Celtic Mythology

Celtic History

Perhaps more so than any other culture addressed in this volume, the Celts are very difficult to pin down as a single cohesive nation. Their unusual beginnings and their lack of centralized governmental structure mark them as unique, somehow outside the bounds of what we today consider be a country or state. The historical record tells us Celtic unity was based strictly on culture, not on race, language, or heritage.

Of course, our knowledge of the ancient Celts is distorted as we look through the romanticism of 18th and 19th century scholars. At every turn in our study, we have to carefully judge the source of information and decide whether or not that source has twisted the facts for one reason or another.

From their original homeland in southern Germany and Bohemia, the early Celts came abruptly into the historical forefront. In fact, they were considered along with Scythia, India, and Ethiopia to be one of the four so-called peripheral nations (stated from a mediterrania-centric point of view). Considering their origins, the original Celts must have been Germanic stock, relying on primitive agriculture and the hunt, no doubt caught up in the perpetual warfare of their tribal neighbors to the north.

From these ambiguous beginnings, the Celts tore across the northern European plain and into the Balkans unchallenged. swept over what is now France and into Spain, subjugating the Gauls they found there until they had advanced to the gates of Rome itself. From Gaul they expanded rapidly into Britain and then on to Ireland, where their traditions ultimately held out the longest against the changing world. To the southeast, the Celts reached as far as Asia Minor where evidence of their culture can be uncovered today. In the 4th century BC, they scrambled across what is now modern Europe, exerting control over an enormous area. Their motivation for expansion is unclear, but its results are undeniable.

However, for reasons equally obscure, from their position of widespread domination, the Celts fell quickly into a period of decline. No doubt many factors contributed to this seeming failure of their control. First, the great distances involved probably became insurmountable. Somewhat later in history, the Romans would hold sway over a similarly large area and even with their penchant for logistics and communications they barely held on to it. The Celts hardly commanded the same talents for road building and flexible government in the 4th century BC. Second, the Celts were plagued by a minority status. In the areas they controlled, they found themselves outnumbered by their subject peoples who did not share the Celtic culture nor practice its rituals. Their control over such people must have been shaky at best. Finally, there is evidence that the Celts spent a large proportion of their resources on mercenaries. Sometimes these were used to keep control over their subjects, other times they were employed for wild ventures with no clear goal in mind. Over all these factors, their complete lack of central government or authority contributed greatly to their decline. At any rate, these and other considerations conspired against the Celts, dooming their empire before it could begin. The Celts were, from the start, destined only to spread out across Europe, never to rule it.

Seeing little resistance and experiencing their own periods of growth, the neighboring nations of Dacia, Germany, and Rome closed in on Celtic territories no longer controlled by them. Though the Celts were largely absorbed into those territories, and their traditions there continued for some time, the days of the Celtic peripheral nation were over. When these other nations were through, Celtic influence was largely reduced to Gaul, Britain, and Ireland.

Later in their history, Rome pressed even further into these territories, conquering Gaul and then much of Britain before they were through. The Roman contact with the Celts was largely adversarial, hardly a forum for a meaningful exchange of ideas. However, the writings of the conquerors, mainly those of Caesar himself, speak of the Celts and their traditions. Of course, the Romans often placed their own ideals in the place of the Celtic culture and pantheon they found, so their writings about the Celts are slanted, at best.

The Romans, however, never conquered Ireland, and the Celtic tradition there flourished. Only the Viking invasions of the 9th century and the Anglo-Norman incursions of the 12th diluted the Celtic heritage of the island. To this day, Irish Celtic texts and artifacts are both the most abundant and the most reliable windows into their past.

Celtic Culture

As stated earlier, the Celts were often masters of their realms in name only, being, if you will, paper tigers. Many of their subjects no doubt ignored the Celtic religious rites in favor of their own traditions. Especially in later times, when vast numbers of Celts were absorbed into other nations, it stands to reason that they were isolated groups of worshippers, most likely outcasts, forced to practice their religion out of sight of other, more popular ones.

The Celts held two major positions in society as supreme: the druidic and bardic orders. The druids were the highest societal order, carrying out religious functions as necessary. The bards were second to the druids, and they were charged with the creation and preservation of Celtic literature.

Druids in Celtic Society

The druids were the religious leaders of the Celts, and in some ways the most mysterious. They performed the sacrifices called upon by tradition, performing simple chants and rituals to please the many gods the Celts worshipped. The Gaulish druid leaders would gather for religious business in a place known as the Carnutes, which translates as sacred place, sacred grove, or oak sanctuary. This emphasizes the notion that the druids had a special kinship with nature and, in particular, the forests.

In their function as church elders, the druids maintained their leadership over the community in other ways, as well. The druids officiated various legal arguments among their followers, and even went so far as to become the chief educators for their flocks. The druids expanded their leadership over the Celts into every imaginable area.

Druids were considered to have the ability to forecast, in the vaguest of terms, future occurrences. Through various rituals, the druids would foretell that a day, week, or month would be favorable or unfavorable for such things as battle, farming, hunting, etc. Stories handed down from the period indicate that these predictions were taken to heart by both the Celtic peasants and their leaders alike.

Of course, as the religious leaders, the druids also bore the brunt of opposition and hatred from other religions. When other religious groups encountered the Celts, they denounced them as pagans and sought to discredit them. The druids in Gaul and finally Britain and Ireland were forced to give up their outright leadership over their people. However, many of their functions were soon taken up, albeit in subtler forms, by a group known as the filidh. The Irish filidh carried on ritual tradition in a manner more easily tolerated by their new neighbors.

