Gods & Patrons

[Evil Genius Prime]

Quick question. I'm new to DCC, but not new to role-playing. I'm working on making my own campaign setting.
What I need to know is, what is the difference between Gods and Patrons. From what I gather, Gods are specifically for Clerics, while Patrons are for Wizards. Is this correct? Also, when creating Gods for my setting, all I really need to do is build them like the God selection chart in the Cleric section, right?

[Raven_Crowking]

Have you read many of the works in Appendix N? I ask because I may wish to elaborate with examples, and it would be easier if you were familiar with the source material. If not, I can probably still help.

The simple answer is that, while gods can be patrons, most patrons are not gods. Nor are patrons limited to wizards and elves; the Patron Bond spell can be used to bond anyone to a patron. Arioch in the Elric stories, Sheelba of the Eyeless Face in the Fafrhd and the Grey Mouser stories are both examples of patrons.

You can look at it this way as well: Gods usually have larger interests, portfolios of things they represent and are interested in. They may also walk the earth. They expect to command their servants, and to be obeyed. Patrons have personal interests, and, while their goals may not be understandable to mortals, the things they request are to reach some definite point. A cleric serves his god in hope of reward; a wizard or elf haggles with his patron in search of mutual benefit. The relationship is different.

I just recently read Clark Ashton Smith's The Dark Eidolon, in which the archfiend Thasaidon is both patron and god. In that story, you can see how Thasaidon's relationship with his priests and the wizard whose patron he is differ. It is an excellent story for understanding the difference.

If a cleric sins against his god, the god can cut off the magical mojo.

A wizard need not rely on his patron for magical mojo. Although the patron can refuse to be invoked, and can work against the wizard in other ways (see, for example, Perils of the Sunken City by Purple Sorcerer Games for one example of how this might occur), the wizard can bond with another patron. Indeed, the wizard need not have only one patron at any given time.

I don't know how well I am explaining the idea. I am tired, and have been driving much of the day.

Cleric: Thou art my God, and I will serve Thee because doing so is right and good, and serve Thee I must.
Wizard: You are my patron, and I will serve you so long as you aid me in learning my craft.

RC

[Raven_Crowking]

Also, when creating Gods for my setting, all I really need to do is build them like the God selection chart in the Cleric section, right?

That is the minimum of work needed, yes.

You should also have some idea of what that god deems a sin, because when a cleric sins the judge is encouraged to give penalties to future spell checks.

This thread (http://goodman-games.com/forums/viewtop ... 60&t=38936) is some work I've done on gods and powers for my own setting.

[Evil Genius Prime]

Thanks for the info! I am very familiar with Appendix N. Expecially Lovecraft's work.
I'll take a look at your thread here in minute as well.

[Ravenheart87]

In short: your god is your lord and master, your patron is a powerful ally - but not a friend. Don Corleone would be a patron, if he had magical powers.

[Raven_Crowking]

In short: your god is your lord and master, your patron is a powerful ally - but not a friend. Don Corleone would be a patron, if he had magical powers.

Short, sweet, and to the point.

[Raven_Crowking]

The Patron Book project is now live on Indiegogo.