacks are infused with radiant energy. Each hit deals an additional 10d10 radiant damage.

Divine Smite. When Baldr hits a creature with a melee weapon attack, he can expend a spell slot to deal an additional 8d8 radiant damage plus 2d8 radiant damage per level of the spell slot.

Legendary Resistance (5/Day). If Baldr fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Divine Sight. Baldr can see invisible and ethereal creatures within 120 feet of him as if they were visible and can see into the Ethereal Plane.

Divine Healing. Baldr regains 50 hit points at the start of his turn. If he takes radiant damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of his next turn.

Legendary Actions. Baldr can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Baldr regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

  • Radiant Strike. Baldr makes one weapon attack.
  • Divine Presence. Baldr casts a spell from his Divine Domains without using a spell slot.
  • Healing Touch. Baldr uses Divine Healing on a creature within 60 feet.

Divine Domains. Light, Life Spellcasting. Baldr is an 18th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 30, +22 to hit with spell attacks). He can cast the following spells:

  • Cantrips (at will): Light, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
  • 1st level (4 slots): Cure Wounds, Guiding Bolt, Healing Word
  • 2nd level (3 slots): Lesser Restoration, Zone of Truth
  • 3rd level (3 slots): Beacon of Hope, Daylight, Revivify
  • 4th level (3 slots): Death Ward, Guardian of Faith
  • 5th level (3 slots): Flame Strike, Mass Cure Wounds
  • 6th level (2 slots): Harm, Heal
  • 7th level (2 slots): Resurrection, Symbol
  • 8th level (1 slot): Holy Aura, Power Word Stun
  • 9th level (1 slot): Foresight, True Resurrection

Regional Effects of Baldr’s Presence

The presence of Baldr, the Shining God, in an area is accompanied by the following regional effects:

  1. Celestial Radiance: The entire region is bathed in a gentle, radiant glow, illuminating even the darkest corners. Darkness spells and effects are suppressed, and all creatures gain darkvision if they do not already have it.
  2. Blessing of Peace: Under Baldr’s influence, conflicts and hostilities are discouraged. Creatures within the region have advantage on Charisma saving throws to resist being charmed or frightened and are more inclined to seek peaceful resolutions.
  3. Healing Aura: The region is suffused with healing energy. All creatures gain advantage on saving throws against disease and gain the benefits of a short rest after every long rest. Additionally, plants and crops flourish, providing an abundant harvest.
  4. Divine Protection: Natural disasters and extreme weather conditions are less likely to occur within the region. Storms and extreme temperatures are suppressed, and the area experiences calm and mild weather.
  5. Beacon of Hope: Creatures within the region feel a sense of hope and inspiration. They gain advantage on Wisdom saving throws to resist fear effects and gain a +2 bonus to all attack rolls and saving throws while in the area.

These regional effects extend up to a radius of 1 mile from Baldr’s presence and last as long as he remains in the area. The effects are dispelled if Baldr is slain or if he chooses to end them.

Relationships with Other Gods. Baldr is the beloved son of Odin and Frigg, making him highly regarded among the gods. His close relationship with his brother, Thor, strengthens the bond among the Aesir gods. However, his death at the hands of Loki caused immense sorrow among the gods and marked a turning point in Norse mythology leading to Ragnarok, the apocalyptic battle.

Goals and Desires. Baldr’s primary goal is to ensure peace, harmony, and goodness among the gods and the mortal realms. He seeks to protect and guide the innocent, inspire courage and hope, and uphold justice and righteousness. Baldr’s ultimate desire is to prevent the catastrophic events of Ragnarok and maintain a world of prosperity and enlightenment for all.

