Temple of the Lost Gods A N e 2 3TM A DV E N T U R E S E T T I N G fo r G U R P S® f r o m S T E V E JAC K S O N G A M E S F O R 3 TO 6 P L AY E R S Written by Chad Underkoffler Edited by Scott Haring Illustrated by Bob Stevlic, Dan Smith, and Guy Burwell Maps by Scott Reeves Welcome to The Temple of the Lost Gods! This multi-purpose setting can serve as the starting point, base of operations, scenery, or goal of a wide variety of adventures. Follow along and watch it from its glorious beginning, through its growth over the cen- turies, to its eventual collapse and decay. Each peri- od offers different adventuring opportunities; differ- ent adversaries, and ideas how to slot the Temple into your current campaign, whatever, wherever, or whenever it may be. This book uses a quick and easy abridgement of the GURPS rules called GURPS Lite, designed to get you – and your players – right into the action. GURPSLite is available free at www.sjgames.com/gurps/lite. About the Author Chad Underkoffler is an editor for a telecommu- nications standards body by day and a freelance game writer by night. He’s been gaming since 1981, to the confusion of his family. His column “Campaign in a Box” appears bimonthly in Pyramid GURPS, Warehouse 23, and the all-seeing pyramid are registered trademarks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated. Pyramid, Temple of theLost Gods, e23, and the names of all (www.sjgames.com/pyramid/) along with several arti- products published by Steve Jackson Games Incorporated are registered trademarks or trade- marks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, or used under license. Some art copyright © cles, he’s written for Atlas Games’Unknown Armies 2004 www.clipart.com. All rights reserved. Temple of theLost Godsis copyright ©2004 by line, and his website can be found at www.geoci- Steve Jackson Games Incorporated. ties.com/chadu/. This is his first campaign creation The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this material via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please pur- for Steve Jackson Games. He lives in Alexandria, chase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. Virginia, with his wife Beth and their two black cats. STEVE JACKSON GAMES e23.sjgames.com ® Stock #82-0006 Version 1.0 August 23, 2004 1. THE HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE 2. THE TEMPLE COMPLEX . . . . 32 OF THE LOST GODS . . . . . . . . 3 PHASE6: THEWORLDABIDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Important Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 THEFAITHOFTHELOSTGODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Who (or What) Inhabits the Temple Now? . . . .33 GURPSTemple of the Lost Gods . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Chimerae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 The Kingdom of Darliku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Surface Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 The Solar Pantheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Phase 1: The Founding of the Temple . . . . . . . . .4 THEWORLDABIDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 List of Known Gods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Secret Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 AFew Lost Gods and Their Function . . . . . . . . .5 Temple Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Special Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Underground Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 The Symbol of the Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 UNDERGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 The Golden Feathers of Zedev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 What’s the Last Priest Doing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Holy Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 How Many Priests? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Challenges of the New Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 The Eye of Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Madat, the First Priest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Where’s the Treasure? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Phase 1 Adventure Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 The Mirror of Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Temple Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 The Gods Magnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 THEFOUNDINGOFTHETEMPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Hooking Up the Juice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 The Role of Temple Priests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 3. USING THE TEMPLE . . . . . . . 