>>32816963
I don't want the whole 'free love religion' thing to be the big, only thing that people focus on.

One thing about them is that they consider the arts to be noble and worthy in and of themselves. They carry on bardic traditions and actually train bards alongside paladins and clerics and consider their roles every bit as spiritual as the more overtly religious classes.

In their eyes, honing and practicing an art, be it music, acting, singing, painting, anything really, it is considered a worthy and noble action. Even if you're terrible at it, the mere act of honing your craft and trying to make yourself better at it, of throwing your heart and soul into it, is considered a deeply spiritual and worthy task in and of itself.

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>>32816963
Nasty rumors: they use their charm to kidnap people for their rituals (which may or may not include carnal things and/or human sacrifice)

Traditions: pilgrimage. Each member of the sect must visit a certain place (the spot where their bard-god achieved godhood?) at least once in their lifetimes. Travel must be done by foot, payment for lodgings should be earned from entertainment of other such services.

>>32817140
Those are both good ideas.

Basic story for the bard.

He was a very kind, very humble and quite naive adventurer who slowly got a bit wiser as he traveled. His party ended up saving the entire world by preventing the return of an extremely powerful evil god.

The good gods granted the party boons they knew thy would like. My bard was given eternal youth because they knew he was so humble that neither wealth nor power would ever please him, so they let him wander the world forever, telling stories and singing songs and making friends.

I'm currently playing him in our sequel set a few centuries later, and after this he is going to continue to increase in power and knowledge until he becomes a god.

At the time of this paladin, he is still a very minor one, and thus has only one temple and a few dozen true faithful like clerics and paladins and bards.

But they are fairly well liked in the nearby area and the locals are very friendly to them, so their religion is spreading quickly in the immediate area, much to the anger of other nearby religious groups.

>>32816963
Another quirk about them. Speaking their gods name in public is considered taboo.

Basically, when the bard was an immortal in the mortal world, he would tell the tales of his original adventuring party. But he left his own part in that story out, refusing the let people know he was a part of the legendary group.

He did that because he didn't want the role of the storyteller to become more important than the story itself, his part isn't important in his eyes so long as the tale is told and his friends are remembered for what they did.

That carries over into his religion, his temple has no icons or statues of him, only abstract images. For instance, the Emerald Star is only a vague reference to him, he was a reptilian with green scales. His name and appearance are only known to the higher orders of the temple.

This is all because he is a very humble god and doesn't want his own image or legend to be seen as more important than the work he is trying to do and the word he is trying to spread. In his eyes he is still a humble storyteller who has to remember that the tales and actions of others should always be treated as being more important than his part in them.

>>32817353
Another thing about them.

One of their teachings is to try and spread general happiness wherever they go.

It can take many forms.

A group of traveling paladins hanging up their swords to put on a free concert for a weary town of average peasants.

Using your awesome magical powers to make special affects for a children's puppet theater, just to see the little kids smile and laugh at your antics.

Overthrowing an evil king and bringing prosperity back to the land.

Negotiating a trade deal to make a town more prosperous.

Seeing a a girl or guy in a bar trying to find a partner for the night, take them out for a lovely night of romance and affection before heading to bed together.

Basically boils down to 'If you have it in your power to make someone happy, then your are obligated to do so'.

I would imagine one tradition is that the temple would have an 'open door policy' for strangers - any travellers would likely be welcome to sleep in the temple or it's grounds. That kind of thing stays important to serial wanderers when they gain strongholds

I've heard (IRL) that some people have a quasi-religious relationship to beauty - believing that to find a thing beautiful is to see it as it really is. It would be cool to have something like that be among this temple's teachings.

and being bardic based, it could be a tradition that doesn't have holy books, just an oral tradition. Which could be pretty heretical to some religions, in polytheistic societies new gods are often tolerated, but new types of worship can cause xenophobia

just a few ideas... sounds like a great setting! I hope you have fun with your tantra-paladin!

>>32817593
Thanks, those are some good ideas.

I'm going to have them have texts though. The bard carried a storybook with him on his travels so they have their own texts.

But rather than being a text that claims to be true, it would be some true stories, and some stories that are wholly fictional but which tell a good story with a powerful message.

Because sometimes a story doesn't need to really have happened to have a very real impact on someone. Also some of the tales wouldn't have any real meaning to them, because the very act of telling the story and trying to understand it and find meaning in it, is the entire point.

Yeah, it should be interesting.

Like, a religion and local culture that is pretty heavily laden with sexuality, it's a big part of them, but it's not the only part of the most important part, in fact it could be said to be the most unfortunate part because it makes other religious groups uneasy about them.

The open door policy is a great idea, the bard himself was a habitual wanderer with no real home even when he was wealthy enough to afford a castle.

>>32817641
Ok, I'll try to explain their approach to sex and sexuality, without it coming off as too magical realm.

Basically, they don't like exclusive relationships, they actually consider it somewhat taboo for a couple to pair up only with each other and don't perform marriages in their temple. Their followers are not forbidden from getting married, but it's generally frowned upon, not in an 'immoral' way, more in a 'what are you thinking' kind of way.

They consider it selfish to claim an individual as your mate and yours alone, and also selfish to only share your passions with one person when you could brighten the lives of other people by being intimate with them as well. This culture is pretty strong in the town where the temple itself is based, though it is spreading slowly to nearby groups. It's to the point where if someone is exclusively being intimate with one person, their friends might check in to see if they're feeling okay and maybe try to hook them up with someone else for a little variety.

Nasty rumors circulate about how inside the temple is just one huge orgy all the time, and that's not the case. That said, there's a fair bit of sex going on there, and it's safe to say that somebody is getting laid at least once a day within the walls. They see the physical act of love and intimacy every bit as meaningful and important as the emotional side, and engage in both whenever they have the opportunity.

They don't have much in the way of actual rituals which involve sex, no chanting priests standing around a naked person on an altar mind you, nothing like that, but sex is seen by some followers as a kind of prayer or offering in and of itself, so it's not uncommon for someone cleaning up the temple to happen on a couple making love before the altar.

Basically I am trying to make a seuxally charged society that doesn't come across as nothing more than fetish fuel, and 'getting laid' is hardly the only thing that is noticeable about them.

>>32817819

How about this: children of the hot sexy priestesses are traditionally raised within the church, and that's how your paladin came about. People who aren't keen on your faith would call you whoreson, whereas your people would see you as blessed.

>>32817910
Hmm, might work. Though my character is a Dragonborn.

Perhaps the priestess seduced a male dragon and he is one of the offspring?

It would make sense if he's seen as particularly important then, as he is the first paladin of their order to venture so far from their single temple.

>>32817927

One big thing I want to bring across with them is that while their followers might be extremely happy for rather obvious reasons, other religions, even other good religions, quite dislike them oftentimes.

Other followers see them as promiscuous and dangerous, keen to wreck their quiet towns and engage in dark carnal rituals in their mysterious temple.

They are sometimes seen as being not nearly serious enough, paladins and clerics putting on a play? Who would have ever heard of such a thing? It's certainly not respectable behavior for holy men.

The lack of a name or image for their deity makes people uneasy. They might be worshiping a demon or really just getting power for themselves because no actual god is on display here, even though he truly is there.

And of course their rather carnal nature at times is difficult, especially their view of marriage which ranges from 'quaint' to 'idiotic'. The biggest blunder in public relations they have ever had was one of their paladins rescuing the daughter of a duke. At the banquet held in his honor afterwards, he celebrated by bedding both said daughter and the duke's wife, largely due to a miscommunication where he thought the duke was actually inviting him to do so, a semi-common custom for hosts to offer an honored guest a pleasant night with the gender of their preference.

>>32818177
They also try to have no prejudice about species, any and all are welcome to stay in their temple for a night or two, join their community or be under their protection. Though for some of them a discrete casting of detect evil is involved.

>>32818501
Heading off to do yard work soon. I will come back to post more later.