Roleplaying Elements from
Deities & Demigods
By Rich Redman, Skip Williams, James Wyatt

The Lore of the Gods

Book Two: The Asgardians

Lead Designers Steven Creech and Kevin Ruesch Lead Editor Steven Schend Creative Director Jim Butler Art Director Todd Morasch
Illustrations Michael Nickovich Typesetter Joshua Gilchrist

Balder
Page 232 of Brown, Abbie Farwell (1902). “In the Days of Giants: A Book of Norse Tales” Illustrations by E. Boyd Smith. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. Author Elmer Boyd Smith

Balder (Aesir)
The Dying God; God of light and tears; God of peace, love and beauty
Intermediate Deity
Symbol:
Home Plane:
Asgard before death, Niflheim afterward
Alignment:
Neutral Good
Portfolio:
Good, Healing, Knowledge
Domain: Beauty, Light, Music, poetry, Renewal
Symbol: Golden Chalice
Traditional Allies: Nearly all of the Aesir
Traditional Foes: Loki, undead
Divine Artifact: Mace of Holy Brilliance
Favored Weapon: Mace
Worshipers: Bards, Gnomes
Cleric Alignments: CG, LG, NG
Favored Class:
Cleric
Favored Race:
Humans
Benefits: clerics of Balder gain an inherent +2 bonus to Turning Checks against undead.

Balder, whose name means ‘The Glorious,’ was the god of innocence, beauty, joy, purity, and peace, was the favorite of the gods, Odin‘s and Frigg’s second son and brother to Thor. Renowned for his beauty. Considered to be a very handsome and wise god, he was worshipped as the god of light because his was so great that light shined from within him. Balder led an idyllic life until he became troubled by ominous dreams. His wife is called Nanna and his son Forseti. Baldr has a ship, the largest ever built, named Hringham, and a hall, called Breidablik.

Apart from this gushing description Balder is known primarily for the myth surrounding his death. His death is seen as the first in the chain of events which will ultimately lead to the destruction of the gods at Ragnarok. Balder will be reborn in the new world, however, as foretold in the Völuspá. With this resurrection in mind, he is classified as a life-death-rebirth deity.

He was beloved by all the other gods. One night he had a dream foretelling his death (or his mother had the same dreams). Since dreams were usually prophetic, this depressed him. When he told the rest of the Aesir of this dream, they sought to protect him, his mother Frigg exacted an oath from fire and water, iron and all kinds of metals, stones, earth, trees, ailments, beasts, birds, poison, and serpents, every object on earth vow never to harm Balder.

All but one, an insignificant weed called the mistletoe, made this vow. Frigg had thought it too unimportant and nonthreatening to bother asking it to make the vow (alternatively, it seemed too young to swear). When Loki, the mischief-maker, heard of this, he made a magical spear from this plant (in some later versions, an arrow). He hurried to the place where the gods were gods delighted with Balder’s invulnerability and amused themselves by hurling objects at him, which would bounce off without harming him. Loki tricked Balder’s blind twin, the blind God Hod, into throwing a sharpened spear made of mistletoe at Balder, guiding Hod’s hand so it aimed at his brother’s heart. Thus inadvertently killing his brother with as it struck his heart and Balder died instantly. For this act, Odin and Rind had a child named Váli, who was born solely to punish Hod, who was slain.

Balder was ceremonially burnt upon his ship, Hringhorni, the largest of all ships. His wife, Nanna, died of grief and heartache at the news of his death threw herself on the funeral fire and was burned with him on the funeral boat to await the end of Ragnarok when she would be reunited with her husband . The dwarf Lit was kicked by Thor into the funeral fire and burnt alive. Balder’s horse with all its trappings was also burned on the pyre. The ship was set to sea by Hyrrokin, a giantess, who came riding on a Wolf and gave the ship such a push that fire flashed from the rollers and all the earth shook.

Upon Frigg’s entreaties, that someone journey to the underworld to ransom her son. Hermod the Brave, messenger of the gods, volunteered to go. Hermod rode to the Underworld to ask Hel to release Balder so he might live again. Hel agreed on the condition that all living things shed a single tear for him. And all did, except one giantess named Thokk (who was Loki in disguise) who refused to mourn the slain god and doomed Balder to his death. Thus Balder had to remain in the underworld, not to emerge until after Ragnarok, when he and his brother Hod would be reconciled and rule the new earth together with Thor’s sons.

