Holy Order of the Stars: Medallions of Faith

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by John Grubber

All of clergy of Krynn's True Gods wear medallions of Faith. They are a visual proclamation of faith second only to vestments and vesture in prominence. Medallions of Faith are also worn by citizens who believe in a particular god, one whose spheres of influence are usually related to how they make their living. They are all magical in nature, gifts from the gods to their faithful, though the powers can be revoked if a person commits acts that displease the deity.

This chapter describes the types of medallions, as well as a physical description of the medallions of each faith. The common powers of all medallions as well as the powers specific to each God are also discussed.

History

From the very earliest days of Krynn, when the gods walked its surface teaching their ways to mortals, there have been medallions of faith. At first they were simple objects, crafted of crude un-worked materials such as stone and bone. As the millennia passed, the churches of each god developed and so did the artistry of the Medallions of Faith. At the height of the religious age of Might, before the Cataclysm, Medallions of Faith were true works of art, wrought of the finest material, by the most skilled of artisans. Priesthoods had favored craftspeople, and to be awarded the right of crafting Medallions for a temple often secured one's reputation as a masterworker for life. Indeed gaining one of these lucrative contracts was a shadowy business all its own, where bribery, theft, slander and even murder was not unheard of. The creation of these artifacts is one of the rare instances where the followers of different gods would work together- the faithful of Reorx in particular have crafted beautiful medallions for priesthoods of both Light and Darkness.

Types

There are several types of Medallions of Faith; each used by a specific type of person. Their fabrication materials and powers are directly linked to their intended role.

Token of Faith

These are the simplest types, often made of only one type of a given material. They are used by common worshippers and un-ordained priests as professions of their beliefs. They are also known as Token Medallions and Token Medallions of Faith.

Lesser Medallions

When a priest is ordained, they receive a Medallion of this type from their superiors. The majority of the clergy, being of the middle ranks, use these, until they reach the upper ranks of their respective church.

Greater Medallions

Those members of the uppermost ranks of the clergy receive a medallion of this type.

High Medallions

The highest-ranking member of a priesthood is given a High Medallion by their deity. There are only a few of these powerful artifacts present upon Krynn at any given time, and when a wielder dies or falls from grace, their Medallion is destroyed. In a very few instances, the medallion will survive, as part of a gods mysterious plots. In some cases, the Medallion is given to a person of great piety that lies outside of the church structure, but is still an ordained priest.

The Missionary Medallion

There is another type of medallion—though it does not physically differ from the other types. The Missionary Medallion is possessed by those members of the clergy that leave their own lands to spread the will and words of their god to those who have not yet been enlightened. The only difference between these medallions and the other types is in their powers. The missionary medallions have the capability to create copies of themselves with a power level of a Token Medallion. These are created as gifts from the god to a new follower to show gratitude for the devotion as well as to provide a physical link to the god. Once a new worshipper has been instructed in the worship of their new deity, they will be given a Lesser Medallion by the missionary, which must be crafted as any other new medallion is. In order for the new priest to be given a Greater medallion, they must leave their homeland and travel to the missionary's home to receive further instruction. Once this is complete, they receive a Greater Medallion and return to their homeland to continue spreading the faith and instructing new priests.

Powers

The various types of Medallions of Faith each grant specific abilities based upon the god they are devoted to. The special power can only be used once per day, and is restricted to ordained clergy only- Token Medallions do not grant the special ability. These powers are detailed below in the entry for each god.

If an un-ordained priest or a citizen worshipper uses more powerful types of medallions than they are entitled to, that artifact will only function as though it were a Token Medallion of Faith. Conversely, if a high-ranking clergy member uses a Medallion that is not typically used by one of their station, the Medallion acts as though it were of the appropriate type. In addition, they all have the capabilities listed below, some of which are reversible as found in the Players Handbook. There are following restrictions on the powers' usage:

Token of Faith: one of minor protection*, remove fear, or bless each day.

Lesser Medallions: combine and two of protection from evil/good, remove fear, or bless each day.

Greater Medallions: combine and three of bless, protection from good/evil, remove fear, detect good/evil, sanctuary each day.

High Medallions: combine, bless, protection from good/evil, remove fear, sanctuary, detect good/evil, purify food/drink, augury, aid, enthrall each once per day.

* Minor protection functions identically to the spell Protection from Evil, except that it is directed at a specific phenomenon at the time of the artifacts creation. Examples include protection from insects, fire, cold, good or evil, etc.

