Priest of the Church of Traladara

A priest of the traditional religion of Karameikos.
To become a Priest of the Church of Traladara requires beginning as an acolyte.

Acolyte (Available for Children)

Priest

Church Lore (IN) (b): The acolyte is familiar with the organization, rules, and facts of the church itself.
Theology of the Church of Traladara (IN) (b): The acolyte has a knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the church.
Turn Undead (MP) (b): The acolyte can, with an act of faith alone force the undead to flee, or be destroyed.
Faith in The Church of Traladara (MP) (b): This is a measure of the strength of the faith of the worshipper. This skill will also allow the faithful to know if a place is sanctified to the church or to its enemies.
Prayer (MP) (b): The worshipper knows the proper form of address to ask for aid. There is no power detriment for this.
Literacy (IN) (b): The acolyte can read and write.
Mathematics (IN) (d): The acolyte can perform calculations.
Religious Ceremony (MP) (d) The basic worship ceremony of the religion. Specific ceremonies are listed below.
Benediction (MP) (e): The priest, after a prayer, can confer special bonuses to those who have faith. Specific benedictions are listed below.
Fortune Telling: Tea Leaves (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading tea leaves. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Fortune Telling: Tarotchi Cards (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading cards. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Astrology (IN) (d): The priest knows about the stars and can construct a horoscope.
Divination by Horoscope (MP) (d): The priest can gain information by reading a horoscope for an individual, place, or object.
Equipment: Shrine or Temple.
Salary: 4 royals per month.
Requirement: Must have spent at least three terms as an acolyte before becoming a priest.
Cost: 21 HP
Possible Exits: Leave the Church in disgrace (gain the detriment Despised by Traladarans (d) 5), leave the clergy (gain the detriment Bereaved (d) 5), remain as a Priest, continue on to Priest of Halav, Priest of Petra, Priest of Zirchev, or Bishop.

Priest of Halav (Order of the Sword, Priests are Known as Swords of Halav)

Church Lore (IN) (b): The acolyte is familiar with the organization, rules, and facts of the church itself.
Theology of the Church of Traladara (IN) (b): The acolyte has a knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the church.
Turn Undead (MP) (b): The acolyte can, with an act of faith alone force the undead to flee, or be destroyed.
Faith in The Church of Traladara (MP) (b): This is a measure of the strength of the faith of the worshipper. This skill will also allow the faithful to know if a place is sanctified to the church or to its enemies.
Prayer (MP) (b): The worshipper knows the proper form of address to ask for aid. There is no power detriment for this.
Literacy (IN) (b): The acolyte can read and write.
Mathematics (IN) (d): The acolyte can perform calculations.
Religious Ceremony (MP) (d) The basic worship ceremony of the religion. Specific ceremonies are listed below.
Benediction (MP) (e): The priest, after a prayer, can confer special bonuses to those who have faith. Specific benedictions are listed below.
Fortune Telling: Tea Leaves (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading tea leaves. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Fortune Telling: Tarotchi Cards (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading cards. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Astrology (IN) (d): The priest knows about the stars and can construct a horoscope.
Divination by Horoscope (MP) (d): The priest can gain information by reading a horoscope for an individual, place, or object.
Bonus vs Humanoid (MP) (d): This bonus allows the priest to have a greater chance to hit any being classified as a humanoid.
Sword +1(MA) (b)
Heavy Armor (PF) (b)
Equipment: Short sword done in the old style (Medium strike damage, BF: 3), bronze plate armor done in the old style (Heavy torso armor, BF: 4).
Salary: 5 royals per month.
Cost: 31 HP.
Possible Exits: Leave the Church in disgrace (gain the detriment Despised by Traladarans (d) 7), leave the clergy (gain the detriment Bereaved (d) 7), remain as a Priest of Halav, continue on to Bishop.

