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The Traveler

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The Traveler, titled "The Sovereign of Chaos and Change" and in some lands known as the Giver of Gifts, is a chaotic neutral or unaligned deity of the Dark Six.[1][2][6][3][7][10][9][8] The Traveler presides over the portfolios of chaos, deception, evolution, invention, and transformation;[1][2][6][13] or influences the areas of change, cunning, deception, and innovation;[3][7][13] or oversees the provinces of change and chaos.[8] It has an aspect as a god of artifice and artificers.[8][14][15] Followers of the god are known as Travelers.[13]

Description[]

The most mysterious of all the gods, the Traveler is believed to be a supreme shapeshifter and trickster, a virtuoso of deceit and craftiness, a creator of things and a bringer of knowledge.[1][2][6][3][8] It is even believed to be the true lord of Eberron, having walked all its roads and seen all its sights, and left them all transformed.[5] However, it is also said to be impulsive and unpredictable[16] and a creature of dark cunning.[5] The Traveler is thought to look favorably on those who use their wits or are resourceful, and to disapprove of those who beg for safety and care or for unearned gifts.[6]

Legends say that, alone among the gods, the Traveler walks the land with a thousand faces, in body and in spirit, but no mortal will pierce its perfect disguise.[1][2][6][4] The Traveler's true nature is one of the great mysteries, and even its gender is unknown—the Traveler is referred to as "it", not "he" or "she",[3] but sometimes "he"[4][5] and "she" have been used, even interchangeably.[5] Either way, it has been depicted with a laughing face.[17][5]

Relations[]

The Traveler is unique in that it is not related, by family or any other means, to any of the other members of the Sovereign Host or the Dark Six, despite being treated as a member of the latter group.[1][2][3][6] In fact, the Traveler appears to be defiantly independent of these other gods, even happily oblivious of their presence.[6] While definitely the least malign of the Dark Six, the Traveler is not especially benign either.[6] Nevertheless, with regards to the Dark Six, the Traveler is almost always the exception.[18]

Works[]

Many things folk cannot easily understand or explain have been readily attributed to the Traveler.[6] Often, it is said to be the creator of one thing or another, from certain creatures to geographic features. For example, canyons and lakes in many places bear names like "The Traveler's Footprint" or similar in the local tongue.[19]

The Traveler is even said by believers to have created the whole world itself. In two myths commonly told by doppelgangers, the Traveler created the world from pieces scavenged from another world. In one, this world was an earlier creation that had fallen into ruin, and in the other, it was a parallel creation the Traveler desired to copy.[19] In another myth, the Traveler drew the world from out of a dragon's gut.[20]

Changelings, such as the priest Chance, tell the story that in olden times there was a woman called Jes who had one hundred children. When enemies plotted to slay them, Jes appealed to the Sovereign Host, but got no answer but rain and wind. When Jes despaired, a lone traveler came and took her hand, promising "I will protect your children if they follow my path. Let them wander the world. They may be shunned and feared, but they will never be destroyed." Accepting this, Jes was given the traveler's cloak and she spread it over her hundred children. Though their former faces melted away, they could become whoever they wished, becoming the changeling race, shunned by all but shielded by the Traveler's gift.[21] Another, somewhat bland, changeling legend tells that the Traveler chose to create a new race, for reasons unknown and unknowable but much speculated about. The Traveler channeled his (in this version, it is masculine) will and desires through doppelgangers and gave them temporary extra powers and had them go out into the world and breed with humans and other humanoids, and their progeny were the first changelings.[4]

It is said that when the gods of the Host and the Six laid curses on Xen'drik, the Traveler twisted the land so no path could be walked the same way twice. The Traveler's Curse, as it is known, means explorers can take a path twice and end up at different destinations.[22]

The Giver of Gifts is also believed to have created the village of Lost in Droaam for the changeling refugees of Ohr Kaluun in Sarlona during the Sundering, and also granted the inhabitants their powers.[23]

Most recently, the Traveler has been credited with the creation of the warforged, with many in House Cannith thinking the initial inspiration was the Traveler's gift. The troubles arising from this new race lend credence to the belief.[13]

Hexblades think their powers come from the Giver of Gifts.[6]

Dogma[]

“
We were their saviors, so they asked us to stay and to be their lords. Perhaps even their gods. But I told them they should not put their faith in other mortals so, pointing to their shamed lord and their fat priest. Then the east whispered of mystery to me, so we set our feet to the road again. That night, we saw smoke in the west. I dreamed of burning temples and a gallows song on the wind.
”
— Writings of a follower of the Traveler[12]

