Apollo
Apollo, is the son of Zeus and Leto (one of Zeus' many mistresses). He has a twin sister, Artemis and a half-brother, Ares. Apollo is a Lesser God in the Twelve: the pantheon of Gods in the 'official' religion of the Merebian Empire.
Epithets
Apollo is usually referred to by his worshippers as 'the Radiant'. This is not solely because he is the God of the Sun but also because he brings the 'light' of (Imperial) civilisation to Oberon.
Symbol
Apollo's symbol is that of a golden Sun on a sky blue background.
Sphere of Influence
Apollo is the God of the Sun, Music, and Healing, as well as of Prophecy and Archery prowess (an area he shares with many other deities, such as his twin sister, Artemis).
Description
Due to Apollo's focus of guidance, healing and the arts, many people believe that there are parallels to be made between Apollo and the Elven deity, Corellon. Certainly there are similarities in their depiction - a radiant, blonde haired individual in gleaming armour, carrying a bow and with a blue cloak. However this is based on a surface knowledge of the two deities and seeing some overlap in spheres of influence. In reality Corellon is more fixated on imparting a rigid sense of selfless duty upon his Elven worshippers, whereas Apollo aims to bring culture (specifically Imperial culture) and enlightenment to where these are lacking.
Relationships
Apollo is not especially close to his various half-siblings, with the exception of his twin sister, Artemis. This is primarily due to the jealousy of Zeus's wife, Hera over Zeus' 'dalliance' with their mother, Leto.
Festival
The festival of Apollo is on the day between Sextibus and Septibus. This day is, effectively, Midsummer's Eve.
Classes and Organisation
The classes that are most likely to follow the teachings of Apollo are Clerics and Bards. Apollo is rarely followed by Paladins and never by Druids.
Clerics
Although Apollo is typically worshipped by those who aspire to become Bards, he does have his own Clerics. The priesthood of Apollo consists primarily of people who try to be free of rash impulses such as hatred, anger, lust or greed and instead focus on improving the cultural base of the Empire through the arts and medicine. As such, they are generally thought to be gentle souls who seek out the beauty in all things, but it is worth remembering that nothing in the teachings of Apollo stipulates pacifistic behaviour: Clerics of Apollo are just as capable in a fight as those of any of the other members of the Twelve (with the possible exception of Athena and Ares).
Clerics of Apollo are always tastefully, but not ostentatiously dressed. If expecting any conflict they will prefer armour emblazoned with a representation of the Sun. The preferred weapon of Apollo's Clerics is the bow (long or short), although shortswords are also common.
Bards
As Apollo is the God of Music and culture is is little wonder that many Bards are drawn to name him as their patron deity. Bards will often compose songs and poems in his honour or thank him for his blessings when performing.
