Faris (Character Kit)

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==Faris (Holy Warrior)==
A holy war is more than just a mobilization of an army in a religious fervor. In Zakhara, it is also an opportunity for spiritual redemption for those fighting the war; if they fight the good fight, their souls will be redeemed, regardless of any past sins. Since no mortal is without sin, the opportunity for a free pass to the paradisiacal afterlife is hard to pass up. A holy war is thus a "good war," one which enjoys the popular support of its people. Warriors engaged in it are not mindless slaves blinded by literal adherence to holy texts; rather, they are popular, living champions of their people and their faith.
The farisan (FARE-iss-ahn) of the Land of Fate are such warriors. They are devoted to their cause, drawing power from the faith of the people, acting as model champions.
Requirements: None. Although all alignments are represented among this group, by far most of them are good. Paladins in particular are attracted to this kit. Farisan may be either gender and any race. The unisex title is faris (FARE-iss). The optional feminine title is farisa (FARE-iss-ah).
Role: Farisan are champions of their faith and their people, in that order. Each warrior is bound tightly to one faith and one deity or recognized pantheon, much more so than even paladins, who are often attracted to the concepts of "good" and "law" in and of themselves, without concerning gods.
This devotion to faith does not negate the thought processes of the farisan. One popular legend about this group describes a faris who is deceived by an evil priest into acting against his god. The holy warrior recovers himself, slays the priest, and goes on to fight valiantly in the service of his deity. This legend has several variations, and the class of tale is dubbed tahrik min qad, which means "moving through the flame."
Farisan also feel a concern for the common people. This is not restricted to folk who share the respective faiths of the farisan; it includes all who may be brought to the "true path" that a faris professes. Leaders, wealthy merchants, scribes, and adventurous types are usually have their own agendas; they receive less concern. But common folk—herdsmen, artisans, small merchants, and the like—can be brought into the fold. Farisan seek always to conduct themselves in a manner that inspires the common folk. The willingness to die for one's cause is part of that inspiration.
Within this normal role there exists a wide latitude for farisan personalities, ranging from firebrands and berserk warriors to more thoughtful planners and popular leaders. The clergy are well served by farisan, and a number of holy warriors are among their retainers and bodyguards.
Some farisan are intolerant of clergymen and holy warriors with other belief systems, including paladins. Such groups are perceived as wrong-headed rivals who seek to lead the people astray through their false concepts. Under the best of conditions, this dislike is manifested in a redoubled effort by farisan to prove that their own faith is more secure, their own life more worth living than that of a rival (even a rival faris). Under the worst of conditions, it results in the intolerant holy war, sweeping a land clean like a desert wind.
Weapon Proficiencies: Farisan are not restricted in weapon use, but a proficiency with some form of sword is recommended for the initial slot. Further, if priests of a holy warrior's god use a certain weapon, then the warrior should take a proficiency in the
same weapon.
Nonweapon Proficiencies:
* Bonus Proficiencies: Religion.
* Recommended, General: Debate, artistic ability, etiquette, singing.
* Recommended, Warrior: Any.
* Recommended, Priest and Wizard: Ancient history, reading/writing.
* Recommended, Rogue: Ancient history.
* Forbidden: None.
Equipment: Farisan initially may purchase any type of armor and equipment. They are encouraged to
purchase the holy symbol of the deity or deities of their choice, as well as the holy works or writings for that faith if they can read.
Special Benefits: A faris gains a +4 benefit to encounter reactions with other members of his or her personal faith, including both laypersons and clergy. The faris may stay at appropriate local temples, recruit helpers, and borrow equipment—all free of charge. The period of a loan never exceeds a week. If a borrowed item is damaged or lost, the holy warrior is responsible for its replacement; furthermore, he or she loses the encounter reaction bonus described above until that replacement takes place. Temples never lend magical items to friendly farisan, regardless of their faith or stature.
Special Hindrances: Much like mamluks, farisan are obedient to their organizations, although in this case the organizations are churches or faiths. A faris may be called upon to redress attacks against his or her church and its devoted members. Action is the expected response to such a call; the faris must be willing to fight or die in the faith's name. A faris also will be asked to join in wars which the church has declared holy. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the holy warrior's usual benefits until some restitution is made (e.g., with a quest spell).
Farisan must tithe 20 percent of their income to their churches. Each supports the particular faith to which he or she belongs. A faris may seek out a proper mosque or church official to receive the tithe, or may simply distribute the wealth to the poor (in the name of the proper faith, of course). Player characters regardless of their class or present economic circumstances may never be the "poor" or "churchly" recipients of a holy warrior's tithe. Paladins who take this kit must tithe most of their wealth, not just 20 percent.
Wealth Options: A holy warrior initially receives 5d4 x 10 gp in order to purchase equipment. Any funds that remain after initial purchases are made must be donated to the church.
Races: Members of any race may be farisan. Often, nonhuman farisans are especially enthusiastic in regard to their own race, but are more intolerant of holy warriors belonging to other races.
Category:Character Kit
Category:Character Kit AA