Lyra Goddess of the Dawn N/G Healing/(re)Birth Greater Spheres: Elemental (earth/air), Healing, Protection, Creation Minor Spheres: Guardian, Animal, Necromantic, Time, Sun, Wards, Numbers, Plants Holy Items: Birthdays, Dawn, Buds Ability Req: WIS = 14 INT = 13 Turn/Control: Turn Cleric Name: Dalisha Worshipers Align: Any Non-Evil Weapons/Armor: Javelin, Dart, Hammer, Jo Stick, Mace, Sling (Staff), Staff, Trident/Any Armor Granted Powers May "Lay on Hands" to heat 2 HP per level per day. Any healing magic (spells, potions, etc.) administered by a Dalisha gains a +1 per 3 levels. Myths A picture of beauty in innocence and purity, Lyra embodies all that is good about the newly experienced and the recently marveled. Born anew at every different breath She teaches to let go of regret and pain and see every moment as if for the first time. It is perhaps this innocence that led to Her easy capture at the jealous hands of Anna, jealous that her son, Midren, was not receiving the attention and care Lyra was from their mutual father Darren. Anna hid Lyra in between the sun and the moon, in that dark place where the moon has set and the sun yet to rise with only the cold, distant stars for company. Darren, though his heart was broken, could not seek Her for his task, safeguarding death, could not spare the time away. Maestre, also bereft in grief, could not leave for she is powerless outside her home. And so Ithican drew Wyndschar from his scabbard, the first time since the death of his mortal wife Amdia, and journeyed to the sun, for he needed light to banish the power of Anna, and taking it upon his back, though it burned and scorched, he flew for seven days and seven nights until at last he fell, collapsing at the foot of the prison that held Lyra. And seeing this being that would take his life for Her, Lyra wept and Her tears bathed the wounds upon Ithican's back until they were no more. Ithican stood, brandishing Wyndschar in one hand and the sun in the other and the guardians and servants of Anna fled. Then Ithican took Lyra in his arms and carried Her home. He set the sun back to the sky and charged it to follow the moon, so Anna's power would be lessened and then went to Darren to request Lyra's hand. Although problems arose, for Darren and Ithican are not renown for their fondness with each other, Lyra 's next experience was a wedding. Tallah FireHair "The Lass" C/G Love/Hunt/Enjoyment Greater Spheres: All, Combat, Travelers, Guardian, Divination Minor Spheres: Elemental (All), Healing, Animal, Sun, Plant, Thought, Chaos Holy Items: Sling, Mandolin, Wolf Cleric Name: Filis Ability Req.: WIS 10, DEX 13, STR 13 Turn/Control: Turn Worshipers Align.: C/G, N/G, ON Weapons/Armor: Dagger, Sling (staff), Quarterstaff, Bastard/Long/Short Sword, Rapier / Chain or Less Granted Powers Ranger Abilities: Weapon in each hand, Hide in shadows/move silently Harper Abilities: Influence Reaction/Rally friends and allies Bonus Proficiencies Musical instrument or Singing Bowyer/Fletcher May choose from Fighter NWP table without penalty Myths Feisty and energetic, Tallah 's presence is felt every time clean, fresh air is breathed, adrenalin shocks, or young love indulged. Her form, changes, however, to match Her current mood. When seen to represent joy, She is young, a single white shift and grass stained bare feet. When hunting, She is adolescent wearing soft leathers that blend to the forest with, perhaps, a young wolf as companion. And presiding over love, She has just blossomed into full womanhood, red pouting lips to match Her hair and a chaste cream colored gown that not so chastely is unbuttoned in the front. Her wickedness, much to Her parents lament, comes not from intent, but rather a pure joy to wonder and explore, cross boundaries, and question why. This abhorrence to authority does not always serve Her, however, as in the time She was hunting within Her fathers forbidden forest with Her favorite companion, a silver wolf named Tama. After expertly hitting mark after mark, Tama encouraged Her to shoot for a more challenging target. A bird of some sort, merely a speck on the horizon. One arrow drawn, aimed and shot, and the bird fell. Unfortunately the speck was Her fathers prize hunting eagle. Ithican was enraged and threatened to forbid His miscreant daughter from ever hunting again. Lyra, knowing this would break Her daughters heart and create a rift between fatber and daughter that may never be rectified, she went to her father, Darren, to perhaps use his power over death to bring back the eagle. Darren, however, could