Comnlete
Handbook
by Aaron Allston
Table of Contents:
ro iction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Rule .................... 1 Finances of 1
. . . . . .and
on
Gods. World
the
..............
4-10
4
The State Religion
Restrictions on the Priest
.........
.....
18
19
Non-Priests Working - For
the Faith ................. 38
.
tion ................ 5 Armor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 PCs. Forces and Philosophies ..38
ristics of the Gods . . . . .5 Celibacy .................19 Sample Priesihbods ....... :.38
. Humanoids. Animals. Chastity ................. 20
Clothing ................. 20
Faith Design, Sheet . . . . . . . . .39
Sample Priesthods .......40-95
Contamination ............20 Priesthoods ................... 40
Hit Points ................21
Magical Items ............ .21. Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Ancestors ......1 ...........42
on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Mutilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 Animals ... .............. 43
Weapons .................21 Arts.................... :.45
Spheres of Influence . . . . . . . . .2 1 Birth. Children .... + . . . . . .'A5
History Creation Sheet10 Granted Powers . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Community ...... t . . . . . . 1 .46
High Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.
Medium Powers . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Competition ......... : .1 '.47 ..
Low Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 crafts i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...48
and Requirements of the Other Powers . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Culture (Bringing00 ........50
.................... 11 Followers and Believers . . . . . .28 Darkness. Ndght .... : .......51
.and Purposes ..... ..
11 Dawn . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1 burden. However, if each god cre-
ated one or more animals to serve
as totems for the god, then Man
dominated, elves are female-
dominated, and humans are more
or less equal? Any such arrange-
lacked until then: this so offended
Zeus that he afflicted mankind
with all sorts of ills.
might have a lot more respect for ment is possible. This sort of thing could be a
certain animals. Note, however, that when one characteristic of your campaign
If the story of creation says that sex is oppressed, players are less world’s story; or, mankind might
one sex of the sentient races was likely to want to play members of never have had a closer relation-
created subordinate to the others, that sex. Few players want their ship with its got
then there will be a crushing social escapism to involve this sort of
pressure to keep that sex ”in its prejudice directed at them.
place.” If the story of creation does
no such thing, then any such atti-
tudes will be have been created by ately or not, visit a challenge on
mortals and may vary from place 111 wlllG u c v I I G ~ , ltumans
or sen- the humans.
to place. Additionally, with the tient races in general start out with One of the commonest chal-
added complication of several sen- an exalted relationship with their lenges involves the afterlife. In
tient races around (humans,elves, deities and then fall out of the dei- many faiths, the better one lives
dwarves, etc.), the DM can make ties’ favor. In Greek myth, for ex- one’s life, the better the afterlife to
this decision several times and ample, the humans were which he progresses. The usual
choose a different approach each well-beloved of the gods until the sorts of afterlives tend to fall into
time. Perhaps, on his world, god Prometheus gave them the se- one of the following categories; in
dwarves are strongly male- cret of using fire. which they had some faiths, a character might face
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the possibility of reaching more
than one of these choices, depend-
ing on his actions in life.
The Future
Some, but not all, faiths make
gods will “start over” and reshape
the world, populating it with the
survivors from the last world and
Oblivion No afterlife at all, this predictions for the future. Some- the best spirits in the halls of the
is when the human’s spirit per- times they’re grim, such as the afterlife, that‘s all very interest-
ishes and becomes nothingness. Norse belief in Ragnarok. the de-
struction of the gods and man.
.
ing. .but its effectson the current
’lbrture An afterlife where tor- campaign are minimal. On the
ture. either permanent or tempo- They could also be happy and other hand, if this reshaping is
rary (until the spirit repents, cheerful. . . though this isn’t usu- supposed to take place in only ten
recants, or otherwise improves) is ally the case in a world involving years, or one, it becomes very in-
the order of the day. great heroes. teresting to the PCs. They’ll work
Boredom: An afterlife where The DM, when deciding whether very hard to make sure that
there’s nothing to do, nothing to or not to “predict the future” for they’re either among the survivors
see, nothing to entertain. his world, should try to figure out from this world, or among t h e
Rebirth: An afterlife which in- what this choice will do to the atti- brighter spirits of the afterlife, so
volves rebirth in the physical tudes of his intelligent races. they can experience the new
world and the living of a new mor- A future which is bleak and world.
tal life. gloomy will sometimes make the Of cowse, the DM doesn’t have
Pleasure: An afterlife where the campaign bleak and gloomy. The to specify future events for his
things man most loves in life are characters can hope for success campaign. It‘s often better if he
visited upon him in abundance. and glory in the short-term, but doesn’t, because it makes for more
Ascension An afterlife where certain death awaits them, and uncertainty in the minds of the
the best of the best are granted they can’t count on the world be- PCS.
great powers, making them her- ing there “when they get back.”
alds and messengers of the This sort of approach does make
for the greatest of heroism, The Pantheon
gods. . . or even gods themselves.
In such faiths, humans usually though It‘sthe greatest hero who Once the DM has created the in-
have a good idea of what it takes to strives on knowing that ultimately dividual gods, he ought to relate
get into these specific afterlives. ?b he must fail, yet fights for his goals them to one another - that is, es-
get into the “good” ones may re- anyway. tablish how they feel about one an-
quire strict adherence to a certain A future which is happy and other. This can affect how their
life-style, or may require that the bright will sometimes make the mortal followers, especially priest-
human somehow impress the gods campaign a little more‘ goofy and hoods, feel about one another and
with his deeds or personality, or irresponsible. Characters, believ- work together.
may merely require that the gods ing that whatever their mistake, These relationships don’t have
like the character. . . which is not they’ll be preserved or rewarded, to be very detailed. It‘squite s a l -
something the character can nec- may behave in a foolish manner. cient to say that one god loves an-
essarily bring about deliberately. Acts of bravery are often nothing other, hates another, likes another,
Other challenges are possible: 3f the sort: they’re just short-term dislikes, respects, holds in con-
Humankind as a whole might be sacrifices in anticipation of a long- tempt, whatever. Then, simply ap-
challenged to achieve a certain term reward. This is not to say that ply that sentiment to the
level of civilization by a certain such a campaign can’t be reward- priesthoods of the gods.
time, to achieve a certain level of ..
Lng. it‘sjust harder for it to be se- And when that sentiment is ap-
artistic or philosophic ability, to rious. plied to mortals, it can turn out to
defeat a certain spirit of evil, to A future which is neither be greater or less than the emotion
evolve to a certain enlightened loomed nor excessively happy actually felt by the gods in ques-
state, etc. will tend to have less of an effecton tion.
the player-characters. For in- For instance, let us say that two
~tance,if holy writings say that a gods dislike one another. Their re-
housand years in the future, the spective priests may dislike one
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another with similar intensity. On together? Having determined tk, ever, have to decide for himself
the other hand, they might not dis- the DM can next determine whj what effects these forces or philos-
like oneanotheratall. They might, two gods hate each other, why’c ophies have had on the human
in fact, recognize that their gods Did one steal from the other, or em- and humanoid histories of his
have certain foibles (human-like barrass him? That‘s an event. world, and take these factors into
failings of personality), and might Have the gods ever warred on account for every part of those his-
look upon those foibles with one another? If so, that was cer- tories.
amusement and affection but tainly an event.
without following them them- The DM can create as few or as Mythic History Creation
selves. many events as he wishes; the
However, these priesthoods in- more there are, the richer his cam- Sheet
stead might loathe one another. paign setting will be for it. The DM can photocopy and fill in
They could hate one another with the following sheet to give him a
an intensity which far surpasses Forces and Philosophies starting-place for the creation of
that of the gods in question. They his world’s mythic history. The
could, in fact, start wars on the The mystical history of the sheet follows the order of subjects
earth because of their hatred for world is somewhat different if it is from this chapter.
one another. driven by a force or a philosophy
So, for many gods, the DM may As we’ll discuss in more detail tt.
wish to decide how the gods feel next chapter, a force is a mystical
about one another, and then may power which strongly affects the In this chapter, we discussed
choose a slightly different view of world.. . but which probably is creation of the history of the cam-
how their priests react to one an- not a sentient being like gods are. paign’s gods. In the next chapter,
other. I t has drives, it has a goal, but it we’ll talk about individual faiths,
probably does not have a mind. how they’re put together, and
On the other hand, a philosophy what effect they have on priest-
Events is a compelling idea or set of ideas characters.
Once all the principal characters which can capture the
(i.e., gods) are in place, the DM can imagination and influence the
create the events of the faith. actions of communities or whole
The creation of the world was civilizations. It might exert
one such event; it described “char- enough popular appeal that it can
acters” (gods) acting or interact- support magical powers for priest-
ing, and something happening. philosophers. But it is still not pre-
The fall from grace of the sentient cisely a god, for it has no
races was another: How did that independent mind.
happen? But these shouldn’t be If your campaign world is driven
the only events known to the be- by a force or philosophy, its mysti-
lievers. What else has happened? cal history is going to be somewhat
Do the gods mate with mortals to different. It will mostly be a history
produce heroic characters who go of men or other sentient races and
on adventures? If so, then the con- their relationships with the force
ception of these heroes and their or philosophy: How they came to
adventures in life are all events of recognize it or create it, how they
the faith. (Note: If this process is came to believe in it, how they in-
still going on, some of the cam- troduced it to others, and so forth.
paign’s player-characters could be In short, the DM won’t have to
the mortal children of the world’s create an entire separate history as
gods.) he would have to do for distinct
How do specific gods get along pantheons of gods. He will, how-
Mythic History Creation Sheet
Creation: How was the universe created7 Fall From Grace Did sentient races fall from grace7
If SO, how7
What is the shape of the world and universe7 What are suns,
moons, planets and stars?
The Challenge: What is the afterlife believed to be like?
of the force or philosophy. In addition, a god isn’t defined insist that their priests be of identi-
For example, if the faith’s god is just by his attribute. In the cam- cal alignment to the god. The align-
a God of Love, then the goals and paign history, he also has a per- ment may not be so dissimilar that
purposes of the faith will probably sonal history, likes and dislikes, the priest cannot serve the god, but
include: relationships with other gods, and it does not have to be identical.
Promotion of Love, which ambitions, all of which can provide If the faith does not promote any
might include the helping along of more goals for the faith. sort of harm to living beings, or
lovers, opposition to those who in- As one example, Zeus, the king of promotes benefits to living beings,
terfere in the development of ro- the gods of Greek mythology, had then it probably excludes Evil
mantic relationships, punishment many attributes and associations. alignments among the priesthood.
of those who defy the god and He was the king of the gods, a sky- If the faith allows for harm to living
refuse to love, etc. This could also god, a god whose emblem and beings but does not promote wan-
include “social services” to the weapon was the lightning bolt, a ton cruelty, then it can include
community, through the god’s god of Wisdom (he had swallowed Good, Neutral, and Evil priests. If
temples: Counselingto young lov- and absorbed the wisdom-goddess the faith does promote cruelty,
ers, for instance. Metis, mother of Athena), a god of then it probably excludes Good
Promotion of the God,which in- oracles (though he was eventually alignments among its priests.
cludes the building of temples or supplantedby Apollo in tbis role, he If the faith demands ordered
churches, carrying the word of the had a major oracle at the city of Do- thinking, strict obedience to laws,
god to those who have not heard it, dona), a protector of fugitives, a and unquestioning acceptance of
and keeping the stones of the god lover of many goddesses and policy, then it leans toward Lawful
ever-present in the ears of the popu- women.. . In short, he had many behavior. (Now, every faith re-
lation. characteristics and attributes, and quires rituals and devotions of its
Opposition of Enemies, which in an A D O game campaign his priests, but this isn’t the same
means subtle or direct opposition priesthood would embody and pro- thing, and doesn’t require any
to enemy gods and their followers: mote most or all of them. alignment choice.) If the faith de-
obviously, a god of Love is likely to mands more free-willed and spon-
be opposed to a god of Hatred, Mis- Alignment taneous behavior, defiance of
anthropy, Misogyny, etc. social conventions or restrictions,
A faith will often demand that its
Those are some basic goals, but and so forth, then it leans toward
you obviously aren’t limited to priests belong to a specific align-
ment or a limited range of align- Chaotic behavior. If it promotes
goals which are that direct and neither approach strongly, then it
simple. ments. The DM determines this,
usually basing the choice on the can probably include Lawful, Neu-
For instance, a god may repre- tral, and Chaotic choices.
attributes and character of the
sent only a small part of his attrib- Here are some sample choices:
god. force or philosophy in ques-
ute. A God of War does not have to
tion. God of Love This type of faith
be just a god of all types and ele- usually promotes no harm to liv-
ments of warfare. He could be the But don’t be too restrictive in
ing beings, and promotes the bene-
God of the Chaos of War, the God of this regard. Even if, personally,
fits of love: it often promotes
Intelligent Warfare, the God of Na- you’re opposed to War, the God of
War and his followers don’t have to free-willed and spontaneous be-
val Warfare (in which he might havior, but not strongly. There-
be ChaoticiEvil.
share traits with a god of Oceans), fore. its uriests will urobablv be 1
the God of the Sword (in which
case he might share traits with a Alignment Guidelines for the
god of Metalworking),and so forth. Priesthood
If you choose, you can always Here are some general guide-
make a god’s personal attribute lines to go by:
more specialized, and can choose The first, and most important,
more specialized goals for the faith note is this: The gods usually do not
based on that choice.
esigning Faiths- 1
lovers, then the faith could well in- The prime characteristic of romantic sorts who arrange all
clude Evil and Neutral priests, priests is Wisdom. R ’ J be a priest of their marriages and don’t conduct
thus giving its priesthood the full any sort whatsoever, the character affairs of the heart, they’ll be ex-
range of alignment choices. must have at least a wisdom of 9. cluded from priesthood in the faith
God ofWar: This faith generally Some priesthoods will require that of the love-god.
allows for harm to living beings the wisdom score be higher, though In the next chapter, we provide
without promoting wanton cru- usually not higher than 13. numerous examples of priesthoods
elty; and warfare runs the gamut Generally, if the priest‘s Wisdom of specific mythoi. With each,
from carefully-reasoned strategy is 16 or better, he gets a + 10% bo- there’s a recommendation for al-
to wild, bloodthirsty battlefield nus to his earned experience. lowed races. These recommenda-
chaos. Therefore, the faith proba- Many priesthoods will require a tions are based on the most
bly places no restriction on the second prime requisite. For exam- common and popular conceptions
alignment of its priests. However, ple, priests of a god of War may of these races, and the DM is free to
a specific god can be devoted to have to have a certain Strength change them for his specific cam-
one aspect of war. For example, a score, while priests of a god of paign.
god who promotes the bloody de- Magic might have to have a certain Players beware: When the Com-
struction of all enemies, including Intelligence score. Usually, this plete Priest’s Handbook says one
sacrifice of prisoners and inno- second prime requisite must have thing about allowed races, and the
cents, will probably have an Evil a score of at least 12;up to 15 is not DM says another, the DM is always
priesthood. A god who is the god of an excessive requirement. right.
military planning will probably In such cases, the DM may de-
have a Lawful, or Lawful and Neu- cide that the character, if he has ei- Experience and Spell
tral, priesthood. ther the Wisdom score or the other Progression
Prime Requisite at a score of 16,
It would be possible to come up
Alignments of the gets a + 5% bonus to earned expe-
rience, but if he has both, he gets a with an Experience Levels Chart
Worshippers and Spell Progression Chart for
Most faiths define various acts
+ 10%bonus. every priesthood of specific
In the next chapter, you’ll find
and types of behavior as evil and numerous examples of such mythoi, but it would also be crazy;
demand that their followers not priesthoods and recommended there’s no reason to have the extra
perform those acts. Some few minimum ability scores for them. complication in your campaign.
make those same definitions and All new priesthoods introduced
demand that their followers do
Races Allowed
in the next chapter use the Cleric
perform them. Almost no faiths experience progression and the
demand that their followers be- The DM may wish to limit cer- basic Priest spellprogression, both
long specifically to Lawful or Cha- tain priesthoods to certain races. from page 33 of the Player’s Hand-
otic alignments. This is almost always a choice book. If your DM, when creating a
Therefore, most faiths require of based on the history of his own new priesthood, decides that it is
their (non-priest)worshippers that campaign world. There is no observably less powerful than the
they be anything but Evil. A very game-related reason why most Cleric or the priesthoods written
few faiths require instead that races can’t have priests for any here, he can choose to use the
their worshippers be any sort of god, force or philosophy; but there Druid experience progression,
Evil (LawfuyEvil, NeutrallEvil, or are often campaign-related rea- which allows for faster acquisition
ChaoticlEvil). sons why a certain race can’t be- of experience levels.
long to a certain priesthood.
For example, if the halflings of a Gender Requirements
specific campaign world are paci-
Most priesthoods demand some fists, they’ll be excluded from In the worlds of the A D O game,
sort of minimum ability scores of priesthood in the faith of the war- most priesthoods should allow both
their priests. god. If dwarves are pragmatic, un- priests and priestesses. However, in
I
f a n b y worlds and the real world, are, and will often be able to use swords and maces.
some faiths have required that all those duties to tie the priest char- Often, priests are posted to spe-
their priesthood be ofjust one sex. If acter in to specific adventures and cific noble leaders in order to be
there is such a restriction on a given role-playing situations. their personal advisors. Naturally,
priesthood, the DM will make note Following are some sample this is only done when those noble
of it and tell the players. ideas for priestly duties. The DM leaders desire it, are willing to al-
can use as few or as many of these low it. or (because of the priest-
Nonweapon and Weapon as he wants when designing a new hood’s political strength) cannot
Proficiencies priesthood; he can also invent new afford to refuse it. This is a way to
ones to suit his campaign. establish some sort of bond be-
Various priesthoods will require
priests to know certain skills (non- tween new player-characters: The
Devotions priest player-character could be
weapon proficiencies)and be able
to wield certain weapons (weapon These are ordinary prayers and assigned as advisor to the noble
proficiencies). For example, a rituals which the priest conducts player-character.
priest of the god of Agriculture on a regular basis. They might in-
clude the saying of prayers at spe- Marriage
must know the Agriculture profi-
ciency, while a priest of the god of cific times of the day, upon In many human cultures, only
Fire must know Fire-Building. observation of specific incidents or the priest can perform marriages,
Every priesthood should require natural phenomena, and so forth. so the DM may wish for this to be a
one nonweapon proficiency of its The DM can decide what these duty of priests in his campaign.
priests and priestesses: it’s a sign are and when they’re undertaken, The DM will need to decide for
of their devotion. It‘s permissible, but the campaign shouldn’t de- his campaign whether or not mar-
but not recommended, for them to vote a lot of time to them: it‘s riages require the ministrations of
require more than one. annoying and disconcerting to in- priests, and might make a differ-
A priesthood may require one or terrupt the adventure every so of- ent choice for each sentient races.
more weapon proficiencies of its ten so that the priests can pull out If humans require priests for mar-
priests and priestesses, but we their holy symbols, kneel to the riage. do dwarves? (Perhaps they
don’t recommend this for most sun, and lead the faithful in prayer. use advocates and notaries in-
priesthoods. Many faiths allow Just knowing that they do this sort stead.) Do elves? (Perhaps their
their priests so few weapon of thing on a regular basis is marriages are officiated by bards,
choices anyway that it’s pointless enough for most players. who write songs commemorating
to require they be taken. An excep- the event as a sort of “marriage
tion is when a god is noted for Guidance certificate.”) Do halflings? (Per-
wielding a specific weapon; for in- In most civilizations, priests are haps they prefer ceremonies pre-
stance, it‘s quite reasonable to re- supposed to act as counselors to sided over by sheriffs or judges.)
quire Weapon Proficiency in Also, the DM can always decide
everyone in need of advice. (This is
War-Hammer for priests of the god one reason that Wisdom is a prime that priests of certain faiths cannot
Thor, whose principal weapon and requisite.) perform marriages. What, for exam-
symbol was the hammer. Therefore, the priest character ple, does the god of weapnmaking
have to do with marriage? On the
should not be surprised when he
Duties of the Priest finds NPCs seeking him out and other hand, it‘s equally appropriate
consulting him on troubling moral for priests of any god to be able to
Now, we get to a topic which perform marriages. This is espe-
adds a lot of color to the priesthood and ethical problems. These are
cially true if, in the campaign, mar-
and the campaign world. good role-playing opportunities:
they are often leads to specific ad- riage constitutes permission or
All priesthoods have certain du- recognition from “higher forces,”
ties to perform, duties to the god ventures: and, with especially
knotty problems, they can be diffi- and any god, including those with
and duties to the community or attributes unrelated to marriage,
civilization. The DM needs to de- cult puzzles for the players to
solve, all without using their may bless a marriage.
cide what each priesthood’s duties
Missions How They D o I t they are then pretending L I I their
~
The duties of priesthood often Omen-Reading always requires answers come from a higher
involve going on missions impor- some sort of ritual, usually a pub- source, they are obviously being
tant to the welfare of the god or the lic one. dishonest; only a corrupt branch
priesthood in general. The priests may sacrifice ani- of a priesthood will do this. How-
One of the most common mis- mals and examine their entrails ever, it’s possible for such a
sions involves going somewhere for clues to the future. They may method to be very accurate, espe-
and trying to convert the local pop- read tea-leaves. They may inhale cially if it concerns itself mostly
ulation to worship of the priest‘s dangerous fumes and prophesy with questions of warfare and hu-
god. Usually, this involves reli- while under their influence. They man nature.
gious education and what amount may listen to whispering in the They’re W i n g the Audience
to social services: sometimes, it in- trees, babbling of brooks, or the What I t Wants to Hear: The
volves conquering that culture singing of birds and interpret that priests are acting primarily as
and ruthlessly suppressing all noise. They may enter meditative cheerleaders and telling the people
signs of its old religion. states and wait for inspiration precisely what they want to hear:
Other, more exciting missions from the gods. Each cult could do That they’ll win the war, they’re
can involve recovery of artifacts, it a different way, and the DM can always right, they’ve done no
transportation of persons or goods choose the method which he feels wrong, love conquers all. Again,
(such as temple money) through will add the most appropriate color priests acting in this manner are
dangerous territory, interpretation to the cult in question. being dishonest to their flocks, but
of phenomena in distant places, it will often be difficult to convince
and holy war with the followers of What They’re D o h 8 the flocks of that.
another god. They’re Working for Gain:
Then, the DM has to figure out Some very corrupt sects or
It‘s important for the DM to re- what it is the priests are actually
member that the god himself isn’t branches of sects manipulate their
doing when prophesying. Here are answers to gain in power or
the only one who sends priests out some choices:
on missions. For most missions, it’s money. This usually takes one of
They’re Receiving the Word of two methods.
the upper ranks of the priesthood Their God: The priests are actu-
who do the assigning, and priests In the first, the priests supply an-
ally receiving some inspiration swers which favor their purposes.
are supposed to follow the orders of from their deity. Naturally, such If representatives of one city ask,
their superiors. So it’s possible for omens are usually clouded in im-
any priesthood to have a “bad egg,” “When we attack OUT enemies, will
precise terminology and symbol- we prevail?” the priests then de-
a priest who issues orders which are ism, so that it’s easy for the
contradictory to the tenets of the cide whom they want to win that
recipient of an omen to misinter- war. If they want the attackers to
faith or designed to promote only pret the results.
his personal power. This should,
win, they answer “Yes.” Then, the
They’re Following Ritual Inter- attackers will be encouraged by
however, be a very rare campaign pretation: The priests have a set of the reply, and the defenders dis-
event, unless the campaign revolves techniques of interpretation which couraged, which weighs the war in
around uncovering and purging a they follow rigidly. These tech- the attackers’ favor. If they want
corrupt element of the sect. niques may or may not have any the defenders to win, they answer
basis in campaign reality: they “No:’ with precisely the opposite
Omen-Reading might have been granted by the effect; the discouraged attackers
In some campaigns, priests will god, or created through ignorance. might not even launch the attack.
be charged with the duty of read- They’re Analyzing Based On In the second, the priests accept
ing omens for the future. Their Knowledge: The priests bribes in order to put their god‘s
If a campaign’s priests have that aren’t actually prophesying at all, stamp of approval on the activities
duty, the DM has to decide how they but supplying answers based on of certain men. For instance, a king
do it, what it is they’re actually do- their understanding of the situa- might secretly pay the priests a lav-
ing, and who they’re doing it for. tion and of the ways of the world. If ish amount, then publicly approach
the oracle and ask, “Shall I not exe- fate will turnand the prophecies will or monsters. The priest needs to be
cute the traitor so-and-sonow with- become unreliable, which will disil- vigilant against more subtle intru-
out benefit of trial?” or “Should I lusion the populace. sions, including:
marry so-and-so against her If they’re working for gain, they The Agent Provocateur:This is
wishes?” or any other such ques- could be very successful for quite a someone who falsely joins the
tion. The answer he receives, of while. Eventually, though, the priesthood, spends a long lime be-
course,will be the one he paid to get, scandal will break, and the popula- coming a trusted member or even a
and because the god has “made his tion will learn the truth. . . which leader of it, and then persuades
wishes known,” the citizens will could be very bad for those greedy members of the faith to perform
probably not dispute the choice. prophets. actions which will get the faith into
In both these approaches, the trouble. For example, in times when
god may eventually notice that Who It’s For the priesthood is in conflict with an-
one branch of his priesthood is cor- Finally, the DM has to decide other faith, the Agent Provocateur
rupt, and set about correcting mat- who is able to receive these proph- might encourage outright war with
ters, either through his own ecies. Here are some typical that faith. When a conflict with the
intervention or by alerting other choices: local rulers could be sorted out by
branches of the priesthood. On the Anyone Anyone who asks a calm diplomacy, the Agent Provoca-
other hand, a particularly disinter- question will receive some sort of teur will instead recommend or is-
ested god might never notice. reply. sue ultimatums and demands. And,
Anyone With the Means: Some naturdy, the Agent will keep his
But Are They Right? true masters apprised of the priest-
temples require a sacrifice of ani-
As part of deciding what they’re mals or wealth in order for the sup- hood‘s secret movements and activ-
doing, the DM has to decide how plicant to receive a prophecy. [This ities at all times.
often they’re right. isn’t necessarily a sign of corrup- Corruption in Specific Orders:
The priests will often be right if tion; it’s often just a means of en- Sometimes priests go bad and use
they’re receiving the word of their suring the temple’s upkeep and the priesthood for their own gain. In
god: this word may be misinter- the faiths continuing secular, or addition to methods mentioned
preted, but it‘s always correct. worldly, power.) above, they may also secretly defy
They could have any sort of ac- Nobles Only: In this arrange- requirements of their priesthood,
curacy the DM decides if they’re ment, only members of noble steal temple funds, use their duties
following some pattern of ritual in- houses can ask questions of the of guidance to influence others to
terpretation: perhaps the ritual is oracle. profit these priests, etc. No such cor-
effective, perhaps it is not. The DM can also make more pe- ruption goes unnoticed forever, but
If they’re analyzing the situation culiar choices for specific oracles. the unwillingness of people to be-
based on their current knowledge, An oracle might only be for slaves, lieve that they’ve put their faith in
then their accuracy depends for adventurers, for people who crooks and thieves can ensure that
mostly in their interpretive abili- have at least once travelled to a this corruption can go on for a long,
ties; a priesthood might have specific holy site, for people of spe- long time.
enough knowledge of the world cific alignments, for members of Libels At times, members of ri-
and human nature to be able to one race, etc. val priesthoods will persuade their
supply consistently-correct an- followers that other priesthoods
swers to supplicants. perform acts which are profane
Vigilance and evil. In a culture where reli-
If they’re telling the audience
Finally, priests have to be vigi- gious prejudice is a strong factor,
what it wants to hear, they could be
lant against powers or elements this is often easy to do. For in-
very accurate for a time, especially if
which threaten their faith or their stance, it might prove simple to
they’re prophesying for a warlike
followers. convince one’s flock that the
state which is on the rise and mostly
These powers and elements priests of a more despised faith are
asking about upcoming victories. don’t usually take the direct ap-
Eventually, however, the tides of kidnapping young women (only
proach, such as attacks by armies women of the libeller’s faith, of
16
L Designing Faith!
course) to serve as unwilling tem- the priesthood wields in the cam- place anyway; the king can choose
ple concubines, then killing them. paign setting; a minor priesthood another priesthood for the honor,
It‘s especially easy to do when the may not enjoy any of these bene- or he can be crowned without the
libeller secretly arranges for the fits, while a dominant one could priesthood’s sanction.
kidnapping and murder of several have all of them. If it‘s the latter, then the priest-
young women in his own faith. hood can deny someone the right
When this sort of thing goes on, it‘s Church Trial to take the throne by refusing to
vital that the priests of the accused crown him. This is avery powerful
faith prove the truth. They can’t In some cultures, the secular
(non-priestly) authorities cannot right, and through it the priest-
do it just by giving local authori- hood can exert considerable influ-
hes a tour of their temple to show put priests on trial for any sort of
crime. That doesn’t mean a priest ence on the nation.
there are no unwilling concubines That‘s not to say that, by refus-
here - and even if they do, a par- can perform a crime and laugh at
the law, however: Most priestly ing to crown a certain candidate,
ticularly clever enemy will have the priesthood can stage a blood-
concealed the body of one of the orders police themselves, and will
try (or punish without trial) trans- less coup and choose the king.
kidnapped girls there for the au- Let‘s assume a priesthood does
thorities to find! It requires c a p gressions.
Priestly orders don’t ordinarily such a thing and refuses the chief
ture of the killers and candidate for the throne, then
demonstration that they were flaunt this power in order to defy
secular authorities. When priests spreads the word they will support
serving someone else. . . all of a certain other candidate.
which is a good basis for a priest- commit crimes, priesthoods usu-
ally punish them. Exceptions oc- The refused candidate may de-
oriented adventure. cide to mount a war against the
Obviously, it’s the duty of faith- cur when the priest was acting at
the priesthood’s behest, particu- priesthood. The new candidate, if
ful priests to combat all these situ- crowned, may find that none of the
ations these when they’re noticed. larly when the god requires
actions which are against the law other nobles in the nation support
However, it‘s a characteristic of the his kingship. All of this can result
greatest priest-heroes to notice of the land. In these cases, the
priest sometimes goes unpun- in a bloody civil war which could
these trends well ahead of the time tear the nation apart and wreck
that they become critical, and to ished; sometimes he receives a
“slap on the wrist” punishment to the priesthood’s power.
deal with them early in their devel- Therefore, when the priesthood
opment, before they can result in quiet the secular authorities.
The DM, not the player, gets to decides to exercise this power, it
serious harm to the priesthood. does tend to make compromises,
For the DM, this is a good way to decide whether priests have the
right to church trial. to negotiate secretly with the par-
give the PC priest an opportunity ties involved, to plan things care-
for rapid advancement in his so that trouble is
priesthood: If he’s the first to no- Coronatioi
urn. Only the mos
tice such a trend and is able to The most powerful priesthood in of priesthoods would try to take for
spearhead the movement to cor- a given land will probably have the itself the full right to choose the
rect it, he will be well-regarded by right to crown kings when they as- king. . . and such priesthoods are
his peers. This is also a good way cend the throne. The DM has to de- likely to lead their nation into war
to establish that an NPC priest is a cide whether this is merely an or chaos.
hero of his faith, if he, in the past, honor bestowed on the priesthood,
has thwarted such situations. or whether it is a right which the Other Confirmations
priesthood can use to influence the
throne. It could be that confirmations
Rights of the Priesthood other than coronation are the spe-
If it‘s the former, then the chief
A t the DM’s discretion, priest- priest is accorded the right to offi- cial province of one priesthood.
hoods can have special rights and ciate at the coronation ceremony. For example, in one nation, any
powers, too. These rights usually However, if the priest refused to of- priest might perform marriages for
depend on the amount of influence ficiate, the crowning will take commoners, but only the priests of
17
Designing F
a specific god might perform mar- distributed or spent by superior other worships but be mainly de-
riages for nobles. priests. voted to one specific god.
This would give that priesthood In a theocracy, the nation may
great power, because by collectively Separation from the Faith be ruled by a board of priests from
deciding or refusing to marry cer- the state religion, but it’s more
tain couples, this priesthood has the Some priesthoods can exert con-
siderable influence on their fol- common for it to be ruled by a sin-
power to influence which families gle king who is also a priest and the
unite and which do not. lowers by being able to separate
them from the faith. If, for in- head of his priesthood. Such an ar-
Again, abuse of this right could rangement may he benevolent,
lead to harm, but careful applica- stance, all followers are promised a
certain role in the afterlife, and with a wise cleric ruling the land:
tion of it would allow the priest- or it may be particularly nasty,
hood to affect the growth and separation from the faith would
deny them that role (and replace it with a power-mad priest or the
development of the nation. priest of an evil god in charge.
with something far more frighten-
ing or ghastly), then the followers Many “lost worlds” (i.e., nations
Tithes of the faith are likely to obey the hidden away from the rest of the
Some priesthoods, the most priesthood. world, secluded in a lost valley or
powerful ones in a culture, are able Naturally, most priesthoods visit cavern or other distant place) are
to demand tithes of their followers. this punishment only on those fol- theocracies ruled by evil priests:
A tithe is an amount of money, of- lowers who most flagrantly defy adventurer-heroes stumbling into
ten represented as a fraction of the the requirements of the faith. Just such cultures often find them-
money-earner’s regular wage, as naturally, the occasional cor- selves having to stir up revolution
which the follower is required to rupt priest would threaten fol- and cast down these rulers so that
pay to the priesthood. Theoreti- lowers with this punishment justice can return to these lands.
cally, it is used for upkeep of unless they are blindly, absolutely
churches and temples, purchase of obedient to him. The State Religion
supplies and equipment for the However, this punishment For any culture, the DM will
priests, etc. Some priesthoods also doesn’t work so well in a culture have to decide if there is a State Re-
use these moneys for influence which worships many gods and ligion. The State Religion is the of-
with the government; a very few which has a separate, independent ficial faith of the nation, as
corrupt priests dip into it for per- priesthood for each god. If you sanctioned by the government.
sonal gain. threaten a follower of the war-god Its priesthood will have the fol-
In an AD&D@’ game campaign, with separation, he might be just lowing rights: Right to church
only the religion of a monotheistic as happy to switch over to worship trial, right to coronation (though
state, or the state religion, will be of the sea-god. This is a balancing not necessarily the right to deny
able legally to demand tithes of its factor which helps keep down coronation to the chief candidate),
followers. Such tithes will usually abuse of this right in many cul- right to demand tithes. If the cul-
run from 5% to 15% of the charac- tures. However, monotheistic cul- ture is monotheistic, the State Re-
ter’s income, with 10%being most tures (those which worship only ligion will also have the right to
common. one god) don’t have this balancing separate offenders from the faith.
Priesthoods of other faiths will factor: they have to rely on the The DM can assign other rights to
ask their followers to tithe a like honesty of the priesthood. the State Religion as he sees fit.
amount. Naturally, not all their fol- State Religions are not limited to
lowers will tithe and so such reli- Rule big nations. Any independent city
gions bring in less tithed income or city-state could have its own
Some cultures are theocracies,
than those who can demand it. state religion. Thus, cities mere
which means they are ruled by
Player-character priests don’t miles apart might have different
their priestly classes. Naturally, in
get to see that money: it is re- state religions. This could cause
such a culture, one priesthood will
corded by church accountants, trouble if both are monotheistic, or
be dominant; the culture may wor-
stored in church treasures, and both belong to enemy priesthoods:
ship only one god, or may tolerate
esignin:
on the other hand, the priesthoods tion from the faith! merely wants to play a fighting
could be neutral or friendly to one Sacrifice means that the god re- machine who is efficient in both
another, causing no such trouble. quires this behavior to test the combat and magic.
However, a nation does not have mettle of his followers. Those who
to have a state religion. In fact, the can’t make the sacrifice are obvi- Celibacy
most powerful faith in a nation will ously not cut out to be his priests.
not necessarily be a state religion; it At his discretion, the DM can Though in modern times the
will just exert considerable influ- make any of these requirements ap- terms Celibacy and Chastity have
ence. ply to the worshippers of the god in become confused, here we’re only
addition to the priesthood. Espe- using the older meaning of the
cially appropriate are restrictions in- word Celibacy: The state of being
Restrictions on the Priest unmarried. Priests who are re-
volving Contamination (see below).
Priesthoods are also restricted, quired to be celibate must remain
usually by decree of the god him- unmarried. A DM must decide in-
Armor dividually for each celibate priest-
self. Below are examples of many
typical sorts of restrictions: Note Priests may be limited in the hood if its priests must also remain
that most priesthoods will only types of armor they wear. Some chaste (see below).
have a few of these restrictions, sample limitations: A priesthood could require celi-
and each faith may employ differ- bacy as a sacrifice to the god, be-
ent ones. May not wear non-metal armor cause it was philosophically
Gods make these requirements of May not wear metal armor opposed to the state of marriage, or
their priesthoods for four principal May not wear magical armor for many other reasons. The fight-
reasons: Commemoration, Func- May not wear any armor ing priesthood of a war-god might
tion, Philosophy, and Sacrifice. May not use shields require its priests to stay celibate
Commemoration means that the May not use certain types of so that they won’t be distracted by
action is a reminder of some im- shields thoughts of home and family while
portant event from the history of May only wear armor made by engaged in warfare.
the faith. For example, the cross priests of the same faith
and rrucifix are symbols of the Chastity
Crucifixion. Any of these restrictions could
be made for any of the four reasons Chastity involves not engaging
Function means that if the re- in sexual relations. A priest could
quirement is not met, the priest given above. If metal armor dis-
rupts clerical magic, then it could he celibate but not chaste: one
cannot for some reason function as could even be chaste but not celi-
a priest. For instance, if, in a spe- not he worn by priests. If the reli-
gion’s philosophy forbids harm to bate, though that would be pretty
cific campaign world, clerical strange.
magic will not work if the caster animals, then leather armor may
be forbidden. And so on. Priesthoods require chastity as a
has consumed alcohol, then the sacrifice to the god, or when its
priesthood will have a require- Armor restrictions don’t just re-
flect the gods attributes or prohi- priests are supposed in some way
ment that its priests not drink. to be spouses of the god (either in a
Philosophymeans that the choice bitions; they help define the
combat roles of priests in the cam- symbolic or genuine sense).
is bound up with other elements of In some faiths, chastity is re-
the faith. If certain creatures are paign. A priest who can wear full
metal armor is more likely to be a quired of its priests except for dur-
held to be unholy, unclean, or other- ing specific events or times of the
wise taboo, for instance, there will combat force in the campaign than
one who can’t. year. For instance, priests of an ag-
be many secondary requirements ricultural deity might be required
derived from that thought. A priest You can be more sure that a
player who picks a priest-type to remain chaste except during the
wouldn’t be able to wear armor planting season, when chastity is
made from its hide or eat its meat. which is limited to less efficient ar-
mor is a player who wants to role- revoked in order to magically “en-
’Ib be buried in or with its skin might courage” the fertility of the fields.
even result in involuntary separa- play a priest, rather than one who
Clothing Priests might also be required to pecific animals or
conceal certain parts of their bodies of animals)
Priests are often required to by clothing. Beyond restrictions im- Blood
wear distinctive costumes pro- posed by society for modesty's sake, Gems or Jewels (specific types]
claiming their status. They may priests might have to conceal other Iron
only have to do so during the per- parts not considered immodest by Plants (speciflc plants or whole
formance of their official func- the general population. classes of plants)
tions, or might have to wear their Water (from specific bodies of
priestly vestments during all water)
waking hours.
