Thr (The Guardian)
Neutral Good Lesser Power
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Thr is the first and original peak on Kyranath. He came into being to secure the lands together with his unyielding might. As part of his duties to his worshippers and the other gods he has guardianship over the world and protects it from anything that would destroy it. He is a steadfast defender of the greater balance of nature and the health of the environment. Any that would exploit or attempt to make any part of the world uninhabitable is his enemy. He has failed at times in the past and the world has seen great devastation. Any brief distraction from his duty can allow a window for other evil or chaotic gods to cause harm to the world. It is during one of these brief moments that the island continent of Sythal was destroyed and the Great Sea made tumultuous.
The Way of the Guardian (The Church of Thr)
| CLERGY: | Clerics, Specialty Priest (Mountainlord) and Mountainmen (Ranger). |
| CLERGY ALIGN: | LG, LN, NG, CG, N |
Dogma and Beliefs:
Guardianship -
As
the God of Guardianship it is important to Thr that his followers are watchful
for others that are unable to protect themselves and lend aid when it is
needed. Priests are sworn to help those in need of protection and give
aid to those that are threatened. Many rulers and people of authority
follow Thr as he is the provider of guardianship and authority over others.
It is the solemn duty of a royal follower of Thr to give protection in
trade for obedience and for those protected by such to be loyal to their
lords. Royalty is a privilege in the eyes of Thr not a right and
it is only given so long as the ruler is true to his duty. A person in
authority that does not use his power to aid those that are under his care
may find themselves in trouble with the church of Thr and Thr's priests
working to overturn his rule.
As guardians
the followers of Thr are society's protectors, but they are more aloof,
keeping themselves from the pressures of urban life and its complications.
Within most societies there are usually already protectors and guardians
that are set to uphold the rule of order. The followers of Thr (priests,
rangers and Mountainlords) travel to the areas outside of these protected
centers and seek to aid those that are without guardians. Many guards,
be they in the cities or on a caravan or traveling a border or other vocations
that provide society's protection are followers of Thr.
Conservation
- The continuation
of the natural order, the ability to have the world be a safe place to
live and provide for all people, forever, is also their concern. This makes
the follower of Thr, what most would call the salts of the earth, those
who make a living off the land and try to provide for others while not
going so far as to harm the natural order. Farmers, hunters, fishermen
and others that make their livelihood off the bounty of the earth are usually
followers of Thr. They are careful not to overuse or drain resources so
that they will always be there for future generations. Only when the balance
is disrupted does the follower of Thr become concerned. Given this view
of things, the followers of Thr tend to be good or neutral in alignment.
Priests of Thr are more concerned for others than themselves and so are
usually not chaotic and are never evil.
Priests of Thr
are charged with protecting community, mountains and natural resources.
It is not their duty to stop the world's resources from being used, only
to regulate the use of them so they will survive. By association,
they are also responsible for the followers and their animals that are
part of the success of community and teach and spread the knowledge of
the proper use of natures resources and how to use them without abusing
them. The Priests of Thr recognize that all creatures (especially intelligent
races) need food, shelter, and protection from harm. Thrian priests see
many of the peoples’ activities as a necessity to building a strong society.
Hunting, farming and fishing provides food. Cutting of lumber for the building
of homes and other needed comforts, are logical and necessary parts of
the creation of community. The use of ore and the mining of stone
and metals are also instrumental. However, the priests of Thr do
not tolerate unnecessary destruction or exploitation of nature and its
resources for profit. Clear cutting, strip mining or the flooding
of areas to create reservoirs would bring the ire of the followers of Thr
down on those that would practice these means of collecting resources.
It is well known that priests of Thr are very unforgiving but very patient
and will bide their time when necessary in able to bring punishment to
those that would abuse the world's resources in this manner. Followers
of Thr are not afraid to enter combat with those that threaten communities
or the people and their lands. They do not relish battle as the followers
of other gods, but realize that combat is sometimes necessary and are trained
to such effect. They feel that battles tend to do more harm than good to
the people and land, thus they try to avoid combat when possible.
The followers
of Thr use their reverence for the earth and nature as a guideline for
what is needed in order for society to progress. Many are craftsmen
and merchants that would see that more people are able to gain more of
the bounty of the world. In this way Thr has influence over commerce
and the means of trade and bartering that allows society to grow.
The followers of Thr will travel the roads of Thardferr guarding these
trade caravans and protecting the free movement of trade and pursuit of
commerce throughout the lands. As society becomes too large to sustain
itself on the resources around them, they turn to their neighbors for trade.
To protect society and the world's resources, Thr uses commerce and trade
as a means of balancing need thereby allowing for as many as possible to
be able to get what they need to prosper.
Guidance - The faithful of Thr are always ready to give council to those that seek it, regardless of faith or social standing. They do not tend to preach to others about their own beliefs, believing that they can spread the word of Thr better by deed. Miners and farmers, wishing to ask the priest to draw upon his vast knowledge of the world’s resources to help them successfully mine minerals or prepare for the next planting often seek out Thr’s priests. Thr's priests are often called upon to bless a new trade agreement or help to adjudicate over some argument about fair barter. Teaching others how they can live and be at peace with nature and each other and still make a livelihood is one of the main duties of the priests of Thr.
