#sharess
Text
Sharess was originally a good aspect of Shar *and* Lolth?
...and perhaps the fragment of remaining goodness from both evil goddesses, with all three being possibly originally the same entity? (At least in late 1st and early 2nd edition AD&D lore)
Depictions (from left to right) of Shar, Sharess and Lolth, from 2003's Faiths and Pantheons
It might be a bit obscure, but rather than Bast merging with/absorbing the goddesses Felidae and Zandilar the Dancer; Sharess was originally intended to be a Chaotic Good aspect of Shar, as seen in her very first description in the original 1987 "Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting":
"Sharess, a CG aspect of Shar worshipped
in Calimshan, Waterdeep,
and by idle rich or decadents all
over the Realms. Sharess is a goddess
of lust, free love, and sensual
fulfillment, and is worshipped in
prolonged fests with scented
baths, music, good food, dancing,
and other gratifications."
This when asking one of the writers/editors, Matt Sernett about this, he confirmed that Sharess was actually meant to be a benevolent aspect of Shar, and this not being a misdirection as presented later in lore.
This was basically repeated in 1988's "Empires of the Sands", as well as in the 1993 2nd edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, though the latter further suggesting Sharess' benevolent nature might be an act, or that Sharess became a separate being from Shar by this point:
"The true nature and identity of Sharess is unrevealed. She may he
a direct part of the evil Shar, preparing her following for despair and
loss. Or she may be a new thing entirely: a goddess of excess."
This starts to become even more interesting with 1991's "Drow of the Underdark", in the section with the short dictionary of Drow language. There "valsharess" is explained as meaning "Queen", and "Quarvalsharess" "(the) Goddess" in Drow language, specifically and only meaning Lolth (other goddesses are are written as quar'valsharess, and not starting with a capital letter).
The same sourcebook, details the syncretic She-Spider cult - who seemingly consider Lolth and Shar to be the same goddess. The cult was opposed by both goddesses, which is curious, seeing Shar's eagerness to subsume other deities. Though Lolth did latter possibly send her priestess (Malabeth Tr'rudena) to infiltrate the cult.
A card from TSR's Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Trading Cards, depicting Malabeth.
This is a proof (along with the mention Shar worship is relatively popular among Drow), of such syncretic cults between the two goddesses existing, as well as one of the hints Shar and Lolth are or were to a degree aspects of each other. Similarly how Sehanine Moonbow in both 2nd edition and 4th edition, was stated to be aspect of Shar's sister, Selûne, most notably first in the above mentioned 2nd edition Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting:
"Sehanine: Sehanine is an intermediate power among the elves of
the Realms, for they refer to her as an elven version of Selûne, the mortal goddess of the moon."
Indeed, Sharess herself might had been a hint at the connection between Lolth and Shar.
There appeared more hints overtime, like similar antagonism between the 2 pairs, Shar and Lolth becoming both connected to the New Moon, and even more in late 3.5 edition and 4th edition/Nerath lore.
For example, it was stated at the very end of 3.5th edition that the god Mask is Shar's son, mirroring Vhaeraun being the son of Lolth. The two gods are very similar, both being gods of thievery connected to shadows, as well as Vhaeraun being called the "Masked Lord", "Masked Mage", "Masked God of the Night". Furthermore, both gods share near identical titles - Vhaeraun being called the "Lord of Shadow" and "Shadow Lord"; Mask being known as the "Lord of Shadows" and "Shadowlord". Both having a similar to near identical symbols. With there being theories, and hints before this reveal, Mask and Vhaeraun might be connected, maybe even aspects of each other, Mask even kinda hinting in one novel (1998's "Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad" by Troy Denning) he is the same as Vhaeraun.
Symbols of Vhaeraun (left, from 1998's "Demihuman Deities") and Mask (right, from 1996's "Faiths and Avatars")
Pictures of Vhaeraun battling his son, Selvetarm (left, from 2004's "Player's Guide to Faerun"), and of Mask (right, from 2003's "Faiths and Pantheons")
On Nerath, in turn Lolth and Sehanine are described as sisters, like Shar and Selûne are. So the (at least initial) opposition to the She-Spider cult from both, being possibly from not wanting for their connection to be revealed; or alternately be merged back by the power of belief.
Though to be clear, this could work either way if Shar and Lolth are or were aspects of each other, or not. As Sharess, in her original lore, possibly sprung into existence from the worship of the syncreticism of Shar and Lolth, that arose among drow, and then spread to other races/species, possibly originally named "Quarvalsharess"; before the name became shortened/corrupted among non-drow into just "Sharess". Or even started out named already Sharess among even drow, shortening from Quarvalsharess, to emphasize the "Shar" part.
