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Table of Contents
Quinn, Goddess of the Vigil
(This is the page for the deity and priesthood, for the adventurer side, please see Quinn, Goddess of the Vigil )
Quinn
Followers of Quinn seek to hone their skills and mind against the forces that seek to invade one's own home from realms beyond. They strive to keep watch against such foes, and to be ready to take up arms at a moment's notice.
“Loyalty, Discipline, Vigilance, and Compassion.” “Be wary of what lies around the corners of our own reality”
Having seen the increasing threats from extraplanar entities, followers of Quinn, known as Sentinels strive to take up training during peacetime. They take oaths, dedicated to maintaining the protection and sanctity of their home worlds. Sentinels also hone their strength in three specific ways which determine their path in the priesthood. When a new priest is anointed, they choose one of the three paths. Oath of the Hearth, Oath of the Stars, or Oath of the Records. Each oath determines which spell groups you have access to.
PRIEST SKILLS / SPECIALIZATIONS
- Arcane Knowledge (Arcana)
- Identify Magic (Arcana)
- Instrumental Music (Acting)
- Interrogation (Psychology)
- Leadership (Psychology)
- Military Protocol (Lore)
- Tactics (Psychology)
History of the Priesthood
The priesthood of the Vigil was first conceived of after the events of the beast of the dark sun, which occurred in the Rhine region of Jaern. An eldritch beast was able to bypass the wards that had been placed during the time of the Veiled Empire, and returned in the present day. The beast was successfully killed and destroyed by adventurers, albeit pieces of it still remain on Jaern potentially causing a threat later. The beast was able to deal a significant amount of damage to the Rhine region, and was one of the leading factors towards the downfall of Centralia.
This event was followed up by the events of At’ena’s death, also known as ‘The One With A Thousand Eyes’. A being made at the end of time and slayed the goddess At’ena. It became such a threat, that it started devouring thousands of planes and worlds across the multiverse, causing all worlds but Jaern to become desolate and void. Only by the sacrifice of adventurers were they able to seal OWATE at the end of time, and restore much of the multiverse. Once again, this did prove that interplanar threats were capable of dealing significantly more damage than inner planar threats, and a response was becoming warranted.
The actual priesthood started to take form right around this time, to look forward in prevention of such events. It was small, spearheaded by the Goddess Quinn and selected allies from the world of Kirisu, totalling under 300. The priesthood was thrust into the forefront on Quinns home world, that of Greece, when an extraplanar being known as Verathragna attempted to overthrow the god of death there.
Moving back to Jaern, it became clear that an interplanar war was brewing, and had already begun in the realms of the Beneath. Beings known as infernals were invading Jaern and were at war with the beneath, seeking to incinerate all of Jaern. It was then that Quinn used her influence with the Jaernian gods to establish some of her own temples in defense of Jaern.
Current Temples
Athens, Greece
Credit to Ryn Christelle Geronimo
The temple in Athens, Greece is the first and original temple of the vigil. During the great purging of the Greek pantheon by Quinn and other younger Greek gods and the victory over the Persian god Verathragna, Quinn took over the Greek pantheon, many of the older gods leaving their stations at Quinn’s request while a few stayed. Quinn took over as the leader of the pantheon and established Athens to become the holy city and founding city of the priesthood of the Vigil. The first temple was built in the northern parts of the city which has become more popular due to the presences of the temple, built in the traditional style of Greek temple, outside is a large marble statue of Quinn herself as well as multiple training areas and in the back is the living quarters and armory for the priesthood where their strongest magic weapons are stored.
The temple of Athens when Quinn is not there is watched over by the two kitsune demigods Ryoko and Kayo. both of whom were originally inhabitants of the plane of Kisiru but who have taken to living in Greece quite well and serve as guides and leaders in Quinn’s stead when she is not around. The goddess Athena also has come to act in an advisory role after her return from exile among the multiverse, with a new profound knowledge and respect on the threats that can occur to their home.