The Mountain - Mountains are a symbol of stability, security and majesty. They represent a pinnacle to be reached, and serve as a symbol of watchfulness and permanence, giving feelings of guardianship and protection over the followers of Thr. Worshippers of Thr will try to maintain and live a clean and pious life. Unlike the followers of Terrarie, they are not usually associated with the element of earth, they do not seek an inner stability, rather they find where they belong in the world and hold to it with endurance and reverence. The mountain is an aspect of the guardian as the followers of Thr look up to the mountain as something that watches over them and gives them a feeling of belonging. It is a landmark, a point of origin and a place to travel. Climbing a mountain embodies endurance and skill and the goal of being the best you can be. Society and community grew around these ideals in dwarven communities where the religion originated and so the mountain remains an important symbol of Thr even with those not of the dwarven race.
Preparation for War - Though the followers of Thr are not warriors they are trained to defend their beliefs and those untrained for combat. As part of their beliefs, Thr's followers will fight for their freedom to live and work the lands and will defend the lands from harm and overuse. Priests must be able to defend those that cannot defend themselves. In their place as guardians they must have skills in combat to do this. Priests of Thr are not warlike and will avoid battle if possible but will take up arms and lead others in war should the necessity arise. In some cases, the followers of Thr and the priests will even fight against the lawful order if they see law as a means to the greater good and not as a means to force societies' actions. Though they will not arbitrarily break laws, they may take the side of the unlawful if lawful authorities or those using law to perpetrate evil or destroy society and nature are mistreating them.
Missions -
Thr's followers are duty bound to live in harmony with the world and protect
it for the future. Nature's abundance is there for all to use but
should not be exploited or ruined. As followers of Thr you must be
protectors of that which cannot protect itself. Be it children of any race,
animals or natural resources, the followers of Thr must give them protection
from those that would harm them. Guardianship and the rules of society
are what give Thr and his followers a nobility that allows them to be leaders.
Those that follow Thr and his teachings tend to be more giving leaders
and put the safety of their own people ahead of themselves. In this
capacity the followers of Thr will take upon themselves missions to improve
their surroundings or to aid in the improvement of other areas at need.
Thr's priests may be found in far off lands attempting to negotiate an
opening of trade routes or seeking the resources that may be needed by
another community. They believe that to leave an area in which they
pass in a situation that is worse than it was before they arrived or in
need for lack of some resource that they could have helped them to attain,
is the greatest of failure to their god. If ever such a thing happens,
many will pursue a means to rectify this failure and correct the situation,
taking as much time as is needed to do so.
In Honor of Thr
Honor in Thr's religion is shown in these four separate ways: Worship, Guardianship, Protection and Monument
Worship - All clergy of Thr must twice a day, upon sunrise and sunset, spend one hour contemplating the grandeur of the earth offering homage to Thr. In addition, clerics must tithe to Thr once each season and Mountainlords must double tithe. The tithe can be of service to the church rather than in money. This tithe could be the act of maintaining or repairing a Shrine, helping in farming and harvest of one of Thr's followers or other usual tasks to aid the followers of Thr.Guardianship - As guardians of community, the clergy of Thr are to give protection and succor to all that need it. For one week out of each season the clergy of Thr must give service to a community in whatever means they can. At times this may be as a soldier against a hostile force or as a simple farm hand at time of harvest. The time spent may be longer if the need is sufficient, but the clergy of Thr will not settle in one place for too long. The need of the many calls the clergy of Thr to travel and help as many as they can. The clergy is sworn to aid in building society to a state were it is no longer needing of protection but lives in peace with itself and nature. The sanctity of the home and marriage is of the greatest importance to Thr, in that society is more at harmony when each takes care of and keeps to their own. Female clergy are to remain chaste and virtuous, guarding their innocence and virginity, until such time as they are married. Male clergy are not to carouse and are to remain virtuous until marriage and to marry only once and honor the vows of that marriage until death.
Protection - The clergy of Thr is obligated to always defend the land and uphold community. They must protect those that peacefully dwell within society from those that would do them or it harm. They must seek to aid those that live at peace with the world from being harassed by the evil that lives there. They must provide protection and lend aid in seeing that trade is allowed to proceed without harassment where ever it is desired. If for any reason a clergy member willingly does not attempt to fulfill this duty, that member will immediately be stripped of all clerical powers until atoned.
Monument - This obligation applies to those clergy that attain 9th level. Clergy of Thr that reach this level must construct a monument out of stone. This monument may take the form of a building, statue, bridge or road, anything that would honor Thr and his followers as well as aid in the formation and stability of society. The monument must be made out of at least 1000 cu ft of stone. The clergy must construct the entire structure alone, though he may have supplies brought to him by others. He must do all the design (and engineering if needed) and labor himself, though he may use clerical magic to aid him. A cleric or Mountainlord who fails to do so will not be allowed to advance to level 10 until they accomplishes this goal to Thr’s satisfaction. Larger structures and continuing constructs, such as roads and walls, can have one member of the clergy build one section to allow for greater structures to be built by the priesthood.
(Note: Rangers of Thr are not bound by this obligation)
Physical Manifestations:
Thr appears in the form of a dwarf but as tall as a human. He wears chainmail formed of dark earth and has a seven pointed crown of iron on his head. He is usually seen weilding a climbing pick.
