Church of Udarak
From World of Kralis
As churches, faiths and religions go, the Church of Death is relatively new in its inception. This has lead to a great amount of chaos and distribution within the Church as those of greater power attempt to control the will of the Church, most claiming to be divinely appointed by Udarak. Because of this disorganization, there are numerous churches, each preaching a different holy creed, within the faith itself.
Many attribute this disorganization to the various aspects of Udarak. While the god himself is horrifically evil, there are many neutral priests that pray to this god for their powers over life, death and the undead, as well as evil priests that do so as well. This in itself causes the greatest conflicts with the Church.
The Church is set on what Udarak holds sway over: violent death, necromancy, the undead, and assassination. Yet, there are a number of smaller cults that also designate the god to reign over chaos, negative energy and destruction. Each of these is in direct competition of Gishra and Azahak domains.
Contents |
Hierarchy
There is no single ruler within the Church of Death. In its chaotic form this has lead to the Church power being divided amongst three powerful priests: Undead Overlord Valshrun (35th rank Yaqu), Lordess of Death Kathrine Delurik (40th rank Dejah Human), and Necorphant Lord Otur LeShir (38th rank Mekronus Dwarf). These three individuals hold sway over the true purpose of the Church, each taking on a portfolio of Udarak as part of their Holy Scriptures. Ultimately, for the Church of Udarak to grow beyond cults and small churches, one of these three powers will need to rise above the others to dominate the whole of the Church.
There is very little in way of titles within the Church other than the common or typical categories.
Motivation and Goals
Despite the disorganization and internal turmoil that the Church faces, it is very clear that the Church is motivated to destroy the Churches of Azahak and Gishra by any means necessary. Most of the time this is done through ritual attacks or direct attacks against the priests and the various smaller churches.
They also attempt to infiltrate the churches as well to replace high priests with their own. This effort has resulted in many Udarak priest's having been flayed open and put on display on the grounds of Azahak churches, and placed into Chaos Tombs by priests of Gishra.
Day-to-Day Activities
Cultist and priests of Udarak spend most of their time, during the night, preparing plans for murder, slaughter, raising undead, and performing unholy acts. Priests of Udarak enjoy killing for the sheer pleasure of it, and take particular interest in the torture of "sacrifices" before plunging dagger through hearts.
Much time is spent in the planning of dark deeds, and attempting to eliminate the Churches of Azahak and Gishra.
Recruiting
The Church does a great deal of "recruiting". This recruiting often involves kidnapping and brainwashing. New recruits are often newly purchased slaves or forced into slavery at the whips of priests.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Murder, killing and the resurrection of the dead into undeath are the main rituals of Udarak. These acts continue to solidify Udarak as a greater god within the Celestial Omniverse. Priests pray to Udarak just before slumber and just before they commit dark acts. Most prayers to this dark god are pleas to him to end their own lives so that they "May walk along his dark path/ A servant in undeath for all time."
The only calendar ritual that is held by the Church of Udarak occurs on the Feast of Darkness during the first new moon of the month. Here Udarakians give praise to the memories of lost brethren and celebrate through the impressive slayings.
Centers of Worship
There is no single established place for worship of Udarak. Most priests and cultist gather in dusty crypts, abandoned and neglected graveyards, or dark and foul ruins where undead are known to walk. The only rumored temple to the Death God is said to be located in a necropolis beneath one of the great cities of the Southern Realms. It is said to resemble a large stone Mausoleum built from the bones and carcasses of slain sacrifices. It is said to be a place of fetid air and reeking with the stench of rotting flesh and embalming fluids.
Vestments and Garb
All priests of Udarak shave their heads, including priestesses. They also wear a mask of bone, either made from various parts or they wear a single skull that is big enough for them to wear so that it covers their face. If they are so blessed to have the Skins of Udarak these replace the dark rotting robes that they typically wear. Vestments of rank have yet to develop, but it is known that the Overlord/Lord/Necrophant wears a bone medallion in the shape of Udarak's symbol.