Hoping to see some cool or funny ideas when I check back in.

>>32817514
>'If you have it in your power to make someone happy, then your are obligated to do so'.

...unless their form of "happiness" consists of eating your children or something. If someone's "good" do everything in your power to give them a happy life, if not, smite evil.

>>32819593
RIght.... of course.

>>32820178
Bump.

>>32822150
I''m off to do more work I'm afraid.

I will try to return later and post something. Some solid ideas here, thanks for those.

One thing I'd like to recommend, if the church of the emerald star has a version of sainthood, it's held by the PCs of your old party. Bonus if the church got their characterization comically incorrect.

>>32824205
Hmm, revering the old party is a good idea. But considering they are steeped in bardic tradition who consider the very act of storytelling to be a spiritual discipline, I doubt they would get the characters completely wrong. Perhaps legendary, fairytale esque versions of them, but not completely wrong.

Especially considering their god would just straight up tell them they were doing it wrong.

>>32824945
So what other faiths do you think would have the most powerful reactions to them? Either positive or negative? If nothing else, the Order is extremely fervent in their beliefs and not really willing to bend in the face of other cultures. They respect them, but won't change for them.

What kinds of conflicts would this cause? What problems might arise between them and other faiths or kingdoms their followers visit?

>>32825953
Temples with a strong emphasis on law would dislike them, as would pretty much anybody with a serious bent. Good storytelling is frequently improvisational, and any religion that has a strict interpretation of their holy doctrines/texts would be threatened by the notion of a church that's constantly in flux. Also, because of the whole "free love" thing, unless your world has Fantasy Birth Cuntroll, any church with a charitable arm will probably see a sudden and unwelcome influx of single parents in need of assistance. Does your church have the facilities to deal with that? Because much of the purpose of the two-parent dynamic is to allow folks to manage a kid and a job and not starve themselves in the process.

>>32827404
Magical birth control is a thing in most D&D settings I believe, and the actual members of the temple would be expected to not knock up people at random or be prepared to deal with the consequences. Anyone bearing an unwanted child by one of the temple's adventurers would receive some support from the temple and said adventurer as a matter of honor.

It's interesting what you say about law though, considering that my paladin is of course lawful good, its just that the law that he holds is a code rather different from that which others might hold to, however he adheres to it just as strongly as any other.

>>32828352
> Magical birth control is a thing in most D&D settings I believe
I've never seen it mentioned in all my years. That's not to say it doesn't exist, but it's something to think about.

>>32828404
Well considering that you can get potions to do just about every other thing imaginable, I think birth control would be one of the first things they would do.

I mean if I can drink a potion that lets me walk up walls, I think there's a potion for not getting pregnant, plus ones to make that mating itself a lot more fun.

So even if it's not directly stated, my group treats such things as the obvious, implied things that the rulebooks just don't feel like specifically mentioning.

>>32816963

If their deity's a bard, they're probably very familiar with whatever the bard in question's preferred form of expression was; some type of music, or what have you. Indeed, the bard-god's visions to his disciples might even include that music frequently as an element of the visions.

There's probably an incredible musician or two amongst the faithful.

If their god's got a big thing for loyalty and friendship, they might have strong emphasis on honouring one's word, too. Family may be a big thing for them, but so might band-of-brothers type groups and what-not. Given they're promiscuous, though, families - big, extended, possibly polygamous families - might be a big thing.

>>32828522
This is all pretty accurate.

They make friends fairly easily, and then treat those friendships as thicker than steel comrades, they would absolutely always stand by their side to the gates of hell itself.

Polygamy without gender roles is their basic mindset, they don't have marriages, they like spreading the love around, though they can and do have favored partners whom they go to more often than others.

They are also very welcoming of strangers, no matter what species they are from, and generally don't judge people based on what they are, only who they are. This has made them a bastion for some individuals cast out of their own homes because of their species, practices, or sexuality. These followers are extremely loyal to the temple for giving them a home and a family of sorts, but having such folk in their ranks also serves to make other temples and faiths even more suspicious of them.

>>32828606

The thing about polygamy is that, when dealing with heterosexual relationships, it tends to result in children, and children, unless abandoned to die on a rock somewhere, tend to cost resources. Marriage exists as more than just a way to ensure heredity and organize inheritance, it's also a contractual obligation to recognize and rear children.

Even if these people don't have marriages of any sort, that sort of thing still has to be dealt with somehow. Do they tend to raise kids communally? How's it dealt with?

>>32828725
Haven't thought about it, that's why I'm looking for ideas.

I guess kids would be raised communally if that's what the parents wanted. Who the child 'belongs' to would be a somewhat complex tradition. If the father stuck with the mother and supported her during and after her pregnancy it would be 'their' child, if he didn't then the temple would try to support her and it would be considered her child, and if neither of them wants it I guess the temple would take the kid.

If this is done, the child would be raised by various fosters within the temple, which would change every so often as they each go on missions, and just to give the kid a different environment every now and again to help them grow and develop with the benefits of multiple different viewpoints from various parent figures.

Or if they don't have the resources for that, find a suitable foster family in the surrounding community.

All of that said, the temple highly frowns on bringing a life into the world without being prepared to care for and support that life.

>>32817218
>>32817353
>>32817514
8/10 would read novelisation

>>32824945
>Especially considering their god would just straight up tell them they were doing it wrong.

Unless it was more funny that way...

http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Feral_World_Religion

>>32828988
Why thank you, that's a nice thing to say. Any suggestions to make it better?

>>32829534
Well, he does appreciate a good laugh, I could see him using his powers for humor considering that a major tenant is spreading joy. But he wouldn't do it at the expense of his friends memories.

>>32828988
Agreed. This sounds awesome.

>>32817819
>a running joke could be NPCs showing up and trying to join the church as they 'hope' it's going to be a nonstop orgy

>>32832745
Ingame "that guy?"

perhaps all of their temples have auditoriums/concert halls/ theaters for plays/art meuseums/etc. somewhere in the building?

>>32832745
>>32833290

There ARE a fair number of orgies going on in the temple. They're not official though, they're not called for anywhere in the official texts or rituals, it just kinda happens when you have a bunch of people in the same building with no concept of exclusive relationships and a high percentage of bisexuality.

They're open to people joining just for sex as they regard sex as being in and of itself important, but every member is expected to behave to the standards of the church, so a good number of those kinds of members don't last long.

>>32833495
They would have a fair number of such rooms, probably one outdoor amphitheater for plays and large musical demonstrations, and then smaller rooms inside for practicing, working other crafts like art and writing, and performing smaller shows.

After all, the mere act of honing an art form, even if you're not actually good at it, is seen as a noble task.

>>32832465
You flatter me, I could maybe write something on this, I'm not a half bad writer in my opinion. Give me a few ideas and I'll gladly type something up if I get the chance.

>>32834030
I think a big problem with them is that they would be put up against otherwise fairly noble and reasonable law codes. For instance, a religious society in which lots of personal rights are respected and upheld, and is generally a great place to be. But they have somewhat restrictive morality laws on the subject of intimacy so I'm sorry but we have to campaign against you now. The flipside of having a sexually open very inclusive temple is that you make a lot of people on the other end of the spectrum really hostile even if you're all good aligned.

If anyone is curious I'm trying to write a short story based on this, or a couple scenes or something. If you have ideas then please let me know, I'll try to work them in.

>>32834548
Ok, got started.