Contaminatlon
Such items don't have to be full Many faiths regard certain items
Hit Points
costumes. A priest might be only or substances as unholy, unclean,
required to wear the specific holy or taboo. Its priests are not permit- Clerics and Druids receive 8-sided
symbol of his faith; otherwise, he ted to handle such things. If they dice for hit point progression (see
could wear what he wished. come in contact with them acci- Player's Handbook, page 33).The
In some faiths, priests cannot dentally, they must undergo holy cleric does a lot of fighting, and the
__
wear certain twes of clothing. His-
toridly some priest-kings oflearth-
rituals of purifications to cleanse
themselves of the taint.
druid has a very demanding exist-
ence, living as he does in the wilder-
goddess were forbidden to wear Some sample items or sub- ness: both need to have
clothes with knots in them: if they stances include: comparatively high hit point totals.
re textile garments, they had to The DM can, if he wishes, make
e ragged, unknotted hems. any priesthood of a specific my-
I
20
thos take six-sided dice for hit might also be further restricted by force the special attributes and
points (like rogues) or even four- their faiths. character of the worshipped god:
sided dice (likewizards). But this is For example, priests of a specific limiting priests of the god of Death
only appropriate for priestly or- faith might be required to use only to sickle-like weapons certainly es-
ders which are not very demand- magical items made by priests of tablishes flavor for them.
ing physically. their order, or might be required to Second, weapons restrictions,
Most priesthoods should have use no magical items whatsoever. like armor restrictions, help define
eight-sided dice for hit points. If a the combat roles of priests in the
DM decides that a priesthood will Mutilation campaign. If a priest is limited to
have less robust dice, then he daggers and creampuffs, he’s not
Occasionally,a priesthood will de- going to be the campaign’s combat
must compensate the priesthood mand a sacrifice of mutilation of its
with enhanced access to spells and monster, so magic and his priestly
priesthood. This is most common duties will be much more impor-
(especially) numerous Granted among evil priesthoods, but could
Powers (discussed below). tant to the character.
theoretically occur with any priest- Many examples of this are given
A priesthood should onlyreceive
hood, regardless of alignment. in the next chapter, “Sample
sixsided dice if it has medium to For example, devotees of a blind
poor combat abilities, and belongs Priesthoods.”
god of prophecy might be forced to
to a deity with very few physical blind themselves. (However, it
demands. would be more appropriate for
For example, a god of dawn has them merely to have a Clothing re- As you’ll recall (from the DMG,
no intrinsic orientation toward striction that required them to
combat, and “dawn” does not im- pages 33, 34), priest spells are di-
wear blindfolds when performing vided into categories called
ply any specific physical demands. official duties.) spheres ofinfluence. Each spell be-
A priesthood should onlyreceive When this sort of thing does take longs to one of 16 categories.
four-sided dice if it has poor com- place, the priesthood is often com- Those categories include:
bat abilities, and belongs to a deity pensated for its loss: The god often All, Animal, Astral, Charm,
whose attribute implies soft living. grants them an extra power (as de- Combat, Creation, Divination, Ele-
For example, a god of peace or scribed below, under “Powers of mental, Guardian, Healing, Necro-
love could have priests with little the Priest”).A priesthood required mantic, Plant, Protection.
or no combat abilities and with to be blind, for example, might Summoning, Sun, and Weather.
four-sided dice. However, it‘s im- have an extra power of analysis, Priests can’t cast spells from all
portant to note that this does not identification or prophecy. spheres of influence. Any specific
have to be the case. . . I t is only the
priesthood can have major access
case when the DM insists upon it.
Priestsof the god of peace could be Weapons to one or several spheres, and thus
Many priesthoods require their eventually learn to cast spells of
pacifists, but still be good at com-
any level from that sphere, and
.
bat. . which they may only em- priests to use only a certain cate-
can have minor access to one or
ploy in self-defense. A god of love gory of weapons. Some only re-
strict them from using a certain several other spheres, and learn to
noted for weapons use, as Eros
narrow category of weapons. Some cast spells from only 1st through
was noted for his archery, could
require their priests to use no weap- 3rd level in that sphere.
have priests who specialized in
ons at all. Commonly, a god identi- When designing a new priest-
that weapon, and would not have hood, the DM decides which
to be stuck with a measly ld4 for fied with a certain type of weapon
will require his priests to use that spheres of influence the priest-
hit points.
weapon and a certain number of hood has.
similar or related weapons. All priesthoods should have ma-
Magical Items jor access to the All sphere. Be-
The DM should assign the priest-
Priests are already limited to us- hood a weapons restriction based yond that, the DM should choose a
ing magical items usable by all on two choices. number of spheres, and the access
classes or by priests only. But they First, weapons restrictions rein- to each, based on the attributes of
the god being served, and on how
combat-efficient the priest is al- not allowed to use metal armors greater number of weapons
ready. but has access to a good range of which do no more than l d 6 + 1
If a priesthood currently has ac- weapons, we consider that it has damage, we say that it has a
cess to good armor and a wide medium combat abilities. It poor range of available weap-
range of weapons, the DM should should have a more average ac- ons.
limit the range of spells available cess to magic, including: If a priesthood doesn’t allow
to them. If, however, the priests do Major Access ?b: The “All” the priest access to the full num-
not have access to mighty engines Sphere, and four other Spheres. ber of spheres appropriate to
of war, the DM may want them to Minor Access ?b: Four that type of priesthood, then the
have a greater ability with magic, Spheres. DM should supplement the
reflected by access to more priesthood with extra Granted
spheres, and major access to a The Priesthood Has Poor Powers. For instance, if a priest-
greater proportion of them. Combat Abilities hood has Good Combat Abilities
Priests should have Major access but is designed with major ac-
If the priesthmd is not allowed
to just about any sphere that has cess to the All sphere and only
to use metal armors (or even any
any bearing on the primary attrib- one other sphere, and minor ac-
armors) and has access to a poor
ute of their god, and at least Minor cess to two spheres, then the
range of weapons, we say that it
access to spheres which have a priesthood is receiving less abili-
has poor combat abilities. It
lesser relationship to their god. ties than it should; it should be
should have an enhanced access
(For instance, priests of a God of given some minor Granted
to magic, including:
War who is noted for his protec- Power to compensate.
Major Access lb: The “All”
tiveness might have minor, or Sphere, and six other Spheres.
even major, access to the Guardian Minor Access lb:Six Spheres.
and Protection spheres.) Now, this valiant dfort to keep
Here are some rules of thumb to ombat abilities and magical abili-
Some Dennitions es balanced is substantially
go by when assigning Spheres of
Influence to specific priesthoods: “A good range of weapons” is iwarted by the original Cleric
not a very precise definition, but lass himself. The Cleric has major
it’s harder to be more precise; ccess to 12 Spheres, minor access
The Priesthood Has Good what is and is not considered a ) one, and the ability to wear
Combat Abilities good range varies with each in- ietal armors. In short, he is more
dividual DM. In general, if the owerful than just about any more
If a priesthood is allowed to :strictive priesthood.
priesthood is allowed access to
use metal armors and a good If the players in a campaign are
five or more different types of
range of weapons, we consider kely not to take priests of specific
weapons (abow isn’t that differ-
that it has good combat abili- iythoi simply because the original
ent from a crossbow for our pur-
ties. Therefore, it should have leric class is more powerful, the
poses, but a mace is different
less effective magic, including: M may wish to revise the Cleric in
from a spear), or if the priest-
Major Access lb: The “All” hood is limited to a few efficient is campaign. For more on this, see
Sphere, and two other Spheres. and high-damage (Id8 and bet- Ibning Down the Cleric” in the
M i n o r Access ?b: Two ter) weapons (such as swords), ole-Playing chapter.
Spheres.
we say that it has a good range
The Priesthood Has Medium
of available weapons. ;ranted Powers
“A poor range of weapons” is
Combat Abilities just as imprecise. In general, if Many types of priests also have
the priesthood is allowed access xcial Granted Powers. The basic
If a priesthood is allowed to
to four or fewer different types of leric, for instance, can turn un-
use metal armors but restricted
weapons, or has access to a ead. The Druid starts out with bo-
uses to specific saving throws
and speaks an additional specific Here are some examples of High throw are not stopped or affected
language, and gains other granted Powers appropriate to various by this immunity.)
powers as he gains in levels. types of priests: Others might have automatic
The DM should add at least one success against all Enchantment/
Granted Power to the abilities of a Charm/Fascinatlon Charm spells. This is equally pow-
priest of a specific mythos: this erful: it means that the priest will
gives the priest more individual This power works just like the
third-level Wizard spell be completely unaffected by most
flavor and character. The DM spells of this sort,as well as other
suggestion, except that the priest
could add several, if this specific powers such as the vampire's hyp-
does not have to use material com-
priest-class is weak compared to notic gaze.
ponents to the spell.
other priests. Immunities may be taken
The DM may define this Power
Additionally, as with the Druid, against any one wizardly School
as working one of two ways. Either
the DM can arrange things so that of Magic, against any one priestly
it can be used in combat (in which
the priest acquires new Granted Sphere of Influence, or against all
case it can be used against only
Powers a t certain experience Poisons,as a High Power. There
one target at a time), or it cannot
levels, instead of receiving all of are other, lesser, immunities, dis-
be used in combat (in which it can
them at first level. be used against a number of tar- cussed below.
Granted Powers come in three gets equal in HD to two times the Immunities can work against a
levels: High Powers, Medium Priest's experience level). character, though. Immunity to all
Powers, and Low Powers. priestly Necromantic spells
In either case, the Priest can use
As with all the priest's special means that the character does not
the ability three times per day. If
abilities, Granted Powers should the target makes his saving throw, benefit as much from Healing
be chosen for the priest based on he may choose to reject the sug- spells. He automatically makes his
the attributes of the worshipped saving throw against them,
gestion, but will not recognize that
god. It's not inappropriate to give a whether he wishes to or not, and so
priestly magic was being used
water-breathing ability to the against him. gets only half the healing value of
priest of an ocean-god, but is quite the spell.
This power is most appropriate
inappropriate for the priest of a The Immunity must be appro-
to priests of the gods of love, mis-
god of the desert winds. chief and trickery, music, and priate to the attributes of the god
Some Granted Powers may be peace, but can be given to any being served. The priest of a god of
used any time the priest wishes priesthood which has an influen- healing might have an Immunity
and when circumstances allow. tial position in the society. to all poisons, while the priest of
For example, normal clerics can the god of love might have an Im-
try to 'Iiun Undead as many times Immunities munity to EnchantmenffCharm
in a day as they wish (but it can spells.
only work when they're facing un- This power gives the priest an The most important thing to re-
dead, naturally). Other Granted automatically-successful saving member about Immunity is that it
Powers may only be used a certain throw against certain types of isn't complete protection. It
number of times per day. When the damage, attacks, or broad classes merely gives the character a n
DM first adds a Granted Power to of spells. automatically-successful Saving
the listing of a priest's abilities, he Examples of appropriate catego- Throw. In most cases, this means
must define how often and under ries for immunity: that he will still take half damage
what conditions the Granted Certain types of priests might from the attack or spell.
Power may work. have automatically successful There is no limit on the number
saves against all Evocation of times per day a character can
High Powers spells. This is a very powerful abil- use this ability: whenever he is
ity: it means the priest will auto- struck with the appropriate at-
High Powers are those which are matically take half damage from tack, his Immunity helps protect
of great use in situations which most damaging spells. (Those him.
arise frequently in the campaign. spells which don't allow a saving
Designing Faiths
I
to make itjust right, he'll be able to
often and easily it may be used, he ollowers, men and women who
choose from his list of available
can decide whether it is a High, u e particular admirers of this god
Low Powers and can ignore his
Medium, or Low Power. listings of High and Medium md his attributes as they pertain
High Powers are those which fre- o combat and magic.
Powers, which would make that
quently can dramatically affect If the priest serves the God of Ag-
priesthood too powerful.
the course of a combat or other- iculture, the followers could be
wise affect an adventure. The ex- Normal Men and Women who
amples of High Powers listed bllowers and Believers
h n ' t belong to a specific class.
above (charms,major immunities, At a certain level, priests receive w i t h a few priests of the same god
the ability to inspire fear, shape- followers and believers, men and 3mong them.
change, or turn undead) can all women of the same faith who serve Now, it could be that the priest
have dramatic and powerful ef- the priests. player-character is trying to create
fects on an adventure in progress. To receive their followers and be- a specialized order within the
Medium Powers are those which lievers, priests must achieve a cer- more generalized faith. A priest of
frequently give an advantage to tain experience level (8th or above, the God of Everything might want
the priest, or which occasionally with 9th as the most common to create a militant order. Though
will dramatically affect the course level). Soon after (the same experi- the broad worship of the god in-
of a combat or adventure. The ex- ence level or during the next- cludes every subject and attribute
amples of Medium Powers listed higher level), the priests must possible, this priest is devoted to
above (defmnce of obstacles, me- assume the duties of a church the god's warrior-aspect. There-
dium immunities, inciting ber- leader by building a church or fore, with the permission of the el-
serker rages, enhanced language temple (whatever is appropriate to ders of his faith (and, by inference.
abilities, laying on of hands, and the faith) and ministering over a the permission of the DM), all this
prophecy) all do these things. specific geographic area. At that priest's followers would be war-
Low Powers are those which time, their followers begin show- riors and some priests, probably at
only occasionally give an advan- ing up, and arrive over a period of higher than first level, whose mis-
tage to a priest, but which are also several weel- sion is to bring war to the enemy
very much in character for the and then religious enlightenment
priest and his god. The examples 'hat Are .
to the conquered.
of Low Powers listed above (detec- Followers and Believers are non- This sort of thinking is to be en-
tion and analysis, minor immuni- player characters who are sup- couraged among player-
ties, minor enhancements to posed to help promote the priest's characters. A player who's
language abilities, soothing word) faith. But what they are in terms of thinking of creating a specific reli-
all meet that definition. character classes, levels, and du- gious order is thinking in charac-
So, when a DM creates a new ties varies from faith to faith. ter and within the scope of the
granted power, he must decide The DM decides what character campaign rather than just think-
which of these three sets of criteria classes the followers belong to ing about how to acquire more
the power meets, and defme the (based on the needs and orienta- spells and magical items.
power as High, Medium, or Low. tions of the player-character priests
50 Are They, and Ho1 b
In any case, this definition is
only a rule-of-thumb guideline to
and the beliefs he promotes).
ley Know to
- . -
For example, let us say that the ~
how powerful the granted power priest serves the God of Strength. The answers to these questions
is. It helps the DM when he's as- The followers are likely to be all vary from faith to faith. The DM
signing powers to priests of s~ Warriors and priests of the same
cific mythoi. For instance, if he has god. this:
created a description of a priest- If the priest serves the God of
(1) The followers are local people from 10 to 100 experience levels der could have 24 first-level fight-
who are already worshippers of the worth of followers, with the aver- ers, one second-level fighter, and
priest’s god. When they hear that age being around 30. The DM two second-level priests.
there will be a new priest of that should decide how many levels of The priest-leader dedicated to
god in their area, they arrive and followers show up rather than hav- the common man could have 56
offer him their services. ing the priest-character roll a die. normal men and women, and two
(2) The followers already belong These followers can all be of the first-level priests.
to another church or temple of the same level, or can be of daerenc ex- The priest-leader who is part of a
same faith. When the PC announces perience levels. Zero-experience bureaucratic hierarchy could have
his intent to build his own temple, characters (i.e., normal men and five fifth-levelpriests and five first-
his faith’s superiors send him fol- women) count as %-level charac- level priests.
lowers and believers to help him. ters. No follower can be of higher The priest-leader of a temple
(3)The god subtly inspires peo- level than three levels below the which is supposed to guide, pro-
ple from near and far to journey to priest (thus, an 8th-level priest can- tect, and teach a community could
the new temple and offer their not have a follower higher than 5th have one fifth-level priest, one
services to the priest. level). second-level priest, three first-
Here are some examples of ar- level priests, ten first-level war-
How Many and How Strong rangements of followers that differ- riors, two second-level warriors,
Are They? ent types of priests can have. With and sixteen normal men and
each arrangement, we’re presum- women.
As a general rule of thumb, the ing 30 levels’ worth of followers. The DM can assign even more
priest should receive anywhere The priest-leaderof a militant or- esoteric followers to a priest. The
priest of a woods-god might have punish them by restricting their ac-
nymphs and centaurs among his tivities and movements, applying
followers, in which case the HD of 2orporal punishments (beatings
the monster corresponds to its which may not reduce them below
level (a 2HD monster corresponds three-fourths their starting hit
to a second-levelcharacter, while a points), and assigning them partic-
2d6 +2HD monster corresponds to ularly nasty tasks and duties. If
a third-level character). their offenses are sufficiently great,
All these followers constitute he can fire then from service in his
priests, warriors, and workers (the church or temple, or even separate
normal men and women) belong- them from the faith (as described
ing to or assigned to the priest‘s earlier in this chapter).
temple or church. Their entire job Customarily,he cannot incarcer-
is serving the temple or church; ate them for any great length of particular faith has these charac-
they are housed, fed, and some- time (i.e., over a week), seriously teristics. . . but most don’t.
times paid by the temple or injure them (perform any punish-
church. They aren’t the “flock’ or ments which reduce them below important Followers
whatever you choose to call the three-fourths their starting hit The DM should create many of
populace of the area the priest is points),kill them (killingthem and these followers as fully-developed
supposed to serve. restoring them to life is still forbid- NPCs, including names, personali-
den), or use harmful magic on ties, ability scores, equipment, etc.
How Much Control Does the them, including magic which de- When a large group of followers
Priest Have? nies them free choice. are “identical” in class and level
Spells which are normally for- (for example, if you have sixteen
The priest‘s command over these bidden for purposes of punish-
followers varies from faith to faith. A Normal Men and Women), one or
ment or even “guidance” include two should be singled out and fully
playercharacter priest cannot as- create light wounds. magical
sume that he has a tyrant‘s powers developed. When followers are al-
stone, shillelagh, charm person or ready more individual (for in-
of life and death over this followers mammal, enthrall, flame blade,
and believers. The DM decides what stance, if you only have two
heat metal, produce flame, spirit- second-level priests or one fifth-
sort of command the priest has over ual hammer, call lightning (except
them based on the nature of the level fighter), such followers
when used to frighten instead of should be fully developed.
campaign’s culture and on the dic- damage), cause blindness or deaf-
tates of the faith. When possible, it’s a good idea to
ness, cause disease, curse, sum- role-play the arrival of such char-
In a normal faith, the priest will mon insects (except when used to
be able to order his followers to acters within the temple, the bet-
frighten instead of damage), cause ter to give the priest PC an idea of
work and effort like any employer serious wounds, poison, produce
(and, in a medieval or fantasy set- what his followers are l i e .
fire, cause critical wounds, flame All of this work will make the
ting, employers have more power strike, insectplague, quest (except
over their employees than in con- temple and its inhabitants more
when the target willingly under- immediate and real to the priest
temporary society). He can advise takes the quest to atone for his
them and (if he chooses) put con- character (and the other
misdeeds), spike stones, wall of characters).
siderable pressure on them regard- fire, fire seeds, harm, creeping
ing the people they associate with doom, earthquake, fire storm,
I
or even marry. What If They Die or Gain
wither, energy drain, destruction,
or symbol.
Experience?
1 Punishments Spells like command, entangle, When followers die, they are re-
hen hr is displeased with their cause f e z , hold person, and confu-
ions or performances. he can sion are permissible, because they
last only a short time, or do not
a
c
first place. A new local will volun- For instance, let us say that a At that point, the priest will re-
teer his service, or the church hier- temple starts with a third-level ceive one experience level of re-
archy will send a replacement, or wizard who acts as the priest‘s ad- placement follower for every two
the god will inspire a new NPC to visor. Through adventuring, this he loses. (This doesn’t even count
volunteer his service. wizard rises to sixth level, and experience levels gained by fol-
It‘s all right for followers to gain in then is killed in an adventure. He lowers through adventuring. If a
experience. A soldier who defends will be replaced by a third-level second-levelguard-captain rises to
his temple from attackers can be ex- wizard. sixth level and then is wasted in
pected to gain experience pine a If a guard-captain rises from sec- this manner, he’ll be replaced by a
follower who accompanies pis priest ond to sixth level in the course of soldier half his original experience
on adventures can, too. adventuring, and then leaves for level, i.e. a first-levelfighter.)
Only followers who have been service elsewhere, he’ll be re- If the priest loses another twenty
given individual names and per- placed by a second-level fighter. levels through neglect or mali-
sonalities should gain in experi- This doesn’t mean that the new ciousness, he will receive one ex-
ence. An anonymous first-level fighter is the guard-captain. The perience level of replacement
fighter guard can be expected to priest may prefer for some other follower for every five he loses. If
remain so; but a named character follower, who is higher than he loses another ten levels through
could rise through levels and be- second-level,to be the new guard- neglect or maliciousness, he will
come guard-lieutenant, guard- captain. But the replacement char- receive one experience level of re-
captain, personal bodyguard to acter always arrives a t the placement follower for every ten
the priest, etc. experience level the original char- he loses. If he loses any more
Named followers gain experi- acter held when he first became a through his misbehavior, they are
ence a t normal rates based on follower. not replaced.
what they do in their adventures. That isn’t the only result of evil
The only limits placed on all this What If The Priest-Character behavior. The higher-ranking
personal growth are these: No fol- Is Scum? priests of the faith will launch an
lower can be higher than three ex- investigation, assigning a priest of
perience levels below the level of Inevitably, some campaign level equal to the offending priest
the priest: and the levels of all fol- priests, including some player- to his temple to conduct the inves-
lowers of a specific temple or character priests, will see their fol- tigation. If it is this priest’s conclu-
church cannot add up to more lowers as a resource to be sion that the priest has behaved
than 100. exploited and abandoned for the badly, he could fmd himself pun-
If a group of followers becomes priest‘s amusement. For example, ished: he could have his temple
so experienced that it adds up to a priest might seduce and cruelly taken away and could even lose ex-
more than 100 levels, the DM can abandon attractive followers, or perience levels (if his god is of-
take steps to reduce the number of might send soldierly followers into fended by his misbehavior and
levels. For instance, a senior certain-death situations in order to decides to punish him).
guard-captain may leave the tem- enhance his own glory. Also, the other followers and the
ple when offered captaincy of a If the faith is not an evil one, the flock could become disillusioned.
guard-unit in another temple (one priest is not following the dictatesof Surviving followers could leave or
closer to his family, one more pres- his faith and will eventually suffer even betray the priest. The local
tigious, etc.). He’d be replaced by a for it. The fmt few followers who population could gradually cease
captain of lower level, thus adjust- perish or feel compelled to leave will to attend the priest‘s church, and
ing the available experience levels be replaced normally After twenty seek their spiritual fulfillmentelse-
downward. experience levels’worth of followers where.
Whenever a follower dies or have left in this manner, however, How long does all this take?
leaves, he is replaced by a follower the other temples of the faith and That’s a role-playing consider-
who was at the experience level the local population will “catch on” ation. A priest can be corrupt and
the original character held when and the priest will find replace- hide his behavior from the faith
he first became a follower. ments slowing. and from his following for years. If
31
he does “waste” followers, but Monotheistic By Demand The chief god has a power or promises
does so at a very slow rate, it could faith’s god acknowledges that there rewards that make his worship nec-
be years or decades before the pop- are other gods, but demands that essaq? (For example, even in a cul-
ulation catches on. If he’s overt, everyone worship him or her alone ture where many gods are
and flaunts his corruption or and not those other gods. Ea culture worshipped, the god who decides
wastes his followers a t a more is Monotheistic By Demand, it how each person’s afterlife is to be
advanced rate, he could find him- means that this one faith is the only spent could be the dominant god or
self in trouble mere weeks or one legally permitted within the cul- the king of the gods, who rules the
months after first attracting his ture. This faith is able to demand a god of the afterlife, could instead be
followers. tithe (discussedearlier in this chap- dominant.] In this type of culture,
However, if the faith is an evil ter] of its followers. the dominant faith is able to de-
one, such behavior is normal. Monotheistic By Dogma: mand a tithe of its followers.
Wasted followers will be replaced Whether it is true or not, the faith Pantheistic, No Chief Faith:
normally. (They are not, however, claims that there is only one god or This culture concedes that there
likely to be loyal followers, and goddess and that everyone must are several gods with individual
may conspire to eliminate and re- worship that one being. If a culture faiths or cults associated with
n l n r e the nrieqt ) is Monotheistic By Dogma, only them. Though individual cults
the one faith is permitted within may be stronger or weaker than
JIG u i LIIG ramal the culture. Typically, the wor- each other, none is dominant
shippers are sufficiently inflexible throughout the culture. Each faith
The DM must decide what role in their belief that they often par- can only ask, not demand, a tithe
an individual faith has within the ticipate in religious wars in order of its worshippers. Within the cul-
campaign’s culture. This role to extend the domination of their ture, individual communities may
breaks down into four parts: own faith or suppress faiths they have dominant gods: and within
How the faith relates to other consider dangerous or heretical. those individual communities
faiths: This faith is able to demand a tithe only, the chief god’s worship will
How the faith relates to the aris- of its followers. correspond to one of the “Panthe-
tocracy; Pantheistic, Chief Faith Domi- istic, Chief Faith Dominant By
How the faith relates to the peo- nant By Charisma This culture Charisma” or “Pantheistic, Chief
ple; and concedes that there are several Faith Dominant By Strength” cat-
How the faith relates to foreign gods with individual faiths or cults egories. Some cities will not have
faiths. associated with them. One, how- dominant gods, or may have two
ever, is the special favorite of the or more dominant gods who have
Relations With Other Faiths population, because they consider joint worship here but not else-
Most fantasy cultures tends to that gods attribute, personality,or where. All the gods worshipped
fall into one of the following cate- blessings superior to any other within the culture will be per-
gories: god’s. Most citizens of the culture ceived to belong to the same fam-
worship this chief god and any ilv. or Dantheon. of cods.
other gods they choose. In this
Monotheistic By Demand type of culture, the dominant faith
Monotheistic By Dogma typically asks but is unable to de-
Pantheistic, Chief Faith Domi- mand a tithe of its followers.
nant By Charisma Pantheistic, Chief Faith Domi-
Pantheistic, Chief Faith Domi- nant By Strength: This culture
nant By Strength concedes that there are several gods
Pantheistic, No Chief Faith with individual faiths or cults asso-
ciated with them. One, however, is
supreme in power, either because it
has a strong hold on the culture’s
ruling aristocracy or because the
Relations With the to be a soldier and a priest of the Can The F d t h Inflict Serious
Aristocracy god of peace, for instance. Punishments On Non-Believers?
In such an arrangement, the
Once the DM makes the decision This is a reflection of the faith’s
character lives in his home, works
about the sort of hold the faith has political power in the campaign
on the culture, he can decide what to make his living, and is an every-
culture. Does the faith have the
day fellow. On occasion,he puts on
sort of relations the faith has on power to inflict punishment on
his priestly vestments and attends
the country’s rulers. This was dis- those who do not follow the faith’s
to his priestly duties (performing
cussed earlier in this chapter, un-
marriages, arranging and per-
der the heading “Rights of the torture or exe-
forming rituals, giving guidance to
Priesthood:’
those who ask it of him, praying to
the god for favors). Most of these
Relations With the People If they can, they’re a very power-
events take place at the gods tem-
ful faith in the culture, and one
Then, the DM can determine ple or church, but most of the
which can guide the culture into
what sort of relationship the faith faith’s priests do not live there:
periods of religious terror (when-
has with the population. All faiths only priests with no other quar-
ever they try to purge the land of
exert some control over the flock, ters, and followers of the chief
heretics, or to conceal elimination
by helping interpret or define what priest, would live there. (A priest
of political enemies by pretending
the flock believes: some faiths ex- could live in his own home while
they’re heretics and purging them)
ert more power, some less. Some his followers lived in the temple!)
or into all-outwars with cultures of
abuse that power, and some don’t. With this sort of arrangement,
dflerent faiths.
Some faiths rule the people, while priests are very definitely men and
Giving a faith this right in a cam-
others are the people. women of the people. They are not
paign means that there’s always
The DM needs to ask himself supported by tithes (though tithes
the danger of religious persecubon
these questions: probably led to the building of the
in the cainpaign.. If it‘s the cam-
temple), and just about anyone in paign’s main setting where
.= There A Priestly Caste? the culture can become a priest.
has this power, the
That is, is Priest the full-timejob However, if priests are a distinct
characters may ‘find themselves
of the priest, making priesthood caste in the society, then priest- . ,
hired to oppose. or even to help
hood is (in addition to everything
something a little distant from or- such qn effort of persecution. If it’s
dinary humanity; or do most else) a job. It is the priest‘s princi-
a-foreign power, the, herqes may
priests only act as priests part- pal occupation. Most priests live in
find themselves helping fugitives
time; having 0the.r occupations the temple or in Droverties owned
bv the faith. It mavbe considera-
Restrictions:
Races Allowed:
Restrictions
Here, we’re providing examples imple Faith Writeup describes which player-character
of what we described in such detail races may belong to this priest-
We start out with a quick expla-
in the previous chapter. hood.
nation of the gods attribute. The
In the pages that follow, you’ll Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
first paragraphs talk about what
find more than sixty priesthoods. ciencies: This paragraph de-
Each of these priesthoods consti- the god’s goals may be, what his
priest’s goals will be. scribes which nonweapon and
tutes a complete character class of weapon proficiencies a priest must
Next, we discuss what kinds of
the “priest of a specific mythos” have, and which additional non-
variations there may be to his at-
type. The druid presented in the weapon proficiencies are recom-
tribute. (Example:A god of the arts
Player’s Handbook is one type of a mended for him. The proficiencies
may be devoted to only one spe-
priest of a specific mythos, and is required of the priest must be
cific kind of art - painting, for in-
written up there in greater detail taken from the normal proficiency
stance).
than the priesthoods presented slots he starts play with: he does
Sometimes these variations on
here. But each of these priesthoods not receive extra slots with which
the god’s attribute might change
can be fine-tuned by your DM and to take these proficiencies. Also
your opinion of what the god’s na-
adapted more fully to the cam- listed here are the “Nonweapon
ture and alignment are. (Exam-
paign world. Proficiency Group Crossovers” for
ple: A god of death might be a
Each of these priesthoods fol- this specfic priest-class (see Table
frightening Grim Reaper sort of de-
lows the normal Priest rules (Play- 38,Player’s Handbook page 55 for
ity, or might be a gentle god of a
er’s Handbook, page 33) for more on the Proficiency Group
cheerful sort of afterlife.)
experience level progression and Crossovers).
We also describe the gender that
spell progression. Most follow the Duties of the Priest: This talks
gods of this attribute usually be-
normal Priestly eight-sided dice about the duties typically de-
long to. This isn’t a limitation for
progression for hit points: those manded of this sort of priest. Al-
your campaign. Any attribute
which don’t will be singled out in most all priests are supposed to
shown below can be represented
the text. provide Guidance to the flock: gen-
by a god or goddess, or even by a
For each of these priesthoods, erally, that guidance is related to
sexless deity. However, in real-
your DM will ultimately have to sup- the god’s attribute. (In other
world mythologies, various godly
ply the campaign-specific details of words, members of the flock come
attributes are usually represented
what the deity’s name is, what his to the priest of the god of love for
by one sex or the other, and so here
family and relationships are, what questions of love, to the priest of
we describe which one that is.
his history is, etc. However, players the god of justice on questions of
We also talk about the other
don’t have to know all these details revenge, etc.) All priests except for
types of priests this priesthood is
in order to create priest characters: the priests of the god of Death can
on especially good terms with.
just use the priesthood class de- perform the marriage ceremony,
(Just because a priesthood isn’t
scriptionsbelow, and, when options and this is a duty most don’t mind
mentioned here doesn’t mean that
are provided (for skills, require- performing. Many priesthoods
there is bad feeling between them,
ments, powers, etc.), the players have other duties as well.
however.) Weapon and Armor Restric-
can ask the DM which options they Alignment: This paragraph de-
should take. tions: Here, we talk about which
scribes the usual alignment of weapons and armor the priest can
This section supplements the such a god, and the alignment
material from the “Weapons Al- and cannot use. Mentioned in
choices available to his priests. these paragraphs are some weap-
lowed” chart from the Player’s Minimum Ability Scores: This
Handbook, page 34. ons which do not appear in the
text explains what minimum abil- Player’s Handbook. The belaying
ity scores (alwaysWisdom, and of- pin, bo stick, cestus, chain,
ten one other) the priest must
daikyu, lasso, main-gauche. net,
Bel01 .- ---e priest character
~
possess to be a priest in the first nunchaku, sai, shuriken, stiletto,
classes. The description of each is place.
and swords such as cutlass, ka-
arranged in this fashion: Races Allowed: This uaramauh ’
na, rapier, sabre, and wakizashi
appear in The Complete Fighters curs during the course of his ca- You can assume, unless the text
Handbook. The bill, lasso, maul, reer. Most priesthoods have at lists Evil among the friends of an
net, nunchaku, and scythe appear least one: some have several. Un- attribute, or says that priests of
later in this supplement, in the less the text says otherwise, each this other god can be evil, that the
“Equipment” chapter (note that Granted Power is available to the priests of the other god do
the bill is the same as the gaffihook priest at first experience level: for the Philosophy of Evil.
from The Complete Fighter’s some, specifically listed, will be- We haven’t included a para-
Handbook: “gaff” and “hook’ are come available at other levels. graph which discusses the rights
its nautical names). Of the armors Followers and Strongholds: the priesthood has in the culture.
mentioned, banded mail, brigan- Here, we talk about how many fol- That’s because we don’t know
dine, bronze plate mail, chain lowers the priest receives, what what sort of culture the DM will be
mail, field plate, full plate, plate they are, when he receives them, placing the priesthood within. The
mail, ring mail, scale mail, splint and when he is allowed to build his D M determines what special rights
mail, and studded leather consti- own stronghold. We also describe the priesthood has; special rights,
tute metal armor (not all of them how many and which of his fol- as discussed last chapter, include
are all-metal, but all of them have lowers can take with him when ad- Church ’Rial, Coronation, Other
metal elements): hide armor, venturing “on the road.” Normally, Confirmations, Tithes, Separation
leather armor, and padded armor most of the followers are supposed from the Faith, Rule, and being the
constitute non-metal armor. to stay at the priest’s temple and State Religion.
Other Limitations: Here, we operate it for him: in spite of many Also, the guidelines we’re pro-
discuss other limitations and re- priest-PCs’ preferences, the priest viding in this chapter are based on
strictions which are typically can’t just bring along all his fol- the most common views of these
placed on this type of priest. lowers with him on every adven- sorts of gods, priests, and races.
Spheres of Influence This par- ture. The numbers given here are Any campaign may have a differ-
agraph describes the priest’s ac- for the maximum number of fol- ent view of these topics, and so the
cess to spells of different spheres of lowers the priest can take with him DM may change these limitations
influence. You’ll remember from on adventures: naturally, he can and requirements to suit his cam-
the previous chapter that priest- always take fewer. paign. Especially prone to re-
hoods which have Good Combat Possible Symbols: This is a set interpretation are: races allowed,
Abilities tend to get three major ac- of recommendations for the sym- proficiencies required or forbid-
cesses (including All) and two mi- bols that the priesthood uses. Usu- den, rights, weapon and armor re-
nor, that those which have ally, they’re representations of the strictions, other limitations, and
Medium Combat Abilities tend to god’s attribute. They are also used spheres of influence.
get five major accesses (including upon the priesthoods Holy Sym-
All) and four minor, and that those bol. Agriculture
which have Poor Combat Abilities Notes: Finally, if there are any Agriculture concerns Man har-
tend to get seven major accesses further items important to the de- vesting Nature. The god has
(including All) and six minor. In scription of this character class, shown man how to plant, grow,
the examples below, not all priest- we place them in this paragraph. reap, and utilize crops: man, in
hoods follow those guidelines ex- turn, worships the god as thanks
actly; some have one major access Important Notes for this bounty. The gods of agri-
to few and a couple of minor ac- Most godly attributes (Love, culture is different from the other
cesses to many, for instance. But if gods of nature and natural forces
War, Agriculture, etc.) don’t specif-
a priesthood comes up notably in that he represents the elements
ically say that they are enemies of
short on the number of spheres it Evil. Thisjust means that these at- of growing that man utilizes and
can access, it is given extra tributes are not of themselves dis- can control.
Granted Powers. tinctly opposed to Evil: some have The priesthood of this god is
Powers: This paragraph talks principally interested in making
no relationship with Evil whatso-
about which Granted Powers the sure that mankind continues to
ever (for example, Agriculture).
priest receives, and when this oc-
41
appreciate the agricultural god. Marriage. Observation of annual ful effects of spoiled vegetable or
An angry god of this sort can de- celebrations at the start of winter fruit substances; he will never be
cide that crops fail. either on a lo- and start of spring. Vigilance laid low by normal food poisoning.
cal level or even worldwide, against any threat to the commu- (He’snot immune to deliberate poi-
resulting in mass starvation and nity’s ability to grow its food, in- soning of food, or of food poisoning
(eventually, if the god is not ap- cluding magical blights and in meats.) A t 8th Level: The Priest
peased) a destruction of civiliza- droughts brought on by evil magi- can cast the heroes’ feast spell
tion: man would return to a cians or priests, artifacts or enemy once per day in addition to all
hunter-gatherer culture, living in gods. other spells that he can cast.
small nomadic tribes and follow- Weapon and Armor Restric- Followers a n d Strongholds:
ing herds of beasts, if this were to tions: Weapons Permitted: Bill, The followers are received at 8th
take place. flails (both), hand-throwing axe, level, and consist of one fifth-level
A god of Agriculture doesn’t scythe, sickle. Armor Permitted: priest, one third-level priest, one
have to be the god of all agricul- All non-magical non-metal armor, second-level priest, and ten first-
ture. He could be the god of a spe- all non-magical (non-metal) level priests, all of the same god,
cific crop (especiallywheat, barley, shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also plus one second-level warrior and
corn, vines, olives, and other prin- nunchaku. All together, these con- eight first-level warriors to act as
cipal crops) or of a specific, lesser stitute Poor combat abilities. guards. The priest may take the
attribute of agriculture (sowing, Other Limitations: None. following on adventures: Three
reaping, brewing, etc.). Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- priests and two warriors of his
Most agricultural deities are fe- cess to All, Creation, Divination, choice. The priesthood will pay for
male. Plant, and Summoning (can only half of the cost of stronghold con-
The priests of this god are on use wall of thorns, weather sum- struction at 8th level. The strong-
good terms with Druids and the moning, and creeping doom from hold must act as a central source of
priests of Community, Earth,Fer- this sphere). Minor Access to Ani- information about agricultural
tility, Fire, Life-Death-Rebirth Cy- mal, Healing, Protection, Sun, and techniques for the farmers of the
cle, Nature, Seasons, and Weather. This does not give the area: the priests must not turn
Vegetation. priest all the spheres indicated for away farmers who come for ad-
Alignment: The deity is true a priest with Poor Combat Abili- vice.
neutral. His priests may be true ties, so he’ll also have more than Possible Symbols: Sickle,
neutral or neutral good: most are one Granted Power. scythe, sheafof wheat.
neutral good. The flock may be of Powers: Analysis, Detection, Notes: The weapons chosen for
any alignment. Identification (as described in the this priesthood are those which
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Designing Faiths chapter) of any have some bearing in agriculture.
dom 11, Constitution 12. Wisdom sort of domesticated grain or gar-
or Constitution 1 6 means + 5%ex- den plant: the priest can look at a Ancestors
perience; Wisdom and Constitu- field and tell what‘s being grown, This is a god devoted to man’s
tion 1 6 means + 10% experience. how far along it is in the harvest communion with and honoring of
Races Allowed Gnomes, half- year, what the state of the crop is his dead ancestors. As such, this is
elves, halflings, humans. (healthy, diseased, drought prob- a god of civilization and learning,
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- lems, etc.), and even what species even of courtesy.