Allies
The Church of Udarak has no allies. Though, Mala has taken a liken to the arrogant upstart, she has yet to allow her priests to assist the new church. Most contend that she has not done this in fear of the repercussions that it would bring from Azahak.
Enemies
Most of the enemies of Udarak hail from the Churches of Azahak and Gishra. Yet, the Church's despoiling of nature has often raised the anger of the Churches of Anthia and Atura.
In addition, the vile nature of the Church has also gathered the Knights of Elal and Knights of Dardura, as well as many other minor groups of good, as enemies and foes.
Game Information
Characters that choose to become a member of the Church of Udarak have their base Merit Point requirements increased from 1000 to 1400 per rank.
| Type | Holy Order | ||
| Influence Level | Global | ||
| Category | Prerequisites | Bonus | Obligation |
| Petitioner | Divine Knowledge, Leadership, Lore (Religion) | Member of Church, Ask for Aid from other Members; Access to Divine Spells of Faith | Prostelyze |
| Initiate | Divine Knowledge (85), Etiquette, Lore(Deity, Celestial), Must be Recommended by Another Initiate | Gain Access to Church Funds, Gain Chilling Touch Ability | Quest (Vanquish a Foe), Train Petitioner (Follower) |
| Acolyte | Divine Knowledge (122), Leadership (80), Lore (Deity, Religion, Celestial) (80), Etiquette (70) | Gain Additional Priestly Training (+10 bonus to Divine Knowledge Turning), Gain Aura of Fear, Greater Ability | Quest (Establish a Church), Perform task from Brother/Sister |
| Brother/Sister | Divine Knowledge (150), Leadership (90), Lore (Deity, Religion, Celestial) (104), Etiquette (85), Devoted Philosophy | +20 bonus to Divine Knowledge vs. Enemies of Church; Gain Priestly Vestments, Gain Draining Touch Ability | Declare a specific church as home base, Quests (Priest Appointed Tasks) |
| Priest | Divine Knowledge (171), Leadership (120), Lore (Deity, Religion, Celestial) (110), Etiquette (115) | Command of Forces of Church (Warriors, Crusaders, Knights, etc.); Gain Priestly Implement of Service, Gain Infection Ability | Expand reach of Local Church - Establish 4 Churches |
| High Priest | Divine Knowledge (195), Leadership (140), Lore (Deity, Religion, Celestial) (130), Etiquette (130), Fanatic Philosophy, Cause 3 Major Enemies of Church to be defeated | Command of 4 High Ones and their resources, Gain Touch of the Damned Ability | Quest (Create Holy Relic), Serve on Church High Council at least once |
| Overlord/ Lord of Death/ Necorphant Lord | Divine Knowledge (200), Leadership (160), Lore (Deity, Religion, Celestial) (160), Etiquette (160), Can only be selected by Deity | Control of whole Church, Gain Undeath Ability | Expand reach of Church |
Turning Options
Priests of Udarak may not use Turn Humanoid or Turn Monster. They may gain two of the following in replace of these Turning Options.
Dark Chant: By means of this Chant you grant all undead within 30' of you +10 to their Attack Skills and Defenses so long as you continue to link together the foul necromantic words and phrases of the dark chant.
Blood Letting: When you bleed yourself from a sacrificial cut, you are able to cause your called powers to gain Negative Energy. This causes all your bonus damage from called powers to be considered Negative Energy that ignores all forms of Armor Absorption. You must bleed your Charisma Modifier in Health Points in order to use this. It lasts for 1 turn per Blood Letting. It can be used as a Move Action.
Lightless: Through the use of this you prevent an area equal to your Charisma Modifier in feet from being illuminated by normal light. This lasts for 1 turn per Charisma Modifier. Can be accomplished three times per day.
