Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Uglak 07-14-04, 11:53 AM	I've taken it upon myself to write the Dogma of the Court of the Undying religion. Pretty soon, I'll finish up my design of the Priest of the Undying prestige class. Domains: Deathless, Good, Protection Dogma: Honor your blood ancestors, they are the root of your being. Keep to the traditions, and know that your culture is your inheritance. The beauty and wisdom of the elven people is unmatched and even dragons fear us, and envy our essence. Evil undead should be destroyed, for their mere existence is abhorrent to the glory of the Undying. Hunt them, and lay waste to them. Moreso, hunt those who defy the dead by animating corpses and spreading the cursed magic of creating undead servants. Love the Deathless, honor and defend them. Care for them, nurture them, and serve them. We have manifested our own history and will manifest our own future. Protect your ways, and do not fear evil. Be ever wary of nonelves, but do not hate, and do not practice creulty. However, be quick to defend our nation and our people. Always remember, respect for the Undying and repect for elven culture are eternally linked.
Tobias_the _invincible 07-14-04, 10:34 PM	I think it would be interesting to put up the different members of the undying court and thier beliefs.
darkthought 07-14-04, 10:40 PM	Originally posted by Uglak I've taken it upon myself to write the Dogma of the Court of the Undying religion. Pretty soon, I'll finish up my design of the Priest of the Undying prestige class. Domains: Deathless, Good, Protection Dogma: Honor your blood ancestors, they are the root of your being. Keep to the traditions, and know that your culture is your inheritance. The beauty and wisdom of the elven people is unmatched and even dragons fear us, and envy our essence. Evil undead should be destroyed, for their mere existence is abhorrent to the glory of the Undying. Hunt them, and lay waste to them. Moreso, hunt those who defy the dead by animating corpses and spreading the cursed magic of creating undead servants. Love the Deathless, honor and defend them. Care for them, nurture them, and serve them. We have manifested our own history and will manifest our own future. Protect your ways, and do not fear evil. Be ever wary of nonelves, but do not hate, and do not practice creulty. However, be quick to defend our nation and our people. Always remember, respect for the Undying and repect for elven culture are eternally linked. Hoo Hoo.... I can see a coming conflict with Karrnath. :)
Thondred 07-14-04, 10:47 PM	Originally posted by darkthought Hoo Hoo.... I can see a coming conflict with Karrnath. :) In our game, this has already panned out multiple times. :devil: So far, Karnnathi undead have been on the losing end of the Aereni Elf Cleric's turning attempts or the respective weapons of the group. The character's backstory actually places him in Northern Cyre as a soldier/mercenary during the Last War, more specifically on the fronts fighting the Karnnathi undead soldiers(see picture on pg. 248, ECSB for inspiration).
Uglak 07-15-04, 01:45 PM	Tar’Jeriq Senetheir (“Jeriq”) The Senetheir primarily resides in Shae Cairdal. It is well known, though that is doesn’t engage in trade and diplomacy as do the other families of the city. They are more concerned with the defense of their race. The Senetheir families are bold and brash compared to other elven clans. Though when compared to the other common races they are seen as somber and reserved. Most members of the family (male and female) have served on the front lines during dragon attacks. All Senetheir are expected, by the family elders, to always be armed, and to always show courage. Many of the Senetheir fell during these attacks, and now they serve as Undying Soldiers in the city of Shae Mordai. There is a second branch of the family, the Quilthura (linked by maternal paths) who are all members of the Deathguard. Members of the Quilthura family are known to leave Aerenal to hunt undead in other places of the world. Both families are very close and are known to aid one another in many occasions. The families are so close that names are blurred as members of one line often marry members of the other. The families also share the same family crest. Jeriq is the first of his line to adopt a spiritual career rather than a military one. The Senetheir blood is strong and Jeriq is quite willing to accept and perform in combat. Not only has he been indoctrinated in the faith of The Court of the Undying, but also in the philosophical traditions of his family. As such, he passionately despises all dragons. He distrusts those who associate with them. Though he probably wouldn’t attack it outright, he would have a hard time trusting and working with a good-aligned dragon. As a youth, Jeriq spent his days (and nights) tending to the needs of the deathless. He honored them by maintaining their quarters, making offerings of incense and applying herbal preservative substances to their flesh. The deathless taught him elven history and the divine wisdom and powers of The Court of the Undying. In particular, he spent much time with Nenethra Senetheir, an Undying Councilor and direct ancestor. At her request, he became and Initiate in the Priests