Who's the big cahuna of undead in FR?

[Felon]

Is there any deity who is associated closely with undead in FR? Or does Orcus or some other fiend hold the title of big undead muckitymuch?

 

[ironmani]

I think Kelvmore (Sp?) has something to do with the Dead. Myrkul use to be the god of the dead, but now he's dead....ironic huh? Its been a while since I looked at FR stuff since I sold my FR guide book awhile back.

 

[Gez]

Kelemvor is the god of death. He's not exactly the "big kahuna of undead" unless you redefine "kahuna" as "nemesis".

For gods of undead, you have Velsharoon (he's rather the god of necromantic magic), Kiaransalee (but she's only popular with the drow) and Orcus. Bane and Cyric likes necromancy too, but the undead aren't their core portfolio. It's rather just a hobby for the rainy weekends.
Myrkul is kinda dead, kinda still here. As far as I know, he trapped part of his essence in a cursed crown, and possess a few people with it, from time to time. He doesn't seem interested in reclaiming divinity back, but he still have a few cultists practicing necromancy.

 

[ironmani]

There ya go....as I said, its been a while since I did anything with Forgotten Realms.

 

[Squire James]

There's no one "big kahuna" for undead in the Realms. As there are many different reasons for something to become undead (because you wanted to be immune to crits, because some cleric animated you to work in the kitchen, etc.), there are several divinities that rule over undead in their own way.

The matter is left a but murky (Murkyl?).

 

[Felon]

Thanks for the info. Does Velsharoon have special status in the FR canon, or is he just a bit player?

 

[Mystery Man]

Thanks for the info. Does Velsharoon have special status in the FR canon, or is he just a bit player?

He was once a mortal and rival of Szas Tam. Velsharoon worshipping necromancers often brand the symbol of Velsharoon on the undead that they create. See Faiths and Pantheons page 110.

 

[Davelozzi]

He was once a mortal and rival of Szas Tam.

Are you thinking of Savras the All-Seeing? Velsharoon and Savras were rivals. I could be wrong, but I think that the point when they were mortals was long before Szass Tam came on the scene.

 

[diaglo]

don't forget Jergal the Flunkie.

edti: or Cyric the Mad who had a go at being God of the Dead for a short while.

 

[Eremite]

Are you thinking of Savras the All-Seeing? Velsharoon and Savras were rivals. I could be wrong, but I think that the point when they were mortals was long before Szass Tam came on the scene.

I'm very sure the original post was correct.

Velsharoon and Szass Tam were rivals and I think this was detailed in the original Red Wizards of Thay accessory.

Savras and Azuth were rivals and this was detailed in 2E's Powers & Pantheons, Volo's Guide to All Things Magical and probably 3E's Faiths & Pantheons as well.