Kyokoro, Kisiru
The city of Kyokoro in Kisiru was once home to many criminal organizations, however after the events that transpired on Kisiru and the slaying of the first Aragami, Tanavo, after his death the city was taken back by the Priesthood of the Vigil. Two kitsune demigods of Quinn, Yosuke and Chiasa, watch over the temple in Kisiru and act as the guides for the priests in Kisiru. The temple itself has become the main center of the city and many of the locals come to pray for protection and guidance in harsh times. A small retinue of the Sentinels can always be found roaming the city to make sure no criminal elements can ever resurge, many of the locals refer to sentinels as “sword saints”. The temple is built in the style of a Kisiruian temple, with the back wall being dedicated to a large elaborate mural that depicts the slaying of the Aragami at the hands of the Goddess of the Vigil.
In Kisiru, due to the alliances that Quinn made with the serpent pantheon, and how she was introduced to many of her priests afterwards. Quinn is worshiped as a winged lamia version of herself, instead of an angel, within the plane. Many of the local tsuchinoko (snake people, half snake people, etc) either follow the snake pantheon or Quinn. Though, they tend to be very rare and reclusive in their lifestyle, only having recently been revived as a people, by Ciara, Quinn, and the first Kirisu adventuring party.
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Centralia, Jaern
The Centralian branch of the Priesthood of the Vigil is located in the ‘Planar Ward’ of Centralia, following the Centralian Rebirth project. The high priest here is a godling named Asphodel, who was rescued from the old ruins of Centralia and Lady Gwen’s old estate. Asphodel is the son of Ra, the first aspect, and Rudri, both of whom are now deceased. With Centralia, both in past and present, being often cited as one of the most ‘interplanar active’ cities of the multiverse, it became a centralized location for one of the priesthood's largest temples. The temple itself is located just outside the central portal that leads to the Portal Farm, with Sentinels from the temple acting as the portal farm’s guards, post the Centralia rebirth project. The temple itself is efficient in its construction, acting as barracks, training grounds, and a worship center all in one. It's not over the top or elaborate, but contains a statue of Quinn within its central halls. With an eye for architecture, one might be able to identify that there is more than meets the eye about this temple. As it also functions as a bastion against any threats that might come through, it holds many magical secrets, wardings, and protections against all the threats that Sentinels from Oath of the Records can identify and bring back information on.
High Arantur Asphodel
Asphodel, son of the First Ra, Son of Rudri. Quite a strange pairing when you think about it, to be a ‘high priest’ of another god. Asphodel serves the role quite well though. As an orphan with both of his parents having died, he was left to wander the multiverse for many years. Both coming into contact with, and avoiding some of the more dangerous threats one could expect to face among the planes. His predisposition to balance between order and chaos has led him to excelling as an arbiter and judge for interplanar transgressions that take place on Jaern, while maintaining the power to back up his decision. Asphodel stands tall at 17 feet tall, a broken white skin with a divine radiant light burning from within him. He has 6 large angelic wings, the top 2 of which are white, the middle two are leathery, like a dragon, and the bottom 2 are black as night with speckles of light in them. All direct commands and judgements that Asphodel gives are considered to have the rank 12 Core ‘Divine Word’. Much of his further power lies hidden and protected.
Afterlife for Sentinels
Having been built with the assistance of Amaterasu from Kirisu, Quinn has developed an afterlife that she hopes most people find to their liking. The afterlife is designed to be a place to finally rest after a life filled with struggles and conflict. A set of three kingdoms among an infinite plane, built in such a way to allow anyone to live out a life of peace they could want. Each kingdom caters to different wants and desires, with each soul who enters being sent to the kingdom that suits their desires the best.
Spells
Priests of the Vigil gain access to all the core priest spells. As well, they learn the following groups, plus their additional Oath group.
- Speed (Zepherin)
- Shield/Defensive (T’or)
- Weapon/Offensive (T’or)
- Wisdom (Vormaxia)
- Leadership (Ra)
Oath Paths
There are three oaths available to new sentinels, depending on their desires and strengths. Each oath grants access to a unique spell group within the priesthood. Only one oath can be taken per character, though it may be changed under specific circumstances.
Oath of the Hearth
The Oath of the Hearth is an oath taken by Sentinels who wish to stay close to their homes. To establish temples within their cities or villages around the world. Oath of the Hearth sentinels know that one of the strongest lines of defense one can have, is the population of the plane being invaded. These sentinels seek to arm the common folk not just with weapons, but with knowledge. To ward off temptations to sign pacts with demons whom the commoners would be unfamiliar with. In exchange, the sentinel can dedicate much of their free time to helping the village or city prosper via their oath spell group. These sentinels typically are the ones who make and tend to the temples around the planes. To prepare places to rest and recover for the Stars and Records sentinels who may come to visit. However, they never neglect their duties and training, to be on watch and ready for any sign of an interplanar threat.
