The Shadowed Claw

 This is a cult I did up for an online game I was in. It is set in the world of Xoth, but it should translate to other settings well. note, the patu and the ixcheltu are in Monster Island.

MYTHOS AND HISTORY

Those of the Shadowed Claw are the elite warriors from certain tribes within the Azimban jungles. At various times they have been thought of as the king's protectors and the soldiers of the people, as they are more accessible to common folk than the priests of the southern avian god Jul-Juggah.

NATURE

The warriors of Azimba are known for their skill with the spear and the shield, often striking from ambushes and defending the borders through quiet and definitive attacks. The elite among these join the Brotherhood and receive further training. Those who show great loyalty or promise are often inducted into the higher ranks.
The brotherhood is often called upon to battle the Ikuna cannibals to the east, acting as an early warning and special forces, living for weeks at a time isolated from the Azimban army and civilization. Because of this, they learn a great deal of self sufficiency and bushcraft. Woe to the band of cannibals who come hunting near a team of the brotherhood - they are not known to leave survivors. Instead, they leave the bodies on grotesque display as a warning for those who come near. 

ORGANIZATION

In times of peace, the brotherhood eschews most formal organization, although the ranks of those higher up are respected. During these times, they refer to themselves as "spots". In times of war, however, they form into smaller squads of four claws and a Fangs leader. These, in turn, are formed into sets of four, known as a Fang, with an Overseer-ranked Eyes. The leader is known as the Great Cat, though there has not been one in many years. 

MEMBERSHIP

By definition, almost anyone can join the Brotherhood at the Common level, as many in Azimba are called upon to defend their homeland. However, once a warrior learns the use of the sacred ixcheltu and gains skill enough, they may join the Brotherhood more formally.

Rank	Name	Requirements	Gifts	Restrictions
Common	Warrior	warrior of Azimba
Dedicated	Claw	50% in 5 of the Brotherhood's skills, defeated 10 foes in battle
Proven	Fangs	70% in 4 of the Brotherhood's skills, completed a soul journey and proved their worth to the spirits with their life patu demonstrating their experiences.	Fetch (Sagacity in the cult's skills)	Oath
Overseer	Eyes	90% in 3 of the Brotherhood's skills	Gift
Leader	Great Cat	110% in 2 of the Brotherhood's skills, other (TBD)	Gift - Shapechange (panthotaur)

RESTRICTIONS

Azimbans are the only ones who normally join the cult, though more for lack of knowledge. No other particular restrictions exist until the Fangs rank, where an Oath to the cult must be taken.

CULT SKILLS

Athletics, Brawn, Combat Style (Jaguar Brother - Spear, Shield, Club , Ixcheltu, Knife/Dagger; Trait - Assassination), Endurance, Perception, Stealth, Survival

Jaguar Brothers by tradition use a patu as their club, though others can be used shamefully. Often, the patu will be worn around the neck as a large pendant, with a leather thong doubling as a wrist strap in combat. These are frequently carved or decorated, telling the story of the warrior's exploits.

They will also coil their ixcheltu (known as the Fangs of the Brotherhood to those outside of the cult, and the Fangs or the Fangs of the Beast Lord to those inside) around their necks loosely as well, giving the impression of a festive and decorative necklace. Some even lace flowers or weave beads into them, but this is merely a ruse. In the southern jungles, those who wear it in this fashion with a patu with their exploits depicted are given great respect, and often wide berth, because it is known they are accomplished warriors.

MAGIC

At the lower levels, they appear as a martial brotherhood, they practice no magic of their own. They hone their skills in the jungle, fighting Ikuna and the other enemies of the Azimba. Most do not make it past this rank, either being maimed or killed in battle, or settling down and starting a family, forsaking the martial life required to achieve higher ranks. Those that do often depart on a journey to explore the depths of their dedication and the nature of man and beast.

It is rumored that the upper members of this brotherhood are gifted by the spirit of the jaguar in some fashion, with stories of great swiftness and other enhancements to natural abilities dominate. No doubt the priests of Jul-Juggah would not like this challenge to their power, but have never been able to prove anything, and the Brotherhood has done little to dispel the rumors.

Indeed, the rumors are true, though few know it. Once you have reached the Fangs level, a prospective Fangs goes on a spirit journey by imbibing a concoction of herbs in drink. This separates the soul from the body, where he then must prove his worth to a jaguar spirit. This is often telling tales of his exploits or physical challenges. The patu, inscribed with the stories, comes on this spirit journey. It provides the weapon in a sort of spirit combat, showing how the Brother is worthy of the gifts of the Jaguar Spirit. It provides proof that the tales are correct - falsehood upon the patu will shatter it, and the Brother will be left defenseless against the spirit.

