Long ago, the Middle Air was calm and peaceful, with nothing disrupting the gentle clouds which drifted under the rule of Entekos. However, Umatum the rebel and his frightful kin invaded the heavens to loot and to destroy what they could. Entekos saw the destruction they unleashed and became angry for the first time. This anger brought forth a rumbling dark cloud above her brow, which thundered and bellowed until the lesser rebels fled, and took a great oak tree and fashioned it into a club with which to strike Umatum down to the ground where he made a great crater. Doburdun called forth all his rains and filled the crater with water to drown Umatum, so that he would never rise again to challenge Entekos for the Middle Air, this created the White Sea to the north of Entekos' realm.
After this, Doburdun rested beneath his mother, forming his Black Cloud Castle, which floats above the ground to frighten all rebels who would invade the Middle Air.
Nature of the Cult
Doburdun is the large but untroublesome summer storm of the Pelorian region, worshipped along side his mother, Entekos, by many peoples of Dara Happa. His clouds are loud and dark, but are peaceful and rarely cause any danger to anyone.
The Lunars have brought many missionaries of Doburdun with them from Peloria to Dragon Pass, recognizing his ability to defeat and calm the rowdy rebel storms, and his cult has spread amongst clans Loyal to the Lunars, although many Orlanthi view them as cowards and traitors.
Depiction
Doburdun is shown in art as a tall, loincloth clad god, armed with his thundering crooked club, known as an Addi.
His followers claim that their god is shown on the Gods Wall, and often clash with the Priests of Antirius who claim the figure is their god.
Rune Affinities
Doburdun is associated with the runes of Air and Stasis.
Air Rune Affinity
As the protector of Entekos, Doburdun has power over her realm of the Middle Air, although his powers are limited to those concerning clouds and storms such as: to call rainclouds, to summon and command Lesser Gods of clouds and storms, to create powerful thunderstorms, to create blasts of thunder, and to call forth lashing winds. Initiates who are strong in this rune are brooding, combative and proud.
Stasis Rune Affinity
As the loyal storm, Doburdun is associated with the power of stasis and control, allowing him to resist the wild powers of the rebel gods. An incomplete list of the abilities Doburduni have been known to use the Stasis Rune for includes: calming winds, commanding thunderstorms, shrugging off storm magic, and grounding flying enemies. Initiates who are strong in this rune are stubborn and loyal.
Opposed Runes
Doburdun is opposed to the rune of Movement.
Particular Likes and Dislikes
Doburdun is friendly with most celestial deities of Peloria, displaying no rivalry with gods of fire and sky. He is firmly defensive of his mother, Entekos, protecting her realm from the rebel winds who might approach, especially Umatum the Invader, who Doburduni view as a vicious murderer and their great foe.
The cult possesses a rivalry with that of Shargash, for each views themselves as the rightful guardian of the Middle Air. They have been known to work together against great foes, but after the battle has passed the two cults are quick to insult each others' honour.
Cult Organization and Holy Places
The centre of Doburdun's cult lies in the hills of Darsen, where the cult acts as guardians for the temples of Entekos and her daughters. Worshippers here are found in every tribe and city, and their shrines are found guarding every sacred district.
Outside of Peloria, there are few shrines to Doburdun. The most infamous is the Black Oak Shrine in the Colymar lands, which is protected by the Lunar-friend King Blackmoor.
Holy Days and Sacrifices
Doburdun's high holy day is the first Windsday of the Dara Happan summer season, when the summer rains start. During this time, everyone sacrifices to him, even those who would normally look down on the god, for he keeps away the wild and dangerous storms and brings the fields the gentle rains which nurture life. Sheep and Goats are the most common sacrifices to Doburdun, although most citizens of the Tripolis only offer up small idols in the shape of these creatures, preferring not to stain their hands with the blood of these wild animals.
Initiates
- All initiates of Doburdun must possess an affinity with the Air Rune, and Doburdun can only be approached through the Air Rune.
- All initiates of Doburdun must be men and must obey both the high priest of their temple, and also the high priestess of the local Entekos temple.
- They must swear oaths to defend any woman who cannot fight for themselves.
Subcults
Doburdun has just one recognised subcult, that of the Black Oak:
Black Oak
The Black Oak is Doburdun's sacred tree, which resists the predations of rebel gods, and re-sprouts after their lightning has shattered and burned all other trees around them. In Peloria, black oaks are known to provide shelter for any who have been caught out in rainstorms. His worshippers use the Air Rune to Be Unharmed By Lightning.
Devotees
- A Doburdun initiate with a rating of 11W or more in their Air Rune may seek to devote himself completely to Doburdun and become a devotee of the god.
- A devotee of Doburdun is subject to the usual restrictions (See HeroQuest, page 111).
Feats
When the Rebel Gods came to attack his mother Entekos, Doburdun took his Addi, a club of black oak, and marched out to face them. Whoever he struck with the club fell from the skies in a clap of thunder, and no winds could divert Doburdun from his path. When the Rebel Gods tried to flee in shame, Doburdun rode his Addi after them, sending them tumbling in a thunderous charge.
Lesser Air Gods
As a god of the middle air, Doburdun's worshippers may command many of the minor air gods of the area, who often appear as clouds or winds. The Gods Learner classified such beings as Umbroli, but to the Doburduni they are known as Daveki, the Air people.
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