When the gods discovered that the giantess had been Loki in disguise, they hunted him down and bound him to three rocks. Then they tied a serpent above him, the venom of which dripped onto his face. His wife Sigyn gathered the venom in a bowl, but from time to time she had to turn away to empty it, at which point the poison would drip onto Loki, who writhed in pain, thus causing earthquakes. He would free himself, however, in time to attack the gods at Ragnarok.

Legends of Ragnarok declare that Balder will return to life at that time and lead the new created world in to a new age.

Dogma

Despite his attractiveness, Balder is not a vain god. He is loyal to Odin and the other Aesir, and never fails to fulfill his obligations to them. When an ugly man or woman demonstrates his worth by performing a self-sacrificing deed of great importance, Balder often rewards the individual.

Balder’s cult has two facets. One teaches that the mental and emotional state achieved while creating beautiful objects brings the artist closer to the gods. It also teaches that the gods deserve reverence and gratitude as the sources of artistic inspiration. The other facet teaches that out of great tragedy come new growth, new opportunity, and new hope for the future. It focuses on renewal and rebirth by reminding mortals that even the beautiful and beloved Balder had to suffer in order to become a god when the cycles changed. As with other Asgardian cults, Balder’s worshipers teach acceptance of fate, but in their case, they try to accept it with a smile and laughter.

Omens from Balder are usually delivered by a handsome or beautiful member of the opposite sex.

Clergy and Temples

Not all of Balder’s clergy possess great physical beauty, but a disproportionate number of them do, they are expected to treat the less fortunate with compassion and kindness. They dress simply but well. Many are skilled artists. Those seeking comfort after a great loss are well advised to seek someone in Balder’s service.

Balder’s temples are sturdy forts, like most Asgardian temples. They are the most beautiful and well-designed temples of the pantheon without being gilded, luxurious, or overdone. Their beauty comes from elegance and simplicity. Not only are the carvings and paintings lovely, but the buildings themselves are skillfully designed for their locations and environments. Temples to Balder usually appear in areas with high gnome populations, and the signs of their artistry are clear. Wooden tools, implements, and weapons are forbidden in Balder’s temples. The temples generally contain a small armory and workshops or studios where the clergy can receive the god’s inspiration.

Visitors to Balder’s temples can feel overwhelmed by the grace and elegance, though the clerics are open and smiling. Those seeking comfort receive it with as much privacy as they desire. Those seeking inspiration are told stories or shown artwork related to their particular talent. Bards are particularly welcome, and many temples host performances by famous skalds.