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- is growing it (this can be handy The priests of this god keep the
cies Required: Agriculture. when the party is sneaking up on deeds of ancestors and heroes in
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- the dwelling of an unknown mon- the minds of the population. They
mended: Local History, Reading/ ster and there is a garden nearby. commune with and honor the
Writing, Religion. Weapon for instance). CreateFood & Water: dead, and are also devoted to
Proficiencies Required: None. Non- The Priest can cast this spell once learning from them - not just
weapon Proficiency Group Cross- per day in addition to all other reading their writings, but com-
overs: Priest, General. spells that he can cast. Immunity:
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, The Priest is immune to the harm-
even exploring alternate planes to Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- them a t a distance of 30’,and
understand the meaning of life and mended: ReadinglWriting, Her- through thick stone or the earth
death. aldry, Religion. Weapon can only detect them at 10’ dis-
They are also devoted to the pro- ProficienciesRequired: None. Non- tance. (Therefore, when he walks
tection of new generations, whom weapon Proficiency Group Cross- over a grave, he will only detect its
I
1 they teach to appreciate the pre- overs: Priest, General. presence if it is 10’or less down.)
vious generations of this race. Duties of the Priest:Guidance, Immunity (as described in the De-
This priesthood places a high Marriage. Education: These signing Faiths chapter) to the
value on truth. priests must teach new genera- charm abilities of undead crea-
Priests of the god of ancestors tions the value of veneration ofan- tures such as the vampire. 7hm
hate the undead, regarding them cestors, and are therefore also undead (same as the Cleric abil-
as a mockery of true and noble repositories of a lot of historical ity). A t 8th level: Prophecy (asde-
death. These priests seek to eradi- knowledge. Missions: ?b investi- scribed in the Designing Faiths
cate the undead whenever en- gate old mysteries, find out what chapter): the priest cannot ac-
countered. really didhappen to famous ances- tively try to prophesy; when re-
Lesser gods of this attribute tors who disappeared or perished ceiving prophecies, he is hearing
would be devoted to subsets of the mysteriously, sort out the truth the voices of the dead advising
broad field of Ancestors. Such sub- from old legends of the city’s he- him.
sets include: Ancestors of a partic- roes, etc. Prophecy: Listening to Followers a n d Strongholds:
ular race, of a particular city, of a the omens whispered by the dead. The followers are received at 8th
particular extended clan; all male Weapon and Armor Restric- level, and consist of five third-level
ancestors, all female ancestors, all tions: Weapons Permitted: Club, priests and fifteen first-level
warrior ancestors, all scholar an- daggeddirk, dart, knife, quarter- priests, all of the Same priesthood.
cestors, etc. It would be appropri- staff. Armor Permitted: None: no The priest may take the following
ate for a civic deity (see shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also on adventures: Five priests, no
Community, below) also to be a bo stick. All together, these consti- more than two of whom may be
god of the city’s ancestors, for in- tute Poor combat abilities. chosen from the third-level priests.
stance. Other Limitations: None. The priesthood will pay for half of
Ancestor deities are not inclined Spheres of Influence Major Ac- the cost of stronghold construc-
toward either sex. cess to All, Astral, Creation, Divi- tion at 8th level. The stronghold
The priests of this god are on nation, Guardian, Necromantic, must also act as a genealogical li-
good terms with the priests of Protection. Minor Access to brary for the surrounding com-
BirthlChildren, Community, Di- Charm, Healing. This does not munities, and will constantly be
vinity of Mankind, Fate/Destiny, give the priest all the minor ac- visited by scholars looking for in-
Race, and Sites. The priests of this cesses to spheres indicated for a formation on families and ances-
god dislike the priests of Disease. priest with Poor combat abilities, try (or who come with information
Alignment: The deity is neutral so he’ll also have some Granted to contribute).
good. His priests may be chaotic Powers. Pn-ible Symbols Bee.
good, neutral good, or lawful good. Powers: Detection (asdescribed
The flock may be of any neutral or in the Designing Faiths chapter) A
good alignment. of graves and undead. The priest This god is the protector of ani-
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- can detect graves where remains mals. He could intend to protect
dom 12. Wisdom 16 means + 10% lie, and the presence of undead, animals from all harm, and thus
experience. within 60‘; he can tell the differ- be the enemy of all hunters, rang-
Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, ence between the truly dead and ers, and carnivores of all descrip-
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- the undead, but has no other ana- tions. Most often he’s primarily
I mans.
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
lytical ability (i.e., he cannot tell
that the undead detected is a vam-
pire): through wooden or thin
interested in keeping animal spe-
cies intact, not allowing them to be
hunted to extinction, etc., and
cies Required: Local History. stone walls, he can only detect
thus allows a reasonable amount (either or both), Readingwriting, them before.) Language/
of hunting and trapping to take Religion, Animal Lore, 'kacking. Communication (as described in
place. Weapon Proficiencies Required: the Designing Faiths chapter): The
The priests of this god also work None. Nonweapon Proficiency priest can communicate with
hard to keep excess hunting and Group Crossovers: Priest, General, three specific animal species (for
trapping in check, and to remind Warrior. example, lion, raven, wolf) or one
the flock that the god will avenge Duties of the Priest: Guidance, category of animals (for example,
abuses. Typically, this god is con- Marriage. Vigilance: Protection of all felines, all canines): the DM de-
tent to be counted as one of many animal life against unnecessary cides which ones based on the
gods and almost never insists on slaughter, especially by humans gods attributes, but if the god's at-
being the primary deity wor- and other sentient races. Missions: tributes do not dictate specific
shipped by the flock. Acts of war against those who do choices the DM can give the choice
A lesser type of animal-god is harm to the animal world or to the to the player. Soothing Word (as
one who is the protector of a single priest's totem animal. (Normaland described in the Designing Faiths
species or group of species. Such a recreational hunters do not incur chapter, but only usable on "natu-
deity might be the lion-god, or the this sort of attack, but those who ral" monsters or animals). At 5th
god of all felines, or the god of ele- hunt or trap in mass quantities Level: Shapechanging (as de-
phants, or the god of porpoises and and threaten the survival of whole scribed in the Designing Faiths
dolphins. In a primitive society, all species in an area do.) chapter: again, the DM decides
members of a nomadic tribe might Weapon and Armor Restric- which shape or shapes are
worship the god of the herd animal tions: Weapons Permitted: Bill, changed into according to the
the tribe hunts (bison, for exam- cestus, club, daggerldirk, knife, god's attributes, or can give the
ple). mace, main-gauche, stiletto, choice to the player).
Animal deities are often male. swords (all), warhammer. Armor Followers and Strongholds:
The priests of this god are on Permitted: all non-metal armor: no The followers are received at 9th
good terms with Druids and the shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also level, and consist of one ffi-level
priests of Earth, Fertility, Hunting, katana, sai, wakizashi. All to- priest, one third-level priest, and
Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle, Nature, gether, these constitute Medium twelve first-level priests, all of the
OceanslRivers (only if priesthood combat abilities. same order, plus one third-level
has some association with aquatic Other Limitations: None. ranger and seven first-level rang-
animals), and Race (Elven). Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- ers. The priest may take the follow-
Alignment: The deity is true cess to All, Animal, Charm, Divi- ing on adventures: Three priests
neutral. The priests may be neu- nation, Protection. Minor Access and two rangers of his choice. The
tral evil, true neutral, or neutral to Combat, Creation, Healing, priesthood will pay for half of the
good: evil priests have their own Plant. cost of stronghold construction at
sect and the other priests don't Powers: Identification (as de- 9th level. The temple acts as an an-
have to tolerate them. The flock scribed in the Designing Faiths imal hospice, a "hospital" for sick
may be of any alignment. chapter) of any natural monster or or injured animals brought in by
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- animal the priest sees. (A "natu- the rangers: many scholars also
dom 9, Charisma 13. Wisdom or ral" monster or animal is one visit these strongholds in order to
Charisma 16 means +5%experi- which exists as a species, within learn, from the rangers, more
ence: Wisdom and Charisma 16 an ecological niche, spawns and about animals and monsters in
means + 10%experience. rears its young, and has so existed their natural habitat.
Races Allowed: Elves, gnomes, as a species for at least five years. Possible Symbols: Any animal:
half-elves, halflings, humans. Newly-created animal species, de- claws.
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- mons, devils, constructs, and simi- Notes The weapons allowed for
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- lar monsters do not fall into this this priesthood were chosen for
cies Required: Animal Handling. category; when the priest sees their similarity to animal attacks.
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- them, he will only be able to iden- That's why there are lots of weap
mended: Animal lYaining, Riding tify them if he has encountered ons with piercing and slashing at-
tacks, but no ranged weapons or Proficiencies Recommended: saving throw vs. all other Illusion
cleaving attacks. ReadinglWriting, Religion. spells for which a saving throw is
AI __ Weapon Proficiencies Required:
None. Nonweapon Proficiency
Group Crossovers: Priest, General.
possible (he can’t make a saving
throw against someone else’s in-
visibility, for instance). Addition-
This god celebrates the arts, par-
ticularly the visual arts (such as Duties of the Priest: Guidance, ally, even when he fails a saving
painting and sculpture). Marriage. Encouragement of peo- throw or a saving throw doesn’t
The priests of this god are de- ple. even those not in the flock, apply, he can still tell when the fol-
voted to encouraging the visual who exhibit artistic abilities. Par- lowing spells are being used (if he
arts of every sentient race: and ticipation in semiannual events can see the area affected by the
though they seem to be devoted to where artists’ works are displayed spell): change self, spook,
a non-violent cause, they have to (in shows. or before the local Leomund’s trap, fez, hallucina-
learn so many different types of rulers, or in displays in the mar- tory terrain, and vacancy. This
magic (especially Divination, to ketplace). Punishment of those ability does not allow the priest to
learn, and Creation, to create), who defile or destroy great works tell which spell is being used. Also,
they are very powerful magically, of art. Vigilance: Art often shocks this does not make the priest im-
even in combat situations. the sensibilities of those who do mune to the effects of the spell (for
Lesser gods of this attribute not appreciate certain of its forms, example, he’ll still be scared by
30 these priests must be vigilant spook),but he’ll know it was an il-
would be devoted to specific arts:A
God of Sculpture, for example. igainst censorship. lusion.
Gods of the arts are equally Weapon and Armor Restric- Followers and Strongholds:
likely to be of either sex. tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows The followers are received at 8th
The priests of this god are on all). Armor Permitted: None: no level, and consist of five third-level
good terms with the priests of 3hields. Oriental Campaigns: priests and five fust-level priests,
Community, Crafts, Culture, Di- 41so daikyu. All together, these all of the same order, plus twenty
vinity of Mankind, Light, :onstitute Poor combat abilities. Normal Men and Women with ar-
LiteratureIPoetry, Metalwork, Other Limitations: Priests of tistic Nonweapon Proficiencies.
MusiclDance, and Sun. h e Arts gain only 6-sided hit dice, The priest may take the following
Alignment: The deity is good; at lot 8-sided. on adventures: Four priests (no
the DM’s discretion, he may be Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- more than two of whom may be
chaotic good, neutral good, or law- :ess to All, Astral, Creation, Divi- third-level) and four Normal Men
ful good, but tends to be neutral iation, Elemental, Plant, and Women. The priesthood will
good. Regardless of his alignment, ’rotection, Sun. Minor Access to pay for half of the cost of strong-
his priests may be of any good lealing, Necromantic. This gives hold construction at 8th level. The
alignment. The flock may be of h e priest one extra major access priest must act as a patron of the
any neutral or good alignment. md four too few minor accesses, arts for the surrounding area, and
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- or a priest with Poor Combat Abil- must work to make his stronghold
dom 13, Intelligence 12. Wisdom ties: this is nearly balanced, but a center for the teaching of those
or Intelligence 16 means +5%ex- ie’ll also have some Granted who show artistic promise.
perience: Wisdom and Intelligence ’owers. Possible Symbols Chisel, pal-
16 means + 10%experience. Powers: Identification of and let, paint brush.
Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, ‘inmunity vs. (as described in the Notes: The bow, the only
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- Iesigning Faiths chapter) certain weapon allowed for these priests,
mans. 3pells. Because of the priest’s supe- was chosen because it is a symbol
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- ‘iorinsight into creativity and art, representing inspiration.
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- le is Immune (receives an
cies Required: Artistic Ability (DM iutomatically-successful saving Birth, Children
can choose which art form, or can hrow) to all first-level wizard Illu-
This god’s interest is in the safe
let player choose). Nonweapon ,ion spells for which a saving and successful birthing of chil-
hrow is possible, and gets a +2
dren and, subsequently, their pro- spirits who snatch away the
tection and nurturing. breath of babies and kill them When a god’s principal interest
His priests take those interests (treat as vampires). is in one city [its growth, defense,
to heart, and, because of the god’s Weapon and Armor Restric- and prosperity), he’s called a god of
protective aspects, tend to learn tions: Weapons Permitted: Lasso, community or, more commonly, a
fairly powerful combat magics. net. Armor Permitted: None: no civic deity.
One lesser god of this attribute shields. All together, these consti- The priests of the civic deity are
would be the god of Youth, repre- tute Poor combat abilities. responsible for making sure that
senting children and youths of all Other Limitations: None. the god receives worship from the
ages from birth to the verge of Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- city’s inhabitants, and promote all
adulthood. cess to All, Astral, Charm, Crea- sorts of plans and efforts to im-
Gods of birth, children, and tion, Elemental, Healing, prove the city: Civic improvement
youth tend to be female. Protection, Summoning, Sun. Mi- plans, improvement of the city
The priests of this god are on nor Access to Animal, Combat, walls and army, etc.
good terms with the priests of An- Divination, Guardian, Necroman- One god may be the civic deity of
cestors, Community, Fertility, tic. This priesthood has two extra several cities, or each city could
Healing, Love, Marriage, and Race. major accesses and is only short have its own, lesser god.
The priests of this god dislike the one minor access: therefore, it is The DM may not wish for there
priests of Death, Disease. far superior in magical power. to be so many gods in his cam-
Alignment: The deity is neutral Powers: Zhrn undead (same as paign world. If this is the case,
good. The priests may be any sort the Cleric ability): the priests of then a civic deity should also (and
of good alignment. The flock may his faith, which is symbolic of life, primarily) be the god of some other
be of any neutral or good align- ue therefore enemies of and have attribute, and would be a given
ment. iome power over the undead. city’s civic deity in addition. For
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Followers and Strongholds: example, in Greek mythology,
dom 10.Wisdom 16 means + 10% rhe followers are received at 8th Athena was primarily the goddess
experience. evel, and consist of one f~lh-level of wisdom, and had secondary at-
Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, Jriest, three third-level priests, tributes as a goddess of war, of
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- md six first-levelpriests, all of the crafts, and of the city of Athens.
mans. same order, plus one third-Ievel Civic deities are just as com-
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- mladin and seven first-levelfight- monly male as female.
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- :rs to act as guards and soldiers. The priests of this god are on
cies Required: Healing. The priest may take the following good terms with the priests of Agri-
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- In adventures: linro priests and culture, Ancestors, Arts, Birth/
mended: Herbalism, Reading/ wo fighters of his choice, and the Children, Death, Guardianship,
Writing, Religion. Weapon mladin. The priesthood will pay vlarriage, Messengers, Peace,
Proficiencies Required: Non- o r half of the cost of stronghold ’rosperity, Race, Rulership/
weapon Proficiency Group Cross- construction a t 8th level. The Kingship, Sites, lkade, and War.
overs: Priest, General. stronghold must act as a mater- Alignment: A deity whose sole
Duties of the Priest:Guidance, nity hospital for the local commu- attribute is that he is the protector/
Marriage. Education: Teaching nity, and may turn away no patron of a single community has
medicine, especially the arts of woman who is close to having her an alignment appropriate to that
midwifery, to the flock. Vigilance, child. community. Most are true neutral,
in some areas of the world, against Possible Symbols: Cradle. their interest is in the survival of
the type of monsters who prey on Notes: This is a nonviolent or- the community by any means,
babies and children: Dark elves, der, which is why no damaging whether by law, chaos, good, or
who sometimes steal human chil- weapons were included in its evil. Their priests may be of any
dren and leave changelings (baby choices. alignment, but evil priests gather
dark elves) in their place to be in one cult, neutral priests in an-
raised in their steads: or night.
other. and good priests in a third: tions: Weapons Permitted: third-level fighter and twelve first
at the DM’s discretion, they don’t Daggerldirk, knife, and any two level fighters to act as guards. Thc
have to get along. The flock may be from the following list (the DM de- priest may take the following or
of any alignment. The DM can de- cides based on which weapons are adventures: ?tnropriests and three
cide that a particular civic deity is most representative of the city in fighters of his choice. The priest
neutral good, in which case there question; at least one weapon hood will pay for half of the cost o
will be no evil priests or flock: or should be in the ld8 or greater stronghold construction a t 7tl-
that he is neutral evil, in which damage range): Battle axe, bows level. The stronghold must be
case there will be no good priests (all), crossbow, flails [both), har- built within the city, and it musi
or flock. poon, lance, mace, morning star, act as a library specializing in t h c
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- net, polearm, quarterstaff, spear, history of the city and the arts anc
dom 10, Charisma 12. Wisdom or swordlbastard, swordlcutlass, literature created bv imDortanl
Charisma 16 means +5%experi- swordllong, swordhapier, sword
ence; Wisdom and Charisma 16 sabre, swordlshort, swordltwo-
means + 10%experience. handed, trident, warhammer. used as the symbol for the commu
Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, Armor Permitted: All armor and nity also serves as the symbol foi
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also this priesthood; if the civic s y I l s p
mans. If a community has only added to choices list: Bo stick, is a lion, so is the gods.
one type of sentient race inhabit- daikyu, katana. All together, these I
ing it (or is principally devoted to constitute Good combat abilities. Competition
one race), then the priests may be Other Limitations: Priests of a This is the god of competition
only of that race; if the population civic deity must always wear especially of athletic competition
consists of several types of senti- clothing indicating their priestly This god stresses fairness, imparti
ent races, then the priests of the status when appearing in public. ality, and truth in his followers. He
community god may be of any Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- is also a proponent of health, exer
race. cess to All, Creation, Healing. cise, and physical self-im
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- Minor Access to Combat, Protec- provement.
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- tion. These choices don’t give the His priests follow t h e same
cies Required: Local History. priest access to very many spells, goals, and support these goals bq
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- so this priesthood will have good conducting regular athletic exer
mended: Etiquette, Heraldry, An- Granted Powers. Note that the DM cises and games, and by acting as
cient History, ReadinglWriting, may wish to substitute some other impartial judges for those games.
Religion. Weapon Proficiencies Re- choice for the Major Access to Cre- Gods of lesser parts of the Com
quired: None. Nonweapon Profi- ation and the Minor Access to petition attribute might be gods 01
ciency Group Crossovers: Priest, Combat if the civic deity that he specific events; for example, to bt
General. has created has secondary attrib- the god of Boxing or Wrestling
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, utes not reflected in this listing. might be a very honorable thing. I1
Marriage. Education: The priest Powers: Incite Berserker Rage would be far less dramatic to bc
must preserve the history of the (as per the Designing Faiths chap- the god of the Broad Jump or tht
city, teach it to the young of his ter). Soothing Word (as per the De- god of Synchronized Swimming
flock, and never let it be forgotten. signing Faiths chapter). m r n however.
Vigilance: Against any threat to Undead (the Community is a gath- Gods of competition are usuall)
his city. This is why priests of com- ering of the living, and so priests of male.
munity deities often wander the this sect are no friends to the un- The priests of this god are or
wider world: They are acting as an dead). good terms with the priests of thc
intelligence network for the city, Followers and Strongholds: Divinity of Mankind, Fortune
keeping their ears open for any The followers are received at 7th Luck, JusticelRevenge, Peace, anc
hint of threat or danger to the city level, and consist of three third- Strength.
from outside. level priests and six first-level Alignment: The deity is lawfu
Weapon and Armor Restric- priests, of the same order, and one
good: so must be his priests. The competitions in the campaign cul- Dther spells he can cast.
flock, who tend to turn to the god ture: Bastard, cutlass, khopesb, Followers and Strongholds:
only in times or events of competi- long, rapier, sabre, short, two- T’he followers are received at 8th
tion, may be of any alignment. handed). Armor Permitted: All level, and consist of one fsth-level
Minimum Ability Scores Wis- non-magical armor and non- priest, three third-level priests,
dom 12, Intelligence 10. Wisdom magical shields. Oriental Cam- and sixteen first-level priests, of
or Intelligence 16 means +5%ex- paigns: Also daikyu: katana would the same order. The priest may
perience: Wisdom and Intelligence automatically be the sword choice. take the following on adventures:
16means + 10%experience. All together, these constitute Good Three priests of his choice. The
Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, combat abilities. priesthood will pay for half of the
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- Other Limitations: A priest of cost of stronghold construction at
mans. the god of competition may use 8th level. The stronghold must in-
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- magical items in normal combat clude athletic fields, and youthful
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- and warfare but he may not use athletes from the local communi-
cies Required: Endurance. them in competition matches, and ties must be admitted regularly so
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- he may not use them in challenge that they might use those fields.
mended: Readingwriting, Reli- matches with enemies unless he Possible Symbols: Laurel
gion, Gaming. Weapon Profic- declares their presence to the en- wreath.
iencies Required: None. Non- emy in question. If he violates this
weapon Proficiency Group Cross- rule, he offends his god: this is an
overs: Priest, General, Warrior. “inappropriate weapon and armor This god represents the crating
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, use” from the “Priests and Punish- and creation of all sorts of non-
Marriage. Judgement: Priests of ment” section of the “Role- metal goods: Wooden art objects,
this god are asked to be judges at Playing” chapter, later in this book. furniture, textiles, clothing,
all athletic events, to help ensure Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- leather goods, glassware, porce-
fairness in the sport. (A given cess to All, Divination, Flemental. lain ware, and so forth. He may
event won’t necessarily have only Minor Access to Combat, Healing. also be the god of engineering and
priests of this god as judges, but Powers: Analysis, Detection, stonemasonry.
the later rounds of events, and es- Identification (as per the Design- This gods priests try to support
pecially the finals, will be judged ing Faiths chapter) of cheating in and aid young craftsmen, to en-
only by these priests.) Vigilance: athletic competition and challenge courage the exchange of ideas and
Against unfairness. Priests of this fights. If the competition is set up techniques between dilferent cit-
god loathe unfairness and dishon- with rules in advance, the priest of ies and different guilds, and to im-
esty above all other human traits. this sect, if he is watching the fight prove the state of sophistication of
This isn’t just unfairness in the or competition from within 60’. all crafts and related arts.
sports arena: They also oppose un- will always be able to detect when Lesser gods of this attribute
just rule. Additionally, when two the rules are broken, and be able to would be gods of specific crafts-
forces of basically equal honor and tell whether it was deliberate or ac- man arts. One might be the God of
righteousness clash, these priests, cidental: they are also 100%accu- Woodworking: one might be the
if they choose to become involved, rate when telling whether God of Leatherworking.
tend to support the weaker side. someone stepped out of a bound- Gods of crafts are equally likely
the underdog. ary,telling who reached the fintsh to be male or female.
Weapon and Armor Restric- line first, etc. (This power is the The priests of this god are on
tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows principal reason that these priests good terms with the priests of Arts,
(all), crossbow, daggeddirk, hand/ are always asked to judge events.) Community, Culture, Divinity of
throwing axe, javelin, knife, lance, Bless: The priest can cast this spell Mankind, Light, LiteraturelPoetry,
spear, sword (DM chooses one three times per day in addition to Metalwork, MusiclDance, Race
sword type from following list: all other spells he can cast. A t (Dwarven),Face (Elven),Sun,and
choice should be the type of sword eighth level, he can cast it six
.I
?fade.
. ~ O S commonly
I used in organized times per day in additi
d,’ .
...,e
.
f.
5.,: ”,
Alignment: The deity is good at between the craftsmen of different priests of the same order, one
the DM’s discretion, he may be cities; though this results in hard third-level fighter and two second-
chaotic good, neutral good, or law- feelings sometimes, it does ad- level fighters to act as guards, and
ful good, but tends to be neutral vance the state of craftsmanship.) twenty Normal Men and Women,
good. Regardless of his alignment, Weapon and Armor Restric- each with a craft-related Non-
his priests may be of any good tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows weapon Proficiency. The priest
alignment. The flock may be of (all), club, crossbow, quarterstaff, may take the following on adven-
any neutral or good alignment. sling, staff sling. Armor Permitted: tures: Three priests, only one of
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- All non-metal armor, all shields. whom may be third-level); plus
dom 10, Dexterity 12. Wisdom or Oriental Campaigns: Also bo two fighters, and four Normal Men
Dexterity 16 means +5% experi- stick, daikyu, nunchaku. All to- and Women of his choice. The
ence; Wisdom and Dexterity 16 gether, these constitute Medium priesthood will pay for half of the
means + 10%experience. combat abilities. cost of stronghold construction at
Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, Other Limitations: None. 7th level. The stronghold must
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- provide workshops for its crafts-
mans. cess to All, Creation, Divination, men, including the Normal Men
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- Healing. Minor Access to Combat, and Women.
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- Elemental, Guardian, Plant, Pro- Possible Symbols: Loom, Pot-
cies Required: Any one from this tection, Sun. This priesthood has tery Wheel, DropSpindle, Needle.
list - Carpentry, Cobbling, Engi- one too few major accesses, and Notes The weapons chosen for
neering, Leatherworking, Pottery, two extra minor accesses; we’ll this priesthood were chosen be-
SeamstresslThiIor, Stonemasonry, consider it balanced. cause they are weapons that can
Weaving, Appraising, Gem Cut- Powers: Analysis (asper the De- be made by craftsmen instead of
ting, Bowyer/Fletcher. Non- signing Faiths chapter) of work- smiths, especially by woodcrafts-
weapon Proficiencies Recom- manship quality in crafted goods. men.
mended:Reading/Writing, Reli- The priest will be able to tell
gion. Weapon Proficiencies Re- whether a crafted good is of poor, Culture (Bringing Of)
quired: None. Nonweapon average or superior quality. This
This god’s interest is in the edu-
Proficiency Group Crossovers: gives him a + 2 to his Appraising cation and “improvement” of
Priest, General, Rogue. proficiency check if he has that
other cultures... especially those
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, nonweapon proficiency, but does considered “lesser” cultures by
Marriage. Education: Teaching of not give him the ability to rate
the principal culture of the cam-
craftsmanship to the flock; promo- crafted goods as to their gold piece
tion of all sorts of craftsmanship in value of he does not have that non- paign.
The priests of this god are
the community and society. Must weapon proficiency. Detect Secret
charged with the education of the
participate in semiannual events Doors (same as Elf ability: Success population in whatever subjects
where crafts are displayed and on roll of 1 on l d 6 when passing the god espouses. If the god wants
promoted (before the throne or in within lo‘, 1-2 on ld6 to find se- everyone to be literate, the priests
market). Investigation: These cret doors and 1-3on ld6 to find
teach Reading/Writing, free of
priests are keen on history and concealed portals when actively charge, to as many students as
seek to re-discover lost craftsman searching; elven priests of this or- they can teach at a time.
techniques and arts; this often der have success on a roll of 1-2 However, if the god is simply of
leads them into old ruins and lost when passing within lo‘, 1-3 to the opinion that one whole culture
cities on expeditions of discovery. find secret doors and 1-4 to find is the best culture of all, then his
Vigilance against any enemy, ruler concealed portals when actively priests are charged with turning
or private enterprise who seeks to searching). every other culture into this best
suppress learning, especially of Followers and Strongholds: culture. Consequently, the priest-
craftsman learning. (However, The followers are received at 7th hood invades other nations, peace-
these priests encourage competi- level, and consist of three third- fully if possible, setting up missions
tive thinking between guilds, or level priests and six first-level
and trying to convert the population weapon Proficiencies Recom- doesn’t mean the god is evil. Gener-
wholesale to the worship of this god, mended Ancient History, Religion. ally, he’s not. He’s just the embodi-
and to the cultural behavior of the Weapon Proficiencies Required: ment of darkness, including all its
~ god’s favorite civilization. None. Nonweapon Proficiency benefits and all its dangers. The
When peaceful intrusion is not Group Crossovers: priest, General. god of Darkness and Night would
1 possible, the priesthood agitates
for war with the other civilization;
Duties of the Priest:Guidance,
Marriage. Missions: Conquest of
be the god of sleep, of dreams, of
nightmares. and of nocturnal pred-
if the civilization can be con- new lands and education of the con- ators: some of these traits are con-
quered, they move in to convert is quered population in the one true sidered good, some ill.
population by force. In these situa- way to think and behave. Vigilance: The priests of this god are inter-
tions, we see mass destruction of The priests must be ever alert to the ested in making sure that man re-
the temples and sanctuaries of the sign that old,bad ways and customs gards Darkness and Night with a
“lesser” gods of this culture, elimi- are re-emerging in the conquered reverential awe - making sure
nation of their priesthoods, and population (or, if conquest was not that the sentient humanoid races
ruthless suppression of the cul- involved, in the flock). appreciate the virtues of night
tural elements which the culture- Weapon and Armor Restric- while still respecting or fearing its
gods priesthood wants to change. tions Weapons Permitted: Dag- more frightening aspects. These
Not all culture-gods have to be gerldirk, javelin, knife, lance, PO- priests tend to be more aloof from
racist or contemptuous of other learm, spear, stiletto. Armor Permit- the common man than priests of
cultures. Sometimes they’re just ted: All armor; no shields. All many other gods.
education-minded gods who want together, we consider that this Lesser gods of this attribute
to bestow godly cultural elements priesthood has Good combat abili- would be gods of only one of these
on the human population; in such ties. factors. One might be the god of
cases, the priesthood is not one Other Limitations: None. Sleep,and another the god of Night-
that proposes war or holds inquisi- Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- mares. In these cases, the DM can
tions to suppress other sects. cess to All, Charm, Divination. Mi- choose to vary the god‘s alignment;
Culture-gods are most likely to nor Access to Combat, Creation. the god of Sleep, much beloved of
be male. Powers: Inspire Fear (asper the men, could be lawful good, while
The priests of this god are on Designing Faiths chapter). Sooth- the god of Nightmares, hated by
good terms with the priests of Arts, ing Word (as per the Designing men, could be chaotic evil.
Crafts, Literature/Poetry, Mar- Faiths chapter). Gods of darkness or night are
riage, Metalwork, MusiclDance, Followers and Strongholds: most likely to be female.
Race, Rulership/Kingship, ’Rade, The followers are received at 9th The priests of this god are on
and War. level, and consist of one fifth-level good terms with the priests of
Alignment: The deity is lawful priest, three third-level priests, Dawn, Death, Elemental Forces,
neutral. His priests can be of any and six fxst-level priests, of the Hunting, Light, Magic. Moon.
lawful alignment. The lawful evil same order, and one fifth-level OracleslProphecy, and Sun. Some
priests’ sect is separate from the fighter and five second-level fight- DMs may be surprised that the
sect of lawful good and lawful neu- ers to act as soldiers. The priest gods of Darkness and Night are not
tral priests. The flock may be of may take the following on adven- listed here as being opposed to
any alignment. tures: TWOpriests and two fighters those of light and sun. It’s because
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- of his choice. The priesthood will they don’t have to be; in Greek m y
dom 12. Wisdom 16 means + 10% pay for half of the cost of strong- thology, for instance, the sun-god,
experience. hold construction at 9th level. moon-goddess, and dawn-goddess
Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, Possible Symbols: Book, Quill, were all siblings who never o p
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- e”..,. ‘1.
L posed one another. Naturally, t h e
mans. individual DM can decide for his
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- I ess,Night campaign that the deities of dark.
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficiencies This god is a god of some forces ness and light, moon and sun arc
Required: Reading/Writing. Non- that humans fear. However, this enem’--
Alignment: The deity is true Followers and Strongholds: Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
neutral. The priests may be neu- The followers are received at 8th ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
tral evil, true neutral, or neutral level, and consist of three third- cies Required: Direction Sense.
good: evil priests have their own level priests and twelve first-level Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
sect and the other priests don't priests of the same order, and one mended: Reading/Writing, Reli-
have to tolerate them. The flock third-level fighter and six first- gion, Spellcraft. Weapon
may be of any alignment. level fighters to act as guards. The ProficienciesRequired: None. Non-
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- priest may take the following on weapon Proficiency Group Cross-
dom 11, Intelligence 11. Wisdom adventures: Three priests, only overs: Priest, General.
or Intelligence 1 6 means +5%ex- one of whom may be third-level: Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
perience: Wisdom and Intelligence plus three fighters of his choice. Marriage. Vigilance against evil
1 6 means + 10% experience. The priesthood will pay for half of creatures of the night, especially
Races Allowed: Elves, gnomes, the cost of stronghold construc- undead.
half-elves, halflings, humans. tion at 8th level. Weapon and Armor Restric-
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- Possible Symbols: Black ban- tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- ner, owl, wolf. (all). Armor Permitted: None: no
cies Required: Astrology. shields. Oriental Campaigns:
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- Also daikyu. All together, these
mended: Readingwriting, Reli- constitute Poor combat abilities.
gion. Spellcraft. Weapon Other Limitations: Priests of
border"between Nigk and Day,
Proficiencies Required: None. Non- the god of Dawn earn 6-sided, not
Darkness and Light, Moon and
weapon Proficiency Group Cross- 8-sided, dice for hit points.
Sun. He's a friend of mankind, a
overs: Priest, General. Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
bringer of inspiration, an enemy of
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, dark things. cess to All, Charm, Divination, Ele-
Marriage. mental (only spells involving heat,
The priests of this god work
Weapon and Armor Restric- fire, or air: earth and water spells
mostly to keep the flock appreciat-
tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows may not be used), Healing, Sum-
ing the god's virtues. These
(all), crossbow, daggerldirk, dart, moning, Sun. Minor Access to Ani-
priests, like their allies, the priests
knife, stiletto, swordlrapier, mal, Creation, Necromantic,
of the god of the Sun, are also ene-
swordlshort. Armor Permitted: All Plant, Protection, Weather.
mies of the undead.
non-metal armor: no shields. Ori- Powers: Charm/Fascination (as
Deities of the dawn are mostly
ental Campaigns: Also shuriken. per the Designing Faiths chapter,
likely to be female.
All together, we consider this cannot be used in combat). Immu-
The priests of this god are on
priesthood to have Medium com- nity (as per the Designing Faiths
good terms with the priests of
bat abilities. chapter) to experience level drain
DarknesslNight, Elemental
Other Limitations: None. from undead creatures. mrn Un-
Forces, Fire, Healing, Hunting,
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- dead (same as the Cleric ability).
Light, Magic, Moon, Oracles/
cess to AU,Charm, Divination, Nec- At 10th level, chariot of Sustarre:
Prophecy, and Sun.
romantic, Summoning, Sun. Minor Alignment: The deity is lawful the priest can use this spell once
Access to Animal, Elemental, good. Priests may be of any good per day in addition to his other
Guardian, Protection. This priest- spells.
alignment: the flock may be of any
hood has one extra major access. Followers and Strongholds:
good or neutral alignment.
Powers: Infravision (same as the Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- The followers are received at 9th
Elf ability: an elven or half-elven level, and consist of one fdth-level
dom 10, Charisma 13. Wisdom or
priest of this faith has Infravision priest, three third-level priests,
Charisma 1 6 means +5% experi-
of doubled range, to 120). T h e ence: Wisdom and Charisma 1 6 and six first-level priests of the
neutral and neutral good priests means + 10% experience. same order, plus one third-level
can turn undead neutral evil Races Allowed Elves, gnomes, mage and two first-level mages to
priests can control undead (same half-elves, halflings, humans. act as consultants and one third-
as the Cleric ability). level ranger and two first-level
rangers to act as guards and sol- ual DM discretion) allies of the injury and disease are accepted,
diers. The priest may take the fol- priests of the philosophy of Evil, but unless they stumble onto some
lowing on adventures: Three this is actually not common, regard- technique or magic that allows
priests, one mage, and one ranger less of how scary the god of Death them to imbue immortality. Even
of his choice. The priesthood will might be. The priests of this god dis- priests who can resurrect or rein-
pay for half of the cost of strong- like the priests of Fertility and Heal- carnate are acceptable, because if
hold construction at 9th level. ing, and (at the DM’s discretion) the gods didn’t want them to be
Possible Symbols Chariot; pat- Strength. able to, they wouldn’t have given
tern of rosy colors. Goal and Purpose The deity is them the ability to do this.
Notes: The bow was chosen as true neutral. The priests may be Weapon and Armor Restric-
this order’s only weapon because neutral evil, true neutral, or neu- tions: Weapons Permitted: Battle
it is representative of light (shafts tral good: evil priests have their axe (usually styled as a headman’s
of light being equivalent to arrow- own sect and the other priests axe), daggeddirk, knife, lasso (of-
shafts). don’t have to tolerate them. The ten tied in the fashion of a noose),
flock may be of any alignment. scythe, sickle, stiletto, sword1
Death Alignment: The deity is usually khopesh, sword/short. Armor Per-
The God or ueath is, naturally, a completely neutral. His priests mitted: None: no shields. All
terrifying figure whom man re- may be of any alignment: Some together, these constitute Medium
gards as an enemy, an unavoidable will be evil-doerswho serve him by combat abilities.
doom. sending souls to him as fast as pos- Other Limitations: Priests of
But this doesn’t mean that death- sible, while others could be good the god of Death must remain celi-
gods are evil. Most, in fact, are true priests guiding their followers to bate. They need not remain
neutral. A death-god can be the their inevitable destiny. The flock chaste.
King of the Land of the Dead, the can be of any alignment, but the Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
Grim Reaper who cuts down the liv- evil ones will specifically be fol- cess to All, Astral, Charm, Divina-
ing, or the Guide of the Souls who lowers of evil priests. tion, Protection. Minor Access to
helps the departed spirit on to its re- Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Guardian, Necromantic, Sun,
ward or next existence. dom 9. Wisdom 16 means +lo% Weather. Option: Evil priests can
Priests of the death-god are often experience. substitute major access to Healing
agents who must “help” people on Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, for major access to Protection, but
to the afterlife, especially if such gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- can only use the reversed versions
people have successfully thwarted mans. of the Healing spells.
