THE MYTHOS Each year games are held (greek-style Olympics) to decide the champion of the land. The champion is sacrificed to the Agriculture Goddess on the first day of spring so that the grain may grow and be harvested. The goddess appears "in person" each year to take the sacrifice to her halls within the earth where they are wed, consummate the marriage, and the champion sacrificed. One year the goddess failed to appear and that year the crops failed. The next year, the goddess again failed to appear and the land was threatened with famine. The third year, the goddess failed to appear and that year's champion was sent on a quest to find out why the goddess was failing to appear. The champion was Ebrietas. Ebrietas sought out the seer Ogidru, the one born with no eyes. Eventually, Ebrietas found Ogidru living in the base of an extinct volcano, many, many miles away. Ogidru told Ebrietas that the goddess had been kidnapped by Ten-Yagri the god of spite, hatred, and murder. Nobody knew where Ten-Yagri was holding the goddess, but if Ebrietas traveled to the halls of the goddess he would be able to track her with the aid of a magic stone that Ogidru gave him. The only catch was that only Ebrietas' soul could make the journey, his body could not pass into the halls and live, and that if his soul was killed there then his body would also die. The price for the aid and information that Ogidru provided was that Ebrietas had to bring back his eyes which Ten-Yagri began using after he stole them from Ogidru when Ogidru was still in his mothers womb. (Ogidru is the child of a god and a mortal, Ten-Yagri was blinded by the other gods for slaying his brother in envy). Ebrietas' soul descended into the halls of the goddess where he meet with the souls of the previous two years sacrifices. Together they set out to track the goddess and rescue her. The other two champions were killed on the journey, heroically sacrificing themselves so that Ebrietas could continue his quest. Ebrietas finally found the goddess but had to first fight Ten-Yagri in order to free her from his prison. The goddess gave Ebrietas the nectar of the gods so that he might have the power to defeat Ten-Yagri (this drink was the first form of alcohol). Eventually Ebrietas defeated Ten-Yagri and freed the goddess. However, Ebrietas was mortally wounded. Upon the point of death, the goddess in gratitude made Ebrietas immortal and granted him godhood with the dominion of the nectar of the gods and the happiness of man. The goddess also took Ebrietas her husband and gave him the twins Vinumus and Excitarus. Back in Ogidru's lair the body of Ebrietas died but in it's hand's the body held the eyes of Ogidru with which allowed Ogidru could see again but lost his seer abilities. During her captivity the goddess was raped on several occasions by Ten-Yagri with the result of four new gods being born. These are Famine, Disease, Pestilence, and Despair. It is Despair that rapes his mother (the goddess) with the result of Malus Temulentia. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ALCOHOL DEITIES No thing more excellent nor more valuable than wine was ever granted mankind by God. --- Plato If God forbade drinking would He have made wine so good? --- Richelieu Ebrietas is the deity of alcohol in general and the happiness that comes from drunkenness. Malus Temulentia is the deity of liquors. Vinumus is the deity of wines. Excitarus is the deity of beers, ales, and meads. Vinumus and Excitarus are natural brothers and sons of the Goddess of Agriculture and Ebrietas. Malus Temulentia's mother is also the Goddess of Agriculture but his father is unknown but is believed to be the God of War or the God of Death. It is also unknown if the goddess was raped, seduced, charmed, or consented to copulation. ----------------------------------------- EBRIETAS (THE HAPPY DRINKER) ----------------------------------------- Portfolio: Blissful drink, drunkenness, euphoria, festivals, celebrations Ebrietas represents the good that comes from drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is safer to drink then tainted water that often exists in populated areas. Alcohol relaxes people, makes them friendlier, allows them to forget their misery and pain and allows them to enjoy life. Alcohol is used by all castes of people. Whether poor or rich, all cherish alcohol and thus are brought together as a people. Ebrietas is the proud father to both Vinumus and Excitarus. Unfortunately, there is a god who doesn't respect Ebrietas as his sons do. That god is the evil Malus Temulentia. Ebrietas takes the form of many races. His favorite form is a jolly halfling, but sometimes appears as a burly human, a handsome elf, a sturdy dwarf, or a clever gnome. Alignment: The deity is lawful good. His priests may chaotic good, neutral good, or lawful good. The flock may be of any alignment. Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 9, Constitution 12. Wisdom or Constitution of 16 means +05% experience. Wisdom and Constitution of 16 means +10% experience. Races Allowed: Any (commonly dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, humans). Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Bartending, Drinking (Boozing), Drinking Skills/Tricks, Toasting. Recommended: Disguise Drunkenness/ Hangover, Wine tasting. Weapon Proficiencies: Required: Swizzle stick. Weapons and Armor Restrictions: Permitted weapons are swizzle stick, tankard, bottle, and staff. No armor. Duties of the Priest: Devotions, Guidance, Tasting and Protecting the peaceful consumption of alcohol, Marriage, Judging of disturbing, non- peaceful, or unlawful persons when required. Spheres of Influence: Major Access to All, Guardian, Protection. Minor Access to Creation, Plant, Healing. Powers & Benefits: - The specialty priest is immune to alcohol poisoning (but not drunkenness). - The specialty priest never experiences a hangover if intoxicated from beer, ale, mead, or wine. Liquors cause normal hangovers. - The specialty priest receives a +2 bonus to all reaction rolls when they are friendly. - The priest gains a +5 to Constitution ability checks as they pertain to alcohol. - At 5th level, the specialty priest can create a quart of average quality beer, ale, mead, or wine twice per day. - At 7th level, the specialty priest can charm a person while sharing alcohol drinks. This power works three times per day. Limitations & Hindrances: - Unholy alcohol is poison to specialty priests and clerics of Ebrietas. Those that consume unholy alcohol must make a save vs. poison or suffer an additional 4d4 points of damage. - Ebrietas is the hated enemy of Malus Temulentia. This hatred is in the followers of Malus Temulentia. Thus, Ebrietas' priests are in the most danger of harm from the followers of Malus Temulentia who wish to destroy Ebrietas by destroying his worshippers. Ebrietas' priests are always be on guard of such danger. - The specialty priest who becomes hostile while intoxicated has dishonored himself and Ebrietas and must repent or will suffer the wrath of Ebrietas. Note that exceptions can be made when the priest is provoked and all attempts at a peaceful resolution have been made. This punishment will be decided upon by the high priest of the nearest temple of Ebrietas. Repentance usually comes in the form of a quest, a menial task, monetary loss, etc.. Followers and Strongholds: At 9th level, the priest receives the following followers: 3 fourth level priests, 4 second level priests, 6 first level priests, 10 clerics, and 11-20 normal followers. At this time, the priest can construct a Temple of Ebrietas. The priest pays half the cost of construction. The temple is a holy place of worship, but also a meeting place for celebrations of any type as long as the celebration is a festive one. Requirements for Followers: Alignment choices: Any good Races Allowed: Any (commonly human, dwarf, elf, and gnome) Restrictions: None Symbols: The symbol of Ebrietas is a cup overflowing for that is the greatest reward for anybody. Holidays, Festivals, Special Occasions: Three days before the summer solstice, the Seven Days of Ebrietas begin. The holiday is celebrated by parties, parades, and competitions of all sorts. Unconditional celebration takes place. The only requirement of the holiday is that all participants are peaceful. Violators are severely punished for defiling the peace. Most communities that recognize the holiday will overlook communal laws and allow the high priests of Ebrietas to reside over any peace-breakers. The priests of both Vinumus and Excitarus respect Ebrietas and make offerings to him during their festivals. Also, the priests tend to celebrate the Seven Days of Ebrietas where they are very welcome. An offering of alcohol is often given to Ebrietas before any holiday, festival, or celebrations in hopes that he blesses the occasion with peace and goodwill. Minions: Ebrietas has a mortal daughter named Seltzer whose mortal mother was a kind, beautiful, "healthy" barmaid Ebrietas met on one of his excursions to the land of mortals. Seltzer (7th level specialty fighter: AL: LG; AC 8-2; MV 9; hp 50; THAC0 14; #AT 2/1; by weapon type; S 12, D 16, C 18, I 12, W 14, Ch 18) is a fighter adventurer but she also is the owner and hostess of a quaint brew house and tavern. Seltzer specializes in the long sword. She is proficient in the dagger, throwing knife, dart, and quarterstaff. Seltzer is very beautiful and feminine but also strong and sure. Seltzer knows who her father is but finds that such information is of no help in daily life, just another interesting story that will be a legend centuries from now. Although Seltzer doesn't believe her father belittles himself with his mortal daughter, Ebrietas does watch over her and protects her from harm. Seltzer's ultimate destiny is unknown, but surely it will be of greatness and serve her father well. Avatars: Boozies Intelligence: Exceptional Alignment: Lawful Good No. appearing: 1-12 Armor class: 0 Movement: 15 Hit dice: 15 (100 hit points) THAC0: 5 No. of attacks: 4 Damage/attack: by weapon type Special attacks: Special Special defenses: +1 or better weapon to hit Magic resistance: 25% Size: L (12' tall) Morale: Special XP value: 5000 S: 19 (+3 +7) I: 18 W: 18 D: 18 C: 20 Ch: 18 A Boozie is a strong, muscular, burly, tan man. He wears rough blue jeans (a strange clothing material not found in most worlds) and no shirt. He wields a large tankard that does 2d10 points of damage. If necessary a Boozie can wield any weapon with no penalty. A Boozie can cause any mortal to become greatly intoxicated at will. A Boozie often uses this power in attempts to avoid combat. Boozies are really popular with women who find them very attractive. On special occasions, Ebrietas may reward women by sending Boozies to perform a strip show form them. ----------------------------------------- MALUS TEMULENTIA ----------------------------------------- Portfolio: Evil spirits, liquor, alcohol addiction, bad emotions that drive one to drinking, sickness, and drunkenness which manifests itself as rage and loss of control Malus Temulentia is a very evil deity who survives only though the suffering of mortals via liquor. Although other alcohol drinks can have the same effect, liquor gets the job done much quicker. Thus Malus Temulentia's following concentrates on the production and consumption of liquor. Malus Temulentia is known by many names in many realms. One such realm knows him as the great god Raaalph. Offerings to him are heaved into a porcelain alter at least one a week in the morning. If the god finds the offerings pleasing, he sometimes lessen the suffering of his worshipper. Malus Temulentia is depicted in art as a large skeleton with fiery red eyes wearing a dark flowing robe. He is always atop a white porcelain