KORD - THE BRAWLER
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STAT
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Intermediate Power
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ROR
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S
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AL
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Chaotic Good
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WAL
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Chaotic Good, Chaotic
Neutral, Neutral Good, Neutral
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SoC
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Athletics, Sport,
Brawling, Strength, Courage
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SY
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Dragon hide gauntlets
(white), boots (blue), and a girdle (red) or a star composed of spears and
maces
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SX
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Male
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MAN
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Young, very handsome
barbarian human male with red beard and hair either as a sword-wielding
character with powerful weaponry and armour, or as a muscular athlete
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CR
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Red and white
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PN
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Gladsheim
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ALL
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Llerg, Norebo, Lendor
(deference)
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ENE
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Bralm, Pholtus, Evil
Dragonkind
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Kord
(known as The Brawler, or Inguz in ancient Suloise) is the Suloise Power of
athletics, sports, brawling, strength, combat excellence and bravery in battle.
He represents physical fitness, freedom of spirit, and the enemy of oppression
and evil. It is believed that Kord had Greater Power status prior to the
Invoked Devastation, but has diminished in power in recent times. Some texts
state that Lendor is Kord’s father, evidenced by the influence he has over
Kord’s behaviour. In other religious treatises, Lendor is his grandfather, and
Kord is actually the son of Phaulkon and Syrul.
Kord is always portrayed in one
of two ways: as a mighty, sword wielding barbarian with powerful weaponry and
armour; or as a muscular wrestler, brawler, and athlete. The sword shown is
normally a bastard sword called Kelmar, the destroyer of dragons.
Typically he is depicted wearing white dragon hide gauntlets, or blue dragon
hide boots, or a red dragon hide girdle, or any combination of these.
Regardless of his form, many legends describing Kord’s epic battles against his
foes provide testament to the beserker nature of this god, for he always enters
a blood rage when severely wounded. After entering this state only Lendor can
restore him to sanity before he kills all friends and foes nearby. This
ferocity endears him to barbarian people, particularly the frost, snow and ice
barbarians in north-eastern Flanaess.
The tenets of Kord’s belief
promote combat skills and fighting spirit, and he despises cowardice. However,
Kord does not advocate undirected and senseless killing, though this does not
mean they are afraid to kill. Though he revels in the glory of combat, he does
not feel that death of an opponent is a necessary conclusion to some contest or
battle (unless the opponent is an evil dragon - see below). He teaches that it
is better to overpower your opponent in battle and gain the satisfaction of
rubbing their nose in it than having a quick and fleeting victory.
Consequently, much of his religion revolves around athletic or martial
competitions where the faithful and the populace at large may “battle” each
other in non-lethal events. Such beliefs have also led to his followers being used
as bounty hunters in cases where it is preferable that the target be captured
alive.
Despite being a deity of struggle
and strife, few turned to him during the Greyhawk Wars as he lacks a strong
protective aspect. Notwithstanding this, he has thriving churches in the
northern Barbarian states, parts of the Ulek nations, Hepmonaland and among
Suel folk in Aerdi. Kord’s followers are actively seeking converts to
counteract the downturn in service attendances during the wars. They do not
force the issue however, as such activities are despised by Kord.
Kord’s followers are greeted with
some apprehension throughout the continent. Though they are generally friendly
souls and good companions, the number of taverns they have trashed in brawls
(not started by them but usually finished by them) is legendary. Wise tavern
owners put away the more expensive glassware when identifiable worshippers of
Kord walk in the door.
Kurell has a mutual respect and
understanding for the Suloise deities Llerg and Norebo. Both are powers that
emphasise the importance of free will and the individual. Llerg’s aspect of
strength and his hatred of slavery, tyranny, and the Scarlet Brotherhood has
resulted in a close bond with Kord. Norebo’s aspects of luck and risk taking
also appeal to Kord and his followers. Kord’s special relationship with Lendor,
whatever its exact nature, is copied by their respective followers, and Kord’s
priests will normally defer to a higher ranking priest of Lendor, despite their
philosophical differences.
Bralm, the patron deity of the
Scarlet Brotherhood, is the major religious opponent of Kord. This religious
order represents the tyranny and evil that Kord combats. Both Kord and Llerg
have opposed Bralm’s activities since before the Invoked Devastation. There has
always been enmity between Kord and Pholtus as well. Though not evil, Pholtus’
religion is so inflexible, demands so much conformity, and is so intolerant of
other beliefs, that Kord has become naturally hostile toward him. The
geographical proximity of Kord’s barbarian followers to the Theocracy of the
Pale (the country where Pholtus worship is concentrated) has not helped
relations between the two powers.
Above all other enemies, Kord
holds evil dragonkind as the most implacable of foes. Where this antipathy
comes from is unknown even to Kord’s high priests. Most representations of Kord
show him wearing various pieces of apparel made from dragon skin (eg.
breastplate, girdle, gauntlets, boots, scabbards, quivers, and so on), trophies
of vanquished dragons. Some of Kord’s followers consider the wearing of dragon
hide armour as being blasphemous unless the wearer is a descendant of Kord.
