Pavis, the Peacemaker and City Builder
"The city and its people shall endure" - Ritual acknowledgement between priests
of Pavis.
By Ian Thomson and Greg Stafford
Additional ideas by Wesley Quadros
Editorial advice from Jeff Kyer
Based on material by Steve Perrin and Greg Stafford
Pavis was a hero and visionary who lived eight centuries ago. He was from Dragon
Pass during the period of its rule by the Empire of the Wyrm's Friends. He was
very unusual - almost unique - for he was a child of mixed human and aldryami
stock. His mother gave birth to a huge seed (as elves do) which was planted,
and out came Pavis. He seemed human, outwardly. He had the gifts of making
friends, bringing opposing sides together, and inspiring others with the
enthusiasm of his dreams. At the ruins of Robcradle he manifested his dream of
building a city where people of many races and beliefs could live together in
peace, and learn from each other's wisdom and traditions.
"Boundaries first, then new growth," he said. He oversaw the building of temples,
homes and markets for the many residents to live in, and later directed dwarves
who sculpted and strengthened the huge giant-built walls around the whole area.
The vast city included expanses of crops, grasslands and natural vegetation, as
well as quarries and mines, and some unique magical features. All of the wise
that observed this new city agreed that Pavis had combined the best products of
the grower and the maker. In 860 ST, when the city's magical processes were securely
underway, Pavis became a god. Though his many friends and subjects begged him not
to leave them, he retired into his temple at the height of the greatest festival his
city has ever seen, promising that he would always watch over them.
Pavis is worshipped by many residents of New Pavis, and is the primary god
worshipped by the inhabitants of Old Town. He has four primary subcults
that are also worshipped: Pavis the Overseer,
Opili the Wallmaker,
Joraz Kyrem, Commander of the Cavalry and
Flintnail the Mason.
| Entry Requirements: |
Must have been born in the city or within Pavis
County, and must have attended ten years of communal worship, OR must be
a citizen in Pavis and attend two years of ceremonies, OR must somehow
be properly adopted into one of the subcults of Opili, Flintnail or
Joraz Kyrem. Must agree to defend the city from attack and to pay taxes
to support the temple. |
| Physical Abilities: |
Masonry.
(Masonry is taught both for symbolic reasons and as a skill that
served the survivors well in protecting themselves while the city was
occupied.) |
| Mental Abilities: |
Mythology of Pavis, Plant Lore.
(Plant Lore is taught both for symbolic reasons and as a skill that
served the survivors well in feeding themselves while the city was
occupied.) |
| Virtues: |
Law-abiding. |
| Affinity: |
City Harmony (Enliven Plants, Evoke Peaceful Feelings, Heal Hurt,
Know Direction of Pavis Temple, Tireless Labor). |
| Secret: |
Call City Guardian (The Pavis Temple at the Real City controls
a variety of foreign Otherworld entities. These include: a darkness
spirit wrested from Kyger Litor; a water spirit gifted to Pavis by Zola
Fel; an earth spirit received from the Paps; a wildfire spirit wrested
from Oakfed; and a wind daimon [minor god] from Orlanth. The ability
rating in the secret is used to attempt to summon one of these entities.
If an entity is forced to return to the Otherworld it must be found
again by the Priests, which can be a lengthy process, perhaps requiring
several attempts. In any event, an individual can only call on the same
entity once per week. Pavis gained control of these entities personally,
and their actions are carefully monitored to prevent misuse.) |
| Worshippers: |
On high holy days almost everyone in the city celebrates somewhere, even
if it is through their private rites, amongst the elves hidden in their Garden,
the dwarves in their tunnels, or even (some say) in one of the troll clan
strongholds. Full initiates are fewer, and consist mainly of three types of
peoples. First in importance are the traditional humans of the Old City (the
Big Rubble). For most of the 1,500 people there, Pavis is their primary deity,
and to them the cult guides their entire lives. Only he protected them throughout
the terrible centuries, and they obey him (through his priests) completely. His
cult is the center of their society, requiring loyalty they are happy to give.
Each of the adults amongst them is initiated in his rites.
A few hundred more human initiates live in the new City. Many of the Sartarite
Heortlings have converted to the worship of Pavis since the oppression of Orlanth
by the Lunars. Their loyalty to the city that ensures their safety is not questioned,
but welcomed. Finally, there are often kinless folk, foreigners, and others who have
no natural family to protect and help them here. Many are misfits, tomorrow's beggars
and thieves; while others are bright and ambitious, glad to find this place of acceptance.. |
| Other Side: |
The Palace rests on Pavis' Hill in a Realm that is walled off from all others.
