Masses and Vigils
Praying at churches, shrines and holy sites can confer benefits to a faithful Larani Worshiper.
There are no significant differences between the doctrine taught between the Eastern (Spear of Shattered Sorrow) and Western (Order of Hyvik) churches and adherents can visit and pray at any location they wish.
Masses
Attending a Soratir lay mass (5th, 15th, and 25th of the month) will inspire most warriors in combat. They gain 5 Temporary Hit-points daily. This will last benefit until the next lay mass.
Attending masses of the Feast day of St Ambrathas (17th Larane) will inspire the faithful for the longer-term. If the adherent makes a Religion Check of DC 10* and is successful, the adherent will gain either Inspiration or Advantage on a saving throw of choice (player's choice).
The Alamirata, high mass (2nd, 7th, 13th, 18tth, 23rd, and 28th of the month) will uplift a contributing Priest. If the attending Priest makes a Religion Check of DC 15, he will gain an additional level 1 spell slot per day. This bonus lasts until the next high mass.
*It is possible that an especially inspiring sermon or mass may be held. This will lower the DC, and conversely, an uninspiring or bad sermon will make the DC higher.
Vigils
Vigils involve praying, meditating, or reading from holy books from dusk to dawn at a church or holy site. On completion, the adherent must make a region check, and if successful, they will gain a Blessing. The blessings take the form of a minor boon, which has a limited number of uses. Once used, the adherent must perform another vigil to regain the blessing.
If the adherent fails the religion check, they cannot gain the blessing from that holy site for at least three months, although they are free to do vigils at other holy sites. A character can have blessings from multiple sources.
Completing a vigil, whether successful or not, can be exhausting. The character must make a DC10 Constitution saving throw or suffer 1 level of exhaustion. If the character had successfully made his religion check, he is so inspired and filled with the blessing of Larani the exhaustion will be removed after a short rest.
Example Holy sites, Vigils and Blessings
Basilica of Aidrik IV/City of Tashal/Kingdom of Kaldor
High Priest Tomis Bakith dedicated his life to the construction of Harn's most Magnificent Temple to Larani after receiving a vision directly from the Goddess.
Blessing
Succeeding on a DC 12 Religion check will inspire the adherent to achieve great long-term goals. He will gain advantage on a skill check for a downtime activity, provided it takes more than three months and is for a holy cause.
Vigil of Saint Semeline
Praying at the garnet-encrusted reliquary containing the toe of Saint Semeline, the Master of the Scarlet Lance.
Blessing
Succeeding on a DC 10 Religion check will enhance a Knight's aptitude with the lance.
When fighting on horseback with a Knight gains a +1 to hit for the duration of one combat or +2 to hit during one friendly joust. This blessing can be used 3 times.
Vigil of the King's Wisdom
King Aidrik IV ruled for many years and was a generous supporter of the Church. He is considered one of Kaldor's finest and most respected Kings.
Blessing
Succeeding on a DC 13 Religion check will inspire an adherent to better understand the motivations of the poor or powerful alike. He gains advantage on a Insight check. This blessing can be used 2 times.
Larani Shrine in the Graymere Hall of the Inner Eye/City of Azadmere in the Kingdom of Azadmere
Vigil of Cherbolk, the Centaur
Cherbolk, the Centaur, proved himself many times in combat, leading heroic charges on behalf of his Goddess. His presence among the Knights of Tirith proves that Larani does not discriminate, all good honorable heroes are welcome.
Blessing
Succeeding on the DC13 Religion check will allow adherents to increase his speed by 10ft for one combat. After moving at least 20ft, he gains +2 to hit bonus against a stationary opponent. This maneuver can be used 5 times.
Sanctuary of Virtue/City of Aleath in the Kingdom of Kanday
In 572TR, Aleath was the last city to fall to Balshan Jihad after a brutal three-year siege. The “Butchers of Morgath” inflicted such devastation on the city’s population it will be forever known as the Agony of Aleath.
Blessing
Holding a vigil at the shrine dedicated to the cities darkest days will grant adherent the ability to resist physical and mental trauma. Succeeding on a DC15 Religion check, the adherent gains resistance against Psychic Damage for 1 minute. This blessing can be used 3 times and requires a short prayer (a bonus action) to activate.
