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Petra
Mystara god of fighing clerics and beseiged cities
History
God of fighting clerics and besieged cities, Petra is reputed to have been a great warrior in his time. He traveled the world saving many human lives from a powerful, but unknown enemy. Lending a hand anywhere possible, Petra became known for turning the tide of many hopeless battles. He took special interest in sieges and knew the strategies of war, the operation of war machines, and was adept at training young fighters. War was not constant, though. During times of peace, Petra continued to travel and explore the civilized nations. He was proficient in finding weakness in the human heart, often stirring up the arrogance in rulers and the pride of the poor.
Before long, riots and wars would begin with Petra aiding the most worthy. During one such war among the Traladarans, he disappeared for three months. At the most crucial point when a leader's stronghold was about to fall, Petra arrived wielding great magic and powerful weapons against the attackers. Many defenders rallied behind him as he decimated hordes of attackers. The tide quickly changed and the remaining attackers fled the battlefield. Prior to celebration, he left quietly, but hundreds of men followed him into the wilderness. Months later, he told his followers, 'Leave so that I may finish what is begun. Retain my ways and remain worthy.” Not a single man pursued him as he walked into the depths of a remote cavern to never return.
Petra's followers returned to civilization with a belief that he stayed with them in a spiritual sense. Before long, some of these men began to manifest martial magical powers. Word spread like wildfire and small mercenary bands, claiming to follow Petra, began to form. Continuing to voice a belief in Petra, these warlike bands were demanded across Karameikos. Eventually, Petra worship became a common religion, with its worshipers in high demand.


Beliefs
  • Aid in war whenever possible, choosing the most worthy side. Debate among which side is most worthy has often caused division among Petra followers.
  • Warriors have an important occupation and should be honored in society.
  • War strengthens people and nations while diminishing political stagnation. Clerics of Petra are sometimes viewed as troublemakers because of this belief.
  • To die in battle is honorable.
  • There is no higher calling than to save a besieged city and it's citizens.
  • Petra favors those who follow his way of life.
Historical Quotes from the Church
  • "Poverty is to be valued and even honored, provided that you retain your weapons." -Bektal, leader of the first Petra mercenary band
  • "The King controls the commoners. Petra has given you the power to improve the commoners and to make them warriors. That makes you better than the King." -Bektal's second in command
  • "The city is saved, but your son has died in battle. Remember this moment when you raise the taxes again." -Apparna, founder of the Petra Church at Specularum (year 214 AC)
  • "Yes, Petra accepts the elves, too. I see you understand this now that I, a single elf, have beaten you all." -Ellyalii, Commander of the Threshold Petra units (year 1007 AC)
  • "You can fight beside me when your mind is as sharp as your blade." -Petra
  • "Koryis followers can preach all day about peace being the greatest of all things, but you have seen firsthand how it elevates the arrogance of rulers!" -Unkown Petra follower, disappeared shortly after his famous speech (year 895 AC)
  • "Civilization is what keeps us strong. This is why we save these people whom we do not even know or understand." -Petra
Relevant Details
  • Petra's holy symbol is a circular shield with a potter's wheel on the center.
  • Every Petra church is fortified and is well guarded.
  • Petra worshipers are well accepted, but considered trouble among an uneasy population.
  • Church Hierarchy (in order of importance)
    Zegarch - Owner of a temple
    Techarch - Second in command to the Zegarch
    Recharch - Temple guard commander
    Fetharch - Teacher
    Leduth - Common cleric
  • Experience Advantages
    1. At level 3, a Petra Cleric may memorize the spell 'Spiritual Maul'.
    2. At level 6, a Petra Cleric may utilize the ability 'Spiritual Barrier' once per day.
    3. At level 9, a Petra Cleric may memorize the spell 'Warrior's Immolation'.
    4. At level 18, a Petra Cleric may memorize the spell 'Fire Strike'.
Special Spells and Abilities
  • Ability: Spiritual Barrier
    Range: 0 (Cleric Only)
    Duration: 3 turns
    Effect: Protects the caster
    This ability will improve the cleric's Armor Class by 1D3 points for three turns.
  • Level 1 Spell: Spiritual Maul
    Range: 0 (Cleric Only)
    Duration: 1 round per level
    Effect: Any one target up to 20'
    This spell creates a glowing blue hammer that floats beside the caster. When thrown (up to 20'), the hammer does 1D6+1 points of damage upon a successful hit (no saving throw allowed). The hammer always returns to the cleric after being thrown.
  • Level 4 Spell: Warrior's Immolation
    Range: 0 (Cleric Only)
    Duration: Instantaneous
    Effect: Everything within 10'
    This spell creates a flaming ring that extends from the caster on all sides. Anything within 10' of the cleric will take 1D6 (+1 per level) points of damage. Each victim may make a saving throw vs. spells for half damage.
  • Level 6 Spell: Fire Strike
    Range: 30'
    Duration: 3 rounds
    Effect: Flaming Pillar 40' tall and 10' across
    This ability creates a pillar of fire that does 6D6 points of damage to every creature in the area of effect. Each victim may make a saving throw vs. spells for half damage. The pillar may move at a rate of 30' per round, continuing to damage anything in its path. If the pillar moves out of the cleric's sight then then it will vanish.


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