In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, “storm gods” refers to the deities across various campaign settings who hold the Tempest Domain, command weather, and are typically worshiped by clerics, storm sorcerers, and sailors. These gods are not a single pantheon but a collection of divine figures from the Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk, Dragonlance, and other official settings, each with their own portfolio, alignment, and dogma. The Tempest Domain is the mechanical expression of this concept, granting clerics spells like fog cloud and thunderwave, as well as the ability to call lightning and push enemies back with thunder.
Defining the Storm God Archetype
In D&D 5e, a storm god is a divine being whose portfolio includes weather, particularly storms, lightning, thunder, rain, and sometimes the sea or sky. These deities are often chaotic in nature, reflecting the unpredictability of weather, but not always—some are lawful or neutral, depending on their broader role in their pantheon. The archetype draws heavily from real-world mythologies: Zeus from Greek myth, Thor from Norse myth, and Indra from Hindu tradition are common inspirations, though D&D’s storm gods are original creations with their own lore.
The mechanical core of worshiping a storm god in 5e is the Tempest Domain, introduced in the Player’s Handbook. Clerics who choose this domain gain proficiency with martial weapons and heavy armor, making them frontline fighters who channel the fury of the sky. Their domain spells include fog cloud, thunderwave, gust of wind, shatter, call lightning, sleet storm, control water, ice storm, and at higher levels destructive wave and control weather.
Major Storm Gods in Official Settings
Different campaign settings have their own storm deities, each with distinct lore and worship practices. Here are the most prominent ones in official D&D 5e material:
- Talos (Forgotten Realms) – The god of storms, destruction, and rebellion. Talos is chaotic evil, reveling in the wanton destruction of storms and earthquakes. He is one of the Dead Three’s rivals and is often worshiped by pirates and those who seek to cause chaos.
- Umberlee (Forgotten Realms) – The goddess of the sea and waves, known as the Bitch Queen. She is chaotic evil and demands tribute from sailors for safe passage. Her worship is common in coastal cities, and her clergy often demand offerings before voyages.
- Kord (Greyhawk) – The god of strength, athletics, and storms. Kord is chaotic neutral, embodying the raw power of storms as a test of strength. He is popular among warriors and athletes, and his clerics often seek physical challenges.
- Procan (Greyhawk) – The god of oceans, seas, and weather. Procan is chaotic neutral and is often depicted as a stern sailor. He is worshiped by those who travel the seas, and his clergy are known for their navigation skills.
- Habbakuk (Dragonlance) – The god of animals, nature, and storms. Habbakuk is neutral good and is part of the Paladine pantheon. He is often depicted as a hawk or a man with a hawk’s head, and his worship focuses on the balance of nature.
- Zeboim (Dragonlance) – The goddess of the sea and storms. Zeboim is chaotic evil and is known for her tempestuous temper. She is the daughter of Takhisis and is often worshiped by pirates and those who seek to control the seas.
How the Tempest Domain Works in Play
When a player chooses the Tempest Domain for their cleric, they gain several key features that define their playstyle. At 1st level, they gain Wrath of the Storm, a reaction that deals lightning or thunder damage to an attacker within 5 feet. At 2nd level, they gain Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath, which allows them to roll maximum damage for lightning or thunder spells. This is a powerful ability, especially when combined with spells like call lightning or thunderwave.
At 6th level, they gain Thunderbolt Strike, which pushes a creature 10 feet when they deal lightning damage. At 8th level, they gain Divine Strike, adding thunder damage to their weapon attacks. At 17th level, they gain Stormborn, granting them a flying speed while outdoors and resistance to lightning and thunder damage.
These features make Tempest clerics excellent blasters and frontline combatants, capable of dealing massive damage and controlling the battlefield. They are often paired with the Storm Sorcery sorcerer subclass, which also draws on storm themes, for a character who is deeply connected to the weather.