Bards in Celtic Society

The Celtic bards, on the other hand, were the conservators of literature. The Celts never had their own written language, though they borrowed bits and pieces from neighboring languages, at times. Among the Gaulish Celts, however, the notion of literature was strictly oral; no written record was ever kept because it was considered distasteful. While this feeling was not necessarily true among the insular Celts of Britain and Ireland, there is still a very restricted body of written literature which can be fully attributed to the Celts.

Among the Irish Celts, the bards were considered to be an inferior class of poets, rhymers, and simple storytellers. Their oral traditions were admired by the common folk, but they were not given anything like the status of the druids or filidh. However, when religious pressures forced changes in the upper strata of Celtic organization, the bards went virtually unnoticed and, therefore, unchanged. In fact, it is to the bards that we can give thanks for the Irish oral tradition of history without which we would know very little about the Celts.

Lifestyle

The lifestyles of the peasantry varied greatly, dictated more by the richness of the land than by anything else. Sheep herders along the foothills of the Alps lived very differently from farmers on the plains of Gaul or Britain. Typically, farming villages in Gaul and Germany were formed of small, square wooden houses. Their plows were primitive, not even turning the soil, so land depletion put entire villages on move every few years. Villagers in Britain tended to create larger, round stone structures with thatched roofs that reached nearly to the ground. They would also have gardens and farms, but also kept a great deal of livestock. Livestock farmers shared the buildings, keeping each other fed (and warm). Celtic peasants appear to have kept many common animals, including small cattle, pigs, and geese. Wild boars were apparently hunted — possibly as a rite of manhood. They also tended more exotic animals such as chickens, recently introduced from the east, and bees for both their wax and honey The Celtic farmers grew barley, oats, and beans. They grew flax and tended to sheep for their clothing.

Of course, the Celtic nobility and the druids lived a somewhat what better life. There are indications that wines were imported for the nobility, for instance, a luxury the common folk did not enjoy. In all fairness, Celtic nobility most likely did not live a carefree, glamorous life. They were warlords and military men, very different indeed from the legends such as King Arthur. His legend is derived from historical fact about a Celtic leader who fought off the invading Saxons and Jutes from Britain in the 6th century AD. However romanticized over many tellings, the real Arthur those around him were warrior kings leading armies of peasants and soldiers against invaders and other Celts alike.

Warfare

From their very beginnings, the Celts had been a warrior people. Their penchant for conflict was well known even to the scholars of the time. They attacked and sacked Rome, fought off German invaders, swept over most of Europe only to be defeated by the superior organization and bureaucracy of the Roman Empire. And when not fighting against an outside threat, the Celtic tribes were perfectly willing to fight one another.

Burial records indicate that the Celts were masters of the two-horse chariot. Virtually all tribal chieftains were buried with their chariot, though horses were apparently too valuable to bury with their owner. Many other Celtic warriors had mounts, as well.

Statues and historical accounts tell us that Celtic warriors went into battle naked except for a torc, a hoop of bronze gold worn about the neck. They fought with spear and sword, and occasionally with helmet and shield. Roman scholars credited the individual Celtic warrior with tremendous skill and bravery.

Celtic warriors took great pleasure in cutting the heads of their fallen enemies. These heads would then be worn from a belt or attached to a chariot. It was the Celtic belief that the head held certain magical properties after life; many Celtic structures have skulls built right into them to ward off evil or bring luck.

Architecture

The Celts are noted for the structures of standing stones they left behind. Stonehenge is only the most widely known of these. Indications are that many of these structures were in fact not of Celtic make, but of much earlier sun-worshipper peoples — the Celts merely adopted them and built additional structures on those designs. In any event, they have acquired a different significance.

Circular stone patterns often helped map out the patterns of constellations, the moon, sun, and seasons. For any culture that relies on agriculture, such knowledge is vital. Stones were often erected in circular patterns in honor of particular local gods or goddesses.

Simpler standing stones were often not placed in a pattern at all. These in earlier times marked the burial places of important personages. Later, they were employed to mark sites of important events or boundaries between tribes and villages.

It is unclear whether the Druids actually performed rituals at these sites, but it is likely. Druids might easily have officiated the ceremonies held at these important sites, interpreting their information and calling upon their gods for assistance or guidance.

Without a significant written record, much about the Celts and who they were will never be known to us. How many epic struggles were there, how many significant events that were lost before the 4th century BC? Without their art, from which we can interpret much, and the fortuitous isolation of the Irish Celtic community, they might have been totally lost to history.

What we do know is intriguing. The Celts held sway over a tremendous area before the Roman Empire, taken by tribes of ferocious warriors. Their lifestyles, though varied by the great distances between them, revolved around a shared culture. The druids and bards took the burden of religion and literature, while the warrior chieftains kept their forces strong, and usually on campaign. Their semi-nomadic styles had gone unchanged over much of their history. They had artisans and craftsmen skilled in both woodwork and metalwork, and artists borrowing from the traditions of other nomadic peoples. Though all but crushed under Roman domination, much of what the Celts were lives on today in the traditional Irish and Scottish cultures, as well as in our own.

Magic Items

Standing Stones

Celtic priests can create formations of standing stones in order to intensify their magic. The ceremonies during the creation of a ring of standing stones makes them highly magical places where mere lesser mortals fear to tread.

