| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MalariaMoon |
Posted - 30 Dec 2010 : 19:50:31
I am setting up a campaign based in Threskel, Chessenta and Unther. I’m hoping the campaign will eventually revolve around the power struggle between the dragons Tchazzar and Alasklerbanbastos for control of Chessenta, but the campaign begins before the Time of Troubles. During this time Tchazzar was worshipped as a demigod, but I could find little information concerning the structure of his church during this time (following the Godswar Tiamat took over Tchazzar’s following).
I decided to sketch out my concept of the Cult of Tchazzar a little further. I would be interested to hear what fellow scribes make of my interpretation. It bears noting that my memory of D&D game mechanics is pretty hazy, so I haven’t included any stats for the speciality priests, just some vague ideas of possible special abilities.
The Cult of Tchazzar (pre Time of Troubles)
Prior to being subsumed by Tiamat during the Time of Troubles, the great red wyrm Tchazzar was pursuing his own immortal ambitions. He achieved demigod status within Chessenta, where he had once ruled in human form. The original incarnation of the Cult of Tchazzar was based around idolization of Tchazzar the man, not Tchazzar the dragon, thus it was a very different church to that which exists in Chessenta today (today being the 3rd edition incarnation of the Realms).
With the likely exception of some of the highest ranking priests, the bulk of Tchazzar’s worshippers have no idea of his true nature. Despite his moniker as the Great Red Dragon, they believe they worship the human warrior Tchazzar who united the disparate city-states of Chessenta into an empire and eventually ascended to godhood. The red dragon was simply his battle standard, and later the symbol of his church. The truth is hiding in plain view.
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| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MalariaMoon |
Posted - 30 Dec 2010 : 19:55:24
Priestly Vestments and Adventuring Gear: Given the martial nature of Tchazzar and his legend, it comes as little surprise that the clergy of Tchazzar are often found in full armour, even within the walls of peaceful cities. Helmets are especially favoured; these are always decorated with red plumes or combs. The higher priests are permitted great red cloaks, some of which include ornate, armoured hoods. Lesser clerics are only permitted a red sash. Shields bearing Tchazzar’s symbol are common.
There is also a growing tradition amongst Chessentan mercenaries to donate the battle banners of defeated foes to wandering Tchazzarites, who haul these standards about with them, telling those who would listen how the fighting prowess of said band of mercenaries echoes that of the Invincible Warrior himself.
Abilities of the Warlairds: The speciality priests of Tchazzar are called Warlairds. Some of the mystical powers said to be possessed by his most fervent worshippers are as follows.
Lord of the Feast – Like Tchazzar himself, his followers are renowned for their enthusiastic carousing and feasting. However, irrespective of how much wine or food a warlaird ingests, he never suffers from any ill effects. He most certainly gets drunk, but this never translates into any loss of coordination or mental faculties.
Boon of the Fallen – When a Chessentan slays an enemy in honourable single combat on the field of battle then his enemy’s arms and armour are his by right. A warlaird actually gains a bonus (to attack roles and damage or to armour class depending on the loot) when using weaponry or armour he has plundered from a defeated opponent. This bonus usually lasts for a few tendays, and never more than two months.
Teeth of Tchazzar – A warlaird can call upon his god to make serrations sprout along the edge of a blade he is holding. This power can affect any sword from a short sword to a great sword, and causes the weapon to inflict terrible wounds when used (the equivalent of the wounding special ability). Higher level clerics are also said to be able to bless the blades of their comrades in a similar fashion.
Banner of the Dragon – A warlaird can call upon the power of Tchazzar to unfurl a mighty flag bearing the symbol of the Great Red Dragon from a banner held in his hands. This symbol is displayed irrespective of the normal motif on the standard, and a banner can quickly be improvised with a long spear and a handy cloak. Any allies of the warlaird who can see Tchazzar’s symbol flapping above them fight in the manner of a beserker, yet are not fatigued when the effect has passed. Furthermore, despite their ferocity they maintain their battle line and will not let their blood lust lead them into a tactically disadvantageous position.
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| MalariaMoon |
Posted - 30 Dec 2010 : 19:52:37
Dogma: Prior to the Time of Troubles, the dogma of the Cult of Tchazzar was not evil, although it was certainly warlike and aggressive. Tchazzarites celebrate the rawest elements of Chessentan culture; hedony, gluttony, passion, physical prowess in the sporting arena and above all battle skill. They champion Chessentan identity as a whole and furthermore work hard to promote Tchazzar’s image as the ‘Father of Chessenta’. To a certain extent, some of these objectives work at cross purposes, as it is the warlike core of the Chessentan character that prevents the squabbling city-states from returning to the glory days of old.
Day-to-Day Activities: One of the foremost duties of the Tchazzar’s priesthood is to keep his legacy and achievements fresh in the minds of Chessentans. Many priests are skilled orators, and all are required to memorise the Five Epics of the Invincible Warrior. Travelling clerics recite these epics in taverns and plazas across Chessenta, and as these epic poems are stirring tales of battle and derring-do, the clerics rarely want for an audience.
The clergy also record the feats of the celebrated War Heroes, keeping the rolls detailing the victories and defeats of individual champions as well as the successes of battle companies, be they mercenary or the sanctioned army of a city state. When Tchazzar returns to lead his people once again, this record will prove invaluable in assembling a legion capable of reforging the Chessentan empire. Certain unscrupulous Cultists also make a tidy profit sharing this information with war captains seeking to gain a better understanding of rival forces.
Holy Days: The most important holy day of the Cult of Tchazzar is the anniversary of his disappearance over three hundred years ago. Held on the 27 Flamerule, the Tchazzarites hold expensive feasts that welcome all comers, although attendants are expected to donate lavishly by dropping offerings of gold and treasure into the Coffer; an enormous amphora located in some prominent part of the venue. These feasts are often preceded by demonstrations of martial skill by warriors who worship Tchazzar, and by bouts of wrestling. Coastal cities also acknowledge Tchazzar’s victory over the sahuagin with the children’s game Spearscales – floating decoys fashioned like swimming sahuagin are let float in the city harbour, and enthusiastic youths let fly at them with light javelins.
Tchazzarites know how to organise a feast to remember, and see such indulgences as a form of worship. Many Chessentans will seek Tchazzar’s blessing upon the initiation of a new endeavour such as a business enterprise, construction project or military assault. The blessing comes in the form a lavish and unforgettable orgy of wine, food and song, with the supplicant footing the bill.
Similarly, Tchazzarites are always called upon to open athletic contests with a libation of wine poured upon the challengefield or a small offering burned in a brazier. In additions, priests are often asked to act as judges over such contests.
Centres of Worship: Tchazzar’s worship is popular in Chessenta and Threskel but almost nonexistent outside this region. Although widely revered, only a minority worship him with any real zeal. He remains popular throughout the city-states of Chessenta, but his following is strongest in Soorenar and Cimbar. In Cimbar he is particularly popular with the Mob, a movement dedicated to wanton and irresponsible debauchery and disorder. Only Luthcheq shows little veneration of Tchazzar; they favour their own dark god Entropy.
Affiliated Orders: Beyond the Cult itself no organisations have any official role in carrying out Tchazzar’s will. However, a number of Chessentan mercenary companies draw inspiration from his legend, and a number include prominent Cultists in their ranks. Notable examples are the Tallswords of Thulbane, the Crimson Shields and the Twisted Tridents.
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