Anthor (The Honorbound)
Lawful Good Greater Power
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Anthor is known for his great sense of nobility. Anthor seeks to bring justice to the world, and many of his clergy are active members in the military and policing forces of Kyranath. The integrity of Anthor and his followers are above reproach as they not only police others but themselves and all follow a strict code of honor that does not abide any acting in an unjust and ignoble manner. The state of being noble and having the trust of many in your hands holds certain responsibilities under Anthor's code. To lead others is to accept that you are responsible to them and they to you. Neither is free to ignore the other. Nobility goes beyond the owning of lands or holding of title but into the hearts of those that would be leaders. Nobility is not only for the titled few, either. Nobility can be found in all social strata and the worship of Anthor can be found in a farmer of the smallest hamlet as well as the king of the realm.
The Brothers of Honor (The Church of Anthor)
| CLERGY: | Cleric, Specialty Priest (Anthor's Honor Guard) and Paladin. |
| CLERGY ALIGN: | LG, NG, LN |
Dogma and Beliefs:
Most people think
of Anthor as being regimented and strict, forcing laws and controlling
people's actions to uphold order. This is partially true but he is also
looking out for their own good. His rules and regulations may be burdensome
to a few but overall if followed there is no need of worry over punishment
and retribution. The codes he wishes all would live by only reinforce what
most of society would like to be able to share; a sense of honor and mutual
respect for one another and one another's property.
Honor is the
hallmark of Anthor. This is a defining reason why Anthorites are lawful,
for adherence to their own personal or Anthor's code is of paramount importance.
Goodness is the other defining factor in Anthor's ideology. His followers
are driven to bring righteousness to wherever evil abounds. Anthor's Code
of Honor and the Tenets give them rules to abide by and to measure their
worthiness in the eyes of their god. These are not enforced on others unless
they have been adopted as the law of the land, as they have in many places
throughout Kyranath, but they serve as a personal ethic to the worshippers
of Anthor, regardless.
In most cases
it comes down to honor. To give respect and maintain honor of self and
others causes acts of goodness and kindness by Anthorite standards. It
can come down to one premise; Treat others with the respect and honor you
would have treat you." If an Anthorite follows no other creed than this,
they will typically not go to far astray.
Anthor is often called the Unattainable
Standard. Anthorites spend their lifetime trying to measure up to the incredibly
high set of ethics and standards to which Anthor himself espouses and represents.
As such, he is a favorite of paladins who set his standards as the bar
to which they must live. The code that Anthor asks all to follow is directed
at every man and woman. It may be high but it is not unattainable and all
receive equal benefit form attempting to live by them, for within the Tenets,
can society find security and a sense of worth. Anthor sees all races and
genders as equal in worthiness and ability to uphold his laws and tenets
and receive like respect and nobility.
Anthor's Code of Ethics
Anthor has always appeared as a tall and muscular warrior in highly polished, golden or bronze, full plate mail seemingly of the best quality. He carries either a long sword or lance and a shield. His appearances are extremely rare and are always heralded long before and are typically for noteworthy occasions.
Alters and Idols:
Alters to Anthor are small round basins
in which ceremonial cleansing is done and prayers are given. Open coffers
placed before you reach the alter are where money or valuables are donated.
Food and other goods are also accepted as are animals that are useful to
feed or produce food for the less fortunate. Priests take the offerings
and perform cleansing rituals and ceremonies before distributing or using
them to aid the followers and the church.
The idols of
Anthor, unlike his appearance noted from his rare visitations, are typically
of a handsome toga wearing man of seemingly extreme health, well muscled
and of heroic proportions. He is bearded and wise looking, fatherly. Looking
upward to some unattainable height, he holds aloft a long sword, its point
towards the sky to where his sight rests.
Major Centers of Worship:
The largest temple
devoted to Anthor resides as a monastery within the heart of Keytown. It
is in the center of the city next to one of the royal castle of the Zain's.
The city grew around the castle and this monastery. The temple here is
likely the most beautiful building in all of Thardferr, that was built
since the coming of man to this continent. There are also small temples
in Fairingtown Branch, Mountainsoniatown and Coopersville Forge.
Temples and
shrines both, are usually grand affairs built with little concern for money.