The creation of standing stones is a lengthy process that requires many priests. There must be at least 50 levels of priests or druids who worship at least four different Celtic gods. One of these priests must be at least a 10th level worshipper of Belenus in order to have the all important enchant stones spell. The site must have stones available and be at least five miles from any other existing standing stones. All of the priests must spend an entire month assembling the stones and attending ceremonies — the enchant stones spell must be cast at the end of each week and again at the end of construction. If the priests are interrupted in any way during that time, the enchantment fails and they must start again. During creation, the standing stones site must be dedicated to one sphere of spells forever (for instance, standing stones — divination). Once created, the magic of the standing stones is permanent.

The actual physical parameters of the standing stones are fairly loose. The exact size and number of the stones is unimportant for game purposes — they are arranged at creation to follow the seasons, stars, constellations, suns, moons, or whatever. It is only important that they be arranged in a series of circular patterns. Since they are generally between 10 and 30 meters across, standing stones are some of the largest magical items around.

Once created, ceremonies can take place at the site to cast spells within its assigned sphere. The total of priest levels involved in the ceremony can be used as a direct multiplier to any of the following: range, duration, or area of effect. As an example, if 50 priest levels are involved in a ceremony at standing stones to cast an animate object spell, they could either multiply the range by 50 (to 1500 yards), the duration by 50 (to 50 rounds/level), or the area of effect by 50 (50 cubic feet/level). One of the priests must actually cast the spell to be amplified by the standing stones, and his is the base from which all other information is extrapolated.

Torc of the Gods

The torc of the gods was created by Goibhniu himself and is only bestowed upon the most brave warriors of the tribes. The torc allows the wearer to shape change or polymorph others at will, for any duration desired. The torc is forged of rare metals and has a gem set into the front.

New Spells

Enchant Stones

(Enchantment)

Sphere: Elemental

Range: Touch

Components: V, S, M

Duration: Permanent

Casting Time: 1 week

Area of Effect: Special

Saving Throw: None.

This highly specialized spell is only available to priests who worship Belenus and who have attained 10th level. It is bestowed upon them by their god who will allow them to use it to create an area of standing stones once per year. The spell takes an entire week to prepare and cast. Any interruption will negate its effects and force the priest to start over. If a year passes and a priest with this spell fails to create a set standing stones, this (and all of the priest’s other spells) is taken back by the disappointed Belenus, never to be bestowed again.

The material component for this spell is small stone quarried from the same place as the stones for a standing stones site. They must already be placed in position.

Frenzy of the Celts

(Enchantment/Charm)

Sphere: Combat

Range: 30 yards

Components: V, S, M

Duration: 1 turn/level

Casting Time: 6

Area of Effect: Special

Saving Throw: None.

This 3rd level priest spell allows the Celtic priests to drive their armies into a battle frenzy before combat. The spell affects 20 hit dice of creatures per casting (usually ten 2nd level Celtic warriors). For its duration, the frenzy of the Celts spell allows those affected to never check morale, gives them a +1 to all saving throws and attack rolls, and allows them to move 50% more than their normal distance without penalty. The spell also forces those affected to immediately charge the closest enemy forces and engage them in combat, whether this is a wise tactical decision or not. Warriors under a frenzy of the Celts spell do not require leadership, but those who come out of the spell without a leader in sight will rout back to their own lines or some other point of safety.

The material component for this spell is a tiny chariot wheel and a spark created with flint and steel.

Heroes

The Wild Hunt

Despite its evil connotations, the Wild Hunt is a manifestation of good life force on the Prime Material Plane. It appears in Celtic lands whenever there is a great force of evil in the area. The source of the evil could be many different things, from an evil wizard or priest moving through the area to an invading evil army. Wherever the druids are and wherever they have built standing stones that the Wild Hunt can use as beacons, the pack and its master are forever on guard against encroaching evil. The Wild Hunt appears in the world of men as a huge pack of magical dogs led by a great man. The man has dark skin and can either be on foot or at the reins of a two-horse chariot. He carries an enormous spear and wears a metal and leather helmet with antlers. The dogs of the pack are huge beasts that can, at one instant appear as normal (albeit huge) canines and then transform into ferocious, magical animals with green flame coming from their mouth and eyes. When the Wild Hunt approaches, the weather turns for the worse — the winds howl and thunder booms from the heavens. The Wild Hunt fights evil with evil’s weapons, namely fear and ferocity.

Celts or other good beings who encounter the Hunt on the move may be swept up by it. All Celts or characters of good alignment who see the Hunt must make a save versus spells or become part of the Wild Hunt and its mission, accepting the Master as their leader. Persons so caught up might have to act against their own alignment at the behest of the Master, fighting against those they might otherwise ignore, etc. As it tears across the countryside, the pack will raise a terrifying ruckus, attracting followers and warning evil of its approach.

On any given night there will be only one Wild Hunt, provided there is sufficient evil to warrant it. Once the pack has caught up with the source of evil, it will attack. The pack and the master will fight to the death against the evil. If they are slain, they will appear fresh for a new hunt the following night. If they do not destroy the evil they pursue, the Wild Hunt will return until their prey is driven from Celtic lands or slain.

The Wild Hunt has been known to fight against demigods and heroes who have manifested evil among the Celts. Sometimes destroyed themselves, they have always returned to renew the battle. The forces that seek out evil to destroy it are eternal, and the Wild Hunt can never be completely annihilated.

The Master of the Hunt

The Master appears as a dark skinned man wearing an antlered black helmet.