Death in the past. This duty may Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- Powers: Inspire Fear (Designing
take the form of assassination, or ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- Faiths chapter). Command Un-
of mercy-killing. In some cam- cies Required: Religion. dead (same as the evil Cleric abil-
paigns, spirits sometimes escape Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- ity). The priest of the Death-god
the afterlife and return to the land mended: Reading/Writing. does not have to be evil in order to
of the living: the death-god’s Weapon Proficiencies Required: use this power. This is a rare ex-
priests must hunt them down and Scythe. Nonweapon Proficiency ception to the rule that only evil
capture them for return to their Group Crossovers: Priest, General. priests can command undead.
proper place. Duties of the Priest: Guidance. Followers and Strongholds:
Death-gods are equally likely to Vigilance against any being which The followers are received at 8th
be male or female. is unnaturally keeping Death at level, and consist of three third-
The priests of this god are on good bay. The key word here is unnatu- level priests and six first-level
terms with the priests of Ancestors, rally, meaning in defiance of the priests of the same order, plus spe-
Community, DarknesslNight, Dis- gods. Wizards usingpotions ofJon- cial agents whose class is deter-
ease, Justicernevenge, Life-Death- gevityare okay, until they reach an mined by the specific aspect of the
Rebirth Cycle, and Time. priests of age of three hundred or so, at god: these agents consist of one
this god are sometimes (at individ- which time these priests become fifth-level character, two third-
their enemies. Healers who cure level characters, and four first-
level characters. If this is a fear- Alignment: The deity is neutral priest, three third4
some, terrifying god of death, evil. So must be his priests and and six first-level
these agents will be thieves who their flock. same order, and ten first-level
act as assassins. If it is a god of the Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- fighters. The priest may take the
collection of the dead, one who es- dom 9, Constitution 15. Wisdom following on adventures: Three
corts the dead souls to their final or Constitution 16 means + 5 % ex- priests (only one of whom can be
rewards, the agents will be special- perience; Wisdom and Constitu- third-level) and three fighters of
ist wizards: Necromancers. If it is a tion 16 means + 10%experience. hiswhoice. The priesthood will pay
god of rulership, one who presides Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, for half of the cost of stronghold
over the afterworld, they will be gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- construction at 9th level. In most
fighters. The priest may take the mans. cultures, to keep the priesthood
following on adventures: TWO Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- safe from the wrath of the people,
priests and three agents of his ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- the priests will have to keep the lo-
choice. The priesthood will pay for cies Required: Herbalism. cation of the stronghold secret: it
half of the cost of stronghold con- Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- must either be built in the wilder-
struction at 8th level. mended: Readingmriting, Reli- ness, or may be built in a commu-
Possible Symbols: Gates, gion, Ancient History. Weapon nity if it is disguised as some other
Gravestone, Scissors, Scythe, ProficienciesRequired: None. Non- facility (for example, the front
Shroud, Skull. weapon Proficiency Group Cross- rooms may ironically be a healer's
overs: Priest, General. guild, while the back rooms are
Disease Duties of the Priest: Missions: where the real temple activities
This is an evil god which dislikes 'lb bring illness to communities take place).
mankind and other sentient races. which are too healthy and joyous. Possible Symbols: Mice, Ra
It creates new and ever-more- Weapon and Armor Restric-
terrifying illnesses to inflict upon tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows Divinity of Mankind (Philosophy)
the sentient races. (all), dart, scourge, scythe, sickle,
This is not a god, hut a philoso-
The priests of this god spread ill- whip. Armor Permitted: All non-
phy, and one so compelling that it
ness and ignorance. They cany in- magical armor, all non-magical
generates magical energy which
fected victims and rats infested with shields. All together, these consti- priests of the philosophy can tap
disease-bearing insects to new tute Medium combat abilities.
like a true god's priests are granted
ports. Through their actions, they Other Limitations: Priests of energies by the god.
deny their victims an honorable the god of Disease must remain
This philosophy states that
death and can sometimestopple en- celibate and chaste.
mankind (specifically, the human
tire civilizations. This is not a char- Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- race, including half-elves reared
acter class for PCs to take unless the cess to All, Animal, Healing (re- among humans, but excluding
campaign is very unusual. versed forms of spells only), dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings)
Lesser gods of disease would be Summoning, Weather. Minor Ac- is nearly a divine being, and
gods of specific ailments. It's en- cess to Combat, Divination, Necro- should do as much as he can to
tirely appropriate, for instance, for mantic (reversed forms of spells achieve perfection - physical,
the Black Plague to have its own only), Protection (reversed forms mental, and emotional perfection,
representative god. of spells only, where applicable). always and in all ways. The philos-
Gods of disease are just as likely Powers Immunity (as per the ophy encourages men to strive for
to he male as female. Designing Faiths chapter) to all the physical ideal and to learn as
The priests of this god are on diseases. Laying On of Hands much as possible of the world.
good terms with the priests of (same as the Paladin ability, but re- So that's the idea that the priests
Death and Evil. The priests of this versed - it does damage, rather promote. They cooperate in all
than curing damage).
god dislike the priests of Birth/
Children, Fire, Healing, and Followers and Strongholds:
The followers are received at 9th
level, and consist of one fifth-level
sorts of educational, artistic, and
competitive enterprises, seek to .I
a I
living their lives, and provide sanc- and so will not have especially This gods priests are a vigorouq
tuaries for people to meditate on strong Granted Powers. sect who insist that everyone,worC
the priesthood's teachings. Powers: Soothing Word (as per ship the god, for without the god
The priests of this philosophy the Designing Faiths chapter). all creatures on the face of th6
are on good terms with the priests Followers and Strongholds: world could not exist.
of Ancestors, Arts, Competition, The followers are received at 8th Lesser gods of this attribute
Crafts, LiteraturelPoetry, Metal- level, and consist of one third-level would represent only one aspect of
work, MusicDance, Good, Love, priest and seven fmst-level priests the earth. One might be a god of
Race (Human),Strength, and Wis- of the same order, one third-level earthquakes, one a god of stony
dom. The priests of this philoso- paladin and seven first-level pala- mountains, one a god of caves and
phy dislike the priests of Evil. dins, and one third-level and seven caverns. The gods of Agriculture:
Alignment: The philosophy is fmst-level bards. The priest may Animals, Nature and Vegetatiori
true neutral. Priests may be lawful take the following on adventures: can also be considered lesse
good or lawful neutral. The flock 'Rvopriests, two paladins, and two of the Earth attribute.
may be of any Good or Neutral bards of his choice. The priesthood Lesser gods are as likely to bd
alignment. will pay for half of the cost of male as female, but the
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- stronghold construction a t 8th hensive god of all the earth
dom 12, Strength 12. Wisdom or level. The stronghold must in- ably female.
I
Strength 16 means +5% experi- clude large discussion rooms or The priests of this god are 04
ence; Wisdom and Strength 16 halls, where priests and those in- good terms with Druids and thd
means + 10%experience. terested in debating the subject priests of Agriculture, Animals;
Races Allowed: Half-elves, hu- may convene and discuss their Fertility, Life-Death-RebirthCycle1
mans. philosophy, and meditation cham- Nature, Seasons, Sky/Weatherl
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- bers where visitors may meditate and Vegetation.
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- in peace. Alignment: The deity is trud
cies Required: ReadinglWriting. Possible Symbols: Human sil- neutral. The priests may be trud
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- houette. neutral or neutral good; mobt ar#
mended: Religion. Weapon Profi- true neutral. The flock may be of
ciencies Required: None. Druld any alignment.
Nonweapon Proficiency Group The Druid, too, is a priest of a Minimum Ability Score
Crossovers: Priest, General. specific mythos. It has been dom 12. Wisdom 16 means
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, worked up in more detail than the experience.
Marriage. Encouragement of the priests presented here, but is still Races Allowed:Dwarves, elves1
flock (and of mankind in general) counted one of their number. The gnomes, halfdelves, halflings4 hut
always to improve itself spiritually Druid priesthood has much in mans.
and physically. common with those of the gods of Nonweapon and Weapon Profit
Weapon and Armor Restric- Agriculture, Animals, Earth, Fer- ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien!
tions: Weapons Permitted: tility, Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle, cies Required: Any one from th&
Daggerldirk, knife, stiletto, swords Nature, and Vegetation. following list - Agriculture, Brew:
(all). Armor Permitted: All armor, ing, Mining, Stonemasonry. Nonl
all shields. Oriental Campaigns: Earth weapon Proficiencies RecomL
Also katana, wakizashi. All to- mended Ancient History, A
gether, these constitute Good com- This deity is the manifestation of Languages, ReadingiV?riting
bat abilities. the world in all its aspects. He's not gion. Weapon Proficiencie
Other Limitations: None. just a god of growing things, plants quired: None. Nonweapo?
Spheres of Influence Major Ac- and animals: he also represents Proficiency Group Crossovers1
cess to All, Charm, Healing. Minor weather, volcanoes, earthquakes, Priest, General.
Access to Combat, Creation, Divi- flood, and many other powerful Duties of the Priest: Guidancel,
nation, Protection. This priest- natural forces. Many earth-gods Marriage.
hood has two extra minor accesses are also makers of monsters.
Weapon and Armor Restric- Notes: The weapons chosen for dom 10,Intelligence 13.Wisdom
tions: Weapons Permitted: Club, this order come in three types: or Intelligence 16 means +5% ex-
daggerldirk, knife, mace, maul, Agriculturallharvesting type perience; Wisdom and Intelligence
morning star, picks (all), scythe, weapons (such as the scythe), 16 means + 10% experience.
sickle, sling, staff sling, stiletto, those which sometimes use stones Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves,
warhammer. Armor Permitted: All (such as slings, or primitive maces gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
non-magical non-metal armor, all and axes), and those which simply mans.
non-magical non-metal shields. suggest heavy beating, pounding, Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
Oriental Campaigns: Also nun- or the earth (picks and mauls, for ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
chaku. All together, these consti- example). cies Required: Spellcraft.
tute Medium combat abilities. Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
Other Limitations: None. mended: Fire-building, Agtrology,
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- Reading/Writing, Religion.
cess to All, Creation, Elemental Weapon Proficiencies Required:
all pure, natural power, including
(the priest may only use spells None. Nonweapon Proficiency
forces of nature (such as water-
dealing with dust, stone, rock, Group Crossovers: Priest, General,
falls)and magical energies.
mud, and earth, plus transmute Wizard.
The priests of this force learn as
metal to wood), Plant, Summon- Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
much as they can of magic and try
ing. Minor Access to Animal, Divi- Marriage. Education: These
to pass that learning along. They
nation. Healing, Protection. priests help in the education of the
also don’t like to see natural forces
Powers: Detect grade or slope in flock in both priestly doings and
extensively channelled by man:
passage on 1-5 on ld6 (same as magical learning. Missions: These
they often destroy dams, for in-
Dwarf ability; dwarf-priests and priests often go on voyages to ob-
stance.
gnome-priests of this faith will de- serve phenomena and learn more
Because they are devoted to
tect slopes automatically when about the forces that brimg them
powerful natural forces, priests of
they try). Determine approximate this force tend to be magically about. Vigilance against any be-
depth underground on 1-3on ld6 ings that might interrupt, divert,
powerful.
(same a s Dwarf ability: dwarf- or channel great natural forces for
Lesser attributes of the Elemen-
priests and gnome-priests of this those beings’ own gain.
tal Forces could be represented by
faith succeed on a 1-5on ld6). Im- Weapon and Armor pestric-
actual gods. The gods of Darkness,
munity (as per the Designing tions: Weapons Permitted: Battle
Fire, Light, and Lightning might
Faiths chapter) to all snake ven- be considered lesser gods of this at- axe, bows (all),cestus, club, handl
oms. tribute. throwing axe, harpoon, javelin,
Followers a n d Strongholds: mace, net, picks (all), scourge,
The priests of this god are on
The followers are received at 8th good terms with the priests of scythe, sickle, spear, trident. Ar-
level, and consist of one fifth-level DarknesslNight, Dawn, Fertility, mor Permitted: All armor and
priest, three third-level priests, Fire, Light, Lightning, Love, shields. Oriental Campai&s: Also
and six first-level priests of the Magic, Seasons, SkylWeather, daikyu. All together, these consti-
same order, plus one third-level Sun, Thunder, and Time. tute Good combat abilities.
fighter and seven first-level fight- Alignment: The forces being Other Limitations: Noqe.
ers to act as guards. The priest worshipped and pqbtected are cha- Spheres of Influence Major Ac-
may take the following on adven- otic in nature, so all its priests cess to All, Combat, Elemental. Mi-
tures: Three priests (only one of must be chaotic; they may be cha- nor Access to Creation, Sun,
whom can be third-level),plus two otic good, chaotic neutral, or cha- Weather. This priesthood has ac-
fighters of his choice. The priest- otic evil. Each branch has its own cess to many powerful spells and
hood will pay for half of the cost of cult, so good priests don’t have to to one extra minor access, so it will
stronghold construction a t 8th be friends with evil ones. The flock not have much in the way of
level. may be of any alignment. Granted Powers.
Possible Symbols: Snakes; Minimum Ability Scores Wis- Powers: Immunity (as per the
stones. Designing Faiths chapter - + 2 to
all saving throws) to all priest
spells of the Elemental sphere.
Followers a n d Strongholds:
The followers are received at 9th
This god is just as likely to be
male as female. If male, he’ll prob-
ably have some sort of sky aspect:
if female, she’ll have an earth as-
Other Limitations: Priests o
the God of Everything must we
their priestly vestments whenevet
they appear in public.
4
level, and consist of one fifth-level pect. Spheres of Influence Major Acl
priest, three third-level priests,
and six first-level priests of the
same priesthood, plus one third-
The priests of this god can, at the
DM’s discretion, be on good terms
with the priests of the philosophies
cess to All, Creation, Healing. M‘
nor Access to Divination,
Protection.
i~
level mage and two first-level of the Divinity of Mankind and Powers Soothing Word (as pek
mages to act as consultants, and Good, for these are philosophies the Designing Faiths chapterll.
five first-level fighters to act as and not gods. The priests of this mrn Undead (same as the Cleriq
d?
guards. The priest may take the god dislike the priests of all other ability).
following on adventures: ’Ibo gods, and also hate priests of the Followers a n d Strongholds.
priests, one mage, and two fighters philosophy of Evil. The followers are received at 8t
of his choice. The priesthood will Alignment: The deity is lawful level, and consist of one third-lev
pay for half of the cost of strong- good. The priests may be any sort priest and two first-level priests 0,
hold construction at 9th level. Part of good alignment. The flock may the same priesthood, plus on
of the stronghold must be a library
devoted to elemental magics and
the elemental planes, and scholars
interested in these subjects will
be of any neutral or good align-
ment.
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
dom 10. Wisdom 16 means + 10%
fifth-level fighter, two third-lev
fighters, and twelve first-leve 71
fighters to act as soldiers, plus fou
Normal Men and Women with th
visit the stronghold in order to experience. ReadinglWritingnonweapon prof4
learn from the library or contrib-
ute to it.
Possible Symbols: Fire, Light-
Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves,
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
mans.
k
cie cies to act as scribes and r4.
co Iders. The priest may take the
following on adventures: One
ning. Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- priest, three fighters, and two Noq
Everything
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
cies Required: Religion. Non-
weapon Proficiencies Recom-
mal Men and Women of his choic .
The priesthood will pay for half
the cost of stronghold construq
7
This deity represents all godly tion at 8th level.
attributes. He is usually the god of mended: ReadinglWriting. An- !
a monotheistic culture, and is ei- cient History. Weapon Profic- Possible Symbols: Staff, SceP,
ther (a)the creator of all the world iencies Required: None. Non- tre.
and the only true god in existence, weapon Proficiency Group Cross- Notes: This priestly order is v e d
or (b)apowerful god who demands overs: Priest, General. similar to clerics (though with rd-
that everyone accept him as the
only real god and intends to de-
mote all other gods to the status of
lesser demons, devils, or servants-
Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
Marriage. Missions of conversion
and education in populations
which don’t belief in this gods su-
premacy. Vigilance against evil
duced magic): if you decide to rd-
move clerics from your campai
based on the advice from the R
Playing chapter, you may wish t ,
recommend that players who still
$4
beings.
and decadence. want to play clerics take thi$
Priests of this god seek to con-
vert all the world to the worship of Weapon and Armor Restric- priest-class instead.
this god. They persuade whole tions: Weapons Permitted Belay-
populations that all other gods are ing pin, club, flails (both), mace,
false, or lesser beings. They some- mancatcher, maul, morning star,
times agitate for and initiate wars net, quarterstaff, sling, war- erate negative energies,
so that conquered populations hammer. Armor Permitted: All ar- priests of the Philosophy of an?Ev 1
may be reeducated in this doc- mor and shields. Oriental can tap into those energies, m u 4
Campaigns: Also bo stick, chain, as a “real“ priest receives energiep
trine. In such times, they are much
like priests of Culture. nunchaku. All together, these con- from his god.
stitute Good combat abilities.
The goal of these priests is to ngs of any good priests, especially into the priesthood of a specific
spread as much evil as possible xiests of the Philosophy of Good. god of evil. You don't need to
throughout the universe. They es- Weapon and Armor Restric- change any of the requitements
pecially delight in causing suffer- ions: Weapons Permitted: Bill, and abilities of the priest: the only
ing among the sentient races .rossbow, daggeddirk, dart, knife, differenceis that the priest of a god
(humans, elves. dwarves, etc.). let, picks (all), polearm, scourge, Df evil will receive orders from the
They kidnap, torture, murder, rcythe, sickle, stiletto, swordflong, deity all the time, instead of being
steal, humiliate, and degrade in ,wordhapier, sword/sabre, sword/ always able to cook up his own
the name of their philosophy. ;hort, whip. Armor Permitted All
The priests of this philosophy m o r and shields. Oriental Cam-
are on good terms with the priests >signs: Also katana, shuriken, wa- Fat a*..,
of Disease. They are sometimes (at rizashi. All together, these
' god cautions the mortal
the DM's discretion, based on the :onstitUte Good combat abilities. races to accept whatever fate that
nature of his campaign) allies of Other Limitations: None. the gods or even a highe
the priests of Death and Mischief/ Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- have in store for them. This is the
mckery. The priests of this philos- :ess to All, Charm, Necromantic.
god of acceptance, of resignation,
ophy dislike the priests of Divinity vlinor Access to Animal, Protec- of coping without struggling.
of Mankind, Everything, Fortune/ ion (may only use reversed forms Priests of this faith believe that
Luck, Good, Healing, Love, Re- )f the spells).
everything that happens is predes-
demption, and Wisdom. Powers: The priest can cast the tined. They preach a doctrine of
Alignment: This philosophy is 3etect good spell (the reversed de- acceptance of the will of the gods,
evil, and its priests may be of any 'ect evil) three times per day in ad- including gods other thqn their
evil alignment (chaotic evil, neu- iition to all other spells. Inspire own. When two gods are in opposi-
tral evil, lawful evil). All belong to pear (asper the Designing Faiths tion, these priests do not interfere
the same sect, so the lawful, neu- :hapter). Control Undead (same as in the mortal doings resulting from
tral, and chaotic priests have to co- h e evil Cleric ability). that struggle (unless one of the
operate. Members of the flock may Followersand Strongholds: The gods is the god of fate/degtiny, in
be of any evil alignment. followers are received at 9th level, which case they support hdm): but
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- and consist of one third-level priest when a single god is pursuing a
dom 9. Wisdom 16 means + 10% and two first-level priests of the goal and mortal beings are trying
experience. same order, plus one fifth-level to oppose him,these priedts work
Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, fighter, three third-level fighters, on behalf of the god and against
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- and six fmt-level fighters to act as the mortals. This takes place even
mans. soldiers, and one third-level thief when the god is evil; these priests
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- and two fmt-level thieves to act as take the side of gods against mor-
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- special agents; all will be of the ex- tals regardless of the god's mo-
cies Required: Religion. act same alignment as the priest tives. In short, this is a very
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- they follow. The priest may take the strange priesthood, one that is
mended: ReadingIWriting. following on adventures: ?kro philosophical but joyless.
Weapon Proficiencies Required: priests, two fighters,and one thief of Lesser gods of this attribute
None. Nonweapon Proficiency his choice. The priesthood will pay might be gods of specific future
Group Crossovers: Priest, General, for half of the cost of stronghold con- events: The war that destroys all
Warrior. struction at 9th level. 'Rmples of the gods, for instance. Such gods
Duties of the Priest: Missions: Evil typically have torture cham- will strive to make sure that the
These priests are dedicating to bers and dangerous, trapped events they represent do take
spreading evil and misery across dungeons as part of their construc- place, and their priests will duti-
the world, and their whole lives are tion,but thisis a tendency, not a re- fully help.
spent in missions against happi- quirement of the order. The god of this attribute is as
ness, goodness, contentment, and Possible Symbols: Skeleton. likely to be male as female.
beauty. Vigilance against the do- Notes: It is easy to make this
he priests of this god are on Followers and Strongholds: male as female. Those represent-
The followers are received at 8th ing animal life are more likely to be
level, and consist of one fifth-level male, those representing plant life
priest, three third-level priests, more likely to be female.
and 16 first-level priests of the The priests of this god are on
Same priesthood. The priest may good terms with Druids and the
take the following on adventures: priests of Agriculture, Animals,
Three priests (only one of them BirthlChildren, Earth, Elemental
may be third-level) of his choice. Forces, Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle,
The priesthood will pay for half of Nature, Seasons, SkylWeather,
the cost of stronghold construc- and Vegetation. The priests of this
tion at 8th level. god dislike the priests of Death.
aces Allowed Dwarves, elves, Possible Symbols: Book, Pen1 Alignment: The deity is true
Stylus, Chains. neutral. The priests may be true
Notes: This order uses the net neutral or neutral good. The flock
weapon and Weapon Profi- and lasso because those weapons may be of any alignment.
represent the inevitability of fate Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
Required: Astrology. and destiny. dom 12, Charisma 12. Wisdom or
Charisma 16 means +5%experi-
Fertility ence: Wisdom and Charisma 16
This god represents the fertility means + 10% experience.
Proficiencies Required: of beasts, crops, and sentient Races Allowed Dwarves, elves,
onweapon Proficiency races. He represents new genera- gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
ssovers: Priest, General. tions of each species, defiance of mans.
of the Priest: Guidance death, and sexuality. Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
Priests of this god conduct rit- ciencies Nonweapon Proficiencies
the gods). Missions against uals which are supposed to inter- Required: Herbalism. Non-weapon
est the god in the fertility of the Proficiencies Recommended Agri-
celebrants, their fields and ani- culture, Animal Handling, Brewing,
mals. Through the rituals of the Dancing, Musical Instrument,
s: Weapons Permitted: priests, childless couples pray for ReadingWriting, Religion. Weapon
dirk, knife, lasso, children, farmers pray for good Proficiencies Required None. Non-
cher, net. Armor Permit- crops, ranchers and animal han- weapon Proficiency Group Cross-
armor and shields. Orien- dlers pray for their herds to grow overs: Priest, General.
paigns: Also chain. All fast and strong. In addition to rou- Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
r, these constitute Medium tine prayers, the priests conduct Marriage. These priests are bound
great, semiannual celebrations to conduct ceremonies which cele-
Limitations None. (usually at the start of the planting brate and promote fertility in all liv-
and the harvesting season). ing beings; these ceremonies occw
All, Divination, Guardian, Lesser gods of this attribute at the start of spring and at harvest-
would be gods of the fertility of spe- time, and in some places are charac-
ss to Combat, Necromantic, cific species or groups of living terized by orgiastic behavior.
, and Weather. things: one might be the god of cat- Vigilance against the doings of the
ers: The priest can cast the tle fertility, one of human fertility, priests of death, whom they regard
commune spell once per month, one of elf fertility, one of wheat fer- with suspicion and dislike.
even at first level, in addition to all tility. The god of Agriculture could Weapon and Armor Restric-
other spells (obviously,at fmt level, be considered a deity of one spe- t i o n s Weapons Permitted: Jave-
he can only ask one question per ap- cific part of the fertility attribute. lin, polearm, spear. Armor
plication of the spell). Soothing Fertility gods are as likely to be Permitted: Hide armor and leather
Word (DesigningFaiths chapter). armor (normalor magical), all non-
metal shields. All together, these with these exceptions: They are god dislike the priests of Disease.
constitute Medium combat abilities. not bound to specific trees, and Alignment: The deity is true
Other Limitations: Priests of can voyage in any forested realm: neutral. The priests may be neu-
the god of Fertility are not allowed and when they charm victims, tral evil, true neutral, or neutral
to remain chaste. there is no chance that the victims good; evil priests have their own
Spheres of Influence Major Ac- will disappear forever; after a day sect and the other priests don't
cess to All, Healing, Necromantic, in the company of the nymph, the have to tolerate them. The flock
Plant. Summoning. Minor Access victim can choose to stay as long may he of any alignment.
to Animal, Charm, Creation, Divi- as he and the nymph collectively Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
nation, Protection, Weather. This wish, or to leave whenever he dom 10, Intelligence 10. Wisdom
priesthood has two extra minor ac- wants.) The priesthood will pay for or Intelligence 16 means +5%ex-
cesses; it will not have very strong half of the cost of stronghold con- perience; Wisdom and Intelligence
Granted Powers. struction at 9th level. 16 means + 10%experience.
Powers: C h d F a s c i n a t i o n (as Possible Symbols Bull, Corn, Races M o w e d Dwarves, elves,
per the Designing Faiths chapter, Cow, Goat, Pine-cone, Ram, gnomes, half-elves. halflings, hu-
but never in combat, and only Snake, Wheat. mans.
once per day). Incite Berserker Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
Rage (as per the Designing Faiths Fire ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
chapter). Language/Communica- This god is the deity of fire in all cies Required: Fire-building.
tion (as per the Designing Faiths its aspects: The spark of civiliza-
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
chapter):The priest may choose one tion, the cleanser of sickness and mended: ReadinglWriting, Reli-
species of animalwith whom he can evil, the terrifying natural force, gion, Spellcraft. Weapon Proficien-
communicate, from the following the special gift of the gods to man, cies Required: None. Nonweapon
list: Cattle, goats, horses, rahhits, the principal force behind some Proficiency Group Crossovers:
sheep, snakes. (This does not give sorts of magic. Priest, General, Wizard.
him any control over the animal:he The priesthood is devoted to cel- Duties of the Priest:Guidance,
may merely talk with it.) ebrating fire and honoring the god Marriage.
Followers a n d Strongholds: of this most useful gift. They make Weapon and Armor Restric-
The followers are received at 9th burnt sacrifices to the god and tions: Weapons Permitted: Bill,
level, and consist of one flfth-level dagger/dirk, knife, stiletto, swords
learn as much as they can of fire-
priest, three third-level priests, (all). Armor Permitted All metal
magic.
and six first-level priests of the armor, all metal shields. Oriental
Lesser gods of this attribute will
same alignment, plus fifteen first- Campaigns: Also chain, katana,
be gods of just one aspect of fire.
level fighters. These fighters act as One might be a god of forest-fires, shuriken, wakizashi. All together,
guards during the more somber of these constitute Good combat ahil-
one a god of the fires used by
the god's rituals hut participate in metalworkers and pottery- ities.
the more chaotic rituals. The Other Limitations: None.
makers, one a god of the hearth-
priest may take the following on fire that represents home and Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
adventures: One priest (it may not cess to All, Elemental (the priest
shelter.
be the fifth-level priest) and six may only use the spells whose
Fire-gods are as likely to he male
fighters. In some sects, the fighters names include the words Fire,
as female. Flame, Heat, Pyrotechnics, and
are all women of any chaotic align- The priests of this god are on
ment, and they are called the spell chm'ot of Sustarre), Sun.
good terms with the priests of
maenads. For others, the DM can Minor Access to Charm, Divina-
Dawn, Elemental Forces, Justice/
substitute intelligent wood-beings tion, Healing, Necromantic, Pro-
Revenge, Light, Lightning, Magic,
such as satyrs, centaurs, dryads, tection, Weather. This priesthood
Metalwork, Race (Dwarf),and Sun.
and nymphs, up to 10 HD of them, receives extra minor accesses he-
They are not that fond of, hut also cause its two major accesses are
and they can accompany the not enemies of, the priests of
priest on woodland adventures. limited in significant ways: Its Ele-
Oceans/Rivers. The priests of this mental sphere is limited to fire-
(Nymphs are identical to dryads
spells and the Sun sphere has only lyze the situations of supplicants places which seem to be suffering
six spells to start with. who seem to have bad luck all the a series of bad-luck events and im-
Powers Defiance of Restriction! time, and suggest ways for them to prove matters there. (Some priests
Obstacle (as per the Designing change their lives so that good of this sect adopt a “fairy god-
Faiths chapter): The priest can luck is more likely to shine on mother” attitude and try to im-
pass unharmed through any wall them. They even meddle to give prove peoples’ lot through
of fire spell. Immunity (as per the luck a little push; they’ll contrive mischievous meddling.) Vigilance
Designing Faiths chapter): The so that two people who can help against the deeds of priests of dis-
priest gets a + 2 saving throw vs. each other accomplish a mutual ease or the philosophy of evil, who
all priest spells of the Elemental goal will meet, for example. are always bringing bad fortune to
sphere and vs. all wizard spells of Lesser gods of this attribute will the people.
the Alteration and Evocation be gods of one particular type of Weapon and Armor Restric-
schools with the words fire, burn- luck. The most popular gods of tions: Weapons Permitted: Club,
ing, flaming, pyrotechnics, and in- this type would be gods of gam- lasso, net. quarterstaff, sling, staff
cendiary bling luck or luck with romantic sling. Armor Permitted: None; no
Followers a n d Strongholds: affairs. shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also
The followers are received at 8th Gods of luck are most likely to be bo stick. All together, these consti-
level, and consist of three third- female. tute Poor combat abilities.
level priests and six first-level The priests of this god are on Other Limitations None.
priests of the same order, plus five good terms with the priests of Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
first-level fighters to act as guards, Competition, FatelDestiny, cess to All, Charm, Divination, Ele-
one third-level mage and two first- Mischieflnickery, and .Qade. The mental, Healing, Protection,
level mages acting as consultants, priests of this god dislike the Summoning. Minor Access to Ani-
and ten Normal Men and Women, priests of Evil. mal, Creation, Guardian, Plant,
half with ReadinglWriting profi- Alignment: The deity is true Sun, Weather.
ciency and half with Fire-Starting neutral. The priests may be true Powers: Charm/Fascination (as
proficiency, who act a s temple neutral or neutral good; most are per the Designing Faiths chapter).
functionaries. The priest may take true neutral. The flock may be of Followers a n d Strongholds:
the following on adventures: ” b o any alignment. The followers are received a t 7th
priests (only one of whom may be Minimum Ability Scores Wis- level, and consist of one fifth-level
third-level), two fighters, one dom 12, Charisma 12. Wisdom or priest, three third-level priests,
mage, and two Normal Men and Charisma 16 means + 5 % experi- and sixteen first-level priests of the
Women of his choice. The priest- ence; Wisdom and Charisma 16 same order. The priest may take
hood will pay for half of the cost of means + 10%experience. the following on adventures:
stronghold construction a t 8th Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, Three priests (only one of whom
level. gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- may be third level) of his choice.
Possible Symbols: ’lbrch. mans. The priesthood will pay for half of
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- the cost of stronghold construc-
Fortune, Luck ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- tion at 7th level.
This is a god of the good fortune cies Required: Astrology. Possible Symbols Cornucopia,
and good luck that all sentient be- Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- Rudder, Wheel of Fortune.
ings hope will come their way. This mended: Gaming, Reading/ Notes: This order’s weapon
is not a god of bad luck or ill for- Writing, Religion. Weapon choices reflect “weapons of oppor-
tune. Proficiencies Required None. Non- tunity,” the sort of weapons char-
The priests of this god are practi- weapon Proficiency Group Cross- acters can make from things found
cal, common-sense people. They’ll overs: Priest, General, Rogue. on the road. A priest of this order
help the flock pray for luck. But Duties of the Priest: Guidance, doesn’t have to find his weapons
they also recognize that a lot of Marriage. Missions to bring luck to on the road, but the weapons per-
luck is self-made. They try to ana- the unlucky: Priests are often re- mitted him are the sort of things he
quired to go to communities and could make from found items.
61
--
Sample Priqsthogds
ended: Riding Land-Based,Heal- following on adventures: Three good. The priests may be any sort
g, Reading/Writing, Religion, priests (only one of whom may be of good alignment. The flock may
Blind-fighting. Weapon Proficien- third-level) and two fighters. The be of any neutral or good align-
cies Required: None. Nonweapon priesthood will pay for half of the ment.
Proficiency Group Crossovers: cost of stronghold construction at Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
Priest, General, Warrior. 8th level. The stronghold must be dom 10, Intelligence 10. Wisdom
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, built in the fashion of a castle or or Intelligence 16 means +5%ex-
Marriage. Missions: A priest of this fortress, even if it is in a city: It perience; Wisdom and Intelligence
god is almost always on some sort must be constructed so that it can 16 means + 10%experience.
of mission, a simple one - to pro- easily repel invasion. Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves,
tect a specific person, place, or Possible Symbols: Crossed gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
thing. The priest might have cho- Swords: Crossed Polearms: Shield. mans.
sen his current mission, or might Notes: This priesthood repre- Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
have been assigned to it by his sents a god who is a defender, not ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
priesthood. That mission might an aggressor: therefore, the priest- cies Required: Healing.
change between adventures, but hood can use or make no ranged Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
he’s almost always on one. Note: weapon attacks. The priests may mended: Herbalism, Reading/
Priests of this sort do not maintain not even throw their spears, jave- Writing, Religion. Weapon F’rofi-
temples for small communities; lins, daggers or knives. ciencies Required: None.
they spend most of their time on Nonweapon Proficiency Group
mission. Only when they reach Healing Crossovers: Priest, General.
eighth level do they build their This god is the champion of doc- Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
own temples and send subordi- tors, medicine and other healing Marriage. Curing the sick and in-
nate priests out on missions. functions. He cures the sick and jured. Education: Teaching the
Weapon a n d Armor Restric- passes on his healing knowledge to flock, indeed anyone who is inter-
tions: Weapons Permitted: Battle his mortal doctor/priests. He is the ested, the arts of medicine, sanita-
axe, daggerldirk, javelin, knife, po- enemy of disease and injury, and tion, and healing. Missions to
learm, spear, swords (all). Armor sickness-infested lands to help in
no admirer of war.
Permitted: All armor and shields. The priesthood is devoted to the healing process. Vigilance
Oriental Campaigns: Also katana, healing and are not allowed by against the activities of the priests
these con- their order to turn away a patient of the god of disease.
in need: if they can help him, they Weapon and Armor Restric-
Other Limitations: None. must. tions: Weapons Permitted: Lasso,
Lesser gods of this attribute are mancatcher, net, quarterstaff. Ar-
gods of specific types of healing. mor Permitted: All non-metal ar-
One might be a god of combat inju- mor: no shields. Oriental
ealing. ries, one a god who heals illnesses Campaigns: Also bo stick. All to-
Powers: Infravision (sameas the of the mind. The god of childbirth gether, these constitute Poor com-
elven or half-elven could be considered a lesser god of bat abilities.
healing. Other Limitations: Priests of
to 120’).Laying Healing gods are as likely to be the god of Healing must wear a
male as female. symbol indicating their calling
The priests of this god are on whenever they appear in public.
pl%kwers a n d Strongholds: good terms with the priests of They may not ever deliberately
The followers are received at 8th BirthKhildren, Dawn, Guardian- take sentient life. (Ifthey do, it con-
level, and consist of three third- ship, Light, Love, Peace, and Sun. stitutes a “betrayal of goals” from
level priests and six first-level The priests of this god dislike the the “Priests and Punishment” sec-
priests of the same order, plus five priests of Death, Disease, and Evil.
third-level fighters to act as temple Alignment: The deity is lawful
uiiarrl
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- up learning how
cess to All, Creation, Divination, weapon, and the
Healing, Necromantic, Protection,
Summoning. Minor Access to Ani-
mal, Charm, Guardian, Plant,
Sun, Weather.
Powers: Immunity (as per the oven: Priest, General, War@or.
Designing Faiths chapter) to all
poisons and diseases, but the
priest only gets a + 2 to his saving
throw. Laying On of Hands (same
as the Paladin ability). Soothing hunts animals and en
Word (Designing Faiths chapter). flock to do likewise, h
nrn Undead (same as the Cleric
ability). At 3rd Level: Analysis, mals, he is often a p
Identification (as per the Design-
ing Faiths chapter) of diseases and
poisons: on a Intelligence check dium combat abilities.
(which the DM may modify accord-
ing to the commonness or rarity of Spheres of Influence:Major Ac-
the ailment), the priest will know cess to All, Divination, Guardian,
what sort of disease or poison af- Protection, Summoningl. Minor
teach the floc
flicts his patient. Access to Animal,
Followers and Strongholds: Weather.
young, not depop Powers: Permanent
The followers are received at 7th derness of whole s
level, and consist of three third- with bows, above and
level priests and six first-level other bonuses.
would be a god of Fishing. Followers and
priests of the same priesthood. The god of hunting is as likely to
plus thirty Normal Men and The followers ace receivd at 9th
be male as female.
Women, all of whom must have level, and consist of one thkrd-level
The priests of this god n
the Healing nonweapon profi- priest and two flrst-level piests of
good terms with the priests i-
ciency, who act as chirurgeons the same priesthood, plus one
mals, DarknesslNight, Light,
(doctors) and nurses. The priest fifth-level ranger, three tb&d-level
Moon, and Sun.
may take the following on adven- Alignment: The deity ’
tures: Txo priests (only one of neutral. The priests may
whom may be third-level)and two neutral or neutral good; most are
Normal Men and Women. The true neutral. The flock may be of
priesthood will pay for half of the weapon proficiency
any alignment. ciency doesn’t ap
cost of stronghold construction at Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
7th level. The stronghold must act dom 10, Dexterity 12. Wisdom or
as a hospital for the nearest com- Dexterity 16 means +5%experi-
munity, and may turn away no pa- ence: Wisdom and Dexterity 16
tient who has suffered a means + 10%experience.
life-threatening injury or disease. take the following on adventures:
Races Allowed: Elves, gnomes, One priest and two rangers of his
Possible Symbols: Snakes, half-elves, halflings, humans.
Staff. choice. The priesthoo
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- half of the cost of
Notes: Priests of this order are ciencies: Nonweapon Proficiencies
supposed to use nondamaging struction at 9th level.
Required: Hunting. Non- hold can be built in a city or in the
weapons. However, since the staff weapon Proficiencies Recom-
is their symbol, many of them end wilderness, but must wonk princi-
y to protect the animal-life of of crime or revenge. One might be Weapon and Armor Restric-’
surrounding wilderness. (This the god of the Revenge of Spumed tions: Weapons Permitted:’
es not mean to stop hunters if Lovers. One might be a god of Law- Daggerldirk, knife, lasso, scythe, ~
hunting is carried out at a level ful ’Rials, and must always go sickle, spear, stiletto, sword/;
t does not threaten the animal through the legal system. One bastard, swordlkhopesh, sword/,
pulation. But any factor which might be the god who punishes long, swordlrapier, swordlsahre,
endanger animal species - those who forswear themselves, sword/short. Armor Permitted: All:
as drought, excess hunting, and anomer a god who punishes armor and shields. Oriental Cam-~
tation, etc. - will bring on those who kill their own kin. paigns: Also katana, mi, wakiza-i
ath of the priesthood.) The deity of revenge is more shi. All together, these constitute’
ssible Symbols Bow and ar- likely to be female than male. Good combat abilities.
The priests of this god are on
Notes: The harpoon and trident good terms with the priests of
ay only be used hy priests whose Competition,Death, Fire, and War.
od includes attributes of the sea (Individual DMs might consider
shing. If the god is devoted to this priesthood to belong to Good ready investigated this Same com-
d-hunting, the priests cannot or Evil camps. But Good sects con- plaint). To do so is to constitute a ;
the harpoon or trident. sider this one to be too “tainted” to “betrayalof goals” from the “Priests
be truly good, while Evil sects and Punishment” section of the’
justice, Revenge don’t like the fact that this sect “Role-Playing” chapter. To investi-
This god brings revenge on punishes the wicked.) The priests
se who deserve it, rights of this god dislike the priests of
Peace.
se who cannot avenge Alignment: The deity is lawful not a betrayal to discover an injus-
neutral. His priests may be of any
Normally, the god acts through alignment but lawful good. The
iests. Priests of this god are flock may be of any alignment.
ached by those who have Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- not have to effect revenge immedi-:
wronged, and must learn dom 12, Strength 12. Wisdom or ately
y can of the situation, de- Strength 16 means + 5 % experi- Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- ~
’sright and who’s wrong, ence: Wisdom and Strength 16 cess to All, Divination, Necroman-
steps to punish the guilt means + 10% experience. tic. Minor Access to Elemental,:
They must make the Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, Guardian.
nt fit the crime (a theft gnomes, half-elves, humans.
ant the killing of the
C
Since these priests are often ap- C all other spells. At 3rd
roached to punish those whom Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- spire Fear (as per the Designing
ary laws can’t touch (for in- mended: Reading/Writing, Reli- Faiths chapter).
ce, to punish a rich man who gion. Weapon Proficiencies Followers and Stronghold%The
n bribe his way out of any Required: None. Nonweapon Profi- followers are received at 9th level, ~
arge or punishment), they fre- ciency Group Crossovers: Priest, and consist of three third-level:
uently have to perform their mis- General, Warrior. priests and six first-level priests of,
ns secretly, so that the local Duties of the Pnesk Guidance, the same order, plus one third-level ~
orities cannot learn of them. Marriage. Missions to achieve jus- fighter, one third-level mage, one’
ese vigilante priests are not ap- tice when justice has been third-levelillusionist,one third-level
~
‘ated by local governments. thwarted. Vigilance: The priests thief, and one third-level bard who ~
must keep their ears open and keep act as consultants. The priest may
track of those who trv to avoid the take the following on adventures:!
ree priests (only one of whom^
may be third-level),the fighter, the ral cycle, the priests are their limitation is a minor offq~sefrom
mage, the illusionist, the thief, and sworn enemies. the “Priestsand P
the bard. The priesthood will pay for The priests of this force are on tion of the “Role-P1
half of the cost of stronghold con- good terms with Druids and the Spheresof Influ
struction at 9th level. In the con- priests of Agriculture, Animals, cess to All, Divination, ~Healing,
struction of the stronghold, its Death, Earth, Fertility, Nature, Necromantic [Special Note: These
builders must include a courtroom Seasons, Skymeather, and Vege- priests cannot use res6rrection
and an execution chamber or field tation. spell: they use reincalinate in-
(themethod of execution is up to the Alignment: This force is true stead), Plant, Suqmoning,
priests). neutral in alignment: its priests Weather. Minor Access td’Animal,
Possible Symbols: Scales (of must also be true neutral. The Charm, Creation, Elemehtal, Pro-
Justice): Headsman’s Axe. flock may be of any alignment. tection, Sun.
