Yamatsumi

From PathfinderWiki
Yamatsumi
Holy symbol of Yamatsumi.
(Deity)

Titles
The Mountain Lord
Adjective
Yamatsuman
Realm
Alignment
Areas of Concern
Mountains
Volcanoes
Winter
Edicts
Be self-sufficient, respect nature, test yourself against the elements
Anathema
Become reliant on civilization, destroy something without creating or growing something in its place
Cleric Alignments (1E)
Domains (1E)
Earth, Fire, Protection, Strength, Water
Subdomains (1E)
Ash, Caves, Defense, Ice, Resolve, Smoke
(Alternative subdomains: Fist, Flowing, Solitude)1
Cleric Alignments (2E)
Domains (2E)
Cold, earth, fire, might
Favored Weapon
Symbol
Erupting, snow-capped volcano
Sacred Animal
Source: Dragon Empires Gazetteer, pg(s). 63 (1E)
Gods & Magic, pg(s). 132–133 (2E)

Yamatsumi is the Tian-Min god of winter, mountains, and volcanoes. His holy symbol is an erupting, snow-capped volcano.23

Appearance

The Mountain Lord is most frequently depicted as a giant with ram's horns on his head, ice for skin, and a beard and hair made of living lava.2

Dogma

Yamatsumi is a nature deity of mountains, with a particular interest in volcanoes. He is also a god of renewal, as the spring melt from the mountains brings needed moisture to the lowlands, and ash from volcanic eruptions enriches the soil.2

Church of Yamatsumi

Worshipers

Yamatsumi's most common devotees are ascetic monks, or yamabushi, who make their home in the mountains. From their high mountain perches, they tend to take a detached view of the common problems of civilization, preferring solitude and the grandeur of the natural world.242 Many common people also invoke Yamatsumi's protection when they witness a belching volcano or feel the first cold of winter.2

Yamatsumi is most frequently worshiped in the nations of Dtang Ma,5 Hongal,6 Minkai,7 Nagajor,8 and Zi Ha,9 as well as among the tribes of the Wall of Heaven mountains.10 He is also among the most frequently worshiped Tian deities in the Inner Sea region.11

Temples and shrines

Every mountaintop, especially when covered in snow, is a temple to Yamatsumi. Volcanic eruptions are a sign of his displeasure.2

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

  1. Matthew Goodall, et al. “Divine Influence” in Champions of Balance, 17. Paizo Inc., 2014
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 James Jacobs, et al. “Life in the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 63. Paizo Inc., 2011
  3. Luis Loza, Eleanor Ferron, and James Case. (October 20, 2023). Lost Omens Special Recap, Paizo blog post.
  4. Matthew Goodall, et al. “Divine Influence” in Champions of Balance, 16. Paizo Inc., 2014
  5. James Jacobs, et al. “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 22. Paizo Inc., 2011
  6. James Jacobs, et al. “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 25. Paizo Inc., 2011
  7. James Jacobs, et al. “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 32. Paizo Inc., 2011
  8. James Jacobs, et al. “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 33. Paizo Inc., 2011
  9. James Jacobs, et al. “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 45. Paizo Inc., 2011
  10. James Jacobs, et al. “Regions of the Dragon Empires” in Dragon Empires Gazetteer, 41. Paizo Inc., 2011
  11. Benjamin Bruck, et al. “Chapter 1: Common Races” in Inner Sea Races, 49. Paizo Inc., 2015