Vardel, Trickster God of Chaos
Worship of Vardel originated in the nation of Richtcrag – perhaps because no other nation on Faedrun was mad enough try worshipping the Skybound Trickster – and spread in the form of small bands of wandering worshipers across the land. His worshipers are most often gamblers and adventures, as their reliance on luck is legendary, although merchants have been known to pray to the Lord of Chaos as well in order to find greater fortune.
Vardel takes a more active hand in the everyday lives of his followers – worship of Vardel is always a gamble, as he is interested not only in the success of his followers, but that they experience the ever-changing chaos of life as much as possible. He tends to grant boons to his followers as often as he makes their lives more difficult – theologians explain Vardel’s interest in his flock as his attempts to alleviate his boredom with the various heavenly politics.
In traditional depictions of Vardel, he is dressed in many-coloured garments typical of Richtcrag, and always carries a well-worn, richly decorated deck of cards. His pockets bulge with coins, and a mischevious smile is always splayed across his face – the world is a fascinating place, after all, and he hopes to watch his followers experience something interesting. His image is rarely found on temples or shrines – his followers believe he prefers to be found on the elaborately-decorated tarock decks of the Richtcrag, where he is given the rank of the Fool in the trumps.
Worship of Vardel
Vardel’s worshippers traditionally pray to him at the dawn of each day, requesting that the day might bring good fortune and amusement to him. Their morning prayers typically involve some form of playing for chance – they most commonly cast dice or shuffle out solitare-style games while praying, although they do not bother to seek any meaning in what happens unless they find an exceptionally good hand or roll at the end of their prayer.
Their ritual for meditation is also quite unique – according to their holiest book, Magnus Liber Casus, they must attempt to test their fortune before beginning to meditate on his mysteries. Typically, this takes place by gambling – although it can never be a “friendly game” and coin must be staked on the game of chance. Any attempt to cheat Vardel by not actually risking anything will certainly bore him, which will have negative consequences for his worshippers.
Vardel’s worship is somewhat risky – he has a tendency to meddle in the lives of his worshippers and clerics, including making life more difficult for him. Anyone worshipping Vardel risks attracting his attention, which can either lead to great boons or great ruination,depending on his mood at the moment.