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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Jan 2017 : 10:33:48
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Hi everyone. In one of the (2e) games that I'm running I have a character who essentially has PTSD. She'd like to work at getting a handle on it, and since there aren't therapists in the Realms, I'm looking for a substitute. I would normally send her in search of a psionicist with the Psychic Surgery science, but for reasons in the game that's not particularly practical. So instead I'm turning to priesthoods.
I'm thinking Ilmater and Shar would probably be the priesthoods most experienced with doing the Realms version of therapy, but I wanted to reach out to the forums and see if you all had any additional ideas of who a mentally troubled person might go to for help.
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Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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KanzenAU
Senior Scribe
Australia
763 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2017 : 11:46:37
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Mystra's Arms is an asylum in Waterdeep, so maybe even Mystra - especially if the character has any sort of magic ability. The asylum supposedly makes an appearance in Dream Spheres, but I haven't got to that yet.
As an aside, I think dealing with PTSD is a very personal experience and, although certain priesthoods might specialise in it, individuals might find some solace in the teachings of any priesthood that resonates with them personally. I'm studying medicine at the moment, and in my psychiatry rotation we heard a lot about catering the treatment to the individual patient, rather than applying the same treatment to every patient.
However, with the proviso that I am very, very far from knowledgeable on the subject, most PTSD treatment revolves around some form of cognitive behavioural therapy: essentially trying to get how a person thinks and how they behave on a more healthy track for them. So, I'm actually thinking those that would take the time for this sort of thing might include Ilmater, or maybe Eldath. |
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Starshade
Learned Scribe
Norway
279 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2017 : 14:43:22
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| I'd think any god with the Healing sphere could have some clerics or specialist priests of sort, who probably could be able to help out, based on my point of view; i know little of canonical mental health and therapy in the realms. |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2017 : 14:56:23
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| Selunes clergy always keeps an eye out for people afflicted with 'madness'. If they encounter them they first try to dispell the madness, if their magic fails they usually bring these madmen to small rural chapels. The hope is that the senior clerics of the Moonmaiden can ease their days with small rituals and simple routines. |
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Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7970 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jan 2017 : 21:49:41
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While most people avoid invoking Shar's name, it is common for most folk to offer quick prayers to her when seeking to sooth and forget painful memories.
But I say forget healing the "affliction" - make use of it! Become a Stormlord of Talos, see the world, meet exciting new people! Sit back, enjoy the weather, relax as you release your pent-up stress in constructively destructive new ways. Or join a church of Tempus, Cyric, Malar, etc - quit running from whatever causes you anguish and fear and pain, confront it head-on, root it out, chase it relentlessly, "heal" your PTSD on your own terms by revealing it and cornering it and smiting it apart with furiously righteous vengeance. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2017 : 08:21:05
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| Probably a bit too late for you, Hoondatha, but the priesthood of Oghma (and the followers of dead Helm) is highly involved in treating the afflictions of Neverwinter in 1479 DR. |
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sfdragon
Great Reader
2285 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2017 : 08:52:24
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| Helm isnt dead |
why is being a wizard like being a drow? both are likely to find a dagger in the back from a rival or one looking to further his own goals, fame and power
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http://steelfiredragon.deviantart.com/gallery/33539234 |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11696 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2017 : 14:35:02
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Eldath and Ilmater seem the two most likely candidates to me. With Eldath's push for peace and serenity and gently flowing waters .... I'd think they may have a decent hold on such care. I could also see Auppenser (though he would have rare priests and probably many of his worshippers that remain are psions). Sune and Milil (maybe finder?) may have some hand in it by trying to turn the person to creating art in its various forms.
Amongst other pantheons, Kiltzi of Maztica, Hathor of Mulhorand, Eilistraee amongst the dark elves, Angharradh amonst the other elves, both Sharindlar and Berronar Truesilver amongst the dwarves (and possibly Deep Duerra since she has psionics), Iallanis amongst the giants, Cyrollalee and Yondalla amongst the halflings.
All of these seem like groups that might have some specialty in handling PTSD, whereas other healers would just try to do their best. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Starshade
Learned Scribe
Norway
279 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2017 : 14:57:05
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| Luthic, the Cave mother of the Orcs got medicine in her Portfolio. |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11696 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2017 : 17:45:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Starshade
Luthic, the Cave mother of the Orcs got medicine in her Portfolio.