Alters and Idols:
The alter of Thr is a white, seven foot square stone dias about two feet high , perfectly measured and cut, with a seven foot tall idol of Thr standing on it. He is looking down and is seemingly laboring to hold something unseen over his head, his arms stretched out above him in an arch. The idl is placed so that the setting sun is seem to rest upon his arms just before starting to slip below the horizon
Major Centers of Worship:
The Temple of the Peak -
The only temple on the surface in Thardferr to Thr lies in Khardfee in
the city of Sorrowtown. The last head of the temple was the High
Priest Dargun Stonebeard (a dwarf, age 327 ). The Temple was built
from the stone off a high peak of a mountain in the Durlock Range known
as Thr's Shoulder and is of purest white. In recent times it was
desecrated and parts of it destroyed. The schools and priest's dormitories
still stand as did the actual alter stone, but the Temple's roof and walls
were razed and the High Priest was killed. The Temple has been rebuilt
thanks to High Mountainlord Colgere Algion, as a boon to him from King
Corun Hammertongue of Khardfee, for Colgere’s assistance in placing Corun
upon the throne of Khardfee. The followers of Thr raised the funds
needed and were able to collect the masons and stone carvers with skill
worthy to rebuild Thr's Temple within an amazingly fast time. Such
was the love of the people of Sorrowtown for the Temple and the need to
have it once more whole, that they were inspired to work all the harder
and longer to rebuild it. Though the Temple is still not fully restored,
it is open for regular services and worship.
The Temple itself
is in a stylized step pyramid shape. the cross axis is one hundred
feet and the ten foot square based golden top piece rests at fifty feet
off the ground. It is a pyramid with its sides aligned perfectly
on the cardinal directions. There is a door found at each direction.
The center interior is open to the fourth level with the seven foot raised
Alter stone cube in its center on a dais twice its size with four sets
of stairs leading up to it at each corner. Side rooms to the central
hall house the priests and attendant's rooms. Around the Temple is
a walled area about ten times it's size, with guard halls, classrooms,
dormitories, stables, kitchens and workshops that are used to maintain
the Temple, it followers and its caretakers.
The only other known Temple to Thr was newly restored in the ancient dwarven underground city of Taninshire. As that city is once more being rebuilt and populated, the temple there serves to bring back a sense of security and protection so long lost to the area. There are also many shrines of Thr located in various areas of the wilderness of Thardferr (usually mountainous) as well as in large trade halls and many market squares. These are collectively known as the Small Peaks. Because of Hesneen's allied and friendly status with Thr and sharing in the wish to protect the weak, give honor to all life and provide service to the world, the worship of Thr is allowed in any of Hesneen's temples (but not shrines) if there is a priest of Thr in attendance.
Thr's Ear -
The holiest site of the followers of Thr in Kyranath is the shrine of Thr's
Ear. It is at this place that the god is closest to the world,
and it is here that priests can achieve direct communication with Thr with
the right amount of faith and devotion.
In the Center
of the Durlock Mountains is its highest peak, known as Thr's Shoulder.
After many arduous weeks travel and climbing, surviving on their own skills
alone with no ready provisions, a perspective Mountainlord or priest of
Thr may find the shrine to Thr, hidden there in a natural cavern.
It is called Thr's Ear. Within this shrine the Mountainlord or priest must
supplicate to Thr, who will then judge them. If he is found worthy and
the god believes him to be a most capable leader then the Mountainlord
or priest will be accepted into the highest ranks of the church. The appointment
by Thr is communicated through divine visions or dreams to the High Priest
of Thr, The Great Mountainlord, the Grand Mountainlord and the person,
if any, that is to be replaced.
Some make the
trek to Thr's Ear in order to commune with the god. This is allowed
once in every Mountainlord or priest's lifetime. Any second visit is usually
looked upon unfavorably and only in the direst of need should it be made.
Most all priests of Thr will attempt to visit Thr's Ear at least once in
their lifetime even if they have no great need. This is usually done near
to the end of the priest's life so as not to waste their one chance to
talk directly to their god.
The First Lord
protects Thr’s Ear. He was (and still is) the first High Mountainlord,
and is immortal due to his status as Guardian of Thr’s Ear. The First
Lord is reputed to be the one that discovered Thr's Ear and the first mortal
to ever speak directly to the god. He cannot leave Thr’s Ear; the proximity
to the site is what keeps him alive, through his personal commune with
and devotion to the god.
Worshipers:
Any class or profession may worship Thr, though it is rare for rogues and
mages to do so. Thr finds most of his worshippers from the multitude of
people that make their livelihood off the land, mostly farmers, hunters,
fishermen, ranchers, herders, lumberjacks, and miners. Most worshippers
are dwarven (35%), gnome (25%) or human (15%) but a great many orcs and
halflings (about 10% each) also worship Thr. Of course, anyone of any race
can and do worship Thr. The majority of worshippers (human, gnome, and
dwarf) either reside in or near Khardfee and Alderd, thus while traveling
in this area one can easily find worshippers of Thr. Orc worshipers
can be found in the hills and mountains of Ruch and most anywhere for halflings.
It is rare for either a goblin or elf to worship Thr but it is not unheard
of.
A second type
of follower is the ruler of a land that believes he gains his authority
through his people and his duty is to provide for their protection. This
includes also the local constable and city guard or the lesser nobility
that rule barony and dukedom. Each has the authority to control and punish
others and worship Thr to gain the endurance and guidance needed to do
it well and with honor.
Thirdly, many
merchants and traders or shop owners worship Thr and ask for his blessing
to gain honorable profits. Caravan and traveling traders give Thr
worship and ask for safe movement of their goods and a decent profit at
the end of the trip. Many of those that work as guards and other
protectors of the trade routes and caravans are also followers of Thr.
Thr requires
from his worshippers that they respect and protect the land, and live in
harmony with it and each other, building community and a society that lives
in peace. If they have problems or do not understand how to live in harmony
with the land or their community or they find it goes beyond their capability,
they are to call on the clergy of Thr who will take care of the situation
or instruct them. Many leaders of communities find the worship and teachings
of Thr to also guide them in being better rulers. Some mayors, governors,
guild masters, judges, barons, dukes and even kings are found amongst the
worshipers of Thr.