Role-playing Notes:

The master does not speak or communicate with anyone. He merely leads his pack of hounds and other followers toward sources of evil and attacks. His tactics are generally limited to an immediate frontal assault since he cannot die, his need for cunning is limited.

Str 18/00 Dex 18 Con 18

Int 17 Wis 17 Cha 9

MV 18 SZ 6’ MR 25%

AC 0 HD 20 HP 200

#AT 3 THAC0 1 Dmg 1d6 +3 (spear) +6

Special Att/Def:

The Master of the Hunt generally does not engage in combat until most of his pack of hounds have been slain. He will then attack with his spear +3. The Master can also ride his chariot over victims, doing 3d10 points of damage to any who fall beneath its wheels.

The Pack of the Wild Hunt

The individual hounds of the Wild Hunt are beasts. There are 20 dogs in the pack.

AC 2 HD 5 SZ 3’

MR 15% THAC0 14 HP 30

MV 21 #AT 1 Dmg 2d4

Special Att/Def:

The pack can cause fear in any mortal being that it is pursuing. Each hound has the equivalent protection from evil spell upon it at all times. The pack also can swarm its enemies without regard to the actual space available, so all 20 dogs can attack an enemy each round. Finally, once per turn each dog can use its green flame tongue to add an additional 5 points of damage to any attack that hits.

Celtic Gods

Lugh (intermediate god)

Lugh can best be described as the god of excellence, reputed to be not only the inventor and patron of the arts, but also an expert in such diverse fields as sorcery, history, craftsmanship of all sorts, story telling, and heroism. Lugh, whose name means “The Shining One” is the most widely worshipped of the pantheon, with numerous monuments throughout Celtic regions where followers prayed to him for guidance in any of his many areas of expertise. Known to be a late comer to the pantheon, Lugh is often found in the company of Rosmerta, a goddess of wealth and material possessions. He can control endeavors in the arts and crafts with which he is familiar, and he can control or influence all forms of travel and commerce. He can also turn day to night or vice versa at will. Beyond these pursuits, however, Lugh is a formidable warrior, armed with a great spear and a sling.

Role-playing Notes:

A wanderer of the lands of his worshippers, consorting with the various goddesses of the lands that he meets, Lugh is a self-confident god, eager to keep his hand in mundane affairs. He keeps an eye out for fair play in human matters, stepping in with his avatar to affect the outcome of endeavors within his own expertise.

Statistics:

AL cn; WAL any neutral; AoC arts, crafts, travel, commerce, war, horsemanship; SY eight-pointed star.

Lugh’s Avatar

(warrior 15, wizard 12)

Lugh’s avatar is a young, beardless warrior with spear, sling, and purse. He will have with him a cock, goat, or a tortoise. He may also appear with a beard, or as a shoemaker and can call upon any school of magic for his spells.

Str 18/00 Dex 18 Con 17

Int 18 Wis 18 Cha 15

MV 18 SZ 6’ MR 50%

AC 0 HD 20 HP 190

#AT 2 THAC0 3 Dmg 1d4 (sling) +6

Special Att/Def:

In a desperate situation, Lugh’s avatar may increase his sling’s number of attacks to 5 per round and automatically hit with each one. He may do this for one round in any given encounter.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Lugh must be highly skilled in the arts, and they must be well-traveled. They must also erect mounds to or hold their ceremonies atop low hills or other summits.

Requirements:

AB standard; AL any neutral; WP sling, mace; AR a; SP all, animal astral, charm, combat, creation, divination, guardian, healing, protection, summoning, sun, weather; PW 1) create darkness or light in a 100’ radius once per day; 3) travel at thrice normal speed for 4 hours per day; 9) enchant an item once per week; TU nil.

Oghma (intermediate god)

Oghma, whose epithet, Grianainech, means “of the sun-like countenance,” is the god of eloquence and language. His speeches and words carry great weight with his listeners, and he is often depicted as having gold chains between his tongue and the ears of his listeners; Celts have great respect for the powers of persuasive speech that Oghma personifies. He has the power to communicate his ideas accurately and quickly, swaying any number who hear him to his cause. Oghma invented the beautiful Oghma script which can be easily carved into stone or wood, especially at places devoted to his worship. Oghma is also known to be a champion, both as a warrior and as a patron of ideas.

Role-playing Notes:

Oghma enjoys visiting and speaking to his flock in the form of his avatar. He strengthens their collective resolve to worship him, and teaches his priests the arts of his lettering and persuasiveness. Oghma seeks justice and will occasionally go out of his way to see that it is done. He will champion small causes at times, even those that affect but one village with only a few worshippers, if an injustice is brought to his attention.

Statistics:

AL ng; WAL any good; AoC speech, writing; SY Celtic chalice.

Oghma’s Avatar

(bard 12, warrior 10)

Oghma’s avatar is an old man, his grey hair is all but gone and he has dark, wrinkled skin. He carries a bow and club, and wears a lion’s skin. His spells can come from any school of magic.

Str 18/50 Dex 17 Con 17

Int 18 Wis 18 Cha 17

MV 12 SZ 6’ MR 30%

AC 2 HD 15 HP 110

#AT 1 THAC0 5 Dmg 1d6 (club) +3

Special Att/Def:

Oghma’s avatar can charm anyone who can hear him. Victims must save versus spells or be charmed, and Oghma’s avatar may continue to speak every round until silenced, subdued, or killed.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Oghma are expected to hold their congregations in line with the persuasive powers of their order. Oghma does not tolerate losing worshippers to other gods in the pantheon, and deals out strict punishment to those priests who let their flocks wander.