He awoke slowly the room around him fading into solidity as he his eyes pulled themselves into focus. He blinked a few times, looking up at the stone ceiling above him, focusing his will on remembering exactly what happened. The events were, somewhat blurred, but he remembered them well enough it seemed. There had been a concert last night, a few of the more experienced clerics had put something together and performed in the amphitheater, a lot of the temple’s members had turned out. It was a fine night, the music was good, upbeat and energetic, people were dancing and laughing and drinking. Oh yes, drinking. That was why his head was pounding a little, though he had felt worse. He had enjoyed the music, danced a little, and then…

He reached beside him, searching the bed, but he knew he was alone in it. He hadn’t been alone last night, but it seemed his partner had already left while he was asleep. Shame, a good morning kiss was one of the best ways to start a day. He threw the covers off, forcing himself to operate through the mild hangover by sheer force of will, and stood up, blinking. In through the window streamed the golden sunlight of morning, and he walked over to the window, opening it up to let some fresh air in. He didn’t remember exactly everything that happened last night, but the scent of their… celebration was thick enough to choke on, especially for his sensitive nose.

>>32834830
He walked over to the wardrobe, opening it up. Some people didn’t wear clothes around the temple, it wasn’t required, but he chose to. It was a personal comfort thing. He looked himself in the mirror that lined the inside door of the wardrobe, everything seemed in order. His brown scales were looking good, if a bit dull, and his golden eyes were shining, despite the cloud of leftover alcohol. The dragonborn nodded, reaching in to get his usual clothes, a simple white shirt and some brown leather pants with a broad belt, he rarely felt the need to be flashy or overdress, except for very special occasions.

His name was Kendov Smoliin, and he was a paladin of the Order of the Emerald Star.

>>32834845
Now dressed and moderately ready to face the day, Kendov opened the door and stepped out, the claws on his bare feet clicking on the stone floors, his hide tougher than the sole of any boot so he didn’t bother even trying to find one that fit his large, three-toed feet. More like the paws of a dragon than the foot of a humanoid anyway. His brownish, stiff head frills swayed behind him gently as he walked. There were a good number of other adherents of the temple already up, he greeted them with a nod or a smile as he walked by. Everyone was friends with pretty much everyone else here, it was one of the real perks of living in the temple. Here, everyone was family, everyone was friend, and after you spend any length of time there, a good number of them were lovers too.

Kendov had been here longer than many, he had actually grown up in the temple. His mother was a great cleric of their order, one of the first champions of their cause. She had been out on one of her quests when she found him, a tiny child alone in the burned remnants of his village, all his people either killed or run off by a band of marauding orcs. She had taken him up at once, raising him as her own child, an arrangement that worked out well for a time. But she was a holy warrior of the Order, and could not spare the time for him, her duties were simply too important. After that, Kendov was brought to the temple, where he spent the remainder of his childhood and has remained ever since.

>>32835051
He was hardly the only one who had been raised here, after all their lifestyle did tend to produce a fair number of offspring for some, but he had been one of the first. Most of the others raised here were still in their early to mid-teens at most. Kendov was one of the eldest at 22, a young man in the flowering of his long, long life, for his kind lived as long as the elves on average. As was the tradition for the temple, he had been raised by a fair different number of people over the years. He would spend a few months or years with one, then be put into the care of another when the previous mentor was put on assignment, or simply when it was time for a change. This was seen as a wise system, it helped more adults get used to caring for a younger generation, and the kids got to experience a bunch of different views and lifestyles coming from their many different ‘parents’. This was another reason that he tended to see the fellows at his temple as his family, they were the closest thing he had ever had to one.

>>32835231
When he was fourteen he decided that he was going to become a warrior in the Order. Taken as he was by tales of the exploits of his first mother, and grateful to the temple for giving him a home and a life, he wanted to put his skills to use in aiding their cause and mission. Having rather more practice with his sword arm than his holy orders, the path of the paladin was the most obvious, and at sixteen his training officially began. Swordplay, armoring, riding, archery, battlefield medicine, music, culture, history. All of these were things that he was expected to learn, and was taught to the best ability that the temple had to offer. He had proven fairly adept at them, mostly due to his insatiable drive to prove himself to the temple, they had given him a life here, by the honor of his blood and ancestry he felt it was his duty to do whatever he could to aid them. Some of his friends thought he was a little overenthusiastic about the idea, but non-dragonborn sometimes had difficulty grasping how this felt for his kind.

>>32835242
A minute later, he reached his destination, another of the dormitory rooms in a hall a little ways down from his. He knocked on the door loudly, waiting a minute. “Come on.” He said, knocking again when he heard movement inside. A minute later the door opened, a somewhat tired half-orc greeting him. “Ah, wondered when you’d be stopping by.” He said, going back into the room.

Kendov leaned in, looking around curiously. “Haven’t interrupted anything have I?” He asked, the halfbreed shaking his head.

“No, no, didn’t have time for any of that last night, wanted to get this finished.” He said, picking something off his workbench. He walked back over to the door, holding it out. Kendov smiled, taking the familiar guitar in hand.

“It’s perfect.” He said, running his hand along the familiar neck of the instrument, looking at the decoration on the face. “Thanks for this, I’ll pay you back someday.”

Grash shook his head. “Nah, just doing it was payment enough.” He said, admiring the guitar. On its wooden face was now an emblem of a dragon, wings outstretched, emblazoned on the stained wood. It was lovely work, the half orc was a fine craftsman.

“Nonetheless thank you my friend, I’ve missed this but… so worth it, it looks great.” He said with a grin. Grash and him had been friends ever since the half orc arrived at the temple six years ago. His mother had been pregnant with him when she arrived, staying long enough to give birth with the help of the clerics and then vanishing into the night without him. He didn’t seem to resent it though, the temple was his home and family as far as he seemed to care.

>>32835801
I'll post more later if anyone cares.

>>32836114
I'm still taking ideas by the way, writing more now.

Kendov strummed the instrument, nodding. “Alright, I’ll see you later, I should be getting on.” He said, slinging the guitar over his shoulder by the strap. The half orc nodded, “Yeah, I have some things to get done myself, can’t be all fun and games.” He said with a grin, his sharp teeth glinting in the light.

Kendov waved goodbye and went up a few floors. The dorm wings where the lower ranked members stayed were built around the outside of the temple proper, which was a lovely multistory stone building built by the faithful, it was quite an accomplishment, especially for a young order like theirs. He eventually found his way to a quiet room on the third floor, facing the rising sun. He usually came here around this time. It was a quiet little music room for one or two people to practice in, along one wall was a window, topped with stained glass of a single emerald star.

The star was the most common description of the deity to whom the temple was devoted, a storyteller god who’s only following was within the temple itself and the surrounding area. A very humble deity, their god disliked his name or image being flaunted, to the point where Kendov himself did not even know the name of the god to whom he swore his service. He bowed his head to the shining stained glass star, which shimmered and sparkled as the midmorning light caught it. Then he put his hands to the guitar and began to play, his claws plucking the strings as he let his instincts guide the music, a simple rustic melody that filled the air for an hour or so. Each faith prayed differently, some meditated in silence, some shouted words at the sun, some in this temple considered bedsport their prayer, whatever worked for them. Kendov prayed with his music, and through it he received his power each day to use what divine magic his place as a paladin granted him. It seemed fitting, the god of the Emerald Star had brought music into his life, it was only fair to play some for him in return.

>>32836658
I'm not entirely sure what to do with this little story I admit.

Any suggestions/requests for what happens? Complications to throw at him? I'm terribly bored and will do more or less anything on request.

>>32816963
Interest bump.

>>32836809
c'mon man more

>>32837895
You'll have to wait a little bit. Taking care of things during the day here.

I will return this evening with more story

Do you have any ideas? Perpahs some kind of complication to make it more interesting? Or something you would like to see?

>>32838260
ummm... how are members of the order organised? is their a caste system? how do they not kind of fall into a pseudo hedonism state as everyone's trying to make each other happy so no one goes to work and that hospital doesn't get built

>>32838326
They're ranked by seniority generally, no differentiation between types. So an older accomplished bard ranks higher than younger clerics and paladins.

It's not just hedonism all the time, they certainly like their fun but they also teach moderation, to a sane degree. Some stuff just has to get done so you can have fun later, some tasks need to be carried out for the greater good, both your own in the future and of the people around you in general.