42 HYPOCAUST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 PHASE2: THEGOLDENYEARSOFGROWTH . . . . . . .11 BASICCONCEPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Growth of the Faith of the Lost Gods . . . . . . . .11 The Lost Gods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Changes in the Priests of the Solar Pantheon . .12 Priest Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Changes in the Faith and the Priesthood . . . . . .12 Relationship to the PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Changes in the Role of Temple Priests . . . . . . . .13 Future Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Priest-Devotees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 GENREANDSETTINGMODIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Phase 2 Adventure Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Fantasy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 THEGOLDENAGEOFGROWTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Historical, More-or-Less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Priest-Wanderer Azeeg (the Small) . . . . . . . . . .15 Valley Invaders! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Temple Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Modern Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 UNDERGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Horror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 PHASE3: THEMADNESSPLAGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Science Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 ASickness of Sanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 THETEMPLERAIDERSCAMPAIGN(PHASE6) . . . . . .46 Origins of the Madness Plague . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Rules for the Madness Plague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Neighbors of the Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Phase 3 Adventure Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Why Should We Care? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Changes in the Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Gwen Jaworski, ForeCorp Team Leader . . . . . .47 Changes in the Faith and the Priesthood . . . . . .20 Outfitting an Expedition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Priest-Finder Danvik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Traveling Into the Misty Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 THEMADNESSPLAGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Repairs & Additions in the Plague Years . . . . . .21 Finding the Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 The Final Crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 UNDERGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Confrontation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Aftermath & Ramifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 PHASE4: THEYEARSOFBLOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Domestic Troubles in the Kingdom . . . . . . . . . .22 APPENDIX: ADDITIONAL RULES 50 Foreign Invasion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Changes in the Faith and the Priesthood . . . . . .23 ADVANTAGES, DISADVANTAGES, ANDSKILLS . . . . . .50 Changes in the Role of Temple Priests . . . . . . . .23 Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Priest-Defenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 New Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Consolidation and Fortification of the Temple . .24 Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Luessa, Priest-Devotee of Rybeal . . . . . . . . . . .24 New Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 The Shield of Mists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 REALMANDTEMPLEMAGICSYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . .52 THEYEARSOFBLOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Basic Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Phase 4 Adventure Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Wizards vs. Priests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 UNDERGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Wizard-Priests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Defender-Devotee Luessa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Synergy of Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Restoration or Desolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Learning Realm and Temple Magic . . . . . . . . .54 PHASE5: THELASTPRIEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Way & Word Choics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Ayzhurov, the Last Priest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 The Way of What? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Phase 5 Adventure Seeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Casting Spells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Changes in the Faith and the Priesthood . . . . . .28 Spontaneious Spells vs. Set Spells . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Changes in the Days of the Last Priest . . . . . . .28 Building Set Spells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 The Husbandry Pit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Spell Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 THELASTPRIEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Learning Set Spells Without the Relevant Way . .61 The Apotheosis Tomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 TABLESOFTHELOSTGODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 UNDERGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 ALPHABETICALLYBYNAME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Temple Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 ALPHABETICALLYBYSPHEREOFINFLUENCE . . . . . . .65 CHRONOLOGICALLYBYHOLYDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 2 1. The History of the Temple of the Lost Gods Over several centuries, the Temple of the Lost Gods served as a source of knowledge, comfort, and GURPS TEMPLE OF meaning to the people of the kingdom of Darliku. L G THE OST ODS But, like all things, the Temple, its faith, its follow- ers, and Darliku itself withered into the dust of histo- This setting is intended to be used with ry. Follow now the rise and fall of the Temple of the the GURPS Literules – available for free Lost Gods. at www.sjgames.com/gurps/lite – along with the additional rules found in the Appendix, pp. 50-61. The Faith of T K HE INGDOM OF the Lost Gods D ARLIKU Darliku is a medium-sized nation. Half As revealed to Madat, the First Priest, by Zedev of the land is broad, temperate plains, the the Messenger: A thousand years ago, the gods other half is rolling, forested hills. The fought a mighty war in heaven. The skies raged, the largest city is the capital, Fizvarlu, with a earth shook, and the seas boiled as their fell weapons population of around 50,000. Common clashed and rang. It is unknown what the war was all trade goods are millet, rye, oats, and about – Zedev refused to tell Madat – but the First apples, as well as copper mined from the Priest believed it had to do with humanity. After mountains on the southern border. decades of bloody conflict, something terrible hap- At the beginning of the Phase 1 period pened. (p. 4), King Gwithdor rules Darliku. His Against their wills, the warring gods were flung warband is composed of wealthy noble- away from the world, cast into Heaven at great men, and the wizard and spymaster Madat speed. So fast, in fact, that for centuries, their divine supports his reign. While magic exists, it is powers could not even slow them down, much less only within the past century that it has return them to the world. The gods found themselves been made to work forthe kingdom rather scattered in the darkness of the night sky. Three hun- than against it (in the form of evil magi- dred and sixty of those bright pinpricks that people cian-warlords). Through Madat’s wiles name “stars” are actually Lost Gods. and skill, King Gwithdor successfully Meanwhile, back on the world, those gods and strengthens the boundaries of his realm spirits who had refused to take up arms in the War against his raid-happy neighbors. He then assumed the positions and roles of the missing. The passes his crown to his son, Gwindku, Sun is not the first solar deity the world has known, who is counseled by Madat’s daughter, the and the Moon himself was born of commingled wizard Rayda. THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 3 divine and human blood (that is why he wanes and rope thrown to a drowning man.” To this end, the vanishes from the skies: he must rest his human half priests of the Temple direct their prayers skyward in one night each month). Alas, while the New Gods the Rite of Rescue, concentrating on a specific star have learned quickly and often try their best, they each night and the following day, to lead the Lost cannot entirely fulfill the Lost Gods’responsibilities God home. Down this path of devotion, the Lost God – and that is why there is unnecessary pain, sadness, may send powers and knowledge to his rescuers, sickness, and death. If the Lost Gods could return, all even as he speeds along it toward the world. would be set right, and such things would only hap- The orisons of the pure shine brighter in the Lost pen for a reason. Gods’eyes. For that reason, each priest and partici- The return of the Lost Gods is the mission of the pant in the Rite of Rescue must strive to embody the Temple and the faith. According to The Testament of Tenets of Virtue (Generosity, Hospitality, Hope, and the Messenger, “the prayers of the faithful are as a Aptitude) as best they can. Each night of the year – path through the forest, as a beacon in the night, as a except August 19th, the day reserved to the memory of the Messenger, Zedev, the Lord of Speed – the Rite of Rescue is performed, directed at a specific T S P HE OLAR ANTHEON Lost God. The remaining five days of the year (six in The most common faith of the kingdom a leap year), the High Priest decides which Lost during Phase 1 is belief in a pantheon of God’s knowledge is most needed in the world at the anthropomorphic gods, with the solar deity moment, and directs the Rite of Rescue at that par- (the Sun) as heavenly king; the other gods ticular deity. (like the Moon Demigod, Earth Goddess, Lord of the Hunt, Goddess of the Dawn, Phase 1:The Lady of Fire, etc.) make up his court. This religion has an intriguing concept of the afterlife. When living things die, Founding of they release their moisture-souls into the air. These souls collect into clouds and float through the sky until the Lord of