not restore the eagle for it was slain by a God and so, using their powers together, Darren and Lyra bent their wills together, death and rebirth, and from the still form of the eagle rose a beautiful raven, a white raven. This gift mollified Ithican somewhat, but punishment still needed to be given. Allowing Tallah to hunt, but without the use of the bow. Tallah accepted this, but She remembers the bow which is why all Filis know how to string and shoot a bow, but are forbidden to use it. Tallington Adna'na Tar N/N Magic/Intelligence/Screw-ups Greater Spheres: All, Astral, Divination, Numbers, Summoning, Thought Minor Sphere: Charm, Guardian, Healing, Necromantic, Protection Holy Items: Staff, Pentagram, Owl Ability Req: INT = 14 WIS = 10 Turn/Control: No Worshipers: Any Cleric Name: Magest Weapon/Armor: Same as Mage Granted Powers Spells Magests gain Mage spells that they draw from their All sphere. They gain 1 random mage spell equal to the spell progression of mages (1 at 1st level, 1 more at 2nd level, 1 2nd level spell at 3rd, 1 1st level and I 2nd level spell at 4th, etc.). Accident Absorption: Any time an accident happens around a Magest (within 50'), he may choose to absorb it. If he does the accident will happen to the Magest if he tries a similar action. Example: A Magest's companion rolls a critical miss, the Magest absorbs it to himself (the critical does not happen), but the next time the Magest attacks with a weapon it will be a critical miss. An accident is also seen as any save or ability check missed by 1 or thieving ability missed by 5%. At 7th level, the Magest may attempt to "give" his saved " accidents" to another. The recipient of this gift rolls a save vs spell. If he succeeds, the "accident" immediately effects the Magest; if he fails, it effects the target. Myths A harmless, bumbling idiot. A jester so pathetic and naive that His tricks and jokes do not impress unless it is to the knowledge of His impotence. This is how most view Tallington, God of the most mystical realm of magic. It is this mystery which is why mortal man has forced this image on such potentially powerful deity. Mankind's nature to fear what he does not understand leads him to underestimate Tallington, to make him the joker or the cad. His origin is as much of a mystery as His art. Scripture from Trixia, His supposed mother, states that He was not born, but rather was created through magical means. This also distances Him from mortal kind. It is easier to see Him as an unbirthed monster or soulless demon. It seems that Tallington is unconcerned of the current mental state of mortals, however. All the stories and legends that put Him in this "harmless" light have done nothing to inspire Him to greater lengths to prove them wrong. His primary responsibility still lies in magic, the research, the application and the philosophy, and it seems that as long as He is left to pursue these matters, He will let those people think and act as they will. Tarros ThroatCutter L/E Hate/Revenge/Murder Greater Spheres: All, Combat, Guardian, Necromantic, Protection Minor Spheres: Chaos, Divination, Elemental (fire),Healing, Law Holy Items: Crescent, Knife Ability Req. WIS = 9 CON = 14 Turn/control: Control Cleric Name: Dark Riders Worshipers Align: LE, UN Weapons/Armor: Any from Assassin's list / Chain or less Granted Powers Focus This is specific to each Dark Rider. He fixes on something he can hate. This can be inanimate, animate or anything. He then tries to understand this focus by delving into it as much as possible. He will gain immunities to the focus. Example: A Dark Rider has focused on fire. At 3rd level he may get resistance to heat, at 6th, resistance to fire and by 12th, immunity to fire altogether. The focus must be the driving goal behind all he does or Tarros might start taking away abilities or forsake him entirely. Revenge If a Dark Rider has been wronged, he gains certain abilities to the person he thinks wronged him. After 2 weeks or more of contemplation he may attempt to assassinate. The victim is -1 per week of contemplation to his surprise (up to -6) and has the same % of assassination as an assassin of the same level. Dark Riders arc taught to be patient and will wait years for the proper opportunity. Myths What would it be like, a hate so strong that it lives, grows until it encompasses all of you, until it is your soul. That is the goal of those who follow Tarros, God of Bate. Blennin Striek is what it is called within the pages of The Book of Murder, the holy work of Tarros. It