Church Hierarchy:
"All that exists in this world exists because the world exists and the world exists because of Thr." - Goran Hardstone, High Priest of Thr (407 to 512)
The hierarchy
within the church of Thr consists of the High Priest, his three Advisors,
and the Council of Peaks, made up of seven members. The Council of Peaks
takes its name from the seven great peaks of the Durlock Mountain Range.
This Council and the High Priest maintain the Temple and coordinate the
wandering priests of Thr. The High Priest is known to all worshippers of
Thr, as are the members of the Council of Peaks, but the three Advisors
are kept hidden and known only to the High Priest and the Council. These
advisors are known as Thr's Echo.
Upon the death
or inability to continue on the part of the High Priest, the most senior
Advisor becomes the new High Priest. The current Council, from all eligible
candidates, based on wisdom, service and experience selects the Advisors.
If a Council member dies or is promoted to become an Advisor, then the remaining six Council members and the High Priest will look for potential candidates from out of all experienced priests of Thr. The one with the most faith and capability gets the seat. If a major catastrophe (like that which recently happened in Sorrowtown during the Dwarf/Orc War) occurs, and there are not enough or any of great faith and capability to be found to fill vacant positions, then the highest ranking (not highest LEVEL) priest of Thr remaining alive will become de facto High Priest, or gain the opening until such time that the council can find a more capable replacement. At any time a priest of Thr may seek Thr's Ear and gain a place on the council or as an advisor. (see Thr's Ear.)
The structure of the church was first initiated by dwarves and as such has some strange formalities in it's upper levels. Only those most favored by Thr can reach levels of importance and power within the church. Only retired Mountainlords may be the ultimate leaders of the church. In order to be made a leader of the Church, a Mountainlord must seek approval of Thr by pilgrimage to Thr's Ear.
Following is a description of the levels of hierarchy in the Church of Thr.
Initiate - This is the most common type of clergyman in Thr’s church. These are the average, non adventuring clerics which make up the main part of the church. Most either serve at the Temple in Sorrowtown, or several will gather together to work under a single Prelate (detailed below) to maintain a shrine. (0 - 1st level.)
Prelate - This level of cleric is attained when an Initiate has successfully served for seven years and passes a rather simple test, based on his knowledge of the religion and his own wisdom. They are the typical cleric found maintaining a shrine or working in the Temple of Peaks. Most are assigned a parish that they will serve for a minimum of seven years. Some can be found working alongside the clergy of Hesneen and will offer the spiritual needs to the followers of Thr from Hesneen's temples. (2nd - 4th level.)
Comirii - This level is also what is commonly known as "priest". These clerics are the equivalent of Prelates, but are different in that they are adventuring priests, traveling and spreading the ideals and teachings of Thr throughout the Realms. The Comirii (singular 'Comiron') is charged with going out into the world and actively defending the land and spreading the way of Thr. Once they take on this assignment they may not do else for seven years. Their advice is heeded, but they hold no actual authority within the hierarchy of Thr's Church and cannot hold any station in the hierarchy until their mission is finished. (Any level.)
Mountainlords - These are the specialty priests of Thr, the most honored adventuring priests of this church. Only one in ten Initiates has the capability to become a Prelate and only one in five Prelate ever elect to become Comirii. Of these only one in seven has the capability to become a Mountainlord. These honored priests are the most faithful and devoted of adventuring priest in the church. Unlike the Comirii, they can attain higher stations in the hierarchy. Although nothing prevents this, Mountainlords seldom do set their aspirations upon gaining these higher stations. They tend to prefer the freedom they receive by being out in the world. Thus, Prelates and Comirii, after serving their assignment and finishing their missions, tend to advance to the higher levels in the hierarchy. And yet only those Mountainlords who choose to give their undivided devotion to the maintenance of the faith can hold the highest places in the church. (Note that such Mountainlords are non adventuring priests. Either they have retired from the adventuring life, or they have forsaken it to pursue a more religious path within the Church hierarchy.)
Arch-Prelates - These esteemed priests have the same duties as a Prelate, except that they are in charge of several shrines or parishes at once, all within a certain region. All the Prelates under their control answer to their respective Arch-Prelates. The Arch-Prelates answer to the Council of Peaks for guidance and report the needs of their regions to them. Arch-Prelates are Prelates that have completed their assignment and then made a pilgrimage to Thr's Ear and been found faithful and capable. Upon success, a Prelate may become an Arch-Prelate (either a cleric or Mountainlord may become an Arch-Prelate.) Arch-Prelates are, of course, required to give up adventuring in order to tend to their hierarchical duties. (5 - 8th level.)
The Council of Peaks - There are only 7 members on this Council at any time. These are usually attained from the most senior of Arch-Prelates, but any priest of Prelate rank who has completed their first seven years on assignment, or already attained higher rank, may petition for a seat on the council. The Council will sometimes consider petitions from candidates who have shown tremendous ability but are of less than Prelate status, but only those who have made a pilgrimage to Thr's Ear may sit on the Council of Peaks. They do not have to make a separate pilgrimage for this unless they wish to replace a council member already in position. If there is an opening, then any who has become an Arch-Prelate may be appointed to the Council by unanimous vote of the remaining council members. Any may attempt to become part of the Council through a pilgrimage to Thr's Ear. The Council of Peaks obviously have duties that prevent them from adventuring. (9 - 14th level.)
Advisors - There are only three Thr's Echo at any time. These advisors answer directly to the High Priest. When a High Priest steps down or dies, the most senior of Thr's Echo becomes the new High Priest. The most senior member of the Council steps into the open position and becomes a new Advisor. The Advisors cannot be adventurers due to the demands the office places upon them. (12 - 15th level.)