Storms and Death determines that the Temple “enough” have collected. Then, the god makes it rain, and the souls fall back to earth as water. Plants absorb the rain, peo- Before the Messenger fell from the sky, Madat ple and animals drink it, and in due course, had a long career as the first wizard to the royal court souls pass into the consumers’ children. of Darliku. When his beloved wife died, the heart The unlucky or ill-favored dead are seemed to go out of him – he stayed on purely out of doomed to collect in isolated stagnant duty. When King Gwithdor sickened and turned over pools, where they generate noxious weeds, the throne to Crown Prince Gwindku, Madat finally molds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. retired from court to manage his provincial estate. Until they evaporate, they must expiate His daughter, Rayda, remained in the capital to sup- their sins in this form. port the new King Gwindku as court wizard. The biggest difference between the Madat spent his retirement roaming the rolling priesthood of the Solar Pantheon and that hillsides of his property and conducting long-delayed of the Lost Gods is magic. Only those magical research. With wry humor and a keen eye lucky few who already possess the talent sharpened by court intrigues, he easily deflected or before they enter the priesthood can bene- avoided the petty political machinations of his coun- fit from the magical knowledge of the try neighbors. With only a single servant, he lived a Solar Pantheon, whereas all who become quiet, introspective life for a handful of years, until priests of the Lost Gods gain Magery (see he found religion – or, more precisely, religion found p. 50). This disparity of power is perhaps him. the largest issue standing between the two One winter, the appearance of a new comet in the groups of clergy, if not the two faiths. night skies was the talk of the village. Adelegation of his neighbors came to Madat, to ask him to use his THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 4 L K L A Few Lost Gods and Their IST OF NOWN OST Functions G ODS Here is a sample list of the names of some Much is unknown about the Lost Gods; of the Lost Gods, their sphere of influence many of their names and powers have (that is, the knowledge and power they can slipped beneath the sands of time. In Phase 1, share with their faithful), and the month and the Temple knows the names, spheres of day of each year dedicated to them. For more influence, and position in the night sky for complete lists of the Lost Gods – sorted only 220 of the 360 Lost Gods. The names alphabetically by name and by sphere, and and locations – but not spheres – are known chronologically by date – please see the for some, the spheres and locations – but not Appendix, pp. 62-72. names – are known for others, and there are a number of deities who are only identified Lost God Function Day of Worship by their positions in the heavens. Mikarvox Needles January 17 In cases where information is lacking on Seeltharee Healing February 2 the divinity being prayed to that day, the Rite Theendaro Dogs March 9 of Rescue is still performed. The Lost God is Rybeal Swords April 17 addressed as best as the priests can, along the Ardoon Cooking May 3 formula of “Oh, mysterious Karposk, hear Rausperd Preservation June 1 us!” or “Unknown Lady of the Oaks, hear Aytamz Freedom July 15 us!” or “Oh mysterious and unknown divini- Nivokad Magic August 6 ty, hear us!” However, some of the Temple Gulidu The Sea September 28 priests on these days do not offer devotions; Kaim Change October 31 instead, they take the role of “Seeker,” open- Pibaz Fire November 13 ing their minds to the Lost God of that loca- Koari Time December 20 tion, trying to understand who and what the deity is. After the Rite, they individually S H PECIAL OLIDAYS report to the High Priest their impressions and experiences during this meditation. There are two days of special interest to fol- When four Seekers agree on the particulars lowers of the Lost Gods: Godsfall (August 19), of the Lost God – name and function – the a somber day of meditation commemorating newly-discovered information is entered into the night when the Messenger crashed into the the Codex of Names as truth, and the four world, and Madat’s Birthday (February 13), a priests gain the rank of “Priest-Finder” (see raucous celebration, usually involving copious p. 10). amounts of food and drink and a number of very silly games (this is also the holy day of the thus-far nameless Lost God of Festivity). arts to determine what sort of omen this fiery-tailed only watch and wait as the burning thing drew clos- star was for the coming sowing season. With a laugh, er, growing ever larger in the sky. It would strike the Madat agreed to look into it. What he found shocked world that summer. him to the marrow. A week after Midsummer night, the peaceful The object wasn’t a comet. Whatever it was, countryside was awakened by a crack of thunder that though, it was fast, powerful, and coming straight rattled chimneys and knocked down trees. The burn- toward the world. Even his mastery of the Way of ing star screamed