Priest of Petra (Order of the Shield, Priests are known as Shields of Petra)

Church Lore (IN) (b): The acolyte is familiar with the organization, rules, and facts of the church itself.
Theology of the Church of Traladara (IN) (b): The acolyte has a knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the church.
Turn Undead (MP) (b): The acolyte can, with an act of faith alone force the undead to flee, or be destroyed.
Faith in The Church of Traladara (MP) (b): This is a measure of the strength of the faith of the worshipper. This skill will also allow the faithful to know if a place is sanctified to the church or to its enemies.
Prayer (MP) (b): The worshipper knows the proper form of address to ask for aid. There is no power detriment for this.
Literacy (IN) (b): The acolyte can read and write.
Mathematics (IN) (d): The acolyte can perform calculations.
Religious Ceremony (MP) (d) The basic worship ceremony of the religion. Specific ceremonies are listed below.
Benediction (MP) (e): The priest, after a prayer, can confer special bonuses to those who have faith. Specific benedictions are listed below.
Fortune Telling: Tea Leaves (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading tea leaves. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Fortune Telling: Tarotchi Cards (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading cards. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Astrology (IN) (d): The priest knows about the stars and can construct a horoscope.
Divination by Horoscope (MP) (d): The priest can gain information by reading a horoscope for an individual, place, or object.
Strength (MP) (b): This skill allows the priest to mystically amplify their strength.
Longbow(MA) (b)
Sword (MA) (b)
Heavy Armor (PF) (b)
Laying on of Hands (MP) (e): The priest can heal by touch.
Equipment: Longbow (Extreme thrusting damage out to 75 meters, Heavy thrusting damage out to 100 meters, ROF: ½, BF: 2), bronze plate armor done in the old style (Heavy torso armor, BF: 4).
Salary: 5 royals per month.
Cost: 34 HP.
Possible Exits: Leave the Church in disgrace (gain the detriment Despised by Traladarans (d) 7), leave the clergy (gain the detriment Bereaved (d) 7), remain as a Priest of Petra, continue on to Bishop.
Priest of Zirchev (Order of The Wolf, Priests are known as Wolves or Huntsmen)
As Priest.
Tracking +1 (MP) (d): This skill allows the priest to track mystically.
Wilderness Survival (IN) (d)
Reaction Time (MA) (b)
Salary: 5 royals per month.
Cost: 32 HP.
Possible Exits: Leave the Church in disgrace (gain the detriment Despised by Traladarans (d) 7), leave the clergy (gain the detriment Bereaved (d) 7), remain as a Priest of Zirchev, continue on to Bishop.

Bishop

Church Lore (IN) (b): The acolyte is familiar with the organization, rules, and facts of the church itself.
Theology of the Church of Traladara (IN) (b): The acolyte has a knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the church.
Turn Undead (MP) (b): The acolyte can, with an act of faith alone force the undead to flee, or be destroyed.
Faith in The Church of Traladara (MP) (b): This is a measure of the strength of the faith of the worshipper. This skill will also allow the faithful to know if a place is sanctified to the church or to its enemies.
Prayer (MP) (b): The worshipper knows the proper form of address to ask for aid. There is no power detriment for this.
Literacy (IN) (b): The acolyte can read and write.
Mathematics (IN) (d): The acolyte can perform calculations.
Religious Ceremony (MP) (d) The basic worship ceremony of the religion. Specific ceremonies are listed below.
Benediction (MP) (e): The priest, after a prayer, can confer special bonuses to those who have faith. Specific benedictions are listed below.
Fortune Telling: Tea Leaves (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading tea leaves. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Fortune Telling: Tarotchi Cards (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading cards. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Astrology (IN) (d): The priest knows about the stars and can construct a horoscope.
Divination by Horoscope (MP) (d): The priest can gain information by reading a horoscope for an individual, place, or object.
Create Fear in Humanoids (MP) (e): The Bishop can instill a magical fear in any humanoids encountered at the level of success for one hour. This produces a -3 mystical detriment.
Conjure the Arrow of Petra (MP) (e): The Bishop can conjure a magical arrow with a range of 200 meters doing thrusting damage. This produces a -3 mystical detriment.
Conjure Wolf of Zirchev (MP) (e): The Bishop can conjure a wolf that will serve the Bishop for the duration of the spell. This produces a -3 mystical detriment.
Salary: 6 royals per month.
Requirement: Must have spent at least three terms as a priest of one sort or another.
Cost: 30 HP.
Possible Exits: Leave the Church in disgrace (gain the detriment Despised by Traladarans (d) 7), leave the clergy (gain the detriment Bereaved (d) 7), remain as a Bishop, continue on to Patriarch (if there is a vacancy).