throne. Most have waterfalls of pure alcohol flowing around him and/or worshippers bowing in front of him and vomiting. There are two priesthoods under Malus Temulentia. The first faction are the specialty priests of Malus Temulentia known Stillers. The other faction is made up of clerics. The mission of both priesthoods is to strengthen the deity by getting people interested in liquor. Then hopefully, the evils of liquor will manifest itself which in turn strengths the deity. Only through the spread of liquor throughout the land can the deity hope to gain more followers. Thus, a person can almost always count on getting a free liquor drink from a follower. The specialty priests are mainly concerned with the production of liquor. They are always distilling liquor of different types, mixing liquor drinks with exotic ingredients, and constantly searching for the perfect liquor. The logic of the Stillers is that the more appeasing they can make liquor, the more people will consume it. This Stillers are constantly in search of the perfect formulas and procedures. When necessary, a Distiller will travel to get a new recipe, a new distilling procedure, or new information for example. Perfection is the key to success. The clerics tend to travel spreading the word of Malus Temulentia and the greatness of liquor. As teachers, the clerics will instruct anybody who wants to learn the art of distilling. Also, they are information gathers trying to find as much information on liquor possible. Knowledge of liquor is second only to the liquor itself. Alignment: The deity is chaotic evil. His priests may chaotic neutral, chaotic good, or chaotic evil. The flock may be of any alignment. Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 9, Constitution 14. Wisdom or Constitution of 16 means +05% experience. Wisdom and Constitution of 16 means +10% experience. Races Allowed: Any (commonly dwarves, humans, and humanoids such as orcs, goblins, and hobgoblins). Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Drinking (Boozing), Disguise Drunkenness/Hangover. Recommended: Bartending, Distilling, Drinking Skills/Tricks. Weapon Proficiencies: Required: Broken bottle. Weapons and Armor Restrictions: Permitted weapons are club, staff, and net. The priest may want to use a bottle as a missile or melee weapon. No armor heavier than chain-mail. Duties of the Priest: Devotions, Guidance in distilling, Missions for collecting information. Spheres of Influence: Major Access to All, Creation, Divination, Plant, Necromantic, Summoning. Minor Access to Animal, Healing, Protection, Sun, Weather. Powers & Benefits: - The specialty priest is immune to alcohol poisoning (but not drunkenness). - The specialty priest never experiences a hangover if intoxicated from liquor. Wine, beer, mead, and ale cause normal hangovers. Of course, the priest would rather not drink such a foul alcohol unless it served a purpose in some deception. - The specialty priest receives a +1 per level bonus on all Constitution checks when drinking liquor. - At 3rd level, the specialty priest can identify and analyze any liquor with just one sip. - At 5th level, the specialty priest can raise or lower a person's alcohol addiction by 3 in both the drinking and amount levels. This power can be used once per week. - At 7th level, the specialty priest can raise his strength by 3 once per day. The strength increase will last for 1 hour. Limitations & Hindrances: - The specialty priest receives a -1 per every three levels penalty on all Constitution checks when drinking beer, ale, wine, or mead. - The specialty priest receives a -3 reaction from priests of Ebrietas, Vinumus, and Excitarus. - Within 24 hours of becoming greatly intoxicated, a cleric or priest must induce vomiting upon himself to pay homage to Malus Temulentia. Followers and Strongholds: Upon reaching 9th level, a specialty priest can build a temple complex which contains a distillery. The followers received consist of 20 followers proficient in distilling, 10 first- level clerics, 3 third-level priests, and 1 six-level priest. The distillery must produce liquors of all types for sacrifice to the deity and for sale to the community. The temple complex should contain a library on liquors which would contains such information like production of different types of liquor, different recipes for making mixed drinks using liquor, mythology on the deity, and propaganda against the other alcohol deities. The temple complex may also have a tavern where people can come to drink liquor (no other types of alcohol are served). Liquor is typically sold at cost because of the mission of the priesthood. Symbols: Malus Temulentia's symbol is a white, porcelain bowl. Every temple of Malus Temulentia has a white, porcelain bowl atop a white, porcelain altar. Holidays, Festivals, Special Occasions: Followers do not observe any special occasions. However, they do try to attend festivals, holidays, and special occasions of any type as long as alcohol can be served. Then the followers attempt to flood the festivities with liquor. Before attending any special occasion, clerics and priests must hold a private ceremony where they pay homage to Malus Temulentia and ask for success. Minions: As often depicted in art, Malus Temulentia rides a magnificent Pravus Clydesdale horses (INT: high; AL NE; AC 5; MV 14"/14"; HD 15; hp 100; THAC0 5; # AT 3; Dmg 3d8/3d8/3d4 horn/horn/bite; SA steam, berserk rage; SD fear aura; MR 10%; SZ L, 12'; XP 15,000). A very powerful and intimidating steed, he has god- like attributes and powers, a gift bestowed to him by his master. Avatars: Malus Succubus Intelligence: Exceptional Alignment: Chaotic Evil No. appearing: 1-2 Armor class: 0 Movement: 11/18 Hit dice: 6 (48 hit points) THAC0: 15 No. of attacks: 2 Damage/attack: 1-3/1-3 Special attacks: Energy drain Special defenses: +1 or better weapon to hit Magic resistance: 70% Size: M (6' tall) Morale: Special XP value: 5000 S: 19 (+3 +7) I: 22 W: 16 D: 18 C: 20 Ch: 20 Malus Succubus are terrible female demons whose purpose is the unconditional service to Malus Temulentia. The demon in its natural form appears very much like a tall and very beautiful human female with long blonde hair and large breasts (at least 36D), although the bat- like wings immediately show the observer its true nature. Malus Succubi cannot be harmed by any sort of normal weaponry. Succubus can cause darkness in a 25' radius. The kiss of the succubus drains the victim of one energy level, and all succubi are able to perform any one of the following feats at will: become ethereal (as if using the oil of that name), charm person, ESP, clairaudience, suggestion (as the spell), shape change (to any humanoid form of approximately their own height and weight only), or gate in a type IV (70% chance), type VI (25%). There is only a 40% chance of such a gate opening, however. These female demons are usually not found in numbers, for they prefer to act alone or in pairs. ----------------------------------------- VINUMUS ----------------------------------------- Portfolio: Wine, the finest fruit, refined taste, wine-making As the god of wine, Vinumus has a dual nature: he represents joy, pleasure, and camaraderie; but also savage, mindless, bloodthirsty violence. He represents the fact that wine can induce both happiness and madness. Vinumus is known throughout the realms by many other names a few of which are Dionysus, Bacchus. Vinumus tends to be more nature oriented like his mother the Goddess of Agriculture unlike his brother Excitarus. This wild nature can be seen in Vinumus' appearance, his symbol, and the popular theory that the best wine comes from wild grapes found far away from civilization. While Vinumus most often appears as a young man in a purple robe, he also likes to appear in lion, panther, dolphin, and bear shapes. He savagely inflicts madness upon anyone who attacks or discomforts him (save vs. spells at -4). He is also protective of his temples and high level clerics, and may, if greatly outraged, inflict this madness upon defilers of his holy places. There are only two priesthoods of Vinumus. The first is made of specialty priests, the second of clerics. The specialty priests are concerned with all aspects of wine from producing to drinking. They spend there life creating wonderful wines to honor their deity and all that he represents. The clerics spend most of their time searching for wines created by others although they will make their own when necessary. They also like to preach the word of Vinumus to all that will listen, typically intoxicated people in taverns. Alignment: The deity is chaotic neutral. His priests may chaotic neutral, chaotic good, or chaotic evil. The flock may be of any alignment. Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 9, Constitution 12. Wisdom or Constitution of 16 means +05% experience. Wisdom and Constitution of 16 means +10% experience. Races Allowed: Any (commonly elves, humans, gnomes, halflings). Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Agriculture, Drinking (Boozing), Toasting, Wine Making, Wine Tasting. Recommended: Bartending, Drinking Skills/Tricks, Disguise Drunkenness/Hangover. Weapon Proficiencies: Required: Wooden staff. Weapons and Armor Restrictions: Permitted weapons are staff, scythe, bottle, sickle, and flail. No shields and no metal armor allowed. Duties of the Priest: Devotions, Guidance in proper wine making techniques and wine sampling, Tasting and Protecting the Wines Of Vinumus, Keeping the Wineries of Vinumus, Marriage, Judging at annual wine festival. Spheres of Influence: Major Access to All, Guardian, Protection. Minor Access to Creation, Plant, Healing. Powers & Benefits: - The specialty priest is immune to alcohol poisoning (but not drunkenness). - The specialty priest never experiences a hangover if intoxicated from wine. Beer, mead, and ale cause normal hangovers. - At 3rd level, the specialty priest can identify and analyze any wine with just one sip. - At 5th level, the specialty priest can create a pint of excellent quality wine, twice per day. However, this power is mainly used for emergency purposes as it tends to dishonor the priest and deity whenever the priest doesn't create wine the old-fashioned, non-magical way. - At 7th level, the specialty priest can lay hands on a cup of excellent quality wine and permanently give the wine the power of healing (1d8 points of damage restored), neutralize poison, and cure of all diseases. This power can only be used once per month. - At 9th level, the specialty priest has the power of Prophecy. The priest must become greatly intoxicated before entering the meditation state to receive the visions. Limitations & Hindrances: - The specialty priest receives a -1 per every three levels penalty on all Constitution checks when drinking beer, ale, mead, or liquor. - Liquor is poison to the specialty priest and will do 1d10 points of poison damage for every serving consumed. Also causes automatic comatose intoxication. - A specialty priest who reaches a comatose state due to intoxication by wine has dishonored himself and must repent. This punishment will be decided upon by the high priest of the nearest temple of Vinumus. Repentance usually comes in the form of a quest, a menial task, monetary loss, etc.. Followers and Strongholds: At 8th level, the priest receives the following followers: 3 fourth level priests, 4 second level priests, 6 first level priests, 10 clerics, and 11-20 normal followers. At this time, the priest can construct a Winery of Vinumus which can be considered a temple of the god. The priest pays half the cost of construction. This winery provides facilities for the mass production of wines along with workshops and laboratories for the development of new wines, a library devoted to knowledge on