The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters
Far off to the west, beyond the Dailish Isles is a wondrous land known as the Sea of Grass, a verdant plain covered in long blades or stalks of plant life that gives it its name. In these fields live a group of hardy humans known as the Hunai that live in peace and harmony with the environment; who didn’t have a word for war or weapons until the coming of the Osarrion Empire and the Chauni slavers.

The Hunai are a peaceful and very spiritual people, but forego the trappings of organized religion and instead practice a unique form of communal spiritualism where whoever feels touched by the spirits may act as their voice or conduit to the others. However, as in all populations, there are some who excel at something more than others and spiritual leaders emerge to lead the small groups of villagers in orations to the Three Sisters.

The Three Sisters refers to the Life Goddess, Belisarda, the Elder Sister Nayal, Goddess of the Night and the Final Sleep and the youngest Sister, Lyssandra, the green moon that shines in the firmament. The tenets of the religion are very simple and embody those elements that are important to the lives of the Hunai: Belisarda beings life and sustains them through the bounty of the earth, Nayal, jealous of her younger sister the life bringer, embodies the night and the primal fear of the darkness, where predators and others, like the Chauni, only serve to bring misery and ultimately death and lastly, feisty Lyssandra who at times is able to shred the web of darkness that her elder sister wraps her in and shines her light as a beacon through the darkness.

Small and simple offerings of food are made to the three goddesses on their “holy” days. During the time after the cold, thanks is given to Belisarda for the new growth of vegetation and warmth that floods the land; to Lyssandra songs are raised to her when She is full and bright in the night sky; lastly sacrifices of small animals while the villages fast is given in hopes that the cold and darkness of Her breath be short and mild.

As entire villages of Hunai are taken captive by Chauni slavers and sold in the First City as cheap labor or as pleasure slaves, as the honey blonde hair of the Hunai is viewed favorably amongst the slave owners, the worship of the Three Sisters has started to change. Belisarda is prayed to for eventual freedom from the bondage they now face; prayers are made to Lyssandra for the strength to endure the hardships of this new life of captivity and a small group whose hearts have been hardened by the cruelty of some of the masters, prey to Nayal for the cunning and coldness of heart to kill their fellow man, an act that was unthinkable to any Hunai generations before. Those that take up arms against others, even if in defense of others, are shunned and treated as pariahs; violence is anathema to the pacifistic ways of the Hunai. Some of these shunned Hunai prove to be too intractable to be reliable slaves so they are sometimes sold to the ludi as gladiators.

Hello Scott,

To answer your questions:

1. The spell source would be Divine. I don’t see them as needing to commune with nature spirits to bargain for effects, when a spell “bestowed” by Belisarda just compels the effect. So while they could interact with nature spirits, they would not be doing so in the way that Shamans do.

2. As you mentioned, the Hunai are human, so no Psionics or Elder magic.

3. While I suppose they could cast Edlritch magic, like any other human, their original society does not have a history of doing so. They probably see sorcery as blasphemous or unclean since the teachings of the Sisters never dealt with the topic.

So what I’m looking for are interesting Paths that would fit their pre-enslavement society and the spells that they would know.

It occurs to me that I should clarify the Nightmare spells. I know that the Hunai are pacifists, but I expect that there would be an underground “cult” of Nayal that practices the darker aspect of her worship. Those spells are a start in that direction.

Scott

Cody’s Thoughts re: Scott’s ideas –

From the fluff, I agree that there should be no real separation between the Three Sisters. There does not seem to be an established priesthood, so the worship should be Pantheonistic rather than “Devoted of Belisarda/Lyssandra/Nayal” or “Annointed Priest of XYZ.”

This does bring up some issues as to what you want for Deity Spells. Do you want to have Deity (Three Sisters) and simply have a mixture of spells at each Tier (ie: one per Goddess)? Do we want to have Devoted of [Insert Sister], with each sister gaining a Deity classification?

That said, is Nayal associated with Undead, or simply death? If it is simply death, maybe have a talent which allows you to focus on spirits and shades instead of undead. Possibly Between Worlds (ta)?

