Priesthood of Demeter (Δημήτηρ, Demeter)
Overview
Demeter - the Mother is the Goddess of the Earth and the Harvest in particular. Secretly she is the Goddess of Shadows and ShadesThe Platonist philosopher Apuleius,has Demeter declare:
"I, mother of the universe, mistress of all the elements, first-born of the ages, highest of the gods, queen of the shades, first of those who dwell in heaven, representing in one shape all gods and goddesses."
Holy Symbol
Mare's Head, WheatChronic Anachronism Control
Demeter has designated the movement of Shade and Shadow as the Sun and Moon move in the Heavens to the role of helping keep the flow of time constant.Priesthood Requirements
Clerics can be Neutral Good (also farmers follow her)
Druids: Yes
Skill Acquisition Requirements
The Clerics of Demeter focus on the feeding of society and the management of the land. They work strongly with Rangers and Druids to ensure that society functions without undue disruption from Humanoids and Monsters Invasion. As Priests and Priestesses of the Harvest they obtain through their training a sense for plant life and farming that effectively gives them the Agriculture Non Weapon Prof for free at 1st level. However, they are expected to have detailed Herbalism Knowledge (must be gained by 3rd Level), and to learn Weaving by Level 5.
Weaponry
The Priests of Demeter learn to fight with the Lotus staff. The Lotus staff is the same as a staff but has a Lotus shaped sharpened head to it that allows for it to be used as a type of shorter Polearm. It should be treated as a staff in all areas except Damage, doing 1d6+1 / 1d8 in damage. It is the head piece that gives it this bonus and this headpiece can be transferred to other staves discovered by the Cleric.The Clerics of Demeter are also permitted to use Sickles in combat.Armour
The Clerics of Demeter use any type of armor, standard for Clerics.Spheres of Magic
The Clerics of Demeter have the following spheres:
All
Animal (Major)
Astral (Major)
Charm (Major)
Combat (Major)
Creation (Major)
Divination (Major)
Elemental (Clerics - Minor, and All Other Earth-Based) / (Druids - Major)
Guardian (Minor)
Healing (Major)
Necromantic (Major)
Plant (Druid Only - Major)
Protection (Major)
Summoning (Major)
Sun (Cleric Minor/ Druid Major)
Weather (Major)
Extra Spells and Mounts
At 4th Level the Paladins of Demeter gain an Aganippe (Ἀγανίππη) Steed.
At 5th Level the Cavaliers and Clerics of Demeter gain the same type of steed.
Higher Level Revelation
At 9th Level revelations concerning the Goddess Demeter, change the powers and focus of Demetrian Clerics. It is rumored that her true name is released to the Highest Clergy, and they in turn gain more power as a result. One rumor is that according to Orphic Myths: "After becoming the mother of Zeus, she who was formerly Rhea became Demeter." Whatever the revelation, the Mount of the Cleric, Druid, Ranger, Cavalier (or Paladin) transforms into a full Nightmare, being neutral (Good) in alignment.Structure
The Demeter Church considers itself to be like a family. The titles of its heirarchy match this.
Daughters/Sons Level 1 - 4
Cousins Levels 5 - 8
Sisters/Brothers 9 - 12
Aunts/Uncles 13+
Culture
It seeks to heal the world around it in anyway it can - only the most senior of the Church appear more distant from the daily concerns of the communities that the Demeter Church serves.
Public Agenda
The furthering of agriculture and the protection of trees are at the core of the Demeter Church. They will not openly go against Poseidon followers but do not openly help them either.
Assets
An extensive network of farms and churches across the countryside act as safe houses for any who seek them - however, if a Priest of Demeter is in a party than the party is treated as honored guests with all of the resources of the Church being put at their disposal.
Mater Protegit (Mother Protects)
Founding Date
unknown
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Alternative Names
The Mother, Ceres
Demonym
Demetrians
Parent Organization
Location
Comments