Segojan Earthcaller
Encyclopedia
In many campaign setting
s for the Dungeons & Dragons
role-playing game
, Segojan Earthcaller is the gnome
deity of earth and nature. Unlike Baervan Wildwanderer
, who is a god of the plants and forests of the surface world, Segojan's area of concern is the deep earth and the life within it. He is said to have gifted the gnomes with their ability to communicate with burrowing mammals. His symbol is a glowing gemstone; usually this is a finely cut gem of any type in which illusion spells have been cast to provide magical light. This can be any gem, but Segojan is associated strongly with diamonds. The god's own power makes these spells permanent as long as they are carried by his priests. His sacred animal is the badger.
Segojan is also the gnomish god of the dead, because gnomes inter their fallen in his domain. Segojan is one of the oldest gods of the gnomes. He was originally the god of nature in general, mining, jewelry-making, and magic, but these roles have become supplanted over time by Baervan Wildwanderer, Flandal Steelskin
, Garl Glittergold, and Baravar Cloakshadow
, respectively.
's article "The Gnomish Point of View," in Dragon
#61 (TSR, 1982). In Dragon #92 (December 1984), Gary Gygax
indicated this as one of the deities legal for the Greyhawk
setting. He also appeared in the original Unearthed Arcana
(1985).
Segojan Earthcaller was detailed in the book Monster Mythology
(1992), including details about his priesthood. His role in the cosmology of the Planescape
campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground
(1996). He received a very detailed description for his role in the Forgotten Realms
in Demihuman Deities
(1998). He is described as one of the good deities that celestials
can serve in the supplement Warriors of Heaven (1999).
Segojan Earthcaller's role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons
(2002).
s, the gnome pantheon of gods consists of the leader Garl Glittergold
, as well as Baervan Wildwanderer
, Baravar Cloakshadow
, Flandal Steelskin
, Gaerdal Ironhand
, Nebelun
, Segojan Earthcaller, and Urdlen
. He is on good terms with every member of his pantheon, except for Urdlen. Segojan is on excellent terms with the god of the svirfneblin
, Callarduran Smoothhands
. He works closely with the younger deity of magic, Baravar, on the development of the arcane arts.
Other allies of Segojan include Clangeddin Silverbeard, Cyrrollalee
, Dumathoin
, Grumbar
, Psilofyr
, Sehanine Moonbow
, Sheela Peryroyl
, Urogalan
, and various Animal Lords. Among the human gods, Segojan is most closely linked to other gods of nature, earth, and to a lesser extent death.
Segojan's enemies include Abbathor
, Gaknulak
, Kuraulyek
, Kurtulmak
, Laogzed
, Urdlen, and Zuggtmoy
.
. His domain there is known as the Gemstone Burrow, which is rumored to host an endless number of crudely tunnels dug by the many animals who serve the Earthfriend. There are rumors of lost treasure hoards as well. Segojan's relationships with burrowing mammals is so close that emissaries of the animal lords of the Beastlands
often pay visits to the Gemstone Burrow.
. The Earthfriend's priests teach that Segojan will protect those who obey his teachings.
, and travel deeper than gnomes generally dare to explore. They preside over most gnomish funeral rites.
On ceremonial occasions, clerics of Segojan wear fur caps and leather armor of gray or brown. They take fur only from animals that have been hunted for food; Segojan does not permit his followers to take animals purely for their furs and leave the rest to waste.
Novice clerics are called the Unearthed, and full priests are called Earthcallers. The titles, in order of ascending rank, are: Shrew, Mole, Vole, Ermine, Groundhog, Wolverine, Badger, and Arumvorax. Specialty priests are known as Earthfriends. Many priests of Segojan are multiclassed fighter/clerics, cleric/illusionists, or cleric/thieves. The highest-ranking priests have titles unique to them.
, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice
, and Autumnal Equinox. The faithful of the Digger of Dens gather in plainly adorned chambers and drop worked and unworked gems into holes dug in the ground. It is said that the Lord of the Burrow commands small burrowing creatures to bring these gems elsewhere for gnomes to rediscover.
A widely observed funerary ritual known as the Earthen Embrace involves the dead being slathered with a specially prepared mud by Segojan's clerics and left to harden for three days until it becomes like stone. Illusionists use magic to make this earthen mummy appear as the deceased did in life. Then friends and relatives gather about the body, resting on a rug made from the fur of burrowing mammals, and recount stories of his or her life. Finally the mummy is left to rest in an earthen niche. Some groups embed small gems into the mud before it hardens, and as a result graves are unmarked in order to deter grave robbers. Prominent gnomes may be commemorated by permanent illusions that function as public sculptures. Coffins or sarcophagi are rarely used, except among some forest gnome groups who prefer wooden coffins.
Campaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A campaign is a series of individual adventures, and a campaign setting is the world in which such adventures and campaigns take place...
s for the Dungeons & Dragons
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...
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...
, Segojan Earthcaller is the gnome
Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, gnomes are one of the core races available for play as player characters. Some speculate that they are closely related to dwarves; however, gnomes are more tolerant of other races and of magic, and are skilled with illusions...
deity of earth and nature. Unlike Baervan Wildwanderer
Baervan Wildwanderer
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Baervan Wildwanderer is the gnome deity of Forests, Travel, and Nature.-Publication history:...
, who is a god of the plants and forests of the surface world, Segojan's area of concern is the deep earth and the life within it. He is said to have gifted the gnomes with their ability to communicate with burrowing mammals. His symbol is a glowing gemstone; usually this is a finely cut gem of any type in which illusion spells have been cast to provide magical light. This can be any gem, but Segojan is associated strongly with diamonds. The god's own power makes these spells permanent as long as they are carried by his priests. His sacred animal is the badger.
Segojan is also the gnomish god of the dead, because gnomes inter their fallen in his domain. Segojan is one of the oldest gods of the gnomes. He was originally the god of nature in general, mining, jewelry-making, and magic, but these roles have become supplanted over time by Baervan Wildwanderer, Flandal Steelskin
Flandal Steelskin
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Flandal Steelskin is the gnome deity of mining, smithing, and fitness. His symbol is a flaming hammer.-Publication history:...
, Garl Glittergold, and Baravar Cloakshadow
Baravar Cloakshadow
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Baravar Cloakshadow is the gnomish deity of illusions, protection, and deception. He creates traps and illusions of stunning complexity and cunning. He is somewhat mean-spirited compared to most of the other gnomish gods, and his pranks may cause even...
, respectively.
Publication history
Segojan Earthcaller was first detailed in Roger E. MooreRoger E. Moore
Roger E. Moore is a designer of role-playing games. He is best known for his long-running tenure as editor of Dragon magazine, and was the founding editor of Dungeon magazine.-Early life:...
's article "The Gnomish Point of View," in Dragon
Dragon (magazine)
Dragon is one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products, the other being Dungeon. TSR, Inc. originally launched the monthly printed magazine in 1976 to succeed the company's earlier publication, The Strategic Review. The...
#61 (TSR, 1982). In Dragon #92 (December 1984), Gary Gygax
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax was an American writer and game designer best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons with Dave Arneson. Gygax is generally acknowledged as the father of role-playing games....
indicated this as one of the deities legal for the Greyhawk
Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game...
setting. He also appeared in the original Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana
Unearthed Arcana is the title shared by two hardback books published for different editions of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game...
(1985).
Segojan Earthcaller was detailed in the book Monster Mythology
Monster Mythology
Monster Mythology is a sourcebook for the second edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Released by TSR in 1992 and written by Carl Sargent, with interior illustrations by Terry Dykstra, John and Laura Lakey, and Keith Parkinson, Monster Mythology was released as a companion volume for...
(1992), including details about his priesthood. His role in the cosmology of the Planescape
Planescape
Planescape is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, originally designed by Zeb Cook. The Planescape setting was published in 1994...
campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground
On Hallowed Ground
On Hallowed Ground is an accessory book for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, for the Planescape campaign setting.-Contents:This book contains information about deities' planar domains from 20 separate pantheons...
(1996). He received a very detailed description for his role in the Forgotten Realms
Forgotten Realms
The Forgotten Realms is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as a setting for his childhood stories...
in Demihuman Deities
Demihuman Deities
Demihuman Deities is a Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition: Forgotten Realms campaign accessory, published by Wizards of the Coast. The book was designed by Eric L. Boyd...
(1998). He is described as one of the good deities that celestials
Celestial (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, celestials are a class of creatures and monsters known as outsiders who are of wholly good alignment....
can serve in the supplement Warriors of Heaven (1999).
Segojan Earthcaller's role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons
Faiths and Pantheons
Faiths and Pantheons is a campaign accessory for the 3rd edition of the Dungeons & Dragons, for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.-Contents:...
(2002).
Description
Segojan is known to the gnomes as a gray-skinned gnomish man wearing armor or grass and roots. He can burrow easily through earth, clay, and even stone. He is accompanied by an intelligent stone golem, and his avatar can create unintelligent ones with his magical quartz rod.Relationships
In many campaign settingCampaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A campaign is a series of individual adventures, and a campaign setting is the world in which such adventures and campaigns take place...
s, the gnome pantheon of gods consists of the leader Garl Glittergold
Garl Glittergold
Garl Glittergold is the patron deity of gnomes in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, and a member of the game's default pantheon of deities. His symbol is a gold nugget.-Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition :...