As to the talents chosen, I’m not sure if the Animal Affinity AND Loyal Companion fit with the paths if we’re going Pantheonistic with the Three Sisters. Nayal doesn’t seem the “aww, look at the cute little pet” to me

So, for Path’s I’m decently keen on Scott’s “Devoted of the Three Sisters” (pa) EDIT: except for the fact that you need to get rid of one of the Arcanum (cants) to keep the thing balanced. Maybe replace it with Wilderness Lore at one Tier. I think for the Shunned (those who have taken Nayal into their Hearts) who are all for the killing and murder stuffs, we can make a viable path out of “The Keepers of the Darkness”, but I think that something like “The Soldiers of Nayal” or “Nayal’s Hand” would be a more appropriate name for this ‘heresy’ as Keepers of the Darkness seems 1) a bit too Cadician and 2) almost too pacifisitic for what is effectively the Al Qaeda of the Hunai (from my read): militant people who are shunned by an ultimately peaceful society.

As far as actual game-related materials, possible we should do this for the Deity list:

Deity (Pantheonistic, Three Sisters)

Tier I
Life’s Blessing (from Belisarda)
Dome of Shadow (representing Nayal)
Shield Other (representing Lyssandra?)

Tier II
Revitalize (from Belisarda)
Disorient (for Nayal?)
Blessings of Plenty (for Lyssandra?)

Tier III
Waves of Exhaustion (from Belisarda)
Life Leech (for Nayal?)
Not Where You Think (for Lyssandra?)

Tier IV
Life Well (from Belisarda)
Shadow Stride (for Nayal?)
Revelation (for Lyssandra?)

Using “off the shelf” spells, this seems to be a reasonable fit from what I’ve read. We can replace some of the Lyssandra/Nayal spells with the Nightmares spells and whatnot. I’ll fiddle with some ‘unique’ Deity spells.

Okay, here is my pass at the ‘Priest’ Path:

Devoted of the Three Sisters
Worship of the Three Sisters—Belisarda, Lyssandra, and Nayal—appears strange to a child of Coryan or the Khitani Empire. While those nations have well organized, structured priesthoods organized into a larger church structure, the worship of the Three Sisters is more similar to the tribal shamanism in lands like the Hinterlands. Part of this is because of the tribal nature of the Hunai, lacking a central authority in which to focus their priesthood, but the most part of it is how they view those called to the service of their Gods. Among the Hunai, it is those who feel most drawn to the responsibilities of shepherding their people that get called to serve the Three Sisters. Those who show sensitivity to the Gods, and an ability to master the prayers to all three are trained by a tribal elder in the ways of the Three Sisters. It is considered a calling, not a vocation among the Hunai.

Again, unlike the Mother Church of Coryan, the worship of the Three Sisters follows more of a Pantheonistic worship more akin to the worship of the Pantheon of Man at the dawn of the First Imperium. No one Goddess is viewed as more important than the other, with all three being viewed as essential to the existence of the world. To that end, the Devoted of the Three Sisters, the unofficial priesthood of their people are taught to value balance and harmony amongst all the Three in order to protect their people.

Nationality: Hunai

Initiate of the Three Sisters
Requirement: Initiate of the Gods (ba) OR Initiate Itinerant (pa), must worship the Three Sisters
Skills: Empathy, Wilderness Lore
Talents: Animal Affinity, Call of the Three Sisters*
Special: Divine Spell Casting is no longer a Limited Talent for you, and you may take Devout Talents as if you possessed the Divine Spell Casting Talent.

Adept of the Three Sisters
Requirement: Initiate of the Three Sisters (pa)
Skills: Arcanum (Cants), Beast Lore
Talents: Inspirational Presence, Call of the Three Sisters*

Devoted of the Three Sisters
Requirement: Adept of the Three Sisters (pa)
Skills: Heal, Knowledge Religion
Talents: Lay on Hands, Call of the Three Sisters*

Call of the Three Sisters [Devout, Limited]
By the grace and power of the Three Sisters, you have been granted a number of abilities to protect their chosen from depredations of the flesh and soul.
Requirement: Must worship the Three Sisters.
Benefit: Per Tier,
Tier I: Belisarda’s Song of Life – Belisarda is the maiden of Arcanis and of all life thereupon. You gain a +1 to all Beast Lore, Heal, and Wilderness Lore Action Skill Rolls.
Tier II: Nayal’s Biting Frost – Nayal is the mistress of the death of night and the freezing winters. You gain AR 6 against all cold-based damaging effects.
Tier III: Lyssandra’s Beacon – Lyssandra’s green light provides a break to his sister Nayal’s plunging darkness. Once per day (Speed: 5, Duration: Scene) if ever you are lost or need to find your way to a destination, you may invoke Lyssandra’s name. Doing so will point you along the most direct path to your destination.

