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name=Celestian|
name=Celestian||titles      =The Far Wanderer, the Star Wanderer|
title=The Far Wanderer, the Star Wanderer|
home=[[Astral Plane]]|rank        =Intermediate|
home=[[Astral Plane]]|
power=Intermediate|
gender=Male|
gender=Male|
class=Cleric 4/Ranger 15/Magic-user 14|
class=Cleric 4/Ranger 15/Magic-user 14|
Line 71: Line 69:
Celestian's services are held outdoors under the starry sky.
Celestian's services are held outdoors under the starry sky.


==Holy days==
==Holy days and observances==
[[Image:Celestian02.jpg|right|thumb|150px|"Celestian's Shield" depicted on Reference Card #4, ''[[From the Ashes]]''.]]
[[Image:Celestian02.jpg|right|thumb|150px|"Celestian's Shield" depicted on Reference Card #4, ''[[From the Ashes]]''.]]
*[[Dark Night]], also called Black Night, Star Night, and the Night of Hopeful Dawn, is observed on Goodmonth 11. It is a holy night for the church of Celestian because the stars are so easy to observe without the light of one of the moons getting in the way.
*[[Dark Night]], also called Black Night, Star Night, and the Night of Hopeful Dawn, is observed on Goodmonth 11. It is a holy night for the church of Celestian because the stars are so easy to observe without the light of one of the moons getting in the way.
Line 77: Line 75:
*[[Great Moon's Glory]] on Readying 11th, when Luna is full but Celene is new, is holy to Celestian.
*[[Great Moon's Glory]] on Readying 11th, when Luna is full but Celene is new, is holy to Celestian.


*[[Winter Solstice|Midwinter Night]], also known as Dark Time, Dim Time, and Handmaiden's Glory. It is this night when Luna is completely dark and only Celene is visible in the sky. It is the longest night of the year, during which clerics of Celestian conduct all-night services of moonwatching and stargazing.
*[[Winter solstice|Midwinter Night]], also known as Dark Time, Dim Time, and Handmaiden's Glory. It is this night when Luna is completely dark and only Celene is visible in the sky. It is the longest night of the year, during which clerics of Celestian conduct all-night services of moonwatching and stargazing.


==Myths and legends==
==Myths and legends==
===Celestian's Gift===
===Celestian's Gift===
<blockquote>"According to legend, Celestian sent an enormous meteor hurtling toward the Oerth thousands of years ago. This celestial body buried itself miles beneath the surface somewhere in [[Western Oerik]]. The pulsing core of the meteorite has never cooled in the countless centuries since. This core is said to hold a priceless gift from the Far Wanderer, though the precise nature of this gift has not been agreed on. Some say it is the purest [[adamantine]] in the multiverse, while others say the gift is a deep philosophical truth.  
{{quoted text|According to legend, Celestian sent an enormous meteor hurtling toward the Oerth thousands of years ago. This celestial body buried itself miles beneath the surface somewhere in [[Western Oerik]]. The pulsing core of the meteorite has never cooled in the countless centuries since. This core is said to hold a priceless gift from the Far Wanderer, though the precise nature of this gift has not been agreed on. Some say it is the purest [[adamantine]] in the multiverse, while others say the gift is a deep philosophical truth.  


The only way to reach Celestian's Gift is a narrow natural bridge deep within the [[Underdark]]. Monsters from across space and time are said to guard it."<ref name=Drag294>''Underground Scenarios'', ''[[Dragmag|Dragon]]'' #294, p98-99</ref></blockquote>
The only way to reach Celestian's Gift is a narrow natural bridge deep within the [[Underdark]]. Monsters from across space and time are said to guard it."<ref name=Drag294>''Underground Scenarios'', ''[[Dragmag|Dragon]]'' #294, p98-99</ref>}}


