Chauntea: Goddess of Agriculture

Chauntea is a central deity in the Forgotten Realms, revered as the goddess of agriculture, growth, and the harvest. Her influence extends across the Sword Coast and beyond, making her a vital figure in both the natural world and the lives of those who depend on it.

Basic Information

• Name: Chauntea (pronounced "chawn-TEE-ah")
• Domains: Life, Nature, Agriculture, Harvest, Growth
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Symbol: A blooming rose or a sheaf of grain

Chauntea embodies the natural cycle of life, growth, and renewal. She is a nurturing, benevolent goddess, often depicted as a motherly figure who blesses the land with fertility and abundance.

History and Mythology

Chauntea is one of the oldest deities in the Forgotten Realms, present since the dawn of creation. Known as the "Great Mother" or "Grain Goddess," she nurtures all living things.

Key Events

• Creation of the World: Chauntea emerged from the primordial chaos, shaping Faerûn’s land and sowing the first seeds for its forests and fields.
• The Dawn Cataclysm: She opposed destructive deities during this divine conflict, ensuring the natural world’s survival.
• The Time of Troubles: Her avatar aided farmers and healers, reinforcing her role as a protector of the common folk.

Relationships

Chauntea allies with nature deities like Silvanus (wild nature) and Mielikki (forests), while opposing gods of decay, such as Talona (disease) and Malar (hunt).

Worshipers and Church Structure

Chauntea’s followers—farmers, gardeners, and herbalists—seek her blessings for bountiful harvests and protection from disasters. Her church thrives in rural areas.

• Clergy: Known as Harvestmasters or Greenfingers, her priests excel in agriculture and healing, advising local communities.
• Hierarchy: The church is decentralized, led locally by High Harvestmasters.
• Worship Practices:
• Rituals include planting ceremonies and harvest festivals.
• The Greengrass Festival marks spring with feasts and seed-sharing.

Divine Realms and Sacred Locations

• Divine Realm: Green Fields in Elysium, a pastoral paradise of endless farmlands and orchards.
• Sacred Locations:
• Goldenfields: A temple-farm near Waterdeep, dubbed the "Breadbasket of the North."
• The Fields of the Dead: Fertile plains blessed by her followers.
• The Standing Stone: A Dalelands monument symbolizing her pact with elves to protect the land.

Gameplay Mechanics

Chauntea’s influence enhances gameplay through her clerics and divine blessings.

• Cleric Domains: Life, Nature
• Favored Weapon: Sickle or scythe
• Divine Boons: Clerics can bless crops, heal, or protect against disasters, using spells like Plant Growth or Heroes’ Feast.
• Artifacts: Items like the Scythe of Chauntea or Cornucopia of Plenty grant prosperity.

Campaign Hooks

• Blighted Lands: Investigate failing crops, possibly due to a curse.
• Harvest Festivals: Protect or join a community celebration.
• Divine Quests: Restore a despoiled landscape or defend a sacred grove.

Summary

Chauntea sustains life and fosters growth across the Forgotten Realms. Her presence blesses every field and forest, offering rich storytelling and gameplay opportunities centered on nature and community.