Minimum Ability Scores Wis- Powers: Incite Berserker Rage
Life-Death-RebirthCycle (Force) dom 10. Wisdom 16means + 10% (as per the Designing Fai$hs chap-
This cycle is most likely to exist experience. ter). 3x11 Undead (sari$? as the
in campaigns which don’t have Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, Cleric ability).
gods of birth, death, fertility and gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- Followers and Stro#gholds:
rebirth. In campaigns which do mans. The followers are received at 8th
feature such gods, the forces of fer- Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- level, and consist of one fifth-level
tility and death are opposed, while ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- priest, three third-lev
in campaigns where this cycle is cies Required: Religion. and sixteen first-levelp
the primary force, fertility and Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- same order. The priest Gay take
death are part of the overall cycle. mended: Herbalism, Reading/ the following on addentures:
Therefore, if the DM has gods of Writing, Animal Handling. Three priests of his chdice. The
death and fertility in his cam- Weapon Proficiencies Required: priesthood will pay for
None. Nonweapon Proficiency cost of stronghold cons
paign, he may not have this cycle:
Group Crossovers: Priest, General. 8th level.
if he has this cycle, he may not
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, Possible Symbols: &broken
have those gods.
Followers of this force believe Marriage. These priests conduct circle: snake swallowing its tail.
that living things are born, live, ceremonies at summer and winter
and die, and then reincarnate in a solstice, spring and autumn equi- Light
continuing cycle. Perhaps the cy- nox, in celebration of the cycle.
Vigilance against any beings who
This is the god of all forms of
cle is endless; perhaps its purpose light: Sunlight, moonlibbt, fire-
is to give the soul of the living thing
wish to tamper with this cycle (Le., light, etc. The god is a friebd of life,
priests of the philosophy of evil, or, a patron of magic, a probnent of
enough experience that he can
achieve a greater level of being.
if appropriate, against mad gods of logical thought, and an h e m y of
In campaigns where this cycle death who won’t rest until every- the undead.
thing is dead forever): vigilance The priesthood of the &d is de-
does exist, it provides enough
magical energy for its priests to against despoilers of nature. voted to celebrating t h 4 aspects
Weapon and Armor Restric- of the god and to promoting posi-
cast spells. The priests’ duties in-
clude education of the flock in the tions: Weapons Permitted: tive forces such as healing.
Daggeddirk, knife, scythe, sickle. Lesser gods of this httribute
beliefs of the cycle, comforting the
flock with the knowledge that Armor Permitted: All non-metal would be gods of one Fpect of
armor: no shields. Oriental Cam- light. One god might be @e god of
death is merely a point in the cycle
paigns: Also nunchaku. All to- Reason, another the god df Inspira-
and not the end, and protection of
gether, these constitute Poor tion, etc.
the world from forces which might
combat abilities. This deity is as likely to be male
disrupt the cycle. Because undead
Other Limitations: Priests of as female.
beings have been removed or re-
this sect may not eat animal flesh: The priests of this god are on
moved themselves from this natu-
they are vegetarian. To violate this
66
L
erms with the priests of Arts, ity). A t 3rd Level: h y i n g On of much in mortal affairs.
, DarknesslNight, Dawn, El- Hands (same as the Paladin abil- His priests promote worship of
ity). A t 5th level: Charm/ the lightning-god for his power
Fascination (as per the Designing and his indomitability. They en-
Faiths chapter). A t 9th level: courage worshippers to emulate
cleslProphecy, and Sun. Prophecy (as per the Designing the god and his strength.
Alignment: The deity is neutral Faiths chapter). The lightning-god is male.
ood. His priests may be of any Followers and Strongholds: The priests of this god are on
t. The flock may be The followers are received at 9th good terms with the priests of Ele-
a1 or good alignment. level, and consist of one fifth-level mental Forces, Fire, Nature, Race
Ability Scores: Wis- priest, three third-level priests, (Dwarfl, SkylWeather, Strength,
gence 12. Wisdom and six first-level priests of the and (especially)Thunder.
gence 16 means +5%ex- same order, plus one third-level Alignment: The deity is true
; Wisdom and Intelligence mage and two first-level mages to neutral. The priests may be neu-
act as consultants and one third- tral evil, true neutral, or neutral
Races Allowed: Elves, gnomes, level fighter and two first-level good; evil priests have their own
fighters to act as guards. The sect and the other priests don't
priest may take the following on have to tolerate them. The flock
Nonweapon Proficien- adventures: Three priests (only may be of any alignment.
uired: Direction Sense. one of whom can be third-level), Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
on Proficiencies Recom- one mage, and one fighter of his dom 10, Strength 12. Wisdom or
choice. The priesthood will pay for Strength 16 means +5%
ng, Religion, Spell- half of the cost of stronghold con- ence; Wisdom and Stren
struction at 9th level. means + 10%experience.
Possible Symbols: Light-rays. Races Allowed: Dwarves,
Notes: The weapons chosen for elves, humans.
the sun-god's priest are all weap- Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, ons which can be used at range, ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
representing the gods ability to cies Required: Weather Sense.
strike from afar with inspiration... Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
or stroke. mended: Readingwriting, Reli-
s: Weapons Permitted Bows gion. Weapon Proficiencies
crossbow, daggeddirk, dart, UgMw Required: Warhammer or Hand1
This is a bold, powerful, primi- Throwing Axe (player choice).
tive god whose aspect is the thun- Nonweapon Proficiency Group
derbolt. He represents the Crossovers: Priest, General, War-
daikyu, shuriken. All to- destructive power of the sky and is rior.
r, these constitute Medium a favorite god of warriors. Because Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
lightning sometimes hits trees and Marriage.
sets them ablaze, he has some mi- Weapon and Armor Restric-
nor associations with fire and trees tions: Weapons Permitted: Battle
to All, Charm, Divination, (especiallyoaks). He is also a god of axe, daggerldirk, dart, hand1
storms. throwing axe, javelin, knife, spear,
Creation, Necromantic, However, the god himself is little warhammer. Armor Permitted: All
concerned with the doings of mor- armor and shields. All together,
Powers: Infravision (sameas the tals; he has no objection to them these constitute Good combat ahil-
ility; an elven or half-elven worshipping him, and does grant ities.
of this faith has Infravision some of his power to his priests, Other Limitations: None.
but otherwise does not meddle Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
dead (same as the Cleric abil- s to All, Elemental (the priest,
may only use the spells whose vinity of Mankind, Light, Metal- Sun.Minor Access to Animal, Ele-
names include the words Air, work, MusiclDance, Sun, and mental, Guardian, Healing, Necro-
Wind, Fire, Flame, Heat, Pyrotech- Wisdom. mantic, Plant.
nics, and the spell chariot of Sus- Alignment: The deity is neutral Powers: Charm/Fascination (as
tarre), Weather. Minor Access to good. Regardless of his alignment, per the Designing Faiths chapter).
Divination, Plant. his priests may be of any good LanguageEommunication (asper
Powers The priest can cast a alignment. The flock may be of the Designing Faiths chapter):
call lightningspell once per day, in any neutral or good alignment. Every level from 1st to 8th. the
addition to all other spells, even at Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- priest receives one extra language
1st level (of course, at 1stlevel, the dom 10, Charisma 12. Wisdom or which he may choose (if you pre-
spell lasts only 1 turn and does 2d8 Charisma 16 means +5%experi- fer, he receives an extra non-
damage). Inspire Fear (asper the ence: Wisdom and Charisma 16 weapon proficiency slot which
Designing Faiths chapter). means + 10%experience. may only be used for languages):
Followers and Strongholds: Races Allowed: Elves, gnomes, the languages chosen may only be
The followers are received at 8th half-elves, halflings, humans. those of sentient humanoid races.
level, and consist of three third- Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- Soothing Word (asper the Design-
level priests and six first-level ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- ing Faiths chapter).
priests of the same priesthood, and cies Required: ReadinglWriting. Followers and Strongholds:
one fifth-level warrior, two third- Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- The followers are received at 8th
level warriors, and four fist-level mended: Artistic Ability (Composi- level, and consist of three third-
warriors. The priest may take the tion), Religion. Weapon level priests and six first-level
following on adventures: Three Proficiencies Required None. Non- priests of the same order, plus one
priests (only one of whom may be weapon Proficiency Group Cross- third-level fighter and two first-
third-level)and two warriors of his overs: Priest, General. level fighters to act as guards, and
choice. The priesthood will pay for Duties of the Priest: Guidance, twenty Normal Men and Women,
half of the cost of stronghold con- Marriage. Education: These each of whom has either ReadinpJ
struction at 8th level. priests must encourage and sup- Writing or an appropriate Artistic
Possible Symbols: Bolt of Light- port members of their flock (or of Ability nonweapon proficiency.
ning: Double-Bitted (Battle)Axe. the general population) who show The priest may take the following
signs of talent with prose or poetry. on adventures: Three priests (only
Literature,Poetry Vigilance: Literature and Poetry one of whom may be third-level),
This god is very much like the often offend those who do not un- one fighter, and four Normal Men
deity of arts (see Arts, above), but derstand them or those who dis- and Women of his choice. The
concerns himself with reading, agree with the attitudes expressed priesthood will pay for half of the
writing, recitation, the chronicling in those works of art, and so these cost of stronghold construction at
of history, and the teaching of priests must be vigilant against 8th level. The stronghold must act
youth. Lesser gods of this attribute the very human forces of censor- as a meetingplace for writers and
would involve themselves with ship and repression. poets to exchange ideas: therefore
only one of the above aspects. Weapon and Armor Restric- it must be built with meeting
The gods priesthood is primar- tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows rooms or even lecture halls dedi-
ily interested in the education of (all),dart. Armor Permitted None: cated to these, instead of priestly,
the young in reading and writing, no shields. Oriental Campaigns: doings.
and the promotion and support of Also daikyu. All together, this con- Possible Symbols: Books,
writers and poets in their culture. stitutes Poor combat abilities. Scrolls, Pens.
The god of literature and poetry Other Limitations: These
is as likely to be male as female. priests receive six-sideddice for hit Love
The priests of this god are on points, not eight-sided. This god is the patron of love in
good terms with the priests of Arts, Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- all its aspects: Romantic love, de-
Community, Crafts, Culture, Di- cess to All, Charm, Creation, Divi- sire, affection, lust, infatuation,
nation, Protection, Summoning,
1
e love between husband and means + 10%experience. Powers: Charm/Fascination (as
ife, the love shared between close Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, per the Designing Faiths chapter).
riends, and so on. gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- Incite Berserker Rage (as per the
Priests of the god of love are mans. Designing Faiths chaDterl. hsnirf
harged with promoting love Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- Fear (as per the
henever possible - especially by
Ii
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- chapter). Soothing Word-(as per
emoving obstacles to it. When cies Required: Herbalism. the Designing Faiths chapter).
tar-crossed youths wish to marry, Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- mrn Undead (same as the Cleric
riests of this sect interfere to con- mended: ReadinglWriting, Reli- ability).
ince their families of the right- gion, Dancing. Weapon Followers and Strongholds:
ess of it. When a marriage Proficiencies Required: None. Non- The followers are received at 7th
ollapses under the weight of dis- weapon Proficiency Group Cross- level, and consist of three third-
rust or disinterest, the priests try overs: Priest, General. level priests and six first-level
o counsel the spouses into a rec- Duties of the Priest: Guidance, priests of the same order, plus one
nciliation. When one of the faith- Marriage. Vigilance: Priests of this third-levelmage and two first-level
ul falls in love with someone who sect believe in marriages of love, mages who act as consultants, one
oesn’t reciprocate that love, the not of convenience or politics, and third-level fighter and two first-
riests use every means at their so conspire to keep young lovers level fighters who act as guards,
isposal (from trickery to charm together when those lovers might and ten Normal Men and Women,
pells) to make the disinterested be parted by their families’ wishes each with a Nonweapon Profi.
arty fall in love with the more de- or by the prejudices and responsi- ciency which is of use to the tem.
out character. bilities of their social classes. ple’s functions (Etiquette, Local
I
I Lesser gods of this attribute will Weapon and Armor Restric- History, and ReadindWriting es.
e gods of only one of the above as- tions: Weapons Permitted: Bow pecially). The pn
ects. One god might be the god of (small), club, lasso, mancatcher, following on adventures: Three
esire, another the god of Ro- net. Armor Permitted: None: no priests (only one of whom may be
ance, a third the god of Infatua- shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also third-level),one mage, one fighter,
ions. daikyu. All together, these consti- and four Normal Men and Women
A god of all the aspects of love is tute Poor combat abilities. of his choice. The priesthood will
ikely to be female. A god of just Other Limitations Priests of
ne of the aspects is as likely to be this sect receive four-sideddice for
ale as female. hit points, not eight-sided. Also, stronghold must act as a sanctu.
1 The priests of this god are on unless (atDM’s discretion)this god ary for young lovers who come
terms with the priests of is a deity of pure and platonic rela- here fleeing the retribution of an.
Divinity of Man- tionships, a priest of this sect may
Forces, Healing, be unmarried when he enters the
arriage, and Peace. The priests of priesthood (1st level) but must cret Ghambers and quarters foi
Ais god dislike the priests of Evil. have been wed by the time he those who take sanctuary.
Alignment: The deity is good: at reaches 8th experience level - to Possible Symbols: Girdle ( t h c
the DM’s discretion, he may be do otherwise is to deny the god his woman’s belt of the ancient world
2haotic good, neutral good, or law- due, and constitutes a betrayal of not the modern accoutrement).
‘ul good, but tends to be chaotic goals from the “Priests and Pun- Notes: The weapons chosen foi
ood. Regardless of his alignment, ishment” section of the “Role- this order were chosen based or
is priests may be of any good Playing” chapter. the appearance of these weapon?
alignment. The flock may be of Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- in stories about mythological love
any neutral or good alignment. cess to All, Animal, Charm, Heal- gods, or because of their useful
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- ing, Necromantic, Protection, ness in canturine mates.
dom 10, Charisma 13. Wisdom or Summoning. Minor Access to Cre-
Charisma 16 means + 5 % experi- ation, Divination, Guardian, Plant,
ence; Wisdom and Charisma 16 s1
Sample Priesthoods
__
*._.... ....,.. * ,. .
70
: of any neutral or good align- same order. The priest may take true neutral. The flock may be of
ent. the following on adventures: any alignment.
Minimum Ability Scores Wis- Three priests (only one of whom Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
dom 16 means +lo% may be third-level) of his choice. dom 12, Charisma 10. Wisdom or
The priesthood will pay for half of Charisma 16 means +5%experi-
the cost of stronghold construc- ence; Wisdom and Charisma 16
half-elves, halflings, hu- tion at 8th level. The stronghold means + 10%experience.
must be built with a large hall or Races Allowed Dwarves, elves,
weapon and Weapon Profi- chapel where very large weddings gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
cies: Nonweapon Proficien- may take place. mans.
Required: Religion. Possible Symbols Finger-Ring, Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
Short Length of Cord. ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
Notes: The weapons chosen for cies Required: ReadinglWriting.
this order represent capturing, as Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
ired None. Nonweapon Profi- in capturing one’smate, and weap- mended Etiquette, Heraldry, Mod-
ons often used in the sudden de- ern Languages, Navigation,
fense of nne:’shome. Religion. Weapon Proficiencies Re-
quired: None. Nonweapon Profi-
... ciency Group Crossovers: Priest,
This god is the messenger of the General.
ons Permitted: Club, gods. When the rulers of the gods Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
ce, net, quartersM, war- want an order conveyed to lesser Marriage. Missions: These priests
Armor Permitted: All are often asked by rulers and re-
gods, it is given to this deity.
quired by their temples to go on
And so this god’s priests are also
1 shields. Oriental Cam- messengers. They are trained in missions of communication,
diplomacy and are often charged where they are supposed to con-
with the duty of conveying impor- vey important letters or verbal
messages to others. Often, they are
tant messages (whether letters,
Limitations: Priests of asked to act as negotiators be-
verbal messages, codes, or threats)
st be married by the from one person to another... usu- tween two warring groups or na-
are fourth level; other- tions.
ally from one ruler or nobleman to
are guilty of betrayal of Weapon and Armor Restric-
another. The priests take great
, as described in the tions Weapons Permitted: Club,
pride in their role as neutral con-
ts and Punishment” section veyers of information, and for the javelin, mace, maul, polearm,
“Role-Playing”chapter. quarterstaff. spear, trident. Armor
reputation for accuracy and hon-
eres of Influence: Major Ac- Permitted: All non-metal armor
esty they enjoy.
to All, Charm, Divination, and all shields. Oriental Cam-
This god is also a favorite god of
paigns: Also bo stick, sai. All to-
heralds, spies, and bards, all of
whom have to perform messenger- gether, these constitute Medium
combat abilities.
duties at one time or another.
Powers: Laying On of Hands Other Limitations: None.
Messenger-gods are as likely to
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
be male as female.
cess to All, Charm, Divination,
The priests of this god are on
Protection, Sun. Minor Access to
good terms with the priests of
Elemental, Guardian, Necroman-
Community, Mischief/Trickery,
tic, Plant.
Peace, Rulership, ’lYade, and War.
Powers: Language/Comm un -
Alignment: The deity is true
fcation (as per the Designing
neutral. The priests may be true
riest, three third-level priests, Faiths chapter): From 1st level to
neutral or neutral good; most are
8th, each level the priest receives
crafted goods as to their gold piece
one additional language (or a non- visits inspirations for beautiful ciencies Required: Warhammer.
weapon proficiency slot which metal goods upon lucky craftsmen. Nonweapon Proficiency Group
may only be used for languages): The priests of the god try to ad- Crossovers: Priest, General, War-
the language chosen must be of a vance the art of metalwork at the rior.
sentient humanoid race. Soothing mortal level. They do this by ac, Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
Word (as per the Designing Faiths quiring as much information as Marriage. Education: '&aching of
chapter). At 8th level: Charm/ they can about smithcrafting and metalworking to the flock: promo-
Fascination (asper the Designing other metalwork, collecting it in tion of weaponmaking, armor-
Faiths chapter). libraries, and distributing it to making, goldsmithing, jewelry.
Followers and Strongholds:The students and metalworking ap- making, and all other sorts of
followers are received at 8th level, prentices. metalwork in the community and
and consist of five third-level priests Lesser gods of this attribute will society. Must participate in semi-
and five first-level priests of the be gods of specific types of metal, annual events where metal goods
same order (most act as messen- working. One might be the god of of all sorts are displayed and pro-
gers, too), one third-level bard and armoring, another the god of moted (beforethe throne or in mar-
one third-level thief (who act as fact- swordmaking. ket). Investigation: These priests
finders and agents), and eight Nor- The god of metalworking is seek to re-discover lost metalwork
mal Men and Women, all of whom male. techniques: this often leads them
have the Readingwriting non- The priests of this god are on into ancient sites on expeditions of
weapon proficiency. The priest may good terms with the priests of Arts, discovery. These priests also en-
take the following on adventures: Crafts, Divinity of Mankind, Fire, courage competitive thinking be-
' h o priests, the bard, the thief, and Literature/Poetry, MusidDance, tween guilds, or between the
two Normal Men and Women of his Race (Dwarf),Strength, and War. metalworkers of different cities.
choice. The priesthood will pay for Alignment: The deity is good: at Weapon and Armor Restric-
half of the cost of stronghold con- the DM's discretion, he may be tions: Weapons Permitted Club,
struction at 8th level. The strong- chaotic good, neutral good, or law- mace, maul, morning star, war-
hold must be built with a large ful good, but tends to be neutral hammer, whip. Armor Permit-
library, where the accumulated cor- good. Regardless of his alignment, ted: All metal armor: all shields.
respondence and diplomatic writ- his priests may be of any good All together, these constitute Good
ing of the order accumulates. alignment. The flock may be of combat abilities.
Possible Symbols: Winged any neutral or good alignment. Other Limitations: None.
Creatures, Wings. Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Spheres of Influence Major Ac-
Notes: When on duty. priests of dom 10, Constitution 12. Wisdom cess to All, Elemental (the priest
this order must always cany scep- or Constitution 16 means + 5%ex- may only use the spells whose
tres, staves, poles, or bannerdflags perience: Wisdom and Constitu- names include the words Fire,
on poles indicating their status. tion 16 means + 10%experience. Flame, Heat, Pyrotechnics, and
When carrying messages in their of- Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, the spell chariot OfSustaxre)),Sun.
ficial capacity, these priests carry no gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- Minor Access to Combat, Divina-
obvious weapons at all. However, mans. tion.
they can use a sceptre as a club and Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- Powers: Analysis (asper the De-
a staff or pole as a quarterstaff if ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- signing Faiths chapter) of work-
they are attacked. cies Required: Any one from the manship quality in metal goods.
following list - Artistic Ability (Je- The priest will be able to tell
Metalwork welwright, Goldsmith, Silver- whether a metal craft-good is of
smith), Blacksmithing, Armorer, poor, average or superior quality.
This god is the forger of weapons
Weaponsmithing. Nonweapon This gives him a + 2 to his Apprais-
and armor, and also the craftsman
Proficiencies Recommended: Any ing proficiency check if he has that
of gold and silver treasures. He is
of the others from the above list, nonweapon proficiency, but does
worshipped by metal-craftsmen
plus Fire-building, Reading/ not give him the ability to rate
across the world, and sometimes
Religion. Weapon Profi- per the Designing Faith- ,.hantd
e of he does not have that non- plots, his followers must be brave perience; Wisdom and Intelligence’
n proficiency. Defiance of indeed. However, many cowardly 16 means + 10%experience.
tion/Obstacle (as per the rogues do worship this god any- Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves,
Faiths chapter): The way, in admiration of his ability to gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
assunharmed through get out of rough spots without re- mans.
fire spell. Inspire Fear sorting to combat. Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
er the Designing Faiths chap- His priests, in addition to extolling ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
Permanent + 2 to hit and this god‘s virtues, also love demon- cies Required: Disguise.
ge with Warhammer, above strating cleverness. Some perform Nonweapon Roficiencies Recom-
d beyond all other bonuses. harmless pranks for comic relief. mended: Dancing, Etiquette, Mod-
llowers a n d Strongholds: Others become polished military ern Languages, Readingwriting,
followers are received at 7th tacticians for armies. Others learn Religion, Forgery, Reading Lips,
evel, and consist of two third-level nonweapon proficiencies that let Set Snares, Ventriloquism
st and four first-levelpriests of them become proficient trapsters or
same order, one third-level stage magicians. None. Nonweapon Proficienc
hter and seven first-level fight- ’lb be a priest of this god, a char- Group Crossovers: Priest, Gener
I I 73
Detect Secret Doors (same as Elf Light, Magic, OracleslProphecy, Infravision(same as the elf ability;
ability: Success on roll of 1 on ld6 and Sun. an elven or half-elven priest of this
when passing within lo’, 1-2 on Alignment: The deity is true faith has Infravision of doubled
ld6 to find secret doors and 1-3on neutral. The priests may he neu- range, to 120’). A t 5th level: In-
l d 6 to find conceded portals when tral evil, true neutral, or neutral spire Fear (as per the Designing
actively searching: elven priests of good; evil priests have their own Faiths chapter). A t 10th level,
this order have success on a roll of sect and the other priests don’t chariot of Sustarre: the priest can
1-2when passing within lo’, 1-3to have to tolerate them. The flock use this spell once per day in addi-
find secret doors and 1-4 to find may he of any alignment. tion to his other spells.
concealed portals when actively Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Followers and Strongholds:
searching). A t 8th level: Shape- dom 10. Wisdom 16 means + 10% The followers are received at 9th
changing (as per the Designing experience. level, and consist of one fifth-level
Faiths chapter; DM chooses the Races Allowed Elves, gnomes, priest, three third-level priests,
three animal forms, or can allow half-elves, halflings, humans. and six first-level priests of the
the player to make the choice). Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- same order, one third-level mage
Followers and Strongholds: ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- and two first-level mages who act
The followers are received at 9th cies Required: Navigation. as consultants, and one third-level
level, and consist of one third-level Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- fighter and two first-level fighters
priest and seven first-level priests mended: Astrology, Reading/ who act as guards. The priest may
of the same order, one fifth-level Writing, Religion, Spellcraft. take the following on adventures:
thief and one fdth-level bard (who Weapon Proficiencies Required: ’ h o priests, one mage, and one
act as assistant mischief-makers Nonweapon Proficiency Group fighter of his choice. The priest-
and accompany the priest every- Crossovers: Priest, General. hood will pay for half of the cost of
where), and one third-level fighter Duties of the Priest: Guidance, stronghold construction a t 9th
and seven first-level fighters who Marriage. Education: These level.
act as guards. The priest may take priests help in the promotion and Possible Symbols: Chariot,
the following on adventures: One teaching of magic. These priests Moon (in any phase but new).
priest, the thief, the bard, and one must participate in celebrations of Notes: The bow, chosen as the
fighter of his choice. The priest- the god, which take place once weapon for this order, represents
hood will pay for half of the cost of each moon (different temples may the inspiration of light-shafts.
stronghold construction a t 9th celebrate on the full moon or the
level. new moon, at the DM’s option). Music, Dance
Possible Symbols: Fox. Weapon and Armor Restric- This god represents the perform-
tions: Weapons Permitted: Bows ing arts - vocal and instrumental
Don (all), daggerldirk, dart, javelin, music, traditional and interpretive
knife, sling, spear. Armor Permit- dance, even stage tragedy and
This aeiry is a god of inspiration,
ted: All non-metal armor; any comedy. He is closely related to the
magic, and mystery, and is closely
related to the god of Darkness (see shield that is circular or crescent- gods of arts and of literature/
shaped. Oriental Campaigns: Also poetry, and is the favorite god of
above).
His priests celebrate the magics daikyu, katana, shuriken. All to- bards.
gether, these constitute Medium His priests are devoted to the ad-
and light granted by the moon.
In a fantasy setting, there could
combat abilities. vancement of music and dance in
Other Limitations: None. the population. They organize
be numerous gods of the moon...
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- events where music is played,
one for each of several moons the
cess to All, Charm, Divination. dances are performed, and plays
planet possesses.
Summoning, Sun. Minor Access to are enacted. Sometimes they tour
Most moon-gods are female.
Animal, Elemental, Healing, Nec- as part of theatrical compan-
The priests of this god are on
romantic. ies, among bards and other per-
good terms with the priests of
Powers: Charm/Fascination (as formers. Their quest is to bring
DarknesdNight, Dawn, Hunting,
per the Designmg Faiths chapter).
;ht to others through the per- Group Crossovers: Priest, General, stronghold constructior 7th
m i n g arts. Rogue. level. One of the elements of the
Lesser gods of this attribute con- Duties of the Priest: Guidance, stronghold must be a hall, includ-
~ centrate on only one of his aspects. Marriage. Education: These priests ing a stage, where musicians and
~ One god might be the deity of vocal must encourage and support mem- dancers from the surrounding
~ music. another the deity of wild, bers of their flcck (or the general area may congregate to practice
frantic dances, another the god of population) who show signs of tal- their arts.
ballet. ent with dance or music. Possible Symbols: Any musical
A god who encompasses all the Weapon and Armor Restric- instrument.
~
aspects of music and dance is tions: Weapons Permitted: Notes: The weapons permitted
~ probably going to be male. Gods of Daggerldirk, javelin, knife, lasso, to this priesthood are the w e a p p s
~ individual aspects are more likely quarterstaff, spear, stiletto, sword/ best suited to inclusion in dan
~ to be female. long, swordhapier, swordlsabre.
~ The priests of this god are on Armor Permitted: None; no
good terms with the priests of Arts, shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also
I nis deity is related to the gods
~
i experience. If Wisdom and second day instead of three). 'hrn Undead cept the elves, who are in accord
1 ability are both 16, character gets (same as the Cleric ability). with it.
i + 10%experience. Followers and Strongholds: Nature-gods may be male o
i Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, The followers are received at 7th male.
~ gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- level, and consist of three third- The priests of this god are?
~ mans. level priests and six first-level good terms with Druids and the
i! Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- priests of the same order, plus five priests of Agriculture, Animals,
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- first-level fighters to act as temple Death, Earth, Fertility, Life-Death-
cies Required: Any one from the guards and twenty Normal Men Rebirth Cycle, Lightning, Race
~ following list - Dancing, Singing, and Women, each of whom has a (Elf),Seasons, Sky/Weather, Thun-
i Musical Instrument. Nonweapon Nonweapon Proficiency appropri- der, and Vegetation.
~
i
Proficiencies Recommended: Any ate to the temple (Artistic Ability, Alignment: The deity is true
of the others from the list above, Dancing, Singing, Musical Instru- neutral. The priests may be true
plus Artistic AbilitylComposition, ment). The priest may take the fol- neutral or neutral good; most are
Ancient History, Local History, lowing on adventures: Three true neutral. The flock may be of
~
~ ReadinglWriting, Religion, Jug- priests (only one of whom may be any alignment.
~ gling, Jumping, 'hmbling. third-level),two fighters, four Nor-
i Weapon Proficiencies Required: mal Men and Women. The priest-
hood will pay for half of the cost of
Samnle Priekthodds
Minimum Ability Scores Wis- cess to All, Animal, Elemental, His priests pray to him for good
dom 9. Wisdom 16 means +IO% Plant, Protection. Minor Access to winds and good harvests of the sea,
experience. Divination. Healing, Sun, Weather. and make s a d i c e s to him to keep
Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, Powers: Analysis, Identification him happy and calm. They also use
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- (as per the Designing Faiths chap- their powers to save the creatures of
mans. ter): The priest has no special de- the sea,especially creatures such as
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- tection powers, but when he sees a mermen and dolphins, from need-
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- plant or animal he can identify its less death at the hands of overzeal-
cies Required: Agriculture. species and whether or not it is ous fishermen. They are also great
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- normal for this area. He can only explorers of the sea, and when a
mended: Animal Handling, Fire- identify non-magical animals and priest of the ocean-god decides to
building, Fishing, Weather Sense, plants: those with any magical hide from other men, only another
Healing, Herbalism, Reading/ powers, including breath weap- priest of the Same order or an experi-
Writing, Religion. Weapon F‘rofi- ons, are beyond his power. mrn enced mage can find him in his un-
ciencies Required: None. Undead (same as the Cleric abil- derwater haven.
Nonweapon Proficiency Group ity). At 5th level: Inspire Fear (as Lesser gods will be gods of indi-
Crossovers: Priest, General. per the Designing Faiths chapter). vidual rivers, lakes, and seas. In
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, At 8th level: Shapechanging (as some lands, each of the continent’s
Marriage. Vigilance against any per the Designing Faiths chapter): thousands of rivers will be the do-
forces, gods, or mortals that the DM can decide whether the main of a lesser god or goddess.
threaten nature: If a god of fire has priest can turn into one animal or Sea-gods are just as likely to be
gotten too happy and is burning three, and what species he may male as female.
up great tracts of plain or forest turn into. He may opt to let the The priests of this god are on
during an overlong summer, if a player make that choice. good terms with the priests of Ani-
mortal civilization is destroying Followers and Strongholds: mals (aquatic animals only) and
wilderness by exploiting it or ex- The followers are received at 8th Skymeather.
panding into it, priests of the god of level, and consist of one fifth-level Alignment: The deity is true
nature are commanded (by their priest, three third-level priests, neutral. The priests may be true
temple or by their god) to go forth and six first-level priests of the neutral or neutral good: most are
and do something about it. same order, plus two third-level true neutral. The flock may be of
Weapon and Armor Restric- rangers and four first-levelrangers any alignment.
tions: Weapons Permitted: Club, to act as guards. The priest may Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
scythe, sickle. Armor Permitted: take the following on adventures: dom 9. Wisdom 16 means + 10%
All armor and shields. Oriental ltnro priests and two rangers of his experience.
Campaigns: Also nunchaku. All choice. The priesthood will pay for Races Allowed Elves, gnomes,
together, these constitute Medium half of the cost of stronghold con- half-elves, halflings, humans.
combat abilities. struction at 8th level. Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
Other Limitations: ’kmples op- Possible Symbols: Mistletoe. ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
erated hy these priests must be cies Required: Swimming.
built outside city walls. Such Oceans, Rivers Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
priests can sleep within city walls This god is a god of large bodies mended: Fishing. Rope Use, Sea-
(especially when travelling, when of water. He doesn’t concern him- manship, Weather Sense,
the city is under siege, etc.), but his self much with mortal doings; sail- Navigation, Reading/Writing, Reli-
permanent residence must be out- ors pray to him for mercy, and he gion. Weapon Proficiencies Re-
side the city limits. To have perma- shows them mercy when he feels quired: None. Nonweapon
nent residence elsewhere is a like it, and shows them death Proficiency Group Crossovers:
minor offense, as described in the when he prefers. He is also a Priest, General.
“Role-Playing” chapter under storm-god, the deity of storms Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
“Priests and Punishment.” upon the sea, and sailnrs fear him. Marriage.
Spheres of Influence Major Ac- Weapon and Armor Restric-
76
tions: Weapons Permitted: Belay- Infravision of doubled range, to of FateDestiny in that he doesn’t
ing pin, bill, harpoon, javelin, net, 120‘,only underwater).At 5th level: preach a doctrine of acceptance; he
scourge, spear, swordlcutlass, tri- L.an@age/Communication (as per just passes on the visions he has of
dent. Armor Permitted: None; all the Designing Faiths chapter);from the future, and lets his followers and
shields permitted. All together, 5th to 8th levels, the priest receives those who beg his visions act on
t h q e constitute Medium combat one extra language or communica- them accordingly.
abilities. tion (or nonweapon proficiency slot Priests of this god act as interme-
Other Limitations: None. usable only for languages) which diaries between the oracular god
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- can only be taken for aquatic beings and visitors who come to receive
cess to All, Animal, Divination, El- (aquatic elves, porpoises, mermen, his prophecies. See the paragraph
emental, Weather. Minor Access to etc.). At 8th level: Shapechanging below on Followers and Strong-
Charm, Combat, Plant, Protection. (as per the Designing Faiths chap- holds for more on this.
Special Notes: Within his Animal ter); the DM may choose for this to The oracular god is as likely to
sphere, the priest can only cast be one animal or three, and which be male as female.
spells dealing with sea animals: he animals it is (or can give those The priests of this god are on
can only make friends with, be- choices to the player),but they must good terms with the priests of
come invisible to, charm, speak be marine animals. DarknesslNight, Dawn, Fatel
with, hold, or summon sea-life, Followers and Strongholds: Destiny, Light, Magic, Moon, Sun,
and cannot use the insect-related The followers are received at 8th and Wisdom.
spells at all. Within his Elemental level, and consist of one fifth-level Alignment: The deity is true
sphere, the priest can only use priest, three third-level priests, neutral. The priests may be true
spells with the word “water” in the and six first-level priests from the neutral or neutral good: most are
name; he can also use the earth- same order, plus five mermen and true neutral. The flock may be of
quake and transmute rock to mud mermaids (total). (The DM may any alignment.
spells; additionally, he can take a substitute any other intelligent Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
spell identical to the 6th-level con- aquatic race, as appropriate, any- dom 9, Charisma 11. Wisdom or
jurefire elemental spell which con- where from 5 to 10 total HD of Charisma 16 means +5%experi-
jures water elementals instead. them: aquatic elves, water- ence; Wisdom and Charisma 16
Powers: The priest can cast the nymphs, etc.) The priest may take means + 10%experience.
water breathing spell on himself the following on adventures: l k o Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves,
only, once per day, in addition to all priests of his choice. On water- gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
other spells: at eighth level, the du- borne adventures, he can take mans.
ration of the spell when cast on him- three of the mermen and mer- Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
self becomes 24 hours, and he is maids (or up to 6 HD of the substi- ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
then able to cast an extra water tuted aquatic races). The cies Required: Astrology.
breathing on others (asper the nor- priesthood will pay for half of the Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
mal rules for the spell)in addition to cost of stronghold construction at mended: Ancient History, Ancient
all other spells: the water breathing 8th level. Languages, Local History,
spell he casts on himself may not be Possible Symbols: Dolphin, ReadinglWriting, Religion,
dispelled, and at 8th level automati- Fish, Octopus, mident, Ship, Weapon Proficiencies Required:
cally renews itself at the end of the Wave. None. Nonweapon Proficiency
24-hour period if the priest is still Notes: The weapons usable by Group Crossovers: Priest, General.
underwater and asleep, uncon- this priesthood are the weapons of Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
scious, etc. Determine approximate sailors and sea-gods. Marriage, Omen-Reading. Mis-
depth underwater on 1-4 on ld6 sions: Having passed on a proph-
(similar to the Dwarf ability con- Oracles, Prophecy ecy, the priest may choose to
cerning depth underground). Infra- This is a god who delivers broad accompany those who received
vision (same as the elf ability, but statements about the future to his the prophecy. The priest may just
only works underwater: an elven or followers. He’s distinct from the god want to see how reality matches
half-elven priest of this faith has the vision he received; however, if
77
the prophecy included options, vi- half of the cost of stronghold con- Community, Competitioh, Good,
sions of different ways the situa- struction at 9th level. Part of the Healing, Love, Messeng+-s, Pros-
tion could resolve itself, the priest stronghold must he an oracular perity, Race (Halfling), and
may b e a g g i n g alo& to help the chamber or area where visitors RulershipKingship. The priests of
may meet with the priests and re- this god dislike the priests of
ceive oracles; the temple may JusticelRevenge and War.
charge a fee of money or goods for Alignment: The deity is lawful
Choose two from the following list this service, so the stronghold good. The priests may o n b be law-
(DM chooses based on other attrib- must also have large, commodious ful good. The flock may ndt be cha-
utes or characteristics of the orac- storerooms for these goods. otic or evil, but may be of any
ular god): Bows (all), crossbow, Possible Symbols: Bow, Bra- alignment not including those ele-
daggeddirk, dart, handthrowing zier. ments.
axe, harpoon, javelin, knife, lasso, Minimurn Ability Scofes: Wis-
net, sling, spear, staff sling, sti- Peace dom 10, Charisma 12.Wisdom or
letto, whip. Armor Permitted: Charisma 16 means +5%experi-
This god is devoted to the cause
None; no shields. Oriental Cam- ence; Wisdom and C h a s m a 16
of peace. He prefers for all conflicts
paigns: Also included among means + 10%experience.
to be settled non-violently.
choices are daikyu, shuriken. All Races Allowed: Elves, ;gnomes,
His priests, in turn, work to keep
together, these constitute Poor half-elves, halflings, humans.
things peaceful. They intercede
combat abilities. Nonweapon and Weapmn Profi-
between nations which are on the
Other Limitations: None. ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
brink of war. They suggest com-
Spheres of Influence Major Ac- promises and nonviolent ways of cies Required: Etiquette. Nori-
cess to All, Divination, Elemental, weapon Proficiencies Recom-
settling important issues. They do
Healing, Summoning. Minor Ac- mended: Modern Languages,
their best to keep things calm and
cess to Charm, Creation, Necro- Singing, Local History, Mcsical In-
civil.
mantic, Sun. strument, RadingNVriting, Reli-
Remember, though, when role-
Powers: Language/Commun- gion. Weapon Proficiencies
playing such priests, that they
ication (as per the Designing Required None. Nonweapon Profi-
don’t have to be played as stupid.
