The Holy Order of the Spoon
(Note, the above information is merely how Tas appears to his cult)
Tasslehoff Burrfoot
Uncle Tas, The Hand that guides the Rabbitslayer, The Fireseeker, The Timespanner, the Mapmaker
Lesser God
Home Plane: The Dome of Creation, Wherever he feels like
Symbol: A Spoon or Hoopak
Colors: Purple and Brown
Celestial Symbol: The Wandering Star (A comet that has recently appeared in the sky that was caught from the Dragon Overlords' homeworld)
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Porfolio: Travel, Curiosity, Time, Innocence
Worshippers: Travellers, Kender, Sorcerers
Cleric Alignment: CG, NG, N (Kender only), LG (Solamnics only)
Domains: Good, Luck, Trickery, Travel (solely preferred)
Favored Weapon: Hoopak (kender), Dagger (non-kender)
Preferred Vestments: Traveling cloak, Leather Boots, Spoons of Faith
The Holy Order of the Spoon is one of the most bizzare religions that has appeared on Ansalon in the wake of the god's absence and curiously one of the very few that is growing in the wake of the God's return. The Cult was created in the wake of the departure of the gods by a Kender named Wendel Harpstrummer who was a former cleric of Branchala and oddly a Knight of Solmania named Thomas Crownguard (distant relation to the late Hero of the Lance). The pair met at the Tomb of Heroes in Solace and were largely lamenting the loss of the gods when the most bizzare conversation in the history of Ansalom likely took place.
Wendel Harpstrummer knew every single deed of Tasslehoff Burrfoot and Thomas Crownguard was a student of divinity during his training to become a Knight of the Sword. The two discussed the fact that Fizban, also known as Paladine, spent the most time with Tasslehoff Burrfoot. They discussed further that Tasslehoff Burrfoot was instrumental in defeating the dark wizard Raistlin Majere. They furthermore discussed that Tasslehoff was the one who 'gathered' the heroes that defeated Chaos (they were on their third pitcher of Camaron Majere's ale by this time). Vastly misinterpreting the conversation between Fizban and Palin Majere after some drunken interrogation that got them thrown out of the inn, the pair concluded that Tasslehoff Burrfoot had been made a god and was the first of the new divine beings that was the nature of the 'Age of Mortals.'
Thomas Crownguard was almost immediately expelled for heresy by the Order of Solamnia but soon found himself amongst the Legion of Steel whom appreciated the talented, if eccentric warrior, who needed the crutch of some god...any god...being behind his sword. Wendel Harpstrummer, liking the Knight, proceeded to fall quickly into his delusion and the pair became travelling do-gooders in the name of their new deity. It is then that the pair began what is now viewed as a 'sacred crusade' and a series of coincidences occurred that actually began to make the religion more than just a joke.
The first, really isn’t a coincidence. Both Thomas and Wendel were genuinely good people. Thomas and Wendel fought for the downtrodden and oppressed wherever they went. They gave what little food they had and even more money. They treated Gully Dwarves and Kender with respect (the later left them even more deprived of possessions but neither seemed to mind much). The credo they preached was the love of children, friendship, and innocence. It was said that both were amongst the happiest people that most had ever met, even when faced with terrible ordeals. They accepted anyone to their religion who wanted to help another. There is even said to be a Draconian convert to Tas from their travels and now a temple for the god in the nation of Teyr).
Wendel’s powerful devotion to their credo actually discovered mysticism independent of the Citadel of Light and he taught it to his companion. Thomas, believing Tas had restored his Solamnic connection to the gods, became even more convinced of his truth. The pair eventually did meet Goldmoon, who found the pair to be more comical than tragic, but they were inconvincible that they were incorrect in their faith. Wendel happily taught his secrets to whatever kender wished to honor Uncle Tas and Thomas extolled the virtues of goodness and honor through ‘Tas parables’ that actually became a very popular series of childrens rhymes in Solamnia.
