hi there,
in our next session i play an Avenger of Tempus. the problem is to roleplay a zealotic person although i am just the opposite in RL, so can't reconstruct how this people feel.
I conclude to follow the three short sentences in description that represents the core of the faith.
the articles are:
- be fearless
- never turn back from a fight
- obey the rules of war ( where i can check them?)
what would you advice to put the articles in action?
"Tempus' teachings forbid cowardice (an offense punishable by eternal death if displayed in Warrior's Rest), require that his followers arm all who have need of arms (even their enemies), and teaches that war should not be feared, for it is fair in that all participants have the chance to rise to prominence or to die in the attempt. In this aspect, Tempus' mindset is somewhat Darwinian. Though Tempus thrives on war, he does not revel in dragged-out slaughter, and teaches that it is best to win a battle decisively rather than engage in a war of attrition. His ways allow for retreats from hopeless battles, but with the admonition that battle must be joined first to determine if it really is hopeless. Tempus and his followers respect valor, and honor their opponents even as they strive to defeat them. Tempus favors honorable tactics, showing favor to those who defeat their opponent on the field of battle without resorting to destruction of the enemy's homes, family, or to attacks from the rear (unless the enemy force is vastly superior). While Tempus encourages battle, he commands that the warriors first consider the consequences and not be reckless or indiscriminate in waging war. He also teaches that cowards and diplomats who are not willing to brandish or consider conflict wreak more damage than even the most violent tyrant, for those who will not fight to defend what they value are bound to lose it."
Some things to try...
-Be a part-time drillmaster. Instruct people in the art of combat, self defense, and discipline. Be willing to go out of your way to help the common folk learn to defend themselves.
-Have a knightly approach to the world, placing emphasis on personal honor and dealing fairly with all opponents.
-Evalutate everything in terms of conflict. A trade war, an arguement, a family fued, a war, all are rooted in the same principles. Your character might strategize constantly, looking at the world through a tactical mind, examining everything around him as war given shape.
-Respect the rules, and reprimand those who disobey them. Think up a code of warfare for yourself, something that you constantly follow, and should someone else disobey the same code, be ready and able to punish them for it.
-NEVER be unarmed. Public function? Hidden dagger in your boot. Sleep? Axe under your bedroll. Shower? Thick chain wrapped around your upper arm. When you're drinking, when you're resting, when you're eating, when you're in casual conversation, when you're in bed with a fine lass, whereever you go, whatever the situation, you should be able to draw steel within half a second should a threat emerge, awkwardness be damned.
-Announce yourself to your opponent, requesting their name in turn. Just because you're going to hack each other to death doesn't mean you should be discourteous about it.
-War IS your religion. Revel in it. You don't need prayer, you have warcries. You don't need a chapel, you have a battlefield. You don't need a dogma, you have discipline. Spread your faith through the slashing of your blade, and let the dying cries of your enemies be your concert choir. You might help the world, you might interact with society, you might have friends and family, but it is only when blades are drawn that you truly come alive, that you are one with your religion.
::worships Dragoncat:: 
That was awesome!