Shrine to Mendiz/City of Golotha in the Kingdom of Rethem
Vigil of the Hidden Banner
The shrine to Mendiz is well hidden under a city ruled by the servants of the evil gods. Worshipers are few, only members of the Osiris Clan and a few other trusted adherents of Larani in the Kingdom of Rethem.
Blessing
Succeeding on a DC 15 Religion Check will enhance the ability of any warrior of Larani to dwell in secret among agents of the evil gods. An adherent gains advantage on Deception and Sleight of Hand check, and if he is successful, this creature is marked. When marked, the adherent will do +d6 damage on melee or missile attacks on this creature. Combat must be initiated within a day of the Deception check. This blessing can be used 3 times.
Basilica of Mindrithar the Just/City of Coranan in the Thardic Republic
The 12th monarch of the Corani Empire, Mindrithar was probably the best Corani emperor; he was aggressive and tough when required, an outstanding administrator, and a learned scholar. He is best remembered for his "Mindrithar Code," an enlightened legal system of fair justice for all. Mindrithar was very unpopular with the Corani nobility but loved by the general population.
Blessing
Holding a vigil at the shrine dedicated to Mindrithar imparts the adherent with a desire to see justice done. Succeeding on a DC15 Religion check or higher will grant adherent advantage on Insight checks for 1 minute. This can be used once on a Religion Check of 15, twice on a check of 20, and three times on a check of 25.
Vigil of the Women in Red and Silver
Saurach, the 11th monarch of the Corani Empire, was a religious fanatic and passed the "Unification Writ," banning all religions other than Agrik. Immediately after passing the law, in 491TR, he was assassinated by a woman dressed in silver and red who easily cut down his elite bodyguard and killed the emperor before disappearing. Legend has it that this was the Goddess Larani herself. This shrine holds a statue representing the Woman in Red and Silver, with her sword drawn and a burning document cut in two. Some performing the vigil have claimed that they see the statue's sword dripping with blood.
Blessing
Holding a vigil at the shrine of the Women in Red and Silver imparts the adherent with the ability to win no matter the odds against the forces of Agrik, using skill and arms and ruthless determination.
Succeeding on a DC15 Religion check will inspire the adherent's fighting ability, allowing them to score critical on a melee attack roll of 19+ with a sword when battling the forces of Agrik. This ability is activated after a Short Prayer (1 bonus action) and can be used once on a Religion Check of 15, twice on a check of 20, and three times on a check of 25.
Abbey of St Andrada/Kostim in the Kingdom of Kanday
St Andrada was the first member of the Argent Order to arrive in Hârn in 623TR and immediately started drawing recruits from the Clergy and the recently formed Order of the Checked Shield. After founding a base of operation at an Abbey near Kostim, he set about rooting out residual Morgathic cults at work in and around the new Kingdom of Kanday. He survived 5 assassination attempts and destroyed 3 covens. He died at an old age while leading a squad against a well established Navean Temple hidden in Aleath and was well mourned by the church and the King. His Silversword Azure Flame still adorns the chapel of St Andrada.
Blessing
Succeeding on a DC 18 Religion Check will enhance the fighting skill and holy zeal of any warrior of Larani. A member of the Argent Order has advantage in this check.
When fighting the minions of Morgath or Naveh, the Warrior's Sword gains a +1 bonus to hit and damage for the duration of the engagement.
Alternatively, as a bonus action when turning Undead, the Warrior empowers the turn with a silvery glow from his Talisman of St. Lucidin. Undead make their saving throw to resist at disadvantage. This blessing can be used 3 times.
Church of St Orthas the Defender/Imiden the Kingdom of Kanday
Vigil of the Selfless Defender
Dryin of Fralin was a common warrior serving with the Checked Shield, stationed at Imiden. As the Rethemi army was retreating after a failed raid during Ezars's War, he saw stray arrows heading into a group of maidens. Emulating the noble actions of St Othas, he moved to impose himself in front of the innocents and was struck and killed.