They are covered in fine marble, have large stained glass windows showing
heroic scenes of noble born of their area or of ancient tales. The main
halls are filled with finely crafted, rare wood pews with the areas for
the nobility separated or in balconies with upholstered seats and tapestries
on the walls. Conversely the area for priests are generally spartan places
with few if any luxuries. The money donated is used strictly for the aggrandizement
of Anthor and the comfort of the worshippers. Outside of the armor and
weapons made for the temple guards and other servants of Anthor, none of
the money is generally spent on the clergy or for more than their base
needs.
Worshipers:
Honor implicitly includes some degree of ceremony and etiquette, so Anthor's followers place an emphasis on ritual and proper conduct. Over time, the well to do (nobility) have found this to be a cause worthy of support as it helps keep them at the top of the social structure and recognized as society's leaders. Hence, the Anthorite church has many rich donors and is able to spend lavishly to construct extravagant shrines and temples honoring the god. Peasants, farmers and others lower on the social ladder still have access to Anthor's temples. And no doubt, there are quite a few humble people who worship Anthor in order to gain the bravery and confidence to make something more of themselves. Yet the church is most renowned for the nobility that support it financially and the knights of the realm that seek to honorably bring goodness and justice to their lands.
The Clergy:
The clergy of Anthor are an extremely orderly and civil lot. They do not abide law breakers and dishonorable sorts but are willing to lead such into more productive and disciplined lives. Charity is a great aspect as well as it is believed that through charity you help to ensure that those in need are not forced to break the laws in order to survive. Thus the clergy are generous in their giving of their time and skills to the less fortunate. The clergy of Anthor seek to uphold and even enforce the laws of where ever they are located, abiding by the laws of the realm in which the happen to be. In fact they go out of their way to learn the proper etiquette and rulings of such. As long as these laws are based in honor and justice for all, they have little argument with them or the proper use of discipline, imprisonment and corporal punishment to enforce them. But when laws become tyrannical and unjust or self serving the clergy will serve it only so far before their honor forces them to turn against the authority which has wrought it.
Church Hierarchy:
"Honor is what makes us more than animals and loved by the gods." – Treis Ladenham of Fairingtown Branch, Pentagonant (484 NA to 530 NA)
Life within the church is fairly structured and though there is not a lot of different levels and titles within it, each person is found a place where their own particular strengths are best suited to make the church a finely running entity. Each respects and relies on the other to do his part and none expect their brothers to disappoint them. As it is a matter of honor itself to be and do what is expected and appointed to you within the church.
Caparant- All those sworn to uphold the Code of Anthor and who have the piety and faith to gain his divine spells are Caparants. The Caparants make up the bulk of the church leadership. They handle most of the day to day workings of the church and the care of Anthor's worshippers in the community. Many aid in the temples but most travel and tend to the followers and worship outside the temple's districts and along the farther reaching roads and distant villages. These take the cause of justice to the wilds of Kyranath and show that honor can be found anywhere.
Honor Guard- A rare few of the Caparants are called by Anthor to be his special representatives in Kyranath and through their shining examples of Honor, bring more worshippers and dedicates to the code. These become the Honor Guard of Anthor in the world.
Ducaparant - At the time that a Caparant has shown the piety to summon the spiritual hammer of justice (cast 2nd-level spells) they may be asked to take on greater responsibility. Many are asked to join the orders and authorities that uphold the laws within the lands while others are given the care of a shrine to maintain and uphold the honor and justice of a community. These are the Ducaparants and they make up the more stationary clergy of Anthor.
Tagonant - Reaching greater ability to divine the ways of Anthor (cast 4th-level spells) A Ducaparant may seek to build his own stronghold to provide justice to his own lands or a small community or be asked to lead the other Brothers of Honor at a monastery or temple. The Tagonant are typically the administrative leaders of the church in the larger districts within Kyranath. They see not only to the needs of the community but to the greater needs of the church itself and the maintenance of its structures.