Kord’s holy texts are littered
with examples of his sense of freedom and individuality landing him in hot
water, but he always manages to win through as a result of his courage,
determination, fitness and training. These same texts are also full of stories
in which he becomes distracted by a comely female face. He seems to have a
romantic and lusty streak, and although he seems to prefer humans and elves, he
has also had amorous relationships with other demi-humans and with giants. It
is rumoured that many powerful heroes claim Kord to be their father.
As a result of Kord’s rather
carefree and individualistic nature, many of his follows can be found spread
throughout the Flanaess in groups of two or three, and shrines may be as simple
as a tent at the side of the road outside a city. Major temples are usually
constructed as arenas to allow for physical training and competitions. Services
include physical exercise, discussions of combat tactics, and organisation of
upcoming competitions.
KORD’S
PRIESTHOOD
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AB
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12 Str, 12 Dex, 12 Con, 12
Cha, 9 Wis
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PAL
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Chaotic Good
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WPN
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Any (Battle Axe and Bastard Sword
1st)
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AR
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Any + Shield
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RA
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Red tabard with white
trappings and the emblazoned symbol of five dragon horns
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SPH
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Major All, Chaos, Combat, Creation, Healing,
Summoning, Travellers
Minor Animal, Divination, Weather, War
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XPT
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D
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SPL
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Berserker, Animate Sword
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ADD
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Remove Fear, Cloak of Bravery
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RAC
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Human
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TU
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No
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PW
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1) +1 to constitution
score (18 max), may possess percentage strength and bonus hit points for high
constitution as if a warrior, base movement rate of 15, may select non-weapon
proficiencies from the warrior table without penalty, considered to be
proficient in wrestling – furthermore the priest may improve wrestling skill
levels up to master level provided the CP cost and level requirements are met
(the priest is considered to be a multi-class fighter in these respects); 3)
+1 to strength score (18 max), +1 to save versus fear, poison, and diseases
(where relevant) - improves by additional +1 for every three levels after
3rd; 5) +1 to dexterity score (18 max), Strength
(W2), weapon specialisation in a single weapon of the priest’s choice; 7) Cloak of Bravery (P3); 9) Enlarge
(W1)
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PEN
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Extreme hatred of evil
dragons; extreme hatred of cult of Bralm (Scarlet Brotherhood)
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PROF
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1) Swimming
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FOLL
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Standard
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Kord’s
priests are not known for their intellectual pursuits, but must be strong, well
armed and trained, and able to maintain fitness and readiness for combat. His
is a warrior priesthood, but it does not have aims of conquest, dominion, or
strategic goals due to Kord’s chaotic nature. In their spare time, priests
train in a plethora of sports for the sheer pleasure of it, and on holy days
they gather together to compete amongst themselves and whoever else wants to
try their hand at such events. Priests do not mind if an outsider bests them,
for it provides them with a challenge to overcome.
Priests of Kord are known for
their bravery, kindness, compassion and generosity, but also for their ability
to cause trouble. Doubting their fitness is a grave insult, and they go to
great lengths to prove their physical prowess (although they realise the
difference between difficult and suicidal challenges). They prefer to use their
fighting skills in combat, though this is not mandatory. When they resort to
magic in combat, they prefer to use it to enhance themselves and/or their
allies rather than in a direct strike against their opponents. They often seek
out heroic quests, and are thus ideal adventuring priests. Possession of a
magical edged weapon (bastard swords and battle axes provide the most kudos) is
a major goal for the priests. Kord’s priests have the following goals: show
bravery and leadership in battle at all times; accept challenges and seek out
heroic quests; resist authoritarian rule; take enemies alive where possible;
compete in contests of athletic or sporting prowess; learn and disseminate new
sports and combat techniques; defy the machinations of the Scarlet Brotherhood;
destroy evil dragonkind wherever possible.
Priests
of Kord must lead by example, and must show bravery and leadership in any
battles they undertake. Some consider them foolhardy, stupid, or suicidal, but
they are none of these. They may take any preparations they deem necessary, and
can ponder problems or challenges before acting. They sometimes go berserk when
those they are sworn to defend are being harmed, but this is usually a
conscious decision on the part of the priest as being the best course of
action. Any priest who displays cowardice (through conscious choice – influence
from magical fear does not count in this respect) is immediately stripped of
all powers, including the loss of all but 1st and 2nd
level spells, and must seek out a higher level priest for atonement. The
offending priest will most likely be sent on some heroic quest to prove their
worth to Kord and the priesthood.
Acceptance of challenges and
heroic quests is seen as suitable behaviour for this priesthood. If such quests
further other goals such as resisting tyrannical and restrictive regimes then
so much the better. Impossible missions do not have to be accepted by the
priests. So long as there is some chance of success, and the promise of glory
exists, then the priests will be in it.
Resistance of authoritarian rule,
and in particular evil authoritarian rule, is a major goal of these priests.