It's probable Shar at least had more control over the Sharess aspect than Lolth (seeing Sharess was directly stated to be connected to her), and possibly the new goddess, in part absorbing or mirroring whatever benevolent aspects the two goddesses had, became an independent being. This quite probably being at least in part also caused by "Time of Troubles", when gods were forced into singular avatars, this event would have cut-off Sharess from both Shar and Lolth. Especially seeing the possibility of Sharess being an independent entity, was first mentioned not long after the Time of Troubles (ie when 2nd edition Forgotten Realms setting was set).
Depiction of Sharess, from 1995's Polyhedron #109
Soon though, Sharess was given a different origin (first in 1995's “Forgotten Deities: Sharess” in Polyhedron #109, then further developed with some changes in 1997's "Powers and Pantheons" and 1998's "Demihuman Deities") , if still being connected to Shar, and (more indirectly) to drow, and being an amalgamation of aspects of multiple goddesses (but different ones); it's still though an interesting possibility/alternate origin for home campaigns.
Or perhaps even theorizing some part of Shar or even Lolth did get into the divine merger that was Sharess.
("Was", as in 5th edition lore, Sharess was basically split back into Bast and Zandilar).
46 notes
·
View notes
Text
Forgotten Realms— Clerics
So 4 clerics walk into a bar
#Faerun#forgotten realms#dnd#dungeons & dragons#dungeons and dragons#sune#sharess#ilmater#the party dynamics would be off the charts#Cleric#priest#Did I misspell pleasurable??????????
16 notes
·
View notes
Text
Normally I do not like when characters evangelize me about their deities. But I would happily attend the cat sermons! 😊
Praise Sharess!
#baldur's gate 3#baldur's gate 3 spoilers#speak with animals is still the best spell in the game#mausertalks#sharess
12 notes
·
View notes
Text
Been thinking about which gods would agree to ally with Anri and...
You think Sharess and Anri would get along because they are both cat parents?
1 note
·
View note
Text
Rites of Sharess
Some homebrew stuff for my paladin of Sharess, the Faerunian goddess of hedonism.
Definition of Clergy: Any of the "official" members of Sharess's worship in as much as the cult has official ranks. Examples would include Clerics, the Acolyte background, and the "Courtesan of Sharess" background I homebrewed for Caress
Will add to this as I think of others.
Initiation as a Clergy
I pledge my path to walk entwined with Sharess.
At her word my body is bound.
At her wish my pain is given.
At her need my wrath is directed.
At her whim my passion is unleashed.
Her loves shall be my blood.
Her foes shall be my prey.
Handfasting / Life Oath / Twinning
Repeated between both/all bonded individuals
I pledge my path to walk entwined with yours.
At your word my body is bound.
At your wish my pain is given.
At your need my wrath is directed.
At your whim my passion is unleashed.
Your loves shall be my blood.
Your foes shall be my prey.
Funeral Rites
All dancing comes to an end in time.
All revelers must set their feet on the path home.
Rest lies in the wake of the setting sun.
Take with you all the echoes of the joy you built.
Leave behind the sorrows that you gathered.
Hold on to the wisdom of this life.
To carry back when next you join the dance.
Clergy and Duties
Courtesan of Sharess
A Courtesan of Sharess is highly trained in the tasks of dealing with supplicants including helping move past their inhibitions. They will engage in a certain level of probing questions, but will not push the envelope far if the supplicant does not consent to a full therapeutic session. In such cases, they'll simply focus on the immediate physical, emotional aspects of giving the supplicant a rewarding time. When among other sex workers, a Courtesan of Sharess may step in to take a troublesome client as they are often better capable of taking care of themselves should such a person get out of line.
House Acolytes
A number of Sharessan clergy act in support of the workers in a festhall but don't necessarily take part in such activities themselves. They most often act as healers, handling facilities, vetting supplicants and general protection. If they are willing, they are not forbidden from taking on supplicants, but they don't have the training in therapy and sex that the Courtesans do. This is made transparent.
Wandering Clergy
There are a number of wandering clergy of Sharess, some of them may hold one of the other two titles, but many have never acted as a sex worker themselves.
Sharess and Her Cult
Between the small numbers of the clergy and Sharess's proclivity for wandering the Realms and dallying with mortals, there is a very unusual portion of Sharessan clergy that have interacted directly with Sharess as compared to the priests of other faiths interacting with their own gods.
