Tribal Priest - Variant (Character Kit)

Tribal Priest 
Description: This kit may be used to represent the pagan priests of any non Christian culture of the Dark Ages. This includes non-Christian Anglo-Saxons, Piets, and Scandinavians, along with Britons who have turned away from Christianity to return to their old gods. Although often seen as barbaric to the Christian church, the cultures served by the Tribal Priest have largely discarded the typical trappings of barbarism, serving a community just as, or at least approaching, the measure of civilization evident in their Christian neighbors. 
A Tribal Priests ability score requirements, alignment, and other special benefits and hindrances are determined by his deity. Good sources for possible deities followed by a Tribal Priest include HR1 Vikings , HR3 Celts , Legends and Lore (Celtic and Norse chapters), Faiths & Avatars, and Powers & Pantheons. 
Barred: Tribal priests may not be Christian in faith. , 
Role: Tribal priests are the most akin to traditional AD&D game Priests in that they worship one or more deities, and gain their spells and powers from those deities. They are highly influential individuals, often having more influence over the population than the king himself. In a Dark Ages campaign. Tribal Priests engage in politics and quests in the name of their gods. They also must defend their faith (and position within their community) from the onset of Christianity represented by the ministrations of the Christian missionaries, who often attempt to convert the pagan masses. 
Secondary Skills: A Tribal Priest must select a secondary skill that is relevant to the deity he worships. 
Weapon Proficiencies: A Tribal Priest is restricted in weapon proficiency depending on the description provided for the deity he worships. 
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
* Recommended: Etiquette, Reading/Writing, 
Religion. 
Equipment: No special restrictions are placed upon a Tribal Priest, other than those proscribed by the specific deity he worships. 
Special Benefits: Tribal Priests may attempt to counter the conversion ability of a Christian missionary, as long as they are present and in good standing with the subject of the conversion. In this function, they may add their Charisma reaction bonus as a negative modifier to the missionary's initial reaction roll. Once a missionary has been accepted, however, it is only their influence within their community that is applicable. Beyond that, a Tribal Priest gains the special abilities provided by the deity he follows. 
Special Hindrances: Tribal Priests must work hard to maintain their influence within their community, especially in the face of potential conversion by Christian missionaries. Should their people be converted, a Tribal Priest has the option to turn to Christianity himself, attempt to disrupt or discredit the practitioners of the new faith, or leave his people in a form of self exile. 
Of course, any special hindrances or restrictions due to the Tribal Priest's own faith must also be observed. 
Wealth Options: Unless otherwise indicated. Tribal Priests begin play with the standard 3d6 x 10 gp. Funds remaining after purchase of initial equipment may be converted into land. 
Races: Any pagan culture of any race is eligible for this kit.
Category:Character Kit
Category:Character Kit Dragon Magazine