While these abilities may seem to make priests rather powerful beings, it should always be remembered that the gods of Krynn have always been very active in the realms and lives of their followers. Indeed if priests were not such powerful beings, they would not have assumed the social and political prominence that they had prior to the Cataclysm. By extension then, the disappearance of true priests before the Cataclysm would then be a disastrous event, as history proved it to be.

Materials

A medallion of Faith is a work of art, regardless its mystical capabilities. They are made of a variety of materials- metal, gems, stone, wood and osteodontokeratics (bone, tooth, horn, scale, shell and claw).

Readers interested in the specific materials used to create the medallions are directed to the descriptions below as well as to the bibliography, where ample information can be found about gems, stone and their associated folklore.

While the medallions themselves are empowered by the will of the gods, the physical artifact is created by mortals- the exception being the High Medallions, which are crafted in the otherworldly realms of the gods. Because mortals from different cultures in different locations make them, the medallions will follow a general pattern, but will vary in specific details and materials. Each medallion is made for a specific person, and is not crafted until that person is deemed ready by their superiors.

Once an un-powered medallion is made, it is given to a priest who possesses a medallion of their own that is at least one step higher in power. This priest uses their own medallion and devotion to imbue the new one with the appropriate powers. This process can take days, weeks or even months, depending on the type being created, and involves prayer, rituals, fasting and sacrifices before it is ready. The recipients must also undergo a period of ritual preparation to purify themselves before receiving their Medallion. It is for these reasons that a priest safeguards their Medallion so fervently- it is their personal link to their god. To lose one is to lose ones direct tie to a god, and most likely to ones understanding of their place in the plan of their patron.

As time passes, a medallion can become even more personal by engraving or carving images or symbols in its surface. Often these are homages to the deity, words of prayer or scripture holding special significance to the priest.

The following are descriptions of the most widely found forms of artifacts used by members of the Holy Order of the Stars.

The Gods of Darkness

Takhisis

The Medallion of faith used by the priesthood of Takhisis is a crescent made of onyx, jet or obsidian. Typically, it has a silver setting, though gold is not unknown. The artifact is suspended from a small ring in the setting with the points directed downwards. In some rare cases, there are inscriptions in the surface of the artifact.

The special powers granted to priests of Takhisis by the wearing of the medallion are the spells light and cure light wounds. Both are typically used in their reverse forms.

Sargonnas

The priesthood of the God of Vengeance have chosen a bird as their Medallion. It is commonly made of Sard, Jet, Serpentine and Carnelian, all in the image of an elaborate stylized condor. The bird is set in gold or copper, its joined wingtips forming the ring by which it is suspended about the wearer's neck.

In addition to the general powers listed previously, a Medallion of Faith in Sargonnas grants the wielder the Command spell.

Chemosh

The followers of the lord of the undead wear a small horned skull around their necks. In rare instances, it is a real skull from a small animal, but typically, it is carved from stone or cast in metal. Those made of stone are combinations of quartz rock crystal, onyx and topaz, while silver and bronze are the favored metals.

A Priest of Chemosh can use their Medallion to Animate Dead once per day.

Morgion

The constellation of the Black Wind is the inspiration for this Medallion of Faith. The favored materials are onyx and brown rock crystal inlaid in a silver or copper setting. Sard or agate is used to represent the eyes of the Lord of Decay.

The Medallions of Faith in Morgion are unique among the Gods of Darkness. The worship of the Lord of Decay has a price. It has the ability to Cause Light Wounds once per day, the wielder must use the ability, be it on plant, animal or even themselves. If they do not perform this act of devotion, their Medallions cease to function until they do.

Zeboim

The devotees of the capricious sea goddess wear an image of a turtle shell, made of jade and sard, set into a copper frame. In some instances, shell and coral are used instead of stone.

The medallion of a priest of Zeboim allows the wearer to Instill Fear once per day. In addition to this, an ordained priest of Zeboim will never drown due to accident while they wear their medallion, except if they have displeased their temperamental goddess. The medallion does not grant them the ability to breathe water or free movement while underwater- it only protects them when they are swept overboard. It is not useable for sneaking aboard ships or in underwater caves- abuse of this ability will likely lead to its revocation by the goddess that grants it- usually at the least opportune times. It is Zeboim's way of protecting her faithful and penitent.

Nuitari

The priestly followers of the dark moon share their Medallion of Faith with their brethren Moon Priests. It is a circle of silver divided into three sections. The two crescent-shaped divisions represent Solinari and Nuitari, while Lunitari occupies the space between them. The portion devoted to Nuitari is made of obsidian, jet or onyx.