Pentagonant (5)-
There is only five members of the Church that are given the honor of being
a Pentagonant. Though they may not be the most pious or divinely favored
they are able to grant the atonement of those that have in some way breached
favor with Anthor (cast 5th-level spells). But it is not their power that
gains them the title of Pentagonant but their complete and nearly unattainable
honor and the manner in which they have lived their life in the ways of
Anthor and by his code. Very few are able to keep the strict ways of Anthor
and so very few are able to become a Pentagonant.
When there is
others that have proven their honor and are above reproach and could fill
one of the seats of the Pentagonant but they are all filled, they must
wait until the seat is vacated. In the case one of the Pentagonant is dishonored,
one of these Tagonant in waiting will be elected to take his place. Other
than this extremely rare occasion, most seats are filled at their holders
death.
High Pentagonant (1)- The highest ranking figure in the church of Anthor is the High Pentagonant. Selected from the five leaders of the church and replaced by one of the Pentagonant in waiting, this priest is the ultimate champion of Anthor and is unapproachable in his honor. He is said to have the ability to speak the holy words of Anthor and restore even the most grievous of dishonors through his blessing (cast 7th-level spells). The entirety of the Brothers of Honor look to him as an example and role model of which to aspire. He leads the church through his unerring decisions based on the strict interpretations of the Tenets and his own unimpeachable moral standards.
Ceremonies and Holy Days:
Ceremony of Atonement (At need.)
This ceremony allows for those who have broken one of
the Code of Honor or Tenets of Anthor to be forgiven. A sacrifice generally
equal to one tenth of the person's worth in money, food, animals, goods
or any combination of these is made to the Temple. The sacrifice is offeredasa
means to cleanse one of their sins and breaches against the code and Tenets
of Anthor. Smaller donations may also buy some forgiveness, but if truly
grievous, only this ceremony can clear your soul of the darkness that has
stained it.
The offering is a means to make amends
for sins when you have not been able to do so through recompense to those
you may have harmed. Instead of doing so yourself you provide for the church
to do so for you. Usually once per year the head of a family will make
their way to a temple and perform the Ceremony but anyone may go to any
shrine and so perform a minor Ceremony of Atonement. They first seek out
the clergy and confess their sin. Then they make a donation commensurate
to the sin as given to them by the clergy and pray at the alter where they
wash their hands and face. The ceremony frees them of the sin and cleanses
their record so it will not be held against them in the afterlife. This
does not free them of the punishment for their crime if the sin is also
against the law of the land and an Anthorite should seek out the authorities
and turn themselves in if they have broken any laws.
Ritual of Submission (Once ever
for any one person.)
Some Anthorites will take on the
sins of others in order to allow them to be cleansed and so allowed to
go to Paradise. The Ritual of Submission puts the one performing the ritual
in the place of the sinner, to do all penance, pay all fines and make all
recompense needed or accept any punishments they would have received for
their sins and crimes. The person taking on this will then free the soul
of the person they have replace, of any stain so they can gain a place
in Paradise. The person will then have to work off the stain on themselves
or be the one to be banned from Paradise. This is mostly done by parents
to ensure their wayward children are allowed into Paradise but can be performed
by anyone for the benefit of any other. The one performing it must be truly
wanting of the burden and willing to take any sentence pronounced on them
as the one now responsible for the other's sins.
Anthor's Day (Sitraal 11)
This day commemorates the day that
Anthor came to the peoples of Kyranath and gave to them the Tenets. This
day is spent in fasting and prayer for the dead loved ones of the worshippers,
so they can be forgiven their sins and find their way to Paradise.
Emancipation Day (Provos 1, every
5 years.)
On this day, all people who have
spent at least two years since the last Emancipation Day in prison are
released if they had petitioned the church of Anthor on the prior Emancipation
Day and had since had no further problems and been on their best behavior.
Other prisoners will make a petition to the church on this day and their
case is reviewed. If it is felt that they have served enough time or will
have after the next two years, then they are watched thereafter and released
on the next Emancipation day if they have caused no more trouble.
Priestly Vestments:
The clergy of Anthor wear metal breastplates of highly polished steel or bronze, the crossed swords and shield symbol engraved or forged upon them. This is worn over a white tunic, belted at the waist with black leather and a sheath for dagger and long sword. Usually the legs are bare with high wrapped, leather strap sandals and metal greaves. Shields with highly polished silver face or bearing the coat of arms of the temple are held by the temple guard. Halberds are a favored weapon of the guard. The holy symbol of many priests is mounted or forged in the pommel of their sword and so when needing their holy symbol the long sword is inverted, blade down and held out to face the target.