Putrid: By means of this you emanate a foul smell of rotting flesh. Those coming within 5' of you must make a Stamina Check or be forced to move 10' away from you. You can emanate this smell three times per day and lasts for 1 turn. This can be used as a Move Action.
Divine Spells
Invisibility to Undead
Power Rank: 3
Range: 0'
Duration: 1 phase per success
Area: Self
Activation Time: 3
Defense: See Below
Through the use of this spell you cause yourself to become invisible to undead creatures. Undead gain Perception check at a TS of 1 per 3 successes you gain in the calling of the power in an attempt to see you. This power is ineffective against undead that are 5 or more ranks higher than you.
Animate Body/Dead
Priests of Udarak gain this spell as a PR of 2
Cause Death
Power Rank: 9
Range: Touch
Duration: Instant
Area: 1 Creature
Activation Time: 4
Defense: Divine
Cause death bestows on you the ability to attempt kill any creature that is at -10 or fewer Health Points. Those that fail their divine defense die instantly.
Create Undead
Power Rank: 12
Range: 30'
Duration: Permanent
Area: 15'
Activation Time: 1 day
Defense: None
This spell grants to you the ability to focus Negative Energy into a corpse. You may create darkens, death walker, ghasts, ghouls, horrids, mummies, pyrites, shades, skeletons and zombies. This requires 24 hours of uninterrupted concentration, a body and your own sacrifice. In addition you must gain a total number of successes equal to the rank of the undead creature you are attempting to create. You must sacrifice 5 points of health per rank of the undead that you are creating. Undead created this way are not under your control.
Creeping Death
Power Rank: 6
Range: 0'
Duration: 1 phase per success
Area: See Below
Activation Time: 3
Defense: See Below
By means of this spell you call forth a black fog that emanates from you in all directions creating a diameter equal to 10' per Charisma Modifier. All creatures within this black fog suffer the following effects: Suffer 2 times your Charisma Modifier in Health Damage every phase; are Staggered; and are Blinded. Beings that escape the fog are no longer Staggered or Blinded, but still suffer the loss to the Health Points.
Death Touch
Power Rank: 12
Range: Touch
Duration: Instant
Area: 1 Target
Activation Time: 3
Defense: See Below
You are able to attempt to slay 1 living creature that you touch. Touched creatures are allowed a Stamina to survive the attack. Those that fail are instantly killed. Those that succeed their Stamina check takes five times your Charisma Modifier in Health Damage.
Scarlet Remains
Power Rank: 6
Range: 50' + 5'/success (max 50')
Duration: See Below
Area: 1 Target
Activation Time: 3
Defense: See Below
You are able to cause creatures that you concentrate on and are within the range of the power to begin to suffer as their internal organs begin to rupture and eventually die as their bodies are ripped apart from the inside out. You may continue to concentrate on a target from turn to turn so long as you can fulfill the Fatigue Cost requirements. Target creatures are allowed a Stamina check to survive the attack. Those that fail are ripped apart instantly, those that succeed lose all their Health and Fatigue points instantly as severe wounds erupt in their flesh. Those that survive take 10 points of bleeding damage per 5 phases until dead or the bleeding is stopped.
Scourge
Power Rank: 6
Range: 50' + 5' (max +50')
Duration: 1 phase per success
Area: 1 Target
Activation Time: 5
Defense: See Below
By means of this spell you are able to cause targets within an area to become infected with a magical disease called Scourge. The target gains a Willpower check at TS of 3. Those that fail are immediately stricken with scourge that quickly spreads all over their body. This causes blackened boils to appear, blood red lesions, seeping wounds and cysts to form or erupt over their entire body. Targets suffer -10 to all their skills per every 25 points you have in Divine Knowledge. All defenses are reduced by half. All their stats are reduced by -30 each. They take 5 points of damage every phase as boils burst and lesions open up. Those that are stricken with Scourge can only be healed by cure disease, along with regenerate and will continue to suffer the effects of the power until healed or is dead.