Pavis' followers expect to join him there after death, and after resting may choose to
be returned to the cycle of life. Gates from his Palace go to Issaries' market, Flintnail's
Workshop, and Genert's Garden. |
| Other Connections: |
The dwarves of Flintnail are firm friends of Pavis’ human followers, and the river
people of Zola Fel are allies to both. Traditionally the local Aldryami also acknowledge
the people of Pavis as their friends. However, the elves of the Garden have been slow to
re-open association with the other races since the Rubble has been freed from the troll
domination. The Yelornans of the old city, though fiercely independent, historically served
as an arm of the Pavic Cavalry. They continue to patrol Zebraside for its protection. |
| Disadvantages: |
The City Harmony Affinity functions only within the New City, the Rubble, and Pavis
County. (Outside of the city it is referred to as the 'Harmony of Pavis' affinity.) |
Subcults of Pavis
Pavis the Overseer
By Ian Thomson
Membership of the simple city cult of 'Pavis the Founder' (as per details above) grants access
to the City Harmony magic. Worshippers also benefit from reduced cult requirements by just
living a relatively harmonious life within the city. Some who wish to develop their worship of
Pavis, and who do not qualify professionally or culturally for Opili, Flintnail, or Joraz
Kyrem, may worship Pavis' deeper identity as the City Overseer. Most city administrators belong
to this subcult, as do all members of the Priesthood.
| Entry Requirements: |
To be an initiate of Pavis the Founder in good standing, and to be formally
accepted into the city administration or service within the priesthood. |
| Mental Abilities: |
Pavic Philosophy, Read Auld Wyrmish, Speak Auld Wyrmish, Write Auld Wyrmish. |
| Virtues: |
Honorable. |
| Affinity: |
Civic Authority (Cast Out Invader, Command City Daimon, Evoke City Law,
Find Compromise, Know True Motives, Quote Wisdom of Pavis). |
| Secret: |
Lead Citizens (This acts as an integrated passion spirit, giving a bonus
of 1/4 the secret's ability rating to any ability used when commanding or directing
citizens during any civic emergency or Pavic ritual or ceremony) |
Opili the Wallmaker
By Ian Thomson, Peter Johansson, and Greg Stafford
Additional ideas and editorial assistance from Andrew Bean and Jeff Kyer
Renowned for his defense of the city, his enemies still remember him as one of the
Seventeen Foes of Waha. Many of these Seventeen Foes were leaders of the city after the
invasion of Jaldon Toothmaker's army in 940 ST and the fall of the Arrowsmith Dynasty,
and all resisted the nomads. Opili took command of the city's remaining armed forces, after
the destruction of Garngar Gateguard and much of the city cavalry. Having great strategic
skill, Opili realized the futility in trying to defend the city in the way his predecessors
had. Instead, he persuaded the people of Pavis to build and settle inside a number of small
forts within the towering walls, allowing the nomads to roam where they wanted outside these
barricades.
The forts were much easier to defend than the miles of Great Walls, and despite this
segmentation of the population Opili ruled the entire city for many years. He eventually died
of natural causes some years after retiring to his Fort, and received a hero's burial in the
Real City. Nomad tales claim they killed him, and it is true that he previously died at least
twice. He did however return each of these times thanks to the mercy of Pavis. After his final
death warriors of the city began a cult of worship around his memory, and this soon grew in
importance. The Cult of Opili is now the religion of choice for the professional Pavic foot
soldiers, night watch, firemen, and general protectors.
| Entry Requirements: |
Be an initiate of Pavis and a competent warrior (Close Combat 18 or
better). |
| Physical Abilities: |
Close Combat (Great Axe Fighting). |
| Mental Abilities: |
Big Rubble Survival, Mythology of Pavis. |
| Virtues: |
Courageous, Proud. |
| Affinity: |
Defend the People (Hurt Otherworld Attacker, Lose Pursuer in Ruins,
Repel Nomad, Sense Trolls, Tireless Blade). |
| Secret: |
Heroform Opili (Incarnation ability: City Defense Tactics 17w,
Close Combat (Great Axe Fighting) 8w3, Dismiss Praxian Spirit 9w, Repel
Nomad 9w2, Survivor Signals 10w.) |
| Worshippers: |
Foot Soldiers amongst the Old City Watchmen, and even a proportion of the
New Pavis Watch. |
| Other Side: |
After death Opili's worshippers join those of Pavis and are welcomed as
heroes, joining Opili's legion of loyal defenders. |
| Disadvantages: |
Among the followers of Pavis, Opili worshippers have the most dangerous
occupation. Also, the Lunar soldiers, viewing them only as a local militia, are
rarely properly respectful. |
Joraz Kyrem, Commander of the Cavalry
By Ian Thomson and Greg Stafford
Additional ideas from Erik Nolander, Daniel Fahey, and Keith Nellist
Joraz Kyrem was a young leader amongst the Pure Horse People when Pavis was
making plans to found his city in Prax. Like Pavis, Joraz was drawn to the many
philosophies and unusual disciplines available during the time of the Empire of
the Wyrm's Friends. Both men proved particularly adept at mastering aspects of
new lores, both taking advantage of Issaries' travel and exchange magic to adapt
and improve their own abilities.