Choosing a Storm God for Your Character
When creating a character who worships a storm god, consider the god’s alignment, dogma, and how they fit into your campaign setting. Here are some factors to think about:
- Alignment – A chaotic evil god like Talos might suit a character who embraces destruction, while a neutral good god like Habbakuk might fit a protector of nature.
- Setting – The god you choose should exist in your campaign’s world. If you’re playing in the Forgotten Realms, Talos and Umberlee are natural choices; in Greyhawk, Kord and Procan are more appropriate.
- Role in the Party – Storm clerics are often frontline combatants, so consider how your god’s dogma influences your character’s behavior. A cleric of Kord might seek personal strength, while a cleric of Umberlee might demand tribute.
- Backstory – Your character’s connection to the storm god can be a rich source of roleplaying. Perhaps they were saved from a shipwreck by Umberlee’s mercy, or they seek to prove themselves to Kord through trials.
Common Misconceptions About Storm Gods
One common misconception is that all storm gods are chaotic evil. While many are, such as Talos and Zeboim, others like Kord and Habbakuk are not. Kord is chaotic neutral, valuing strength and courage, while Habbakuk is neutral good, focusing on the balance of nature. Another misconception is that storm gods only grant the Tempest Domain. In practice, a storm god might also grant the Nature Domain (as Habbakuk does) or the War Domain (as Kord does), depending on their broader portfolio.
Another myth is that storm gods are only for clerics. In fact, storm sorcerers, paladins, and even warlocks (through the Hexblade or the Fathomless) can have connections to storm deities. The Tempest Domain is just one mechanical expression; a storm god can be a patron for any class that fits their theme.
Storm Gods in Homebrew and Third-Party Content
Beyond official settings, many Dungeon Masters create their own storm gods or adapt deities from real-world mythology. For example, a DM might introduce Zeus or Thor as a god in their homebrew world, using the Tempest Domain stats. Third-party publishers like Kobold Press and MCDM have also created storm-themed deities, such as the god Stalker from the Midgard setting, who is a god of storms and the hunt.
When using homebrew storm gods, it’s important to ensure they fit the tone of your campaign and have clear domains, symbols, and dogma. The Dungeon Master’s Guide provides guidelines for creating new gods, including their domains and how they grant spells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best storm god for a Tempest cleric?
The best storm god depends on your campaign setting and character concept. In the Forgotten Realms, Talos is a classic choice for a destructive, chaotic cleric, while Umberlee suits a sea-focused character. In Greyhawk, Kord is ideal for a strength-based cleric, and Procan for a sailor. Choose a god whose alignment and dogma align with your character’s personality and goals.
Can a storm god be a patron for a warlock?
Yes, a storm god can serve as a patron for a warlock, though it’s not a standard option in the Player’s Handbook. A DM might allow a storm god to act as a patron for the Hexblade (reflavored as a weapon blessed by the god) or the Fathomless (if the god is also a sea deity). Alternatively, a storm god could be a patron for a homebrew warlock subclass, such as one themed around lightning and thunder.
What spells do Tempest clerics get?
Tempest clerics get domain spells at certain levels: fog cloud and thunderwave at 1st, gust of wind and shatter at 3rd, call lightning and sleet storm at 5th, control water and ice storm at 7th, and destructive wave and control weather at 9th. These spells are always prepared and don’t count against your number of prepared spells.
Is Talos the same as the Greek god Zeus?
No, Talos is a fictional deity in the Forgotten Realms, not the Greek god Zeus. While both are storm gods, they have different mythologies, alignments, and roles. D&D draws inspiration from real-world myths, but it creates its own original gods with unique lore. Zeus is a lawful neutral god of the sky and order, while Talos is chaotic evil and focuses on destruction.
Can a Tempest cleric use a trident?
Yes, a Tempest cleric is proficient with martial weapons, which includes tridents. A trident is a martial melee weapon that deals 1d6 piercing damage (or 1d8 when used with two hands). It fits the storm god theme, especially for sea gods like Umberlee or Procan. Many players choose a trident for their Tempest cleric to evoke the image of a sea deity.
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