Shichifukujin (Lesser God)
The Shichifukujin are the Seven Gods of Happiness.
Sometimes referred to as the Seven Gods of Luck, they come from various origins.
They include:
- Hotei (god of happiness through fortunate chance)
- Jurojin (god of happiness through long life)
- Fukurokujo (god of happiness through good health)
- Bishamon (god of happiness through good cheer, he also looked after his worsh ipers during war), Benzaiten (goddess of happiness through love)
- Oaikoku (god of happiness through wealth)
- Ebisu (god of happiness through food, he also presides over fishing and honest dealing).
Each of these gods oversees a particular aspect of life.
To be truly happy, a man must worship all seven gods in the proper balance. Each god can grant worshipers the particular aspect of happiness that he or she embodies.
In their true forms, these gods have the following appearances:
- Hotei a man with a huge stomach
- Jurojin, an old man with a long white beard
- Fukurokujo, long narrow head with a short stocky body
- Bishamon is always dressed in full annor (to ward off war)
- Oaikoku, a portly, balding man
- Ebisu, an elderly man; and Benzaiten, a beautiful woman.
Roleplaying Tips
The Shichifukujin respond to their worshipers as individual gods. Thus, a man who pays a great deal of attention to Ebisu and none to Benzaiten is likely to have plenty of food but no wife to share it with. They do not send omens, although the degree of happiness in a person’s life might be perceived as one.
STATISTICS
- Alignment. Any Good alignment.
- Worshippers Alignment. Any chaotic alignment.
- Spheres of Influence. Happiness.
- Holy Symbol. Varies.
Clerics of Shichifukujin
The Shichifukuiin retain separate priestly orders, with duties appropriate to the individual god.
Alignment Restriction. Any good alignment.
Weapons Allowed. Club, Mace.
Armors Allowed. Any armor.
Divine Domains. Forge, Knowledge, Life, Peace, Tempest, Trickery, Twilight.
GRANTED POWERS
The Shichifukujin do not grant any power.