GIFTS

Once they reach the Fangs level and complete their soul journey - an arduous quest through the spirit world facilitated by special herbs and plants native to their homeland. On this journey, they learn the true nature of the brotherhood as followers of Nwanga Zhaal, Lord of Beasts, and acquire a fetch. Until the Fangs has proven himself, the fetch acts merely as a guide and teacher. The fetch has Sagacity in the cult skills, however, and will train the Brother (requiring sacrifice of any prey animal over SIZ 6, including humans). The fetch also serves as eyes for Nwanga Zhaal, overseeing his warriors and their actions and ensuring they do not "act as prey"

Once the brother proves he is worthy of the Eyes rank, he undertakes a ritual hunt for large game or a human of some prestige. Via ritual sacrifice, he is bathed in the blood of the kill and is purified to the point where the fetch can bestow an ability on the cultist. What this is is individual to each member, but it is a true sign that they are blessed by Nwanga Zhaal. Typical abilities include Endow Frenzy, Endow Leaper, Endow Night Sight, Endow Intimidate, or the spirit ability Comprehension (cats).

If the member reaches the point where he becomes the Great Cat, he must show himself to be the ultimate predator, and only man-flesh will be an acceptable sacrifice. Once he has hunted his prey, defeating it in single combat (though ambushing is certainly allowed by Nwanga Zhaal), his fetch can offer forth the ability to transform him into a Panthotaur. Each use of this ability requires spending a magic point, the consumption of the heart of a prey animal personally hunted, and a roll against their Oath to Nwanga Zhaal.

ALLIES AND ENEMIES

The Ikuna cannibals to the east have an undying hatred for the Jaguar Brothers, and the feeling is mutual. Their war has been raging for as long as anyone knows.

The brotherhood's relationship with the priests of Jul-Juggah has been at times quite warm, and at other times strained nearly to civil war. Certain theological differences exacerbate this, but the current king has thus far kept things in check. Some of this is supported by the Brotherhood themselves, as they don't wish to reveal their animistic tendencies, and there has not been a Great Cat in many years. 

Cults List

 I wanted to make a quick reference to all of the Cults listed on this site. This should make them a little easier to reference.

• Paladins
  
• Illusionary Path
  
• Shardbearer
  
• Doomscribe
  
• Thieves' Guildsman
  
• Weaponmaster
  
• Shaman of the Land
  
• Jarlsworn
  
• Path of Summoning
  
• Mountain Temple Monks
  
• Thaumaturgist
  
• Warmaster Academy
  
• Fiery Path
  
• Fellowship of the Snake
  
• Ancestral Speaker
  
• Guardian of the Totem
  
• Seekers of the Great Void
  
• Four Fold Battle Wizard
  
• Aegis Arcanum
  
• Sha'ir (part 1) and Sha'ir (part 2)
  
• Brotherhood of Steel (part 1) and Brotherhood of Steel (part 2)
  
• The Shadowed Claw
• Cults discussion
  

Paladins

Mythos and History

It is hard to know when the first paladin came into being. When did the first warrior dedicate himself to a cause or a god? What is known is that they have been present at most of the points in history where evil has been resisted.

Nature

Through a select, worthy few shines the power of the divine. Called paladins, these noble souls dedicate their swords and lives to the battle against evil. Knights, crusaders, and law-bringers, paladins seek not just to spread divine justice but to embody the teachings of the virtuous deities they serve. In pursuit of their lofty goals, they adhere to ironclad laws of morality and discipline. As reward for their righteousness, these holy champions are blessed with boons to aid them in their quests: powers to banish evil, heal the innocent, and inspire the faithful. Although their convictions might lead them into conflict with the very souls they would save, paladins weather endless challenges of faith and dark temptations, risking their lives to do right and fighting to bring about a brighter future.

Organization

The paladins are almost to the last associated with some deity and religious order. They don’t necessarily take orders directly from the clergy, but paladins certainly weigh their opinions heavily. In return, the clergy often view paladins as their long arm into dangerous areas, and paladins are often the first religious figure isolated communities meet.

Lay members are exclusively those seeking to become paladins and are not seen outside of their training monasteries, as they are not deemed deep enough in their devotion and skill to adequately handle the challenges they routinely face.

Membership

Standard, though at each level, they must have Influence and their Oath at the same levels as the other skills.