They disdain restriction of choice, and rule by might and fear. Any nation or
area in the Flanaess controlled by a lawful and evil sovereign or warlord is
considered an appropriate area for their activities. They infiltrate such
territories and attempt to cause as much mayhem as possible by disrupting
commerce, ambushing patrols, and by mocking officials. Assistance to mistreated
locals is provided where required, particularly when they are planning to
overthrow the tyrant making their lives a misery. A common thread in such activities
is the priests’ opposition to the machinations of the Scarlet Brotherhood. This
secret organisation of assassins, thieves, and spies has overthrown so many
legitimate governments, and has involved itself in so many evil activities,
that Kord’s priests have become a natural enemy of the Brotherhood. The priests
of Kord are not alone in their sentiments. The alliance with Llerg’s
priesthood, already a staunch supporter, has been strengthened by the mutual
hatred of Bralm’s religious followers.
Taking enemies alive where
possible is a skill highly prized by these priests. Though it is not an
essential requirement, great kudos is bestowed upon a priest that can defeat a
powerful opponent through non-lethal combat techniques. This custom is a source
of income for the priests, for they are sometimes employed to capture evil
criminals where the employer prefers that the quarry is brought to justice
alive. Priests only accept such commissions where the crime was particularly
onerous, and especially where it involves the loss of freedom or free will (eg.
slavers, kidnappers, and rapists)
Wherever the opportunity presents itself, the priests will compete in
contests of athletic or sporting prowess. This is sometimes a source of
frustration to their companions, for such challenges can distract the priest
from more pressing matters, and they can only be dragged away from them with
much complaint. Furthermore, Kord’s priests mimic their power’s romantic nature
when attractive members of the opposite sex are encountered – this can also
annoy their companions, as it can bring unwanted attention upon the priest and
his/her companions.
In their travels, priests are expected to learn and disseminate new
sports and combat techniques. Some priests will settle in a particular area for
many months if it has a culture promoting physical competition and plays sports
unknown to the priest.
Evil dragons are the mortal enemies of the priests of
Kord. They are taught to identify the five basic evil species of dragonkind
(i.e., white, black, green, blue and red) when encountered, though they have no
special training in the strengths and weaknesses of these creatures (other than
knowing the breath weapons of each). If evidence of evil dragons is found, the
priests are expected to confirm the existence of such creatures, and then
destroy them where possible. If a priest ignores such a possibility, it is
likely they will lose all special powers for a week, unless the priest is
obviously not powerful enough to defeat the dragon, or a more pressing task is
being undertaken at the time. The priest does not have to destroy the beast
personally, and may use assistance in the task, just as long as they are
involved in the battle and make sure the dragon is slain.
SPECIAL SPELLS
Berserker (Alteration, Invocation)
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Level:
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2nd
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Duration:
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1 round/level
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Sphere:
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Combat
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Casting Time:
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2
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Range:
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0
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Area Of Effect:
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Caster
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Components:
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V
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Saving Throws:
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None
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This spell enables the priest to
enter a berserker rage starting from the round following that in which the
spell was cast. In this state, the priest gains a +4 bonus on all saving throws
against mind influencing attacks, and gains an armour class bonus of +1.
Offensively, the priest has two attack options: the priest may either choose to
make one additional attack over and above the normal number of attacks, with
all attacks in the round at +1 to attack and damage rolls; or to make a single
attack at +3 on the attack and damage rolls (foregoing any additional attacks
in the round due to weapon specialisation etc). The attack option can be
changed from round to round, but must be stated before rolling for initiative.
The drawback of the spell is that once berserk, the priest must stay in combat
if opponents are still in sight, and cannot retreat or withdraw until the spell
expires or all opponents are defeated and/or fled. The spell can only be cast
once per day, due to the strain it places upon the priest’s body and mind.
Animate Sword (Alteration)
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Level:
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5th
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Duration:
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5 rounds + 1 round/level
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Sphere:
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Combat
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Casting Time:
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5
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Range:
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0
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Area Of Effect:
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One sword
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Components:
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VSM
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Saving Throws:
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None
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This spell allows the priest to
temporarily enchant a sword so that it may be loosed to fight by itself. Once
the spell is cast, the sword will attack by itself for the duration of the
spell as if wielded by the priest (no bonuses for strength or specialisation
are added to attack and damage rolls for the sword). The “wielding” of the
sword requires only minimal concentration, and the priest may carry out other combat
action they care to while the spell is functioning. This also means that the
priest may be paralysed or held and still be able to make the sword attack. If
the priest falls unconscious, the sword will hang in midair until the spell has
expired, unless the priest wakes up and regains mental control of the sword.
The sword cannot move any further than 30 feet from the caster. The material
component for the spell is a specially prepared and blessed bastard sword
(costing 500 gp) and a vial of holy water. The sword is consumed by the spell.
A new sword can be prepared by a player character priest, but the priest must
be at least 9th level, the sword must be prepared in a suitable temple, takes
three days to prepare, and costs 500 gp (for encumbrance reasons it is rare for
more than two of these swords to be carried by a priest at any one time).