, as well as Baervan Wildwanderer
Baervan Wildwanderer
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Baervan Wildwanderer is the gnome deity of Forests, Travel, and Nature.-Publication history:...
, Baravar Cloakshadow
Baravar Cloakshadow
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Baravar Cloakshadow is the gnomish deity of illusions, protection, and deception. He creates traps and illusions of stunning complexity and cunning. He is somewhat mean-spirited compared to most of the other gnomish gods, and his pranks may cause even...
, Flandal Steelskin
Flandal Steelskin
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Flandal Steelskin is the gnome deity of mining, smithing, and fitness. His symbol is a flaming hammer.-Publication history:...
, Gaerdal Ironhand
Gaerdal Ironhand
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Gaerdal Ironhand is the gnome deity of protection, vigilance, and combat.-Publication history:...
, Nebelun
Nebelun
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Nebelun is the gnome deity of inventions and good luck.Nebelun is, in fantasy literature, a fictional Gnome deity of invention and good luck...
, Segojan Earthcaller, and Urdlen
Urdlen
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Urdlen is the gnome deity of greed and blood.In many campaign settings, the gnome pantheon of gods consists of the leader Garl Glittergold, as well as Baervan Wildwanderer, Baravar Cloakshadow, Flandal Steelskin, Gaerdal Ironhand, Nebelun, Segojan...
. He is on good terms with every member of his pantheon, except for Urdlen. Segojan is on excellent terms with the god of the svirfneblin
Svirfneblin
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, svirfneblin , or deep gnomes, are a sub-race of gnome.-Publication history:The svirfneblin first appears in first edition in the adventure modules D2 Shrine of the Kuo-Toa , and D3 Vault of the Drow , and then in the original Fiend Folio...
, Callarduran Smoothhands
Callarduran Smoothhands
Callarduran Smoothhands is the gnome god of the earth in the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.He is the patron deity of the svirfneblin , and is not very popular among other gnome subraces. Unlike other gods of the Underdark, he is not an outcast...
. He works closely with the younger deity of magic, Baravar, on the development of the arcane arts.
Other allies of Segojan include Clangeddin Silverbeard, Cyrrollalee
Cyrrollalee
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Cyrrollalee is the halfling deity of Friendship, Trust, and the Home. Her symbol is an open door...
, Dumathoin
Dumathoin
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Dumathoin is the patron of mountain dwarves, and the dwarf deity of mining and underground exploration. He is also the protector of the dwarven dead. His holy symbol is a cut, faceted gem inside of a mountain.-Publication...
, Grumbar
Grumbar
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons and Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Grumbar is the "Elemental Lord of the Earth."-Publication history:...
, Psilofyr
Psilofyr
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Psilofyr is the myconid deity of community, healing, and philosophy...
, Sehanine Moonbow
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...
, Sheela Peryroyl
Sheela Peryroyl
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Sheela Peryroyl is the halfling deity of Nature, Agriculture, and Weather. Her symbol is the daisy...
, Urogalan
Urogalan
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Urogalan is the halfling deity of earth and death. His symbol is the silhouette of a dog's head.-Publication history:...
, and various Animal Lords. Among the human gods, Segojan is most closely linked to other gods of nature, earth, and to a lesser extent death.
Segojan's enemies include Abbathor
Abbathor
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Abbathor is the dwarven deity of greed. His holy symbol is a jeweled dagger.-Publication history:...
, Gaknulak
Gaknulak
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Gaknulak is the kobold deity of Protection, Stealth, Trickery, and Traps...
, Kuraulyek
Kuraulyek
In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Kuraulyek is the patron deity of urds.-Publication history:Kuraulyek was first detailed in the book Monster Mythology , including details about his priesthood.-Realm:...
, Kurtulmak
Kurtulmak
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Kurtulmak is the chief deity worshipped by the kobold race. He is a member of the default pantheon....
, Laogzed
Laogzed
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Laogzed is the deity worshipped by reptilian troglodyte race. Its symbol is an oozing toad-lizard, or a lizard's head. Laogzed's sacred animal is the toad.-Publishing history:...
, Urdlen, and Zuggtmoy
Zuggtmoy
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Zuggtmoy is the Demon Queen of Fungi. Her symbol is a jawless human skull with fungi blooming from within, though some of her false cults use other symbols...
.
Realm
Segojan lives in the gnomish realm of the Golden Hills on the plane of BytopiaBytopia
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, Bytopia, also known as the Twin Paradises or more fully, the Twin Paradises of Bytopia is a lawful good/neutral good aligned plane of existence...