is a hate so pure and focused that it rivals the power of its opposite, love. Although the book is secret and but a few if any, Dark Riders have read it in its entirety, it is known to hold the formula for total destruction of a focus. It speaks of a time when Tarros was mortal, a bastard, unknowing His father. It tells of this degraded half-God as He came to know of His parentage and Hisconfrontation with His father, Taimion. It must also speak of the humiliation a son must feel to be rejected bya father, ridiculed before not just a congregation within a temple, but before the heavens itself. The dark path one must chose, the hardened heart, focus of mind and twisting of spirit. To arise triumphant, sacrificial knife dripping, over the High Dreygen in His fathers first and grandest temple. To shout His curse to the heavens that they are next. Tarros occupies a precarious position, becoming what He hates to destroy it thoroughly. All other Gods His enemy. Waiting, watching, methodically cruel and eternally patient. Awaiting His chance, His opportunity to strike..  Tralix Right Hand to the Coyotes C/N Trickery/Deceit/Mischief Greater Spheres: All, Chaos, Charm, Protection, Time Minor Spheres: Astral, Divination, Healing, Necromantic, Sun Holy Items: Coyotes, Cleric Name: None Worshipers Align. Any Non Lawful, Travelers, Wards Ability Req: DEX 14 INT 13 WIS 9 Turn/Control: No Weapons/Armor: Any to achieve immediate goals Granted Powers Clerics of Tralix gain one 1st level illusionist spell added to their All sphere at Ist level. There after they have a 50% chance of gaining another every time they advance a level. They gain them in this order: 1st, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 7th, 7th. Then the process starts over. They only take a -2 non-proficiency penalty, for they have none to start. Bonus NWP: They may choose from the Thief NWP without penalty. Myths The power of miscommunication and misleading is subtle but potentially great. Tralix relies on this for His accomplishments. For, instance, it was Tralix, disguised as a silver wolf, who suggested a target for a young huntress that caused so much heartbreak. This is but one of His deeds that He lays claim. Strife and mischief causes Him endless glee and entertainment. He is cunning and quick and instinctively senses a weakness and just as instinctively exploits it. This would be His greatest weakness. His inability to plan. He cannot, or will not, foresee the repercussions of His actions, He merely acts, He does not think. This is evident in His involvement in His brothers rise to God head. Tralix was discouraged by His fathers constant involvement in human affairs. Seeing the birth of Tarros had great potential to upset His father, He went to His half brotber and told him his father is none other than the Great God Taimion, Keeper of the Flame. Then, after Taros' embarrassing confrontation, Tralix helped Tarros plan his revenge. After all is said, all Tralix succeeded in making was an enemy, for Tarros turned on Him the same as their father. Tralix is incapable of learning from His own mistakes, as seen by His constant interference into the lives of others, even when they backfire on Him, and so it seems He is eternally doomed to repeat them. Andin StarWalker C/G Prophecy/Mystery Greater Spheres: All, Astral, Divination, Numbers, Thought Minor Spheres: Chaos, Healing, Necromantic, Sun, Protection Holy Items: Constellations (any) Cleric Name: Prophet Ability Req.: WIS = 15 INT = 13 Worshipers: Any Good Turn/Control: Turn Weapons/Armor: Any weapon of speed factor 3 or less / Any armor, but cannot use shield or helmet Granted Powers May ask 1 question to Andin per year or when they advance a level, however, the answer is always cryptic and confusing. Bonus Proficiency Astrology: At 5th level Prophets may meditate as the Martial Arts special maneuver. Special: Prophets of Andin are always in search of "inner peace" that will allow them to see the "Stars of Prophecy." It is said through calm meditation they can see the "Stars of Prophecy" through closed eyes. Myths It is said that only within the absence of everything can anything be found. So it is true of Andin. Living half in this world and half within some other, deeper realm, it is understandable if Andin cannot be completely explained, or understood. He sits in that time before sleep but after awareness, a timeless void of deep contemplation and meditation. It is said that He sees all walks of life, where potential is reality and reality just another path to walk. Perhaps