Requirements:

AB standard; AL any good; WP club, bow; AR a; SP all; animal; charm; combat; creation; divination; elemental; guardian; healing; plant; protection; summoning; sun; PW 1) friends once per day; 3) charm person once per day; 8) mass charm once per day; TU nil.

Goibhniu (intermediate god)

The smith held a special fascination for the Celtic peoples. Smiths were thought to have magical powers of charm and healing, bestowed upon them by the god of the smiths, Goibhniu. Goibhniu is actually one of a triad of gods; Luchta the wright and Creidhne the worker in metal are also important craftsmen gods. Together they fashioned weapons for Lugh at the battle of Magh Tuiredh, each doing his part to create sound, sure weapons. Reputedly, weapons forged by the great Goibhniu will never miss their mark, and those stuck by them will certainly be slain. In the great Feast of Goibhniu, the god serves a variety of foods and drinks which can soothe, heal, and even make immortal their consumers.

Role-playing Notes:

Though his size and appearance may at first be threatening, Goibhniu is a generally warm and friendly fellow. He is especially fond of sharing stories of battle and fine armaments. He often makes food and drinks for those he befriends, sharing with them a small feast — the wines and dishes of which will be of a magical nature and will both prolong life and heal damage. However, when made angry, Goibhniu sends forth his avatar and will show no pity, slaying mortals who have crossed him without so much as a second thought.

Statistics:

AL ng; WAL any neutral; AoC manufacture of weapons and armor, healing; SY anvil.

Goibhniu’s Avatar

(fighter 18, priest 15)

Goibhniu’s avatar is a brawny smith, muscled and blackened by hard work at the forge.

Str 18/00 Dex 15 Con 18

Int 15 Wis 15 Cha 10

MV 12 SZ 6’5” MR 30%

AC 0 HD 18 HP 180

#AT 5/2 THAC0 3 Dmg 1d4 +6 (warhammer) +6

Special Att/Def:

Despite his THAC0 of 3, Goibhniu’s avatar never misses his targets. He uses either his warhammer +5 or his spear +5, depending on the situation. Once per turn, he may automatically slay any living creature that he hits with either of these weapons, no saving throw allowed.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Goibhniu are expected to watch over and protect both smiths and warriors alike. They are required to take the blacksmith non-weapon proficiency and can serve as court armorers or smiths. They are also expected to oversee the feeding and healing of the faithful, especially warriors wounded in battle.

Requirements:

AB standard, but Str of at least 15; AL any neutral; WP any metal; AR a; SP all, astral, charm, combat, creation, elemental, guardian, healing, protection, sun, weather; PW 1) heroes’ feast once per week; 10) craft weapons, shields, or suits of armor with a +2 enchantment (requires one month each); TU nil.

Daghdha (greater god)

Daghdha enjoys a position of leadership among the loose confederation of Celtic gods, a god of druids. His powers widely varied, but he is credited with control over the weather and crops. His great cauldron is a bottomless receptacle with food and drink and the abundance of the Celtic other-world from which he comes — there is virtually nothing he cannot pull from his cauldron. Daghdha is the custodian the gods and all Celtic people, using his charms and powers to protect and aid them whenever he can. As a warrior he is a great leader and scout, as a father figure he is both stern and fun-loving; Daghdha enjoys being a comical figure of great power.

Role-playing Notes:

Daghdha is a happy go lucky sort who is only interested in the general welfare of his Celtic worshippers. He will often send his avatar to appear at the scene of an impending battle and use his charms to sway crucial male figures on the other side. He also sends him during times of pestilence or crop failure to set things right. He will tempt to resort to comic trickery to get his own way.

Statistics:

AL cg; WAL any good; AoC crops, weather; Celtic shield.

Daghdha’s Avatar

(fighter 15, hard 10)

Daghdha’s avatar appears as a tall man who is dressed comically, with a very short tunic and uncouth behavior.

Str 18/76 Dex 18 Con 17

Int 18 Wis 18 Cha 15

MV 15 SZ 6’ MR 80%

AC 2 HD 15 HP 150

#AT 5/2 THAC0 6 Dmg 1d6 (club) +10

Special Att/Def:

Daghdha’s avatar wields a club a highly magical nature. If he so chooses, any blow from its heavy end will automatically slay a living being (no save throw). However, if he turns the club and touches a dead being, it will regain life (as raise dead spell). Also, Daghdha’s avatar has the ability to charm any woman, mortal or otherwise, and bend her to his will.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Daghdha must be druids. They are expected to dress in an unorthodox manner in order to draw attention to themselves. Daghdha’s druids are chiefly responsible for the creation of great standing stones with which they can keep track of the seasons and through which they can exercise their magical powers. His druids generally keep to themselves, gathering only to perform important ceremonies.

Requirements:

AB as druid; AL as druid; WP as druid AR as druid; SP as druid; PW as druid, but also 1) can accurately predict weather one full week in advance; 8) heroes’ feast once per day; TU nil.

Manannan mac Lir (intermediate god)

The Celtic god of the sea is a knowledgeable custodian of the oceans. Manannan mac Lir rides over the waves on his chariot, pulled by various creatures of the sea, admiring its beauty and governing its bountiful operation. To Manannan mac Lir, the oceans are a vast plain, the various fishes either cattle or sheep — in his other-world reality, he lives upon the “land” while others must use boats to visit it. He generally wears armor made of metal and sea shells and carries a giant sword, riding his chariot upon the waves.