wines, and an elegant wine-tasting facility. Requirements for Followers: Alignment choices: Any non-lawful Races Allowed: Any (commonly elf, human, gnome, halfling) Restrictions: None Symbols: A thyrsus. A thyrsus is a staff tipped with a pine cone and twined with ivy. Holidays, Festivals, Special Occasions: There are two major festivals of Vinumus, one before the wining season and one at the end of the season. The pre-season festival consists of seminars on wine producing techniques, areas to harvest in the coming season, and other useful wine-related topics. Sacrifices of wine and fruit are made to Vinumus and prayers are made for a good wine season. The post-season consists of wine sampling, toasting competitions, and other fun activities. Sacrifices are made to Vinumus to thank him for the wine produced. Minions: Vinumus rides a chariot pulled by two enchanted goats (INT low; AL CN; AC 0; MV 24"/24"; HD 15; hp 100; THAC0 5; # AT 3; Dmg 3d8/3d8/4d8 horn/horn/bite; SA special; SD special; MR 25%; SZ L, 10' at the shoulder; XP 10,000) named Berry and Grape. They attack by butting with their large horns. They add +6 to damage when they charge. One of their numerous extraordinary powers is that they produce excellent quality wine instead of milk, of course somebody still must milk the goats. Another power of Berry and Grape is the ability to polymorph into sleek, powerful panthers (AC -5; MV 48"/48"; HD 15; hp 100; THAC0 5; # AT 3; Dmg 3d10/3d10/4d10 claw/claw/bite; SA special; SD special; SZ L, 10' at the shoulder). Vinumus has two lesser-god minions who serve as emissaries for him: Bartles and James. They have their own worshipers that are considered cults of Vinumus. The clerics of Bartles and James get their power from Vinumus. The specialty priests are identical to specialty priests of Vinumus. They do tend to be female and have a fascination for light less-intoxicating wine that they refer to as wine-coolers. Bartles and James serve as emissaries to Vinumus. When not serving this purpose, they continue their work on making wine-coolers more acceptable by the realms. Vinumus knows that there is no real threat to him or his portfolio. Furthermore, he enjoys the wine-coolers to some extend although they will never compare to real wine. Bartles and James are an odd pair. James never speaks for there is no need to. He is always deep in thought and when necessary he communicates via telepathy to Bartles. The Holy Grand Priest of Vinumus is Orsen Wells (20th level specialty priest: AL: CN; AC 10; MV 9; hp 125; THAC0 8; #AT 1; Dmg by spell or weapon type; S 7, D 6, C 18, I 17, W 18, Ch 17). Wells is a large, burly with a deep voice. During his reign as Grand Priest he has coined the phrase: "We will sell no wine before its time." The phrase symbolizes the hard work and great concern that the priests put into making wines that should be the best in the worlds. Wells has made many advances in mass production of wines but has made sure that nobody forgets or stops creating wines the simple, old-fashioned way. Wells creates a nice bouquet of old with the new that is a treasure to scent. Avatars: The Wine Intelligence: Exceptional Alignment: Chaotic Neutral No. appearing: 1 Armor class: 0 Movement: 15 Hit dice: 7 (50 hit points) THAC0: 13 No. of attacks: 1 Damage/attack: 1d8 Special attacks: Death wail Special defenses: +1 or better weapon to hit Magic resistance: 50% Size: M (5'-6' tall) Morale: Special XP value: 5000 The Wine is a beautiful, winged, female elf. Those elven women who served Vinumus well during their mortal life, are asked to serve him in the after-life. The Wine has a wail similar to that of the banshee. Any creature within 50 feet of The Wine when she wails must roll a save vs. death magic. Those who fail die immediately. The wine can only wail once per day. The touch of The Wine causes 1d8 points of damage. The Wines are fully immune to charm, sleep, and hold spells and to cold- and electricity-based attacks. ----------------------------------------- EXCITARUS (THE BREW MASTER) ----------------------------------------- Portfolio: brewing, beer/ale/mead, barley, basic good times Although he is typically called the God of Beer, Brewing, and Barley, Excitarus actually encompasses other brewed beverages such as ale and beer-like meads. He also maintains his influence over other grains used in the production of these drinks. Excitarus is the brother of the goddess of agriculture. Excitarus is known throughout the realms by many other names a few of which are Sabazius, Pan, Cronus, and Werb. Excitarus typically appears as or is depicted in art as a human, a dwarf, a gnome, a centaur, or a leprechaun. As a human, dwarf, and gnome Excitarus will always be old, wise, overweight, and wearing a white toga. As a centaur, Excitarus is larger than an average centaur, handsome, and very charismatic. As a leprechaun, Excitarus wears deep shades of green, is larger than an average leprechaun, and more serious. He is always with a beautiful pewter tankard and a wooden staff. There are three orders of priesthood under Excitarus, each with its own abilities. They are Tasters of the Brew of Excitarus, Brewmeisters of Excitarus, and Harvesters of the Grains of Excitarus. All use the symbol of a pewter pendant engraved with a barley decorated tankard. Each of the three orders complements the others, and relationships between them are generally cordial. There is one cult of Excitarus, The Centaur Cult of Excitarus, who are masters at brewing but very secretive in their work. Alignment: The deity is Lawful Good. The flock may be of any alignment. Symbols: The symbol of Excitarus and all priests is a pewter pendant engraved with a barley decorated tankard. Holidays, Festivals, Special Occasions: There are three major festivals of Excitarus. In the spring, there is the annual drinking festival. In the summer, the annual brewing competition festival. In