Restrictions

The paladin takes an Oath to show their devotion to their cause. This oath includes swearing to

• Honesty. Don't lie or cheat. Let your word be your promise.
• Courage. Never fear to act, though caution is wise.
• Compassion. Aid others, protect the weak, and punish those who threaten them. Show mercy to your foes, but temper it with wisdom.
• Honor. Treat others with fairness, and let your honorable deeds be an example to them. Do as much good as possible while causing the least amount of harm.
• Duty. Be responsible for your actions and their consequences, protect those entrusted to your care, and obey those who have just authority over you.

Skills

Athletics, Devotion, Exhort, First Aid, Influence, Insight, Lore (Religion); Combat Style (Choose a total of 5 weapons or combat style traits)

Magic

Initiates of this order learn abilities that are similar to Folk Magic spells, but are based on the Devotion skill. Any place that calls for the Folk Magic skill, replace it with the paladin’s Devotion skill. These abilities include Cleanse, Fanaticism, Heal, Polish, Vigor, and Witchsight. Cleanse and Polish are restricted to the paladin’s armor and weapons, and their Witchsight allows the paladin to learn the passions (though not the percentage) of those within his sight, opposed by the Willpower of those seen.

Acolytes in the order are taught how to exhort and gain a Devotional Pool similar to a theist. Acolytes also learn the Theist spells Cure Malady, Steadfast, and True (Weapon)

Overseer level (called Paladins) learn the Theist spells Dismiss Magic and Exorcism.

Gifts

Initiates in the order receive a suit of mail covering all locations and two weapons or shields appropriate to their order.

Acolytes gain the ability to use their Fanaticism over an area, affecting all allies within POW meters of the acolyte. This use acts exactly like a casting of the Fanaticism spell otherwise.

Paladin-rank individuals emit an Aura of Fanaticism at will and free of cost.

Leader rank (called Paladin Lords) members can shine with an aura of holy light, making all attacks against the Paladin Lord one rank harder.

The Illusionary Path

Mythos and History

Driven by the desire to have their stories become more and more lifelike, a small group of storytellers started dabbling in magic to make these scenes come to life. These, in turn, became in high demand by bored nobles looking for new experiences without risk, and were willing to pay for them.

Nature

Students at the school of Illusion are often artists in other fields but look to become the perfect artists of reality, bringing their magical creations verisimilitude through inclusion of more and more spells combined with them.

Organization

The school of illusion is often found in guilds in larger cities, being able to find art loving patrons among the wealthy and take on young artists who have the skill to create in the most flexible medium - magic. As such, advancing in the guild often requires demonstration of artistic capabilities, and exhibitions fantastical and esoteric, impossible in other arts, illuminate the skill and creativity of the illusionist.

Membership

Standard

Young artists are often taken in and taught Phantasm early to assess their ability to create in intangible media.

Restrictions

The Shaping skill taught by this school is linked closely to Art (Illusion) - Shaping skill is limited by the lower of these two, making it a requirement for creating larger illusions that affect more people.

Skills

Art (Illusion), Deceit, Insight, Invocation (Illusion), Shaping, Willpower

Magic

Apprentices are taught the Folk Magic spells Glamour, Incognito, Mimic, Perfume, Phantasm, Repugnance, and Ventriloquism while learning the basics of Invocation (Illusion) and Shaping. Once they become skilled enough in Sorcery, they can become apprentices and are taught apprentice spells.

Illusionists are unique in that they only learn one sorcery spell - Phantom (Sense) - but learn to apply it to additional senses. Treat each sense as a new spell, with the standard cost of 5xp and a month of tutelage. The available senses are sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste, heat, pain, vibration, hunger/thirst, balance/proprioception, with additional senses being added as needed for the campaign.

The school teaches the basic five senses first as those are easily understood by most students. Apprentices learn Phantom (sight) and Phantom (hearing) and Adepts learn Phantom (Touch), Phantom (Taste), and Phantom (Smell). Mages and Archmagi are unrestricted from which ones they may learn from there, but Mages must know at least 3 non-traditional senses to be able to become an Archmagi.

Gifts

Adepts of this school gain access to the Focus alternative spell component when casting spells from this school, and it is most often used to counteract the steep penalties for casting complex multisensory illusions. Any Combine with other schools will not be allowed to use the Focus component

Mages can learn to Expand illusions to massive size, changing the illusion as follows

• Sight - 100m per intensity, any dimension
• Smell - 100m radius per intensity
• Sound – 3db (loudness doubled) per intensity
• Others - adjudicate as necessary, following these guidelines

Archmagi can create a Magnum Opus, making one illusion casting permanent, without affecting their maximum magic points or magic point regeneration.

Expand and Magnum Opus each cost 10xp to acquire. Each is only good for a single casting of illusion and cannot be combined. They can be purchased multiple times, however.