down, down, down, and smashed Knowledge (see p. 58), honed in decades of espi- into a hillside. Aflash of light illuminated the dark- onage and divination for the King, availed him noth- ness; the earth quaked. Curiosity battled with fear in ing. He turned to more mundane research, sending Madat’s soul, but it was in the end no contest: he for books, sages, and prophecies. He even consulted sought out the crater, and the answer to the mystery with the priests of the Solar Pantheon, despite his dis- that had plagued him for months. That answer was taste for them. None of them had answers. He could stranger than he could have dreamt. THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 5 In the middle of a crater the size of Madat’s tower him insensible. The old wizard was unconscious lay a gigantic, naked man. He had wings feathered in when the god died and crumbled to ash. gold, silver, and ebony. He bore scars and burns over The handful of seconds of Zedev’s speech every inch of his well-muscled body. He was Zedev, unreeled itself in Madat’s dreams: it was as if the god Messenger of the Lost Gods, Lord of Speed, and he had spoken to him for days upon days, explaining the was dying. War in Heaven, the situation of the Lost Gods, and Madat tried to help him, to ease his pain, to heal the Rite of Rescue, as well as the positions for all of his wounds – but all his magic was but a damp cloth them in Heaven and a list of their names (interrupted held to a bonfire. The god’s wings still smoldered as before completion by the Messenger’s abrupt death). his great golden eyes opened and looked upon the The Lord of Speed had flown for hundreds of years, wizard. The Lord of Speed smiled, and then opened at speeds unimaginable to mere mortals, to come to his mouth. Acacophony poured from his lips, like a the one man in the world who could help bring the thousand musicians all playing different instruments. Lost Gods home. The sound knocked Madat off his feet and rendered THE SYMBOL OF THE they are immersed during the night of Godsfall. F AITH H B OLY OOKS The symbol of the faith is a lantern, its gold flame in the shape of a five pointed star. Often Three holy books are the foundations of worn as an amulet around the neck, some the faith and daily operations of the Temple of priests of the Temple carry banded staves that Lost Gods: bear a small, functional lantern on their head. The Testament of the Messenger:After he fell from the sky and before he died, Zedev, T G F HE OLDEN EATHERS the Messenger of the Gods, dictated this short Z OF EDEV book to the First Priest, Madat. It contains the story of the War in Heaven, the fate of the All that remained after the Messenger of Lost Gods, the Rite of Rescue, and the Tenets the Lost Gods crumbled to dust were these 12 of Virtue. golden feathers. They throb with magical Madat’s Commentaries: This bulky tome power, and seem to be constantly straining to is concerned with the First Priest’s writings, fly. Through Madat’s arts and “conversation” elucidations, and reflections on The with the dead Lord of Speed, he knows of Testament of the Messenger, but also contains their unique power: if a person holds one, and a hodge-podge of other material: details on says aloud where he wishes to go (even if he’s his life before the Messenger; comments on never been to that place before or knows astronomy, literature, and botany; an essay on where it is), the feather will fly him there safe- humor and hope; details on various dreams ly in the blink of an eye. The feather will then he’d had the week after Zedev’s death; ideas fade to silver. A silver feather can be used on how to spread the Faith; and a rough out- once more before turning dull black and dis- line of the responsibilities and duties of the integrating. Temple priesthood, detailing daily, monthly, The user may carry up to five tons of seasonal, and annual concerns, as well as weight; “carrying” in this case means any- guidelines on how to analyze the reports of thing the user is touching, except for the sur- Seekers. face he is standing on or in (earth or water, for Codex of Names: This work continues to example). The maximum range of the feath- grow each year, and lists the names, func- ers’flight is unknown, but can doubtless take tions, locations in the sky, and proper day of the user anywherein the world. worship of each Lost God, and adds new Two of the feathers have been incorporat- information as it is found. It also names the ed into the construction of the Starlight Bath four Priest-Finders who ascertained the par- (see p. 9). This font bequeaths magical power ticulars of each unknown divinity. to faithful worshippers of the Lost Gods if THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 6 When he woke, Madat knew what he had to do. toward the aristocratic class and those gifted with He sifted the ashes of the god for the last dozen gold- magical abilities. Regardless, Madat will not turn any en feathers of his wings, and summoned a wind to away who possess sincere intent to aid the Lost Gods blow the Messenger’s remains to the four quarters. and their fellow man, unless selfish