Copyright (c) 2004, Samuel Penn.
This document can be redistributed and/or modified under the terms of the GNU Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation version 2.
Cult of Tharos | Version 1.20 ( 2006/09/03 ) |
| Tharos |
Tharos is the god known for murder and deceit. He is an eastern god, and came to these lands with Asabeth the warrior goddess. As these two gods sometimes cooperate, so their two cults are known to work together when their paths cross.
The Cult of Tharos is considered to be dark and sinister, taking payment for murder and treachery. The cult does not work openly, for it has been outlawed within both the Kingdom of Weidany and Bryteland. It functions openly in Cancha, and though legal in some of the Northern Kingdoms, has been prevented from operating there by the Swords of Vihri.
Within Weidany, the cult's main opponent are the Black Ravens, who through their own deceitful ways got the cult banned in the first place. Before then, it was seen as a legal way to end a blood feud. Now, the Ravens are the official spy masters of the kingdom.
The cult made itself known during the years following the Betrayal. It was a shadowing group, little known about, except that it hired itself out as killers and murders to whoever paid the highest.
However, as time went on, so those who were killed were those who sided with the Ice. Those in power, those who followed Haltan and Asabeth, they benefitted most from the actions of Tharos, though Haltan especially denied it loudly.
From being an outsider, hated by the kings, they became the secret enforcers of the kings' justice. It was the cult of Tharos which slew Dwynen, mother of Aeddan the last king of Weidany.
In the ancient Kingdom of Milindor, Tharos was considered one of the three prime gods. He was venerated as the undercurrents of civilisation - that which people wish to forget, but which is necessary for civilisation to thrive. Tharos, Haltic and Asabeth were seen as brothers and sister, with the other gods a distant second in importance.
His most popular cult was that of the Gebetan, who sought self improvement above all things. The priests of this cult were masters of the sword, athletics and wit. They were considered trouble makers, but often rose to positions of power through their high competence. In the Northern Kingdoms, they came into conflict with the Swords of Vihri, who saw themselves as masters of the physical arts.
Within Rornic culture, Gebetan is more a philosophy than a priestly following. However, the concept is still strongly associated with Tharos, and viewed with some distrust. A few groups do still exist who dedicate their life to it though.
Cultists are taught the following skills and techniques.
Gives knowledge of the ideals, mythology and rituals of the Cult of Tharos. Also provides knowledge of the philosophy of Gebetan.
Combat, Melee.
Requires: Brawl-2
This is the semi-mythical fighting style of the Cult of Tharos. It teaches perfection of body and movement in all things. There is nothing in this style that is designed for show - it is quick, efficient and deadly.
It teaches attack over defence. It may be used either unarmed, or with knives, short sticks and other reach 0 brawling weapons, and it always uses Agility. You gain +1 to your Agility when attacking, and -1 when defending. If any attack causes the target to make a Health check, then they get a penalty equal to your skill.
age 21
A follower of Tharos, who practises the philosophy of Gebetan. Membership of this cult is forbiddon.
Talents: Ath-4; Awa-4; Bra-4; Cha-2; Gui-2; Sle-2; Ste-4; Thr-2;
Knowledges: Area lore-4; Religion (Rorn)-2; Speak own-4;
Combat: Gebetan-4; Single weapon-4;
Followers of Tharos seek perfection of mind and body, training themselves in the martial and physical arts to the best of their ability.
To them, the individual self is what matters. Acts which test their skill are performed for their own sake. These often take the form of assasination or burglarly - acts which require stealth, agility and martial skill.
Awareness of others
(Cost 4): Gebetan.
Prerequisites: Know the target.
You have an awareness of the world around you, and reactions which enable you to react without thinking. The base chance to hit you is increased by your skill unless you are unconscious or unable to move. This bonus is gained even if you are unware of the attack.
Awareness of self
(Cost 4): Religion (Tharos).
Prerequisites: Ceremonies of Tharos.
You have +1 to Agility for purposes of initiative.
Beyond Limits
(Cost 8): Religion (Tharos).
Prerequisites: Mind over body.
Those with an understanding of Gebetan know how to push their body beyond its normal limits. At the start of any round, the character can choose to use this technique (which is otherwise automatic), gaining a +1 bonus to strength, agility and dexterity for all actions that round.
At the end of the round, one level of fatigue is gained.
Ceremonies of Tharos (Cost 2): Religion (Tharos).
You know the rituals and secrets of the Cult of Tharos.
Know the target
(Cost 2): Gebetan.
Prerequisites: Ceremonies of Tharos.
You know how to strike causing maximum pain and damage. You may add your Gebetan skill to your damage roll.
Mind over body
(Cost 6): Religion (Tharos).
Prerequisites: Awareness of self.
Your training and meditation has enabled you to block out pain and exhaustion. Penalties from stuns, wounds and fatigue are halved (round down).
Copyright (c) 2004, Samuel Penn.
This document can be redistributed and/or modified under the terms of the GNU Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation version 2.