High Priest - There is only one High Priest and he is the leader of the Temple. The High Priest remains so until he dies, steps down, or is deemed unable to perform his duties due to injury or illness. If the last is the case, it takes a unanimous vote of the Council of Peaks in order to remove the High Priest. The High Priest can also be replaced by any that make a pilgrimage to Thr's Ear and are judged by the god worthy of the position and more capable than the current High Priest. This will be communicated to the High Priest and the Thr's Echo at the time the god decides this by way of dreams or visions. Thus it is not possible to fake such a thing. The High Priest is not able to adventure. (14th+ level
High Mountainlords - The opinions of the High Mountainlords carry tremendous weight with the hierarchy of the Church. They are often consulted when they are present, though they are often heroically doing Thr's will by adventuring. Invitations are always offered when meetings are conducted and a High Mountainlord is in a position where he could attend. Occasionally a High Mountainlord retires from his adventuring career in order to become a full member of the Church's hierarchy. (9 - 14th level+)
Ceremonies and Holy Days:
Day of Sorrow (Tetranian 8th)
The Day of Sorrow
is when the faithful of Thr reflects upon the times Thr failed in his duties
to the world. This day is marked by a ceremony held at the temple in Sorrowtown
which commemorates the lessons learned through this lapse, that as the
guardians of the land the followers of Thr must never cease in their protection
and vigilance.
Day of Rejoice (Tetranian 9th)
The Day of Rejoice
is the day spent by Thr’s followers rejoicing the fact that Thr was able
to resume his duties after his brief lapse. This is a time of celebration,
with another ceremony held at the Temple of Sorrowtown which commemorates
the unceasing vigilance of Thr’s protection over the land.
Planting, Harvest and the Rites
of Renewal (various dates)
The followers
of Thr celebrate and respect the changes of the seasons and hold fairs
and gatherings at the beginning of planting season and on harvest.
They also celebrate the coming of the growing season after the snows have
melted. Tests of strength and prowess sometimes highlight these celebrations.
Coronation Day (First day of
Igors)
Due to
Thr being the God of Guardians, the High Priest of the Temple of Peaks
has the honor and authority to proclaim and crown the King of Khardfee.
This is celebrated the first day of Igors to commemorate the occasion and
give thanks for the fair and just rule of the monarch. Other Realms
may also have their king coronated by a high ranking member of the Church
of Thr on different days but it is on this day that all kings are celebrated
by the followers of Thr.
Priestly Vestments:
Members of the Order of the Peaks typically wear a brown robe of homespun
wool that matches the color of rich earth. They also wear a separate hood
made of the same fiber but gray in color to signify stone. It is
usually thrown back off their heads while indoors. The robe is belted
at the waist with a wide dark belt or girdle. When on duty in the Temple,
they wear on their chest a triangle or peaked mountain shape, embroidered
in silver and emblazoned by the Eye of the Creator (the Sun) in gold from
behind. This is on a tabard of white worn over the brown homespun tunic
and under the girdle. Most clergy will wear only leather armor though they
are allowed to wear armor of any type during times of strife. Their favored
weapon is the hammer and footman's flail.
The Archon wears
a white tunic covered by either a ceremonial breastplate of polished metal
or actual banded or plate armor. The breastplate has the triangle
within the circle symbol of Thr fashioned upon it. They carry a staff
topped by a silver triangle within a circle of gold. In some smaller towns
and villages, the Archons may also act as a constable or keeper of the
peace. Elsewhere they serve the needs of the urban followers of Thr
and some serve as advisors and judges. Their favored weapons are
the war hammer and hand ax or footman's mace.
The Shepherd
typical dress is not much different than that of the Order of Peaks, except
they wear long tunics instead of robes with breeches and sturdy boots.
They have no tabard, rather they wear a white scarf embroidered with the
symbol of Thr on both ends. They wear this around their neck hanging untied
to the front when they are performing duties or rituals for the church,
or while overseeing celebrations. Also, the Shepherd will carry a shepherd's
crook which has a triangle carved into a circle on its hooked end.
They typically wear only hide breastplate, bracers and greaves , but can
wear armor of any kind at times of need. Their favored weapon is
the staff, hand ax and the footman's flail.
The members
of the Order of Mountains will typically have a holy symbol such as many
followers carry. It is worn by a chain around their necks and typically
tucked under armor or clothing, or may be etched into armor or painted
on shields. Rarely, it will be mounted on the end of a staff as the
Archon or embroidered on a pennant or flag. Mountainlords will usually
only wear lighter armors like leather or ring mail though they are allowed
to wear any armor at need. Weapons favored by the Mountainlord are
the staff, footman's pick and the hand ax though they have individual taste
and some are called from diverse backgrounds and can be found using almost
any weapon and wearing any vestment that may assist them in their duty
as protectors and guardians of Kyranath.
Normal everyday
worshippers of Thr appear as most normal folk, wearing nothing to commemorate
their worship of Thr. But some carry a talisman or wear a symbol of the
god. The standard symbol is a raised triangle, peak upward, on a
round backing. If it can be afforded, it will be a silver triangle
on a golden circle backingThe Thrian Order - The
Church of Thr as a whole cannot be called an organized order. It is filled
with individuals that act as the guardians of the land, community and those
that live within it. The followers of Thr are spread out and rarely work
in large groups with the exception of Thr’s only temple in Sorrowtown and
the lone Thrian Order that maintain it. You can also find a small group
that see to the worshipers needs within the towns and cities at times.
The Thrian Order is maintained by the Order of Peaks and runs the schools
and other needs of the church from the Temple of the Peaks in Sorrowtown.