Patriarch

Church Lore (IN) (b): The acolyte is familiar with the organization, rules, and facts of the church itself.
Theology of the Church of Traladara (IN) (b): The acolyte has a knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the church.
Turn Undead (MP) (b): The acolyte can, with an act of faith alone force the undead to flee, or be destroyed.
Faith in The Church of Traladara (MP) (b): This is a measure of the strength of the faith of the worshipper. This skill will also allow the faithful to know if a place is sanctified to the church or to its enemies.
Prayer (MP) (b): The worshipper knows the proper form of address to ask for aid. There is no power detriment for this.
Literacy (IN) (b): The acolyte can read and write.
Mathematics (IN) (d): The acolyte can perform calculations.
Religious Ceremony (MP) (d) The basic worship ceremony of the religion. Specific ceremonies are listed below.
Benediction (MP) (e): The priest, after a prayer, can confer special bonuses to those who have faith. Specific benedictions are listed below.
Fortune Telling: Tea Leaves (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading tea leaves. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Fortune Telling: Tarotchi Cards (MP) (d): The priest can learn about the future by reading cards. The level of success is split between the number of facts learned, and the length of time the priest can ask about.
Astrology (IN) (d): The priest knows about the stars and can construct a horoscope.
Divination by Horoscope (MP) (d): The priest can gain information by reading a horoscope for an individual, place, or object.
Create Fear in Humanoids (MP) (e): The Bishop can instill a magical fear in any humanoids encountered at the level of success for one hour. This produces a -3 mystical detriment.
Conjure the Arrow of Petra (MP) (e): The Bishop can conjure a magical arrow with a range of 200 meters doing thrusting damage. This produces a -3 mystical detriment.
Conjure Wolf of Zirchev (MP) (e): The Bishop can conjure a wolf that will serve the Bishop for the duration of the spell. This produces a -3 mystical detriment.
Commune (MP) (e): The Patriarch can communicate directly with an Immortal from the pantheon.
Requirements: There must be a vacancy (there has not been one for ten years). The patriarch needs to have been a bishop for at least three terms.
Salary: 8 royals per month.
Restriction: There must be a vacancy.
Cost: 34 HP.
Possible Exits: None.

Notable Members of the Church of Traladara

Aleksyev Nikelnevich, Patriarch of the Church.
Felix Jermikov, Head of the Order of Halav
Helga Dimitrov, Head of the Order of Petra
Deniska Marvraski, Head of the Order of Zirchev
Oleg Sabinik, Assistant to the Patriarch and Chief of Bishops