Balder
Barbarian 20/Bard 20
Medium-Size  outsider
Divine Rank14
Hit Dice20d8+180 (outsider) plus 20d6+180 (Brd) plus 20d12+180 (Bbn)
(1,060 hp)
Initiative+12 (+8 Dexterity, +4 Improved Initiative)
Speed70 ft.
AC76 (+8 Dexterity, +27 natural, +14 divine, +17 deflection)
Attacks+5 bane* keen holy greatsword +70/ +65/+60/+55 melee; or spell +64 melee touch or +62 ranged touch *+72/+67/+62/+57 against evil outsiders.
Damage+5 bane* keen holy greatsword 2d6+20/15-20 or by spell *4d6+20/ 15-20 against evil outsiders.
Face/Reach5 ft. by 5 ft./5 ft.
Special AttacksDomain powers, salient divine abilities, spell-like abilities.
Special
Qualities
Divine immunities, DR 49/+4 (4/–), fire resistance 34, sonic resistance 34, fast healing 34, spontaneous casting of divine spells, understand speak, and read all languages and speak directly to all beings within 14 miles, remote communication, godly realm, teleport without error at will, plane shift at will, fast movement, bardic knowledge +28, bardic music 24/day (countersong, fascinate, inspire competence, inspire courage, inspire greatness, suggestion) range 14 miles, uncanny dodge (cannot be flanked, +4 against traps), SR 46, divine aura (1,400 ft., DC 41).
SavesFort +55, Ref +54, Will +54.
AbilitiesStrength 31, Dexterity 27, Constitution 29, Intelligence 27, Wisdom 27, Charisma 44.
Skills*Alchemy +44, Appraise +44, Balance +51, Bluff +58, Climb +48, Concentration +50, Craft (metalworking) +54, Craft (stoneworking) +54, Decipher Script +34, Diplomacy +66, Disguise +58, Escape Artist +49, Gather Information +58, Hide +49, Intimidate +62, Intuit Direction +54, Jump +48, Knowledge (arcana) +27, Knowledge (nature) +27, Knowledge (the planes) +27, Listen +44, Move Silently +39, Perform +105, Scry +44, Sense Motive +49, Spellcraft +49, Spot +44, Swim +46, Tumble +46, Use Magic Device +41, Wilderness Lore +44. *Always receives a 20 on checks.
FeatsAlertness, Blind-Fight, Cleave,Combat Casting, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Endurance,Combat Expertise, Extra Music, Great Cleave,Improved Critical (greatsword), Improved Initiative, Jack of All Trades, MobilityPower Attack, Power Critical (greatsword), Spring
Attack
, Superior Expertise, Weapon Focus (greatsword), WhirlwindAttack.
Divine
Immunities
Ability damage, ability drain, acid, cold, death effects, disease, disintegration,electricity, energy drain, mind-affecting effects, Paralysis, poison, sleep, stunning, transmutation, imprisonment, banishment.
Salient
Divine Abilities
Alter Form, Alter RealityAlter Size, Area Divine Shield, Divine Bard, Divine BlastDivine Fast HealingDivine Rage, Divine Recall (every person or thing of beauty), Divine Shield, Divine Skill Focus (Perform), Gift of Life, Increased Energy Resistance (sonic), Irresistible
Performance
(all abilities), Mass Divine Blast, Rejuvenation,
Shapechange.
Domain PowersCast good spells at +1 caster level; cast healing spells at +1 caster level; cast divination spells at +1 caster level.
Spell-Like
Abilities
Balder uses these abilities as a 24th-level caster, except for good
spells, healing spells, and divination spells, which he uses as a 25th-level caster. The save DCs are 41 + spell level. AidBlade Barrier, clairaudience/ clairvoyance, cure critical wounds, cure light wounds, cure moderate wounds,Cusdetect secret doors, detect thoughts,
discern locationdispel evil, divination, find the pathforesight, heal, Healing Circle, holy auraholy smite, holy word, legend loremagic circle against evil, mass heal, protection from evil, regenerate, summon monster IX (as good spell only), true resurrection, true
seeing
.
Divine
Rage
The following changes are in effect as long as Balder rages: AC 71; hp 1,360; attacks +75/+70/+65/+60 melee (2d6+25/15-20, +5 bane keen holy greatsword); SQ Fire resistance 44, sonic resistance 44, SR 56; SV Fort +60, Will +59; Strength 41, Constitution 39; Climb +53, Concentration +55, Jump +53, Swim +51. His rage can be used 14 times per day, it lasts for 1 hour (or until ended), and he is not winded afterward.

Bard Spells Known (4/9/8/8/8/8/7; base DC = 27 + spell level):

Other Divine Powers

As an intermediate deity, Balder automatically receives a die result of 20 on any check. He treats a 1 on a saving throw or attack roll normally and not as an automatic failure. He is immortal.

Senses: Balder can see, hear, touch, and smell at a distance of fourteen miles. As a standard action, he can perceive anything within fourteen miles of his worshipers, holy sites, objects, or any location where one of his titles or name was spoken in the last hour. He can extend his senses to up to ten locations at once. He can block the sensing power of deities of his rank or lower at up to two remote locations at once for 14 hours.

Portfolio Sense: Balder senses anything involving objects of beauty and discussions and comparison of beauty the instant it happens and fourteen weeks into the past.