So it's not just a big hedonistic orgy of music and drinking all the time, they just embrace that side of life as well as getting their work done, rather than going on about how chastity and humility is the best way to live.

>>32838422
Their god was a nomad so much so that he was granted immortality to continue that. How do followers of the faith reflect on that? pilgrimages? But then they're not really the small, unimportant bard he was travelling freely and how do they maintain order? For example say a lower bard wants to go on a trip around the country how do the older monks say no without crushing his free spirit? Who would the God support - the bard because that's what he likes and he doesn't really want to be revered anyway or the senior clerics because they're senior?

>>32838468
Hmm, interesting dilemma.

I would go with the suggestion from above, that they do go on pilgrimages of a sort, where they have to pay their way using money they get from performing their arts, or selling paintings and such that they made.

Their god was a wanderer but they all aren't, a good number of them stay to help the temple grow, but a big part of their beliefs is also going out and spreading the word, and doing good deeds in the wider world. So if a bard wanted to go off on a quest, or just wandering, I don't think the clerics would stop him if they thought he was ready to go out on his own, they would only try to reason with him if they didn't think he was skilled enough yet to be safe as a starting adventurer.

Stopped reading about a third of the way down, but just want to say thanks OP. First post I was like "oh yeah I see where this is going." But I'm happy to see you've got something here that involves mentioning sex that has been done properly and done well. So refreshing to see sex used as one small, snesible part of an idea. Hope your game goes well OP.

>>32838649
Why thank you.

Take a look at the rest if you get the chance, I appreciate the thought regardless.

It's nice to be able to talk about sex and sexuality, and incorporate it into something without letting it be the only thing that's there to be seen, or have people only care about that one part of it.

>>32838666
Right well their is something we've forgotten about: STDs, how do you deal with those

>>32838752
Clerical magic, presumably?

>>32838772
fair enough but what about socially, how does it affect the persons standing in the church, what do people think about it?
+1 for sex
-1 for maybe accidentally spreading disease to other people
could it be a badge of honour to prove your many sexual exploits

Earlier in the thread contraceptives were mentioned. Perhaps this could be a service that generates revenue for the temple as well as controversy because other religions are against that sort of thing.

>>32838882
say contraceptives weren't used
+1 for better sex
-1 not supporting church sales of contraceptives
-1 not being a good lover and telling your mate you had an std

>>32838752
>>32838772
Paladins are immune to all diseases, and bards and clerics have healing spells.

>>32838818
>>32839029
>>32838882
Selling magical birth control and anti-disease potions seems like a great idea. Don't want a thick primitive condom spoiling your time? Go grab an easy to use potion that preserves the feeling while removing the risk of pregnancy, or a quick fix for a nasty infection you picked up.

It goes to earn some money, makes their people happier, and also alienates other religions just that much more.

>>32839165
ok but what happens to those who don't use the potion?

>>32838260
What kind of ceremonys does the Church perform, well not weddings for one.
Funerals could somehow tie in with how the bard kept wandering in immortality.
Initiation could be a small jam of musicians

>>32839165
It works on both sides of the scale. Obviously the more prudish ones would be against it but the other free-love faiths could hold pregnancy as a sacred thing and consider preventing it to be unnatural and wrong.

>>32839360
Yeah, the poor Order seems to draw flak from all sides. Either from the prudes from having way too much sex, or from the fertility worshipers for not wanting everyone pregnant.

>>32839235
It would be basically mandatory to cure any diseases you have, and not being willing to support a child you create, accidentally or not, is the height of dishonor.

>>32839332
Hmm, an initiation ceremony would be good.

Perhaps to show their dedication to the order they hone an art skill, and then perform at their initiation? And then they move from being a hopeful to a full member.

This helps keep out the crowd who want to become members just for some free sex without caring for the actual order itself.

One of the scenes I'm going to do is a guy trying to get in who obviously just wants some easy sex and doesn't care about their real message.

Kendov's response is to grab him by the hip, pull him in close and say he could arrange that, given how cute he is.

>>32839489
What's the afterlife like for a faithful....bardite?

It sounds like they'd have difficulty keeping their numbers up. Of all the people who come to the temple, most will leave after using their services, others who try to join won't make it through the screening process, and those who make it through the whole shebang are thrust out into a world filled with things that could keep them away forever.

>>32839669
Kinda like Valhalla I would say.

An eternity of drinking, feasting, singing and music, and other diversions of course.

Their god would welcome them into his hall as brothers and serve up some food, play music for and with them, spar alongside them. They would go on adventures across the astral planes, enter the mortal world where possible to aid the living when they could.

So yeah, kinda like the Norse afterlife but more relaxed and fun than hardcore and violent.

>>32840347
would they actually meet him in the flesh, so to speak.

>>32840471
Yeah they would. He would look like he did as a mortal, he only breaks out the big flashy forms when he needs to impress someone for some reason, delivering a divine vision or putting on a show for other gods.


He'd welcome them to his hall, make sure they find a seat at his table, play music for them or alongside other musicians, act in plays. Generally he'd act as a humble, friendly host to honored guests.

>>32840715
Since becoming a God have his skills got Godly better? Not just from time to practise but by the act of being a God? Could you weave different examples of his appearances into your story, maybe quite a few as an unimportant sweeper and just one flashy devine vision

>>32840798
He certainly has the powers of a god now, though I'm not sure what form it will take. Certainly extremely powerful in battle, the ability to send visions to his followers and such like that, wielding magical powers beyond the scope of any mortal.

As for appearances, what do you have in mind?

Sorry for long post delays, running around a lot today.

>>32841800
I wouldn't be good for ideas however
I've always been partial to the eternal wanderer with immense power but nobody notices him because he's a hobo or a sweeper
If you wanted to do a divine presence well go big or go home it's have to be at a concert
He could drop little sound idioms on PCs everywhere they go, and they'd brush it off as 'bards are all the same everywhere you go' Think of him as being the barman in English Life on Mars

>>32841862
Yeah yeah, I can easily see him taking an inconspicuous form and being in the background of the adventures of our noble draconian, wanting to see this new story unfold for himself or offer a little tidbit of help where he felt his word was needed.

>>32841890
it's a bit cliché but I love it

>>32841890
Bump.

Sorry for being absent.

>>32843484
are you going to continue the story?
Also details like dress need to be addressed, in the story it's mentioned that many opted for no clothes however that can't work during winter and some people just won't want to so is their some kind of specific garment, like robes, for the order? Does it change on rank? Personally I'd put it as the kind of clothes the bard wore when he was mortal, starting with his low level clothes for initiates and his high level whatever for 'grand masters' or what have you.

>>32843695
I will continue, I was just tired and fell asleep in my computer chair.

Clothing optional, the bard, being a reptilian race, barely wore anything, just a leather longcoat. So the closest thing they have to a uniform is a leather duster coat usually incorporated into their armor. For instance Kendov wears plate armor which fits in with his duster, the chest piece going over the coat, and the coat going over the leg armor.

A good number of the temple's members chose to go naked pretty much all the time, or to only wear clothes when needed, like for jobs that require protection, pockets, or when it's cold or rainy outside.

Others wear clothes most of the time, but might go naked for specific reasons at certain times. For instance when some others are putting on a very energetic concert someone might go naked because they feel it's spiritual and freeing... or to signal to the whole world they're looking to get laid right damn now.

I will be continuing tonight, I'm just trying to think of where the story should go to keep it interesting.

Ideas? Some conflict or issue for Kendov to have to deal with? Otherwise it's just him kinda walking around with not much to do.

>>32833495
This is a very good idea.

>>32843831
Introduce a problem for him For example:
>People trying to join just for the sex
>Troublesome initiates
>Rival faith (this'll be difficult without causing some big war which this Church would probably lose)
>Can't convince someone to bone for whatever reason
>Something like temporarily paralysing his arms in an explosion, can't play guitar, can't pray, shenanigans

>>32843831
Also what is it called the order of...?
And a follower of the faith would be called..,.?