Beliefs of the Church of Traladara

Halav is the leader of the pantheon. He became an immortal after killing the leader of the beast-men who invaded the Traladaran lands centuries ago. Halav is the patron of warfare and weaponmaking. Halav appears as a tall, well-built, red-haired warrior wearing ancient bronze armor and wielding an ancient bronze short sword and with a simple golden crown.
Petra is the queen of the pantheon. She became an immortal soon after Halav, following the war with the beastmen. Petra is the patron of the defense of Karamiekos. Petra appears as a small, dark haired woman wearing ancient bronze armor and carries a large flanged mace.
Zirchev became an immortal following a quest after the beastman war. He is the patron of the patron of huntsmen. Zirchev appears as a strong and heavily muscled, handsome huntsman; he carries a bow, wears forest green clothes, and is often accompanied by a retinue of forest animals.
Faith is the force that allows priests to gain their powers from on high.
Nature is composed of five spheres of power; Matter, Energy, Thought, Time, and Entropy.
For those who live full lives death is a release to a paradise. For those who live in villainy or sin death means enslavement to Thanatos.
The faithful may receive divine inspiration upon a successful prayer.
Assault, abuse, murder, theft, lying, adultery and lying are sins that are caused by either weakness of character or the intervention of evil spirits. Sins must be punished by physical punishment, imprisonment, or the withholding of rights.
Common magic is a representation of the curiosity of man and is to be encouraged.
The events related by the Song of Halav are completely true.
The Patriarch is the leader of the Church. Bishops are the next level of authority in the hierarchy. There are also orders of Halav, Petra, and Zirchev. Priests are the next in order, followed by acolytes.
The Thyatians mistrust the Church of Traladara and actively discourage its worship, though not with open violence.
The Traladarans appreciate the Church and see it as the only religion to be a part of.
The Darine approve of the Church since it harkens back to their past.
The Callarii see it as powerful, but superstitious.
The Highforge gnomes pay the Church little mind.
The Stronghollow dwarves appreciate the Order, and some are even members (followers of Halav).
The halflings do not like the Order, they feel vaguely threatened by it.
The orcs hate the Order.
The Order respects the Church of Karameikos. They do not like The Cult of Halav.
The Church of Traladara was founded so long ago no one remembers.
There are three holy symbols worn upon the robes of all clerics. These are brooches; a sword across an anvil, a circular shield with a boss in the center, and a hawk riding the shoulders of a wolf. Those who belong to the special orders will have the holy symbol of the order surrounded by a circle of silver.
Worship is done through intense prayer while touching the Holy Symbol of the immortal being worshipped. Such prayer is performed after every major battle.
Acolytes can only be invested by a Priest. Priests can only be invested by Bishops. Bishops and the leaders of the special orders are invested by the Patriarch. The Patriarch can only be chose by a majority of the immortals of the pantheon.
The teachings of The Church and a complete history of the Traladarn people is contained in the book called The Concordance.
28 Klarmont is the Feast of Halav, a day commemorating the triumph of King Halav over the Beast Man King. This festival continues for three days. Day One: The Day of Preparation, where priests perform traditional divinations and ceremonies to ensure success in the battle agains tthe Beastmen. Day Two: The Day of Triumph, where there are parades and reinactments of the defeat of the Beastman King. Day Three is The Day of Mourning, funeral ceremonies are given for the dead King Halav.
The Feast of Petra is held on the last full moon before the Spring Equinox. This is the day that new defensive works are begun in cities. New roads are built, old roads are repaired. There is a night-long celebration.
The Feast of Zirchev is held on the Summer Solstice. Outdoor celebrations are held. Hunting is forbidden of the faithful on this day. All of the faithful are expected to plant a tree.

The Song of Halav

"Once there were, a long time ago,
a people blessed by the Immortals.
The Traldar were given the Great Forest."

"The Traldar lived simply and were happy,
they fished the sea and hunted the forest,
mostly they were fair and worshipped the Immortals."

"Unknown to men, a darkness had gathered,
far to the west, the beastmen grew.
They were coming for spoils, for land, and for slaves."

"The Immortals of the beastment were matched
by those of the Traldar, they battled much
but neither side would yield, the battle was a draw."

"As one, one both sides it became clear,"
to avoid annihilation there was only one way,
the battle would be decided by mortals!"

"To Lavv, a village of men, now lost,
The Immortals came to find those to lead.
They chose clever youths to teach their secrets."

"Halav, Red-Hair, was the first to be chosen,
a maker of stone knives he was clever.
To make armor and arms of bronze he was taught."

"Lovely Petra, Halav's lover, was next in the line,
a maker of pottery and arts was she.
To make bows, to weave, and to heal did she learn."

"Wild Zirchev was last, the Immortals to see,
a master hunter and trapper was he.
The secrets of forests and beasts was he taught."

"The three, gathered by the Immortals, were told,
of the approach of the beastment.
The three told their people, who refused to hear."

"The King of Lavv had the three brought to him,
he scoffed, and laughed, dishonoring all.
Halav slew him with a stroke of his bronze sword."

