Religion in Korvosa

Most deities of the Inner Sea region are openly worshipped in the Varisian city of Korvosa, although the population is not particularly religious.

Temples

Temples exist to Abadar, Asmodeus, Pharasma, Sarenrae, and Shelyn. Of these, the first four are the most popular. The various religions generally keep to themselves, but cooperate with each other when necessary; the inevitable doctrinal differences are resolved non-violently. For instance, the church of Abadar emphasises the punishment of criminals, whilst clerics of Sarenrae have more of an interest in rehabilitation.

Abadar

The church of Abadar is very influential in Korvosa, as might be expected of the God of Cities, and Abadar is the patron of many of the city's guards. the Bank of Abadar is in the city's North Point district and houses the city's Mint. The head of the church in Korvosa is Archbanker Darb Tuttle. The church works very closely with the city authorities, and does its best to help the city to thrive. Most of the city's paladins are allied with the church.

The church is supported by the church of Asmodeus in its attempts to promote law, and assists the Church of Pharasma in its protection of the Gray district. It works with the church of Gozreh to maintain calm seas and good weather, the church of Irori to support institutions of learning such as the University of Korvosa, and the church of Torag in respect of defence and public works.

Asmodeus

The Temple of Asmodeus is the youngest of the city's houses of worship. It was built in 4608 AR in an attempt to curry favour with the new regime in Cheliax. The city's High Priest of Asmodeus is Ornher Reebs. The church competes with the church of Abadar for the right to verify and witness oaths and contracts. Its members take pains to operate on the right side of the law; only volunteers are sacrificed to their deity.

Nevertheless, the church of Asmodeus is seen by many as, at best, a necessary evil if the city is ever to return to its prior position as a protectorate of Cheliax. Only the best is good enough for the temple of Asmodeus, which causes them to have quite a few dealings with artists and artisans who revere Shelyn.

Pharasma

The Grand Cathedral of Pharasma is in the city's Gray district. The clerics of Pharasma are charged with ensuring none of the undead residents of the nearby graveyard escape into the rest of the city. Bishop Keppira d'Bear is the head of the Church in the city.

The church's guardians are aided by the clergy of Abadar and Torag. Pharasmin clerics of a less martial bent may become midwives, which brings them into contact with the clergy of Erastial and Sarenrae.

Sarenrae

The Temple of Sarenrae is high up in the city's Heights district, to ensure unobstructed sunlight. It is dedicated to healing, and is popular with many of the city's commoners. The temple serves as a hospital, and the clerics are sought after as healers. The goddess is also seen as the best representation of the key Korvosan virtues of honesty and incorruptibility, which adds to the popularity of her faith in the city. The clergy work with those of Erastil and Gozreh in seeing to keep the city's weather calm and temperate.

Shelyn

The Sanctuary of Shelyn is in the city's North Point district, and is the smallest of the dedicated temples. It is the least influential of the five faiths that have dedicated temples in the city, but is popular with the city's artists.

Pantheon of Many

The city's Pantheon of Many in the South Shore district serves seventeen gods equally. There are shrines to the five deities who also have their own temples, and there are also shrines to Erastil, Iomedae, Torag, Desna, Cayden Cailean, Irori, Gozreh, Nethys, Calistria, Zon-Kuthon, Urgathoa, and Norgorber.

Other faiths

There is no place for Gorum, Lamashtu, or Rovagug in the Pantheon of Many, but they still have worshippers in the city.

Aroden was once an important deity in Korvosa, but today his temple in Old Korvosa is crumbling into ruin. Three priests remain to serve the temple, and so far they have been able to gather enough support to block the city's plans to raze the building.

Druids are not very popular in Korvosa, partly due to the poor behaviour of a cabal of troublemaking druids who frequent the West Dock. However, they are welcome to visit the Pantheon of Many if they wish.