Role-playing Notes:

Manannan mac Lir’s sends his avatars to roam the oceans on their chariots. He has great respect for those mortals who can master the seas, but has no pity for those who fail and drown within them.

Statistics:

AL in; WAL any neutral; AoC oceans and the creatures in them; SY a fish.

Manannan mac Lir’s Avatar

(fighter 17)

Manannan mac Lir’s avatar is a gigantic man in shell armor.

Str 25 Dex 20 Con 25

Int 18 Wis 18 Cha 18

MV 15, Sw 21 SZ 7’ MR 40%

AC 0 HD 17 HP 170

#AT 5/2 THAC0 4 Dmg ld8 (bastard sword) +14

Special Att/Def:

Manannan mac Lir’s avatar wields a sword called Retaliator, that will automatically slay his worst enemies, the fire giants, when he hits them with it (no saving throw). He can also call upon up to 100 HD worth of undersea creatures to fight with him. The creatures must be able to get to the scene of the battle under their own power, but once there will follow his commands to the letter.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Manannan mac Lir can be either druids (as per the Player’s Handbook) or priests (as described below). They are required to base themselves in coastal villages or regions, but can travel inland on business that might affect the seas. Manannan mac Lir’s priests are encouraged to protect the sea and its creatures.

Requirements:

AB standard; AL any good; WP mace or trident; AR a; SP all, animal, astral, combat, divination, elemental, guardian, healing, plant, summoning, weather; PW 1) create salt water (as the create water spell); 5) breathe water 1 hour per level per day; TU nil.

Arawn (intermediate god)

As god of death and the underworld, Arawn rarely has reason to venture into the world of the living. His home is an island so far out at sea that no one, not even Manannan mac Lir, can find it while living, for only the dead can travel there. In fact, Arawn generally only sends an avatar to the world of the living after someone has been resurrected that Arawn would rather keep. Many other Celtic gods will endorse resurrections, but none can guarantee that Arawn will leave the matter at that. Arawn has absolute power over life and death among the Celts.

Role-playing Notes:

On resurrecting any individual, there is a 2% chance per level of that individual that Arawn will intervene. He will either send his avatar to reclaim the body or (25% chance) he will attempt to bargain. He will offer some other similar character from the legions of the dead provided he can keep the original character. Refusal of his offer will be met with force.

Statistics:

AL ne; WAL any evil; AoC life and death; SY warrior’s skull.

Arawn’s Avatar

(priest 18, wizard 12)

Arawn’s avatar appears as a normal man in black robes. His features are very dark and deep set.

Str 17 Dex 15 Con 18

Int 15 Wis 18 Cha 12

MV 12 SZ 6’ MR 50%

AC 0 HD 18 HP 144

#AT 1 THAC0 10 Dmg 1d6 (club) +1

Special Att/Def

: Arawn’s avatar has 50% magical resistance normally, but this is increased to 100 % for any magical or clerical spells that would otherwise inflict damage on his avatar’s body. Anyone hitting Arawn’s avatar with a magical weapon must instantly save versus spells or die.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Arawn officiate at one and only one religious function — burial. Celtic burials involve simple graves for most, complex graves including chariot and trophies for warriors and chieftains. Priests of Arawn do not officiate at sacrifices to other gods, but are generally on hand for ceremonies of their own immediately following such events.

Requirements:

AB standard; AL any evil; AR a; WP club or scythe; SP all, astral, creation, divination, guardian, necromantic, summoning; PW 1) speak with dead; 10) animate dead once per hour; TU command.

Morrigan (intermediate god)

Morrigan is the Celtic goddess of war. She is a fearsome warrior, causing great fear in her opponents, driving home her own battles with a spear in either hand. She is terribly ugly, laughs a maniacal laugh, and has dreadful manners. She expects all Celts and especially her followers to fight constantly, encouraging petty wars where there otherwise would be none. She can shape change to fool her opponents, and often calls upon four minor goddesses of war to fight by her side. At one time, Morrigan tried to seduce the hero Cu Chulainn, but on failure she turned against him and nearly killed him.

Role-playing Notes:

Morrigan is bent on warfare every turn. She will readily pick fights, preferring to get mortals to fight each other by whatever means. She will use many forms to trick otherwise peaceful parties into conflict. Morrigan often observes battles and will not tolerate fear among her followers — she will strike dead any follower that turns and flees from a battle she is watching.

Statistics:

AL ce; WAL any evil; AoC battle and war; Celtic sword hilt.

Morrigan’s Avatar

(fighter 20)

Morrigan’s avatar can appear in many forms, most commonly a hag, but sometimes as a crow or beautiful young woman.

Str 18/76 Dex 18 Con 18

Int 15 Wis 12 Cha 5

MV 15+ SZ 6’ MR 80%

AC -2 HD 20 HP 200

#AT 5/2 THAC0 1 Dmg 1d6 (spear) +4

Special Att/Def:

Morrigan’s avatar can cause fear every round she is in combat in every enemy she can see. In a chase she can adjust her speed to any amount to keep doggedly pursuing a victim until it runs out of energy. Morrigan can become invisible at will and fight freely while in a state.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Morrigan have to band into battle groups or attach themselves to groups of warriors at all times. It is rare that Morrigan will allow one of her clerics to travel independently, unless they are in search of greater, more intense combat situations. Morrigan’s priests have no power to heal, since it is her will that those who fall in battle should die.