of Transition. Furthermore, she has sent Jeriq to Khorvaire to learn what he may from the other races. To him, she said, “If Aerenal is to survive, then we must learn what lies the dragons teach the other races. Go and learn. Remember son, you represent all Aereni. Show them your true heart. Do not lower yourself to their muck and ignorance, but rise above, and show them the true light of all that is pure and holy. Show them the strength and awe of Shae Mordai.” After joining the ranks of the Priests of Transition, Jeriq received a common facial tattoo in the form of a skull. This makes him standout in the streets of Sharn, but in Shae Mordai (a place he calls home) he fits right in. His weapons and holy symbols ( a ring and a pendant, given to him by Nenethra) bear the symbol of his family; a bronze skull with a fire motif burning along the cheekbones. This symbol represents and honors those Senetheir who fell to the draconic fire of Alceptrix the Gold. Alceptrix is suspected to have assisted the Blood of Vol in its historical treachery. Alceptrix is also suspected to be currently residing in the brambles of Sharn. Perhaps this is why, when Jeriq was ordered to journey to Khorvaire, he headed straight for Sharn. Any Senetheir or Quilthura who eyes Alceptrix is bound by honor to attack him fully on sight, until one falls dead. Though the Senetheir clan is prone to attack first and ask questions later, they are also known for their mercy. This definitely holds true for Jeriq, who is also pious and charitable. In the family traditions of the Senetheir, one must grant quarter and mercy when requested, except in the case of dragons. This is ancient tradition dating back to the first Senetheir on Xen’drik. As a matter of fact, were it not for this law, the giants on Xen’drik would not still exist. Had they not begged for mercy from the Senetheir elves so long ago, they would have been entirely exterminated. To break from this ancient tradition would anger The Undying Court greatly, and a priest who is also a member of the Senetheir family would not only begin to lose their powers, but would also be made to stand trial before the Ancient Ones. Not only does Jeriq exemplify mercy, but he also does all in his power to help those in need. Jeriq believes that the purpose of his existence is to learn, serve and protect. Above all else, he wishes to appease Nenethra, and find her approval in all his actions. She has taught Jeriq well, and has told him what she wants him to know. But what else is going on? What are her plans? Why are the Cairdal Blades seeking her advice and guidance? Does she have a cloaked agenda, and what is Jeriq’s role, if any, in this secretive plan if it exists?
darkthought 07-15-04, 03:21 PM	Originally posted by Thondred In our game, this has already panned out multiple times. :devil: So far, Karnnathi undead have been on the losing end of the Aereni Elf Cleric's turning attempts or the respective weapons of the group. The character's backstory actually places him in Northern Cyre as a soldier/mercenary during the Last War, more specifically on the fronts fighting the Karnnathi undead soldiers(see picture on pg. 248, ECSB for inspiration). Don't forget that the Karnnathi have an alliance with the halfings of the Plains... so you'll have both humans, undead, and dinosaur riding halfings attacking you. :) All the Karnnathi need to do is have a necromancer cast desecrate before the battle. That'll make the undead a tad bit tougher to turn.
Thondred 07-15-04, 03:47 PM	double post
Thondred 07-15-04, 03:47 PM	Originally posted by darkthought Don't forget that the Karnnathi have an alliance with the halfings of the Plains... so you'll have both humans, undead, and dinosaur riding halfings attacking you. :) So far, we haven't encountered too many allies of the Karnnathi enemies we have fought.
darkthought 07-15-04, 10:38 PM	Why does everybody pick on the Karnnathi? So they have undead troops. So the king is a Vampire. The queen is a CG Aereni elf! The DM should have her put a little diplomatic pressure on the elves to get you guys to stop attacking them. That's not to say that they don't have a 15HD skeleton hiding somewhere, riding a hippogriff and shooting arrows that explode like a fireball when they hit something... wait, that's my campaign. ;) j/k If worse comes to worse, they could probably just empty Fort Bones or Fort Zombie and send them after you guys. Let's see how long that cleric can last against 400+ undead. Sure he'd take a chunk out, but I think they'd still win. edit: an addition... Disguise Undead would be quite valuable. "Hey look its an army coming at us." "Are they undead?" "Doens't look like it" "Cool." Rogue tries to sneak attack. "WTF? It didn't work." "GURGK!" *everybody ignores the rest of the party and kills the cleric*
hiryuu 07-15-04, 10:48 PM	The beauty and wisdom of the elven people is unmatched and even dragons fear us, and envy our essence. Be ever wary of nonelves, but do not hate, and do not practice creulty. If any other race pulled this kind of thing, it'd be racism. But elves can do it just fine. wtf hypocritical double standard?? Plus, these two statements are pretty much contradictory on a basic level. Being this high on yourself pretty much always leads to intolerance.