Joraz was well versed in military tactics, and Pavis called on his skills often.
The Pure Horse cavalry played a key role in taking Robcradle from Paragua and Waha.
After Pavis established the city, Joraz set about making a true place for his people
in Prax, so their future would be secure. Following advice from Pavis, Joraz visited
the Paps and earned an audience with one of Eiritha's priestesses. Eiritha spoke,
telling him that horses would only be welcome in Prax only if they were broken from
their kin.
Taking inspiration from Issaries, who had bred the mule from the horse and donkey,
Joraz took the finest mares and stallions with golden eyes into the walls of Pavis.
There, with help from the priestesses of the Paps, the horses successfully mated
with the local plains zebras. The result was a fine new breed, with the markings
and instincts of the zebra, but the size of horses.
It was in this period that Joraz Kyrem gained his name as the Arrowsmith. One of
his successful quests gained him mastery of new Archery magic to aid his people.
Another of his quests allowed him to wield the powers of the sun once more, even
though the old traditions of the Sun Horse had been left behind. He passes this
magic on to his followers as well.
Around the year 860 ST, Pavis retired to his Palace, and the Council
of Seven met in long debate to decide on a new ruler for the city. With
Pavis' approval, the Arrowsmith Dynasty of Pavis began, ruled by Joraz
as head of the Council. For more than four decades he ruled the city at
its peak of greatness, and was married to Pavis' daughter Fahela (824 ST
- 902 ST) who bore them many children.
Any member of the Zebra Tribe (by blood or rite of adoption) who follows Joraz Kyrem
is also a worshipper of Pavis. Despite this Connection, they are not tied directly to
the city like most of Pavis' followers, for Joraz Kyrem's link to the Inner World is
his enshrined bow and arrows, rather than the city itself. However, if they so wish,
Joraz's followers are entitled to learn the basic Pavis magical affinity, and those of
the tribe who still live in the city mostly do so. Many of their leaders are exiled.
| Entry Requirements: |
Be a warrior of the Zebra Riders based within Pavis County, declare your
loyalty to the city of Pavis. |
| Physical Abilities: |
Leap into Saddle, Ride Fast. |
| Mental Abilities: |
Big Rubble Survival, Mythology of Pavis, Negotiate, Pavic Cavalry
Traditions, Survivor Signals.
(The Signals of the Pavis Survivors are a silent system of flag-waving, runic
inscriptions, and arm movements that were developed by the city defenders during
the initial phases of the nomad threat.) |
| Virtues: |
Brave, Proud. |
| Affinity: |
Warrior of the Sun (Arrow Strikes Spirits, Blinding Shield, Burning
Blade, Flaming Arrow, Lance of Flame, Sear the Dark). |
| Secret: |
Breed Pavis Zebra (Allows the worshipper to breed a normal warhorse
and a Plains Zebra so that they produce one of the Pavis War Zebras as their
offspring. Without this magical ability, the two species cannot breed, although
the existing War Zebras are a true species, and can breed among themselves as
well.) |
| Worshippers: |
Many of the zebra riders of Pavis County follow this subcult of Pavis. |
| Other Side: |
Joraz Kyrem's Camp sits on the plain beneath Pavis' Palace. After death,
Zebra Riders join his household and guard the Camp and Palace along with their
steeds. From the Camp, cultists can access Pavis' Palace and move on from there
without penalty. |
| Other Connections: |
The riders of Joraz Kyrem have a grudging respect for the Yelornan cavalry
women, both as wielders of Fire and as defenders of the city. |
| Disadvantages: |
Followers of Joraz Kyrem are distrusted by the Lunars, since they were
amongst the strongest advocates for resisting the occupation of the city when
Prax was first invaded. |
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