|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Crom |
|
The tenets of the faith are
a strong respect for individuality and self reliance, the idea of might
for right - not might makes right, the idea that “That which does not
kill us makes us stronger” and the philosophy and implications of the
idea “Suffer no guilt.” Facing up to your enemies (without or
within), fighting valiantly, behaving with honor - these are all revered
by the follower of Crom. There is also a basic acknowledgment that
life isn’t necessarily fair. The followers of Crom are expected to
work with life as it comes. A description of this attitude might be
summarized by, “Shit happens. Stop complaining and deal with it.” The holy symbol used by the
home temple in Santa Barbara is a hammer and anvil superimposed over an
eclipsed starburst (a black 8-pointed star outlined in silver or on a
silver circle). The hammer and anvil signifies the forging
of the soul, and the eclipsed starburst is the personal sigil of the founder
of the temple. Mages often use the same basic symbol,
with a pentagram placed on the anvil. There is no set schedule of
sacrifice or tithing. Again,
donations are accepted if the person is able, and help might be given
if they are not. The sacrifice
is generally the icon of a defeated foe. In the case of defeating a powerful enemy
in physical battle, the icon would be that person’s weapon (or perhaps
spellbook if the enemy was a mage). Someone that had fought and won against
a debilitating opium addiction would sacrifice the water pipe as a symbol
of the addiction’s defeat. If the sacrifice is acceptable it is consumed
in a golden flame that burns only the item being sacrificed.
Sometimes, if the fight has been particularly valiant, or the foe
especially strong, the item is purified by the flames and returned to
the person making the sacrifice.
An evil sword might be transformed into a weapon for good in the
hands of the faithful. Weapons
which are so transformed are always gold-colored and inscribed somewhere
with the statement “Suffer No Guilt”. Sacrifices from a battle that was no challenge,
or that might not be considered honorable are always rejected.
Crom rarely intervenes or aids followers who are in positions of
failure or weakness; after all, He wasn’t the one who got you into trouble. But He respects someone who can face a
desperate situation and emerge victorious.
Even if you die trying, He respects a valiant effort and will welcome
you to His hall. Followers of Crom are expected
to act honorably, and to stand up for what they believe is right. Cowardice
is the worst accusation you can make against a follower of Crom. Cowardice by the clergy will result in
loss of ability until they have redeemed themselves.
A strategic retreat from overwhelming odds is not necessarily cowardice
- Crom understands the concept of living to fight another day. But leaving behind a wounded companion
to save oneself - that is the basest of acts. The main holy book of the temple is called The Book of Forgings, a collection of essays by respected past members of Crom’s clergy. It teaches that, as the follower lives with honor, fights evil, always strives to give their very best, and doesn’t turn aside from the difficulties life holds, they are engaged in the forging of their soul. Someone facing a particularly fearsome challenge (such as a foe that has been their life’s goal to bring down) are sometimes said to be “writing their chapter” in The Book of Forgings. Specialty Priests
of Crom Duties: Marriage, baptism, blessings, guidance, strengthening
the flock Sins: Cowardice, slaying a coward, using poison. Granted Powers Call Upon Faith 1/Day/2 levels - Starts at 2nd level.
Adds +3 to one roll or increases chance to do something by 15% Draw Upon Holy Might 1/day/3 levels beginning at 3rd level.
Increases a chosen attribute
by 1 point Turn Undead Immunity to undead life draining
and paralysis; also to life energy draining magic.* Major Spheres:
Necromantic, All, Healing, Combat, and special. Minor Spheres:
Protection, War, Wards Special spell access: under
some circumstances, Crom will grant a specialty priest/ess with the ability
to cast a spell they would not otherwise have access to. This is strictly DM option, as a means
of demonstrating Crom’s favor for a battle well fought or a worthy personal
sacrifice. There is no set garb for clergy,
although robes decorated in the individual’s colors and preferred sigils
are common. Crom’s avatar is usually a
male human blacksmith or weapon instructor, powerfully built, usually
carrying or using a hammer. * The protection is granted because Crom feels that the strength you have earned should remain yours, and that only your actions should affect your fate.
|
Crom's
teachings