>>32844093
I like these, I'll work on them, might grab dinner first but I swear I will write tonight.

Also, just fyi, there is going to be same sex content. Nothing graphic, I'll use tasteful fade to black but that's just how it's going to be and I hope that doesn't bother you. It won't be every time mind you, but that's just a part of this setting.

>>32844042
It is a good idea, and I have implemented it. Amphitheater out back and music/arts rooms inside.

>>32844138
Order of the Emerald Star.

And I have not thought about what a follower would be called...

>>32844141
fair enough, been in this thread two days now, who else is here? Which sex out of curiosity?

>>32844186
Well Kendov is a guy so male/male would be the most common of that sort, maybe see some girls making out as a background event. Don't worry though, he certainly likes the ladies as well so plenty of that.

This thread is now on suptg. Remember to upvote.

>>32844261
This is pretty interesting + don't want to lose past two nights, what if the thread is deleted?

>>32844369
link?

>>32844369
Well shit! Now I HAVE to keep writing this or else be judged poorly by all of posterity.

Dinner time soon, I will write after that, folks probably want to watch a movie. After that I will be writing all night. I'll use the ideas given here for some simple 'everyday' problems and then maybe send him off on a real mission.

>>32844400
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Emerald%20Star

>>32844426
Obviously someone had to design the temple, was he a follower? Did he include anything extra special -secret rooms and the like- What do followers who are just ordinary NPCs do outside the temple to do with the order? For example hanging a sigil on their wall, on their lawn what have you

>>32841800
You could have for the afterlife that big hedonistic thing of adventuring, having a good time and such, but nobody has seen the god of this religion for some time. Turns out he's the guy serving the drinks, or tuning the instruments, or sharpening the rapiers.

>>32844156
Starite?

>>32844504
Yeah. The bard 'The Emerald Star' sent visions to mortals who would make good followers, or who were looking for something else in their lives. Eventually these visions brought them together. They wandered the land for a time gaining followers before they came together and built their temple. At first it was just a simple wooden building that was their temporary shelter while the big stone one was built. Among the faithful were some pretty wealthy sponsors so they had the money to build it.

The faithful who aren't active in the temple, IE not bards/clerics/paladins would probably wear a pendant shaped like a four pointed star. Decorating your house in a similar icon, like painting a green star above your door or having a metal star hanging out is a good way to express their faith.

Icons are usually put on or near the door as a signal to weary travelers that they can find shelter, or at least help at that home, as giving aid to travelers is one of their teachings.

>>32844632
I love this, absolutely doing it. They think he's gone or aloof but he's right there just being one of the guys and nobody noticed him.

Right, dinner time, you all discuss and play nice in my absence, I will return later with more story

I wanna go sleep very soon so can I check the suptg link tomorrow and everything'll be there?

>>32845317
Yeah, you should be able to. I'm back and writing shortly.

You all let me know if you have any ideas or requests.

I'll keep talking and taking ideas, I'm flattered with the archive so believe me I plan on delivering.

>>32845612
An hour or so later Kendov had finished his musical meditation, the divine favor of his deity having been bestowed. He felt the divine power within him, like a soft gentle flame in his heart, it always comforted him to feel that. He probably wouldn’t need it today, but one never did know. He headed back out into the hall, his guitar hanging idly at his side. This was one of his more free days, he didn’t have any real duties to perform at the moment. In free periods like this he was expected to practice his arts, be they with blade or instrument, perhaps travel to the nearby town to spread the word of the Order, or simply help out around the temple for the people who had things planned.

The Order was… far less strict than many other faiths. They rarely had large intricate ceremonies or rites, at least not ones that followed a certain schedule. They had a few special days, usually marking celestial events like the solstice or the first day of summer. Other than that, they simply organized special events as they were ready, a play when the actors were ready to perform, music when it was composed, art exhibition when it was complete. Those at the temple worked towards honing their crafts as a spiritual discipline, others understood this and didn’t rush them, giving them the time they needed to grow and prepare for public display. A good number of these exhibits were open to the public who were only asked to contribute charitably to help their order grow and prosper. Overall, it was a good relationship, the local people helped them financially, and in turn were exposed to arts and music they normally would have to pay steep prices to see even once, let alone on a regular basis.

>>32846047
He’d probably get a request soon though, the elders finding some task for him to carry out as he currently had none of his own. He was one of the more ‘on call’ members of the temple, carrying out the wishes of the elders without simply doing whatever he pleased to further the order’s cause. Even in a very open society, there had to be people to carry out the orders of the leadership, so that others could live more free lives. He turned a corner, and smiled as he heard familiar music, the lilting sound of a harp wafting over the air. He entered another little study room, looking at the woman playing inside, her nimble fingers playing the harp like a true professional.

“Hello beautiful.” He said, stepping inside. The lady paused for a moment, turning to face him, the half-elf’s ears peeking out through her golden hair. “Lyda, I have to say that was some lovely playing. Though I think you’d take a break, considering you were playing in the concert last night. Wouldn’t want to wear yourself out, would you?” He asked with a sly grin.

Lyda, one of the bards of the Order, was a mainstay of their large musical performances, she usually had a solo all to herself in addition to backing others up. She was extremely popular both in the temple and out. There were a few reasons for this, such as her extremely skilled harp playing, her simply angelic voice, her fine stage presence and body language… and because she was extremely beautiful and hardly ever wore any kind of clothing. A good number of the people in the temple went naked most of the time, as did some of the villagers in the town which was mostly faithful to the order. Kendov hardly ever did so, he liked having pockets, but he was hardly complaining about others upholding the practice, especially Lyda…

>>32846386
The half elf graced him with her lovely smile, putting her harp aside for a moment. “The concert wasn’t tiring, I could do a hundred of those. Your show of approval however… that was tiring.” She said with a smile, getting up and walking over to him, putting her arms around his neck.

Kendov hugged the lady to him, holding her smaller body gently. “I missed you this morning, did something come up?” He asked, letting her go.

She smiled sadly. “Sorry for that, you slept in later than usual and I had work to do, they’re already talking about another concert, something about a goodwill mission? I don’t know the details but if it helps the Order it’s only right that I do what I can.”

Kendov nodded. “Yes, that makes sense I suppose. Still, I would have liked to have woken by you this morning, have I ever told you that you look even more lovely than normal in warm morning sunlight?”

She giggled, lightly smacking his chest. “Stop it, you’re incorrigible. Like I said, I had to come out and start practicing this piece, it’s important I put on a good performance for the crowds. It seems I’m very popular with the townsfolk for some reason.” She said with a knowing smile.

Kendov held up his hands for mercy. “Don’t fault me if they have good taste!”

>>32846601
She laughed again, a sound that reminded him of bells ringing over open country. “Yes well, so long as they don’t grab anything without my permission, always some poor fool who goes home nursing a swollen hand. Anyway I’m sorry I left this morning, but I just finished practicing…” She said with a smile.

“Well then.” Kendov said, flicking the door shut with his tail. “Perhaps we should make up on lost time?” He asked, walking forwards.

“Perhaps we should.” She said, pulling him into a kiss.
…
A few minutes later, things were going quite well, Kendov’s clothes scattered about the room, the two of them laying on a couch against the far wall which was holding up remarkably well considering the circumstances. They had been going at this for oh… ten minutes or so now, and everything was proceeding quite nicely in Kendov’s mind. He was just about to suggest a change of position when he heard a click behind him, the door swinging open.

“Hey man.” Grash said from the doorway, “I was looking for… oh, sorry man, didn’t mean to barge in.” He said, smiling as he leaned against the doorframe. “Didn’t think you two had it in you, considering you kept half the floor up last night.”

“What is it!” Kendov said in a somewhat rushed voice, not even bothering to slow down.

“The elders want to see you, said it’s kinda important so you might want to run along.” His friend said, grinning at the whole situation.

