Priesthood of Hecate

Overview

The Priesthood of the Hecate is focused on the art of magic. They consider their goddess to be the source of all magic. It exists because she exists, and equally because every casting of every spell involves her in some way and maintains her divinity. She acts as the reservoir of magical energy, she acts as the regulator of thermal energy in all transfers of such energy and she acts simultaneously as the insulator, earthing-wire, and fuse for all of the systems within and around the caster that makes it possible to cast spells.

Chronic Anachronism Control

Hecate had placed three new comets into the Solar System that glow red, white and blue, each moving in intersecting orbits that are maintained purely through her power without ever colliding to establish a rhythm for temporal control but this has been less than successful, the use of magic however, the casting of spells, the use of charges out of limited use items, and even the destruction of magical items all act as the metronomic rhythm contribution of Hecate to maintaining the flow of time.

Holy Symbol

Setting Moon, the Stropholos of Hecate inscribed on a key

Priesthood Requirements

Clerics can be any alignment.
Intelligence of 13 or higher needed for Clerics to go beyond 7th Level Druids: None
Thief/Cleric multiclass or dual class characters who worship Hecate must place at least 50% of their Skill Points into Open Locks until they reach 75% in that skill. Hecate (as a reward for this obligation gives such characters +05% on their Open Lock skill, and +10% on their Read Magic skill.)

Skill Acquisition Requirements

The Priesthood of Hecate must gain the Non-weapon Proficiency Skill of Spellcraft by level 4. The Priests are expected to learn Astrology, Astronomy Calligraphy, and Lore subjects as they progress towards 7th level.

Weaponry

The Priests of Hecate are permitted to use normal cleric weaponry, and daggers.
Ancient Vase paintings normally show the goddess battling, using her two torches as weapons. This brings about the most specialised skill of Hecate Clerics, their ability to use two clubs (often two torches) simultaneously. This is the same as the Ranger skill of double weaponry use in any armor of Chainmail or less in bulk, and is only permitted using two clubs or two torches (burning clubs).

Armour

The Clerics of Hecate can wear any standard Clerical Armor.

Spheres of Magic

The Hecate Priesthood provides access to:
All
Astral (Major)
Charm (Major)
Combat (Minor)
Creation (Major)
Divination (Major)
Elemental (Major - Air and Water Spells)
Guardian (Major)
Healing (Major)
Necromantic (Major)
Protection (Major)
Summoning (Major)

Bonus Spells

Due to Hecate's position as the Goddess of Doors and Portals, and her use of torches as weapons, Hecate Clerics may also select the following spells from Wizard and Druid Spells as if they were Cleric Spells of the stated level
1st Level: Hold Portal (1st level Wizard Spell) Shilleagh (1st Level Priest Spell - Plant)
2nd Level: Wizard Lock (2nd Level Wizard Spell) Flame Blade (2nd Level Priest Spell - turns the clubs into flaming torch type weapons)
3rd level: Knock (2nd Level Wizard Spell)
4th Level: Dimension Door (4th Level Wizard Spell)

Granted Powers

All Priests of Hecate (and also lay followers deemed worthy by Hecate) gain a Hekakey.
The Hekakey acts as a holy symbol in all regards, but also provides access to a dimensional Hekahold 'safety deposit box' of limited power. It allows for the storage of physical spell materials and scrolls. It can hold only as much as a Belt pouch (10lbs), and has all the restrictions of a bag of holding - as well as those cited above. It can be used anywhere, as long as the user can trace a keyhole shape with their finger in the dirt, snow, or a dusty surface which is then 'opened' by the key. (Note rumors abound of the Goddess having giant Hekaholds, and even Hekadens, on the planet's surface somewhere that she can open with her own Hekakeys.

Cleric of 7th level or higher will have a 10% chance per level (cumulative) of gaining a permanent Hell Hound companion - sent by the Goddess to protect them. This is checked once every level.


No hell hound will attack a cleric of Hecate, and the cleric has a chance to control it - equal to turning undead of same HD

Structure

The Hecatean Clerics are organised in terms of writing abilities Scriptors Level 1 - 3 Inscribers Level 4 - 6 Scribes Level 7 - 9 Scriveners Level 10 - 12 Calligraphers Level 13+

Culture

The Hecate Clerics seek to support the use of magic over the use of mundane power. They believe that the more magic that is cast, results in more power for their Goddess and the continuation of magic on the Planet. They help any who are pursuing the recording of magic or the discovery of new uses of magic.

Public Agenda

They promote the use of Magic in all areas. They use their powers in support of magic users and Wizards - in this way they act as the support arm of the Wizard Guilds and often appear as clerks, secretaries, scribes and archivists in and around Magic Using groups - but rarely take the lead role themselves. For this reason they are expected to write and create scrolls containing magic spells on a regular basis to further the spread of magic in the world.

Assets

The Hecate Clerics are a major arm of the Royal Library of Atlantis - helping to maintain it's records and expand its magical content. They have an extensive network that mirrors that of the Library.

Omni Virtute (Power to All)

Holy Symbol of Hecate

Founding Date

unknown

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Alternative Names

Mage-sitters

Demonym

The Hounds

Parent Organization

The Olympian Pantheon

Location

Atlantis