 

 

Shardbearer

 

Mythos and History

In the darkest abyssal plane, a demon devised a plan to harvest the souls of mortals without ever setting foot in the material world. Through dark ceremonies, he splintered off a shard of his being and shaped it into a weapon a mortal would desire, tempting them with personal power. Then, the demon released it into the world, reaping the benefits from the slayings committed.

Nature

While not a true religion, those who wield the blade are as tied to it as any priest.

Organization

There is no real organization to speak of - the possessor of the sword and the demon form a symbiotic relationship. Though some may seek such an unholy entanglement, the demon determines who he distributes swords to.

Membership

Standard. In addition, to advance to the Acolyte level, they must have a Desire (harvest souls for the sword) at 50%. Priests must have this passion at 75%, and High Priests must have and maintain this at 100%. There are no Common members of this cult.

Restrictions

The blade whispers promises of power and of its hunger for more souls. This manifests as a special Passion of Desire (harvest souls for the sword), which starts at 20%. Every time the character succumbs to this passion (either by failing a willpower roll to resist or by not resisting), it gains 1d4+1%, as if the character had spent experience in it. Conversely, if the character resists this passion, they reduce this passion by 1d4+1%. The character can spend 1 XP to either increase or reduce this passion.

Skills

Combat Style (Demon Blade), Devotion, Exhortation, Folk Magic, Influence, Lore (choose one appropriate to the demon)

Magic

Initiates learn the Folk Magic spells Bladesharp, Demoralize, Darkness, Pierce, Shock, Shove, Tire, and Witchsight. Acolytes learn the Theist spell Perseverance, Priests learn Dismiss Magic and True (Sword), High Priests learn Berserk and Steadfast. All these spells must be cast while holding the sword, which replaces the need to gesture.

The sword itself acts as a portable shrine, The act of donating magic points to the donation pool takes an hour and provokes a roll against the Desire to harvest souls once complete.

Gifts

Demon Blade - Initiates able to manifest a special greatsword into their hand or, while holding, dismiss at will as a free action. This weapon behaves in all ways as a normal greatsword, save that it is indestructible and counts as magical for the purposes of overcoming defenses. If it is more than 2m from the initiate for a minute, it disappears as if they had dismissed it.

While using this sword, if the initiate wins a standard offensive special effect, they may cast a folk magic spell they know as a free action instead of a special effect. The attack roll must be below their folk magic skill and still costs magic points as appropriate. This may only be done once per attack. The spell is applied with the attack after the defense is rolled but before the damage is rolled and may affect the damage and, if resistance is called for, is rolled against the attack roll.

In addition, shardbearers gain physical benefits from the weapon as their tie to it increases. At each rank above Initiate, they gain a gift from the list below.

• Unholy Strength - The bearer’s Damage Modifier is recalculated, based on the sum of STR, SIZ and POW.
• Unholy Eye - The bearer gains the Dark Vision creature ability.
• Unholy Health - the bearer’s healing rate is doubled.
• Unholy Speed - The bearer gains an additional action point.

 

 

Doomscribe

Mythos and History

When this god was born, she was not blessed with omniscience like many gods of knowledge. Though the other deities scoffed at the purview she claimed, they soon learned that she was more than capable. 

Far from the cloistered celestial one might expect from a god of scribes, she seeks to be at the historic events affecting the Heavens and record the facts as they happen. Because of this, she is also the goddess of wayfarers and travelers.

Nature

Part scribe and part skald, Doomscribes record the deeds of those who die. The belief is that those who die with their deeds recorded are announced by the goddess herself in the afterlife and are afforded more revered positions. 

Doomscribes are often exceptionally well informed, having record of where many died before, including the locations of many valuable artifacts and treasures. Thus, are highly sought after, even by adventuring parties. 

They also are bitterly opposed to the creation of undead and view it as an attempt to distort your achievements, to circumvent the judgment of your worth, and so on. Sometimes, though, they can make a record of the life of a wraith and put it to rest, giving it its rightful place in the afterlife.

Organization

Doomscribes have a standard cult structure, with junior members being assigned to “safe” events, while more senior ones take on more dangerous tasks. Priests and High Priests often do not go and seek out events themselves, but carefully ensure the accuracy of what junior members record, and then distribute it so that it is known to all.

It is not uncommon for Doomscribes from one area to go to other areas, making the cult rather loose in its observance of the hierarchy in place. Respect for the priests and high priests remains, however, as they frequently have the best access to paper and inks. They are also known to have excellent networks of couriers to distribute stories.