the fall, the annual grain harvest festival. Sacrifices at these festivals always include beer and barley. At the harvest festival, an effigy of Excitarus is torn apart in the fields when the first barley is harvested. The god is then mourned for the rest of the harvesting time, and then his rebirth in beer is celebrated when the harvest is finished. On extremely rare occasions, Excitarus has required that a 10 year old boy be sacrificed instead of an effigy to appease him. This is only done if his followers do not honor him adequately for several years and ignore his warnings of blighted crops and sour beer. Minions: Some companions of Excitarus are dogs (INT high; AL LG; AC 5; MV 18"/18"; HD 10; hp 80; THAC0 11; # AT 3; Dmg 2d20 bite; SA special; SD regeneration, teleport without error; MR 50%; SZ L, 10'; XP 25,000): a Saint Bernard named Draft, a bulldog named Miller, a collie named Alex The Beer Dog, and a mutt named Spuds MacKenzie The Original Party Animal. Each dog has a unique personality: Draft is very helpful, Miller is very protective, Alex is very competitive, Spuds is very relaxed. All have avatar status of Excitarus and have god-like powers (regeneration, teleportation, communication, etc.) to protect them from harm. Excitarus usually doesn't send them on missions because he treasures their companionship and is very protective of them. Excitarus is often depicted in art as riding a beer wagon filled with barrels pulled by a team of magnificent Volatilis Clydesdale horses (INT high; AL NG; AC 0; MV 28"/56"; HD 15; hp 100; THAC0 5; # AT 3; Dmg 3d8/3d8/3d4; SA dive, rear kick; SD nil; MR 25%; SZ L, 12; XP 15,000). This depiction is completely accurate. When Excitarus travels and wants to make a grand impression (for teleportation would be easier), he rides on his lordly, beer wagon pulled by a team of twelve Volatilis Clydesdale horses. The horses have god-like attributes and powers, a gift bestowed to them by their master. Avatars: Swissyries Intelligence: Exceptional Alignment: Lawful Good No. appearing: 6 Armor class: -2 Movement: 15 Hit dice: 15 (100 hit points) THAC0: 5 No. of attacks: 4 Damage/attack: by weapon type Special attacks: Special Special defenses: +1 or better weapon to hit Magic resistance: 25% Size: M (5 1/2' tall) Morale: Special XP value: 5000 S: 19 (+3 +7) I: 17 W: 17 D: 18 C: 20 Ch: 20 An avatar of Excitarus is a beautiful blonde maiden with measurements of 36D-24-36. She wears a small blue bikini that hides very little. Atop her head is a helmet with two horns protruding from it. Around her neck is a necklace with the symbol of Excitarus, a pewter pendant engraved with a barley decorated tankard. She carries a +5 wooden staff that she wields in battle. The Swissyries travel in groups of six and function as a well- organized team. When they travel, Swissyries give of a beautiful aura of pearly, flickering light. They travel ethereally, and are only visible to those intoxicated. When not on a mission for Excitarus, Swissyries act as serving maids in Excitarus's great drinking hall. 1st Order: Tasters of the Brew of Excitarus (also Keepers of the Brew of Excitarus) Alignment: A priest of the 1st order can be Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral, or Chaotic Evil. Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 9, Constitution 14. Wisdom or Constitution of 16 means +05% experience. Wisdom and Constitution of 16 means +10% experience. Races Allowed: Any (commonly humans, dwarves, and gnomes). Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Drinking (Boozing), Disguise Drunkenness/Hangover. Recommended: Bartending, Brewing, Drinking Skills/Tricks, Gaming, Reading/Writing, Religion. Weapon Proficiencies: Required: Tankard. Weapons and Armor Restrictions: Permitted weapons are a tankard (or other drinking container), club, staff, net (for big bar fights). No shields (that wouldn't leave a free hand for drinking). No armor heavier than chain-mail. All armor and weapons must be properly blessed by a 5th level or higher priest of Excitarus. Duties of the Priest: Devotions, Guidance (listening to others at the bar), Tasting and Protecting the Brews of Excitarus, Keeping the Taverns of Excitarus, Marriage (can be annulled the next morning when both parties are sober again, if desired), Judging at annual brewing competition festival. Presiding over the annual drinking festival. Spheres of Influence: Major Access to All, Guardian, Protection. Minor Access to Creation, Plant, Healing. Powers & Benefits: - The priest is immune to alcohol poisoning (but not drunkenness). No priest shall experience tainted brew. - The priest never experiences a hangover if intoxicated from beer, ale, or mead. Liquors and wines cause normal hangovers. - At 3rd level, the priest can cause a hangover on somebody by making a successful attack roll to touch a person. If successful, the victim gets a hangover. Roll on Table 1, Hangover Effects Table, to get the effects of the hangover. - At 5th level, the priest can identify and analyze any alcoholic grain beverage with just one sip. - At 7th level, the priest has the power of Soothing Word. - At 9th level, the priest can comprehend and communicate with any person that is intoxicated. The priest is able to ask questions and receive intelligent answers that are accompanied with friendless, cooperations, and understanding. The true usefulness of this power is when the intoxicated person is comatose. Limitations & Hindrances: - The priest receives a -1 per every three levels penalty on all Constitution checks when drinking wine or liquor. - Before going to rest (i.e. sleep), the priest must be intoxicated. Going to sleep sober is considered blasphemy. It would be impossible for Excitarus to communicate to the priest via the dreamworld without the priest being intoxicated. Although few priests have ever experienced such dreams. - Liquor has a tendency to destroy the