“Five minutes.” Kendov demanded, the half orc coming inside and sitting down on a stool. “Hey, it’s you they want to see not me, take your time for all I care. Oh don’t mind me.” He said, reclining as the dragonborn carried on.

>>32846934
Five minutes later he was getting his clothes back on and kissing Lyda goodbye. “Sorry hun, duty calls.” He said, heading for the door. “Thanks for the heads up man, I’ll go see what the higher ups want.” He said, Grash looking like he was about to say something before Lyda grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out of sight as the door closed. Kendov grinned and shook his head, before heading up towards the upper levels of the temple.

>>32816963
>Their god is actually my last character

Wow what a faggot.

>>32847410
I'm not the first in our party to do this.

One of our party became a far more powerful deity, his future characters are usually his followers and thus far all have been his children he sired while he was time traveling before becoming a god.

>>32846934
He walked these upper halls more often than most, as he was often called upon to carry out the will of the elders, who usually spoke on important matters which would affect the temple as a whole. They usually concentrated on dealing with outside forces, making choices that would affect how the world saw them. It was an important job, they had only a small following so far and most people in further off towns hadn’t even heard of them, or if they had they only heard nasty rumors that other temples started. The Order wasn’t exactly the most well liked faith, a few other nearby groups considered their rather hedonistic lifestyle an affront to good sensible living.

But what was the point of life if you weren’t having fun while you were here? If he had his choice of how to pray, he’d take lovely music over kneeling on stone floors and wailing any day. Then again, it was the only way he had ever known. The high halls were less densely packed, the doors here led to private studies, personal libraries and magical laboratories for the high ranked members of the temple, most people didn’t have any reason to come up here. Kendov walked up to a wooden double door, and knocked smartly, the door swinging open a moment later. “I was told you wished to see me.” He said as he stepped inside.

>>32847729
“Yes, we have a task for you, please have a seat.” A woman said, gesturing to a wooden chair. This chamber held the council of elders, even though the people here were not all particularly old. Rather they represented the most experienced members of the Order, who wished to have a position of leadership rather than simply living out their lives in accordance with the faith. Bard, paladin, cleric, all were here in a half dozen men and women sitting around the room. Those who wore clothes wore simple white robes with a green star broach, the emblem of their order.

“Of course, what do you need of me?” He asked as he sat, putting his tail through a hole in the chair.

“The biggest problem facing our order, simply put, is goodwill.” A man in front began simply. “We aren’t trusted enough by the people outside this town, there are too many dark rumors being spread by our detractors. At this rate we are expanding far too slowly to ever really see any growth to our temple, at least not enough to make us anything more than a local attraction. However, we are in luck.” He said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a parchment. On it was written an invitation to some formal event in a city Kendov had never been to.

>>32847942
“There is a formal banquet being held a few days journey from our temple. Celebrating the birth of a new child into the local noble’s family.” Explained a woman in cleric’s robes. “It will be attended by numerous dignitaries, dukes , princes and wealthy landowners. One of the guests is a supporter of ours and has managed to get us an invitation, namely to provide entertainment for the banquet as well as being able to mingle with the guests. Our task to you is to lead the group which will travel to this banquet, ensure they arrive safely, pull off their show properly and spread the good word about us. We need you to be an ambassador of sorts. Make sure those nobles understand that we’re good folk and not to be feared, that way our people can move more freely into their territories and spread the word of the Emerald Star, without being harassed by the local authorities on baseless rumors.”

>>32847957
Anyone reading at the moment? I think I'm on the road to an actual plot of sorts.

>>32848160
Hell yeah, my man!
You got something going here for sure.

>>32848313
Alright, more on the way.

>>32847957
Kendov nodded. “Of course, I will do everything in my power to put a good foot forwards, I won’t have these malicious rumors being all that people hear of us.” After that they spent some time talking about the technical details of the assignment, important persons to get on the good side of, a crash course in the local political situation so he could avoid stepping on anybody’s toes, that sort of thing. Most worrying was the trip itself, which might take them through risky territory, as despite the efforts of the temple and local authorities the roads in this area were not always safe. But considering that their musicians were all trained combatants of the Order, he highly doubted they would have any real difficulties if proper precautions were taken. An hour later he left the chamber with a leather case full of maps and important notes, as well as the list of people who were going along.

He was glad to see both Lyda and Grash , as well as some others he knew were going along about a dozen in total. He went back to the music room but it seemed those two had already left, having finished their little interlude. He asked a junior cleric to help him track down everyone on the list, telling them to meet later. After that he checked his gear, planned a route, pooled the cash needed for the trip and otherwise fulfilled his obligations as the leader of their little band. Then the group met up at dinner, as he described their mission over food.

“So basically we go in, put on a nice show and be likable.” Grash summed up.

>>32848848

“Basically, so I want everyone on their best behavior and looking their nicest. Oh and Lyda, I’m sorry but you’re going to have to wear clothes in public.” The half elf glared at him, fuming silently. “Believe me, not my call.” He said, getting his map out to describe the route. “It is a somewhat risky road but the only other path would lead around the forest and take too long, so we have to go through the middle. There are reports of bandits operating there so be sharp.” He said, the rest of their meeting grinding to a halt an hour or so later after it seemed all issues had been discussed, the various members breaking up and heading off to their own evening tasks.

>>32848867
Kendov was heading back to his room for the night, seeing Grash in the hallway. He nodded to his friend, who was leaning against his door. “Waiting for something?” He asked the half orc.

“Just thinking about this assignment. It’s… well it’s kinda big. I mean, the chance to expand our order into other lands? To shut up all the rumors people have been making up about us? It’s a pretty big thing to not mess up.” He said, looking a tad nervous.

“Hey relax man, you’re going to be fine. We’re all going to do great, I mean we’ve done this a hundred times.” He said. “Never for this kind of crowd, but this is what we practice for. Every member of the order should be so lucky as to have a chance to see royalty appreciate their work, to bring it out to so many new eyes and ears.

Grash shrugged. “Nobility, peasantry, makes no difference to me who appreciates my work… But if it helps I guess I’ll suck up to the nobles. If they can stand my pretty face.” He said, waving to his somewhat green skin and little tusk like teeth coming past his lips.

Kendov smirked. “I don’t care what anyone says, you are a very, very handsome young man. If anyone tells you otherwise, don’t get mad, just tell me and I’ll punch them for their lack of taste.” He said, stepping closer to the half-orc. “If you don’t believe me, I could prove it to you.”

Grash shook his head, “Nah, sorry man, not in the mood.” He said, smirking back.

>>32849127
“Oh? You sure?” He said stepping in a little closer, putting his hands on the walls on either side of his friend.

Grash chuckled, putting his hands on Kendov’s chest to push him back a little. “What I am sure of is that I don’t want to spend four days in a saddle after a night with you!” He said, both of them chuckling at that.

“Well how about a snuggle then?” He asked hopefully.

Grash chuckled, the two of them going inside. “Now that would help.” He said, the two of them hugging as they climbed into bed, drifting off to sleep at each other’s side.

>>32849157
The next morning dawned clear and bright, their little band ready to set out on the road. They had A few horses, and two covered wagons for the musicians to ride in. Lyda was also riding in one, as she had refused to put anything on until they reached their destination. Kendov reasoned that riding a beautiful young women naked through bandit country was right up there with pissing on a dragon’s hoard in a ranking of bad ideas, so she had elected to ride out of sight.

The riders were all wearing the traditional brown leather duster coats their kind wore when traveling, as well as various armor. Kendov himself wore a suit of plate armor over his coat, his bastard sword at his hip. He was astride a great stallion, fur as black as midnight. Sturnviing was his name, a divine warhorse granted to him by his god. The other riders were all prepared for a fight, if one came up. “Think we’ll see any trouble on the road?” Grash asked, the half orc also a paladin and equipped similarly to Kendov.

