Hoar

Hoar, known in the lands along the Inner Sea as Assuran, is a god of revenge and retribution. He isn’t typically worshiped habitually, but his name is invoked by those who seek vengeance. When a guilty party falls prey to fate — such as when a murderer escapes prosecution, but is then accidentally slain himself — the hand of Hoar is given credit. When one hears three rolls of thunder in succession, it is thought to be a sign from Hoar that some act of vengeance has been performed. Many human societies have the custom of ringing a bell or a gong three times when judgment of a crime is rendered or an execution takes place.   Folk speak Hoar’s name when they want revenge, particularly when they are incapable of avenging themselves. This invocation might be in response to a petty slight or a true injustice, and the acknowledgment of Hoar might be a short prayer said aloud or might be written down somewhere. It’s generally believed that the more permanent the form of the prayer, the more likely it is to be fulfilled. For this reason, some etch their prayers in lead and bury it or hide their prayers inside diaries. Aside from bounty hunters and those on crusades of vengeance, few truly revere Hoar, and he is served by fewer still who would call themselves priests. Temples or shrines of Hoar are almost nonexistent except for ancient sites in Chessenta and Unther.   Hoar became a member of the Faerûnian pantheon when his worship extended beyond the lands that originally revered him. Most consider Tyr to be the arbiter of laws, and Hoar to be the god who metes out punishment that comes as a result of breaking those codes. A judge might favor the worship of Tyr, while a jailor or a headsman is more likely to pray to Hoar.  

History

Hoar was originally the ancient Untheric deity worshiped in the eastern Inner Sea lands known as Assuran. Centuries past, he was driven from Unther by Ramman, the Untheric god of war, although his cult remained strong in other nearby lands.   During the Time of Troubles, Hoar stalked the Old Empires, appearing in the kingdom of Akanax, where he took the body of King Hippartes as his avatar. Then he appeared in Thay to obtain a cache of weapons, and he showed up in Unther, where he slew his ancient rival Ramman. However, Anhur swooped in and took Ramman's portfolio before Hoar could gain control.   Both Tyr and Shar tried to influence Hoar after his empty victory. The Dark Goddess pushed him to become more like his "Doombringer" persona and be her servant of bitter vengeance at all costs. The Maimed God cajoled him to embrace the humor and irony of life and bring poetic and satisfying justice to those with a sad view of fate. But Hoar rebuffed them and dallied with Beshaba instead, working with Lady Doom to spread misfortune to those that did not honor them.   With Tyr's death, Bane recruited Hoar as an exarch, causing Hoar to take on a more evil persona. Following the Second Sundering, Hoar shifted back to his more neutral outlook. After Tyr's resurrection, he became something of a counterpoint to Tyr—concerned with punishing those who would break the law, whereas Tyr focused more on his role as an arbiter.