Hermes

God of Travel, Luck and Trickery

Hermes is the Chaotic Good God of Travel, Luck and Trickery. He acts as the messenger of the Olympian pantheon. His worshippers are travellers, merchants, thieves, gamblers and orators. In ancient days his wayside shrines marked the trade routes of the Empire of Kelnore although these nowadays lie ruined and forgotten. There is a shrine to Hermes in the Temple of Athena, his elder sister, in Zothay where he is depicted as a handsome young man with a winged helmet and winged shoes and carrying a staff carved as of two serpents entwined.

Although not the most powerful of gods, all the gods (with the possible exception of Odin) are said to fear getting into a battle of wits with Hermes and many get worried if he shows an interest in their concerns (some say this includes his allies as well). Hermes is the most energetic of the gods as well as the shrewdest and he works tirelessly for his much loved sister. Although he has played practical jokes on many of the gods there are no stories suggesting he has been anything but a faithful servant to Athena and she in turn acts as his protector. Surprisingly given his love for the unexpected and his sense of humour there is another side to Hermes. He also has a reputation for fair play and has on many occasions acted as the independent arbiter in disputes between the gods: his judgements are said to be universally respected.

Some also say that Hermes had secret knowledge about magic and the mages of Kelnore were said to worship this aspect of him in hidden temples.

Back to Oerth Gods Index