Automatic Actions: Balder can use Appraise, Craft (metalworking), or Craft (stoneworking) as a free action if the DC for the task is 25 or lower. He can use Perform as a free action if the DC for the task is 39 or lower. He can perform up to ten such free actions each round.

Create Magic Items: Balder can create magic instruments and magic art tools and supplies, as long as the item’s market price does not exceed 200,000 gp.

Artifacts that the Avatar May Possess:

Mace of Holy Brilliance

This heavy mace in constructed of oak and ivory and is a +5 Brilliant Energy, disruption, ghost touch, Holy weapon with the following special powers (at 20th level):

-Can be used to invoke the Sunbeam power, as if it were a Sunblade.

Currently in the World

In the realms of Asgard, Baldr, the radiant god of light, stands as a paragon of virtue and goodness. With each dawn, he graces the skies with his celestial presence, bringing warmth and joy to all living beings. Baldr’s actions are guided by a profound desire to ensure harmony and love prevail across the cosmos. His every step is marked by benevolence, and his interactions with the world reflect the boundless compassion he holds for all creatures, divine or mortal.

As a protector of the realms, Baldr actively engages in safeguarding his fellow gods and the mortal races. He intervenes in conflicts, offering his wisdom and counsel to quell disputes and foster understanding among warring factions. His radiant aura has the power to dispel darkness and imbue hope in the hearts of the despairing. Whenever chaos threatens to overwhelm the cosmos, Baldr stands resolute, ready to shine his light and banish the shadows.

Throughout the ages, Baldr’s divine presence has had a profound impact on the world’s events. He has been a guiding force in moments of great upheaval, steering the course of destiny towards paths of peace and prosperity. Mortals and gods alike seek his favor and blessings, knowing that his touch brings solace and renewal to their spirits.

In the year 1450, as the world experiences a period of profound transformation, Baldr’s goals and desires remain steadfast. He aspires to see a world free from strife and suffering, where all beings can live in harmony and embrace the beauty of existence. He believes that love and compassion can bridge the divide between the realms, fostering unity and understanding among gods and mortals alike.

Despite the challenges he faces, Baldr’s motivations remain pure and unyielding. His heart brims with love for his fellow deities and the mortal races, driving him to tirelessly champion their cause. He seeks to inspire goodness in all hearts, encouraging acts of kindness and selflessness, for he firmly believes that even the smallest act of compassion can have a profound impact on the world.

Baldr’s journey is not without its trials, and his unwavering goodness often draws the envy and malice of darker forces. However, he stands resolute, knowing that the power of light will always triumph over darkness. As the radiant god of light, he continues to shine brightly, illuminating the cosmos and serving as a beacon of hope for all who seek his guidance and grace.

Baldr’s Death

Baldr’s death is a sorrowful tale that casts a shadow over the divine realms of Asgard. It is said that his mother, Frigg, the goddess of motherhood and love, extracted oaths from all living creatures and objects in the nine realms to never harm her beloved son. But one plant, mistletoe, was overlooked due to its seemingly harmless nature.

Loki, the cunning and mischievous trickster god, discovered this oversight and saw an opportunity to bring chaos and darkness to the realms. He crafted a dart made from mistletoe and approached the blind god Hodr, Baldr’s blind brother. Loki manipulated Hodr, guiding his hand and lending him the deadly dart, unbeknownst to Hodr’s true intent.

Innocently, Hodr hurled the mistletoe dart towards the joyful Baldr, who stood amidst a gathering of gods, indulging in a friendly game. Tragically, the dart pierced through Baldr’s heart, instantly robbing him of his divine life. The radiant god fell lifeless, and the halls of Asgard were filled with grief and despair as they mourned the loss of their beloved Baldr.

His death marked a turning point in Norse mythology, symbolizing the vulnerability of even the purest and most beloved figures. Baldr’s passing serves as a poignant reminder that darkness and tragedy can strike even the most radiant of beings, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of gods and mortals alike.

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