interest (i.e., Then he went home, and began to transcribe The joining simply to gain magical powers) is their main Testament of the Messengeras it unfolded itself in his reason for joining. mind. Conversion attempts follow a general pattern: the Faith offers an explanation for why the world is the Challenges of the way it is – without truly marginalizing or speaking against the existing religions of the world. Then, the New Faith priest appeals to simple kindness, by comparing the Lost Gods in the depths of heaven to humans who There are five main challenges in these early days get lost in the woods. Most proselytizing is done in a of the Faith of the Lost Gods. All can serve as fodder low-key fashion: this new faith wants honest and for adventures and campaigns set in this Phase (also pure believers, not just “joiners.” see Phase 1 Adventure Seeds, p. 8). Suggestions for involving the adventurers in these challenges are Madat, the First Priest given below. 250 points Understanding Madat’s primary challenge, as First Priest, is Late 50s; 5’11”; 190 lbs.; bald, cold gray eyes; understanding The Testament of the Messenger and dressed in fine – but patched – robes. the scope of what he has been asked to do. After he Attributes:ST10 [0]; DX 11 [10]; IQ 13 [30]; HT10 assuages his obsessive need to record the knowledge [0]. granted to him by the dying god, he’ll need to spend Speed 5.25; Move 5. time thinking about it. He will approach trusted Advantages: Clerical Investment 5 (High Priest) friends, knowledgeable sages, other wizards, priests [25]; Extra Fatigue +5 [15]; Literacy [10]; Magery of any and all faiths, and even the common folk to 3 [35]; Status 2 [10]; Temple Attunement [5]. debate topics raised by his new insight. (“Is pain nec- Disadvantages: Duty (Temple & followers, 15 or essary, after it has signaled physical or mental dis- less) [-15]; Reputation (Senile former court wiz- tress, and the victim is actively seeking to deal with ard; everyone, 15 or less) [-5]; Social Stigma that pain? What do you think, plowboy?”) Strange (Weird cultist; -2 to nonbelievers, +2 to believers) rumors will spring up about him and “the softening” [-10]; Struggling [-10]. of his once keen mind . . . and a powerful senile wiz- Quirks: Argumentative (will debate anything and ard is definitely something to be concerned about. everything for the fun of it); Calls all Solar While trying to understand, he will begin writing Pantheon clergy “Sonny-boy,” regardless of sex or Madat’s Commentaries. age; Likes to take daily long walks alone; Rather The new King (or his Royal Wizard) may dispatch cautious. [-4] loyal, discreet courtiers to check up on the old man. Skills:Acting-13 [2]; Area Knowledge (Darliku)-14 Or Madat may approach a group of PCs for an oddly [2]; Area Knowledge (Darliku’s neighbors)-13 ominous philosophical discussion, whether they are [1]; Astronomy-13 [4]; Bard-14 [4]; Botany-11 experts in their field or mere passersby. Perhaps one [1]; Diplomacy-13 [4]; Fast-Talk-13 [2]; Forgery- of them offers a final piece of advice, observation, or 11 [1]; Holdout-13 [2]; Interrogation-13 [2]; opinion that solves the puzzle for the old wizard. Intimidation-13 [2]; Knife-11 [1]; Knife Proselytizing Throwing-11 [1]; Literature-10 [1]; Meteorology- 13 [2]; Occultism-15 [6]; Research-14 [4]; Once Madat comprehends his mission, he will Riding-10 [1]; Savoir Faire-15 [4]; Shadowing-12 begin to seek out followers, especially those who can [1]; Shortsword-10 [1]; Staff-11 [4]; Stealth-10 aid his mission of calling the Lost Gods home. This [1]; Tactics-13 [4]; Teaching-13 [2]; Theology-13 means he seeks out people who are unwittingly fol- [4]; Traps-12 [1]; Writing-12 [1]. lowing the Tenets of Virtue (Generosity, Hospitality, Magical Skills & Set Spells: Realm Magic-18 [16]; Hope, and Aptitude), with a slight (unconscious) bias Way of Knowledge-18 [12]; Alter Memory THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 7 (Change Knowledge)-16 [4]; Liequeller (Control P 1 A Knowledge)-18 [4]; False Memory (Create HASE DVENTURE Knowledge)-16 [4]; Forget (Destroy Knowledge)- S EEDS 17 [4]; Sieve of Facts (Purify Knowledge)-18 [2]; Detect Lies (Seek Knowledge)-18 [2]; Madat’s Colleagues & Rivals:The PCs are hired Remembrance (Preserve Knowledge)-18 [2]; or ordered by a noble to investigate what Temple Magic-17 [12]. the former Royal Wizard, Madat, is doing Equipment: Robes (PD 0, DR 0); sturdy boots; a in his retirement. There have been rumors lantern-headed staff (cr: sw+2, thr+2); 3 knives that he’s been dabbling in weird magics, (cut: sw-2; imp: thr). speaking against the teachings of the Solar Pantheon, and even conspiring with Finances strange, foreign wizards. The PCs must discover what he is up to, and report back. In these early days of the Faith, Madat will The First Disciples: The characters are finance the establishment of the Chapel of the among the first followers of Madat, and Messenger, provision his first disciples, and person- have dedicated themselves to helping him ally pay for the copying and printing of the Holy establish the Temple of the Lost Gods. Books. While his estate is not