Raven Queen
Encyclopedia
In the 4th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons
fantasy
role-playing game
, the Raven Queen is the Unaligned Goddess of Death, and Doom. as well as the Seasonal Goddess of Winter. Her real name was long forgotten.
establish that she was once the mortal consort of the original god of death, Nerull
. She overthrew the tyrannical Nerull and claimed his portfolio by absorbing the powers of every tormented soul in his dominion, leading the other deities to revoke her power over deceased souls; hence, she can only claim dominion over death itself, and not over those who have died.
The Raven Queen would later solidify her power base during the War of Winter, when she demanded the portfolio of winter in exchange for slaying the rebel goddess Khala. The Raven Queen thus joined the ranks of those gods who control the seasons, the others being Corellon
(spring), Pelor
(summer) and Sehanine
(autumn). At some point, the Raven Queen assisted Corellon in his war against Lolth
; as a reward, she demanded power over fate, which had previously been in Lolth's portfolio.
The Raven Queen counts few personal enemies (or friends) among the gods; her most hated foe is Orcus
, the Demon Prince of the Undead, who constantly schemes to slay her and take her portfolio. Dragon #374 implies that she may have a romantic interest in the coldhearted Archfey known as the Prince of Frost.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
, the Raven Queen is the Unaligned Goddess of Death, and Doom. as well as the Seasonal Goddess of Winter. Her real name was long forgotten.
Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition (2008-)
The Raven Queen appears as one of the deities described in the Players Handbook for fourth edition (2008).. Although she is an original creation for the 4th edition pantheon, Divine Power and the 4th edition Manual of the PlanesManual of the Planes
The Manual of the Planes is a manual for the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game. This text addresses the planar cosmology of the game universe....
establish that she was once the mortal consort of the original god of death, Nerull
Nerull
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, as well as in the game's default pantheon of deities, Nerull is the Flan god of death, darkness, murder, and the underworld. He is known as the Reaper, the Foe of All Good, the Hater of Life, and the Bringer of...
. She overthrew the tyrannical Nerull and claimed his portfolio by absorbing the powers of every tormented soul in his dominion, leading the other deities to revoke her power over deceased souls; hence, she can only claim dominion over death itself, and not over those who have died.
The Raven Queen would later solidify her power base during the War of Winter, when she demanded the portfolio of winter in exchange for slaying the rebel goddess Khala. The Raven Queen thus joined the ranks of those gods who control the seasons, the others being Corellon
Corellon Larethian
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Corellon Larethian is the leader of the elven pantheon, and the god of Magic, Music, Arts, Crafts, Poetry, and Warfare. Corellon is also considered a member of the default D&D pantheon. He is the creator and preserver of the elven race, and governs those...
(spring), Pelor
Pelor
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Pelor is the god of the Sun, Light, Strength, and Healing. Pelor is also a prominent member of the third edition of the game's default pantheon, and is a popular choice among player character clerics because he...
(summer) and Sehanine
Sehanine Moonbow
In many Dungeons and Dragons campaign settings, Sehanine Moonbow is the elven goddess of the moons. She is one of the more powerful members of the Seldarine. The Lady of Dreams actively opposes the nefarious schemes of the Spider Queen and the other drow powers. She is said to be the wife of...
(autumn). At some point, the Raven Queen assisted Corellon in his war against Lolth
Lolth
Lolth is a fictional goddess in the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Lolth , the Demon Queen of Spiders, is the chief goddess of drow elves...
; as a reward, she demanded power over fate, which had previously been in Lolth's portfolio.
The Raven Queen counts few personal enemies (or friends) among the gods; her most hated foe is Orcus
Orcus (Dungeons & Dragons)
Orcus is the fictional demon prince, and lord of the undead in many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. He is named after Orcus of Roman mythology. His symbol is a mace with a human skull as the head...
, the Demon Prince of the Undead, who constantly schemes to slay her and take her portfolio. Dragon #374 implies that she may have a romantic interest in the coldhearted Archfey known as the Prince of Frost.