Oath of the Hearth Sentinels learn either Natural Harmonia (Osiris) OR Underwater (Neptune) spell group at base cost. This is not a choice, rather it is dependent on where the character lives and cannot be changed later.
The Oaths of the Hearth are as follows:
- “I will take up arms, be it by sword, by magic, or by wit, against the forces that seek to invade my realm. To act as a monitor against interplanar conquest and watch for those who would assault my home”
- “I pledge my loyalty to my god and my people. I will never accept gifts or favors from evil ones or those who revel with them. To stay true to my order, my comrades, and my duty.”
- “I will defend those who cannot defend themselves. To ensure their safety before my own”
- “I will act as an example for those in my charge. To be an example with my goodness, strength, and joy in the world, and to stand against those who seek to end it. To teach other how to be better people”
Oath of the Stars
The Oath of the Stars is an oath taken by those who wish to travel the worlds the multiverse has to offer. To take a proactive approach on seeking out potential threats and eliminating them, by diplomacy or by blade. Oath of the Stars Sentinels tend to hop between worlds fairly often. Seeking to learn local customs and their languages to better be ambassadors when the time is needed.
Oath of the Stars Sentinels learn Dimensions (Air) at base cost, and gain DU instead of EU for learning this group.
The Oaths of the Hearth are as follows
- “I will take up arms, be it by sword, by magic, or by wit, against the forces that seek to invade my realm. To act as a monitor against interplanar conquest and watch for those who would assault my home”
- “I pledge my loyalty to my god and my people. I will never accept gifts or favors from evil ones or those who revel with them. To stay true to my order, my comrades, and my duty.”
- “I will follow the winds of fate, from my home to the farthest reaches of the cosmos to seek out those who wish to invade other realms”
- “Like I will find my own path among the stars, I will assist and help others to do the same. To smite those who would seek to dominate and control others.”
Oath of the Records
Those who take the Oath of the Records serve as the knowledge basis for the priesthood. They specifically work with Tarusian archives and Vormaxian library temples as a way to establish relations and gain knowledge on extraplanar entities. This often comes as a mutually beneficial agreement, where the priest will travel and adventure, recording beings, places, and events they find of note. In exchange, the temples often offer housing and their own knowledge with the understanding it will be used as a ward against interplanar conflicts.
Oath of the Records Sentinels learn the Fosiantau (History) group from Tarus at base cost.
The Oaths of the Hearth are as follows
- “I will take up arms, be it by sword, by magic, or by wit, against the forces that seek to invade my realm. To act as a monitor against interplanar conquest and watch for those who would assault my home”
- “I pledge my loyalty to my god and my people. I will never accept gifts or favors from evil ones or those who revel with them. To stay true to my order, my comrades, and my duty.”
- “I will use my travels to learn about those who reside in faraway worlds. To be able to act, in trust, as a mentor and guide to those in times of peril.”
- “I will record my travels to the best of my ability, in a detailed and truthful way, while maintaining conscious thought that the information I gather may be dangerous, should it fall into the wrong hands.
Hierarchy of the Priesthood
With the structure of the priesthood being more militaristic in style, Sentinels are given rank based on skill they show, words they speak, and deeds they perform. All of these are weighted equally in the eyes of the priesthood with understanding that some Sentinels will struggle with one, and excel in others. It's the drive to excel and overcome that promotes growth the most.