The Temple was
recently rebuilt after being nearly completely destroyed and it is now
part of the duty of all followers of Thr to see to its being completed.
Much of what had once made it one of the greatest temples in Thardferr
had been lost. Fixtures, furnishing, tapestries, candle sconces,
oil brassier and many other things of art and beauty were lost. Contributions
of money and materials are welcome as is the granting of skill and labor
in the refurbishing needed to complete the Temple and restore its grandeur.
Though Thr only
has the single Temple, like most of the gods, Thr has many shrines dedicated
to him throughout Thardferr. These are found in remote sites, usually marked
by some natural rock formation, or cavern and upon unfrequented mountain
cliffs and plateaus. Small shrines to Thr can also be found in market
squares and traders' guilds in most cities and large towns. Many more wealthy
merchants and some lords may have a shrine to Thr on their estates.
Affiliated Orders, Societies and Guilds:
The clergy of Thr is found in four separate orders; one is very structured and found only at the Temple of the Peaks, the next is stationed in towns and cities, the last two are free ranging and found most anyplace in the world.
The Order of the Peaks - Clergy of this order is found only in attendance at the Temple of Peaks. They are the teachers and maintainers of the only Temple of Thr and also are the clergy that are allowed to serve the needs of Thrian who come to the temples of Hesneen. They typically wear a brown robe of homespun wool that matches the color of rich earth. They also wear a separate hood made of the same fiber and color usually thrown back off their heads while indoors. The robe is belted at the waist with a wide black belt or girdle. When on duty in the Temple, they wear on their chest a triangle or peaked mountain shape, embroidered in silver and emblazoned by the Eye of the Creator (the Sun) in gold from behind. This is on a tabard of white worn over the brown homespun tunic and under the girdle. Most clergy will wear only leather armor though they are allowed to wear armor of any type during times of strife. Their favored weapon is the war hammer and footman's mace.
The Order of Guardians
- Though most clergy
of Thr are not cosmopolitan, there is a need for clergy within al society.
Royalty following Thr as well as tradesmen and others that make their living
in urban areas also need spiritual guidance. It is for this reason
that Thr has the Order of Guardians serve within towns and cities of Thardferr.
The members of this order are called Archons. Archons can be found
in most any city and large town throughout Khardfee, Tuth and Lithar. A
more limited number can be found in Alderd or Ruch.
All fighters
that dedicate themselves and their services to Thr belong to the Order
of Guardians. They are considered part of the church and many work alongside
the city guard or town peace keepers. They wear a tabard of white over
their armor belted with a wide black girdle. The symbol of Thr is
embroidered over their chest and painted on their shield. If serving some
other lord in the capacity of peace keeper they will have the upper right
angled side of their shield painted with the symbol of Thr and the rest
of the shield will bare the device of their lord or patron. Fighters of
Thr almost always wear plate mail if available but will wear the best armor
they can either afford or gain, otherwise. They can use any weapon, though
they prefer the bastard sword, two-handed sword or ax. Still others use
a shield with broad sword, footman's pick, hand ax or morning star.
The Order of Shepherds
- The clergy of Thr
found in the mountains and wilderness areas watching over the spiritual
needs of those that make their living in those areas far from towns and
cities, are known as the Shepherds.
Most Rangers
of Thr belong to this order and patrol the more inaccessible areas of Thardferr
where people are found living and trying to survive and prosper.
A part of this Order, known as 'Mountainmen,' protects the ranges of the
Icy Mountains in Northern Tuth. Others protect the Thorn Wood and
range the Krakza and Larduum Hills. These rangers, humans dedicated
to Thr, maintain the peace and natural state of such places they roam.
It is their duty to protect those that would live in peace with nature
and protect them from unnatural threats.
The Order of the Mountain
- These are the elite
Priests of Thr. They have no parish and are, by code, always traveling
and almost never found together in a group. Known as Mountainlords, they
can be found in almost any area of Thardferr, wild and civilized, but none
stay for very long . or a triangular flat stone set in a gold circle. Many
cloak pins are fashioned after this triangle over circle pattern as well.
The more fanatic worshippers may wear only homespun clothing and
natural dyes and wear little adornments or jewelry.
Church Errata:
Allies
Hesneen *** - Thr has a close and even intimate connection to Hesneen. The God of Guardianship deals regularly with the god of honorable service. As both look after the needs of others and put their own needs second, they normally have little that causes them to disagree. Hesneen has a much greater ideal of service and so tends to build more regularly placed and easily accessed temples and shrines. But the friendship of these two gods and their religions have allowed for the priests of Thr to share the temples of Hesneen. Though still under Hesneen's specific leadership, priests of Thr can be found at many temples of Hesneen to aid the Mountain's followers.
Celenia - Like Hesneen, Celenia also agrees with the practice of aid to others over self. This allows the Lady of Heal to be on good terms with The Mountain and they are seldom at odds, except only at times of war where Celenia will still not take up arms but Thr will fight so that all may be protected.
Telk - A god that functions best in society, Telk the Tinkerer still has needs of a connection to others and where would invention be without resources to use to make new things. Through certain aspects of Thr, mainly commerce and trade routes, Telk and he have a general understanding and get along well. They are said to be brothers but even so, Thr and Telk are not really very much alike.
Terrarie *** - Their ties to mountains and the earth as well as commerce of the metals that Terrarie rules over bring these two gods together. It is also said that Terrarie is Thr's father. Their ties are so close that Terrarie allows the worshippers of Thr to come to his temples and Thr's clergy is allowed to stay there and aid those that do.