The clergy of the god of the dark moon can use their medallion to cast Light once per day, although the spell is usually used in the reversed form- Darkness.

Hiddukel

Those people who adhere to the teachings of the Lord of False Bargains wear a finely wrought image of broken merchant scales. The image is made of precious metals, usually gold and silver, and encrusted with any gemstones the wielder can afford. The scales are set into a ring of silver and gold, which holds the image together.

The medallion of Hiddukel grants the manipulative priests the use of the Command spell once per day.

The Gods of Darkness
Takhisis	Sargonnas	Chemosh	Morgion
Zeboim	Nuitari		Hiddukel

The Gods of Light

Branchala

The singers of the Song of Life have a great variety in their Medallions of Faith. The most popular symbol is that of a harp, while some of the Bards choose a musical instrument typical of their race or culture. All are finely wrought of gold, silver and rare woods.

The instrument image grants the wielder the ability to Enthrall a crowd as per the spell. This is especially useful in entertaining large groups and spreading the words of the true gods, as well as calming angry crowds or other enemies.

Habbakuk

The worshippers of the Fisher King where an image of a phoenix, crafted of Lapis Lazuli and or turquoise, set into a frame of silver. The phoenix's wings are spread and its claws extended, an image of majesty and fierce protectiveness.

The wielders of this symbol are able to cast the spell Courage once per day. It is for this reason that priests of Habbakuk are so valued by military commanders.

Kiri-Jolith

The Bison Gods followers wear several different symbols, though the most popular is the horn. Crafted of ivory or alabaster and set in a clasp of precious metals, the horn of Kiri-Jolith is roughly three inches long, and in some cases is covered in scrimshaw carvings. These etchings are usually a single word or brief phrase drawn from the Holy Text of the Priesthood of Kiri-Jolith.

The horn of Kiri-Jolith bestows the ability to increase morale, as per the spell Morale, upon its wielder.

Majere

A stylized spider of copper and serpentine is the image that adorns the adepts of the Master of Mind. It is a symbol of the mystery and majesty of nature, even in its most humble forms.

The spider icon grants the priest the ability to call a swarm of insects, once per day, as per the spell Summon Swarm. The swarm is made up of insects only, rolls from 1-30 summon spiders and ants, rolls between 31 and 60 draw centipedes, beetles and scorpions, rolls from 61-90 summon all manner of flying insects, while a roll between 91 and 100 draws a swarm from all three types.

Mishakal

The teardrop eternity symbol of the fertility goddess is crafted of silver and turquoise, though in some cases, lapis lazuli or rare blue jade is used. The stones used are sought in water, where they have often been worn very smooth and may have the rare natural teardrop shape the medallion requires. After being found, the raw water-worn stones are highly polished and mounted in the silver backing.

The wielders of the infinite fertility sign are able to use the spell Chant. Once per day, they can bestow the boons and penalties of that prayer. The benefits can be given, the penalties or both, at the wielders discretion.

Paladine

The patriarch of the Deities of Light uses a triangle of silver and pearl inlay as his symbol. Other symbols, such as the tree or anvil, are specific to certain races, and represent the most important aspects of those races. The tree is sacred to elves, while the anvil of the dwarves is as important as the hammer, the symbol of Reorx. The Hammer and Anvil represents the dwarven view of the creation of the world through the cooperation of the two greatest gods, Thak and Reorx.

The symbol of Paladine grants its holder the ability to cast the spell Light, at will, up to three times per day. In addition, the priests of Paladine are able to also cast the spell Courage, once per day.

Solinari

The priests of the white moon are brethren to the priests of Lunitari and Nuitari, and they share the holy symbol with them. The crescent of Solinari is made of quartz, pearl or white coral, and occupies the portion of the medallion to the left of Lunitari's red center section. It sits opposite the crescent of Nuitari, but is bound within the same circle, symbolic of the ideological unity but the devotional opposition. The layout of the medallion is also symbolic of the cosmic placement of their parents' constellations.

The wielders of the Moon Medallion who follow Solinari can use their medallion to cast the spell Light, once per day, in addition to the general powers described above.

The Gods of Light
Branchala	Habbakuk	Solinari
Kiri-Jolith	Mishakal	Paladine	Majere

The Gods of Twilight

The clergy of Neutrality are often called upon to work to maintain the balance, in both large and small ways. A priest of twilight may have to thwart a priest of darkness one minute, and rein in a priest of the Light the next. For this reason, their medallions grant two abilities.

