Life-Death-Rebirth Cycle (Force) (CPrH)

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This cycle is most likely to exist in campaigns which don't have gods of birth, death, fertility and rebirth. In campaigns which do feature such gods, the forces of fertility and death are opposed, while in campaigns where this cycle is the primary force, fertility and death are part of the overall cycle. Therefore, if the DM has gods of death and fertility in his campaign, he may not have this cycle; if he has this cycle, he may not have those gods.
Followers of this force believe that living things are born, live, and die, and then reincarnate in a continuing cycle. Perhaps the cycle is endless; perhaps its purpose is to give the soul of the living thing enough experience that he can achieve a greater level of being.
In campaigns where this cycle does exist, it provides enough magical energy for its priests to cast spells. The priests' duties include education of the flock in the beliefs of the cycle, comforting the flock with the knowledge that death is merely a point in the cycle and not the end, and protection of the world from forces which might disrupt the cycle. Because undead beings have been removed or removed themselves from this natural cycle, the priests are their sworn enemies.
The priests of this force are on good terms with Druids and the priests of Agriculture, Animals, Death, Earth, Fertility, Nature, Seasons, Sky/Weather, and Vegetation.
Alignment: This force is true neutral in alignment; its priests must also be true neutral. The flock may be of any alignment.
Minimum Ability Scores: Wisdom 10. Wisdom 16 means +10% experience.
Races Allowed: Dwarves, elves, gnomes, half-elves, halflings, humans.
Nonweapon and Weapon Proficiencies: Nonweapon Proficiencies Required: Religion. Nonweapon Proficiencies Recommended: Herbalism, Reading/Writing, Animal Handling. Weapon Proficiencies Required: None. Nonweapon Proficiency Group Crossovers: Priest, General.
Duties of the Priest: Guidance, Marriage. These priests conduct ceremonies at summer and winter solstice, spring and autumn equinox, in celebration of the cycle. Vigilance against any beings who wish to tamper with this cycle (i.e., priests of the philosophy of evil, or, if appropriate, against mad gods of death who won't rest until everything is dead forever); vigilance against despoilers of nature.
Weapon and Armor Restrictions: Weapons Permitted: Dagger/dirk, knife, scythe, sickle. Armor Permitted: All non-metal armor; no shields. Oriental Campaigns: Also nunchaku. All together, these constitute Poor combat abilities.
Other Limitations: Priests of this sect may not eat animal flesh; they are vegetarian. To violate this limitation is a minor offense from the "Priests and Punishment" section of the "Role-Playing" chapter.
Spheres of Influence: Major Access to All, Divination, Healing, Necromantic (Special Note: These priests cannot use resurrection spell; they use reincarnate instead), Plant, Summoning, Weather. Minor Access to Animal, Charm, Creation, Elemental, Protection, Sun.
Powers:  Incite Berserker Rage (as per the Designing Faiths chapter). Turn Undead (same as the Cleric ability).
Followers and Strongholds: The followers are received at 8th level, and consist of one fifth-level priest, three third-level priests, and sixteen first-level priests of the same order. The priest may take the following on adventures: Three priests of his choice. The priesthood will pay for half of the cost of stronghold construction at 8th level.
Possible Symbols: Unbroken circle; snake swallowing its tail.