Faiths chapter); from 1st level to ciency Group Crossovers: Priest,
Nor do they have to presume that
8th, the priest receives one extra General.
every fight can be avoided; when
language per level (or one extra Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
it‘s obvious that a situation will de-
nonweapon proficiency slot which scend into violence regardless of Maniage. Missions: The priest of-
may only be used for taking lan- their best efforts, they don’t have ten accompanies parties of war or
guages); these languages may only to continually badger other play- groups of adventurers to try to
be those of sentient humanoids. ers into not fighting. They do have bring about peaceful solutions to
Prophecy (as per the Designing to try to preserve peace when it as many situations as possible.
Faiths chapter). can be preserved, and to prevent (Note to the D M You don’t’want
Followers and Strongholds: unnecessary violence when possi- thig priest as a player-chwacter in
The followers are received at 9th ble. A player who takes a peace- your campaign unless mqst of the
level, and consist of one fifth-level priest character would do well to other players, too,prefer ;peaceful
priest, three third-level priests, become party spokesman; this will resolutions to various situations. If
and six first-level priests of the allow him to do all the party’s ne- they prefer fighting things out,
same order, plus five second-level they’ll resent the priest of peace
gotiations and thus head off com-
fighters who act as guards. The bat situations on a more frequent and it will result in major annoy-
priest may take the following on voice. ances in your campaign.) Vigi-
adventures: Three priests (not in- A god of peace is as likely to be lance against forces or individuals
cluding the fifth-level priest, and male as female. who seem to stir up trouble contin-
may only include one third-level The priests of this god are on ually and needlessly.
priest) and two fighters of his good terms with the priests of Weapon and Armor Restric-
choice. The priesthood will pay for tions WeaponsPermitted: as so.
net. Armor Permitted: All non- The god’s priests spend a lot of cher, net, picks (all),spear, trident.
magical armor and shields. All to- time dabbling in trade and teaching Armor Permitted: All non-magical
gether, these constitute Medium the children of noble families how to armor and non-magical shields.
combat abilities. manage their money wisely, to build Oriental Campaigns: Also chain.
Other Limitations: Priests of businesses from the ground up, to All together, these constitute Me-
this sect receive six-sided dice for improve their communities dium combat abilities.
hit points, not eight-sided. When- through the careful, studied appli- Other Limitations: None.
ever they appear in public they cation of money. They are not Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
must wear clothing or badges priests of greed and avarice, though cess to All, Animal, Creation,
which display their status as the occasional priest will end up be- Plant, Summoning. Minor Access
priests of the god of peace. ing a greedy man. / to Guardian, Healing, Necroman-
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- The god of prosperity is male. tic, Protection.
cess to All, Charm, Creation, Divi- The priests of this god are on Powers: Detection (as per the
nation, Protection. Minor Access good terms with the priests of Designing Faiths chapter) of trea-
to Animal, Guardian, Healing, Community, Peace, Race (Half- sure and objects of value: the
Necromantic. ling), and ?f-ade. priest can detect treasure when he
Powers: Charm/Fascination (as Alignment: The deity is good: at is within 10’ of it, even when it is
per the Designing Faiths chapter). the DM’s discretion, he may be concealed (5‘if it is behind a thin
L.anguage/Communication (as per chaotic good, neutral good, or law- wall, or 2’ if it is behind a heavy
the Designing Faiths chapter): ful good, but tends to be neutral wall or buried): however, he can-
from 1st level to 4th, the priest re- good. Regardless of his alignment, not divine its direction through
ceives one extra language per level his priests may be of any good this power, and must move around
(or one extra nonweapon profi- alignment. The flock may be of to get a fix on the treasure. The
ciency slot which may only be any neutral or good alignment. power does not tell him what sort
used for languages); the language Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- of treasure it is, and even if it’s of a
chosen must be that of a sentient dom 11.Wisdom 16means +lo% type he does not desire (such as a
humanoid race. Soothing Word experience. small bag of coins) it will alert him
(Designing Faiths chapter). At 5th Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, to the treasure’s presence. The
level: LayingOn ofHands (same as gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- power is next to useless when the
the Paladin ability). mans. character is among allies (their
Followers and Strongholds: The Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- coin-pouches will set it of& so he
followers are received at 8th level, ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- must walk alone to be able to use
and consist of one fifth-level priest, cies Required: Appraising. Non- it. Determine approximate depth
three third-level priests, and sixteen weapon Proficiencies Recom- underground on 1-3on ld6 (same
first-level priests of the same order. mended: Mining, Modern Lan- as Dwarf ability; dwarf-priests and
The priest may take the following guages, Reading/Writing, Reli- gnome-priests of this faith succeed
on adventures: nYo priests of his gion, Gaming, Gem Cutting. on a 1-5 on ld6).
choice. The priesthood will pay for Weapon Proficiencies Required: Followers a n d Strongholds:
half of the cost of stronghold con- None. Nonweapon Proficiency The followers are received at 8th
struction at 8th level. Group Crossovers: Priest, General, level, and consist of one fifth-level
Possible Symbols: Dove, Olive Rogue. priest, two third-level priests, and
Branch. Duties of the Priest: Guidance, four first-level priests of the same
Marriage. (Note: The priests of this order, plus one fifth-level fighter
Prosperity sect do not encourage members of (bodyguard), one fifth-level bard
their flock to marry for love if it (the priest’s personal bard), and
This is a god of riches and
wealth. He may be a god of rich means alienating the families and ten Normal Men and Women
living in poverty.) (good-looking,high-charisma men
treasures from under the ground,
Weapon and Armor Restric- and women with no perceivable
or of riches of herds, or of any sort
tions: Weapons Permitted: Bill, skills or source of income who are
of prosperity.
harpoon, javelin, lasso, mancat- attracted to the priests of fortune
Sample Priesthoods
and luck). The priest may take the Bickery, Peace, Prosperity. (Hu- Marriage. Vigilance against ene-
following on adventures: 'Ityo mans) Divinity of Mankind, mies of the race and their plots.
priests, the fighter, the bard, and RacelHalf-Elven. Weapon and Armor Restric-
all the Normal Men and Women. Alignment: The deity is good; at tions: Naturally, Weapon and Ar-
The priesthood will pay for half of the DM's discretion, he may be mor Restrictions vary from race to
the cost of stronghold construc- chaotic good, neutral good, or law- race. Broken down by race, they
tion at 8th level. ful good, but tends to be neutral include:
Possible Symbols: Bull, Chest. good. Regardless of his alignment, Dwarves: Weapons Permitted:
Notes: The weapons chosen for his priests may be of any good Battle axe, club, crossbow, flails
this priesthood were chosen based alignment. The flock may be of (both), handthrowing axe, mace,
on association with the earth, as any neutral or good alignment. maul, morning star, picks (all),war-
the source of precious metals, and Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- hammer. Armor Permitted: All ar-
those which can grab, capture, dom 12. Wisdom 16 means + 10% mor and all shields. All together,
harvest the bounty of the seas, etc. experience. these constitute Good combat abili-
Races Allowed: Only dwarves ties.
Race can be priests of the god of the Elves: Weapons Permitted: Bows
This god is the mentor of a spe- dwarven race, only elves can be (all), daggeddirk, javelin, knife,
cific sentient race (dwarf, elf, priests of the god of the elven race, lance, quarterstaff, spear, sword/
gnome, halfling, and human, and etc. The only exception to this pat- short, swordllong. Armor Permit-
even half-elf if there enough half- tern is the half-elf. A half-elf can be ted: All non-metal armor; any
elves that they are recognized as a priest of the god of the elven race, metal armor made by elven crafts-
being an actual species). Usually, of the god of the human race, or of men; all shields. Oriental Cam-
the god is the one who, in the leg- the god of the half-elven race (as- paigns: Also bo stick, daikyu. All
ends, created the race in question suming that the DM even has a god together, these constitute Good
- or at least nurtured and edu- of the half-elven race). If a half-elf is combat abilities.
cated the race in difficult years. the priest of the god of the elven Gnomes: Weapons Permitted:
Naturally, there is a separate race, he follows all the guidelines Bows (all)/short, crossbowllight,
race-god for each race. (in this priest description)for those hand/throwing axe, javelin, sling.
The gods' priesthoods are dedi- priests instead of half-elven Armor Permitted: All armor and
cated to staving off threats against priests; if he is the priest of the god shields. All together, these consti-
the race, persuading members of of the human race, he follows all tute Good combat abilities.
the race to achieve their maxi- the guidelines for those priests in- Half-Elves: Weapons Permitted:
mum potential and destiny, and to stead of half-elven priests. Bows (all), daggerldirk, knife,
preventing members of the race Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- lance, lasso, swords (all). Armor
from betraying the race (or,for that ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- Permitted: All armor and shields.
matter, the world, or all life on the cies Required: Ancient History. All together, these constitute Good
world). Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- combat abilities.
A race-god is as likely to be male mended: Local History, Reading/ Halflings: Weapons Permitted:
as female. Writing, Religion, (Dwarves) Club, daggerldirk, dart, hand/
The priests of this god are on Blacksmithing, Armorer, Moun- throwing axe, javelin, knife, sling,
good terms with the priests of An- taineering, Weaponsmithing, staff sling. Armor Permitted: All
cestors, Birth/Children, Commu- (Elves) Animal Handling, Animal armor; no shields. All together,
nity, Culture, Good, and Marriage. Lore, Bowyer/Fletcher. Dancing, these constitute Medium combat
Also: (Dwarves)Crafts, Fire, Light- Running, Tracking, (Humans)Rid- abilities.
ning, Metalwork, Thunder. (Elves) ing Land-Based, Navigation, Her- Humans: Weapons Permitted:
Animals, Crafts, Nature, Race/ aldry. Weapon Proficiencies Bows (all), daggerldirk, knife,
Half-Elven. (Gnomes) Mischief/ Required: None. Nonweapon Profi- lance, spear, sword/long. Armor
'R-ickery. (Half-Elves) RacelElven, ciency Group Crossovers: Priest, Permitted: All non-magical armor
RacelHuman. (Halflings)Mischief/ General, Warrior. and shields. All together, these
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, constitute Good combat abilities.
.
80
Other Limitations: Whenever chapter). At 5th level: LayingOn of first-level fighters of his choice,
they appear in public, these priests Hands (same as the Paladin abil- and his fifth-level bodyguards.
must wear clothing or badges ity). A t 8th level: llzrn Undead For HalfElfpriwts, the followers
which indicate their status a s (same as the Cleric ability). consist of: One m - l e v e l priest, one
priests of the race. Important Note: Followers and Strongholds: third-level priest, and two first-level
There is no limitation on whom The followers are received at 8th priests of the same order; two f f i -
these racial priests can heal. A level. The priesthood will pay for level half-elf-fighters who act as
dwarf-race priest can heal anyone half of the cost of stronghold con- bodyguards: and ten flrst-level half-
he chooses - humans, half-elves, struction at 8th level. elf-fighters, each with a Nonweapon
gnomes, halflings, even elves. Of For Dwarfpriests, the followers Proficiency appropriate to the tem-
course, racial prejudice might consist of: One fifth-level priest, ple (reading/writingespecially). The
prompt the priest to deny healing one third-level priest, and two first- priest may take the following on ad-
to those of another race... but level priests of the same order: two ventures: ' h o priests and two fmt-
that's his individual choice, not a fifth-level dwarf-fighters who act level fighters of his choice, and his
requirement of his faith. as bodyguards; and twenty first- ffi-level bodyguards.
Spheres ofInfluence: level dwarf-fighters, each with a For Halfling priests, the fol-
Dwarves: Major Access to All, Nonweapon Proficiency appropri- lowers consist of: One fsth-level
Combat, Protection. Minor Access ate to the temple (blacksmithing priest, one third-level priest, and
to Divination, Healing. and mining especially).The priest two first-level priests of the same
Elves: Major Access to All, Plant, may take the following on adven- order; two fifth-level halfling-
Summoning. Minor Access to tures: ' h o priests and two first- fighters who act a s bodyguards;
Healing, Sun. The DM may, at his level fighters of his choice, and his and ten first-levelhalfling-fighters,
sole discretion, substitute Major fifth-levelbodyguards. each with a Nonweapon Profi-
Access to Animal sphere for the For Elfpriests, the followers con- ciency appropriate to the temple
Major Access to Summoning sist of: One fifth-level priest, one (agriculture and readinglwriting
sphere: alternatively. he may give third-level priest, and two first- especially). The priest may take
the player the option of choosing level priests of the same order; two the following on adventures: ' h o
Animal or Summoning. fifth-level elf-fighters who act as priests and two first-level fighters
Gnomes: Major Access to All, bodyguards: and ten first-level elf- of his choice, and his fsth-level
Plant, Protection. Minor Access to fighters, each with a Nonweapon bodyguards.
Divination, Healing. Proficiency appropriate to the tem- For Human priests, the followers
Half-Elves: Major Access to All, ple (animal lore, bowyedfletcher, consist of: One fifth-level priest,
Healing, and player's choice of one hunting, set snares, and tracking one third-level priest, and two first-
from the following list: Animal, especially). The priest may take level priests of the same order: two
Plant, Protection, or Summoning. the following on adventures: ' h o fifth-level human fighters who act
Minor Access to Divination, Necro- priests and two first-level fighters as bodyguards: and ten first-level
mantic. of his choice, and his fsth-level human fighters, each with a Non-
Halfings: Major Access to All, bodyguards. weapon Proficiency appropriate to
Creation, Divination, Guardian, For Gnome priests, the followers the temple (ancient history, local
Protection. Minor Access to consist of: One fifth-level priest, history, and readinglwriting espe-
Charm, Healing, Necromantic, one third-level priest, and two first- cially). The priest may take the fol-
Sun. level priests of the same order: two lowing on adventures: ' h o priests
Humans: Major Access to All, fifth-level gnome-fighters who act and two first-level fighters of his
Divination, Healing. Minor Access as bodyguards: and ten first-level choice, and his fifth-level body-
to Necromantic, Sun. gnome-fighters, each with a Non- guards.
Powers Incite Berserker Rage weapon Proficiency appropriate to Possible Symbols: (DwarfJAxe,
(as per the Designing Faiths chap- the temple (mining, set snares, Warhammer, Anvil: (EM0 Tree,
ter). Inspire Fear (as per the De- and tracking especially). The Bow: (Gnome) Throwing Axe;
signing Faiths chapter). Soothing priest may take the following on (Half-Elf)Crossed Bow & Sword:
Word (asper the Designing Faiths adventures: ' h o priests and two (HaMing)Low Hill With Windows:
82
(Human) Crossed Sword & Shield good. The priests may be any sort The followers are received at 9th
or Spear & Shield. of good alignment. The flock may level, and consist of three 3rd-level
Notes: The DM can create many be of any neutral or good align- priests and six 1st-level priests of
more racial priesthoods based on ment. the same order, plus five 3rd-level
the above examples,to reflect varia- Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- fighters who act as guards. The
tions within races. He could have a dom 9. Wisdom 16 means + 10% priest may take the following on
racial priesthood for the Aquatic Elf, experience. adventures: Three priests (only
similar to that of the Elf but using Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, one of which may be third-level)
the weapons which the priests of gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- and two fighters of his choice. The
oceans and rivers can use. He could mans. priesthood will pay for half of the
have another for the desert-dwellin; Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- cost of stronghold construction at
human where sabres, horse-back ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- 9th level.
riding, desert survival and no armor cies Required: Religion. Non- Possible Symbols: Silhouette of
are the order of the day. weapon Proficiencies Recom- kneeling supplicant.
The DM should be careful when mended: Readingmriting. Weap-
letting race-oriented priests in his on Proficiencies Required: None. Rulership, Kingship
campaign. It’s not difficult for new Nonweapon Proficiency Group
or inexperienced players to misin- This god is a god of authentica-
Crossovers: Priest, General.
terpret this class as a priesthood of tion: He bestows his blessings on
Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
the kings of various cities or coun-
prejudice, which is not the intent at Marriage. Missions: These priests
all. These priests are supposed to tries so that all will know the god
are often dispatched on missions to
support and celebrate the virtues of supports that king and his family.
persuade sinners and evildoers to
their own race, but notto be nasty to Usually, the god provides the king
repent their misdeeds. Therefore,
other races, contribute to stereo- with some artifact indicating his
on adventures, these priests prefer
approval.. . and magically takes
types about them, exalt in jokes to capture the chief evil-doers alive
about them, etc. There may be back the artifact when he with-
and give them the opportunity to re-
priests like that in any order, but draws his approval. (Theartifact is
cant and make reparations. When
they should be NPCs who are not usually a crown or a sceptre; these
the evildoers are unwilling to do so,
liked or appreciated by their fellows. are two near-universal symbols of
the priests are perfectly willing to let
kingship.)
normal or even vigilantejustice take
The god’s priests are advisors to
Redemption its course.
kings. They analyze politics and
This god takes the stand that all Weapon and Armor Restric-
make recommendations. They in-
opponents to a specific cause are tions: Weapons Permitted: Lasso,
tensively research the genealogy
evil and must be converted, re- mancatcher, naul, net, polearms,
and history of the king’s families,
deemed ... or destroyed. There scourge, whip. Armor Permitted:
the better to authenticate his hold
could be more than one god of re- All armor: no shields. All together,
on the throne. A t their god’s be-
demption, one for each different these constitute Good combat abil-
hest, they may participate in the
cause sufficiently important to ities.
overthrow of a king. Many of these
warrant one. In this respect, they Other Limitations: Priests of
priests do travel, in order to ac-
are much like the gods of Culture this sect must always wear clothes quire more information about the
(and their priests much like priests or badges indicating their priest-
king or to head off plots against
of the gods of Culture), but are pri- hood when appearing in public.
him.
marily soldiers for their cause. Spheres of Influence Major Ac-
In a male-dominated society,
The god of redemption is male. cess to All, Charm, Combat. Minor
this deity will be male. In a female-
The priests of this god are on Access to Divination, Healing.
dominated society, this deity will
good terms with the priests of Powers: Inspire Fear (asper the
be female. In a more equal society,
Good. The priests of this god dis- Designing Faiths chapter). At 5th
the god may be of either sex.
like the priests of Evil. level: 7In-n Undead (same as the
The priests of this god are on
Alignment: The deity is neutral Cleric ability).
good terms with the priests of
Followers and Strongholds:
83
Community, Culture, Messengers, Weapon a n d Armor Restric- ‘arons
Peace, and War. tions: Weapons Permitted: One This god celebrates the chang-
Alignment: The deity is true type of bludgeoning weapon (the ing seasons, and so is related to the
neutral. The priests may be neu- DM chooses one from the following gods of agriculture and time. His
tral evil, true neutral, or neutral list, choosing the preferred bludg- priests maintain the calendar and
good: evil priests have their own eoning weapon of the culture: are often find astronomers.
sect and the other priests don’t Club, flails (both),mace, morning Lesser gods of this attribute
have to tolerate them. The flock star,warhammer), and one type of would be gods of individual sea-
may be of any alignment. sword (DM chooses one type from sons: the god of spring, the god of
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- ollowing list, choosing the prefer- summer, the god of winter, and
dom 10, Charisma 11. Wisdom or .ed sword of the culture: Bastard, (where applicable) the god of au-
Charisma 16 means +5% experi- xtlass, khopesh, long, rapier, sa- tumn (not all regions recognize a n
ence: Wisdom and Charisma 16 r e , short, or two-handed). Armor autumn season).
means + 10%experience. ’ermitted: All metal armor. all The gods of seasons are usually
Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also female.
gnomes, half-elves, humans. ratanaand wakizashi added to the The priests of this god are on
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- ist of sword choices. All together, good terms with Druids and the
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- hese constitute Good combat abil- priests of Agriculture, Earth, Ele-
cies Required: Etiquette. Non- ties. mental Forces, Fertility, Life-
weapon Proficiencies Recom- Other Limitations: None. Death-Rebirth Cycle, Nature,
mended: Heraldry, Ancient His- Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- Skymeather, Time, and Vegeta-
tory, Ancient Languages, Local :ess to All, Charm, Elemental. Mi- tion.
History, ReadinglWriting, Reli- ior Access to Healing, Protection. Alignment: The deity is true
gion. Weapon Proficiencies Re- Powers Soothing Word (as per neutral. The priests may be true
quired: None. Nonweapon Pro- b e Designing Faiths chapter). In- neutral or neutral good most are
ficiency Group Crossovers: Priest, I t e Berserker Rage (asper the De- true neutral. The flock may be of
General. signing Faiths chapter). A t 8th any alignment.
Duties of t h e Priest: Guidance, level: Inspire Fear (as per the De- Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
Marriage. Missions: When a ruler signing Faiths chapter). dom 10.Wisdom 16 means + 10%
sees opportunities to strengthen Followers a n d Strongholds: experience.
his throne or eliminate problems The followers are received at 9th Races Allowed Elves, gnomes,
that might endanger his throne, he level, and consist of one fifth-level half-elves, halflings, humans.
often asks for priests of this sect to priest, one third-level priest, and Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
accompany the adventurers he two first-level priests of the same ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
dispatches; the local temples usu- order, plus three third-level fight- cies Required: Weather Sense.
ally cooperate and provide adven- ers and six first-level fighters to act Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
turer priests to accompany those as guards: each fighter must have mended: Astrology, Agriculture,
parties. Vigilance: These priests one of the following Nonweapon Navigation, R e a d i n e r i t i n g , Reli-
are required to stay alert against Proficiencies: etiquette or her- gion. Weapon Proficiencies Re-
forces which threaten the local aldry. The priest may take the fol- quired: None. Nonweapon
thrones. This includes foreign in- lowing on adventures: ?tvo priests Proficiency Group Crossovers:
trigue and even internal problems: and three fighters (only one of Priest, General.
if a local king has become corrupt whom may be third-level) of his Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
and tyrannical, and the local popu- choice. The priesthood will pay for Marriage.
lation is edging toward rebellion, half of the cost of stronghold con- Weapon and Armor Restric-
these priests may put pressure on struction at 9th level. tions: Weapons Permitted Club,
the king to shape up. .. or may even Possible Symbols: Crown, quarterstaff, maul, polearms,
oppose or depose him, so that the Sceptre. . . scythe, sickle. Armor Permitted:
throne will remain strong under a All non-metal armor: no shields.
ew, better ruler.
Samnle Priesthoods
Oriental Campaigns: Also bo things which dwell there. Because the priest will be dispatched to
stick, nunchaku. All together, of this, the priests seldom leave help straighten out the situation.
these constitute Medium combat those sites, and so this is not usu- Weapon and Armor Restric-
abilities. ally a good choice for a player- tions: Weapons Permitted: One
Other Limitations: None. character. Only when the site is lesser weapon from the following
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- threatened by distant powers is list (Club, daggerldirk, hand1
cess to All, Creation, Elemental, the priest allowed to leave the site throwing axe, javelin, light cross-
Protection, Weather. Minor Access for adventures. bow, mace, short bow,
to Animal, Divination, Healing, Site gods are as likely to be male warhammer) and one greater
Plant. as female. weapon from the following list
Powers: Immunity (as per the The priests of this god are on (Battle axe, heavy crossbow, long
Designing Faiths chapter, auto- good terms with the priests of An- bow, morning star, polearm, quar-
matically successful saving cestors and Community. terstaff, spear, swordllong). (The
throws) vs. all priest spells of the Alignment: A deity who is the pa- DM makes this choice based on the
elemental sphere, and all wizard tron of a single site will probably be history and attributes of the holy
spells with coldness and heat (not true neutral: his interest is in the site: often, the choices will be
fire!) as one of their components or survival and veneration of the site, paired, such as dagger and long
effects. with little interest in the doings of sword or throwing axe and battle
Followers and Strongholds: men. Their priests may be of any axe.) Armor Permitted: All non-
The followers are received at 8th neutral alignment, but neutral evil magical armor and shields. All to-
level, and consist of three third- priests gather in one cult, while true gether, these constitute Good
level priests and eleven first-level neutral and neutral good priests combat abilities.
priests of the same order, plus ten gather in a second they won’t be Other Limitations: None.
first-level fighters who act as friendly to one another. The flock Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
guards. The priest may take the may be of any alignment. The DM cess to All, Healing, Protection. Mi-
following on adventures: Three can decide that a particular site de- nor Access to Animal, Plant.
priests (only one of whom may be ity is neutral good, in which case Powers: Inspire Fear (asper the
third-level) and four fighters. The there will be no evil priests or flock; Designing Faiths chapter); this
priesthood will pay for half of the or that he is neutral evil, in which power is granted by the god to help
cost of stronghold construction at case there will be no good priests or the priest keep the site clear of those
8th level. flock. who would harm or despoil it.
Possible Symbols: (Spring)Sap- Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Followers and Strongholds:
ling, (Summer) Sheaf of Wheat, dom 1 2 , Strength 1 0 . Wisdom or The followers are received at 8th
(Autumn) Leaf, (Winter) Leafless Strength 1 6 means +5% experi- level, and consist of three third-
P e e , (Entire Year) All of the Above. ence: Wisdom and Strength 1 6 level priests and six first-level
means + 1 0 % experience. priests of the same order, plus one
Sites Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, fifth-level fighter, two third-level
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- fighters and four first-level fighters
These gods are much like gods of who act as guards for the site and
mans.
communities,but the sites they rep- the chief priest. The priest may
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
resent don’t have to be occupied. A take the following on adventures:
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
site-god could be the deity of a Three priests (only two of whom
cies Required: Local History.
mountain, a cave, a plain, or a val- can be third-level)and one fighter
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
ley. These are usually minor gods, of his choice. The priesthood will
mended: Religion, Reading/
one god to a site. Generally, the sites
Writing. Weapon Proficiencies pay for half of the cost of strong-
are famous because they are the hold construction at 8th level.
Required: None. Nonweapon Profi-
dwellings of gods: however, the gods
ciency Group Crossovers: Priest, Possible Symbols: A silhouette
seldom let themselves be seen.
General. representing the site: if it’s a
Priests of these gods are protec- mountain, it would be the silhou-
Duties of the Priest: Marriage.
tors of the sites, and all living ette of the mountain, for instance.
Missions: If the site is threatened,
.
85
Sky, Weather Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- of competition) and war. ~
87
Sample Pries1 Bods
1
one bard of his choice. The priest- mean + 10%experience. the will of individual gods, but the
hood will pay for half of the cost of Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, inevitability of change brought on
stronghold construction at 9th gnomes, half-elves, humans. by time.
level. Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- His priests preach the philoso-
Possible Symbols: Sun (With or ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- phy of patience to the flock, and
Without Rays); Chariot. cies Required: Weather Sense. help all the members of the flock
Notes: The weapons permitted Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- adapt themselves to their chang-
for this order are those which mended: Reading/Writing, Reli- ing bodies, lifestyles, and needs as
strike from afar, like the inspira- gion. Weapon Proficiencies Re- they go through life.
tion (or heatstroke) of the sun. quired: Warhammer. Nonweapon The time-god is male.
Proficiency Group Crossovers: The priests of this god are on
Thunder Priest, General, Warrior. good terms with the priests of
The thunder-god is very similar Duties of the Priest: Guidance, Death, Elemental Forces, Fate/
to the lightning-god; in campaigns Marriage. Destiny, Seasons, and Wisdom.
where they both exist, they will Weapon and Armor Restric- Alignment: The deity is true
probably be related, even broth- tions: Weapons Permitted: Club, neutral. The priests may be true
ers. He represents the fearsome- mace, maul, morning star, war- neutral or neutral good; most are
ness of nature, natural forces at hammer. Armor Permitted: All ar- true neutral. The flock may be of
their most frightening, and so is a mor and shields. All together, these any alignment.
god of terror and fear as well. Like constitute Good combat abilities. Minimum Ability Scores: Wis-
the lightning-god, he is also a god Other Limitations:None. dom 12. Wisdom 16 means + 10%
of storms. Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- experience.
Also as with the lightning-god, cess to All, Combat, Weather. Mi- Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves,
the thunder-god is not very con- nor Access to Divination, gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
cerned with the affairs of mortals; Protection. mans.
he lets them worship him and Powers: Incite Berserker Rage Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
grants power to his priests, but (as per the Designing Faiths chap- ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
otherwise doesn’t interfere much ter). At 5th level: Inspire Fear (as cies Required: Ancient History.
in mortal affairs. His priests pro- per the Designing Faiths chapter). Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
mote worship of his power and Followers and Strongholds:The mended: Local History, Reading/
fearsomeness, especially as traits followers are received at 8th level, Writing, Religion. Weapon Pro-
which the followers wish to use and consist of three third-level ficiencies Required: None. Non-
against their enemies. priests and six first-level priests of weapon Proficiency Group Cross-
The thunder-god is male. the same order, plus three third- overs: Priest, General.
The priests of this god are on level fighters and six first-levelfight- Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
good terms with the priests of Ele- ers to act as guards. The priest may Marriage.
mental Forces, Lightning (espe- take the following on adventures: Weapon and Armor Restric-
cially), Nature, Race (Dwarven), l k o priests and two fighters of his tions: Weapons Permitted:
SkyIWeather, and Strength. choice. The priesthood will pay for Scythe, sickle. Armor Permitted:
Alignment: The deity is true half of the cost of stronghold con- All non-magical armor; no shields.
neutral. The priests may be neu- struction at 8th level. All together, these constitute Me- ~
tral evil, true neutral, or neutral Possible Symbols: War- dium combat abilities.
good: evil priests have their own hammer; Warhammer Across Other Limitations: None.
sect and the other priests don’t Mountain. Spheres of Influence:Major Ac-
have to tolerate them. The flock cess to All, Astral, Divination,
may be of any alignment. Time Healing, Necromantic. Minor Ac-
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- This god is the deity of the cess to Plant, Protection, Sun, and
dom 10, Strength 12. Wisdom or march of time. He represents inev- Weather.
Strength 16 mean +5% experi- itability - not destiny based on Powers: Identification (as per
ence; Wisdom and Strength 16 the Designing Faiths chapter) of
88
the current time and day; regard- have to tolerate them. The flock the languages chosen must be
less of how long the priest has been may be of any alignment. those of sentient humanoids.
underground, unconscious, or Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Soothing Word (as per the Design-
otherwise unable to observe the dom 12, Charisma 13. Wisdom or ing Faiths chapter).
passage of time, he’ll know Charisma 16 means +5% experi- Followers and Strongholds: The
roughly what time it is (within the ence; Wisdom and Charisma 16 followers are received at 8th level,
hour) and exactly what day of the means + 10%experience. and consist of three third-level
year it is. At 3rd level: Laying On of Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, priests and six fust-level priests of
Hands (same as the Paladin abil- gnomes, half-elves, hafllings, hu- the same order, plus three second-
ity). A t 5th level: mrn Undead mans. level bards and two second-level
(same as the Cleric ability). Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- thieves to act as agents (eyes and
Followers a n d Strongholds: ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- ears) and one fifth-level fighter (to
The followers are received at 8th cies Required: Appraising. act as guard). The priest may take
level, and consist of one fifth-level Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- the following on adventures: Tivo
priest, five third-level priests, and mended: Etiquette, Modern Lan- priests, one bard, and one thief of
ten first-level priests of the same guages, Riding Land-Based, his choice, and the fighter. The
order. The priest may take the fol- ReadingIWriting, Religion. priesthood will pay for half of the
lowing on adventures: Tivo priests Weapon Proficiencies Required: cost of stronghold construction at
of his choice. The priesthood will None. Nonweapon Proficiency 8th level.
pay for half of the cost of strong- Group Crossovers: Priest, General. Possible Symbols: Ships
hold construction at 8th level. Duties of the Priest: Guidance, Coins.
Possible Symbols: Hourglass, Marriage.
Scythe. Weapon and Armor Restric- Vegetation
tions: Weapons Permitted: Bill, This is a god of nature who is de-
Trade daggeddirk, dart, handlthrowing voted specifically to plant-life. He
This god loves bargaining, and axe, javelin, knife, main-gauche, is an admirer of vast forests and
loves characters who bargain well. stiletto, swordlrapier, sword/ plains and all sorts of plant
He also promotes the exchange of sabre, swordlshort. Armor Permit- growth, especially that which is
ideas between cultures through ted: All non-metal armor: no wild and not fettered or trimmed
trade. And these, too, are the traits shields. Oriental Campaigns: or tamed by mankind.
of his priests, who try to keep trade Also shuriken, wakizashi. All to- Priests of the god try to make
routes between nations open, free gether, these constitute Medium sure that there are always tracts of
from excessive taxes, and mutu- combat abilities. wilderness in abundance for the
ally profitable. Other Limitations: None. god to admire. They work hard to
The god of trade also likes the Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- keep civilization from making in-
god of mischief and trickery, and cess to All, Charm, Divination, roads too deep into wilderness.
he is a suitable deity for the wor- Guardian, Protection. Minor Ac- They do this by spreading tales of
ship of thieves and bards. cess to Combat, Healing, Sun, the forest as a deep and dangerous
The trade-god is male. Weather. place. They often sneak around in
The priests of this god are on Powers: Immunity (automati- the wilderness using their spells
good terms with the priests of cally successful saving throw, as on travelling city-folk, or stock the
Community, Crafts, Culture, per the Designing Faiths chapter) forest with dangerous animals, in
FortunelLuck, Messengers, vs. all spells with the word charm order to reinforce this impression.
Mischief/?f-ickery,and Prosperity. in the name. LanguagelCom- They do not impede those who
Alignment: The deity is true munication (as per the Designing know the forest (elves, gnomes,
neutral. The priests may be neu- Faiths chapter); from 1st level to rangers, hunters, trappers, woods-
tral evil, true neutral, or neutral 4th, the priest receives one extra men), but will terrorize innocents
good; evil priests have their own language per level (or one extra and city-soft travellers.
sect and the other priests don’t nonweapon proficiency slot which Vegetation-gods are as likely tn
can only be used for languages): be male as female.
89
i
The priests of this god are on ing Faiths chapter); the priest can Community, Culture, Guardian-
good terms with Druids and the pass through overgrown areas like ship, JusticelRevenge, Messen-
priests of Agriculture, Earth, Fer- the druid, but can do so at 1stlevel. gers, Metalwork, Mischief1
tility, Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle, Followers and Strongholds: The 'nickery, and RnlershipMingship.
Nature, Seasons, and Sky/ followers are received at 8th level, The priests of this god dislike the
Weather. and consist of one fifth-level priest, priests of Peace.
Alignment: The deity is true three third-level priests, and sixteen Alignment: The deity is true
neutral. The priests may be true fist-level priests of the same order. neutral. The priests may be neu-
neutral or neutral good: most are The priest may take the following tral evil, true neutral, or neutral
true neutral. The flock may be of on adventures: ?tnro priests of his good: evil priests have their own
any alignment. choice. The priesthood will pay for sect and the other priests don't
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- half of the cost of stronghold con- have to tolerate them. The flock
dom 9. Wisdom 16 means +lo% struction at 8th level. may be of any alignment.
experience. Possible Symbols: Single plant Minimum Ability Scores Wis-
Races Allowed: Elves, gnomes, of any sort (except domestic dom 9,Strength 13. Wisdom or
half-elves, halflings, humans. grains). Strength 16 means +5%experi-
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- ence: Wisdom and Strength 16
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- means + 10%experience.
cies Required: Herbalism. Non- Races Allow& Dwarves, elves,
This god is the deity of combat
weapoh Proficiencies Recom- and warfare. He exists only to pro- gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu-
mended: Agriculture, Reading/ mote and participate in bloody mans.
Writing, Religion, Mountaineer- battle. Nonweapon and Weapon Profi-
ing, Survival, lkacking. Weapon Each nation has priests of this ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien-
ProficienciesRequired: None. Non- god, and in each nation the priests cies Required: Blind-fightbg.
weapon Proficiency Group Cross- constitute a separate cult; they do Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom-
overs: Priest, General, Warrior. mended: Animal 'Raining, Her-
not cooperate with one another in
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, times of war, especially when their aldry, Riding Land-Based,Healing,
Marriage. armies are opposed. They help ReadinglWriting, Religion, Ar-
Weapon and Armor Restric- train new warriors, teach battle- morer, BowyerlFletcher. Cha-
tions: Weapons Permitted: Club, field tactics, and make records of riateering, Hunting, Tunning,
quarterstaff, scythe, sickle. Armor Qacking. Weapon Proficiencies
the most valiant fights of any war
Permitted: No armor; all wooden or battle. Required: No specific weapon re-
shields (no metal or leather). Ori- quired, but priest must choose one
In painful times of peace, these
ental Campaigns: Also nunchaku. individual sects may cooperate weapon from the list of weapons
All together, these constitute Poor with one another. However, they available (below)and specialfze in
combat abilities. that weapon according to normal
usually only do so to conspire and
Other Limitations: Priests of weapon specialfzation rudes. He is
start up another war.
this sect may not wear leathers or Lesser gods of war will be gods of the only priest who can take any
furs in their clothing. some secondary aspect. One might weapon specialization. Non-
Spheres of Influence Major Ac- weapon Proficiency Groyp Cross-
be the god of Berserker Rages, an-
c e s to All, Divination, Healing, other the god of Battlefield Terror, overs: Priest, General. Wwrior.
Plant, Protection, Summoning, Duties of the Priest: Guidance,
another the god of Confusion, an-
Weather. Minor Access to Animal, Marriage. Missions: The priests
other the god of Tactics, another
Combat, Creation, Guardian, Nec- the god of Cavdry... and so on. want to and are required to accom-
romantic, Sun. pany armies on the march of war.
The chief war-god is male, but
Powers: Analysis. Identification At every war, priests of this sect
lesser war-gods are as likely to be
(as per the Designing Faiths chap- female as male. will be in attendance on the om-
ter):the priest can identify plants of The priests of this god are on cers and rulers of both sides. Vigi-
any sort with perfect accuracy. &fi- lance: The priests of this sect
good terms with the priests of
ance of Obstacle (asper the Design- must keep their eyes open against
90
complacency and the tide of phi- ships wildly off-course. paigns: Also chain, daikyu, shuri-
losophies of peacefulness; if a land The priesthood of the god of ken. All together, these constitute
is too peaceful for too long, they winds makes these prayers for Good combat abilities.
must shake things up and get a friendly winds, and tries to make Other Limitations: None.
war, even a small one, going. sure that the wind-god gets his due Spheres of Influence: Major Ac-
Weapon and Armor Restric- of worship; but these priests other- cess to All, Elemental (the priest
tions: Weapons Permitted: Battle wise are left much to their own de- can only use the spells dust devil,
axe, bows (all),daggerldirk, knife, vices, and many are adventurers air walk, chariot of Sustarre, and
lance, mace, maul, polearm, spear, and hero-sailors. wind walk), Protection, Weather.
swords (all), warhammer. Armor Lesser wind-gods will be gods Minor Access to Divination,
Permitted: All armor and shields. representing specific types of Guardian. The priest gets an extra
Oriental Campaigns: Also katana, winds: The cold north wind, the major access to make up for the se-
wakizashi. All together, these con- balmy southern wind, the terrify- vere limitation imposed on his Ele-
stitute Good combat abilities. ing typhoon or hurricane, the in- mental sphere access.