Chislev

The mother of the beasts has a feather as her symbol. Her followers wear a feather of yellow, green and, brown made of topaz, jade and flint shards, set into a copper frame. Some priests of cultures that do not work stone make theirs of painted wood or real feathers.

The feather medallions of Chislev bestow the ability to cast the spell Animal Friendship once per day as well as the spell Sanctuary. With these abilities, the priests work to defend their sacred woodlands and the beasts that dwell within.

Gilean

The scribes of the Book of Creation have a replica of the Tobril as their symbol. In its twin surfaces are inscribed figures representing two words of ancient Ergothian, the first of the known human languages that was written. On the left, is carved the word meth- which translates to 'truth'. On the right is carved ameth- literally, 'life.' They are the words by which a scribe lives, the search for truth in life, and that the ultimate truth is life. As a scribe ages, he must add to these words of wisdom that have guided his or her life by reflecting on them and inscribing further symbols on the covers of their personal reflection journal.

The book talismans are intended to help the priests complete their duties, as such, they allow the wielder to Comprehend Languages (Verbal and Written) as per the spell. The scholars also can use the spell Personal Reading (even without a persons true name) in order to gain further information about their subject or informant.

Lunitari

The clergy of the red moon wear a symbol identical to their brethren, the triple-divided moon. The central section is crafted of rose quartz, sard, red topaz or agate, and set in a silver frame.

The medallion allows the wielder to cast Light or its reverse, Darkness, each once per day, and Phantasmal Force once per week.

Reorx

The clergy of the forge god have some of the most finely wrought medallions of faith. Made of precious metals, the symbol is a ring connecting the tips of a four-pointed star. Over these is a pair of upright tongs and a smiths hammer. There is much symbolism in the shapes used: the circle represents the completeness and unity of the world and existence, while the star is the souls of the beings within it. The Hammer and tongs represent the tools by which the world and mortals were created.

A priest of Reorx can cast the spell Spiritual Hammer once per day, and can also use the spell Mend. The reverse of the spell, Rend, is also available, and is especially damaging to weapons and armor, though it pains the priest to do such things, seeing the destruction as an insult to their patron.

Shinare

The followers of the goddess of commerce and industry use their medallions in conducting fair and equitable business. They are shaped like a griffin's wing, and are made of many types of materials. A priest of Shinare may possess several symbols throughout their life, one being replaced by another as the priest accumulates more wealth and can afford finer materials and workmanship. When one is replaced, it is buried in a solemn ceremony that involves the transfer of its power to the new medallion, after which it is laid to rest in a small ornate casket.

The medallions enable the wielder to Detect Lie at will, and cast the spell Friends once per day. These abilities often prevent cheating and theft in business dealings. Consequently, priests of Shinare often find employment as harbormasters, cargo inspectors, marketplace managers and tax collectors.

Sirrion

The followers of the fire god are few, and wear a medallion depicting flames of many colors. At the base of the fires is an opal, while the flames are of many types of stone, all set into a gold or copper frame. The colors in the stones are highly variable, usually according to the wielders choice when a medallion is created. Consequently, no two medallions are alike.

The medallions allow the priests to cast the spells Flame Blade and Faerie Fire once per day. Flame Blade can only be used once the priest has been attacked- violence can never be initiated with it.

Zivilyn

Those who revere the tree of knowledge and life are given these gifts by their medallions. An entwined oval ring of silver and gold surrounds a trees image, from roots to crown. It is made of precious stone, usually jade and rock crystal.

The medallion allows the priest to cast the spell Augury at will, up to thrice per day, and the spell Divination once per day. These spells must be cast, if they are not, the priest must spend a day in prayer, atoning, before they may cast any spells the next day. The information gained from these spells often helps the priest in daily activities, for the clergy of Zivilyn typically find roles as magistrates and advisors to politicians.

The Gods of Twilight
Chislev	Shinare	Sirrion
Lunitari	Reorx	Zivilyn

Selected Bibliography

Frazer, Sir James George. 1922 The Golden Bough; A New Abridgement. London: Oxford University Press.

Kunz, George Frederick. The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. Sullivan, Lawrence (editor).

Hidden Truths: Magic, Alchemy and the Occult: Selections from the Encyclopaedia of Religion. New York: MacMillan Publishing Company.

Thomas, William and Kate Pavitt. The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems. London: Bracken Books.

Walters, Raymond J.L. 1996 The Power of Gemstones. Italy: Carleton Books Ltd.

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