Deity (Pantheonistic, Three Sisters)
Tier I
Life’s Blessing
Snuff Light*
Shield my Children*

Tier II
Revitalize
Nightmare, Lesser*
Seeing the Flame Within

Tier III
Blessings of Plenty
Winter’s Wind*
Not Where you Think

Tier IV
Life Well
Nightmare, Greater*
Shadowstride

Snuff Light
Tradition: Deity (Pantheonistic, Three Sisters) [Tier I]
Category: Base
CTN: 17
Speed (Strain): 4 (+2)
Range: Self (60’ Radius)
Duration: Scene (D)
Effect: You may reduce the light source ranges of any source of light by half its normal radius. For example, a Torch would only illuminate 20’ in Shadowy conditions instead of the normal 40’.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 3 and the Strain by 1 to reduce the light source to on quarter of its effective range, to a minimum of 0’. For example, a torch in shadowy conditions would not illuminate only a 10’ radius instead of a 40’ radius.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 4, Speed and Strain by 1 to change the spells range to 60’ (1 target). If the light source is natural, it is completely snuffed out regardless of size. If the light is magical in nature, you must make an Arcanum Action Skill Roll against the Passive Arcanum of the caster.

Shield my Children
Tradition: Deity (Pantheonistic, Three Sisters) [Tier I]
Category: Sustained
CTN: 18
Speed (Strain): 4 (+4)/2
Range: (30’ Radius)
Effect: All allies within range get a +1 bonus to all Stealth Action Skill Rolls.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN and Strain by 2 to increase the bonus by an additional +1. This can be applied multiple times to a maximum bonus of +3.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 6 and Speed and Strain by 1 to increase the radius of this spell by an additional 10’. This adaptation can be applied multiple times.

Nightmare, Lesser
Tradition: Deity (Pantheonistic, Three Sisters) [Tier II]
Category: Base
CTN: 20
Speed (Strain): 7 (+3)
Range: 30’ (1 target)
Duration: Special
Defence: Discipline
You reach into the subject’s mind, gently activating an old memory or fear, sparking sleepless nights and horrific drams.
Effect: Your target suffers from an onslaught of nightmares which flow into their minds. As a result, they are Exhausted and Shaken until they are able to get a full night’s rest. Though the Exhausted condition can be removed through effects which state such, the Shaken condition will persist until the target has had a good night sleep regardless of what effects are brought to bear upon it.
Special: Creatures who do not sleep are immune to this spell.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 4 and Strain by 2 to affect a second target. This adaptation may be applied multiple times to a maximum of three targets.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 3 to increase the range of this spell by an additional 10’. This adaptation may be applied multiple times.

Winter’s Wind
Tradition: Deity (Pantheonistic, Three Sisters) [Tier III]
Category: Base
CTN: 23
Speed (Strain): 4 (+5)
Range: 30’ Cone
Duration: Instant
Defence: Fortitude
A blast of Nayal’s winter winds weakens those who wish to prey upon the children of the Three Sisters.
Effect: All creatures in the spell’s area suffer a -1 to all Action Skill rolls and must make an Athletics: Balance (Qu) Action Skill Roll (including the negatives gained as part of this spell) against your Passive Arcanum or be pushed back 10’ and fall prone.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 3 and Strain by 1 to increase the penalty to Action Skill Rolls by an additional -1. This adaptation can be applied multiple times to a total modifier of -3.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 2 and Speed by 1 to push all affected enemies back an additional 5’.

