Tulis

Title The Martyr
Portfolio Martyrdom, strength and defiance
Typical Worshipers Slaves, the poor, the oppressed
Typical Worshiper Alignment Chaotic Good
Domains Liberation, Nobility, Protection, Strength
Subdomains Defense, Freedom, Martyr, Purity
Favored Weapon Longsword
Favored Animal(s) Cattle

Legends

It is unclear in religious texts, the Divine Record or Tulis’ own Martyr’s Song, whether Tulis was a normal woman of the NewGod War era on elevated to godhood, or if she was a goddess all along, hidden since The Calling, and her ordeal was a lesson to the mortal races. The story from the Song goes thusly: Tulis was a poor woman in serfdom to a landowner named Rodrik, whose attention fell upon her. She refused him, and when asked why, said that his heart was twisted and incapable of love. Rodrik took offence at this and took Tulis prisoner. He attempted to force her to love him-at the beginning with words and gifts, but progressing to threats and torture. To his frustration any wound he inflicted on her healed overnight; he became convinced she did not truly feel pain and was mocking him. Unknown to Rodrik, Tulis’ miracles were not limited to regeneration. Every night before she healed, she would shed her chains and walk among the people, showing them the extent of her wounds. The population was much moved, and eventually rose up against their lord. His control lost, Rodrik attempted one final victory; he had Tulis tied to a stake and set alight-she healed even as she burned. Rodrik pulled out his sword, running her through and pinning her to the stake. Now she was armed. Her bonds fell away, and she gripped the blade, and pulled it out of her own chest, using it to put an end to the gibbering Rodrik. The army of the oppressed found Tulis waiting for them, and she congratulated them on their revolution, and then ascended to join-or rejoin-the other gods.

Church

The church of Tulis follows two main tenets: humility and action. Priests and followers of Tulis are expected to spend time ministering to the sick, to tithe generously and place needs of others before themselves. However, where they see oppression they are expected to act-to do whatever they can to rectify injustices and dismantle any system which allows such injustices to continue. Lay followers of Tulis are not held to strict standards in this situation, but priests should be prepared to suffer for the church. Of course, Tulis doesn’t want her priests to waste their lives needlessly, but if their death will achieve a great goal, then they are expected to die well. Tulis offers scant comfort at times like this, only their name in the Martyr’s Song. The descriptions of the various offerings of clerics‘ lives are supposed to encourage and inspire the faithful.

Spell Preparation Rituals

Tulites carry ritually blessed horns made from consecrated cattle, and perform two types of ceremonies with them. The first is the standard prayer for spells: and her clerics bleed a small amount into the horn and offer it as a sacrifice to Tulis, eventually pouring it on the ground. The second ritual is one of challenge, as well as supplication for spells, uncorking and blowing the horn so as to announce the presence of one who is ready to lay their life down. The GM may allow a bonus of +1 to one spell’s DC for the former ritual, and a bonus of +1 to initiative for one battle for the latter.

Religion Traits

The following religion traits may be chosen by worshipers of this deity.

Class Warfare

You have taken Tulis’ teachings of action in the face of injustice to heart.

Benefit You gain a +1 trait bonus on damage when making melee attacks against beings of higher social status than you.

Scars of Tulis

Your creed is to stand between the helpless and the harm that is to befall them.

Benefit You gain a +1 trait bonus on saving throws vs. fear, and a +2 trait bonus on saving throws vs. pain effects. Unlike other bonuses, these stack, for a possible +3 bonus against combined pain and fear effects.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

The Gods of Porphyra © 2012, Purple Duck Games; Authors: Christopher Kaiser, Perry Fehr, Mark Gedak, August Hahn, John Hazen, Sean Holland, Sam Hing, James H. Lewis, Chris Longhurst, Scott Messer, Sean O’Connor, David Nicholas Ross, and Jeremy Whalen

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