There are few holy texts for the faith, so the Traveler's commandments usually need to be deduced. However, some known common tenets are:[3]

  • Revealing one's true self is weakness. Instead, followers should cover themselves in disguise and deception, until not even they know the truth of themselves.[3][10]
  • Nothing is permanent. Thus, followers should make sure that change helps them and hinders their rivals.[3]
  • Cunning plans and intricate deceptions are the most effective weapons, for mortal minds can be predicted and easily manipulated.[3][10] With such manipulations, foes may be thrown into chaos before one strikes.[12]
  • Change strengthens people and chaos pushes evolution.[8] That is, change is certain and leads to necessity, which breeds invention and transformation, so one must be adaptable.[12] However, this change is not due to the random chance of Olladra, but due to continual personal growth and transformation.[10]

In addition, the faith of the Traveler promotes careful planning and adopting a subtle approach,[1] as well as change in any form.[2][3] Moreover, while the Traveler has the domain of creation, it is the invention of something new, not merely re-creation of something old.[10] It's held that the wayward cycle of change is the eternal path of the Traveler, and of those who choose to follow.[12]

Although the Traveler is known as the Giver of Gifts, a famous proverb advises to "Beware the gifts of the Traveler".[1][3][8][13] This originates in Sarlona, but every culture in which the Traveler is known has some version of it.[13] It warns that a gift can have strings attached,[16] unexpected results,[8] or hidden dangers, and that even an apparent good fortune can have unpredictable consequences. Yet followers of the Traveler believe this is not necessarily a bad thing, as invention comes with a cost, evolution is a struggle in which those who do not adapt perish, that only chaos can lead to an ideal world.[13]

Worshipers[]

Traveler's Harlequin

He shot first.

Races & Adventurers[]

The Traveler is the patron of all those who welcome change, in body and in philosophy. Its worshipers include changelings, shifters, doppelgangers, and lycanthropes, who see it as the greatest of gods,[1][2][6][3][24] but only doppelgangers and lycanthropes routinely revere it.[6] The majority of doppelgangers venerate the Traveler and try to imitate it.[1] While changelings are more attracted to the Traveler's faith than any other race of Khorvaire and they do revere it, they do not exactly worship it. Rather, they see the Traveler as a companion on the road of life, but not one to be fully trusted. Nevertheless, tales of the Traveler are commonly used to justify or explain their other philosophies.[25] In Graywall, Droaam, tiny shrines, changelings venerate the Traveler via asymmetric icons that hold hidden meanings,[26] while priests of the Traveler lead the changeling village of Lost.[23]

Most changelings, especially of nomadic clans, follow the Traveler's path wherever it takes them.[21][4] In particular, changeling Becomers especially admire the Traveler's deceptiveness, finding it ideal. While changeling Passers will venerate any convenient god, they turn quietly to the Traveler when threatened or stressed. Even those few Reality Seekers who take up religion generally prefer the Traveler.[4]

Many adventuring shifters similarly follow the Traveler.[27]

Of other races, the Traveler is also worshiped by rogues, thieves, wanderers, and some artificers, bards, wizards (particularly illusionists), who appreciate its focus on cleverness and innovation, as well as the psionic soulknives and wilders.[1][6][3][8][8] While they will on occasion beseech the Traveler's blessing on their efforts, they only rarely expect a response, and rarer still actually get something.[6]

Lands[]

The Traveler faith is particularly prevalent in Xen'drik and has existed in Stormreach since giants ruled the land. It was found among the early gnome settlers and came again with later smugglers. It is still active in the city, with followers in the gangs and dragonmarked houses, possibly even among the Storm Lords themselves. Yet the faith remains hidden, with not even a shrine in Temple Row. It is known that one of the city's inns conceals a temple, but which one is a mystery. The staff and regulars are followers of the Traveler, and they will set out to change the life of any visitors. It is a place of opportunity and chance finds and inevitable change, whether there or soon after.[13]

Organizations[]

The Cabinet of Faces comprises acolytes of the Traveler.[16][28] According to secret lore of the group, the Traveler or its envoy has in centuries past possessed one of the leaders to speak a message, have a task performed, or even prophesy the future.[29] They believe the Traveler taught doppelgangers the way of the ebon saint, psionics-users of mysterious nature.[30]

Among the dragonmarked houses, members of the Cannith South faction of House Cannith have gradually taken up worship of the Traveler, owing to its governance over artifice. Cannith West is concerned by their following of one of the Dark Six. In fact, quite a few in Cannith are of the faith, but this is kept quiet.[14][15][13] The Cannith followers think that the pursuit of new wonders in Xen'drik will test and advance humanity.[13] The early Cannith tinkers revered the Traveler, and the Forgehold in Sharn held a secret shrine.[15] A number of blades of Orien are rumored to follow the Traveler, and even to have a secret society within House Orien.[31]

