The Disciples of Temrūs

by

Finley Vorden


You’ll recognize a true Disciple of Temrūs faster than a tavern brawl on discount ale night: they’re the ones rushing toward danger while everyone else flees. My first encounter with these zealous warriors came during a trading dispute in western Ārdmery that rapidly evolved into something far more exciting when bandits decided to crash the proceedings. While I was calculating the fastest route to hide under a merchant’s cart, a robed figure charged past me, sword drawn, bellowing what I later learned was Tenet Three of their sacred teachings.

Disciples of Temrūs pledge themselves to Temrūs as either their primary or sole divine patron. Unlike followers of more socially flexible deities who might casually switch allegiance after a disappointing prayer response, a Disciple's commitment runs bone-deep.

While no strict dress code exists for everyday Disciples, those who dedicate themselves to temple service often wear earth-toned robes interwoven with red threads symbolizing blood spilled in battle. The religion maintains no formal hierarchy, though temple-dwellers receive extra respect for their dedication.



Temples & Worship

Temrian temples stand out like sore thumbs on the architectural landscape. I once described one as “pointy but pretty” to a temple guardian, who informed me that the edges represent the “unflinching sharpness with which evil must be excised.” Only the most dedicated disciples live permanently within these structures. The rest maintain regular jobs throughout Ilhdeinia, ready to drop everything at the first sign of wrongdoing. Even the most battle-scarred Disciples maintain strict prayer schedules: sunrise and sunset, without fail.

These prayers center around reciting the Nine Tenets revealed to the Warrior-Prophet Boznarrath, followed by personal requests for strength and blessing. Between these formal prayer times, Disciples freely call upon Temrūs whenever they need guidance or an extra dose of smiting power. This practice of spontaneous prayer explains the odd phenomenon of warriors pausing mid-battle, muttering fervently, then attacking with renewed vigor and improved accuracy.

While Disciples welcome converts, they don't actively recruit with the fervor of some other faiths. They believe that simply by performing their divine duty others will naturally feel drawn to their cause. This hands-off approach to recruitment hasn't dampened their numbers, suggesting there’s no shortage of folks eager to smite. Surprisingly, Disciples show remarkable tolerance toward other religions, with five notable exceptions: worship of Lūdthār, Dhȳrōs, Mārdōna, Ytīa, or Reīnstīel.



Scriptures & Core Belief

The Nine Tenets revealed through Boznarrath constitute the entirety of Temrian scripture, making this perhaps the most concise religious text in all Ilhdeinia. If one were to distill the entire religion down to a single concept, it would be this: Root out evil in all things.

My own relationship with Temrūs’ followers remains cautiously respectful. I've found them excellent traveling companions on dangerous roads, though their tendency to investigate every rumor of wrongdoing can wreak havoc on itineraries. Should you encounter them in your travels, offer respect, avoid mentioning those five forbidden deities, and if trouble erupts, simply step behind them.



The 9 Tenets of Temrūs

As revealed unto Boznarrath, First Warrior-Prophet of His Divine Majesty:

  1. Root out evil in all forms, and smite with righteous swiftness that which springs forth from the heart.
  2. Supplicate daily, that thy eyes may be opened to see the souls of men.
  3. Withhold mercy from the wicked, for the corrupt tree must be uprooted where it stands; lest its poison spread throughout the garden of creation.
  4. Seek divine discernment to recognize Natural Evil from Inherent Evil, and know when thy blade must remain in its sheath.
  5. Cast aside the unholy bonds of hatred and willing impurity. Embrace not vengeance as thy companion, but welcome the sacred fire of righteous indignation.
  6. Observe with reverence the ordained conflicts of nature, and through fervent prayer, understand thy hallowed place within the divine order.
  7. Stand unafraid before my divine siblings, yet reject utterly the blasphemous teachings of Lūdthār and those who share his unholy covenant.
  8. Retreat not from evil's presence, but face darkness with holy courage, for to flee in fear is to surrender to wickedness.
  9. Become as a shield for the innocent, for to sacrifice oneself in place of the blameless is to gaze upon the countenance of thy god.


Faction Talents

  • Faction Talent - Strength of the Faithful: When you successfully Endure an attack, you may immediately make a free attack against your attacker if they're within Close range. This counterattack deals normal damage and doesn't use an action.
  • Faction Talent - Shield of Temrūs: All allies within Close range of you gain +1 to their Endurance rolls. This bonus applies as long as you remain conscious and within range.
  • Faction Talent - Temrian Valor: When you're outnumbered by enemies (at least two more enemies than allies in the combat), you gain +1 to all Might and Endurance rolls for the duration of the Encounter.