Faith Abilities
Chilling Touch
Requirements
Ability Prerequisite: Lore (Necrology)
Controlling Attribute: Charisma 80
Fatigue Cost: 15 per use
By means of this ability your hands become as cold as the undead. During this time all your non-weapon attacks and Touch Attacks inflict bonus cold damage. This damage ignores all Armor Absorption. You inflict an additional 2 points of cold damage per rank. This ability lasts for 5 phases per use.
Aura of Fear, Greater
Requirements
Controlling Attribute: Charisma 85
Fatigue Cost: 15 per use
As per Aura of Fear, but now you affect everything within 60' of you. You also increase the TS from 1 per 25 Willpower to 2 per 25 Willpower.
Draining Touch
Requirements
Ability Prerequisite: Lore (Necrology)
Controlling Attribute: Charisma 90
Fatigue Cost: 20 per use
By means of this ability you are able cause any being that you touch to make a Stamina Check at a TS of 4. Those that fail have all their Physical Attributes reduced by 10 per missed success on the Stamina Check. This reduction lasts for 1 hour per Charisma Modifier and can be activated as a Move Action.
Infection
Requirements
Ability Prerequisite: One with Energy
Controlling Attribute: Charisma 95
Fatigue Cost: 20 per use
Merit Point Cost: 300
Through the use of Infection you are able to cause those that you have successfully damaged to attempt a Willpower check at a TS of 2. Those that fail gain your Charisma Modifier in Negative Energy points (See Talarius Beastiary for more information) and gain one of the undead traits listed in the Talarius Beastiary pg. XVI. In addition, they suffer a severe infection of one of the following of your choice: Blood, Bone or Muscle.
Touch of the Damned
Requirements
Ability Prerequisite: Lore (Necrology)
Controlling Attribute: Charisma 100
Fatigue Cost: 40 per use
Merit Point Cost: 300
Through this ability any creature that you successfully touch gains a single Negative Rank that takes affect immediately.
Undeath
Requirements
Ability Prerequisite: Lore (Necrology)
Controlling Attribute: Charisma 105
Fatigue Cost: 50 per use
Merit Point Cost: 300
Undeath bestows upon you a limited number of powers of the undead. These powers last for 1 hour per Charisma Modifier and you must take a full turn to acquire these powers. You gain the following:
- Undead Traits: Creature is immune to: poison, paralyzation; critical hits; knockouts; energy drain, mind influencing spells
- Black Blood: You regenerate your Stamina Modifier in Health Points every phase to Maximum Health.
- Negative Energy Channel: Everything within 60' of you must make a Willpower check at a TS of 4. Those that fail are wrapped in black bands of energy that drain the life of those so wrapped. The target loses 5 points of Health, Fatigue and Stamina per 2 phases. This lasts for 1 phase per Willpower modifier. This has an Action Point Cost of 3. Those attacked are allowed to make a new Willpower check each phase to overcome the effects.
- Dominate Undead Can Dominate and Control any undead creature that is 5 or more ranks lower than the Creature; Control lasts until released.
- Enslave 30’ dia.; Target gains Willpower at -10 per 20 creatures Willpower; Failure and Target becomes mentally dominated by creature; Enslaved
obeys all commands; Target gains new Willpower vs. TS 4 per phase; Control is lost if Target dies or moves more than 500’ from creature
Gear and Items
Priestly Vestments
Skins of Udarak: These darkened robes are made from the flesh of fallen foes and is blessed by Udarak. These robes grant the wearer the ability to be ignored by undead creatures that are less than or equal to the priests rank.
Priestly Implement of Service
Rod of Death and Chaos: This black rod is lined with bone, bleached white. While this rod is in use it causes all your bonus damage from any type of attack to gain Death Energy. This death energy causes all your bonus damage to ignore any form of Armor Absorption and instead does the damage directly to the target. This can be used twice per day for 1 turn per Charisma Modifier.