“Don’t know. There have been some raids in the area, but I don’t think they’d be foolish enough to attack an armed convoy like ours. In any case remain vigilant! I don’t want any complications on the way there.” He said, waving his hand for the company to move out, the whole clattering caravan starting off down the road.

The miles melted into each other, the group passing the time with some music, old traveling songs helping to keep the monotony of the trip down. While they might have left the confines of the temple grounds razor sharp and ready for anything, that kind of enthusiasm quickly seems to die out when you pass the seven hundredth tree that has no enemies lurking behind it.

>>32849611
Taking a break for a little bit, getting snack.

Any comments? Questions? Suggestions? I really want to hear what you all think.

>>32849915
How does the order handle the donations it receives? Do they go towards the poor or toward the advancements of the arts? Otherwise the story is pretty good.

>>32850172
It's split between helping the poor and advancing the order itself. Of course some of that pulls double duty by helping them put on shows and exhibitions to raise the spirits of villagers who otherwise wouldn't have entertainment more advanced that banging things with sticks.

Thanks for that, I'll keep writing for as long as there is interest. Anyone else reading?

>>32850263
Alright, returning to writing. Guess it's just you and me huh? Well so long as you read, I will write. And hopefully get more people in here... heck this could become a recurring series if people like it enough.

>>32849611
Still keeping eye and ear sharp for ambush, the group relaxed into their trip, rather than try to stay razor sharp the whole way, that would just burn them out.

“So, what kind of show are we putting on? You know I’m no good on a stage.” Grash said as he rode alongside Kendov.

The dragonborn nodded. “I know, you won’t be performing. We packed your art, you’ll be hosting an exhibition for that, if you can sell some pieces to the nobles that would help a lot.”

The half orc nodded. “I see, yes. We earn a little coin, and the nobles have something to remember us by, and then when someone visits them and asks about where they got it…”

“They tell them about us.” Kendov said with a nod. “They are literally paying us to make good publicity for us. Other than that, just be the kind, sociable young man I know you are.” He said with a broad grin, the halfbreed rolling his eyes.

“I’ll be on my best behavior. I’m not looking to live up to the bad reputation of our order, or my kind.” He said.

Kendov frowned, reaching over with his tail to pat his friend on the arm. “Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s not like humans relax around me either, they usually think I’m here to eat them or carry them off to a dragon overlord or something like that.”

Grash nodded. “I know! They tiptoe around me like they’re afraid if they startle me I’ll start pillaging on instinct before grabbing a nearby woman to rape in my cave.”

“To be honest man, with the noises coming from your room some nights I can see why they might think that.” The remark earning him a buffet across the back.

>>32851140
The rest of the day bore on with the same kind of uneasy boredom as the morning. They kept a weather eye out for any signs of trouble, but despite being deep in the heart of bandit territory, or at least alleged bandit territory, nothing happened for the entire day. The sun dipping low in the sky, they decided to pitch camp a little ways off the road so as not to be obvious to anyone passing by that a large caravan was just sitting there. Their tents pitched and horses tended to, they divided up watch shifts before settling in to bed.

Kendov and Grash ended up sharing a tent, being the best of friends after all, it was nice to be traveling with someone you felt utterly comfortable with at your back, it certainly made him feel more relaxed to have Grash’s familiar face and reliable sword at his side.

“Long time on the road.” The male said, bedding down beside Kendov, who pulled the blanket over them both.

“And two days more to go before we reach our destination.” He said, cuddling up a bit to the half orc. They lay like that for a while, neither of them falling asleep.

“Do you really think this will work?” Grash asked after a bit, looking over his shoulder at Kendov.

“What? The assignment? I don’t see why it wouldn’t.” He said with a shrug.

>>32851523

But Grash shook his head. “No… I mean the Order. I… I love the temple, without you all I wouldn’t even be alive but, I have to wonder. It seems at times like the whole world is set against us, other faiths that are all about good and justice and mercy look at us like we’re garbage. There are rumors and lies floating everywhere about us, we’re looked on with suspicion everywhere we go. I just… I don’t know if this can work, if the temple can grow beyond what it already is. And… I want to see that happen I just can’t stand the thought of this all being for nothing.” He said, his voice heavy and sad.

“Hey, hey…” Kendov said, pulling the worried guy a little closer. “Listen to me my friend, we are going to make this work. Come hell or high water we’re going to overcome the lies and prove them for what they are, baseless slander. We’re going to show people who we really are and be loved for it. And we are going to make a world where you and me can walk through the town square with our heads held high and nobody will say a thing.”`

>>32850953
Thanks for writing all this, but it is very late where I am and I need to get some sleep. Thanks again for a great story!

>>32851588
No problem. I'll try to keep the thread alive for more writing, hopefully some more people will stop in.

I would still love to hear some ideas too, not just me writing in silence! If you're enjoying the story please let me know, the more people I know are enjoying the more motivated I am to write.

>>32816963
>worshiping a past character

>>32852434
Like I said before, someone in my party had this done to them to a far far greater degree, his past character becoming the god of gods to whom all beings bowed.

Mine is just a minor deity nobody has even heard of, so compared to the crazy stuff some of my other party members have done this is nothing.

>>32852479
Early morning bump.

>>32851544
The half orc nodded, but seemed to be falling asleep. “I look forward to that.” He said, shifting a bit and getting comfortable. A little while later he seemed to have fallen asleep. Kendov smiled and let himself drift off as well, sleeping fitfully beside his friend.

The next morning he was already awake, having pulled last watch, the dragonborn having already prayed in his own way to receive his spells for the day, Grash meditating on one of his art pieces, a black stone carved with intricate runic symbols. After that they set out once again on the road, the two carts and half a dozen outriders tromping through the woods. It was quite a sight to see, armor shining in the sunlight, well groomed horses moving along the path. They could have been escorting a prince or princess, rather than a cart full of artwork and some musicians. They were deeper in the woods now, the canopy pressing tightly overhead, the occasional patch of sunlight cutting through the green glow of the leaves overhead.

Kendov turned in his saddle to speak to the driver of the first wagon, meaning to idly ask what instrument he played. He did not get the chance to ask that question as an arrow streaked through the air and slammed into the man’s chest, driving the air from his lungs.

>>32852434
It's led to interesting ideas and storytime, really it's been a good thing and you've no reason to complain.

Still here, OP?

>>32859202
I am here. You'll have to forgive me, I work night shifts at my job so I am basically nocturnal, I just woke up again after being up all night.

>>32856343
Thanks, I'm trying. Let me get food and wake up and I will get you more story.

>>32855946
“Ambush!” Kendov shouted, drawing his bastard sword. “To arms!” He cried, wheeling around to look into the trees. The wounded man groaned, a pair of delicate elfin hands reaching to him from within the cart, healing magic washing over him, repairing the injury. Thankfully he had been wearing chainmail beneath his coat, that stopped most of the damage from the shaft. Kendov saw a twitch of movement in the underbrush and ducked, hearing the snap of a bowstring as a humming arrow shot past his ear. He snapped his head around, looking in the direction of the movement. He gritted his teeth, urging his diving steed to charge, the thundering hooves closing the distance quickly. He heard a yelp of terror as someone darted out of the bushes, trying to get out of his path, but even in dense terrain like this his mount was faster.

He saw it all in slow motion as he brought his sword up, a man in ratty leather armor with bow in his hand, reaching for a dingy sword strapped to his hip. On his shoulder was a little painted red skull, he recognized it as the emblem of one of the bandit clans that lived here. Kendov grunted, swinging his sword down in a flashing arc, the steel cutting through the man’s armor and slicing deep into him. He wrenched the blade free and turned back to the caravan, leaving the man where he lay, dead or alive.

>>32861599
Keep up the good work op an know that it is appreciated

>>32862491
*and

>>32862491
Thanks, I appreciate that. Still writing, got some other stuff going on, but I will continue this so long as there is interest.

>>32862546
Movie time with the family, don't worry I'll be here all night.