Affiliated Orders, Societies and Guilds:
The Order of the Sword-
See the Guild the Order of the Sword.
Church Errata:
Allies
Hesneen *** - What noble would hold his lands long without the dutiful soldiers and servants to back him up. Authority has power only so long as it has those that would allow it. Hesneen represents the backbone of society, its common man and the strong arm that lays the blocks of civilization. While Anthor represents the pinnacle of society and nobility it is only by Hesneen that they are able to maintain this status and so Hesneen is the strongest ally that Anthor has.
Syth - The justly enforced laws of a dictator are not beyond the acceptance of Anthor and at many times Anthor and Syth are actually allies. Before the Metal Wars in Thardferr, Anthor and Syth both enforced the laws that allowed the colonies of Thardferr to be formed. In Thardferr this is no longer true at this time because of historic affairs that have made the two churches enemies but in more peaceful areas in other parts of Kyranath, Syth and Anthor may work side by side to maintain law and uphold society, be it in a more dictatorial way than many like. In the bigger picture, these two gods are in many ways aligned.
Terrarie- Within the foundation of civilization is Terrarie and Anthor upholds the just laws of civilization. Both of these gods are concerned with maintaining the strengths that allow society to be safe and strong. Neither like rapid change and uphold tradition and authority.
Thr - Where the protection of nobility and honor ends, the protection of community and the resources of the world begins. Though more concerned with how society interacts in the world rather than how the individual interacts with society, Thr is still the guardian and between Anthor and Thr the world is made safe.
Foes
Ajoetis - Ajoetis is not completely a foreign god to nobility but those that truly gain their station through honor despise the betrayer. Many a usurper and betrayer of the fundamental precepts of Anthor that Ajoetis has aided have brought a bad name to nobility. If one cannot have trust in another they cannot build society. It is only through trust in nobility that they are able to remain in their place as protectors of society. Once that is lost then honor no longer means anything. It is Ajoetis' goal to break down such trust and bring misery to society. Power gained through seduction is unjust, the use of such guile is ignoble and dishonorable. Through this means and also through adultery has many a great and noble house been brought down. Ajoetis is a great enemy of Anthor and yet because it is so easy for her to gain a hold on many of those in a state of nobility without ever lifting a weapon, she is the hardest enemy Anthor has to fight.
Ballog- The Destroyer would bring down all of creation and so Anthor has set himself against such goals. Anthor represents all that is noble while Ballog is madness. It is Anthor's bravery and inspiration that allows the world to face the demons that Ballog sets against them and stand against the utter terror of the loss of everything.
Garalax ***- Nothing is more despicable to Anthor than one that gains a place of honor or is considered noble only through title or holding of power or lands. The conspirator lifts up those above their station while dragging those that are noble through the muck. Almost everything about Garalax and what he represents infuriates Anthor. What honor is there in defeating a foe you have never faced, using spies and secrets to topple those that have never done you any harm or taking a knife and sticking it the back of another. Garalax is the antithesis of Anthor.
Maldread - While Anthor represents justice Maldread represents dishonesty. The straight forward and truthful Anthor has the greatest difficulty in dealing with those that are unable to deal openly and with honor. Maldread is not only the god of such people but the force behind their ability to deceive. Maldread would have all the world use what means they have to gain what they want, deception, theft, avoidance of law and respect for others and this is completely counter to what Anthor would enforce.
*** denotes
a major factor
Appendix 1: Classes of Anthor
All clergy of Anthor receive 'Thardferrian Religion' and Etiquette as bonus NWP.