Nightmare, Greater
Tradition: Deity (Pantheonistic, Three Sisters) [Tier III]
Component: Nightmare, Lesser
Category: Base
CTN: 25
Speed (Strain): 5 (+3)
Range: 30’ (1 target)
Duration: Instant
Defence: Discipline
You reach into the subject’s mind, and painfully pull forth an image of fear and dread.
Effect: You target is surprised by the mental onslaught you bring forth against them. The target must make a Horror Check against your Passive Arcanum.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 3 and Strain by 2 to inflict a Die Penalty against your target’s Resolve for their Horror Check. This adaptation can be applied multiple times.
Adaptation: Increase the CTN by 4, Speed and Strain by 1 to add an additional target for this spell.

Perhaps simply change the name “Shield my Children” with “Hide My Children”? We can make up a new spell for the Shield part at a higher tier, and use ‘Hide My Children’ as a component? For the Winter Wind (sp), maybe just change out “Winter” with “Chilled”. Even in Mediterranean climates they know what the cold is, even if winters are a bit rare

Also, here’s my take on a path for the Shunned.

The Terrors of Nayal
While the tenants of the Three Sisters calls for pacifism and peace with those around you, a group within their faith has begun accepting other callings. For centuries, the Hunai have been the targets of the Ossarion Empire and the hated Chauni slavers. For centuries, they have suffered the abuse and terror of these and other groups who prey upon their people. For centuries, the collective patience and pacifisim of the Hunai have begun to wear thing.

While those who have been taken as slaves—or have lost loved ones to slaving—seek solace with Belisarda for their freedom, or Lyssandra asking to grant them strength to endure, a small section of the population has begun looking to the Third Sister, Nayal, for their answers and justice. However, while Belisarda and Lyssandra know tranquility and peace, Nayal is known as the jealous sister, and the keeper of terrors. To that end, those who invoke her name for justice freezes their hearts towards their fellow man, and allows them to do what the Hunai as a people abhor: kill.
While these souls only wish to fight back against those who have wronged them, the rest of their kin views them with horror. It is the doctrine of the Three Sisters that all shall live in harmony, and for those to actively seek to cause harm to another human being as abhorrent. Known as the Shunned to their people, and the Terrors of Nayal to themselves, this group willingly tarnishes their soul and their position in society to do whatever it takes to protect their people.

Nationality: Hunai

Journeyman Terror of Nayal
Requirements: Former Slave (ba), Toughness, trained in a Melee or Ranged skill.
Skills: Mettle, Deceit
Talents: Owl Eyed, Nayal’s Dark Night.

Master Terror of Nayal
Requirement: Terror of Nayal (Journeyman) (pa)
Skills: One Ranged or Melee skill, Stealth
Talents: Smite Heretic, Death from the Darkness

Nayal’s Dark Night [Limited]
To invoke Nayal’s name without the tempering effects of her two younger sisters gives you a small taste of her power. Alas, to view such raw power beings stripping away your own humanity.
Requirements: Must worship the Three Sisters.
Benefit: Once per day (Speed: 4, Duration: Instant, Range: 30’ radius) you may use yourself as a channel for the all of the terrors of Nayal that haunt the dark. You may create a zone of blackness similar to Dome of Shadow (sp) that only you can see through. All those caught within the zone become Shaken and take a -1 to all Action Rolls while they remain within the darkened area. While this condition can be lifted once they leave the darkness, it reactivates every time that they reenter it.
Special: You gain the flaw Haunted by Nightmares, for those who look into the dark heart of Nayal often find themselves being consumed by it.

Death in the Darkness [Limited]
Where Belisarda is the Sister of life, Nayal is the sister of death. This does not mean she raises abominations to hunt the living, but she represents the final death. Those who place her above the other sisters gain the ability to channel this aspect of her powers to those who seek to prey upon the Hunai.
Requirement: Nayal’s Dark Night (ta)
Benefit: When fighting in darkened conditions, you gain the ability to invoke the ultimate of Nayal’s powers against those who seek to prey upon you and your people. Once per scene when fighting in darkness of at least Shadowy level, if you successfully attack any single humanoid minion or common creature that creature is instantly slayed (not Vanquished, but slayed) regardless of remaining Wounds or Stamina. If the target attacked is not a Common or Minion, you deal an additional d(Ch) damage to that target.
Special: You gain the flaw Chilling Presence, for the Nayal’s influence has become so strong in you that she can be felt even in those around you.