A sect of Dark Six worshipers known as Creation's Muse place the Traveler above all other deities. Moreover, they attribute every deity and almost every significant discovery to it.[32]

“
The Traveler comes. Choose to be the instrument of his change, or a victim of it.
”
— Lupae of the Cabal of Shadows[33]

The Cabal of Shadows believe in a coming time of shadow and change and reign by a dark prince in the Traveler's name. They follow a 'Calling' heard in their dreams, thought to be from the Traveler.[33]

Rites[]

The faithful make sacrifices to the Traveler by making something and destroying it. This demonstrates their acceptance of change and transformation.[2]

Most Vassals of the Dark Six or Sovereign Host make prayers to the Traveler before they commence a long or hazardous journey.[2]

The Feast of the Traveler, a holiday observed by both changelings and non-changelings, honors the deity but focuses on giving kindness to strangers—one of whom might well be the Traveler—and on sharing and celebrating. It's often a big street party where all participants bring and share food and drink, people relax, business is set aside for the day, and gifts are given with nothing expected in exchange. Recipients quote "Beware the gifts of the Traveler" and raise a toast to the Dark Six.[4]

Clergy[]

“
I am the fingers of the thief in the marketplace. I am the song that moves your bones without your will. I am the one without shape, whom you fear. I am the luck of the daring that, upon our meeting, you have lost.
”
— A harlequin's boast[5]

Priests of the Traveler are often former craftsmen or inventors who chose a change in career.[2] A special follower is known as the Traveler's harlequin.[5]

They regularly embark on lengthy journeys, whether to wander with no actual intent or perhaps to deliver messages or items that might shake up social order somehow and thereby trigger change. To help along their subversions, they might create new identities for themselves, usually maintaining them for years.[2] True followers go where the Traveler's ambiguous guidance takes them and do what they find needs doing. What they do may seem amoral to others, who cannot see the final outcome. They receive no thanks and accept no blame, and leave again as soon as they feel the inspiration to move on.[12]

There is no consistent design or construction in shrines dedicated to the Traveler. Instead, worshipers are meant to make their own, personal place of worship and to adjust it often.[2]

Symbols[]

The holy symbol of the Traveler is an eight-pointed configuration of four crossed bones, each inscribed with runes.[2][34][8]

The favored weapon of the faith is the scimitar.[1][2]

Magic[]

Some unique powers of the clergy are:

And some magic items are:

Noted Shrines & Temples[]

One known shrine is the Shrine of the Giver in Fairhaven's Chalice Center, Aundair.[35]

In Sharn in Breland, shrines to the Traveler may be found in the districts of Sovereign Towers, Dragoneyes, and Ashblack (where it lies within Cannith's Forgehold), while temples exist in Ship's Towers and Callestan.[36]

Appendix[]

In Other Media[]

The character of Jester in the popular D&D web-series Critical Role worships a deity known as the Traveler. However, while the deity shares the same name and has similar domains as the deity in Eberron, DM Matthew Mercer has stated that the Traveler in the show is a distinct deity from the Eberron Traveler.[37]

Appearances[]

Novels
Draconic Prophecies: Storm Dragon • Dragon Forge
Referenced only
The City of Towers • The Darkwood Mask • The Doom of Kings • Dragon War • The Fading Dream • The Killing Song • The Shattered Land • Skein of Shadows • Son of Khyber • Thieves of Blood • Word of Traitors