. His domain there is known as the Gemstone Burrow, which is rumored to host an endless number of crudely tunnels dug by the many animals who serve the Earthfriend. There are rumors of lost treasure hoards as well. Segojan's relationships with burrowing mammals is so close that emissaries of the animal lords of the Beastlands
Beastlands
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, the Beastlands is a neutral good-aligned plane of existence...
often pay visits to the Gemstone Burrow.
Dogma
Segojan teaches that the heart and soul of the gnomish race is the substance of the earth. The gnomes spring from its comforting embrace, live much of their lives in its depths, and are buried there when they die. Segojan believes that the treasures of the Oerth are to be preserved, both mineral and living. He encourages exploration and mining, and urges his followers to avoid the destruction and avarice personified by UrdlenUrdlen
In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Urdlen is the gnome deity of greed and blood.In many campaign settings, the gnome pantheon of gods consists of the leader Garl Glittergold, as well as Baervan Wildwanderer, Baravar Cloakshadow, Flandal Steelskin, Gaerdal Ironhand, Nebelun, Segojan...
. The Earthfriend's priests teach that Segojan will protect those who obey his teachings.
Worshippers
Segojan is a popular deity among gnomes who dwell in the earth, particularly rock gnomes and deep gnomes, and he is considered to be the patron of the rock gnome subrace. In deep gnome and forest gnome communities, his church occupies a powerful secondary position, working closely with the temples of Calladuran and Baervan, respectively. He is revered by miners, jewelers, illusionists, and artificers.Clergy
Segojan's clerics wear gray and dark brown leather armor and fur caps. Segojan is a cooperative, friendly deity, so they work with clerics of Flandal Steelskin to oversee miners and make sure they are safe and protected, and with clerics of Baervan to preserve and protect the natural environment. With Calladuran's clerics they create and reinforce ties with the deep gnomes, sharing rumors and knowledge with them. They actively guard gnomish territories against incursions by creatures of the UnderdarkUnderdark
The Underdark is a fictional setting which has appeared in Dungeons & Dragons role-playing campaigns and Dungeons & Dragons-based fiction books, including the Legend of Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore...
, and travel deeper than gnomes generally dare to explore. They preside over most gnomish funeral rites.
On ceremonial occasions, clerics of Segojan wear fur caps and leather armor of gray or brown. They take fur only from animals that have been hunted for food; Segojan does not permit his followers to take animals purely for their furs and leave the rest to waste.
Novice clerics are called the Unearthed, and full priests are called Earthcallers. The titles, in order of ascending rank, are: Shrew, Mole, Vole, Ermine, Groundhog, Wolverine, Badger, and Arumvorax. Specialty priests are known as Earthfriends. Many priests of Segojan are multiclassed fighter/clerics, cleric/illusionists, or cleric/thieves. The highest-ranking priests have titles unique to them.
Temples
Segojan is worshipped in subterranean temples, which are several caverns excavated from the earth and linked with twisty tunnels. Some also function as museums and zoos, though the animals there are never caged. Segojan's temples are filled with sculptures, gems, and illusions.Rituals
Gemstones are sacrificed to Segojan on the Winter SolsticeWinter solstice
Winter solstice may refer to:* Winter solstice, astronomical event* Winter Solstice , former band* Winter Solstice: North , seasonal songs* Winter Solstice , 2005 American film...
, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice
Summer solstice
The summer solstice occurs exactly when the axial tilt of a planet's semi-axis in a given hemisphere is most inclined towards the star that it orbits. Earth's maximum axial tilt to our star, the Sun, during a solstice is 23° 26'. Though the summer solstice is an instant in time, the term is also...
, and Autumnal Equinox. The faithful of the Digger of Dens gather in plainly adorned chambers and drop worked and unworked gems into holes dug in the ground. It is said that the Lord of the Burrow commands small burrowing creatures to bring these gems elsewhere for gnomes to rediscover.
A widely observed funerary ritual known as the Earthen Embrace involves the dead being slathered with a specially prepared mud by Segojan's clerics and left to harden for three days until it becomes like stone. Illusionists use magic to make this earthen mummy appear as the deceased did in life. Then friends and relatives gather about the body, resting on a rug made from the fur of burrowing mammals, and recount stories of his or her life. Finally the mummy is left to rest in an earthen niche. Some groups embed small gems into the mud before it hardens, and as a result graves are unmarked in order to deter grave robbers. Prominent gnomes may be commemorated by permanent illusions that function as public sculptures. Coffins or sarcophagi are rarely used, except among some forest gnome groups who prefer wooden coffins.
The birth of the gods
Segojan is said to have been born from a diamond in the heart of the world, before he was released by the erosion of underground waters.Additional reading
- Conforti, Steven, ed. Living Greyhawk Official Listing of Deities for Use in the Campaign, version 2.0. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2005. Available online: http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LG_Deities.zip
- Living Greyhawk Journal no. 3 - "Gods of Oerth"