exceptionally large, the Their first mission: carry a message to a land and appointments are of high quality, and will foreign astrologer-wizard, asking for his fetch a pretty sum. While his goal is to make the advice on the construction of a naked-eye Temple a self-funding institution (by raising its own astronomical observatory. food and offering needed services to the local com- The Marriage of King and Wizard:The munity and kingdom in general), doing so will take King has finally decided to make Rayda time . . . Unfortunately, his resources will be com- his bride. The King’s men have been pletely tapped long before his organization gets to ordered to bring her father – Madat – to that point, making him a near-pauper. Fizvarlu for the festivities, by hook or by After that point, when his tower, lands, and the crook. Unfortunately, the King believes least necessary of his portable possessions are sold, the old man may have gone off his rocker, and the expenses of the Temple increase, he will be and may be dangerous . . . PCs could be forced to raise money as best he can. Some ways agents of the King or Madat’s priestly Madat may do this could be (in rough order) hiring attendants/bodyguards. out his skills as a wizard, selling the titles his King Convocation: The King has had enough bequeathed upon him, parting with some of his mag- of the bickering between the Solar ical library, or asking for donations of money or Pantheon’s priests and the adherents of the goods. Perhaps the PCs first hear of the Faith when new Faith of the Lost Gods. He has com- they attempt to hire Madat for his wizarding skills. manded that the High Priests of both reli- Or, if they are Madat’s disciples, they could be out gions call a convocation, so that they can channeling the powers of the Lost Gods in return for sit down and resolve their squabbling. PCs money, goods, or supplies for the Temple. might be priests of the Solar Pantheon, dis- Building ciples of Madat, or secular advisors to the King sent to participate in the discussion Madat has sold all but a dozen square acres of his and debate. estate, upon which he will build the Temple. This plot of land includes the crater caused by the Politics Godsfall, where the First Priest plans to construct the Chapel of the Messenger. Unfortunately, his powers As the Faith of the Lost Gods becomes popular, do not run to earth and stone magics, nor does he (or two political situations will arise: one spiritual and his handful of followers) have more than a cursory the other secular. knowledge of architecture – thus, Madat must hire The priests of the Solar Pantheon will, no doubt, skilled workmen to help him plan the edifice, build look upon the strange cult as an attempt to undercut it, and appoint it. This is a great opportunity to get their legitimacy and the validity of their faith. This PCs involved, as craftsmen for the construction. will not make them happy: they will maneuver against this wizardly interloper. Unless the solar THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 8 priests can be convinced that the First Priest poses no threat to their faith, tithes, and perquisites, they will be against the Temple. Maybe the PCs are pantheon troubleshooters or devotees, agape and agog at this bizarre “cult” that has sprung up. The secular obstacle involves Madat’s past as Royal Wizard and de facto spymaster for the late King Gwithdor. King Gwindku is uncomfortable knowing that an aging man holds many of the secrets of the kingdom in what appears to be a rapidly decaying mind. Despite his regard for the old man (both personally and as the father of the woman he’s discovering he loves), he finds himself wondering what would happen if Madat went completely senile. Once he hears of the Temple, the King will believe the old wizard has finally cracked, and will seek to spirit him back to Fizvarlu. PCs may be warriors tasked with kidnapping Madat “for his own good.” Temple Areas In the beginning, the Temple of the Lost Gods is quite humble. There are five main areas: the Stargarden, Chapel of the Messenger, the Starlight Bath, the High Priest’s Quarters, and the Hypocaust. 1.The Stargarden: Located outside of the Chapel proper, the Stargarden is an early version of a Stonehenge-like calendar/observatory. Using wood- en posts instead of standing stones, the Stargarden serves as a tool to help the priests of the Temple “aim” their prayers at the appropriate Lost God of the cauldron, and their second-hand divinity is what evening. infuses power into those so baptized. 