Asexuals and Sharess
With the cults hefty focus on consent and using sexuality and sensuality for positive reasons, no Courtesan or Acolyte is forced to take on supplicants. Asexual Courtesans tend to specialize in non-sexual interactions such as bondage, massage, or simple companionship. There are asexual Courtesans that frequently take on sexual interactions, but this is never forced on them. The cult is generally accepting, but this doesn't mean that all the worshipers are equally understanding of asexual members, especially with the lay worshipers compared to the clergy. Non-worshiper supplicants have a varying level of awareness and acceptance, but generally Courtesans try to be transparent and clear before a session begins so as not to break the flow.
Note: Caress is generally willing to do sexual stuff, but does prefer the non-sexual sessions mostly. She has some enjoyment from sexual sessions. The shared body heat may be part of it, the satisfaction she gets from pleasing a partner is a bigger factor.
#roleplaying games#rpg#ttrpg#d&d#Sharess#homebrew#paladin#sex-worker paladin#faerun#forgotten realms
1 note
·
View note
Text
I think Sharess' priests are the ones people go to, to get those charms and runes to keep them from getting pregnant.
And to stop the spread of stds. Why not have a rune to stop that too?
She's the goddess of hedonism. They want to fuck not breed. Or get sick.
#I've been thinking about this for a while but I don't really have the will to write something longer on it#forgotten realms#sharess
1 note
·
View note
Text
Unique Dialogue while setting boundaries in Sharess Caress
Dark Urge:
Shadowheart Origin:
Wyll Origin: I've only known courtly love. Please, be gentle.
Astarion Origin: Just don't tell me what to do… It brings back bad memories.
Karlach Origin: It's been a long time since I've been able to touch anyone. So nothing too… unexpected.
Lae'zel Origin: Follow my lead. And do it with enthusiasm.
Gale Origin: I'm rather out of practice with this whole bodily intimacy exercise, don't ask me to do any tricks.
Class Specific(All):
Race Specific: (Drow one is also gender specific)
Deep Gnome: I'd just like to spend an hour without experiencing a height joke.
5K notes
·
View notes
Text
some lucky redditor got a bug where the drow twins scene wasn't blacked out, and turns out there's most perfect snuggle pile if you brought halsin 😭
#a clip is in the reddit post but i cant get over this pose!!#here's a billion crossed fingers that larian is gonna let us have this for real. please Please please#drow twins#sharess caress#halstarion#baldur's gate 3#bg3#bg3 spoilers
3K notes
·
View notes
Text
More explorations through the parsed dialogue files. The nymph in Sharess's Caress (the one whose Fist client turns into a mind flayer) offers you a "moment of ecstasy" in return for saving her life - and apparently there are some character-specific dialog options for all of the origin characters (minus Lae'zel and plus Minsc) regarding their deepest desires. And I'm kinda having a lot of feelings about it.
Naoise Nallinto: The all-being. Here, there is no suffering. Here, you want for nothing. Here, you are anything. You have one word. Tell me: what will you be?
DARK_URGE: Sane.
Naoise Nallinto: You are sane. Time dances on in sequence, the winding path of time evens, and becomes straight. With a quiet head, you can once again hear the song of the birds and the wind in the grass. You pluck a flower, and it does not bleed.
SHADOWHEART: Whole.
Naoise Nallinto: You are whole. Within and without, free from expectation and the crushing burden of solitude.You are the entirety of you. Every path outward leads to adventures yet unknown. Every path inward leads to dreams eternally fulfilled.
ASTARION: Safe.
Naoise Nallinto: You are safe. The winds of fate blow you to the warmest of hearths in the most cordial of inns. Your seething passions lead only to pleasure. The touch of the sun comforts your flesh, but never burns it.
KARLACH: Alive.
Naoise Nallinto: You are alive. Your senses vibrate with sensation - smell, taste, touch, sound, sight. All alert to the beauty of now. The sound of your heart - your heart - beats a steady rhythm: Hello, hello, hello.
GALE: Wise.
Naoise Nallinto: You are wise. The erudition of the ages flows through you and from you, illuminating the scholars who seek your counsel. You know yourself, for such is the beginning of all wisdom. When souls would drink the waters of learning, you are their font.
WYLL: Free.
Naoise Nallinto: Then be free. You are an eagle, the most divine of messengers, soaring above the peak of Mount Sundabar. No man or woman, no devil or demon, no goddess or god dares confine you within one border or one creed.
MINSC: Minsc.
Naoise Nallinto: Er - you are Minsc. You are the most Minsc. Wherever you go, there is only Minsc. Every step, every breath, every thought shall be - the Minsc-est. (DEVNOTE: Confused but making it work.)
#bg3#baldur's gate 3#astarion#karlach#shadowheart#gale#wyll#minsc#bg3 dialogue#naoise nallinto#sharess's caress#good old minsc lol#but ugh the other ones [sob]#even the durge one#everyone here needs about fifty hugs
2K notes
·
View notes
Text
The one thing that I'm disappointed about Sharess Caress is the fact that I cant rent out a room with Gale
Let me fucking use Elmister's Library with Gale.