Membership

Standard. Regardless of which skills are used in advancement, one of them must be Lore (History).

Restrictions

All Doomscribes take an Oath to the organization, upholding its values of integrity in recording what truthfully happened. 

Skills

Art (Writing), Craft (Paper), Devotion, Exhort, Insight, Language (any, but tend to be archaic), Lore (History), Oratory, Perception, Teach

Magic

Initiates learn the spells Behold, Dismiss Magic, Lay to Rest, and Mindlink. Acolytes learn Consecrate. Priests learn Excommunicate, Extension, and Obliterate.

The cult teaches the folk magic spell Copy to Initiates.

Copy

Instant, Touch

Copy will duplicate the contents of one page or scroll to a blank one of appropriate size. Enough ink must be provided, which is used during the process. 

Gifts

All members gain the benefit of a teacher in Art (Writing), Craft (Paper), any Language, Lore (History), and Oratory. This is free of charge but is limited by the capabilities of the theists present, but Major temples will have all of these, as well as several languages, available with skills (including Teach) over 100%.

High priests gain the Insightful gift.

 

Thieves Guildsman

 

Daniel Comerci – danielcomerci.com

Mythos and History

It is said that the first of the Thieves’ guilds was an informal affair - cooperating thieves working together on jobs on a regular basis in the largest cities in the realm. Leadership and structure only came after some thieves broke the trust of others, risking everyone. Clever, cunning, and sometimes flat-out brutal leaders arose from this, imposing the notion that there is honor among thieves, molding them into what they are today.

Nature

Quite simply, the Thieves’ guild is a business where the business involves the illegal acquisition of wealth. Often, there are legal fronts and occupations to help with this, but the core of the business is illegal. Variants of this exist for burglary, extortion, fencing, pickpocketing, and dozens of other crimes. A smart guildmaster will diversify into many.

Thieves’ guilds are often confused with assassin’s guilds. While they do often have similar skills, thieves do not generally kill for direct profit. They would prefer to have their marks keep generating wealth for them.

Organization

Normally a strong hierarchy, with a Guildmaster at the top, under whom are several Masters. These are normally a master of one form of theft - Master of Pickpockets, Master of Cons, and so on. Under them are various Journeymen overseeing Apprentices and managing relationships with Associates - those outside the guild but willing to cooperate.

Membership

Standard

Restrictions

All thieves must take an Oath to the guild, at 30% + POW +INT. This is periodically tested, and always when a thief is gaining a rank. Theft from within the cult is taboo. The first offense finds the thief losing a finger. The second offense removes a hand. A third is normally fatal.

Thieves operating under guild auspices must tithe 80% of their haul to the guild. In return they gain a wage.

Skills

Conceal, Deceit, Evade, Gambling, Lockpicking, Mechanisms, Seduction, Sleight, Stealth, Streetwise, Thief Combat Style (Club, Dagger/Knife, Hatchet, Mace, any Crossbow; Knockout Blow)

Gifts

While Associates can get training from the guild in skills, all members in good standing of Apprentice rank or higher gain access to training in any guild skill at a discount. A small number of combat style traits are also taught, costing 1 month of tutelage and 3 experience points each.

Wages are provided for those who are actively taking jobs in the area. Wages are contingent upon successful operations and flow of money, as well as enough thieves to perform them. 

Rank	Training Discount	Traits	Daily Wage (SP)	Law Enforcement Protection Frequency
Associate	0%	None	0	None
Apprentice	25%	Cautious Fighter	2	Once per Year
Journeyman	50%	Daredevil	10	Once per Month
Master	75%	Hidden Weapon	50	Once per Week
Grand Master	100%	Blind Fighting	250	Always

Those who join the Thieves’ guild are also entitled to room and board for themselves at a facility that houses the guild. Companion rates are available for Journeymen with an Oath sworn for their good behavior during their stay, while Masters and Grand Masters can make room for their friends as needed.

This facility, for those in good standing, acts as a Sanctuary if a Master or Grand Master is present on the grounds or within an hour of travel time.

Those of Apprentice rank and higher may expect protection from law enforcement (bailing out, sheltering, etc.) in cities where the guild is established. This normally takes the form of shelter from searching police forces, bail when required, and distractions during heists. The frequency of these services depends on the rank of the thief and the importance of the task. For tasks of normal importance, the frequency is listed in the chart above.

Journeymen, Masters, and Grand Masters all gain the Weapon gift upon reaching each of those ranks. This need not be explicitly a weapon, but could be an exceptionally fine piece of art, suit of armor, or other high value object. Grand Masters benefit from first pick of virtually all goods stolen, thus gaining the highest value items for themselves.