2. The Chapel of the Messenger: Most of the inte- 4. The High Priest’s Quarters: A suite of three rior of the Chapel is taken up by the Chapel of the rooms – bedroom, bath, and den – reserved for the Messenger, which serves as meeting place, use of the High Priest alone. In this Phase, the inclement weather worship site, priestly dormitory, appointments are minimal, save for Madat’s exten- and general storage. One end of the room has a sive library of books. slightly raised dais and unornamented pulpit, so that 5. The Hypocaust: Acunning network of passages all attendees may see and hear the First Priest as he runs beneath the Chapel. On cold days, a large fire is preaches. lit, which moves heated air through these passages, 3. The Starlight Bath:In a small nook behind the keeping the Chapel comfortable. The hearth of the pulpit is the Starlight Bath. The nook is gated and Hypocaust also serves as an oven for cooking and locked when not in use, and guarded by potent baking, and is used to heat the waters of the Starlight magic. The Bath itself is a large, burnished copper Bath. cauldron with a detailed intaglio of feathers on its The Role of Temple outer surface. On Godsfall, the cauldron is filled with fresh water, and acolytes who are now ready for Priests priesthood are immersed. When they emerge, they possess the Temple Attunement: the potential to learn The responsibilities and duties of the priests of the Temple Magic (see p. 52). Unknown to any but the Temple of the Lost Gods, as detailed in Madat’s High Priest, two of the Feathers of Zedev (see p. 6) Commentaries, are fivefold: perform the Rite of were added to the molten copper used to cast the Rescue; discover the names and functions of the THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 9 Finders have the Clerical Investment advantage at level 3. Apriest who successfully petitions or is tasked by the High Priest to go “off-calendar” gains the rank of Priest-Wanderer. AWanderer does not join in with the worship of the Lost God of the day, but directs his reverence to another Lost God. For example, if a noble comes to the Temple with stories of secret sedi- tion against the King, the High Priest may select a priest to act as a Wanderer and channel the Lost God of Knowledge the next day, while the rest of the priests pray to the Lady of Barley to enhance the summer’s crop. Wanderers stand higher in the Temple hierarchy than normal priests. (“Wandering” without permission is easily detectable for priests liv- ing and working within the Temple community; if such priests do not have exceptional reasons for doing so without first asking the High Priest, they will certainly be disciplined. Priests working or trav- eling outside the community are treated more leniently if they Wander for good causes or in situa- tions of gravity, but unless they possess the Clerical Investment advantage at level 2, they do not get the benefit of higher rank.) unknown Lost Gods; teach everyone the Tenets of Priests are the rank and file of the Temple. They Virtue; pursue personal excellence; and minister to perform the Rite of Rescue for the god of the day and the fears, ignorance, and troubles of all. try to instill the Tenets of Virtue into the laity. They Priests may hire out their services and abilities – all possess some magical ability; those who were not including use of Temple Magic – to the community born with the talent are granted a limited potential by or the crown, provided they follow the Tenets of the Starlight Bath. Priests have the Clerical Virtue, set a fairprice for the client according to their Investment advantage at level 1. needs and means, and tithe half of that profit to the Acolytes are trainee priests. Those desiring to Temple (of which one-third is used for charity and enter the priesthood present themselves at the the remainder for upkeep and provisions). Chapel; likely candidates may also be invited to join Thus, a poor farmer who needs his field cleansed by any priest who comes across them in the field. of weeds may only be asked for two small baskets of Applicants are evaluated on the basis of zeal, kind- eggs (one for the priest and one for the Temple), but ness, intelligence, curiosity, and magical aptitude – a wealthy warrior who requires the regeneration of an acolyte must have at least two of these five, and an arm may be asked for two years of service, two the more the better. In addition to doing the majority fine bronze knives, or two horses from his herd. of the scutwork within the Temple, new acolytes are Temple Hierarchy taught the Tenets of Virtue, basic priest-craft (public speaking and theology), astronomy, how to read and The High Priestleads the Temple in all things; he write, and the mundane elements of the Rite of selects his successor. At the start of Phase 1, Madat is Rescue and the Seeker meditation (though they can- the High Priest. The High Priest has the Clerical not understand how to make these latter two work Investment advantage at level 5. until they receive the Temple Attunement advan- Priest-Finders have successfully opened their tage). They must also memorize the Codex of Names. minds as a Seeker and learned about unknown Lost If they pass the Acolyte’s Trial (an oral examination Gods. They almost always have strong magical talent in front of three priests), they will be led to the over and above that granted by the Starlight Bath Starlight Bath (see p. 9). After a night of fasting and (see p. 9). They are accorded high clerical rank due meditation, they will be immersed, and will come out to their insight into the divine; many future High as a full priest, attuned to the powers of the Lost Priests will be chosen from this august group. THE TEMPLE OF THE LOST GODS 10