==References==
==References==
Line 93: Line 91:
*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]
*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]
*[[Nigel Findley|Findley, Nigel]]. ''[[Greyspace]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*[[Nigel Findley|Findley, Nigel]]. ''[[Greyspace]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. "The Deities and Demigods of the [[World of Greyhawk]]." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #68. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1982.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. "The Deities and Demigods of the [[World of Greyhawk]]." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #68. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1982.
*-----. ''[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
:———. ''[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
*McComb, Colin. ''[[On Hallowed Ground]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1996.
*McComb, Colin. ''[[On Hallowed Ground]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1996.
Line 101: Line 99:
*[[Niles, Douglas]], and [[Carl Sargent]]. ''[[The City of Greyhawk]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.
*[[Niles, Douglas]], and [[Carl Sargent]]. ''[[The City of Greyhawk]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.
*[[Noonan, David]]. ''Complete Divine''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2004.
*[[Noonan, David]]. ''Complete Divine''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2004.
*[[Chris Pramas|Pramas, Chris]]. "Underground Scenarios." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #294. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002.
*[[Chris Pramas|Pramas, Chris]]. "Underground Scenarios." ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #294. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002.
*[[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[From the Ashes]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
* [[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[Ivid the Undying]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995. Published online. [https://greyhawkonline.com/download/16370/?tmstv=1727302323 PDF by William Allman with maps].  Original RTF archived:[http://web.archive.org/web/20081218001449/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads Wizards.com]. WGR7 or WGRx
*Scott, Curtis M. ''The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*Scott, Curtis M. ''The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*[[Jim Ward|Ward, James M]]. ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.
*[[Jim Ward|Ward, James M]]. ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.
{{index}}
{{index}}


[[Category:Atmospheric deities]]
[[Category:Deities of air]]
[[Category:Gods of travel]]
[[Category:Deities of travel]]
[[Category:Human deities]]
[[Category:Human deities]]
[[Category:Oeridian deities]]
[[Category:Oeridian deities]]

Latest revision as of 06:18, 28 April 2025

Greyhawk Divinity
Celestian
Celestian, the Far Wanderer, as depicted in Dragon #68 (1982).
Names and titles
Title(s):The Far Wanderer, the Star Wanderer
General information
Portfolio:Astronomy, Stars, Space, Wanderers
Home:Astral Plane
Alignment:Neutral (neutral good)
Gender:Male
Class:Cleric 4/Ranger 15/Magic-user 14
Superior:none
Rules items
Domains:Destiny, Knowledge, Night, Oracle, Protection, Travel
Divine rank:Intermediate

Celestian (se-LES-tee-an) is the Oeridian god of Stars, Space, and Wanderers. His symbol is a black circle set with seven stars. His color is black.

Description

Celestian often appears as a tall, lean man of middle years, wearing black garments set with his symbol, often worked in jewels (diamond, amethyst, sapphire, emerald, topaz, jacinth and ruby) that shine like distant suns. His smooth skin and his eyes are ebony. His voice is a cold and unearthly whisper, which carries well despite its softness, but he seldom speaks. He has power over meteors, comets, asteroids, and similar bodies, and some influence over light and weather. He can summon astral devas to serve him.

Relationships

Celestian is brother to Fharlanghn. It is said that the two followed similar but differing paths; where Fharlanghn chose to wander the wide world, Celestian chose the void of outer space and the Astral Plane. Celestian is allied with Zagyg, Keoghtom, Heward, and Murlynd, and is often found in their company.

In space, Celestian's priests are disliked by followers of the Egyptian god Ptah, who envy their special abilities. The Seekers act as a communication network for the widely scattered Celestians.

Realm

Celestian wanders the Astral Plane, the Ethereal Plane, and the Inner Planes, but especially favors the Astral. The souls of those who worshipped him in life become the stars in his robes, and travel with him. When their wanderlust becomes so great that they want to travel on their own, they and Celestian become one.

Some claim that the souls of Celestian's faithful are ranked by how many worlds they have traveled to, but this is not considered official doctrine.

Dogma

Celestian encourages his followers to wander far from home, just as the stars do. Astrology is as much a part of Celestian's faith as astronomy is, and his worshippers are encouraged to discover the secrets within the patterns of the stars and other celestial bodies. Celestians are required to aid travelers in need, but are permitted to charge for their services.

Though Celestians must pledge to wander, they may remain in one place for decades without receiving more than a gentle chiding from Celestian priests. Priests are expected to take their oaths much more seriously.