priest's sense of taste. A priest should never drink liquor or risk offending Excitarus. Excitarus may even destroy the priest's sense of taste and/or excommunicate him. Wine can be consumed by the priest, but not to often and never when beer, ale, or mead can be found. Followers and Strongholds: At 7th level (earlier than most orders, but this group tends to die of liver failure at an early age), the priest gets the following followers: 3 third level priests, 5 first level priests, and 11-20 normal followers (barflies so to speak). The priest may then construct a Tavern of Excitarus, for which he/she must pay half the construction costs. The stronghold acts as a bar for thirsty patrons and as a repository for the various brews made by the Brewmeisters of Excitarus. Requirements for Followers: Alignment choices: Any non-lawful Races Allowed: Any (commonly human, dwarf, and gnome) Restrictions: None (but must love beer) Notes: Eventually, the Tasters of the Brew of Excitarus will split into 2 separate orders, one just for drinking and one just for tavern keeping. When this happens, the life-span of the Tasters will decline even further. 2nd Order: Brewmeisters of Excitarus Alignment: A priest of the 2nd order can be Neutral Good, Neutral Evil, Neutral, Lawful Neutral, or Chaotic Neutral. Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 12, Constitution 12, Intelligence of 11. Wisdom or Constitution or Intelligence of 16 means +05% experience. A score of 16 in any two abilities means +10% experience. Wisdom and Constitution and Intelligence of 16 means +15% experience. Races Allowed: Any (commonly humans, dwarves, and gnomes). Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Alchemy, Brewing, Herbalism. Recommended: Disguise Drunkenness/Hangover, Drinking (Boozing), Drinking Skills/Tricks, Gaming, Reading/Writing, Religion. Weapon Proficiencies: Required: Wooden staff. Weapons and Armor Restrictions: Permitted weapons are the club, tankard, staff, and sling. Non-metal armor and shields only. All armor and weapons must be properly blessed by a 5th level or higher priest of Excitarus. Duties of the Priest: Devotions, Education (teaching of the brewing arts to those deemed worthy, promotion of brewing), Investigation (seeking forgotten brewing techniques and developing new ones), Must participate in annual brewing competition festival. Spheres of Influence: Major Access to Creation, Plant. Minor Access to Healing, Guardian, Protection. Powers & Benefits: - The priest is immune to alcohol poisoning (but not drunkenness). No priest shall experience tainted brew. - The priest never experiences a hangover if intoxicated from beer, ale, or mead. Liquors and wines cause normal hangovers. - At 3rd level, the priest can identify and analyze any alcoholic grain beverage even when partially brewed with just one sip. - At 3rd level, the priest can mend as per the spell Mending on damaged brewing apparatus only once per day by laying on hands. - At 5th level, the priest can create a quart of average quality beer, ale, or mead twice per day. - At 7th level the priest may speed the fermentation process of any naturally fermentable vegetable matter (i.e. potatoes, wheat, etc.) once per day. Within one hour all the contents in the container will be completely fermented as if the full year or whatever the necessary time period was had passed. The priest must be careful to make sure that all other preparations have been made to hold the newly fermented liquid. There must be vats, bottles and anything else that is necessary for the preservation of the Alcohol. The priest must already know the time necessary to ferment the grapes or whatever and the alcohol making processes before casting this spell (i.e. the character must have a proper non-weapon proficiency). Limitations & Hindrances: - The priest receives a -1 per every three levels penalty on all Constitution checks when drinking wine or liquor. - The priest may never make wine or liquors or the wrath of Excitarus shall strike. - The priest must always give the first drink of a new brew to another person, preferably a friend. Followers and Strongholds: At 8th level, the priest receives the following followers: 3 fourth level priests, 4 second level priests, 6 first level priests, and 11-20 normal followers. At this time, the priest can construct a Brewery of Excitarus. The priest pays half the cost of construction. This brewery provides facilities for the mass production of brewed beverages along with workshops and laboratories for the development of new brews. Requirements for Followers: Alignment choices: Any Races Allowed: Any (commonly humans, dwarves, and gnomes) Restrictions: None (but must love beer) 3rd Order: Harvesters of the Grains of Excitarus Alignment: Neutral. Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 12, Constitution 12. Wisdom or Constitution of 16 means +05% experience. Wisdom and Constitution of 16 means +10% experience. Races Allowed: Any (commonly humans and halflings). Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Agriculture, Herbalism, Weather Sense. Recommended: Brewing, Disguise Drunkenness/Hangover, Drinking (Boozing), Drinking Skills/Tricks, Reading/Writing, Religion. Weapon Proficiencies: Required: Scythe. Weapons and Armor Restrictions: Permitted weapons are the scythe, club, tankard, sickle, and flail. No shields and no metal armor allowed. All armor and weapons must be properly blessed by a 5th level or higher priest of Excitarus. Duties of the Priest: Devotions, Guidance, Conducting of annual barley harvest celebrations, Vigilance against anything that may harm barley or other grains used in brewing, Destruction of rats and other vermin that prey on agricultural lands. Spheres of Influence: Major Access to All, Plant, Protection. Minor Access to Creation, Guardian, Healing, Weather. Powers & Benefits: - The priest is immune to alcohol poisoning (but not drunkenness). No priest shall experience tainted brew. - The priest never experiences a hangover if intoxicated from beer, ale, or mead. Liquors and wines cause normal hangovers. - The priest can identify any grain used in brewing. - At 3rd level, the priest can identify and analyze any alcoholic grain beverage with just one sip. - At 5th level, the priest can identify and analyze any disease in grains used in brewing. - At 7th level, the priest can detect the presence and location of any rat nest within 50 feet. Of course, he must seek out and destroy it. - At 9th level, the priest can shape-change three times per day into a cat. Limitations & Hindrances: - The priest receives a -1 per every three levels penalty on all Constitution checks when drinking wine or liquor. - The priest must kill any vermin that prey on agricultural land and are unclean thus defiling grain. - Chastity is required by Excitarus for the crop land cannot be fertile if the harvesters are fertile. Followers and Strongholds: At 9th level, the following followers are gained: 3 fifth level priests, 4 third level priests, 6 first level priests, 21-30 normal followers. At this time, the priest can build a Grainery of Excitarus. The priest must pay for half of the construction costs of this stronghold. The stronghold will act as a safe storehouse for grains used in brewing and will also be a source of information about methods used to enhance the production of these grains. Requirements for Followers: Alignment choices: Any Races Allowed: Any (commonly humans and halflings) Restrictions: None (but must like beer) The Centaur Cult of Excitarus The Centaur Cult of Excitarus is sect with only centaurs as members. They are master brewers. They are great drinkers. They are centaurs with a lust for beer, ale, and mead. They tend to live and worship deep in the woodland near fresh, pure springs where they can get the best water for brewing. Although centaurs are reclusive to most races they will be friendly with any priest of Excitarus hoping to share recipes and techniques with their brethren. Alignment: A priest of The Centaur Cult of Excitarus can be Neutral Chaotic Good, Neutral Good. Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 12, Constitution 14, Intelligence of 12. Wisdom or Constitution or Intelligence of 16 means +05% experience. A score of 16 in any two abilities means +10% experience. Wisdom and Constitution and Intelligence of 16 means +15% experience. Races Allowed: Centaur. Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus: Alchemy, Brewing, Drinking (Boozing), Herbalism. Recommended: Disguise Drunkenness/Hangover, Drinking Skills/Tricks. Weapon Proficiencies: Required: Wooden staff. Weapons and Armor Restrictions: Permitted weapons are the club, tankard, staff, and sling. No armor. Duties of the Priest: Devotions, Education (teaching of the brewing arts to those deemed worthy), Investigation (seeking forgotten brewing techniques and developing new ones), May participate in annual brewing competition festival if welcome by non-prejudice people. Spheres of Influence: Major Access to Creation, Plant. Minor Access to Healing, Guardian, Protection. Powers & Benefits: - The priest is immune to alcohol poisoning (but not drunkenness). No priest shall experience tainted brew. - The priest never experiences a hangover if intoxicated from beer, ale, or mead. Liquors and wines cause normal hangovers. - The priest gains a +5 per class level bonus to the Brewing non-weapon proficiency. - The priest gains a +3 to Constitution ability checks as they pertain to alcohol. - At 3rd level, the priest can identify and analyze any alcoholic grain beverage even when partially brewed with just one sip. - At 3rd level, the priest can mend as per the spell Mending on damaged brewing apparatus only once per day by laying on hands. - At 5th level, the priest can create a four quarts of excellent quality beer, ale, or mead twice per day. However, the priest tends to not use this power because only through non-magical means does a brewer truly enlighten himself and his art. - At 7th level the priest may speed the fermentation process of any naturally fermentable vegetable matter (i.e. potatoes, wheat, etc.) once per day. Within one hour all the contents in the container will be completely fermented as if the full year or whatever the necessary time period was had passed. The priest must be careful to make sure that all other preparations have been made to hold the newly fermented liquid. There must be vats, bottles and anything else that is necessary for the preservation of the Alcohol. The priest must already know the time necessary to ferment the grapes or whatever and the alcohol making processes before casting this spell (i.e. the character must have a proper non-weapon proficiency). - At 9th level, the priest has the power of Prophecy. The priest must become greatly intoxicated before entering the meditation state to receive the visions. Limitations & Hindrances: - The priest receives a -1 per every three levels penalty on all Constitution checks when drinking wine or liquor. - The priest may never make wine or liquors or the wrath of Excitarus shall strike. - The priest must always give the first drink of a new brew to another person, preferably a friend. Followers and Strongholds: At 8th level, the priest receives the following centaur followers: 3 fourth level priests, 4 second level priests, 6 first level priests, and 11-20 normal followers. At this time, the priest can construct a Brewery of Excitarus. The priest pays half the cost of construction. This brewery isn't for mass production as the other brewing priesthood constructs, rather this brewery is for educational and homing of brewing skills. Requirements for Followers: Alignment choices: Any Races Allowed: Centaur Restrictions: None -----------------------------------------------------------------------