(There is no innate mechanical benefit to each rank, but it's highly recommended to work with your GM to tie character growth and development to being promoted. For example: Tying received magical items to a religious ceremony when being promoted during the game)
All Sentinels will start as Initiates and be given a mentor to train them. This period lasts for 6 months to a year and includes adventuring and/or study. Initiates are considered part of a class, with ceremonies held twice a year for their classes promotion to the next rank. To demonstrate they are ready for promotion, Initiate Sentinels must demonstrate:
- 6 ranks in their primary weapon skill
- 12 ranks of spells
- Rate 20 (To demonstrate adventuring capacity)
The rank given after is Akhrua, and for many, it is where they choose to stay during their time in the priesthood. Akhrua are the most common sentinels and typically are found in most public areas of the temples. They live their lives and worship the Vigil in a peaceful coexistence, though ready to spring to action if need be. However, the most dedicated who wish for more can undertake the challenge for the next rank. To promote, you must demonstrate:
- 12 ranks in primary weapon skill
- 1 weapon specialization
- 24 ranks of spells
- 1 rank of Military Protocol
- Rate 50
The third rank, and when the militaristic aspects of the priesthood start to set in, is known as Selkerdrim. In layman’s terms, you are captain or leader. Many local areas and country regions are led by a Selkerdrim, and often serve as high priests of temples in rural areas. Quite often they can act as a hub of knowledge when dealing with extraplanar threats. Though, this is not where the priesthood ends its ranking. To proceed, you need:
- 18 ranks in a primary weapon skill
- 2 weapon specializations
- 36 ranks of spells
- 2 ranks of Arcane Knowledge, Leadership, Military Protocol, and Tactics
- Rate 80
The fourth rank, and when you start being in the circles of very important priests is known as Canogan. By this point you have shown an incredible amount of dedication and work to the priesthood, and are awarded as such. Both with responsibility and prestige. Canogan are the leaders of large sections of the priesthood, usually acting as high priests in the temples of large cities or as liaisons between planes themselves. However, there is one achievable rank beyond this, should a priest strive for perfection. To proceed, you need:
- 24 ranks in a primary weapon skill
- 4 weapon specializations
- 60 ranks of spells
- 4 ranks of Arcane Knowledge, Leadership, Military Protocol, and Tactics
- Rate 120
- To have successfully avoided or ended an interplanar conflict. Examples of which include: Slaying a multiplanar eldritch being, ending a multiplanar war, ending the enslavement of a species to another plane.
The fifth and final rank is Arantur, which places you above all others within the priesthood, only short of the god and demigods themselves. The ceremony of achieving this rank involved the goddess herself crowning you for the position, and granting you the position of champion. At this rank, you typically act as ambassador and administrator for an entire plane, or group of planes depending on the situation. Usually from the ones you saved as part of the trial to get this rank.
Changing Oaths
In light of the ways of life, the priesthood does allow one to change their oaths to another subsect of the priesthood. In order to do you, one must present their case to a priest of a higher rank than themselves and has at least 30 ranks of spells.
Change Oath
The ritual can be performed by any Vigil priest with at least 30 divine spells. Time to complete the ritual is around 8 hours, and includes the priest forwarding their cause on why their oaths should be changed.
This ritual, when completed, immediately buys down all spells learned through the previous oath. This ritual can only be done once every 2 years to a priest. (IRL 1 year)
Other priesthood notes
The priesthood of the Vigil maintains a neutral stance on wars and conflicts that take place within a certain plane or planet. However, they do not prevent their own priests native to that plane from participating in such conflicts, so long as it does not violate their oaths or the tenants of the priesthood. As well, this stance may change if either side in the conflict chooses to employ extraplanar entities in their efforts.
Priests of the Vigil have no qualms with the basics of interplanar travel as there is no harm in traveling between planes, nor an issue with trade. Rather, they stand against the acts of war, conquest, and expansion that occurs across planes.
Sentinels are welcome to leave the priesthood at any time they wish, however, they may not come back without extenuating circumstances
Dual Priesting:
- Orus: yes, unless Orus’ requirements get in the way.
- T’or: yes, shares spell groups
- Vormaxia and Tarus: Yes, must be Oath of the Records
- Neptune and Osiris: Yes, must be Oath of the Hearth
- Zepherin: Yes
- At’ena: Yes, see below
- The rest: No, not at the moment
Dual Priest At’ena
Due to the events of OWATE, Quinn and At’ena have a working relationship which has been solidified in the land of Frosland. Quinn worked alongside At’ena for a period of two years, becoming allies with many of the valkyries of Frosland who act as seers. At’ena, due to her previous death, has significant interest in keeping large ‘eldritch’ threats and monstrosities locked away, and as such works with the Priesthood of the Vigil on a daily basis. Most At’enites who follow At’ena guidance are told to assist Sentinels however they can, and Quinn guides her Sentinels to help At’enites in times of need.