Requirements

: AB standard; AL any evil; WP any; a; SP all, astral, combat, elemental, guardian, protect PW 1) Morrigan will heal 5 hit points per level over night for her priests who have killed anything the day before; TU turn.

Diancecht (intermediate god)

As the Celtic god of healing, Diancecht cares for the sick and wounded without regard to their worship. He is so insanely jealous of his abilities that he slew his own son who might have become a better healer than his father. Diancecht has healed the other gods, as well, fashioning at one time a silver arm to replace one lost, and using a cat’s eye to replace a lost eye. He has a magical bath that can instantly and completely heal any mortal or god. Diancecht often uses his powers to enforce his notion that any wound is the responsibility of the inflictor to heal, or at least pay for. In combat, Diancecht will heal himself, friends, and enemies alike, for he is unable to control his penchant for medicine.

Role-playing Notes:

Diancecht is obsessed with healing, both among the gods and among mortals. His avatar is forever wandering the world of men searching for those who need his skills. Whenever confronted, Diancecht will seldom involve himself in a situation that does not require him to heal.

Statistics:

AL lg; WAL any good; AoC medicine and healing; SY a leaf.

Diancecht’s Avatar

(priest 18, fighter 12)

Diancecht’s avatar appears as a young man in simple clothing, bearing a bag filled with herbs and medicines.

Str 18 Dex 15 Con 12

Int 18 Wis 18 Cha 17

MV 12 SZ 6’ MR 25%

AC 4 HD 18 HP 144

#AT 1 THAC0 10 Dmg 1d4 (dagger) +4

Special Att/Def:

Diancecht’s avatar never gets involved in large battles. When in combat, he is immune to any hit that does less than one-fourth of his basic hit points (36) in a single strike — other blows simply deflect off of him. At will, he can heal any individual he can see.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Diancecht may be either clerics or druids. Like their deity, they are sworn to seek out those who need to be healed and perform their work. However, living in the imperfect world, his priests cannot pick and choose patients, so often follow marauders or other war bands to exercise their talents.

Requirements:

AB standard; AL any good; WP mace; AR a; SP all, animal, creation, divination, healing, plant, protection; PW 1) all spells from the healing sphere are cast as if they were 1 level lower than normal. For example, cure serious wounds becomes a 3rd level spell and cure critical wounds becomes a 4th level spell; TU nil.

Math Mathonwy (intermediate god)

Math Mathonwy is the Celtic god of sorcery. He carries a mighty magical staff and wears a torc given to him by the other gods. As master of his household, Math insists that his feet rest in the lap of a maiden whenever possible. He does not tolerate mistreatment of his maiden foot warmers, nor does he abide treachery on their part, and has vented his wrath upon many who have violated his trust. He saves his magic mainly for his own purposes, keeping his family in check, and seldom casts spells for the good of his followers or priests.

Role-playing Notes:

Math Mathonwy seldom sends his avatar into the world of men without some mission. It is rare that his avatar will become embroiled in the affairs of humans unless there is some magical experimentation involved. Math Mathonwy is always in search of new magics and humans knowing this can trick his avatar into action, but they might suffer his wrath at a later time.

Statistics:

AL ne; WAL any neutral; AoC magic; SY the staff.

Math Mathonwy’s Avatar

(wizard 20)

Math Mathonwy’s avatar appears as an elderly man in heavy tunic and robes.

Str 12 Dex 15 Con 15

Int 18 Wis 17 Cha 12

MV 15 SZ 6’ MR 40%

AC 4 HD 20 HP 80

#AT 1 THAC0 14 Dmg 1d4 (dagger)

Special Att/Def:

Math Mathonwy’s avatar will avoid combat whenever possible. If cornered, he will use his magical staff to attack; when it hits, it turns his opponent into a pool of water, permanently (although a save versus wands is allowed to avoid this transformation). Math Mathonwy also uses his magical powers to polymorph his enemies into animals, often leaving them as such for years at a time as punishment for some wrong they did to him or his family.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Math Mathonwy may be either clerics or druids. At higher levels, they also have many standard magical abilities which make them very powerful evokers of magical force. His priests often take part in group rituals to stir up magic involved in other ceremonies. However, all priests must perform an entire month of prayer in solitude every year — those who did not achieve enough experience to gain a level in that year must start over at first level after the month is through.

Requirements:

AB standard, but Int must be 15; AL any neutral; WP dagger; AR g; SP all, animal, astral, charm, combat, creation, divination, elemental, guardian, healing, necromantic, plant, protection, summoning, sun, weather; PW 6) cast wizard spells as if they were five levels lower in experience; TU nil

Belenus (intermediate god)

Belenus is a god of the sun and of fire, a patron of the druids. He has the ability to control the heat and light from fires and from the sun, bringing them into focus to destroy or blocking them off to freeze when he wishes. In May, the Celts drive cattle through special Beltain fires while Belenus watches with favor and raises the overall quality of the livestock. Belenus encourages the construction of standing stones to measure the progress of his sun and sacred groves where his druids may meet and build great bonfires to him.

Role-playing Notes:

Belenus sends his avatar to the world of men frequently to visit with chieftains and court the ladies of the Celts. He can look unfavorably upon a particular village and cause the sun to stand still or never come up for some period of time. With such powers, he can easily bring otherwise powerful chieftains in line with his thinking.