darkthought 07-16-04, 01:24 AM	Originally posted by hiryuu If any other race pulled this kind of thing, it'd be racism. But elves can do it just fine. wtf hypocritical double standard?? Plus, these two statements are pretty much contradictory on a basic level. Being this high on yourself pretty much always leads to intolerance. Exactly. Karnnath has a high view of themselves too, but no where near the godhood complex. And if the dragons really wanted to wipe out the Elves, I don't think it would take much more than 5-10 ancients and its children. Although there is still some hope for those elves... again the Queen of Karnnath knows her husband is a vampire. She's gotten over the CULTURAL bias against negatively charged undead. The Aereni are cool and all with their positive necromancy, but if they'd keep spouting this sort of garbage, I'm sure that most ports of call on Khorvare won't have a problem refusing the Aereni ships the right to dock. And the deathless aren't all that powerful really... An Acendant Councellor is a CR 18. Vol is a elven-half dragon lvl 16 wizard lich. That would make her a CR 20. 16 for the wizard, 2 for the half dragon, 2 for the lich. And frankly, I respect Vol more than the deathless.
Thondred 07-16-04, 01:53 AM	Regardless of the Ascendant Councilor HD, not even the might of Argonnessen can invade Aerenal to much success, let alone the "might of Khorvaire" were it even united at the moment. If Argonessen had the might, they would have probably destroyed the Aerenal Elves as you say, but as the material stands, Aerenal is still there so Argonessen must not have the capacity. Some of those Ascendant Councilors can range to 50 HD afterall. Ships or folk from Khorvaire aren't welcome places in Aerenal as well. It goes both ways. Take Shae Mordai for instance. Even some Aereni can't get in there.
N'wah 07-16-04, 03:31 AM	Don't forget, the tenets of the Silver Flame espouse a certain level of religious superiority. It doesn't mean that every elf or Silver Flame worshipper is a bigot or an elitist. Just most of them. :) Elves have always been a bit snooty; heck, aloof is part of their general racial description. Just like dwarves love digging for stuff and gnomes wear silly pointed hats (though that Dragon article about gnomes almost made the idea seem cool). Part of that is the long lifetimes of the elves, which lead them to see the other races as short-sighted. Elves also have that whole natural artist thing, and generally get along, so I could see young elven socialites going to Sharn art galleries and muttering "how... crude," while sipping hundred year-old wine that they made themselves as a teenager. It doesn't mean that humans are contemptable; just somewhat pitiable. I'm all out of thoughts on the matter for now, so I'll go a little off topic- I just noticed that the little green sad-face in the generic smilies thing moves. That toally creeped me out. Just look at him! :angel: :sad: :behold: He totally hates the blind beholder and the smiling angel! What an ass! That's all I got. PS- Karrnath rocks. I so want to play a Karrnathi skeleton PC, cuz even smart zombies still suck. They'd be a great place to play a good necromancer fighting the stereotype. Thrane Clergyman: A Karrnathi necromancer, eh? I assume you worship the Keeper or some such abomination! Deadulon the Uncowled: Actually, I'm a practitioner of Dol Arrah. Thrane Clergyman: Say the what now? The Lightbringer approves of creating evil undead? This speaks of corruption beyond all reproach! Deadulon the Uncowled: Now, hold on, buddy. You're a member of the Church of the Silver Flame. Ever watch a paladin walk into one of your temples and just cry? I have watched ours do so on sevral occasions, and I'm always stuck buying the poor sod a drink. And my undead aren't evil- I've got about fifty helms of opposite alignment in the cart out back. The things sell for coppers in Sharn. Thrane Clergyman: Alright, my church does have more than it's fair share of corruption. But I still can't see Dol Arrah approving of forcing dead souls into eternal service. Deadulon the Uncowled: They knew what they signed up for when they agreed to fight for Karrnath. It's in the draft form. Besides, if sacrifice in the defense of your people is the ultimate good, then surely your service after death is... more... good... somehow. Yeah. Thrane Clergyman: That was the most poorly-worded sentence I have ever heard. Deadulon the Uncowled: Hey, I'm a cleric. I didn't exactly put all my eggs in the Intelligence basket, if you know what I mean. Let's just say I fail a LOT of Knowledge checks. Like that last one, for example. Looks like I had more after all.