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Keith Baker, Bill Slavicsek, & James Wyatt (2004). Eberron Campaign Setting. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 13, 19, 35, 67, 70. ISBN 0-7869-3274-0.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, Ari Marmell, & C.A. Suleiman (2006). Faiths of Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 51–52. ISBN 0-7869-3934-6.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 David Noonan, Ari Marmell, and Robert J. Schwalb (2009). Eberron Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 16, 17, 44. ISBN 0-7869-5100-1.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Jesse Decker, Matthew Sernett, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, & Keith Baker (2005). Races of Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 49–50, 53. ISBN 0-7869-3658-4.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Chris Sims (December 2009). “Channel Divinity: The Traveler” (PDF). Dragon #382 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 72.
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 James Wyatt, Keith Baker, Luke Johnson, Steven Brown (2006). Player's Guide to Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 33. ISBN 0-7869-3912-5.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 James Wyatt and Keith Baker (2009). Eberron Campaign Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 240. ISBN 0-7869-5099-4.
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 Keith Baker, Jeremy Crawford, & James Wyatt (2019). Eberron: Rising from the Last War. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 141–143. ISBN 0786966890.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook (5th edition). (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 62, 296. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Logan Bonner (August 2009). “Domains in Eberron and the Forgotten Realms” (PDF). Dragon #378 (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 26, 27, 30.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 David Noonan, Ari Marmell, and Robert J. Schwalb (2009). Eberron Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 89, 93. ISBN 0-7869-5100-1.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 Chris Sims (December 2009). “Channel Divinity: The Traveler” (PDF). Dragon #382 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 71.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 13.8 13.9 Keith Baker, Nicolas Logue, James Desborough, C.A. Suleiman (2008). City of Stormreach. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 84–85. ISBN 0-7869-4803-5.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Keith Baker, Ari Marmell, Michelle Lyons and C.A. Suleiman (2006). Dragonmarked. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 19. ISBN 0-7869-3933-8.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Keith Baker & James Wyatt (2004). Sharn: City of Towers. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 112–113. ISBN 0-7869-3434-4.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Keith Baker, Bill Slavicsek, & James Wyatt (2004). Eberron Campaign Setting. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 303–304. ISBN 0-7869-3274-0.
  17. ↑ David Noonan, Rich Burlew, & Frank Brunner (2005). Explorer's Handbook. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 84. ISBN 0-7869-3691-6.
  18. ↑ James Wyatt, Keith Baker, Luke Johnson, Steven Brown (2006). Player's Guide to Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 32. ISBN 0-7869-3912-5.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 James Wyatt, Keith Baker, Luke Johnson, Steven Brown (2006). Player's Guide to Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 31. ISBN 0-7869-3912-5.
  20. ↑ James Wyatt, Keith Baker, Luke Johnson, Steven Brown (2006). Player's Guide to Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 42. ISBN 0-7869-3912-5.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Keith Baker, Jeremy Crawford, & James Wyatt (2019). Eberron: Rising from the Last War. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 17. ISBN 0786966890.
  22. ↑ Keith Baker, Jeremy Crawford, & James Wyatt (2019). Eberron: Rising from the Last War. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 139. ISBN 0786966890.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Keith Baker (August 2011). “Eye on Eberron: Lost: The Shapeshifting Village” (PDF). Dungeon #193 (Wizards of the Coast) (193)., pp. 1–3.
  24. ↑ David Noonan, Ari Marmell, and Robert J. Schwalb (2009). Eberron Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 40. ISBN 0-7869-5100-1.
  25. ↑ James Wyatt, Keith Baker, Luke Johnson, Steven Brown (2006). Player's Guide to Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 24. ISBN 0-7869-3912-5.
  26. ↑ Keith Baker (October 2008). “Dragonmarks: Backdrop: Graywall” (PDF). In Chris Youngs ed. Dragon #368 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 6.
  27. ↑ Jesse Decker, Matthew Sernett, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, & Keith Baker (2005). Races of Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 33. ISBN 0-7869-3658-4.
  28. ↑ Keith Baker & James Wyatt (2004). Sharn: City of Towers. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 62. ISBN 0-7869-3434-4.
  29. ↑ Jesse Decker, Matthew Sernett, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, & Keith Baker (2005). Races of Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 141–142. ISBN 0-7869-3658-4.
  30. ↑ Keith Baker (2006/10/23). Complete Psionic. Eberron Expanded. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2016/11/01. Retrieved on 2021/08/15.
  31. ↑ Keith Baker, Ari Marmell, Michelle Lyons and C.A. Suleiman (2006). Dragonmarked. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 100. ISBN 0-7869-3933-8.
  32. ↑ Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, Ari Marmell, & C.A. Suleiman (2006). Faiths of Eberron. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 49. ISBN 0-7869-3934-6.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Keith Baker, Nicolas Logue, James Desborough, C.A. Suleiman (2008). City of Stormreach. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 102–103. ISBN 0-7869-4803-5.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 David Noonan, Ari Marmell, and Robert J. Schwalb (2009). Eberron Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 104, 105. ISBN 0-7869-5100-1.
  35. ↑ Chris Sims (September 2009). “Explore Fairhaven” (PDF). Dungeon #170 (Wizards of the Coast) (170)..
  36. ↑ Keith Baker & James Wyatt (2004). Sharn: City of Towers. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 45, 51, 61, 97, 99–100. ISBN 0-7869-3434-4.
  37. ↑ Matt Mercer. Reddit Comment.

Connections[]


The Dark Six
The Devourer | The Fury | The Keeper | The Mockery | The Shadow | The Traveler
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