"King Halav, Queen Petra, and Zirchev the Hunter,
taught the people their secrets.
The villages joined and swelled into cities."

"Halav became a great hero, a just and kind ruler,
his fairness became widely known.
To him came all cities, a mighty nation was born."

"The tide of the beastment then broke over them,
upon the bronze of their armor it broke.
The numberless horde had arrived, the war went on."

"As the eternal battle raged on, it was said,
for every gleaming suit that was rent,
a dozen of their dark foes had gone down."

"Then it happened, as the fates had required.
King Halav, in his bronze, found his great foe.
He was wolf-headed and twice the height of a man."

"The ax of the beast met the bronze sword of Halav,
the echoes rang out and all stopped to watch.
The two warriors danced, wove, and struck."

"For hours they fought, to the cheers of their soldiers,
both sides marveled at the stamina shown.
Neither would yield and neither would fall."

"When neither could raise their weapons or move,
a halt was called and both rested and drank.
Halav spoke well of his foe, who spoke well of Halav."

"The two rose to fight, the tension was great,
they battled again, would it end this time?
The battle raged, then one final blow did they strike!"

"The two armies looked on, both clearly stunned,
the two leaders were dead, confusion reigned.
The beastmen faltered, the Traldars barely held."

"As the beastmen retired, Petra met Zirchev,
together they bore Halav home to Lavv.
In Lavv the pyre burned, the people wept."

"The three were seen no more by men,
Petra and Zirchev joined Halav.
The Immortals bore them away, to return again,
some day..."

Established Prayers

Prayer for Strength
The level of success of this prayer allows the priest to recover from power detriments at the level of success.
Prayer to Halav
This is a prayer to gain divine intervention for acts of fighting, battle, or craftsmanship.
Prayer to Petra
This is a prayer to gain divine intervention for acts of marksmanship, defense, or art.
Prayer to Zirchev
This is a prayer to gain divine intervention for acts of forestry.

