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Rowdrosh
The Divine Herdsman (planar cervidal guardinal companion [he/him] / NG)
Portfolio: Herd animals, husbandry, shepherds
Realm: Elysium / Wandering
Rowdrosh, the Divine Herdsman, is the guardinal companion who embodies herd animals, husbandry, and shepherds. He’s a protector and guide for both mortals and their beasts. In his true form, he appears as a muscular humanoid with tanned skin, a ram’s face framed by bronze curls, and massive moonstone horns which sweep back from his temples. His presence exudes strength and calm, and he carries a birch staff that strikes with the force of iron. According to legend, it was Rowdrosh taught the herd animals of the Beastlands and the Prime the wisdom of travelling together for mutual protection, transforming them from solitary prey into cooperative groups capable of thriving in the wild. Shepherds honour him for his teachings on animal care, disease prevention, and the nurturing of pregnant livestock. Rowdrosh’s agents often travel to remote lands to share their knowledge with those in need, while waging a quiet war against creatures like schirs and worgs that threaten herds.
Rowdrosh roams all of the laters of Elysium, and even Krigala with his divine herd, raising celestial steeds destined to serve as mounts for mythic heroes chosen by the powers of goodness. He has no fixed home, preferring to experience the beauty of the Upper Planes in an ever-moving journey alongside the animals he cherishes. Every cycle he runs with the Herd, the transient planar pathway between Krigala, Arborea and the Outlands.
If seriously threatened, he’s able to transform himself and those around him into an ethereal herd of animals, protecting the weak and allowing a quiet escape. Rowdrosh’s philosophy emphasises that communities—whether mortal or animal—thrive through cooperation and mutual care. His presence inspires shepherds to protect their flocks with diligence and compassion while his teachings reveal that strength is not found in isolation but in standing together against life’s challenges.
Source: Chronicle of the Righteous [PF1e] p22; Inner Sea Gods [PF1e] p324; Jon Winter-Holt