this could be the reason prophesy must always be cryptic and unreliable, when the map the information is taken from is as vast as all eternity, and the ability to understand is just as difficult. One thing is certain of this strangest of Gods, He does look to benefit mankind, though sometimes it does not seem so when a negative result happens as a result of Andin 's interference. But rest assured that effect was necessary for a greater positive in the future. The blind must trust those that see, especially if there is a large chasm down the path and only a narrow rope bridge to cross it. Maestre HearthenStone "Holy Mother" L/N Marriage/Protection /Home Greater Sphere: All, Creation, Guardian, Protection, Wards Minor Spheres: Animal, Combat, Healing, Summoning, Numbers, Sun, Elemental (Fire/Earth) Holy Item: Weddings, Ivy, Bears, Home Ability Req.: WIS = 13 CON = 13 Must Be female Turn/Control: No Cleric Name: Mauden (Mother) Worshipers Align.: Any Except N/E or C/E Granted Powers If defending a home, all spheres Mauden have access to act as greater spheres a save vs spell on fighter table (+WIS Bonus) is made. If recipient is in his/her home, a Mauden may cast the following spells: 1st Level Cure Serious Wounds 2nd Level Neutralize Poison 3rd Level Cure Critical Wounds 6th Level True Sight 7th Level Raise Dead - Called the "Mother's Kiss" If a home is attacked by undead, a Mauden may lash out by calling on her goddess, doing a damage equal to the "Sunburst" effect on a wand of illumination. This can be done at 5th level and is called "Mother's Stryke." If a save vs spell is successful, clothing acts as chain, and normal household items act as weapons (cutting knife will be dagger, iron pot will be war hammer, etc.) and the Mauden cannot be surprised. Special A Mauden can never be farther than 1 day away from her home unless special arrangements are made, and still the Mauden can only be away for 1 week/level. Any mother defending her home may call upon Maestre and has a 15% + 5% per level to gain the abilities above (except spells or like effects) Myths The warmth of an oven stove that is used to cook the evening meal, the cool touch on a child's fevered brow, the unmasked fury of a she-bear as she protects her cubs, and the subtle guilt given by a mother when her grown children don't visit enough. This is Maestre, governess of the Home. She watches over all those who decide a family and home to be priority and shuns those who decide those things are unnecessary. The patron of suffering wives and mothers whose husbands are merchants, soldiers or, Maestre forbid, adventurers. However, Maestre preaches to suffer in silence, as She did when Her husband, Darren, was unfaithful. To uphold the home, protect it with life's blood, even to sacrifice happiness if it is put in conflict of marriage vows or raising of children. Perhaps if Maestre couid forgive, could learn to accept apologies in Her heart, She could have the home and the happiness also. But, in these troubled times of strifie and conflict, it is certainly understandable why She does not. Dumsin Tandlemaker N/E Grief/Sorrow/Regret Greater Spheres: All, Charm, Necromantic, Summoning, Time Minor Sphere: Guardian, Protection, Healing, Numbers, War Holy Items: Crow, Fanged Skull, Spiked Ring, Cleric Name: Bards of Sorrow Ability: CON = 13 WIS = 13 Turn/Control: Control Worshipers: All Worshippers Align: N/E, L/E, C/E Granted Powers Song of Sorrow This droning wail has adverse effects on all who hear (except singer). If the victim(s) is the same or higher level, it acts as a slow spell, if lower level (or HD) it will put them to sleep. This lasts as long as the Bard of Sorrow sings and the Bard of Sorrow may do no other action. Victims may make a save Vs petrification to avoid. Penance Stare At 7th level any Bard of Sorrow will make any who meet his eyes freeze as his mind relives the worst memories of his life. The victim must roll a save Vs spell, if successful the victim may act normally once the gaze is lifted. If failed, the victim is freed after the gaze is lifted but suffers -2 to hit, dam. and saves; heals at 1/2 normal rate (including magical); and is generally moody and bad tempered for 1 hr per level of the cleric who gave him the stare or until a good cleric of at least 7th level casts bless on him. Bard Abilities: May "Influence Reactions" and "Legend Lore" as harper same level. Abilities: Must get singing NWP also musical instrument is recommended. Myths Some say that grief is a healthy result of losing something that is cared for. That