Blessing
Succeeding on DC14 Religion check will allow adherent as a reaction can move at half speed to block an incoming opponent that intends to attack an ally or innocent party. The opponent will stop moving once intercepted. If the ally is an innocent party and a non-combatant, then the adherent can make a melee attack at the end of their movement. This maneuver can be used 3 times.
Queen Eriel's Monument/Selvos in the Kingdom of Kanday
Vigil of Queen Eriel
A Crimson Dancers assassin murdered Queen Eriel. Having a vigil at her shrine inspire divine retribution.
Blessing
Succeeding on DC 15 Religion check, you will gain resistance to physical damage, Balefire, and Fire for 10 rounds provided you are in combat with the agents of the god Agrik. On a Religion check of 20 or higher, you can use this blessing twice.
Church of St Charbin of the Quarterstaff/Querina/Kingdom of Kaldor
St Charbin was a yeoman who proved a loyal and skilled warrior, eventually knighted for his inspiring service. He died saving his lord from a raging swarm of Orcs. He is the patron saint for many common fighters and yeomen, especially those who have higher aspirations.
Blessing
Succeeding on a DC 10 Religion check will inspire a warrior to strive for a better position. They will have advantage on three Persuasion checks with those of higher social stations. Succeeding on a DC 20 check will grant inspiration and +1 on damage for the next 10 days.
Memorial of the Last Battle/Zerien in the Kingdom of Kanday
Vigil of the Wars End
Legend has it that a heroic band of 10 Checked Shield Knights held off a horde of 888 Demonic creatures at the end of Ezar's War in 697TR. A warrior who makes the vigil can exceed physical limitations and be victorious when fighting demon-spawn.
Blessing
Succeeding in a DC 15 Religion allows the devoted warrior to make their next five checks to avoid exhaustion at advantage. Members of the Order of the Checked Shield make their religion check at advantage. If the check exceeds DC 20, the warrior gains advantage on the first attack made each round against demonic creatures in their next battle.
Erone Abbey/Quivum in the Kingdom of Kanday
A pious hero and martyr involved in the rise of the House of Kand, the ruling clan of the Kingdom of Kanday. Marabrine was the first warrior to join King Andasin I and was often fighting at his side. She epitomized the ideals of the noble Kight, skill at arms, and was an important leader in the King's army. She was instrumental in the founding of the Order of the Checkered Shield and became its first Grandmaster. She was killed the same year during the successful attack capture of Quivum. Her remains are kept at nearby Erone Abbey.
Blessing
Holding a vigil at the St Marabrine imparts the adherent with a divine blessing for use in battle. Succeeding on a DC10 Religion check will grant adherent the benefits of a Bless spells for 10 rounds activated as a bonus action. Succeeding on a DC15 will grant two blessings, and on a DC20 three.
Church Of St Amarab the Dutiful Guardian/Kiban in the Kingdom of Kaldor
Sir Amarab fought off bandits and a troll valiantly, defending his lord’s wife and baby daughters, but in the process took a grievous wound to the head from a Mace but fought on to safely return his charges home before dying. His shattered and caved in Helm is the primary and relic of the Kiban church of Larani.
Blessing
Holding a vigil next to the dented helm will inspire the warrior to keep fighting against evil no matter the cost. Succeeding on a DC10 Religion check will allow the adherent to immediately heal 2d8+level hit points damage the next time he is reduced to 5 hp or less.
Abbey of St Tylaen the White Spear /Selvos in the Kingdom of Kanday
Vigil of the White Spear
Tylaen led a mission into Rethem in 470 TR. He built several churches but made relatively few converts. He established a bishopric at Merethos. None of his churches survived the Theocracy of Tekhos. However, the church in Selvos has been rebuilt in what is believed to be the original location.
Blessing
Holding the Vigil of Tylaen, you gain the ability to better defend those fighting by your side or in need of a hero. Succeeding on a DC10 Religion check grants the ability of Strike of the White Spear, with one use per adherent charisma bonus (minimum 1). If an enemy within your reach attacks your ally, you make a melee attack as a reaction. If you hit, the enemy's attack is made at disadvantage, and you have advantage when attacking that creature until the end of your next turn.
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