Both continued their heroics well into the time of the Dragon Overlords when they set up refugee movements based off some Burrfoot maps that the Majere family donated to the deluded but well meaning religion. Wendel sacrificed his life fighting Spawn but promised, having grown a tad senile, that Tas would be there for them and eventually deliver them. Thomas founded an orphanage with his former Knight of Takhasis wife who was fascinated by the innocence that she’d never known until meeting her husband. The man was said to have somehow cared for one hundred orphaned children when he’d died of a heart attack.
The Cult might have died had not that very year, Tasslehoff Burrfoot returned and (to hear the Cult tell it) destroyed the Dragon Overlords along with restored the gods to their rightful places. Wendel’s children and Sir Thomas’ heirs almost unanimously came to believe their parents religion to be true. The group even found some sorcerers in their practices as kender tales had been told that Tasslehoff had no problem with sorcery but found it ‘nifty.’ Given the god also calls for respect and friendship to even Gully Dwarves, the race is of the mind that Tasslehoff is ‘alright’ as a god. An astounding endorsement from many HighBulghs.
Given the large numbers of worshippers now, many gods are a tad perplexed as to what to do about it. Branchala coyly suggesting that maybe they SHOULD make him a god.
Dogma: Children should be looked at for the role model of what one should be. Give adoring and trusting love until a person is proven unworthy of it. Protect Kender, Gully Dwarves, and children against attack for they are wicked. Destroy the undead for Tas disliked them. Show respect to your elders for you never know who they might be. Travel often and make the world a better place wherever you go. Do not become too attached to possessions but keep them instead for the stories they may tell. Don’t think Tas is dead just yet and recognize his tomb has been emptied before.
This scares me, because I can actually see kender worshiping it. Nice.
Thanks, and not just kender. I think the message is actually fairly universal. The only thing really standing in the way of the faith being as viable as the Seekers is the fact its Tasslehoff.
At least until Cam points out otherwise why.
There's no way any god would suggest making Tasslehoff a god, because if Tasslefoff was added, then an evil deity would have to be added as well. Balance can not be tipped to one side or the other.
Maybe that would be a good thing?
Tasslehoff could be a far better addition than the evil gods
And it would restore balance since Gilean still reigns
Haha.. But who would be the evil deity?
A difficult Call. Chemosh wants to make Mina into a deity as of "Amber and Ashes" but we know all the others would forward their own candidates.
I imagine it'd be "god for all" in the Abyss with whomever killed the other candidates (maybe the Lolth clone and a few other demigods mentioned before) eventually destroying the others til only one remains standing
There's no way any god would suggest making Tasslehoff a god, because if Tasslefoff was added, then an evil deity would have to be added as well. Balance can not be tipped to one side or the other.
Lord Toede? ;)
BTW, Charles, you have a couple of typos above. Should read "hoopak".
Lord Toede? ;)
BTW, Charles, you have a couple of typos above. Should read "hoopak".
Gasp! No!
Lord Toede wouldn't be a bad choice either.
Paladin OF the Chicken Feather (PCF)
Requirements
To become a PCF, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Race:Kender or Half-Kender
Base Attack bonus:+6
Base Reflex save:+4
Skills:Bluff 6 ranks, Diplomacy 8 ranks
Spellcasting: Must be able to prepare and cast 2nd level divine spells
Alignment: Chaotic Good
special:evasion class ability
Class Base Attack Fort Ref WIll Special Spells Per day
Level Bonus Save Save Save
1st +1 +2 +2 +0 Aura of good +1 level divineclass
2nd +2 +3 +3 +0 Kender's Grace
3rd +3 +3 +3 +1 - +1 level/divineclass
4th +4 +4 +1 +4 Divine Health
5th +5 +4 +1 +4 - +1 level/divineclass
6th +6 +5 +2 +5 Uncanny Dodge
7th +7 +5 +2 +5 Defensive Roll +1 level/divineclass
8th +8 +6 +2 +6 Improved Evason
9th +9 +6 +3 +6 Defebsive roll 2/day
Improved Uncanny Dodge +1level/" "
10th +10 +7 +3 +7 Legendary Kender +1level/" "
Class Skills
The PFC class skills (and the key ability for each skill)
are Bluff(cha), Climb(str), Craft (int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy(cha), Gather Info (Cha, Hide(Dex0, Jump(Str), Knowledge (local), Listen, Openn Lock, Profession, Search, Sense MOtive, Sleight of hand, Spot, Survival, Tumble, Use rope.
