Haanoc

The God of Song
Also called: He Who Walks Ahead, The Herald

Deific Rank: Greater Deity

Symbol: A stylized quill pen over a lantern 

Home Plane: Herald's Home

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Portfolio: Bards, wanderers, adventurers, storytelling, travel

Worshipers: Adventurers, bards, Pathfinders, writers, explorers

Cleric Alignments: LG, NG, CG

Domains: Liberation, Song, Travel

Favored Weapon: Fearless (lantern staff)

Haanoc (Hah-nohk) is a bold and quick-witted god, forever seeking new vistas and distant horizons. From time to time he even leaves the world under his protection to wander the planes, but thanks to his peerless speed, he can return in a blink of the eye. He is a great ally of Darja, goddess of magic, and despises slavery and tyranny of all kinds. The head of his staff features an ever-burning golden lantern, lighting the way. The Herald dresses in green and brown garments that seem pieced together from items from all over Arc Arjet, with a hat featuring a vast brim and a light pack at his side. He always seems covered in road dust.

History and Relationships
Haanoc is not one of Kanaste's sons; in fact, no one is really sure where he came from. He is on relatively friendly terms with all good deities, but is especially close to Darja and Fieraa. As the god of song and storytelling, his relationship with the goddess of law and written language can be a complex one, though their faiths are not only allies, but considered dogmatically linked. He is fascinated by Pynaa, god of dreams. Haanoc is a reckless adventurer and many stories are told of his fondness for contests, song, beautiful companions, wine and gambling.

He seems to derive some pleasure from annoying Bornaon and Rekmaa, though he is wise enough not to push either deity too far.

Of all the Anur, Haanoc has the most godling children, often specifically fathered for some great purpose or another. He takes a special interest in the actions of the Fated, and delights in their constant wandering and world-changing actions.

Dogma
Respect the power of the written word and the spoken tale.

Always seek to improve yourself, and always seek new surrounds and new stories.

Savor the journey, for it is more important than your destination.

Clergy and Temples
Temples dedicated to Haanoc are most often simple roadside shrines, though it is not uncommon to find a chapel of The Herald in a Pathfinder lodge. His clergy tend to make pilgrimages from town to town. His largest temples are part library, part hospital, and it is customary to allow bards and Pathfinders to stay overnight there and peruse the library whenever they ask. His clerics and paladins pray for new spells whenever it is convenient, but most often when breaking camp on the road.