I almost listed her... but I don't see Luthic as the "therapist" type. Many a doctor is lacking a good bedside manner, and I see Luthic as the kind that would be "suck it up, take your meds, and go fight". |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2017 : 19:22:21
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quote:
Originally posted by sfdragon
Helm isnt dead
Helm is dead at the time of the 4e Neverwinter Campaign Setting, which is what I was referencing.  |
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Starshade
Learned Scribe
Norway
279 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jan 2017 : 21:27:32
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Sleyvas: I agree, sort of, but you have the same issue as with Klingons; they are warriors, so, who make Food, Cooks, who want to be Medical doctor, do a doctor's thesis on ants, or study metrology on Chronos, in startrek?
Orcs, could, depending on the DM, be slightly more deep than the common orc. Imho, I think its possible they could have mental Healthcare, just not Public, but WERY private, behind the doors. Aren't D&D orcs capable of making BIG cities on their own? that must mean they have some depht. |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11696 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 00:26:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Starshade
Sleyvas: I agree, sort of, but you have the same issue as with Klingons; they are warriors, so, who make Food, Cooks, who want to be Medical doctor, do a doctor's thesis on ants, or study metrology on Chronos, in startrek?
Orcs, could, depending on the DM, be slightly more deep than the common orc. Imho, I think its possible they could have mental Healthcare, just not Public, but WERY private, behind the doors. Aren't D&D orcs capable of making BIG cities on their own? that must mean they have some depht.
Understood, and there could just as well be a good therapist amongst any religion (good or evil, lawful or chaotic). I could just as well name off Lathander, Chauntea, Miellikki, and Lurue priesthoods as having therapists.... but they wouldn't necessarily be well known for it, and their priests would be more inclined to other endeavours (i.e. if someone would ask "what priesthoods would sponsor something like Arbor Day"... these would be the ones I'd name). Same thing with Luthic (note, this is kind of why I put a maybe on Deep Duerra... she is combative... but the fact that she has a focus on psionics makes me inclined to think her priesthood probably does have some focus on therapy in their community... whereas Laduguer has heartless bastards for priests that would just say "suck it up, get back to work, ya whiny baby") |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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moonbeast
Senior Scribe
USA
522 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 02:04:17
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quote:
Originally posted by Starshade
Aren't D&D orcs capable of making BIG cities on their own? that must mean they have some depht.
Are they? Or do Forgotten Realms orcs simply take over big infrastructure cities from their more-intelligent humanoid opponents?
I admit I'm curious to know this myself. Maybe someone who has read all the Orc Wars novels from Salvatore can answer how the Many-Arrows Kingdom came about with his fortress citadels in the North. Did the orcs engineers themselves build them, or were they assisted by Drow advisors, etc.
I also second the post above mentioning the Unicorn deities as possible "healing deities". After all…. Unicorns are the epitome of purity and cleanliness. An unpure or unsound mind is something that they will want to resolve. And remember that in human mythology…. unicorn horns are supposed to have potent medicinal and healing properties. |
Edited by - moonbeast on 09 Jan 2017 02:06:53 |
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Darkmeer
Senior Scribe
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 03:40:52
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| Honestly, given their focus on beauty, a beautiful, unbroken mind would be something I could see the clergy of Sune being charged with helping with. Especially the 3.5 and earlier edition Paladins. That may not be something entirely beautiful, but the results can be. |
"These people are my family, not just friends, and if you want to get to them you gotta go through ME." |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 04:30:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Darkmeer
Honestly, given their focus on beauty, a beautiful, unbroken mind would be something I could see the clergy of Sune being charged with helping with. Especially the 3.5 and earlier edition Paladins. That may not be something entirely beautiful, but the results can be.
Interesting spin. Certainly, a healthy mind would be more appreciative of and better able to express beauty. |
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Darkmeer
Senior Scribe
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 05:02:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Darkmeer
Honestly, given their focus on beauty, a beautiful, unbroken mind would be something I could see the clergy of Sune being charged with helping with. Especially the 3.5 and earlier edition Paladins. That may not be something entirely beautiful, but the results can be.
Interesting spin. Certainly, a healthy mind would be more appreciative of and better able to express beauty.
When I read that the first thing that came to my mind was the movie "A beautiful mind" (title only, I haven't seen the movie), and that tangent ran me to Sune directly, being charged with beauty in all aspects, not just vanity.
That's how my mind works sometimes. Could a sanitarium (asylum) of Sune be a thing? I would think that their chaotic nature would be of great use with coming up with multiple treatment plans for the patients.