I want that man to be offended when i rent that room in front of him thinking I'm hiring a third party.
"I prefer not to do this. If I'm not enough for you, I could always conjure us some kind of non-sentient companion"
And Tav will smile and open their mouth to explain when they get interrupted by the madam.
"Here you go, the key for Elminster's Library. Are you sure you only want the room? It's still full price even without the companion."
Tav just nods and pays.
Gale finally realizes and start clearing his throat before he starts to flirt with Tav about showing them a very informative book on forms in the library.
Tav will play along and say they probably need some demonstrations to properly understand.
I want everybody in the party to groan but Gale and Tav are too busy shamelessly flirting to notice them anymore while they go to "the library" for some lessons.
#bg3#gale dekarios#gale of waterdeep#baldur's gate 3#baldurs gate 3#bg3 gale#baldur’s gate 3#gale bg3#bg3 headcanons#bg3 sharess caress#sharess caress#let us use the brothel rooms
673 notes
·
View notes
Text
BG3 text - Raphael (9/?)
#bg3#bg3edit#bg3 raphael#raphael the cambion#baldurs gate 3#baldur's gate 3#raphael bg3#bg3 text#3rd one was me at sharess' with that archdevil comment#'should my tav really stroke this devil's already massive ego...' [picks it anyway]#i noticed he doesn't need to snap to do stuff...there's a scene where he'll just disappear without doing it#the snap appears to be for ✨dramatic flair✨lol
626 notes
·
View notes
Text
Beloved of Sharess
The cats speak exactly how I’d think cats would speak
16 notes
·
View notes
Text
gn reader, 18+
i do think arthur is so overwhelmingly gentle with you that you often completely forget how strong he actually is. and you only catch glimpses of it otherwise, watching him throw some bounty over his shoulder or pick up a deer to bring back to camp
its easy to lose sight of, specially when arthur is so soft handling you. treats you tender, a hand at the back of your waist and a brush of lips instead of bruising kiss. his fingers pushing hair from your face. you lose sight of the fact he’s so strong until he gets desperate.
and when he’s desperate he’s not so restrained. you can feel his patience snap after being worn thin, the tight grip of his hands against your thighs and the strength he rolls his hips and fucks up into you. it’s only when you’re collapsed limp in his chest and he’s whisperin’ and apology for being so rough that you remember why everyone sees him as so brutish to begin with. he can be brutal when he wants something and there’s nothing he wants more than you ever.
its hard not to notice how strong he is like that. thighs ground against yours, fingers dimpling the soft of your curved and angles, the bed moving with each thrust. your gentle, loving, brutal arthur
353 notes
·
View notes
Text
When you wish someone would turn on the lights during the Sharess Caress scenes. 😍 This one just started out as one drawing and then I felt everyone needed a moment.
#baldur's gate 3#bg3#astarion#bg3 romance#fantasy#gale dekarios#gale of waterdeep#halsin#bg3 tav#astarion x tav#baldurs gate 3#baldurs gate#bg3 fanart#bg3 art#tav x halsin#bloodweave#gale x halsin#tav x gale#gale bg3#sharess caress
953 notes
·
View notes
Text
Can’t get over the way he looks at my durge while waiting to see what she’ll do..
They changed the animation n position, n I’m sorry but the way he looks at her afterwards is hilarious, also the HMM?
Watch his face throughout the entire encounter and tell me that this man isn’t over protective over you and he’s somehow okay with ‘sharing’ you.
#astarion#baldur's gate 3#bg3#bg3 astarion#astarion ancunin#astarion x tav#astarion angst#bg3 tav#astarion romance#drow twins#sharess caress#astarion baldurs gate#astarion bg3#baldurs gate 3#astarion x you#bg3 spoilers#mims posts ~#bg3 clip
1K notes
·
View notes
Text
Can't believe he talks to us like that! In a damn brothel!!
PLEASE LET US BE BEDFELLOWS LARIAN, I'm begging you.
#raphael bg3#raphael baldur's gate 3#baldur's gate 3#raphael#raphael x tav#raphael/tav#sharess caress#bg3#Can we Raphael? Can we be bedfellows?? Because deal#it's not hope who is the tease here raphael#I scraaAaAhtch your parasite#never forget what they took from us#biggest let down in storytelling history
782 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
letterstomybestfriend
Letters To My Best Friend
dragooonslayer
DragooonSlayer
buckleydiazes
you two have an adorable son
solisaureus
plus est en vous
eltema-blog1
El Tema