Foes
Ballog - Thr as guardian of nature and society can be nothing but an enemy to the god of Nihilism. These two gods are almost as opposite as the pantheon's deities can be. Thr wishes to build up and preserve, while Ballog only wants to cause chaos and destroy. These two are continually at odds.
Praxin - As the god of protection and the go between of nature and society, the monsters of Praxin, the chaotic changes and possibility of disruption of the lifestyle of peaceful sentients, is anathema to Thr. Rangers of Thr are ever fighting the uncivilized monster races of Praxin over the land and resources it holds and protecting the villages against their raids.
Garalax ***- What can be more of an enemy than even the last two gods mentioned above? Only the god of murder can be considered even worse than chaos and destruction to the Guardian. The preservation of life and the ability to continue to improve is stopped only at death in the eyes of Thr. But death itself is a natural thing a part of the cycle of life, but murder, the deliberate taking of life before it's time, this cannot be abided by Thr. Thus, the greatest enemy of Thr is Garalax.
*** denotes
a major factor
Appendix 1: Classes of Thr
Clerics of Thr
All clerics of Thr receive 'Thardferrian Religion' as a bonus non weapon proficiency.
The clergy of Thr have these basic tenets to obey above all others:
| Requirement: | Constitution 9, Wisdom 9 |
| Prime Requisites: | Wisdom |
| Major Spheres: | All, Animal, Combat, Elemental, Guardian, Healing, Necromantic, and Protection. |
| Minor Spheres: | Creation, Divination, Plant and Sun. |
| Spell notes: | May not cast spells reversed to effect good or cause damage. |
Special Abilities:
This sub-class of warrior is identical to Rangers except for these basic changes: the Mountianmen are expert survivors in the roughterrain of Kyranath instead of woodsmen. They receive mountaineering as a free skill in place of tracking. It increases with levels identical to the normal increase in tracking the Ranger receives. Also upon reaching 8th-level they gain spells that differ from those normally learned by Rangers. See Appendix 2b.
Specialty Priests
(Mountainlord)
| Races Allowed: | Dwarf, Gnome, Human and Orc. |
| Requirements: | Con 14, Wis 11, Cha 11. |
| Prime Requisites: | Constitution and Wisdom. |
| Alignment: | LG, NG, CG and N |
| Weapons: | Type B weapons, picks and hand axes. |
| Armor: | Any. |
| Magic Items: | Normal for clerics and fighters. |
| Required proficiencies: | Mountaineering and at least one of the follwing: Any Warrior Proficiency*, Agriculture, Animal Handling, Direction Sense, Fire-Building, Fishing, Mining or Pottery. |
| Bonus Proficiencies: | Religion plus Endurance |
The Mountainlord uses
the normal level progression for the Cleric class. After reaching
13th level, serving as the Grand Mountainlord and proceeding to higher
levels, each level will cost 225,000 experience per level to maximum level
of 20, if allowed to race.
At Reaching
8th level and having given at least seven years service to the Church of
Thr, a Mountainlord may build a sanctuary used in the protection of the
land and the followers of Thr. These may act as soup kitchens, orphanages
and schools, or meeting halls for the worshipers of Thr during times of
peace and as fortresses and strongholds against Thr's enemies at time of
war. After such time as the Sanctuary has been built the Mountain
lord will gain two to seven Initiate priests as followers wishing to become
Mountainlords. These will act as teachers and caretakers of those
that come to the sanctuary until such time as they are ready to go out
on their own. The Mountainlord and the sanctuary will also gain 10
to 60, 0-level follower craftsmen, farmers, husbandmen and other skilled
workers to come and maintain the lands around the sanctuary to make it
self supporting.
Special Granted Powers:
1. The Mountainlord cannot kill any animal (this does not include sentient creatures and races in self-defense or while protecting others) other than for means of survival.High Mountainlords
2. The Mountainlord must give aid to any and all who ask him for protection against a threat or aggressor.
3. The Mountainlord may never leave a place without having made it some how better than it was before he came there.
4. The Mountainlord will not live in one place, other than in the service of the church or in duty to another they are protecting, for more than one season until after such time as he has served the church and Thr for a time of 7 consecutive years.
5. The Mountainlord will not amass more wealth or possessions than he can carry on his own person, a horse and one pack animal until after such time he has fulfilled all due service to the Church of Thr. All excess must be donated to the church or those followers he finds who are in need.
6. The Mountainlord will attend to the Temple of the Peaks and give service for one season at least once every 7 years and visit Thr's Ear at least once in his lifetime.
7. The Mountainlord may never build a stronghold till after having served the church for 7 years and made a pilgrimage to Thr's Ear.
There can be only seven 9th-level High Mountainlords in the church of Thr.
A character cannot reach 9th-level unless he takes his place as one of
the seven High Mountainlords. This is possible only if there are currently
fewer than seven High Mountainlords, or if the character makes the pilgrimage
to Thr's Ear and is judged more capable than the present High Mountainlord,
thereby assuming another Mountainlord's position. If the supplicant is
found to be less capable than the Mountainlord he attempted to replace,
his experience points are dropped so that he has exactly 110,000 remaining
(just enough to be 8th-level). The one he replaces will suffer similar
loss of experience when they are replaced and must seek atonement through
adventure once more and make their own pilgrimage to Thr's Ear to regain
their lost position.
The precise
details of each judgment are not known. It may be a simple question or
a trial of combat with a creature summoned for the purpose. The judgment
will always have something to test the supplicant's faith and ability to
take a place in the church hierarchy, or to replace another already there.
When a character
becomes a 10th-level High Mountainlord, he gains three underlings. Their
level depends on the character's position among the seven High Mountainlords.