Religious Ceremonies

Worship Ceremony
An hour long ceremony once per day. This serves to raise the mood of the faithful.
High Worship Ceremony
A two hour long ceremony peformed only on holy days. This ceremony carries a protection from magic for all faithful participants for twenty four hours at the level of success.
Marriage Ceremony
A joyful ceremony that includes a feast to celebrate the happy occasion. This requires an entire day, including the feast.
Burial Ceremony
A solemn ceremony that has a two-fold purpose. First, it consecrates the dead in the name of Halav, Petra, or Zirchev depending upon how the dead lived their lives. The second purpose is to keep the dead from being disturbed. Any attempt to contact the dead, animate the dead, or otherwise disturb their rest will have a detriment equal to the level of success.
Ceremony of Adoption
This joyful ceremony brings someone into the Church of Traladara.
Investment of an Acolyte
This hour long ceremony results in the ability for a member of the Church to become an acolyte.
Religious Ceremonies of Halav
Ceremony of the Weapon of Halav
This ceremony has two variants. The first requires a weapon and after an hour of prayer and hymns to Halav the weapon will be temporarily sanctified. The level of success is split between the effect (damage add) and the duration of the sanctification.
The second variant is that it will physically conjure a sanctified weapon to the priest. This is identical to the first variant, except that the level of success is the duration, there is a -20 detriment and the weapon automatically does Extreme damage.
Ceremony of Victory in Battle
This ceremony, after an hour of prayer and hymns to Halav, confers a bonus to all participants who are faithful. The level of success is split between the effect (the bonus to all combat-related rolls) and the duration of the effect.
Religious Ceremonies of Petra
Ceremony of the Arrow of Petra
This ceremony has two variants. The first requires an arrow(s) and after an hour of prayer and hymns to Petra the arrow(s) will be temporarily sanctified. There is a detriment equal to the number of arrows being sanctified. The level of success is split between the effect (damage add) and the duration of the sanctification.
The second variant is that it will physically conjure sanctified arrows to the priest. This is identical to the first variant, except that the level of success is split between the duration of the manifestation and the number of arrows, there is a -20 detriment and the arrows automatically do Extreme damage.
Ceremony of the Armor of Petra
This ceremony has two variants. The first requires a breastplate and after an hour of prayer and hymns to Petra the armor will be temporarily sanctified. The level of success is split between the effect (damage add) and the duration of the sanctification. The armor takes on the appearance of ancient bronze armor.
The second variant is that it will physically conjure a sanctified breastplate to the priest. This is identical to the first variant, except that the level of success is the duration, there is a -20 detriment and the weapon automatically confers Extreme protection.
Ceremony of the Art of Petra
This ceremony temporarily sanctifies a tool or item made through a craft skill. After an hour of prayer and hymns to Petra the item will be temporarily sanctified. The level of success is split between the effect (the bonus to any skill attempt using the item) and the duration of the sanctification.
Ceremony of the Healing of Petra
This ceremony, after an hour of hymns and prayers to Petra, produces a healing effect equal to the success +20.
Ceremony of the Shield of Petra
This ceremony has two variants. The first requires a shield and after an hour of prayer and hymns to Petra the shield will be temporarily sanctified. The level of success is split between the effect (add to the parry modifier) and the duration of the sanctification.
The second variant is that it will physically conjure a sanctified shield to the priest. This is identical to the first variant, except that the level of success is the duration, there is a -20 detriment and the weapon automatically confers a 25 point modifier to parry.
Religious Ceremonies of Zirchev
Ceremony of the Beasts of Zirchev
This ceremony, after an hour of prayers and hymns to Zirchev, allow the priest to conjure a number of Wolf Spirits to serve the priest. The level of success is split between the the number of wolves and the duration. There is a -5 detriment to perform this ceremony. The Wolf Spirits are lesser spirits of Forest Magic.
Ceremony of the Eyes of Zirchev
This ceremony, after an hour of prayers and hymns to Zirchev, allow the priest to sense what is in the forest. The priest is actually able to know where things of interest are located and how they are moving. The level is split between the effect (to overcome hiding and the like), the area of the forest covered, and the duration.
Ceremony of the Huntsman
This ceremony, after an hour of prayers and hymns to Zirchev, allow the priest to confer a bonus for faithful hunters. The level of success is split between the effect (the modifier to any hunting type rolls), the duration, and the number of hunters so effected.
Ceremony of the Ways of Zirchev
This ceremony, after an hour of prayers and hymns to Zirchev, allow the priest to know the way to their destination so long as it is in the forest. The level of success is split between the distance to the location and the duration.
Religious Ceremonies of Bishops
Ceremony of Excommunication
This is a drastic step that must be carefully considered. This is an hour long ceremony that severs an individual's connection to the church.
Ceremony of Investment of a Priest
This is a two hour ceremony that invests an acolyte with the powers of a priest.
Religious Ceremonies of the Patriarch
Ceremony of Investment of a Bishop
This four hour ceremony results in a priest being elevated to the status of bishop.
Ceremony of Patriarchal Proclamations
This is a two hour long ceremony resulting in a change in doctrine for all of the faithful.

Benedictions

Blessing
This benediction allows the priest to help the faithful. The level of success is split between the effect (a bonus to die rolls), the number of the faithful who receive this benediction, and the duration of the effect.
Create True Holy Symbol
This benediction allows the priest to use their personal holy symbol as a vessel of power. Whenever this benediction is performed the result is power pool that is added to the holy symbol. This power pool is drawn by power detriments. When the pool reaches zero, then the detriments begin to effect the priest. When performing this benediction the priest may not use the power pool, and the result is a -3 power detriment.
Benedictions of Bishops
Consecration
This allows the bishop to sanctify a place as holy ground. This must be done before a temple may be built.
Organization of the Church
The Partriarch is served by a staff of two bishops and ten priests in his temple in Specularum. There are also Bishops in Kelvin and Fort Doom, each with a staff of three priests and a dozen acolytes. There are major temples in each town and village operated by a priest and up to eight acolytes. There are numerous shrines along roadsides and in the countryside operated by a priest and as many as three acolytes.

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