Remnant 07-16-04, 12:09 PM	Here's another hoping that Karnnath isn't turned into a "villan" country, the way Thay is in FR is. I just don't think that would do justice to the nation or the setting. I mean, undead armies are cool. If someone wants to play "lets wade through leigons of elite undead", I won't fault them. But Karnnath could also be seen as a nation that engaged in some of the bloodiest battles of the Last War, weakened and broken compared to its former glory. In order to keep itself free, it turned toward armies of undead, its king making a dark agreement for the good of his nation. Yet, the king's great spirit and will would not allow him to be a puppet of Vol. He now leads his nation, willing to pay any price, to do any deed, to keep its enemies at bay- and enemies he has indeed. From religious zelots, to an agressive, warlike elven people, to things that fester deep in the mournland, to a dark cult that seeps like a cancer through his kingdom.
Cantuse 07-16-04, 12:52 PM	I agree with Remnant, Karrnath has great PC potential as a land torn from the Last War. I find a lot of common ground between Kaius III/Kaius I and Vlad Dracula from Transylvania. Both walked a fine line between great leadership and depravity, and were both loved by their own people for their ability to lead them through the darkest times of their nation's history. Kaius I/Kaius III is a great template for a NPC, the source material shows him as a deeply conflicted person, the kind of person that PCs would have trouble labeling a villian or ally too easily. It's easy to see how his dogma could support the heroes one moment and then deny them the next, but leave them in such a way that they really couldn't do anything about it. In general the nations of this country don't exist to be villians or the "Nazi" oppressors that they could have been. Most of the conflict with these powers I believe will be of a secular nature, dealing with small corrupt portions of them. Thrane is a powerful almost zealous nation. Not necessarily evil, but imagine a corrupt church being an enemy as opposed to the whole country. Not only more realistic, its more pulp and its more intriguing.
darkthought 07-16-04, 04:44 PM	Originally posted by Remnant Here's another hoping that Karnnath isn't turned into a "villan" country, the way Thay is in FR is. I just don't think that would do justice to the nation or the setting. I mean, undead armies are cool. If someone wants to play "lets wade through leigons of elite undead", I won't fault them. But Karnnath could also be seen as a nation that engaged in some of the bloodiest battles of the Last War, weakened and broken compared to its former glory. In order to keep itself free, it turned toward armies of undead, its king making a dark agreement for the good of his nation. Yet, the king's great spirit and will would not allow him to be a puppet of Vol. He now leads his nation, willing to pay any price, to do any deed, to keep its enemies at bay- and enemies he has indeed. From religious zelots, to an agressive, warlike elven people, to things that fester deep in the mournland, to a dark cult that seeps like a cancer through his kingdom. HUZZAH!
N'wah 07-16-04, 05:53 PM	That's what I love so much about Eberron and its noir feel- every group in the Organizations section could be a potential ally or enemy, as well as every nation. Some are a bit of a stretch- it's hard to imagine the Brelish crown being a major villain for a group of good PCs, but it could happen, especially if they're allied with a nation formerly hostile to Breland. It's also nice because it means there's different sides of each organization to show. The PCs could ally with a knight of Thrane to fight corruption in the church; a Vaenar elf sickened by his people's desire for conquest could end up fighting his own kinsmen to defend his newfound Karrnathi and halfling allies; an orc druid finds himself defending a town in Aundair from a group of Eldeen rangers still angry at Aundair's abandonment of their people in the Last War; a proud hobgoblin fighter from the undercity of Shan travels to Darguun hearing tales of a strong united goblinoid nation-state like that of ancient Dhakkan, only to find the clans barely held in check by a charismatic leader, destined to fall apart unless the old Dhakaani tribes can be convinced to lend their aid... there's so many possibilities. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to start up about a hundred new games so I can see how all these cool adventure ideas play out. :D