The High Mountainlord with the most experience points is served by three
initiates of 7th-level; the second most experienced High Mountainlord is
served by three initiates of 6th-level; and so on, until the least experienced
High Mountainlord is served by three 1st-level initiates. One of each of
these three underlings will also be a Mountainlord.
There are only
three Arch-Mountainlords (11th-level). To become an Arch-Mountainlord,
a 10th-level Mountainlord must gain Thr's Ear or advance into a vacant
position. Each of the three Arch-Mountainlords is served by one 8th-level
Mountainlord and two 8th level priests. From among the Arch-Mountainlords,
one is chosen to serve the Grand Mountainlord. He retains his attendees
but is himself servant of the Grand Mountainlord.
The Great Mountainlord
(12th-level) is unique. He, too, must have either gained Thr's Ear and
be judged more capable than the last Great Mountainlord, or replaced a
vacancy in the position. He is served by three of the seven High Mountainlords
of 9th-level.
The highest-ranking
Mountainlord is the Grand Mountainlord (13th level +). The Grand Mountainlord
knows spells as if he were two levels higher (instead of the normal spell
progression) and also can cast up to seven additional spell levels, either
as a single spell or as several spells whose levels total to seven (for
example, one 7th-level spell, seven 1st-level spells, two 2nd-level spells
and one 3rd-level spell, etc.).
The Grand Mountainlord
is attended by seven other Mountainlords who are subject only to him and
have nothing to do with the hierarchy of the church. Any Mountainlord character
of any level can seek the Grand Mountainlord and ask to serve him. Three
of these are from the seven 10th-level High Mountainlords who roam the
world, acting as his messengers and agents. Each of them receives four
additional spell levels. The remainder are normally Mountainlords of 5th
to 8th-level, although the Grand Mountainlord can request a Mountainlord
of any level to serve him and often considers applications from humble
aspirants.
The position
of Grand Mountainlord is not capable of being replaced by a pilgrimage
to Thr's Ear, as only the most faithful and capable will ever be picked
to be the Grand Mountainlord. Instead, the Grand Mountainlord's successor
is the acting Great Mountainlord. The position of Grand Mountainlord is
demanding, thankless, and generally unexciting for anyone except a politician.
After a few hundred thousand experience points of such stuff, any adventurer
worthy of the name probably is ready to move on to something else.
For this reason,
if the Grand Mountainlord reaches 14th level he can step down from his
position at any time thereafter, provided he has a suitable successor.
Upon stepping
down, the former Grand Mountainlord must relinquish the seven bonus spell
levels, attendees, higher spell level casting ability and any experience
points gained after attaining 14th level. He is now a 14th level
Mountainlord, and begins advancing anew. The character may rise in level
as usual from this point onward.
Appendix 2a: Mountainlord Spell
List
| 1st level | 2nd level | 3rd level | 4th level |
| Bless | Aid | Cure Blindness or Deafness* | Abjure |
| Combine | Augury | Cure Disease* | Cure Serious Wounds* |
| Cure Light Wounds* | Barkskin+ | Dispel Magic+ | Imbue with Spell Ability |
| Detect Evil | Chant | Glyph of Warding+ | Neutralize Poison* |
| Detect Magic | Find Traps | Magical Vestment+ | Protection From Evil, 10' Radius*+ |
| Detect Poison | Goodberry* | Negative Plane Protection+ | Protection from Lightning+ |
| Detect Snares & Pits | Resist Fire/Resist Cold+ | Protection From Fire+ | Repel Insects*+ |
| Endure Heat/Endure Cold+ | Silence, 15 foot Radius+ | Remove Curse*+ | Spell Immunity+ |
| Protection from Evil*+ | Slow Poison | Remove Paralysis+ | Tongues |
| Purify Food & Drink* | Wyvern Watch+ | Stone Shape | |
| Remove Fear | Withdraw+ | ||
| Sanctuary+ | |||
| 5th level | 6th level | 7th level | |
| Anti-plant Shell+ | Anti-animal Shell+ | Holy Word | |
| Atonement | Blade Barrier+ | Restoration* | |
| Commune with Nature | Find the Path | Symbol+ | |
| Cure Critical Wounds* | Forbiddance | Succor | |
| Dispel Evil*+ | Word of Recall | ||
| Raise Dead* |
Appendix 2b: Mountainmen (Ranger) of Thr Spell List
All Mountainmen (Rangers) who follow Thr gain access to these spells once becoming 8th-level:
| 1st level | 2nd level | 3rd level |
| Animal Friendship | Barkskin | Glyph of Warding |
| Endure Cold/Endure Heat | Goodberry* | Hold Animals |
| Invisibility to Animals | Hold Person | Negative Plane Protection |
| Locate Animals or Plants | Resist Fire/Resist Cold | Plant Growth |
| Pass Without Trace | Speak With Animals | Snare |
| Protection From Evil | Withdraw | Spike Growth |
| Sanctuary | Wyvern Watch | |
| Shillelagh |
Appendix 3: Outer Realm of Thr
Hondorhalm: The Village of Peace
In the afterlife,
those that serve Thr are given a small farm or shop in a village in the
realm of Hondorhalm. This is a place of perfect union between the
civilized society found there and the natural surroundings of the afterworld.
In a place free of war and petty material needs, the worshippers of Thr
live out eternity sharing and contributing equally to provide for an existence
of peace and cooperation. Within the realm of Hondorhalm animals
and the land are all at peace with the souls that are permitted to stay
there and all of your needs are met as you work together to maintain the
balance and provide for the security and wants of all. In Honerhalm,
you are not rewarded with a life of complete relaxation but are given a
life with freedom from worry and strife.