gut-wrenching pain at the loss of a loved one, a tear at the thought of a path not taken, or sorrow of a path taken that led to ruin. But dwelling in this regret, living "might-have-been " instead of living "is, " that is the danger, the grasp of Dumsin. A mortal from birth, He grew to own a good business. He made candles and dyes, but when a young noble woman entered his life, He spurned that lifestyle. Anna, had entered His life and swept him up in Her chaos. He lost His business, then His wife. His family turned on Him, yet He pursued His lost love still. In a unforgivable act, He sacrificed His children to Anna 's laughter, and Maestre struck Him with a terrible curse, She made Him immortal forced to watch His life over and over again. He cried until dry and howled until hoarse, and relived pain and-torment again and again. Still, even through all of this, He hounded Anna. He went to dark temples to lay screaming on red alters, He went to dark cities and frothed on the roof tops. After generations and generations of this, Anna, not being able to stop Him or kill Him, gave Him Godhood and at last He was quiet. It is said that Dumsin still regrets all that has come to pass, even the gift of Godhood, but then, with the enlightenment that would come with a God's mind, perhaps that gift is a greater curse than that given Him by Maestre. Blaastis C/E Entropy/End of Time Greater Spheres: All, Astral, Necromantic, Time, Elemental (neg.) Minor Sphere: Charm, Chaos, Thought, Numbers, Weather Holy Items: None Cleric Name: Special Ability: CON = 13 Com = 13 Turn/Control: Control Worshipers Align.: Any Evil Weapons/Armor: Blowgun, Hand Cross Bow, Dagger, Dart, Knife, Scourge, Sling, Whip, Garrote, Any Armor Bonus Powers: Reversed Spells In addition to the spells from spheres above, clerics of Blaastis may cast any reversed spell that has a negative" effect. A negative effect is any effect that adversely effects an individual directly. Example: A cause fear, the reverse of a remove fear, is directly affecting an individual; chill metal, the reverse of heat metal, is not; it is only the chilling metal that may indirectly harm. Elemental - Negative Sphere This contains the following spells: (Feel free to make more.) 1st level Chill Touch 2nd level Vampiric Touch 4th Level Lower Resistance 5th Level Evard's Black Tentacles 7th Level Summon Negative Elemental (take liberty to define) Negative plane protection effects clerics of Blaastis differently, allowing them to exist on the Negative Material Plane for 1/hr a level. 12th Level allows a cleric of Blaastis to travel to the Negative Material Plane and back 1/day. Special Blaastis is the only god to intrude on all racial myths in his true form. However, the races call the worshipers of Blaastis different names: Lycra - Human / Mythra-ny-Mutha - Elven / Kryynadar Dwarven / Bente -Gnome / Duea-Tamhire (Tears in the Sand) - Halfling All demihumans lose racial bonuses and detriments to ability scores if they worship Blaastis. Clerics of Blaastis lose 1 COM point per level until 0 is reached, at this point they die, never to be raised (they become part of Blaastis) or if high enough level, become a greater undead. Myths Of all the Gods I have studied and written on, this is the one I most wish I did not. A being so foul and decrepit that mortal words cannot describe, I feel weak at the attempt. But write I must for this is His power, fear To think, a being whose total purpose is to end, and bring an end of all things. This makes Him more evil than Anna, who still wishes a world to rule, more evil than Tarros who just wants the death of the Gods, more evil than evil can be. A balance must be kept, if for no other reason than to compare. But Blaastis comes from a place with no good to balance the evil, where evil is all that is. And He wants to bring this realm to such a state. I can pity Dumsin for his misfortune, I can marvel at Midren's appetite for destruction, and I can understand Taimion's misguided use for value, but Blaastis is as foreign as clouds to ocean depths and as understandable as ice to a volcano. Unfortunately the only thing I can tell you about Baastis is what He is not. He is not of this world. I fear the day that He is. More The Heavens of Rothgar An AD&D Resource Introduction Greater Gods Intermediate Gods Lesser Gods Back to Masters of Role Playing #7 Table of Contents Back to Masters of Role Playing List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 1999 by Chalice Publications. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com