Other Limitations: None. credibly destructive tornado. Powers: At 3rd level: Shape-
Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- Wind-gods are male. changing (as per the Designing
cess to Combat, Healing. Minor Ac- The priests of this god are on Faiths chapter),into one bird form
cess to Necromantic, Protection. good terms with the priests of Sky1 of the DM’s choice (the DM may al-
Powers: Incite Berserker Rage Weather. low the player to choose the bird
(as per the Designing Faiths chap- Alignment: The deity is true form, if the DM so wishes). At 8th
ter). At 5th level: Inspire Fear (as neutral. The priests may be true level: The priest can cast one aerial
per the Designing Faiths chapter]. neutral or neutral good: most are servant spell per day, in addition to
Followers and Strongholds: true neutral. The flock may be of all his other spells.
The followers are received at 8th any alignment. Followers and Strongholds:
level, and consist of one fifth-level Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- The followers are received at 8th
priest, three third-level priests and dom 9, Dexterity 12. Wisdom or level, and consist of one fifth-level
six first-level priests of the same Dexterity 16 means +5% experi- priest, three third-level priests,
order, plus two fifth-level fighters ence: Wisdom and Dexterity 16 and six first-level priests of the
who act as guards. The priest may means + 10%experience. same order, plus ten first-level
take the following on adventures: Races Allowed: Elves, gnomes, fighters to serve as guards. The
Three priests of his choice, and half-elves, halflings, humans. priest may take the following on
one fighter. The priesthood will Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- adventures: Any three priests and
pay for half of the cost of strong- ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- four fighters of his choice. The
hold construction at 8th level. The cies Required: Weather Sense. priesthood will pay for half of the
stronghold must include a large Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- cost of stronghold construction at
armory chamber. mended: Riding Airborne, 8th level.
Possible Symbols: Sword Readingwriting, Religion. Weap- Possible Symbols: Birds: Sails
Across Banner; Polearms In For- on Proficiencies Required: None. Filled With Wind.
mation. Nonweapon Proficiency Group
Crossovers: Priest, General. Wisdom
Wind Duties of the Priest: Guidance, This is a god of common sense.
This god is related to the god of Marriage. Wisdom is distinct from, though
sky and weather, but he is devoted Weapon and Armor Restric- normally compatible with, formal
only to winds. Sailors, especially, tions: Weapons Permitted: Blow- education and conventional learn-
pray to these gods, praying for gun, bows (all), crossbow, ing; but it is not the same. It con-
good winds to take them in the di- daggerldirk, dart, handlthrowing
sists merely of having sense
rection they wish to go. Wind-gods axe, javelin, knife, lasso, mace, enough to know what it otherwise
are playful and sometimes mali- net, scourge, sling, spear, staff takes experience or an education
cious, and may choose to blow sling, whip. Armor Permitted: All to learn. The learned man knows
armor: no shields. Oriental Cam-
91
from experience when his words this sect believe in education for its ist. The priesthood will pay for half
will provoke a fight: the wise man own sake, and work to provide of the cost of stronghold construc-
knows it intuitively. instinctively. teaching to all the flock and even tion at 9th level.
The priests of this god promote the general population (when pos- Possible Symbols: Owl, Raven,
sensible solutions and actions on sible). Vigilance: These priests try Vulture.
the part of the flock. They suggest to act as advisors to rulers, in order
compromises and alternatives. to keep them from making deci- Combining Traits in One
They plan future events. The look sions in a too-hasty or foolish fash-
for trouble in upcoming events ion. Local rulers often do give
Priesthood
and try to head it off. But this isn’t them posts as advisors. It may be that one god has sev-
a god of peace, and so the priests of Weapon and Armor Restric- eral different attributes. In real-
wisdom will often be advisors to tions Weapons Permitted: Bows world mythologies, many, many
military officers, helping them (all), daggerldirk, javelin, knife, gods possessed many different
plan effective strategies. picks (all), quarterstaff, spear, traits all at the same time.
The god of wisdom will be fe- swordllong, swordlshort. Armor Which leads to the question:
male. Permitted: All armor and shields. When one god possesses several
The priests of this god are on Oriental Campaigns: Also bo stick, attributes, which priest class do
good terms with the priests of Di- daikyu, katana, nunchaku, sai, you use for his priests?
vinity of Mankind, Good, wakizashi. All together, these con- There are two ways to answer
LiteraturelPoetry, Mischief/ stitute Good combat abilities. that.
’Rickery, OracleslProphecy, and Other Limitations: None.
Time. The priests of this god dis- Spheres of Influence: Major Ac- Multiple Priest Classes
like the priests of Evil, whom they cess to All, Charm, Divination. Mi- One way to do this is to let the
do not consider sensible. nor Access to Healing, Sun. god simultaneously have several
Alignment: The deity is good: at Powers: Immunity (as per the appropriate priesthoods. They
the DM’s discretion, he may be Designing Faiths chapter) to con- would actually constitute a single
chaotic good, neutral good, or law- fusion and feeblemind spells. “priesthood” with several differ-
ful good, but is probably neutral Soothing Word (asper the Design- ent “orders” in it, each order dedi-
good. Regardless of his alignment, ing Faiths chapter). At 5th level: cated primarily to one of the god’s
his priests may be of any good Inspire Fear (asper the Designing attributes.
alignment. The flock may be of Faiths chapter). A t 8th level: That way, if a specific god (let‘s
any neutral or good alignment. Prophecy (as per the Designing call him Kyros the Storm-Shaker)
Minimum Ability Scores: Wis- Faiths chapter). is a god of both War and Sky, two
dom 13.Wisdom 16 means + 10% Followers a n d Strongholds: characters becoming his priests
experience. The followers are received at 9th could do so in different ways. One
Races Allowed Dwarves, elves, level, and consist of two third-level character can become a priest of
gnomes, half-elves, halflings, hu- priests and four first-level priests the war-god; another is a priest of
mans. of the same order, plus one fifth- the sky-god.But they belong to the
Nonweapon and Weapon Profi- level fighter, one third-level priesthood of Kyros, each serving
ciencies: Nonweapon Proficien- fighter, and two second-level fight- the god in a different way.
cies Required: Religion. ers to act as guards, and one third- Let’s take an example from real-
Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- level mage, one third-level bard, world mythology. In Greek myth,
mended: Modem Languages, An- one second-level thief, and one the god Zeus was a deity of many,
cient History, Ancient Languages, second-level illusionist to act as many different attributes. These
Local History, ReadinglWriting. consultants. The priest may take were some of those attributes:
Weapon Proficiencies Required: the following on adventures: ?ko
None. Nonweapon Proficiency priests (only one of whom may be Fertility
Group Crossovers: Priest, General. third-level, plus two fighters of his Lightning
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, choice, and two from the following Oracles/F’rophecy
1 Marriage. Education: Priests of list: mage, bard, thief, and illusion-
-
RulershiplKingship and the goddess of War is any sort Nonweapon Proficiency Gr
Skymeather of Neutral alignment. Therefore, Crossovers are obviously Pr
Strength our combined Community/Love/ General, and W v ’ n r
Wisdom War goddess averages out to be
neutral good. Her priests should Duties of the Pries
Therefore, in a campaign where also be neutral good. W i n g the duties from the three
Zeus is a god, a character created types of priesthoods which are
to be a priest of Zeus could be any Minimum Ability Score most appropriate to this combined
one of those seven types of priests. The goddess of Community re- class, we get:
In your own campaign, you can quires W10, Ch12. The goddess of Guidance, Marriage.
define any god as having two or Love requires W10, Ch13. The Education in the history of the
more attributes, and therefore two goddess of War requires W9, S13. city.
or more different classes of priests Wisdom and Charisma are obvi- Vigilance ’Rying to preserve the
can serve that god. ously the leaders here: the priests opportunities for romantic love-
That’s the simple way to do this. of this goddess must have Wisdom matches and marriages in the com-
10, Charisma 13,andreceive +5% munity, but also recommending
Revised Priest Classes experience if either ability is 16 or marriages which will ally strong
The hard way to do this is to cre- better, or + 10%if both abilities are families and benefit the city.
ate an entirely new priest-class. 16or better. Missions of defense when the
Use the Faith Design Sheet from city is threatened by attackers.
Races Allowc
the previous chapter to work such Weapon and Armor Restrictions
a thing up. None of t h usee
~ priest Llaases
First, look over the priest class (Community, Love, War) excludes The Community goddess’
rules for all the classes related to any race. Therefore, this com- priests can use dagger and knife,
the attributes you want the god to bined class allows priests who are and two weapons representing the
contain. Then, choose the ele- dwarves, elves, gnomes, half- city. The Love goddess’ priests can
ments from each you like. Remem- elves, halflings, and humans. use bow (small), club, lasso, man-
ber to balance your choices of the catcher, and net. The War goddess’
priest’s combat abilities with those Nonweapon and Weapon priests can use battle axe, dagger/
of his available spheres of influ- Proficiencies dirk, knife, lance, mace, maul,
ence so that he will not end up sig- Community requires Local His- polearm, spear, swords (all), war-
nificantly stronger or weaker than tory. Love requires Herbalism. War hammer.
any other priest class. requires Blind-Fighting. None of These are three pretty incompat-
Let’screate such a class as an ex- these seems to apply especially ap- ible sets of permitted weapons. But
ample. Let‘s say the goddess Mele- propriately to this combined god- since this combined-attribute god-
beth is the goddess of Love, but in dess: since she was originally a dess will be using weapons mainly
the city of Askarth she is also the goddess of Love, with the other at- to defend her city, we can elimi-
civic deity and is known as “The tributes added in this one city, the nate the comparatively weak
Girder-On” because she is said to default should be Herbalism. weapons of the pure love-goddess:
arm the city’s warriors for combat: %king the most appropriate let us settle on the weapons of the
she is therefore a goddess of Love, Nonweapon Proficiencies Recom- Community goddess’ priesthood.
Community, and War. What does mended, we get Heraldry, This will include dagger and knife,
her priesthood look like? ReadinglWriting, Religion, Riding and (for the city of Ashkarth) bows
Land-Based, Healing, Blind- (any)and long sword.
Alignment As for armor: The Community
Fighting, and Local History.
The goddess of Community is Most of the three original classes goddess’ priests could use all ar-
probably true neutral, but may be require no specific Weapon Profi- mor and shields, the Love God-
of anv alignment. The goddess of ciencies, so we’ll follow that pat- dess’ priests could use no armor or
shields, and the War Goddess‘, . .
.. .. . .
1 , . . ,. C ’
z. :I,
:I: .j ; : , ,
, ’ ~ * .
.
priests could use all armor and
shields. It sounds, by weight of
numbers, as though the priests
cided above, has Good Combat
Abilities, the priesthood will have
Major Access to the All sphere and
guards, and five levels of Normal
Men and Women with appropriate
Nonweapon F’roficiencies. ~
I
I
should be able to use all armor and two other spheres, and Minor Ac- The goddess of war :gets 20
shields. Between the superior ar- cess to two spheres. Let’s choose levels of priests and 10 Levels of
mor and the two good weapons the most appropriate ones. rightedguards.
they can use, these priests have Therefore, the priests of this Averaging this out soinewhat,
Good combat abilities. This means combined-trait goddess get: Major the priest of our combindd-aspect
they will have very limited magic. A C C W to All, Charm, Healing. Mi- goddess should get 15 levels of
nor Access to Combat, Protection. priests (three third-level priests
Other Limitations and six first-levelpriests), :lolevels
sts of the civic goddess must Powers 3f fighters (twothird-level fighters
s wear priestly garments in and four first-level fighters to act
Priests of the community-
iests of the love goddess as guards), and five levels bf mage/
goddess get Incite Berserker Rage,
d hit dice and must be consultants (one third-level mage
Soothing Word, and Zbrn Undead.
time they reach 8th and two first-level mages). On ad-
Priests of the love-goddess get
level; priests of the war-goddess ventures, he can take three priests
CharnUFascination, Incite Ber-
o other limitations. serker Rage, Inspire Fear, Sooth-
(as usual, only one can be third-
combined-goddess’ priests level: the remaining two third-
ing Word, and Zbrn Undead: these
retain the limitation of wear- level priests run the temple in the
priests received extra powers
ing priestly garments whenever character’s absence), thrke fight-
partly because they had only four-
they’re in public: these priests are ers (ditto), and one mage of his
sided hit dice, a condition that the
still priests of a civic deify, after all. choice.
priests of this combined goddess
And since the goddess is still a do not share.
deity of love, the marriage restric- Priests of the war-goddess get In- M ss Characters
tion should remain. cite Berserker Rage: At 5th level: 1, ,YYydefor demihqmans -,
But since this goddess is a Inspire Fear. be multi-class combina4ions in-
fighter, let‘s drop the four-sidedhit %king the common threads cluding the priest character
dice limitation: priests of this from these three goddesses,we de- classes above.
priesthood receive eight-sided hit cide that priests of the combined- On the chart of the Player‘s
dice like most fighting priests. attribute goddess receive: Handbook, page 44,showing the
Incite Berserker Rage, Zbrn Un- possible multi-class combhations,
Spheres of Influence
dead, and, a t 5th level, Inspire substitute the word “priest” wher-
The priests of the community- F€-- ever you see “cleric.”Those are the
goddess get: Major Access to All, possible combinations.
Creation, Healing. Minor Access to :rs and Strongholds
The only limit the charqcter pos-
Combat, Protection. The goddesses of Community sesses on which type of $nest he
The priests of the love-goddess and Love both get their followers may be is the racial lihitation
get: Major Access to All, Animal, at 7th level, the goddess of War at posed for each priest-clay above.
Charm, Healing, Necromantic, 8th. so we’ll settle on 7th level, and If a priest-class says +at elves
Protection, Summoning. Minor also at 7th level the priesthood will can’t belong to it, then o~viously
Access to Creation, Divination, pay for half of the stronghold con- an elf can’t be a multi-clw fighter/
Guardian, Plant, Sun, and structions. priest of that type of priesthood.
Weather. The goddess of community gets Multi-class priest characters fol-
The priests of the war-goddess 15 levels of priests and 15levels of low all the rules for m+lti-class
g e t Major Access to Combat, Heal- fighters. characters, from pages 44 and 45
ing. Minor Access to Necromantic, The goddess of love gets 15levels of the Player’s Handbook.;
Protection. of priests, five levels of magel
Since this pries consultants, five levels of fighter/
I Priest Kits
1 In the last chapter, you were con- (For example, if a character has campaign. For example, an Out-
1
ronted with over sixty different been a perfectly ordinary priest law Priest of the God of Love would
riest character classes to choose until now, he should not take the have a very different campaign
rom. Certainly, that range of Outlaw Priest kit; it‘s not appropri- role than the Amazon Priestess of
hoices will make it easy for your ate.) the same god.
o individualize your pnest charac- Once a character has taken a Secondary Skills: If you’re us-
er - to make him different from Priest Kit, he cannot change it to ing the Secondary Skills rules
the rest of the campaign’s clerics. another Priest Kit. He can, how- from the AD&D@ 2nd Edition game
1 In this chapter, we’ll make that ever, eventually abandon it (see rule books, then your kit may re-
k e n easier. “Abandoning Kits” later in this quire your priest to take a specific
i You can further customize your chapter): having abandoned a kit, skill instead of choosing or
iest by taking a priest kit for he will not be able to take another random-rolling his Secondary
A kit is a collection of skills, one. Skill. However, even more so than
ciencies, restrictions, benefits If you want to inject the choice of in The Complete Fighter’s Hand-
hindrances which give the the Priest Kit into the character book, we’re recommending that
est more background and per- creation process, you’ll first want you use the Weapon and Non-
further define his role in to determine your character’s weapon Proficiency rules instead
paign and in the cam- Ability Scores (Player3 Handbook of the Secondary Skill rules.
s cultures, and give him ad- Chapter l),Race (Chapter 2). Class Weapon Proficiencies: The
ges and disadvantages to (Cleric or Druid from Chapter 3 of priest-kit could require the priest
him more colorful. the Player3 Handbook, or one of to take a specific weapon profi-
I(
the priest classes from the pre- ciency. This is one of the factors
its and the Priest Classes vious chapter of this book), and that makes it impossible for some
Alignment (Chapter 4). priest classes to take some priest
A kit is more of a cultural de- It‘s at this point that you choose kits; obviously, no priest class
cription than anything else. your priest kit. which cannot use a weapon re-
F
herefore, most kits are allowed to After that‘s done, and the infor- quired by a kit could take that kit.
nests of mostfaiths. There are ex- mation recorded on your character Nonweapon Proficiencies: A
eptions, of course: for example, a sheet, you can proceed to Profi- given priest kit may require the
riest of the god of Peace may not ciencies (Chapter 5). Money and priest to have a specific non-
w e the Fighting-Monk kit. Wher- Equipment (Chapter 6).etc. weapon proficiencies: however,
lever such an exception occurs, it
w
unlike the situation above with
ill be mentioned in the text. Weapon Proficiencies, these are
The Priest Kits
bonuses. If a kit requires that the
Kits and Character Each priest kit consists of the fol- character know Riding (Horse),
lowing elements: then the character gets that profi-
Creation Description: This paragraph ciency free, above and beyond the
No priest character has to take talks about what this type of priest slots he is normally granted. Some
any priest-kit. It’s not necessary. is to the culture. It also lists any re- proficiencies might be granted
it‘s not required: It‘s just a way of quirements necessary for the char- from other than the Priest or Gen-
adding detail to the character. acter to take the kit; for instance, eral groups, but this doesn’t mat-
A priest character may only take to be aSavage Priest, the character ter: if a proficiency is given free,
lone priest-kit. He should take It must have been born among or then it is free.
when he is first created. In cam- adopted by a savage tribe. If the Priest Kit grants a profi-
paigns which began before you got Barred This paragraph details ciency that the priest has already
The Complete Priest Handbook, which priest classes (plus cleric had granted to him because of his
the DM should allow characters to and druid) may not take this priest specific priesthood, the character.
‘take priest-kits, but only ones kit. instead of receiving that profi-
which are appropriate to the char- Role: This kit describes the role ciency again, receives one extra
acters’ actions and deeds so far. of this priest in his society and free nonweapon proficiency slot
he may spend as he pleases. can’t take a specific kit), that will Dungeon Master’s Guide, page
e proficiencies will merely be noted here. 103, don’t add the bonus (+) or
subtract the penalty (-) from the
DM Choices die roll. Do it the other way
ot given to the charac- around Subtract the bonus (+)
Before allowing his players to
choose kits for their priests, the and add the penalty (-1. If the
‘t if he doesn’t want to. If character has a Charisma of 16,
DM should look over the priest-kits
acter decides to take this
and make some decisions. and thus gets a + 5 reaction adjust-
apon proficiency, he uses ment, you subtract that number
For each Priest Kit, the DM has
appropriate number of his from the 2d10 die roll. Otherwise
to choose:
( 1)If he will even allow this Kit in
the more charismatic or appealing
his campaign. (It could be that the a PC is, the more vigorously all the
kit is inappropriate. If there are no NPCs and monsters would dislike
the way their priests acquire him!
Amazons in his world, he
shouldn’t allow the Amazon
Amazon Priestess
priest-kit.)
paragraph will deal with it.
(2) What additional information Description: Amazons are
ecial Benefits: Most priest
he needs to give the players ahout women warriors in a world where
s include special benefits that
each Kit. (DMs will probably want most cultures are male-dominated
priest-character receives. Of-
to elaborate on the priest-kits to fit or ruled more or less equally hy
,they’re defined as special reac-
them better into his campaign.) men and women. The Amazon civ-
(3)What changes he might wi ilization is different from the cul-
lasses of society, special rights in
to make to each Kit. (If, for exam- tures of the rest of the world in that
ertain cultures, etc. women occupy all the most impor-
ple, our conception of the Barbar-
ian doesn’t match the DM’s, he tant occupations and positions in
priest kit carries certain dis- their society: men are either
might wish to change the benefits,
ntages which hinder the
hindrances, or other factors to second-class citizens,,or are all
match his conception.) kept ak slaves, or are exiled from
the culture altogether. Amazons
An Important Note continually have to defend them-
selves from the efforts of surround-
Several Priest Kits get reaction ing civilizationsto “return them to
bonuses and penalties as part of
normal:’ and therefore they are
rvives)will never fall for it again. one-on-one fighting but poorer at SkylWeather, Thunder) or other
can only be used successfully formation combat than those of barbarian attributes (Strength,
nce per victim, ever. But if the the “civilized” nations. These war- War). Gods of the “softer” attrib-
azon misses a target with this riors may, in fact, be berserkers utes (Arts,Love, Music, etc.) would
w, she continues to receive it (see The Complete Fighter Hand- be represented but their priests
t this target until she hits book).They are still more in touch would be much rarer. No priest-
with nature and the world than the hood is barred among the barbari-
id Hindrances: The Ama- people of civilized lands. They ans, however scarce.
eceives a -3 reaction roll ad- may have very different customs R o l e In the campaign, the bar-
from NPCs from from civilized folk. barian priest is a spooky, danger-
inated societies. Player- Priests of this community per- ous figure. Like barbarian
haracters do not have to demon- form the same functions as priests warriors, he’ll be grim and a little
this hostility unless they of civilized lands. However, bar- alien to his allies from civilized
o do so for role-playing pur- barians have more respect for the lands. First and foremost, he’s a
oses, and even then it should fade gods than civilized folk, and defender of his people, and he’ll
s they come to respect her. priests also are well-respected. most often be found wandering in
Wealth Options: The Amazon Kings and war-chiefs of their cul- lands other than his own because
ets the ordinary 3d6x10 gp as ture listen to their counsel. In their of some quest set him by the gods
culture, those who disagree with or some mystery he’s encountered
: None are excluded. Hu- them do not insult them or their that requires him to travel in order
, elvish, and half-elvish Ama- guidance, and it is forbidden for a to solve it. When he finds his own
are most appropriate. warrior to attack a priest of his cul- tribesmen captured or enslaved in
es would substitute battle ture (though defending himself the outer world, which might be a
and warhammer for their from attack is all right ... if he can common occurrence, he must do
apons and swine for their pre- prove that it was defense, not ag- his utmost to free them and return
red mounts. Gnomes would gression). them to his own land, which can
ubstitute throwing axe and short There are no ability require- imperil other goals he and his
and would ride ponies, and ments to be a priest of a barbarian .
player-character allies have. . but
have Racking and Survival or berserker tribe. The warriors of as a leader and protector of his cul-
ir Bonus Nonweapon Profi- the tribe must have Strength 15, ture, this is a duty he cannot
cies. Halflings would substi- and priests will be most impres- refuse. (If he were to do so, the god
javelin and sling for their sive if they can approximate or would take it as a betrayal of goals:
ons, and Endurance and Set match that score... but it’s not a re- see the Role-Playing chapter.)
es for their Bonus Nonweapon quirement of the kit. Secondary Skills: The main oc-
As with the Amazon, abandon- cupation of the barbarian’s tribe
ment of this kit means that the determines what sort of secondary
character renounces his allegiance skill he knows. If the tribe raises
to his tribe or clan and accepts citi- and sells horses, then the Groom
UC~CU~UW: p ~ e s is
I L U ~ t the
zenship in some ,other culture. secondary skill will be known by
halfway between
This means that he must now per- all tribesmen. Ask the DM what
hat we think of as civilized and
form his priestly duties in the fash- the tribe’s main occupation is and
His people live at the very
ion of the priests of that culture. that will determine the required
dge of or beyond the borders of
Barred Barbarian tribes tend to Secondary Skill.
main
have one or two patron gods, and Weapon Proficiencies: Re-
most of their priests will serve quired: None. Recommended: Bat-
those gods. These tend to be gods tle axe, swordhastard, bow (any),
of natural forces (Agriculture,Ani- sling, warhammer. Naturally, the
mals, DarknesdNight, Earth, Ele- priesthood may limit the priest’s
mental Forces, Fertility, Hunting, choice of weapons and not allow
arriors, and tend to be deadlier in
Lightning, Metalwork, Nature, him to learn all these.
99
Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bo- priest has an additional special god of War, these monks do not live
nus Proficiency: Endurance. Rec- ability. Berserkers normally take and study in ordinary temples of
ommended: (General) Animal ten rounds to go berserk; in the that god they have their own se-
Handling, Animal ’Raining, Direc- presence of one of their own cluded monastery away from the
tion Sense, Fire-Building, Riding priests, then can do it in five. Addi- normal temples.
(Land-Based), Weather Sense, tionally, if the priest, as part of his These monks do not confine
Blind-Fighting, Hunting, Moun- priestly class, has the incite ber- their war-training to the monas-
taineering, Running, Set Snares, serker rage granted power, then teries, however. They travel the
Survival, ’Racking, Herbalism, berserkers of his culture in his wide world in order to learn the se-
Jumping. (Some of these are out- presence can go berserk in one crets of life, the world, magic and
side the priest’s Nonweapon Profi- round. The priest is not required to the gods. As an order, they some-
ciency Group Crossovers and will use his power for this to take place: times volunteer their services to
cost twice the listed slots if taken; it just happens. rulers in times of war, and act as
see the description of the priest Special Hindrances: The elite forces against the enemy.
class, and the chart at the bottom barbarianlberserker priest has a These monks are most appropri-
ofthe Player’s Handbook, page 55, problem in civilized lands: He ate for an oriental-flavored cam-
for more details.) The DM may re- doesn’t respect the authorities and paign and the DM may wish to
quire this priest to take a profi- they have learned to be cautious of decide that they cannot be used in
ciency in the tribal specialty him. (This sort of priest keeps free- his campaign. Before you create a
(Fishing, Agriculture, etc.). ing his enslaved brethren, and, Fighting-Monk character, consult
Equipment: With his starting even if he worships a god known to your DM and ask if he is allowing
gold, the barbarian priest cannot this culture, he does so in a differ- the Fighting-Monk kit in his cam-
buy armor heavier than splint mail, ent way that the locals consider paign.
banded mail, or bronze plate mail. wrong.) Therefore, the barbarian/ In order to be a fighting-monk,
Once he has adventured in the berserker priest receives a -3 re- the character must have a Dexter-
outer world, he can buy any type of action adjustment penalty when ity of 12 or more.
armor his priestly requirements al- encountering NPCs in positions of If a fighting-monk wants to
low him to use. With his starting power: Rulers, government offi- abandon this kit, he must go
gold, he can buy only weapons ap- cials, etc. through a difficult process in order
propriate to his tribe (usuallybattle Wealth Options: No special re- to do so. He must not use any of his
axe, bows, club, daggeddirk, foot- quirements: this priest gets the unarmed combat techniques for
man’s flail, mace, or pick, hand/ usual 3d6x10 gp as starting three whole experience levels’
throwing axe, sling, spear, and money. worth of time. Once he’s reached
swords): naturally, priestly restric- Races There are no special re- that third experience level, he has
tions may prevent him from taking strictions here. Each individual forgotten his unarmed combat
some of these. depending on which DM has to decide whether or not techniques and may resume the
god he serves. his demihumans can live in what wearing of armor: and, if he re-
Special Benefits: Barbarians are considered barbarian cultures. nounced some of his spheres of in-
are imposing and dangerous- If they can, then they will have fluence when he became a
looking. This tends to make others priests among them. fighting-monk, may now resume
respect them or at least wish not to those lost spheres.
make enemies of them. Therefore, Fighting-Monk As an example, a fighting-monk
barbariadberserker priests re- Description This priest belongs priest at 5th level decides to re-
ceive a + 1 reaction adjustment bo- to an order devoted in large part to nounce his allegiance to the
nus when encountering NPCs. fighting-monk order. He adven-
the study of fighting styles, espe-
This becomes a +3 among mem- cially barehanded martial arts. tures normally, still not wearing
bers of his own culture. These monks live and study in mon- armor but otherwise performing
If the priest‘s culture has many asteries devoted to their orders. If,
as a normal priest of his priest-
Berserker warriors, as per The for example, they are pries& of the class. He abstains from using his
Complete Fighter’s Handbook, the unarmed combat techniques. At
100
1, he has abandoned his nus Proficiency: ’hmbling. Rec-
techniques and may once ommended: Riding (Land-Based),
the armor appropriate Artistic Ability (any), Dancing,
Readingwriting, Religion.
acter forgets himself and Equipment: See “Special Hin-
unarmed combat techniques drances,” below.
g this process, he must “start Special Benefits: The principal
It will be three experience benefit of being a Fighting-Monkis
s from his current level, from that the character receives two
free weapon proficiency slots
which he must use to take Special-
ization in one of the three styles of
ch starts out with Poor Unarmed Combat (Punching,
Abilities is barred from Wrestling, or Martial Arts). These
were described in greater detail in
le: In the campaign, this The Complete Fighter’s
t is the philosophical warrior Handbook, but that information
se principal duty is self- also appears here, in the “Equip-
enment. He is less con- ment and Combat” chapter. The
with the ordinary priestly Fighting-Monk is the only priest
(such as guidance, mar- who can specialize in an Unarmed
ommunity service) than Combat style. He can specialize in
iests, but will still perform any or all of the three styles, but he
e just won’t go out of his may only specialize in one of them
ook for them, nor will he at first experience level.
y volunteer for them As a second benefit, regardless
must ask his help in these of what it says for the priest‘s class,
ters). Such characters are usu- the Fighting-Monk has a Non-
wanderers, which help make weapon Proficiency Group Cross-
appropriate for adventuring over with all five Proficiency
s. They do periodically re- Groups (General, Priest, Rogue,
to their monasteries, to pass Warrior, Wizard). No proficiency
e learning they have acquired he takes will cost double the usual
the road, and to brush up on number of slots.
their fighting-skills;the rest of the The last of the FightingMonk’s
time they spend out in the world. benefits is this: He doesn’t have to
Secondary Skills: This priest spend all his starting Weapon Pro-
may choose or random-roll his sec- ficiency slots at first level. He can
ondary skill, if you are using the save his unspent proficiencies,
secondary skills system in addi- and they do not “go away:’ Later,
tion to the weaponlnonweapon he can spend them at a rate of one
proficiencies system. proficiency per experience level to
Weapon Proficiencies: Re- improve his martial arts or buy
quired: See under “Special Bene- new martial arts.
fits,”below. Otherwise, the priest Special Hindrances: This priest
may take any weapon proficien- cannot wear any sort of armor. Ad-
cies which his specific priest class ditionally, if he’s a priest-class with
allows him: he may not take any Medium Combat Abilities, he
the class does not allow him. must ‘‘give up” some of his
The Nobleman Priest is not nec- Secondary Skills: Nobleman shelter from anyone in his own
essarily evil or a bad person. In Priests may choose or random-roll land; he can demand shelter for
fact, he often adheres to a code of their Secondary Skill. two people multiplied by the
chivalric behavior much like a Weapon Proficiencies: Re- priest‘s experience level (if he’s
knight‘s. But he does have strong quired: None. Recommended: eighth level, he can demand shel-
social prejudices which color his Long sword, bastard sword, lance, ter for himself and a retinue of fif-
thinking. flails (all), maces (all),if allowed by teen mare people).
Important note: A nobleman can the priest‘s actual priest class. Special Hindrances: The Noble-
become a priest and not take the Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bo- man Priest is expected to live well.
Nobleman Priest kit. This sort of nus Proficiencies: (General) Eti- If he has enough money to do so,
priest lives more frugally, like quette, Heraldry, Riding he may only buy high-quality
other priests, and does not have to (Land-Based). Recommended: goods, and so must spend at least
have a disdain for the lower social (General) Animal Qaining, Danc- two times the minimum necessary
classes: Nobleman Priests do not ing, (Warrior, double slots unless money for anything he buys. If a
count him among their ranks. the priest class has a nonweapon basic long swbrd costs 15 gp, he
There are no special require- proficiency group crossover in- won’t buy one worth less than 30
ments to be a Nobleman Priest. cluding the Warrior group) Gam- gp; the extra money goes into qual-
If a Nobleman Priest player- ing, Hunting, (Priest) Local ity, engraving, etc. (He can’t save
character ever decides that he is History, Musical Instrument, money by having a friend or fol-
wrong in his attitudes (which can ReadingIWriting. lower buy cheaper things for him:
occur in especially dramatic fash- Equipment: The Nobleman he’s just not satisfied with any-
ion if he is affected by the self- Priest may spend his gold as he thing less than good-quality mer-
sacrifice of a commoner who has chooses - but he has certain mini- chandise.)
saved him, or if he falls in love with mum standards he cannot violate. If the priest is broke and cannot
a character of the common social Before s w i n g play, he must buy: spend this extra money, he can
classes), he may choose to aban- (1)A suit of annor (if he is per- .
then settle for lesser goods. . but
don this kit. If he does this, he will mitted to by his priest-class. . . the other nobles of his culture, if
be ostracized by most of the nobles and, unless his class limits him to they see him with shabby accou-
who were previously counted as lesser armor, he cannot buy armor trements. will mock him, and he
his friends (theDM can have one or less protective than brigandine or does not get his reaction bonus un-
two more broad-minded nobles scale mail). til once again all his goods are
still count him a friend, and the (2) At least one weapon larger high-quality goods. In fact, if his
player-characters can make up than a dagger (again, if his priest- gear and possessions look suffi-
their own minds on the subject); class so permits him). ciently shabby (DM’s discretion),
he may even be exiled from his (3) A horse (at least a riding people may not believe him to be a
own family. As with any kit aban- horse), riding saddle, bit & bridle, nobleman at all, and may refuse
donment, he loses all other bene- horseshoes and shoeing, halter him the shelter he could ordinarily
f i t s and hindrances of the kit. and saddle blanket. demand. (Thishappens most often
Barred:None. Special Benefits: The Noble- ifa nobleman priest is robbed of all
Role: In the campaign, the No- man Priest starts with more gold his clothes and goods and left to
bleman Priest is an aggravating than other priests: see below un- fend for himself.)
snob (though he might not be der Wealth Options. As he can demand shelter of oth-
aware of his snobbery). He is a fun The Nobleman Priest receives a ers, other Nobleman Priests can
role to play, but he’d better have + 3 reaction from any noble of his demand shelter of him. This can
some redeeming features if the own culture, and a +2 from nobles be expensive if they decide to stay
other PCs are to continue to associ- of other cultures. The DM can ig- for awhile. This is also a good way
ate with him. If he does have re- nore this if there is a cultural ha- for the DM to bleed extra money
deeming features, it‘s very likely tred between those people and the from the priest if he seems to have
that some PCs will try to “reform” priest’s culture or the priest‘s god. too much.
him to their own way of thinking. When travelling, he can demand Wealth Options: The Nobleman
Priest begins play with more gold This priest, in the pursuit of his he thinks that they’ll be a more
than other priests. He gets 225 g p duties, is opposed by other priests ethical group with him around; he
plus the standard 3d6x10 gp. But serving the same god. In addition, may be present to keep them from
he must spend a good portion of if he’s identified himself with an performing acts of brutality or rap-
1 that on the Equipment required of outlaw or pirate band, he’ll be ine, which they might undertake
1 him. If the priest abandons this kit, wanted by the authorities as a were he not present.
‘thatmoney doesn’t magically “go member of that band. (2) In the second situation men-
away,” but as part of his social os- There are no special ability- tioned above, the priest is a rogue
~ tracization the character should score requirements to be an Out- visionary who thinks that he must
!suffer some sort of financial loss, law Priest. serve his god in a way not ap-
1 equal to at least 225 gp, as deter- A priest abandons this kit by proved of by the normal priest-
~ mined by the DM. (Perhaps a mali- leaving the outlaw band or hood. This character is probably
cious ex-friend destroys some of opposing/disbanding the new reli- someone who went through the
his property: perhaps a petty- gious order, whichever is perti- temple’s normal priestly training,
minded business acquaintance be- nent. Additionally, by role-playing decided that there was something
~ trays him on a business deal.) in the campaign, he must answer wrong or lacking in it, and set out
~ Races: This kit has no special re- all the charges pressed against to found his own order. A classic
quirements for race. The DM may him by the authorities (he might example of this is the situation
decide that not all races have the do this by being tried and going to where a priesthood bas become
1 same kind of social snobbery that prison for a time, or paying repara- conupt and lazy, and a reformer
humans do, in which case that tions, or accepting tasks of pen- priest has appeared to try to return
~ race could not take this kit. ance from his temple); if he does the worship of the god to its former
not, he will continue to be opposed honorable state: the corrupt
1 outlaw Priest by his temple and wanted by the
authorities.
priests naturally wish to maintain
the status quo.
Description This priest has de-
Barred: Priests of the gods of Secondary Skills: The priest
cided to become part of some sort
Community may not take this kit. can choose his own secondary
of outlaw community and serve
that community’s religious needs. Priests of no Philosophy or Force skill. If he’s part of a pirate band,
the trouble is, for the character to may take this kit. (They can asso- he may wish to choose Sailor,
take this kit, this group or commu- ciate themselves with pirate or Shipwright or Navigator. If he’s
outlaw bands, but there is no cen- part of a landbound outlaw band,
~
quirements to be a Peasant Priest. appropriate to a peasant, such as be spent on goods other than
There are no special rules for short sword, spear, bow, footman’s weapons.
abandonment of this kit. weapons and the like: long swords Races: No special limitation
Barred Priests of the following (and bigger blades), horseman’s
gods, forces, and philosophies weapons, exotic polearms, lances, Prophet Priest
may not take this kit: Evil, Good, tridents and the like are not. This Description A prophet is one
Prosperity. should only be a restriction when who receives signs, dreams, or
Role In the campaign, the Peas- the character is first created: after- clues about the future from his
ant Priest devotes himself to the wards. he can learn any weapon god. Priests of the god of prophecy
needs of the common man. If he’s his priest-class allows him. are prophets, but they aren’t the
part of an adventuring party, he Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bo- only prophets. Priests of other
won’t support any plans which en- nus Proficiencies: Agriculture or
gods can receive and pass along
danger or exploit the peasants or Fishing (player choice), Weather prophecies. However, since this is
serfs, and will try to recommend Sense or Animal Lore (player rarer, the DM has the right to ap-
plans which advantage them. (For choice).Recommended Any of the prove or disapprove any character
example, if the party wants to use General proficiencies. taking this Priest Kit.
the locals to help lure the dragon Equipment: The Peasant Priest To be a Prophet Priest, the char-
out of its cave, so that the locals has restrictions on the way he acter must have a Wisdom of 15or
will be the first ones flamed and spends his money. Other than better.
eaten, the priest will object. But if weapons, with which he has no A character may not abandon
the locals are to be along as sup- monetary limitation, he may own this kit. As long as he is a priest, he
port troops, and have information only one object worth as much as is a Prophet Priest.
and chances of success and sur- 15 gp, and other than that one ob- Barred: Priests of the god of
vival at least equal to the player- ject may own nothing worth more Prophecy may not take this kit. All
characters’, he won’t have any than 10 gp. He may never own other priests may. (Priests of phi-
such objection.) He’ll insist that more than 75 gp worth of (non- losophies or forces don’t receive
treasures be shared with the locals weapon) property at any one time. their prophecies from a god; their
of the area where the treasure was If he receives money or gifts which prophecies are more like psychic
found. (Assuming that the trea- put him above that limit, he must impressions.)
sure is split into even shares give away money and possessions Role In the campaign, the
among party members. he’ll insist until once again he is within the 75 Prophet Priest is partly a tool for the
that the local peasant community gp limitation. D M the DM can use the character to
receive two shares, for example.) Special Benefits: The Peasant supply clues and even red herrings
In a greedy or tight-fisted party, Priest always has shelter when to the characters. His is often a
the party might refuse his re- he’s in his own community: his thankless job, and he is often a bit
quests, which doesn’t mean the own people will shelter him even alienated from the normal folk (see
priest has to attack them or steal from the land’s rightful authori- “Special Hindrances” below).
from them ... but this will inevita- ties. Among peasants of other Secondary Skills: The priest
bly result in the priest becoming communities, he cannot count on may choose his own secondary
disillusioned with the party. this benefit, but he receives a +2 Sldll.