>>32861599
He felt his horse shift beneath him as someone jumped onto his mount with him, a pair of hands grabbing his shoulders. They were outnumbered, being swarmed from every direction at once it seemed. He slammed an elbow into the man grappling with him, making him back off a little before the man in front clambered onto his horse. Between the two of them they dragged the paladin from his saddle, the dragonborn fighting them all the way down in a snarling frenzy. His sword was useless at this range, so he drove his scaled snout into the man’s face, breaking his nose before he dove in again. Snarling like a wild animal he sunk his sharp teeth into the bandit’s neck, the man screaming in pain before the other one got up.

He knew the man was standing to get a better angle with his sword, so he released his bite, kicking out at him as he rolled sideways into a kneeling stance just in time to bring up his sword and block the enemy’s slash. He got back to his feet, squaring off against the two bandits. The men were wary, but he was no longer mounted, so they had a better chance against him now. He held their gaze, moving his sword back and forth in a definite pattern, keeping their gaze locked on the flashing blade. That distracted them just enough for Grash to ride up from behind and cut one man’s head from his shoulders. The survivor glanced sideways and Kendov stepped forwards, the man turning back to face him a moment too late. He slapped the man’s block aside and stabbed deep into his chest, before wrenching his sword free to let the man fall to the ground.

>>32865179
“Watch yourself!” Grash said, riding off to hack at another enemy as Kendov nodded, taking his sword in a stronger grip. He saw a few bandits clambering onto the nearby wagon, having dragged the driver to the ground. He growled angrily, charging over to stab one of them and drag him off, one slipping inside. As he was wrestling with the wounded man who kept trying to stab him with a small blade, he heard the bandit inside.

“Well hellooo girlie!” He said in a singsong voice, evidently having found Lyda. A few seconds later, as Kendov rose from the man, finally subdued, he heard a bloodcurdling scream from inside the wagon. A moment later the bandit stumbled out the back door holding his bloody crotch, a very angry and very naked Lyda stepping forward to silence him by driving her rapier through his eye socket before kicking the body off her wagon, pausing only to make a superior ‘Hmph’ noise before she began to sing, her ethereal voice echoing across the battlefield as Kendov felt the magic in her song lifting his spirits even further.

Resolving never to anger her in the future, Kendov shouted a battlecry of his own and went charging back into the fray, his sword slashing as the chipped iron weapons of the bandits glanced off his steel plate armor. A few minutes later whatever bandits were still breathing were running off into the forest again.

“Come on, we’ve got them on the run!” Grash shouted, his bloody sword held high on his horse.

“No!” Kendov shouted, “Everyone get moving! Now!” He ordered, hopping back onto his horse and thundering off down the trail, the caravan swiftly starting to move again. “We have to get out of their range before they tell their boss their attack failed, or else they’ll just set another ambush in greater numbers! We can’t take on their whole clan we’ve got to get out of these damn woods!” He shouted, the half orc seeming to accept his reasoning with a little reluctance.

>>32865655
Their flight through the forest was nothing like their journey in. Every eye was sharp, every tree looked like an enemy in hiding, they thundered through the usually quiet forest with swords drawn. The path twisted and turned, racing around corners and over rivers on little wooden bridges. Every time they turned a corner he expected to see a roadblock, a tree in the road, fall into a covered pit. Then he saw the light at the end of the tunnel of tree canopies, they had reached the end. “Stay sharp!” He shouted, he wouldn’t put it past the bandits to set an ambush here, attacking them in the moment of weakness when they saw the end of their journey, and relaxed, thinking themselves safe.

They continued to race down the path, shooting out of the forest like an arrow from a bow, racing out into the wide open country of green fields with the occasional tree. They slowed their pace a bit, continuing swiftly until the forest was far behind them. Only then, satisfied that there was no way the bandits could have followed them this far, at least not with any measure of stealth, did Kendov hold up his hand. “Rest the horses! And tend to the wounded.” He ordered, dropping to the ground to give his mount a rest, even divine mounts needing time to catch their breath.

>>32849157
I would never expect to find a gay cuddle between a half orc and a dragonborn to be that cute.

What's happening here?

>>32817218
Congrats, you just slapped together The Doctor

>>32868916
Huh, really? I don't really follow the show so I wouldn't know.

If I did it wasn't on purpose.

>>32865884
Thankfully there were no wounded, at least not anymore. One thing that made a detachment of warriors from the Order truly dangerous was that they were almost all bards, clerics or paladins, all of whom had access to healing magic. Thanks to this everyone who was injured in the fighting was able to heal their own wounds on horseback, rather than having to stop to consult a healer. It helped when you were desperately fleeing bandit infested woods, among other things.

Kendov walked around, checking in with the wagon drivers, peeking his head into the band wagon to speak with them. “You all okay in here?” He asked politely.

“Just fine.” Lyda said, having cleaned off the blood splatter already and now relaxing on a pile of pillows to ease the bumpy ride. “Thanks for coming to my rescue.”

“Not that you needed it.” He said with a grin. Looking the others over. “Just glad to see you’re all okay, that was quite a bumpy ride back there.” He said, knowing most of their group had never seen real combat before. “You all handled yourselves well. Don’t worry, we’ll go the long, safe way back so we won’t be seeing them again. Just relax and prepare for the banquet, we still have a job to do out her.” He said, reassuring the more worried ones with a gentle hand and a kind word.

>>32869599
That task done, he dismounted and checked to make sure the art wagon hadn’t been damaged or plundered, but thankfully it seemed the bandits hadn’t been able to make off with any of the art pieces they were bringing with them. So only minor damage, no major injuries and they were barely even delayed… all in all a pretty good end to being bushwacked by some random bandits in the woods, probably waiting to push over some wealthy merchants or grab some random hapless travelers. Still… they had committed a lot of force to that attack, and lost a good number of people. It was odd that they wouldn’t have had scouts check them out first, to see if they were too strong to bother attacking, bandits liked their targets rich and weak, not heavily defended and unprofitable. But he didn’t have time to worry about their motivations now, signaling to mount up and move out, they still had a deadline to keep.

These priests seem a little too perfect. Any group with more than one person is going to have some kind of internal conflict or a skeleton in the closet.

>>32870223
What would you suggest?

>>32870437
Sticking their dicks where they don't belong seems like an obvious one. Their lack of discrimination when it comes to loving sounds like it could lead to a lackluster screening process, resulting in the enabling of infidelity or even statutory.

>>32870906
I'm not saying they all have to be like that, but the rumors can't all be unsubstantiated and all it takes is one turd to ruin a punchbowl. Black sheep/disgraced radicals aren't original but they can be interesting and help to remind us that no idea, no matter how well intended, is completely perfect and incorruptible.

>>32870906
>>32871106
This, exactly this.

A lot of their problems are because the rumors aren't exactly wrong, just exaggerated.

"They're here to steal your wives!" Isn't exactly true, but they see the very concept of marriage as 'foolish' at best, so more than a few times they end up sleeping with married people because they don't even really fully grasp what it means.

Though I don't think they're big enough or have enough history to have any noticeable radicals.

But keeping out the jerks who just want an excuse to get cheap sex is a problem. I'm thinking that there is an initial phase where they are a member but have to prove their commitment and become true members before they are allowed to have permanent residence within the temple itself.

Any other ideas?

Is there any way you could Pastebin some basic info/posts about the religion, OP?
If it doesn't offend you, I'd like to convince my DM to maybe try using it.

>>32871382
Oh no! Of course not, I'd be delighted if someone used my idea.

We should figure some way of staying in touch, I'd love to talk more ideas with you and hear about how it goes.

>>32871817
I'm putting together a pastebin now.

>>32872649
Forgot nametag

>>32872661
Thanks!

>>32872733
Okay, here's the beginning.

I'll be adding and expanding to it as I go.

http://pastebin.com/NzYBvsEQ

>>32872948
Still working on it.

also bump

>>32870223
>they know that and all of them are spying on each other trying to find out what the hidden flaw is