Statistics:

AL ng; WAL any good; AoC sun, heat, light; SY solar disc and standing stones.

Belenus’ Avatar

(fighter 15, bard 10)

Belenus’ avatar appears as a strong young man with curled black hair and a terrific shining torc around his neck.

Str 18 Dex 17 Con 15

Int 15 Wis 15 Cha 18

MV 15 SZ 6’ MR 30%

AC 0 HD 15 HP 150

#AT 5/2 THAC0 6 Dmg ld8 (longsword) +2

Special Att/Def:

Belenus’ avatar can blind any living creature within sight by making his magical torc shine with the brightness of the sun. He can also focus that light for one round, inflicting 3d10 damage provided he hits his mark. His longsword can be made to flame once per turn, doing an additional 2d10 to creatures affected by fire.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Belenus must be druids. At least once in their lives they are required to take part in the construction of a stone structure in honor of their god and his sun. This usually takes at least a year. Meetings with other druids must take place in designated groves around enormous fires. Wandering druids must tend to forest fires, taking care that they occur in sufficient quantity to renew portions of the woods, but not too frequently that they devastate it.

Requirements:

AB as druid; AL as druid; WP as druid; AR as druid; SP as druid; PW 1) continual light on command; 10) enchant stones (as described earlier); TU turn.

Brigantia (intermediate god)

Brigantia is the Celtic goddess of the rivers and rural life. She was raised on the milk creature of the other-world, a white, red-eared cow. She is worshipped by the Celtic queen Cartimandua (women in positions of power are not at all uncommon among the Celts) and by the pastoral villages and towns. She is the protector of flocks of geese and herds of cattle, seeing they flourish to help feed her hungry worshippers. Her dominion over the rivers allows her to use their waters for therapeutic purposes. She often wears a crown and is depicted in Celtic art sitting atop a globe. She is also sometimes outfitted for war, wearing a breast plate and carrying a spear.

Role-playing Notes:

Brigantia is of a relaxed, peaceful nature. She rejoices in the slower, quieter ways of the country folk, and never ventures into large towns or cities, Her tending of animals is compulsive, and she will often keep that task even when other pressing matters are brought to her attention.

Statistics:

AL ng; WAL any neutral; AoC rivers and livestock; SY a footbridge.

Brigantia’s Avatar

(priest 18)

Brigantia’s avatar appears as a beautiful young woman, (either tending animals or armed and dressed as the goddess herself).

Str 15 Dex 15 Con 12

Int 18 Wis 18 Cha 19

MV 15, Sw 21 SZ 5’ MR 30%

AC 2 HD 18 HP 144

#AT 1 THAC0 10 Dmg 1d6 (spear)

Special Att/Def:

When near a stream, Brigantia’s avatar can call upon the waters of any river or stream to flood any area up to 20 feet beyond its banks, sweeping her enemies away. She can also call upon nearby herd animals to swarm an enemy, slowing it so that she might escape or distracting them so that she can attack.

Duties of the Priesthood

Priests of Brigantia are charged with spreading her bounty across the land, and so are often seen carrying two clay jars. The first contains water from a Brigantian river or stream which the priests can pour into other streams to cleanse them. The second jar contains dung from her pastoral lands which, when distributed, brings her blessings upon fields and villages. The priests can also apply their water and dung to heal the sick or injured.

Requirements:

AB standard; AL neutral good; mace; AR a; SP all, animal, charm, creation, divination, mental, healing, plant, protection, weather; PW 1) heal 1 point of damage per level per day with water and dung; 5) cure light wounds once per day if at a stream blessed by Brigantia, 10) animal growth once per day; TU nil.

Celtic Heroes

Cu Chulainn

Cu Chulainn is the greatest hero of the Celts, a fine warrior who has dealt with mortals and immortals on their own terms. Originally named Sedanta, the young man is reputed to have traveled to the land of Emhain Mhacha and defeated (single-handedly) 150 other youths. When he approached the lands of the great smith Culann, he encountered and defeated the smith’s huge guard dog with his bare hands. Enraged, Culann forced Sedanta to guard his lands in the dog’s place, and thus Sedanta became known as Cu Chulainn, or “dog of Culann:

Cu Chulainn underwent a series of initiations into heroic stature. He was forced to fight many other heroes and creatures, put through exotic rituals throughout Celtic lands, and finally learned strategies and magical tactics that have rendered him all but invincible.

Role-playing Notes:

Cu Chulainn is known throughout the lands of the Celts, by mortals and gods alike. He never travels in disguise, so cannot help but be noticed. Cu Chulainn has a particular hatred of giants and will seek them out to destroy them whenever possible. He travels the Celtic lands to stamp out injustice and has a reputation for appearing just in the nick of time.

(warrior 20)

Str 18/00 Dex 17 Con 18

Int 17 Wis 15 Cha 17

AC -2 MR 10% MV 15

HP 200 AL cg THAC0 1

#AT 5/2 Dmg 1d6 +4 (spear) +6

Special Att/Def:

Cu Chulainn’s spear is called Gae Bolg, and is made from the bones of a sea dragon. He is the only mortal who can heft it, and while he has it in his hands he cannot be surprised. The weapon is a spear +4. In battle, Cu Chulainn glows with a brilliant light and those attempting to fight him cannot look directly at this brilliance and suffer a -4 penalty to their attack rolls. When fighting giants, Cu Chulainn gains an additional +4 to all attack and damage rolls against them.