Clerics of Anthor
| Requirement: | Wisdom 9, Charisma 9. |
| Prime Requisites: | Wisdom |
| Major Spheres: | All, Charm, Combat, Creation, Guardian, Healing, Necromantic, Protection, Summoning and Sun. |
| Minor Spheres: | Divination and Elemental. |
| Spell notes: | May not cast reverse of spell to do damage or effect good. |
Special Abilities:
Specialty Priests (Anthor's
Honor Guard)
| Races Allowed: | Any. |
| Requirements: | Str 9, Wis 12, Cha 14 |
| Prime Requisites: | Wisdom and Charisma |
| Alignment: | LG |
| Weapons: | Type B weapons, dagger, long sword, bastard sword, spear, lance and halberd. |
| Armor: | Any |
| Magic Items: | As for clerics and fighters. |
| Required Proficiencies: | Heraldry. |
| Bonus Proficiencies: | Religion plus Etiquette and Riding - Land Based. |
Special Abilities:
Saving throw Modifier
-1 Per 6 levels of Honor Guard.
-1 for each opposing alignment
(L/N/C and/or G/N/E)
+2 for Anthorites
Appendix 2: Specialty Priest
Spell List
| 1st level | 2nd level | 3rd level | 4th level |
| Bless* | Aid | Cure Blindness or Deafness* | Cloak of Bravery* |
| Combine | Augury | Dispel Magic | Divination |
| Command | Chant | Magical Vestment | Imbue with Spell Ability |
| Cure Light Wounds* | Hold Person | Negative Plane Protection | Neutralize Poison* |
| Detect Evil | Know Alignment* | Prayer | Protection from Evil, 10' r.* |
| Light | Slow Poison | Remove Curse* | Reflecting Pool |
| Protection from Evil* | Spiritual Hammer | Remove Paralysis | |
| Remove Fear* | Wyvern Watch | ||
| Sanctuary | |||
| 5th level | 6th level | 7th level | |
| Atonement | Blade Barrier | Holy Word* | |
| Commune | Forbiddance | Restoration* | |
| Dispel Evil* | Heroes' Feast | Succor | |
| Quest | Word of Recall | ||
| Raise Dead* | |||
Appendix 3: Outer Realm of Anthor
Paradise
For those
that live by Anthor's Tenets and have a unblemished life there awaits a
reward known as Paradise. Within are all the worldly pleasures to be had,
every good and wholesome possibility, the answers to all questions and
the desires of every being that one could imagine. No want is denied or
harm can come to any in Paradise. Everything you could imagine and desire
is provided for you. Feasting halls and games, expansive fields and gardens,
streets paved with gold and palaces carved out of diamonds can be yours.
Each is awarded according to their righteousness and good deeds in life.
The lowliest and least of Anthor's followers that find their way to Anthor's
realm at the end of their Road to Justification may live in the outskirts
of Paradise and not ever enjoy every possible reward and pleasure to be
found there but would still be free from pain and want and be at peace
throughout eternity. Those that would continue their fight for honor are
able to become or remain Honor Guards and so meet the warriors of other
godly realms that are at war with Paradise. The price of peace for the
followers of Anthor even after death is continued readiness to fight
to keep it.
Appendix 4: Book of Anthor
The Tenets of Honor
This book
is a list of proper interaction between the followers of Anthor and the
world. It is made up of 2656 different Tenets of Honor, each telling the
proper way of behavior for the worshipper and the rules they must live
by in life to be able to gain Paradise and achieve honor. The Tenets are
of various length and complexity and may be as short as Tenet Number 14
with only three words, "Do not steal." or as long as Tenet Number 1812
which is the longest at 100 words "Being as some may treat another unfairly
regardless of how they have been treated, be in right manner and only reciprocate
in the least degree available to achieve the right and correct finality
to the situation; as more than is absolutely needed can bring cause for
greater unfair behavior on the part of the offender and less may prolong
the situation and allow greater unpleasantness and wrongfulness of action
by others that may be perceiving the encounter and give a false impression
that may mark the righteous defender and agent of Anthor as the one acting
unjust during this interaction."
The Tenets have
ben written in the order of worst infraction to the least with appropriate
punishment given for each. In most cases there is punishment for the first
time the Tenet has been broken, with a harsher punishment for the second
and then the worst punishment for the third and further infractions. Many
of the punishments are rather light or even inconsequential and so these
are almost generally ignored by all but the most devout and ardent followers
of Anthor. Many call for death after the third infraction of the Tenet.
Only the first 12 call for death on the first infraction of the Tenet.
Many of the lighter worshippers of Anthor only hold these as the important
Tenets to uphold.