Skill Points/level 4+Int modifier
Class features
Weapon and armor proficency
PFCs gain proficiency with all simple and martial weapons, and no armor or sheilds.
Aura of good- Same as paladin class ability
Kender's grace- works the same as paladin's divine grace ability
Divine Health- The pfc becomes immune to all disease, including supernatural and magical diseases.
Uncanny Dodge- same as rogue class ability
Defensive roll -same as rogue class ability
Improved evasion- same as rogue class ability
Legendary Kender- The kender becomes a hero among other kender, and all kender and half-kender within 30 feet gain a bonus to their saving throws equal to the PFC's charisma score. The kender also becomes incredibly wise, and may gain the benefit of a foresight spell for 30 minutes per day.
Some work on the creed and motivations of said Holy Liberators
Spellcasting: Must be able to prepare and cast 2nd level divine spells
Hmm...perhaps you should simply make it "must be able to cast 2nd lvl divine spells." This leaves the PrC open to Mystics, which is appropriate since Tas hasn't actually been made a deity yet. Of course, in your campaign, you could rule that Tas is a full fledged Demigod, in which case your original spellcasting requirements are fine.
Yes, im gonna work on the background info and sidebars. I like how it gives a cleric,fighter,rogue feel. I tried to keep it balanced but i thin somethings missing. ANy suggestions?
First off All of this is awsome, heh I love it! Tas as a God. Although if he acends it's only fair that Raistlin joins the other side of the pantheon, heh.
As far as what is missing on the Paladin I would suggest access to the Fizban Domain of spells.
FIZBAN DOMAIN
Diety: Paladine, Tasslehoff Burrfoot
Granted Power: You gain +10 fire resistance and are immune to fire from any spells you cast. Strangely enough this ability does not protect headwear.
1 Feather Fall: Objects or creatures fall slowly
2 Web: Fills 20-ft. radius spread with sticky spiderwebs
3 Fireball: 1d6 damager per level, 20-ft. radius
4 Confusion: Subjects behave oddly for 1 round/level
5 Feeblemind: Subjects Int and Chr drop to 1
6 True Seeing: Lets you see all things as they really are
7 Delayed Blast Fireball: 1d6/level fire damage; you can postpone blast for 5 rounds
8 Protection from Spells: Confers a +8 resistance bonus
9 Gate: Connects two planes for travel or summoning
:D
Might I be able to post these on the Nexus for April 1st?
Wouldn't a better addition to the Domain be the spell that produced the big pile of feathers? I can't remember the name.
Page 47 of the WotL "Falling Feathers". I debated it. It's a second level spell, but I thought that Web just worked better. Although Falling Feathers would be more unique. Maybe put Falling Feathers for the second level spell with an astrick saying if you don't have the WotL then use Web instead.
I like the Fizban domain btw.
The only weakness Holy Liberators of Tas probably have is border collies. *herds the paladins around*
Maybe Rabbitslayer would become a +5 holy avenger in their hands? (Branchala's sense of humor?)
Let's hope Sir Thomas didn't let any Solamnic trade secrets pass down to the wee folk or we might see the Order of the Beanie, Order of the Dagger, and Order of the Daisy showing up
(last part I was just making up but it is amusing)
Let's hope Sir Thomas didn't let any Solamnic trade secrets pass down to the wee folk or we might see the Order of the Beanie, Order of the Dagger, and Order of the Daisy showing up
(last part I was just making up but it is amusing)
You mean like this? The Knights of Hylo
Feel free to use any stuff of mine you want, but im gonna finish and post it on a geocites page so its easier to read. Already added the fizban domain, and made a fix for the spellcasting requirements.