Scriptures

Described in the Living Greyhawk adventure River of Blood, Travels of the Far Wanderer is a 45-page book of aphorisms and devotionals to Celestian. An intricate star design has been worked into its leather cover.

Prayers and Aphorisms

"The stars guide you and the heavens watch over you" is mentioned as a benediction of farewell/parting, in Artifact of Evil (page 132).

Worshipers

A priestess of Celestian.

Celestian has but a small following in the Flanaess, being revered by astronomers, astrologers, navigators, philosophers, dreamers, and others who are interested in the sky and the cosmos. Demihumans and some other humanoids with their own racial deities sometimes worship Celestian alongside their own gods. Members of nocturnal races who have been banished from their kin, perhaps for crimes such as mercy or love for humans, often take to the worship of the Far Wanderer because though the sunlight hurts their eyes, the gentle light of the stars offer acceptance.

While Celestian's following on Oerth is small compared to that of his brother Fharlanghn, on other planes of existence and in the depths of space he is much more popular than his land-bound sibling. He is the deity of choice for planewalkers and many spelljammers. On Oerth, Celestian's followers wish to keep their journeys secret from those outside the faith.

Clergy

Celestian's priesthood is divided into seven ranks of ascending power and knowledge, each differing from the last in its number and the placement of the gems in its holy symbol. They search the world, the sky, and other planes for magical meteorites, artifacts, and lore relating to Celestian's spheres of influence. They are adept at divinations. They are very studious and meditative, secretive, and detached from day-to-day existence. They will not use their expertise with stars and space to pilot warships or slave ships, and they will not aid unjust conquerors. Their favored weapon is the shortspear. They cooperate with the priests of Fharlanghn extensively.

  • The First Order wears light blue robes. Their symbol is the ruby.
  • The Second Order wears robes of light gray. Their symbol is the jacinth.
  • The Third Order wears robes of violet. Their symbol is the topaz.
  • The Fourth Order wears blue-gray robes. Their gem is the emerald.
  • The Fifth Order wears dark blue robes. Their gem is the sapphire.
  • The Sixth Order wears robes of the deepest purple hue. They use the amethyst as their symbol.
  • The Seventh Order is the most potent. They wear robes of black, and their gem is the diamond.

One of Celestian's most famous clerics is Agath of Thrunch.

Temples

Celestian shrines are located in the country, away from city lights, and are often built upon mountain peaks or hilltops with a clear view of the sky.

The "home" temple of Celestian is located in the Griff Mountains.[1] The faithful of the Far Wanderer record their journeys to the stars and keep records of it beneath Grey College in the Free City of Greyhawk.[2] There is a major temple to Celestian outside the village of Thrunch. A place in the Barrier Peaks is a holy pilgrimage site for Celestian's faithful.

There are Celestian hospices throughout the depths of space, tended to by priests who have decided to stay in one place for a time. They give shelter, food, air, and advice, appreciating donations, though there is no set schedule of fees. They may give directions and help travelers find work.

Rituals

Celestian's services are held outdoors under the starry sky.

Holy days and observances

"Celestian's Shield" depicted on Reference Card #4, From the Ashes.
  • Dark Night, also called Black Night, Star Night, and the Night of Hopeful Dawn, is observed on Goodmonth 11. It is a holy night for the church of Celestian because the stars are so easy to observe without the light of one of the moons getting in the way.
  • Great Moon's Glory on Readying 11th, when Luna is full but Celene is new, is holy to Celestian.
  • Midwinter Night, also known as Dark Time, Dim Time, and Handmaiden's Glory. It is this night when Luna is completely dark and only Celene is visible in the sky. It is the longest night of the year, during which clerics of Celestian conduct all-night services of moonwatching and stargazing.