Secondary Skills: The player reaction adjustment from all peas- Weapon Proficiencies: Re-
may choose his priest’s secondary ants. quired: None. Recommended:
skill. Special Hindrances: The Peas- Any that the priest’s actual
Weapon Proficiencies: The an& Hero’s great limitation is de- priest-class permits.
player may choose his character’s scribed above under Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bo-
weapon proficiencies, subject to “Equipment.” nus Proficiency: Weather Sense.
the limitations of the priest’s ac- Wealth Options: The Peasant Recommended: None special.
tual priest-class. The DM may in- Priest gets the standard 3d6x10 gp Equipment: No special restric-
sist that the character start out the starting money. Of the money he tions.
campaign only with proficiencies receives, no more than 75 gp may
Special Benefits: The character with something very like anymph. pecially by the strangeness and
eceives the Medium Granted Whether the Savage Priest is good unfairness of the laws of civilized
’ower “Prophecy” from the De- or evil, filthy or clean-limbed de- men.
iigning Faiths chapter. However, pends on the nature of the tribe it- Secondary Skills: The Savage
t‘s more limited than the Proph- self: the DM decides what the tribe Priest character must take Fisher,
c y which is granted to priests of is like. Forester, Groom, Hunter, or
he god of Prophecy. With this To be a Savage Priest, a charac- llapper/Furrier as his Secondary
jower, priests may receive visions ter must have a minimum Skill (player choice, based on the
rom the god at any time the DM Strength score of 11 and a mini- activities of his character’s tribe).
lecides, but may only deliberately mum Constitution score of 13. Weapon Proficiencies: The Sav-
,ink into a trance in order to re- In abandoning this kit, the char- age Priest is limited to the weap-
,eive a vision once per day. acter is renouncing his member- ons his actual priest-class permits
Special Hindrances: It‘s not ship with the tribe and accepting him, and is further limited (when
iormal for anyone but priests of citizenship in some other culture. he is first created) to the following
he god of Prophecy to be This frequently happens with Sav- set of proficiencies: blowgun, long
zophets. Therefore, normal peo- age Priests who join adventuring bow, short bow, club, dagger,jave-
)le are a little edgy around other parties, stay with them in travels lin, knife, sling, spear. After he has
xophets, and react to them at a through the world, and learn so adventured in the outer world, the
- 2 reaction adjustment. (This ad- much of the outside world that character may learn other profi-
ustment may never result in a re- they no longer feel like part of their ciencies.
iction worse than Cautious, tribe. Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bo-
iowever.) Barred: Priests of the following nus Proficiencies: (General)Direc-
Wealth Options: This priest re- god and philosophiesmay not take tion Sense or Weather Sense
:eives the normal 3d6x10 gp start- this kit: Disease, Divinity of Man- (player choice), (Warrior) Endur-
ng gold. kind, Evil, Good. ance or Survival (player choice).
Races: No special limitations. Priests of the following gods are Recommended: (General) Animal
most appropriate to this k i t Ani- Handling, Animal ’Raining, Fire-
Savage Priest mals, Earth, Elemental Forces, Building, Fishing, Rding (Land-
Fire, Hunting, Nature, Sky/ based), Rope Use, Swimming,
Description This is a shaman of Weather, Vegetation. (Warrior, double slots unless the
i savage tribe. This character is a R o l e In a campaign, this char- priest-class dictates otherwise)
nember of the tribe. The tribe it- Animal Lore, BowyerlFletcher.
acter usually plays the role of the
self is a technologically and cultur- primitive who finds his world-view Hunting, Mountaineering, Run-
illy primitive one (by the shattered by his experiences in the ning, Set Snares, ’Racking, (Priest)
;tandards and in the opinions of outer world ...but who might teach Healing, Herbalism, Local History,
nore “civilized” cultures), but is his “civilized” companions some- Religion, (Rogue, double slots un-
ilso one which is attuned to the thing about simple truth and jus- less the priest-class dictates other-
iatural forces of the world. The tice as he adventures with them. wise) Jumping, Tightrope
hvage Priest interprets the will of The DM should insist that the Walking, mmbling, (Wizard, dou-
lis god and acts as an advisor or ble slots unless the priest-class dic-
character role-play his tribal ori-
eader to the members of his tribe. gins in the first four or five experi- tates otherwise) Herbalism. The
This character might be an ence levels, until the character is Savage may not take Etiquette or
mimal-totem shaman who as- more used to the outside world Heraldry when first created.
3igns all the tribal warriors their this priest will be baffled by “high- Equipment: The Savage Priest,
mimal totems. He might be the technology” inventions (iron and with his starting gold, may buy no
witch-doctor who insists on the steel weapons, boats made out of armor other than leather armor
ieaths of the adventurers from the more than a single log, hour- and shield, and may buy no
mtside world. B k e a priestess of a glasses, anything more sophisti- weapon not listed above under
nature-god and give her the Sav- cated than the tools of his tribe), by “Weapon Proficiencies.” He must
ige Priestess kit, and you end up civilized morals and ethics, and es- spend all his gold when he is cre-
ated, or lose any “change” he has charisma, or even trickery than cial Benefits:’ below.
left over. with a weapon. His life is dedicated Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bo-
If you have The Complete FYght- to the assimilation of knowledge nus Proficiency: Reading/
er’s Handbook,use the Equipment (and, usually, the transmission of Writing. Recommended (General)
rules for the Savage Warrior Kit in- that knowledge to new genera- Artistic Ability, Etiquette,
- Her-
stead. tions). aldry, Languages (Modern),
Special Benefits: The Savage A scholar priest must have an ln- (Priest)Ancient History, Astrology,
Priest has a special Detect Magic telligence ability score of 13or bet- Languages (Ancient), Local His-
ability, resembling the spell of the ter. tory.
same name, which he may use This kit cannot be abandoned. A Equipment: The scholar-priest
once per day per experience level scholar can break off correspon- must always have writing mate-
he has (i.e., a 5th-level savage dence with other scholars, can rial, quill and ink with him. If ever
could use his ability five times per choose not to teach, can decide not he loses them, he must regain or
day). The rules for this power are: to do any studying or writing for as replace them as soon as possible,
Detect Magic. The Savage Priest long as he likes, but he can always and in the meantime will be re-
is in tune with nature and can feel re-enter the academic world. cording his experiences in any
when there is something magical Barred: Priests of the following fashion he can find. Other than
in the vicinity. As with the fmt- gods, forces and philosophies can- that, this kit makes no demands
level Priest spell, he has a 10% not take this kik Competition, Fer- on the way he spends his money.
chance per experience level to de- tility, Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle, Special Benefits: The Scholar
termine the sphere of the magic. Strength, and War. Priest can “spend” any of his
Special Hindrances: The Sav- Priests of the following types are Weapon Proficiency slots on Non-
age Priest is imposing and strange, most appropriate for this kit: Arts, weapon Proficiencies instead. He
and he worships his gods “all Crafts, Culture, Divinity of Man- doesn’t have to; he can adhere to
wrong” (i.e., civilized folk and kind, LiteraturelPoetry, Music1 the normal pattern of proficiency
priests recognize that his rites are Dance, and Wisdom. choice that is appropriate to his
different, unlike theirs). Therefore, Role: In the campaign, this priest-class. But if he wishes he
he suffers a -2 reaction adjust- priest is motivated by his desire for may turn Weapon Proficiency slots
ment from all civilized folk (NPCs, knowledge. He’ll often be tempted into Nonweapon slots and thereby
that is; PCs can decide for them- hy adventures where he’s likely to become a very skilled character.
selves how they react to him). be able to learn something. If an Also, the Scholar receives a +3 re-
Wealth Options: The Savage adventuring party is going to a action bonus from other scholars,
starts out with only 3d6x5 gp. Af- ruin where a famous library once admirers of scholastic concerns,
ter the campaign starts, he will stood, he’ll eagerlyjoin on the faint writers, journalists, and people
encounter money, and the player hope that some scrap of that li- who imagine that they are
may decide either that he likes the brary still survives. He’ll be part of scholars. Becauseofthis, whenthe
stuff or rejects it as a stupid city- expeditions to visit famous sites or party thinks it is in a situation
human idea. ancient beings who might tell him when no one is willing to help, it
Races: No special limitations. stories of the past or solve old mys- may turn out that the mousy clerk,
teries. He might be part of an ad- antagonistic king or homely witch
Scholar Priest venture just so that he can they met is an admirer of or even
Description This character is a chronicle it and preserve its events correspondent with the Scholar
researcher. He’s most a t home in history. Priest and will help them.
when he’s poring over books, Secondary Skills: The Scholar Special Hindrances: Many
scrolls, papyri, clay tablets and Priest must take Scribe as his sec- scholars are egotistical, and de-
other old writings. He’s not forbid- ondary skill. bates between scholars can be-
den from fighting, but is more Weapon Proficiencies: Re- come very heated and personal.
likely to try to straighten out a bad quired: None. Recommended: Whenever the DM rolls a reaction
situation with reason, personal Any appropriate to the priest’s check from another scholar, he
actual priest-class. Note: See “Spe- should first roll ld6. On a 1, the
Priest Kits
player-character scholar gets a -6 play as a priest and takes one of the point, he’s a normal priest of his I
reaction adjustment instead of a kits above, and then later changes suecific mvthos for the rest of his
+3,because at some time in the to another class, he does not have playing I&.
past (or even the present) he ar- to abandon the kit. However, he
gued or disagreed with this still may only have one kit. Also, if Modifying and Creatin
scholar’s pet opinion and offended he chooses to abandon the kit
him completely. when he changes class, he may Kits
Wealth Options: The Scholar not then take on a kit from the new The DM should alter the kits
Priest gets the standard 3d6x10 gp class. The character may only above in order to fit them better
starting gold. have had one kit, ever, as long as into his campaign world.
Races No special limitations. he is played. For instance, if there are no Sav-
age races to which the PCs could
belonn. the DM should disallow the
Recording Kits on the Abandoning Kits
Character Sheet A character created with a Priest If you’d like to create all-new
To record your priest kit on your Kit might, later in his adventuring Priest Kits, refer to the kit creation
character record sheet, do the fol- career, decide that he has to ahan-
lowing: don it. For instance, a Pacifist
(1) When you write down the Priest might be crushed when his
character’s priest-class, also add inaction resulted in the death of a
the name of his priest kit there. If friend, and might decide to aban-
the character were a priest of the don his pacifistic stance.
Norse god of thunder and also a The player must tell the DM that
peasant priest, you’d write “Priest he wishes his character to aban-
of Thoripeasant Priest.” don the kit. If this choice is the re-
(2) Where you write down the sult of some traumatic event, as in
character’s nonweapon proficien- the example above, the character
cies, add the ones you got free from may simply wish to declare his in-
the priest kit, and put an asterisk tent. If the choice is a gradual one,
beside them to indicate that they the DM may want to work it into
are free proficiencies provided by the storyline.
the kit. The priest abandoning his kit
(3)Wherever you have space for will have to role-play out his deci-
notes, mark down the character’s sion and its consequences. He’ll
special benefits and hindrances, announce his decision.. . and he
and any other facts you want to re- must suffer the reactions of his al-
member. lies (and the other members of his
order!), whether good or ill.
He will give up all the kit‘s ho-
Multi-Class and nuses and hindrances. The char-
Dual-Class Characters acter does not give up any bonus
Any multi-class priest can take proficiencies, but they are no
one of the Priest Kits above. How- longer “bonuses.” The character
ever, he can only take one kit, to- must “pay” for them by spending
tal. If he has several character the next proficiency slots he re-
classes, he can’t take aseparate kit ceives on them.
for each class. Once he’s abandoned a Priest
The same is true of dual-class Kit, the character may not take an-
characters. If a character begins other Priest Kit to replace it. At this
Role-Plavina
’\
. ~~.
Fast the departed and wish him well on In the days before the actual cel-
This is a quiet sort of ceremony; his voyage: often, they present ebration, the participants go
the participants do not eat, usually him with small gifts and tokens of through purification. These rituals
their friendship. of purification involve fasting, rit-
for the period of a day, as a sacrifice
There is the Interment, where ual baths, and abstinence from
to the god or a commemoration of
the body is laid to rest, usually physical pleasures.
some historical time of want.
with the presents and a variety of On the day of the celebration,
the person’s belongings. In some the participants dress in clothing
Feast cultures of a type we consider appropriate to the ceremony, usu-
The feast can be as small or great cruel, the person’s slaves and per- ally in featureless clothing of white
a feast as the DM cares to allow, haps even his wife will also be laid (or a color preferred by the god),
and can celebrate just about any- to rest, even if they aren’t dead yet. usually barefoot. They assemble
thing within the faith. Feasts (Alternatively, the body may be at the temple of the god, and per-
should be one of the most common burned, again depending on the form the oath-taking. A high priest
sorts of celebrations within the culture’s views.) administers the oath, where every
faith, and a great feast is a conven- There is the Commemoration, participant swears that he will
ient place to introduce all sorts of where the moumers exchange sto- keep what he has seen a secret,
adventure elements (challenges ries of the dead person: this could be and never discuss it with one who
from enemies, assassination at- a very solemn or a very merry is not also an initiate into the mys-
tempts, mysterious clues left in event. In any case, it‘s likely to ac- teries. The participant swears in
the soup, etc.). company a feast for the weary, hun- the god’s name, and could suffer
gry mourners and participants. the god’s punishment if he breaks
Funeral his oath.
Libation Next, there is the procession. All
Interment of the dead is also a
the priests and participants pro-
common ceremony. Note that fu- Libation is the dedication of alit-
ceed in a parade to a site that is
nerals don’t have to be solemn af- tle of one’s drink to the gods. Every
holy to the god. This is often a ca-
fairs: all this depends on what the time a glass is refilled, the charac-
vern or a very secluded glade, be-
culture thinks happens to the de- ter pours a little to his god, either
cause there it is possible to keep
parted spirit and how the culture onto the ground or into a basin the celebration hidden from the
feels about it. The funeral could be dedicated to the god.
eyes of non-initiates. The proces-
a time of mourning, a cheerful cel- sion is led by ranking priests, fol-
ebration of the departed person’s Meditation lowed by lesser priests in charge of
life, a drinking-binge so that the This consists of sitting, in pri- sacrifices, followed by musicians
mourners can forget their grief, who play during the procession.
vate or with other participants,
and so on. and trying to achieve a ueaceful Then come priestesses, who carry
In any case, the ceremony can state of exalted awarenese small caskets (or draw carts bear-
have several parts. ing those caskets): the caskets con-
There is the Wake, which takes tain artifacts sacred to the god.
place before the funeral, where
Mysteries
(These artifacts aren’t necessarily,
participants sit overnight with the These are involved ceremonies
or even usually, powerful magical
body, exchange stories of the dead which usually celebrate gods of items desired by greedy adventur-
person’s deeds, and (in some set- nature or rebirth. Celebrated an- ers. They’re more ordinary items:
tings) protect the body from viola- nually or semi-annually,they tend
The rocksacred to the god, the fos-
tion at the hands of evil spirits, to have several elements and can
silized stone showing the god’s
who might try to inhabit and reani- go on for a full day or more, not footprint, the bone from the feast
mate it, or to steal the not-yet- counting the rituals which precede in which the god participated, the
departed soul. the actual celebration of the mys- statue the god himself blessed, the
There is the Farewell, where the teries. Usually, the pattern is cast-off weapon used by the god in
participants speak to the corpse of something like this: some famous event, and so on.)
*-..
Then, there are more functionary Then, the three most important Third, there is the performanc
priests: Priests in charge of the up- elements of the mysteries begin. Priests trained as actors perform
coming feast, priests who lead sac- They all take place at night. play which commemorates th
rificial animals (if sacrifice is a part First is the recitation, a series of most famous of the god’s st
of this culture’s worship), and songs or chants concerning the especially the one which
priests who act as sergeants-at- god, his deeds, his promises to the closely deals with the god
arms (they carry non-lethal weap- faithful, his demands on the faith- mands on and relations with hit
ons such as staffs and use them to ful. The recitation sets the mood worshippers. Regardless of th
keep the disorderly orderly). Fi- for the rest of the ceremonies: the quality of this play, it is performe
nally, the faithful (non-priest)fol- listening followers are supposed to at the end of a lengthy proces
lowers come. be reverential, at least, and the worship where the followers
Once the procession reaches the priests with the staves are still exposed to many powerful for
sacred site, there may be a sacred around to keep order and quell (or of the faith, and the onlookers
meal. Sacrificial animals will be get rid of) troublemakers. ’Ikouble- all elevated to a state of rapt
sacrificed and cooked, and then makers tend to be rare. during the performance.
the feast eaten. The character of Second, there is the display The At the end, there is the re
the meal depends on the character sacred objects carried in those cas- Once the performance has ce
of the god It could be stern and kets are displayed for the faithful. the lights are doused and the
somber for a severe god, wild and Since they actually are magical ob- ful are led in pitch darkness fron
orgiastic for a more free-spirited jects sacred to the god, they tend to the area where the play was per
god. The sacred meal ends after inspire the faithful with the es- formed. Once they arrive at tht
nightfall. sence of the god. point of departure,
cession home will begin, the the blessing of the god, often acters (including clerics and
torches or lamps are again lit, and through the recital of an ancient or druids), and if the priest violates
among the faithful this journey in famous prayer or part of a holy some tenet or commandment of
darkness is much like being born text. his god, the DM should see to it
again. Note that not all cultures de- that the god punishes the priest.
Mysteries are an experience for mand that prayer be performed It‘s easy to be unfair when doing
the spirit, not the mind; this is not from a kneeling position or a pose this, though, so the DM also has to
an educational event, but one of obsequience. Vigorous warrior keep an eye on himself: It‘s all too
which is intended to bring the fol- cultures might perform their pray- easy to say, “You should have
lowers closer to the nature of their ers standing erect and facing the known that your god doesn’t want
god. Even in a culture which wor- skies, for example. you to wear red; I’ve said repeat-
ships many gods, only a very few edly that his favorite color is blue!”
will have mysteries as part of their Purification That‘s not justifcation for a pun-
worship. ishment of the priest, unless the
For the DM, the mysteries are an When a person comes in contact
with some contamination (a taboo DM has explicitly stated that the
opportunity to introduce dramatic gods priests must always wear
events into the story. During the substance), he must be purified. In
some cultures, whenever a person blue or face divine consequences.
mysteries, it is appropriate for the
god to appear to one of his PC fol- has killed another honorably,
though he is not considered to Minor Offenses
lowers and charge that character
with an important mission, for in- have sinned, he must be purified of Minor offenses which the god
stance. Or it could be that during the killing. This ceremony in- punishes include such things as:
the celebration of the mysteries, volves a ritual bathing or washing Making a joke about the god (and
one character will receive some of the hands (or other contami- even then, it must offend the god;
nated part) under the supervision some gods have a sense of humor);
sudden insight (a gift from the god)
of a priest, who invokes the god’s Failing to perform all required
into some event which has been
blessing during the washing. priestly duties in a day (for exam-
puzzling or confounding the
player-characters for some time. ple, “not having the time” to listen
Sacrifice to the problems of one of the faith-
ful and offerguidance); and
Naming In some cultures, animals are
sacrificed to the glory of the god. Becoming annoyed with the
This ceremony is often a part of gods demands.
One god may demand that the
the Confirmation of Birth event: The god punishes such minor of-
whole animal be destroyed; an-
The child is given his name before fenses by withholding some of the
other will demand that the animal
witnesses. In some cultures, priest‘s spells on the following day.
be killed for it and some part of it
though, the child might be given a
destroyed for him, but that the rest
use-name when he is born, and Inappropriate Weapon and
of the beast can be used as the wor-
won’t be given his true name (or Armor U s e
shippers see fit.
will choose his true name) years
Obviously, human sacrifice is If a priest violates his order’s re-
later, when he is old enough to un-
something demanded only by the strictions on weapon and armor
derstand its significance. It may be
that in this culture the character’s most evil or unsympathetic of use, the god will punish him for it.
gods. There are two different types of vi-
true name is supposed to be kept a
secret, and the child tells it only to >lationof this restriction, and a dif-
one priest, so that the god might Priests and Punishment krent punishment for each.
know it. If the priest deliberately violates
Priests are servants of their h e restriction because he wants to
gods, and therefore can’t just do for instance, if he puts on a set of
Prayer anything they want whenever netal armor when he isn’t sup-
Prayer is one of the most com- they want. The DM must keep an Josed to), this is a willful disobedi-
mon of rituals; it involves asking eye on the activities of priest char-
ence and makes the god very an- night following the betrayal. The important artifact from the god or
gry. He immediately does 2-12 god will sternly ask the character reveal some critical information
(2d6) points of damage to the his motives and order him to re- about the god.
priest and takes away all the spells turn to proper worship. When this happens, the god will
he granted to the priest today, and The third time this happens, the punish the priest (assuming he
doesn’t let the priest have any god will immediately reduce the survives the betrayal, which most
more for 1-6(ld6)days. Even then, character to 1hit point and change gods will).
the priest must undergo rituals of his character class. The priest will The minimum punishment the
purification and undertake an act become an ordinary fighter at an priest can expect is the character
of atonement if he’s to have spells experience level two lower than class change described above.
again. the priest’s level (minimum first A medium punishment the god
If the priest violates the restric- level); his normal hit point total will bestow is instant death.
tion for the best of reasons (for in- and possessions will be unaf- A greater punishment from the
stance, if a gargoyle is strangling fected. Until the character under- god involves the ruin of the charac-
his friend, and he must use a for- goes a severe ritual of atonement, ter. The god can kill or merely take
bidden weapon in order to be able the god will despise the character away the character’s family and
to harm the creature),the god does and plague him with little ills, dis- loved ones, curse him with afflic-
1-3 (ld3) points of damage to the eases, and enemies. Once the char- tions such as blindness and lame-
priest (after the tight is done) and, acter atones for the deed, the god ness, see to it that all his enemies
if the priest does not undertake a forgives him. . . but the character find out about his weaknesses,
ritual of purification at his earliest will still be a fighter. give extra power and weapons to
opportunity, will take away the Sometimes, a god might deliber- his enemies, force the priest’s
priest‘s spells on the next day. ately confront the character with a loved ones to betray him, and so
on. This doesn’t happen all at
- :traydl of Goals test of the character’s faith. For ex-
ample: Part of the gods worship once, but every episode for the rest
demands that anyone who tram- of the character’s life introduces
f the priest deliberately violates ples his sacred flowers be blinded. some new, homble calamity until
the goals of the god, then he‘s in Then, the god befuddles the the character is mercifully killed or
real trouble. For instance, if a priest‘s wife or daughter, and that kills himself. In any case, the char-
priest of the god of war advocates character stumbles across the sa- acter is no longer a viable one to
peace when war is in the offing, or cred flowers where only the priest play and the player should dispose
if a priest of the god of love tells can see it. If he conceals the sin, of him as quickly as possible.
young lovers to wise up and forget he’s punished. If, regretfully, he At the ultimate level, the god
about romance, then the god will prepares to cany out the punish- performs the greater punishment
definitely be offended. ment, the god will be pleased. The above, and then tortures the char-
The fmt time this happens, the god might interrupt the punish- acter’s spirit forever in the after-
god will give the priest an unmistak- ment, or wait until it has been car- life.
able warning. This could be a heart ried out and then restore sight to Note that this punishment isn’t
attack, costing 50% of the priest‘s the priest’s loved one. just for priests. If a non-priest be-
current hit points. It could be a por- trays the god in the same fashion,
tentous destructionof a statue of the the god will visit the same sort of
Divine Retributic i
god while the priest is present. It punishment on the character.
could be an earthquake or other I t could be that tne priest will be-
warning. The warning doesn’t have tray more than the god’s usual dic-
Society’s Punishments
to be imrnediatelyafterthe betrayal, tates. The priest might turn on the
hut will be soon after. god, betraying him utterly. This Unless the priesthood is the
The second time this happens, can happen when another deity, State Religion, priests are not im-
the god will appear to the priest. It an enemy god, persuades the mune to the law for their deeds.
doesn’t have to be in person, right priest to serve him instead, and If, for example, the priest of the
then; it might he in a dream, the persuades the priest to steal some god of Justice and Revenge hears
about some great injustice, wan- his priest the spells the priest Once again, this is a sign that the
ders over to the offender’s house wants. priest cannot act with utter impu-
and kills the offender, then he’s In most situations, when the nity. He is dependent on the good
guilty of murder. There’s no ques- priest prays for his spells, he gets will of his god, and his god will not
tion. He’ll be arrested, tried, and the ones he desires. But if the god look kindly on a priest who brings
(the efforts of his priesthood not- and DM wish, he could get differ- about the deaths of other followers
withstanding) probably convicted ent spells on some occasions. of the god. The god who says, “Yes,
the only thing that could save him There are two usual causes for my son, kill off my other followers
would be a declaration from the this to happen: so that you can have more gold’ is
god, which is usually not forth- If the god is displeased with the a foolish god indeed.
coming. priest for some minor infraction,
Therefore, when priests decide he might give the priest spells
to do something which is illegal in
Toning Down the Cleric
which dictate the priests’ actions
the culture, they should do so cir- for the day. A fighting-priestmight The cleric class is a very power-
cumspectly. If they wish to accom- emerge from his meditation with ful one. He has access to sixteen
plish the desires of their god when only healing spells on hand, for in- Spheres of Influence (more than
those wishes are illegal, they’ll stance, a clear sign that the god any other priest-class), good ar-
have to do so in a fashion which wants him to act in a supporting mor, and fair weapons. It‘s been a
protects them. role today. sign of the cleric’sadvantages that
Or, if the god knows of a specific he is the preferred character class
When Priests Renounce Their opponent that the priest will be of many, many campaigns.
Faith fighting today, he might give the If this ultra-efficient character is
priest spells appropriate to defeat- too powerful in your own cam-
It’s possible for a priest to re- paign, you might prefer to alter
ing that enemy.
nounce his faith - to declare that him. If you want to do this, tell all
he is no longer a priest of a particu- In neither case will the god send
a telegram explaining why he’s the cleric players well ahead of
lar god. When that happens, he time and give them the option to
done what he’s done. The priest
has one of two choices. convert their clerics to priests of
has to accept what the god hands
He can stop belonging to the specific mythoi provided in the
him that day, and has to do so
priest-class and start over as a Sample Priesthoods chapter.
without knowing why.
rogue, wizard, or priest of another Then, establish the following
god, according to the rules for rules about the Cleric class:
dual-class characters. Naturally, Priestly Followers ( 1) Keep his weapon and armor
he loses all his granted powers. It‘s good to remember that the limitations exactly as they are.
If his priesthood had Good Com- priest‘s followers, the ones who (2) Establish that the Cleric has
bat Abilities, he can lose one expe- come to him around 8th level, are Major Access to only three spheres
rience level and become a fighter; not mere spear-carriers or meat for [onemust be All:the other two are
if Medium Combat Abilities, he the monsters. They haven’t shown player’s choice) and Minor Access
can lose two levels and become a up so that they can be thrown to to two spheres (player’s choice).
fighter: if Poor Combat Abilities, the jaws of dragons in order to give The player must choose his four
he can start over as a fighter ac- the priest more time to get away. sphere options when the Cleric is
cording to the rules for dual-class They’veshown up to serve the god First created (or converted): it may
characters. He’ll never again be a and the priest. not be changed afterwards. Each
priest. That‘s why, in the Designing 3eric may choose a different set of
Faiths chapter, we talked about spheres.
When Gods Bestow Spells giving them names and person&- Naturally, you should only do
ties, and likewise talked about the this if you personally feel that the
Another effect of the fact that
priest getting fewer and fewer re- deric class is too powerful in your
priests are servants of their gods is
placements if he wastes the fol- 2ampaign. If you don’t, don’t
this: The god doesn’t have to give
lowers he has. :hange him.
In this chapter, we’ll talk about herit one. Regardless, a priest who stand over an empty water-basin
some of the gear that the priest car- reaches 6th level without having and perform a ritual of prayer.
ries and uses in the performance of acquired a copy of the canon will They pray for the gods blessing
his duties, and also about new be viewed with some suspicion by and protection for an entire hour.
weapons and combat styles used commoners and his fellow priests, At the end of that time, they each
by some priests. who will question his devotion. cast a spell, and do so simultane-
The priest should carry the can- ously: One casts create water, the
Priestly Items non wherever he travels, and ifit is second casts protection from evil,
stolen should make every effort to and the third casts purify food &
The most common and impor- recover it. The canon is not a magi- drink. Halfa gallon of holy water is
tant tools of the priest (as far as his cal work, and does not act as a created.
culture is concerned, anyway) Holy Symbol when used to con- (The create water spell can cre-
aren’t his weapons and armor. front vampires or similar mon- ate up to four gallons of water, but
They are the actual symbols of his sters. the protection from evil and purify
priesthood. Not all faiths do have an individ- food & drink used this way can
Not all of these symbols are use- ual, written canon. Some faiths only create half a gallon of holy wa-
ful in combat situations, but share a common canon. Some ter. Therefore, for every two extra
they’re appropriate for role- transmit their canon orally; it is priests, one to cast each of those
playing the priest. Let‘s discuss not written down anywhere. Some two spells, an extra half-galloncan
them briefly. have none at all. be created. Nine priests together
can create four gallons.)
The Canon Holy Symbol The tremendous expenditure of
Many faiths have a canon, or magic and the time involved are
Most faiths have a holy symbol,
holy book. This work was written the reasons why a single dose of
some sign which serves as a repre-
at some time in the distant past, ei- holy water costs 25 gp to the ad-
sentation for the god and his faith.
ther by the god or by a believer venturer. Obviously, any three
This symbol is usually duplicated
obeying the word of the god. This priests can create holy water “for
in wood, glass, or precious metals
book usually describes important free” so long as they are second
and carried by priests of the god.
events of the past in which the god level or higher and are priests of
Ordinary followers of the god also
participated, explains the require- the same god.
can carry the holy symbol.
ments the god makes on his fol- Holy symbols are enchanted in
Every priest player should know
lowers, and explains the god’s the same way. Each enchantment
what his holy symbol looks like.
philosophy, goals, and concerns. takes an hour, requires three
The DM can either decide, or let
If the faith has a canon, then the priests (substituting sanctuary for
the player of the priest design it. (If
priest will wish to have one. Books create water), and requires a mate-
he does allow the player to do so, rial component: Some object
are expensive commodities: As- the design of the symbol is still
suming that it’sa mere 200 sheets carved with the god’s symbol.
subject to the DM’s approval.)
(400pages) in length, according to It’s easy to create symbols for
the costs in the Player’s most deities, and there are sugges- Priestly Vestme
Handbook, you’re talking about tions for symbols for all the gods As mentioned in the Designing
400 gp in paper alone (2 gp per represented in the Sample Priest- Faiths chapter, each priesthood
sheet): binding will cost another hoods chapter. has its own distinctive costume,
50 gp, for a total of 450. Sometime and priests normally wear these
between 3rd and 5th level, the Holy Water priestly vestments whenever they
priest should have saved or accu- perform their official duties. Some
mulated enough money to com- Holy water, that bane of vam-
must wear them whenever they
mission a copy of the canon: pires and many other monsters, is
appear in public.
perhaps, if he is lucky, someone created in the following way: It adds color to a campaign when
will gift him with one, or he will in- In a temple of the god, three
the players know what these vest-
priests of second level or higher
i I
t
This weapon is intended for one-handed use, and may not be used two-handed. In the case of nunchaku, t m -
handed flourishes are common, but blows are struck with one hand only at a time.
* This weapon is intended for two-handed use only.
+ The “Type” category is divided into Bludgeoning (B),Piercing (PI, and Slashing ( S ) .This indicates the type of
ments look like. If the DM doesn’t The Maul is a polearm with a priests of nature-oriented gods can
wish to design the priestly vest- heavy bludgeoning head a t the use it.
ments for all the priest player- end. It is therefore a Bludgeoning The Scythe is a large, curving
characters, he should allow the weapon, and is appropriate for the blade that is sharp only on the un-
players to do so (subject to his final use of clerics and specific priests derside of the blade (the concave
approval). who aren’t allowed to use bladed edge); the blade is attached to a
weapons. When a priesthood al- twisted pole some 5-6’ in length.
New Weapons lows the use of polearms, this in- The wielder uses the weapon two-
cludes the maul (and the handed. The scythe is a harvesting
Several new weapons are men- mancatcher, for that matter); but tool used by farmers to cut down
tioned at various times in this sup- when maul alone is listed, the their grain; as a weapon, it is sym-
plement. Below, we’ll describe priest cannot use the other po- bolic of gods of agriculture, time,
them. learms. and death.
The Net is a weighted combat
i New Weapons Descriptions net on the end of a rope. Like the Unarmed Combat
The Bill is a short hook on a lasso, it is thrown to spread over a
short cross-handle, and is a target: if it hits, it can be pulled The following material i s repro-
weapon derived from the sort of closed, and the trailing rope used duced in part from The Complete
hook used to spear and haul in fish to pull the victim around. Also like Fighter’s Handbook, so that play-
or to carry sides of meat around. the lasso, extensive rules for this ers of FightingMonks will have ac-
The Lasso is a rope with a loop weapon’s use appear in The Com- cess to the rules for martial arts
at the end: it‘s thrown at targets, plete Fighter’s Handbook. combat.
and on a successful hit the loop The Nunchaku is an oriental
settles around the target. The weapon and only suitable for Attacking Without Killing
wielder can then pull the rope taut oriental-based campaigns. It con- Before proceeding, you should
and seriously inconvenience his sists of two wooden handles con- familiarize yourself with the “At-
target. Extensive rules for the nected by a short chain or short tacking Without Killing” rules
lasso appear in The Complete length of cord. It was originally de- from the Player’s Handbook, pages
Fighter’s Handbook. rived from an agricultural imple- 97-98,
ment, which is why so many
I
.quipment and Combat
\lf
l! i
Knowing Punching, Wrestling, round and with his Martial Arts Descriptions of the
Martial Arts skill in the next.) Maneuvers
When attacking with Martial
As you saw in the Player’s Hand- Arts skill, the character makes a Body-Punch This is a straight-
book, everybody knows how to forward punch into the target‘s
normal attack roll against the nor-
punch and wrestle. Any character, stomach or chest.
mal Armor Class of the target. (If
from the doughtiest warrior to the Elbow Shot: With this maneu-
the attacking character has armor
spindliest scholar, knows hot to ver, the attacker plants his elbow
on, he does suffer the “Armor Mod-
twist someone’sarm or punch him into the target’s chest, side, or
ifiers For Wrestling” from ’lhble 57
in the jaw. (Naturally,such factors stomach.
on page 97 of the Player’s Hand-
as strength, dexterity and experi- Graze: This could have started
book.) Any other normal modifiers
ence level have a remarkable effect out as any sort of maneuver, but it
are applied to the attack roll (from
on how often one hits and how merely grazed the target: it wasn’t
the attacker’s Strength bonus, for
much damage one does.) example). landed firmly.
Martial Arts are another matter. Low Kick The attacker kicks
If the attack roll is successful,
By “Martial Arts,’we
’ mean generic the target in the leg or thigh.
the attacker consults the table be-
unarmed combat. This isn’t karate, Head Bash: The attacker slams
low for the result of the attack. If,
kung fu or tae kwan do: It‘smovie- his forehead into the target’s face,
for instance, the character rolls a
style martial arts with no basis in 13 to hit, the result is a Body-which is a stout maneuver.
real-world fighting styles. Punch, doing 1 point of damage Head Punch This is a good,
A character may only know Mar- strong blow with the fist to the ene-
(plus the character’s damage ho-
tial Arts if the DM declares that nus from Strength, if any). my’s head, particularly his jaw.
this style is available for charac- High Kick The attacker kicks
ters to learn. In many campaigns, the target in the upper body some-
it won’t he. In most oriental cam- Martial Arts Results Table
where: Stomach, chest, back, or
paigns, it will be. In campaigns shoulder.
where the occidental and oriental Attack Martial Arts Damage%KO
. Knee-Shot: The attacker brings
worlds have a lot of contact with Roll Maneuver his knee up into the target’s stom-
one another, it could easily be. ach or thigh.
’lb know Martial Arts at its basic Side Kick With this maneuver,
level, the character must spend the attacker has time to prepare
one Weapon Proficiency slot on 17 VikPunch 2 5 -1 and launch a very powerful side-
Martial Arts. That’s all it takes. 16 HeadBash 2 5 1 ways kick (which may be at the
Once he’s spent that proficiency end of a cinematic leap).
slot, he can use Martial Arts in the Vitals-Kick: The attacker kicks
same way that other people use his target a t some vulnerable
Punching and Wrestling, as we’ll point: Groin, kidney, neck, solar
describe immediately below. 11 Graze plexus, etc.
10 Body-Punc.. Vitals-Punch:The attacker puts
9 LowKick his fist into one of the vulnerable
Martial Arts Results
At its basic level. Martial Arts points mentioned immediately
skill is used just like Punching and above.
Wrestling. Martial Arts combat oc-
curs when a character attacks Specializing in Punching
with his bare hands, feet, and even Any priest can specialize in
head. No weapons are used. (A Punching (or Wrestling, or M&tial
character can hold a weapon in Arts). Of all the types of priests,
one hand and nothing in the other,
attacking with his weapon one
- dr less though, only the Fighting-Monk
can specialize in more t h a n one
1
I unarmed combat style. The DM Monk rolls and successfully hits, damage but has a superior chance
may decide for his own campaign as you know, the roll itself deter- of accomplishing a knockout). He
cializing in F‘unching and Wres- next experience level. He can only Let’suse thatch
tling also apply to Martial Arts, spend one slot per experience
with one exception. No character level, meaning that he’ll first gain
knows Martial Arts automatically. proficiency with Martial Arts at
Therefore, the character must first one level, then specialize at the
spend one Weapon Proficiency slot next level.
to know Martial Arts in the first Usually, the character, if he
place, and then must spend one wants to specialize in more than
more to become a Martial Arts Spe- one style, will take either Martial
cialist. Arts or Punching, not both, and
As usual, when the character be- then take Wrestling. Martial Arts
comes a Martial Arts Specialist: and Punching overlap one another
He gains a + 1bonus to all his at- somewhat, but Wrestling is useful someone, and that %i
tack rolls with Martial Arts; when the character is being held.
He gains a + 1 bonus to all dam-
age with Martial Arts; and
He gains a + 1 chart bonus with
all Martial Arts attacks.
-‘his _-___ Aption or--, for
Fighting-Monks(andWarrior char-
So if he rolls a 15 to hit, and the acters): other Priests may not do
attack hits, he has performed a this.
Side Kick. If he uses his + 1 chart If a Fighting-Monk continues to
bonus, he can change that into an devote Weapon Proficiency slots to
Elbow Shot or a Head Bash. He’ll an unarmed combat style after he
probably choose to change it to a is alreadyspecializingin it, he gets
Head Bash, for the improved dam- the following benefits.
age and improved chance of KO. For each additional slot devoted
to his art, as before: a * .
More Than One Style He gains a + 1bonus to all his at-
Only a Fighting-Monk can spe- tack rolls with his combat style:
cialize in more than one unarmed He gains a + 1bonus to all dam-
combat style. A Fighting-Monk age with his combat style: and
can only specialize in one of the He gains a + 1 chart bonus with
all attacks in that combat style. Combat chapter of The C
three unarmed combat styles
when he is first created. After first With chart bonuses of + 2 or more,
level, however, he may specialize the character can choose any ma-
;- *he other two.
neuver within the range of maneu-
I
127
The following works were help- Lurker, Manfred, Dictionary of
ful in the creation of The Complete Gods and Goddesses,
Priest Manual: Devils and Demons, Routlege
and Kegan Paul Inc., London Woodstock, New York,
and New York, 1987. 1987.
Meyer, Marvin W., editor, The An- Seltman, Charles, The 'lkelve
cient Mysteries: A Olympians, Thomas Y.
Sourcebook, Perennial Library Crowell Co. (Apollo Editions),
(Harper & Row, New York, 19C
Publishers),