Send me a link when you're done, please. Thanks!
Anyone got any ideas on how the Holy Order of Stars will deal with the "false" cult of Tas that is a decided offshoot of their religion though? One that is largely beneficent? (for the good)
I, of course, can't imagine the Neutral or Evil gods reacting positively. Reorx might be an interesting case since he's exceptionally fond of kender and their patron god to begin with...though they seem more Branchala followers to me in write up.
Also, as I think we've illustrated, only Gully Dwarves and Kender will take the god initially seriously I think.
The last official stuff is saw was not half as original as this.
It seems that Mr Phipps is one step ahead from becoming a professional game designer.
--Tamora Amberleaf
Is this going to be the final version? This does need to be cannon...best idea ever.
Holy Order of the Spoon
Paladin of the Chicken Feather
Fizban Domain
Plus, there's a new Bard on the Run: Hit the Road Tas
And if you're wondering why Paladin turned to evil and became Blackguard, you can take our poll.
Thanks for the submissions. Charles and AngryRogue, I've sent both of you PMs.
Lord Toede? ;)
BTW, Charles, you have a couple of typos above. Should read "hoopak".
Not to mention Ansalom should be Ansalon. Sorry, when you've been working in libraries as long as I have you get picky. LOL!
--Tamora Amberleaf
While I would love to see Raistlin become a god in order to balance out with Tas being the newly elevated "missing" god of goodness, I really see Lord Toede as the more logical choice. Balance concerns. Raistlin for Tas is just a little unbalanced.
Also, though I have long since got tired of repeating it. Raistlin lost his "evil core" I believe with his sacrifice. I wouldn't call him a nice man but all his post-death appearences have been for the benefit of others.
Oddly, they aren't unbalanced were it the case though though. Raistlin could never move against Tas because Tas represents unconquerable good in people.
(as he appears to his worshippers)
Lord Toede
The Hobgoblin King, The Fewmaster of the Gods, The Frog Lord, Lord Croak, The JuJu King, The Undying Lord of Doom
Lesser God
Home Plane: The Abyss
Symbol: A Toad (Amphidragon is what its supposed to be but the initial molds look like toads)
Colors: Red and Purple
Celestial Symbol: A lashing tongue toad (supposedly invisible to all but the highest believers and in the space that Takhasis‘ constellation now occupies)
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Porfolio: Apathy, Corruption, Temptation, Selfishness (priests taught by Verminaard)/ Everything (worshippers mind)
Worshippers: Hobgoblins, Gnolls, Cowards, the Selfish
Cleric Alignment: CE, NE, LE
Domains: Evil, Luck, Necromancy, Charm
Favored Weapon: Dagger
Preferred Vestments: Chainmail, Royal Robes
The rather grandiosely titled cult of Lord Toede was started by Sevil Draanimrev. That the most feared, hated, and destructive of all the Dragon Highlords would create a cult to the most laughed at is one of the great ironies of the universe that only Zivelyn or Majere might be able to define in the meaning of.
In truth, Verminaard and Toede grew accustomed to one another’s presence after it was realized that both of them were never going to be allowed to die by the Pit Fiend Judith. Verminaard wished nothing more to be able to join his Queen and even punishment would be pleasure, so the ultimate torment would be to deny the masochist attention. Lord Toede, she found useful for entirely different reasons. Lord Toede had the ability to spread corruption and evil wherever he went without being taken seriously by the Forces of Good. Under Lord Toede, Flotsam flourished as a den of corruption, villainy, and murder (Toede is actually being modest when he says that he didn’t do anything to help it along).