Myths and legends

Celestian's Gift

"According to legend, Celestian sent an enormous meteor hurtling toward the Oerth thousands of years ago. This celestial body buried itself miles beneath the surface somewhere in Western Oerik. The pulsing core of the meteorite has never cooled in the countless centuries since. This core is said to hold a priceless gift from the Far Wanderer, though the precise nature of this gift has not been agreed on. Some say it is the purest adamantine in the multiverse, while others say the gift is a deep philosophical truth. The only way to reach Celestian's Gift is a narrow natural bridge deep within the Underdark. Monsters from across space and time are said to guard it."[3]"

References

Citations
  1. CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook (1992), p.82.
  2. The Adventure Begins (1998), p.77.
  3. Underground Scenarios, Dragon #294, p98-99
Bibliography
A holy symbol of Celestian, as depicted in the Player's Guide (1998).
———. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Artifact of Evil 131, 138, 186
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Against The Giants: The Liberation of Geoff 70
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Bastion of Faith 41, 87
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook 82-84
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, LT2 Crypt of Lyzandred the Mad 7
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Dragon magazine #068 63, 64
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Dragon magazine #071 20
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Dragon magazine #264 50
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Dragon magazine #306 98
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Dragon magazine #AN3 100
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Dragon magazine #AN4 19, 20
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Dungeon magazine #077 45
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, EX2 The Land Beyond the Magic Mirror 5
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess 85, 95
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, From the Ashes: References Card #4
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, From the Ashes: References Card #5
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Greyhawk Adventures 3, 6, 7
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Ivid the Undying 6
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Living Greyhawk, Living Onnwal Gazetteer, D&D 3.5e 83
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 75, 99, 168, 170, 189
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Living Greyhawk Journal #2 4
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Living Greyhawk Journal #3 13, 17
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Living Greyhawk Journal #5 IBC
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, On Hallowed Ground 166, 180, 187, 189, 191
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Player's Guide to Greyhawk 14, 19, 21
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, SJR6 Greyspace 89, 90
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil 120
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, The Adventure Begins 40, 42, 45, 46, 74, 77
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure 26
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, WG6 Isle of the Ape 21
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, WGR4 The Marklands 65
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 63, 65, 66, 68
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 26, 34, 35, 38, 39
Celestian (The Far Wanderer) Deity The Far Wanderer, Worshipped by: Human (Oeridian), Native of: Astral, Night Watch (1990) 21, 22,
Celestian Hospice Building Religious building, CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook 83
Celestian, Chapel of (Rookroost) Building Chapel, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Celestian, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, Living Greyhawk Journal #2 4
Celestian, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, Living Greyhawk Journal #4 6
Celestian, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, Living Greyhawk Journal #5 IBC
Celestian, Temple of (City of Greyhawk) Building Temple, Night Watch (1990) 21,
Celestian, Temple of (Griff Mountains) Building Temple, CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook 82
Celestian, Temple of (Thrutch) Building Temple, WG6 Isle of the Ape 22
Celestians People Group Organization/Society, CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook 80, 82-84, 86, 89, 90, 92, 93
Celestians People Group Organization/Society, Oerth Journal #22 40
Celestians People Group Organization/Society, Oerth Journal #23 49,56
Celestians Court Place Living Greyhawk, Living Onnwal Gazetteer, D&D 3.5e 83
Mantle of Celestian Item Encyclopedia Magica - Volume I 304, 305
Mantle of Celestian Item Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e 88, 101
Mantle of Celestian Item Unearthed Arcana, AD&D 1e (Premium Edition) 88, 101
Meteors of Celestian (LVL4) (Celestian) Spell Spell (Cleric), From the Ashes: References Card #05
Meteors of Celestian (LVL4) (Celestian) Spell Spell (Cleric), Greyhawk Adventures 7
Meteors of Celestian (LVL4) (Celestian) Spell Spell (Cleric), Priest's Spell Compendium Volume 2 406
Meteors of Celestian (LVL4) (Celestian) Spell Spell (Cleric), Priest's Spell Compendium Volume 3 798
Meteors of Celestian (LVL4) (Celestian) Spell Spell (Cleric), SJR6 Greyspace 89
Specialty Priest of Celestian People Group Religious order, CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook 83-84
Specialty Priest of Celestian People Group Religious order, From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess 85
Specialty Priest of Celestian People Group Religious order, Greyhawk Adventures 7