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"These people are my family, not just friends, and if you want to get to them you gotta go through ME." |
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moonbeast
Senior Scribe
USA
522 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 06:53:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Darkmeer
Honestly, given their focus on beauty, a beautiful, unbroken mind would be something I could see the clergy of Sune being charged with helping with. Especially the 3.5 and earlier edition Paladins. That may not be something entirely beautiful, but the results can be.
To play devil's advocate….
I'd wager that a good fraction of Sune's "fanatics" suffer from pathological vanity, jealousy, and narcissism. I'm not saying ALL of them are like that, but the religion's focus on beauty above all else is certain to attract those types. |
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BadCatMan
Senior Scribe
Australia
401 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 12:45:21
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For PTSD, an unusual option would actually be the church of Tempus. Soldiers are very prone to PTSD, in the form of shell shock, battle fatigue, or combat stress reaction, etc., and these would actually make a soldier worse at their role. A good-minded priest of Tempus might recognise this and try to treat it, though others might call it cowardice.
Also the followers of Eldath are heavily into calm and peace of mind, so I can see them treating mental health and especially PTSD.
The Ilmatari are an obvious choice; they provide counselling and support.
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Church_of_Ilmater#Activities
Sharrans, on a good day, can have a mental health aspect, though I imagine they focus more on grief and memory loss. |
BadCatMan, B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc.
Scientific technical editor
Head DM of the Realms of Adventure play-by-post community
Administrator of the Forgotten Realms Wiki |
Edited by - BadCatMan on 10 Jan 2017 00:56:59 |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 13:18:27
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| Thank you very much everyone for the responses. It turns out there's a church of Ilmater not particularly far from where the players are at the moment, so I'm going to go with them. But I now have many more ideas in case the player needs them. Eldath especially. I'm kicking myself for not thinking of that one. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Darkmeer
Senior Scribe
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jan 2017 : 14:47:06
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quote:
Originally posted by moonbeast
quote:
Originally posted by Darkmeer
Honestly, given their focus on beauty, a beautiful, unbroken mind would be something I could see the clergy of Sune being charged with helping with. Especially the 3.5 and earlier edition Paladins. That may not be something entirely beautiful, but the results can be.
To play devil's advocate….
I'd wager that a good fraction of Sune's "fanatics" suffer from pathological vanity, jealousy, and narcissism. I'm not saying ALL of them are like that, but the religion's focus on beauty above all else is certain to attract those types.
I absolutely agree with you! The Narcissists who are helping others only to stroke their own ego would be the ones doing harm (albeit not truly intentionally!). |
"These people are my family, not just friends, and if you want to get to them you gotta go through ME." |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11696 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jan 2017 : 00:27:02
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quote:
Originally posted by moonbeast
quote:
Originally posted by Darkmeer
Honestly, given their focus on beauty, a beautiful, unbroken mind would be something I could see the clergy of Sune being charged with helping with. Especially the 3.5 and earlier edition Paladins. That may not be something entirely beautiful, but the results can be.
To play devil's advocate….
I'd wager that a good fraction of Sune's "fanatics" suffer from pathological vanity, jealousy, and narcissism. I'm not saying ALL of them are like that, but the religion's focus on beauty above all else is certain to attract those types.
Now I have a picture in my head of someone who expects to be recognized for how great they are for having helped someone get over their PTSD... and noting how inconsiderate those people are for not noting to everyone how much of a big help they were... I mean like how rude, right! |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Darkmeer
Senior Scribe
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jan 2017 : 03:08:37
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
quote:
Originally posted by moonbeast
quote:
Originally posted by Darkmeer
Honestly, given their focus on beauty, a beautiful, unbroken mind would be something I could see the clergy of Sune being charged with helping with. Especially the 3.5 and earlier edition Paladins. That may not be something entirely beautiful, but the results can be.
To play devil's advocate….
I'd wager that a good fraction of Sune's "fanatics" suffer from pathological vanity, jealousy, and narcissism. I'm not saying ALL of them are like that, but the religion's focus on beauty above all else is certain to attract those types.
Now I have a picture in my head of someone who expects to be recognized for how great they are for having helped someone get over their PTSD... and noting how inconsiderate those people are for not noting to everyone how much of a big help they were... I mean like how rude, right!
I think you hit the nail on the head there. This is EXACTLY how those folk would tend to act.  |
"These people are my family, not just friends, and if you want to get to them you gotta go through ME." |
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Priesthoods working in mental health?