Takhasis realized after the War of the Lance that evil turning upon itself was the greatest of dangers to her plans. She thus contacted Lord Ariakan and later Mina in order to rectify this. She thought honor and religious devotion might be able to fill the holes of the souls of those whom invariably were debased by the naked hunger she’d previously used. She also used Lord Toede. Lord Toede understood what others did not. That the true triumph of evil was not in grand schemes of world dominance, though she rather seemed to ignore that, where it is easily recognizable but in the day to day apathy and selfishness of normal people.
It was one of her first acts to ressurect him when she returned to power and there Lord Toede was instructed to build a Cult to himself. Like the ‘Cult of the Dead’ with Nephara in the Minotaur lands, this was just a cover until the time that Takhasis could smote Toede and take his cult for herself. Toede, being the canny individual that he did was of course immediately aware of this. It is to his credit that he knew that it was merely his string of bad luck continuing. He half-heartedly recruited Verminaard from a tavern where he was trying to recruit some Draconians to worship the Queen of Darkness by claiming to be….well…himself.
Toede, wanting this entire venture to fail, of course was horrifically disturbed when he found that Verminaard recruited a massive host to follow him. Toede was already renowned as the “Undying Monarch” whose reign had been lionized in his long absence and hobgoblins revered him as the greatest of all hobgoblin kings. His erudition as a scholar had also been well known given his plagiarized Irda poetry that had become great classics in the halls of literature. The fact he suddenly returned from the dead like Sir Huma was only frosting on the cake. Toede’s attempt to disband the cult only made people sure that he was actually wise and spiritual.
Toede knew that the Queen of Darkness was behind him though and had one last gamble to play. He declared he was off to do battle with her and bring back the Old Gods and that they should never look for him. On the way to the farthest reaches of Palanthas with a large portion of the Temple treasury, he saw the gods return and heard of the Queen of Darkness’ death. Verminaard, now convinced Toede was a powerful god, gained the belief that allowed him the power of mysticism and soon began teaching it to others who at last believed in the Cult of the Great God Toede.
The Cult spreads through word of mouth and the fact that it is a cult whose church is built primarily on two principles. One, nonsensical gibberish with some vague references about being sinful and through Toede you will achieve salvation. Two, the Church is rich and filled with well talented bureaucrats that run the largest money lending/laundering scheme on Ansalon. Most worshippers are simply fond of the fact that the religion requires very little of you save the little bronze toads available at Temple Giftshops and to thumb your nose at your neighbors.
Toede himself is on the run from The God of Greed for stealing his bit and now annoyed that no one believes he’s actually himself because he prophesized his own death to save the world. Morgion has considered sponsoring Toede for the sole purpose of irritating the Merchant God and Chemosh is considering backing him up. If it ever came to sponsoring a god to match Tasslehoff, Toede would probably triumph over all the others by simple being smart enough to run away from battle until the others have destroyed themselves. Any survivors he’d probably kill through sheer treachery and dumb luck.
Verminaard, meanwhile, travels across the land with his small army of worshippers as he spreads the word of Toede. Verminaard is rapidly regaining his old vigor and while he's only growing more insane and delusional....that's never really hurt him before. Though he was an extraordinarily old man, Takhasis restored his vigor to help the Cult of the Toede.
Dogma: All worshippers of Toede will receive everlasting eternal life of pure endless indescribable (accent on the indescribable) bliss. Toede is glorious and good along with loves you. All worshippers of gods who are not Toede are stupid. You’ll never be as good as Toede and its best to worship him to become better. Everything you believe is wrong with your life is in fact probably the fault of people who don’t worship Toede. If you just worship Toede more, your problems will seem significantly less. Donate to the Temple regularly.
Toede is very pleased with you for making such a fuss. He would like to reward you but he is very busy at the moment and entertaining guests. He is certain you have a promising future ahead and wishes you all the best. He will have his guards let you out, now. Please mind your head as you pass underneath the very expensive Palanthian glass chandeliers.
Best regards,
The Chamberlain
hmmm maybe i'm gonna have to make a PrC for toede now too.... any ideas?
Demagogue :-)