Barosa

See Barosa Spreading1

Barosan beliefs stem from a concept of inner consciousness that gives one contentment through the security of eternal return. Barosans are more at one with creatures of the world, than the world itself. They hold that space and time are only concepts of beings with souls and thus somewhat mutable.

No formal structure of the faith exists, however various tasks arise periodically and are assigned to priests of the faith on a selection process relating to the writing of scripture by the priests. The focus of these is known as the Task Master and is given enhanced powers to deal with the problems of the faith, such as sanctifying desecrated sites.

The Golden Pagoda is the holiest site of Barosan belief, although finding it is a trial for the faithful. Its caretaker leads a small unit of Barosan warrior monks who have reached a heightened state of contemplation and are sworn to protect the pagoda and any city in which it resides.

The religion also respects an Enlightened One, who is chosen randomly from those who are eligible at the end of a nomination process. A character can only hold office for one term (6 months) and may never be nominated again.

## Religious Overview

### Generally Accepted Origins of the Faith

Barosa was a Saint (racial origin unknown) of the Universal Church who believed that much of the churches activity was unfocussed and without consideration of the ‘big picture’. Gathering his followers Barosa broke away from Universal to form his own sect. Over the years this sect has grown and spread across the North Island, although actually pinpointing its centres of worship can be extremely difficult. Whilst Universal still somewhat regards Barosans as members of the Universal church, the reverse certainly cannot be said to be true.

### Lay Worshipper Notes

Barosan worshippers are expected to avoid impulsive actions and demonstrate thought and planning in all they do. But note that contemplative and considerate does not equate to pacifist, indeed many successful military officers in history are known to have worshipped Barosa.

Racial tolerance is expected, even extending to Orcs, Trolls and Elves.

Barosans do not particularly attempt to convert people to the faith, believing that true worshippers will come when they are ready, of course this insight on the part of the unbeliever might require encouragement or demonstration.

All Barosan worshippers are expected to visit the Golden Pagoda once in their lives, failure to do so implies a lack of true insight.

## Temple locations

A key point is the use of the word **static** to describe the temple locations:

Teimbul: “The major static temples of **Barosa** are, or were, found in Stormhaven, Parthon, Sarantaplo and of all places Tobar. I do not know the status of the temple in Stormhaven since the invasion, although I have heard from Wyldwood pilgrims that the invaders have left the local temples alone.”

Teimbul: “Yes, you will find that there are a number of paths open to you as monks, when you achieve sufficient understanding. All of the Barosan temples, particularly the major ones, tend to have a monastic following who will be able to teach you. I understand that some of the Shanah temples have similar facilities, although their focus is obviously more on the combat aspects as opposed to the intellectual and spiritual.”

Teimbul: “The high priest of Barosa in Tobar is one Char Warstripe, a female maratasen, she has a bit of a reputation for a foul temper but actually is really friendly. She hates Lizardfolk for some reason or other though – never have found out why. If you are in Tobar, seek guidance from her.”

## Barosa Factsheet 1

In caricature, Barosans wander round with their heads in the clouds, if you throw are stone at them they are likely to pick it up and then lecture you on its geological origins and physical properties. Whilst there are elements of truth in these views, the reality is that Barosan church is woven into the fabric of many of the North Island power structures – but usually invisibly.

For some reason, even though the Church has even reached into Ur’rah, Ghoulagabba and Trollheim – it has never managed to make many inroads into the northern clans. It is as if the relative instability of their society makes it a difficult for Barosan ideals. Within the Church, it is unclear to any but those in the inner circles of the faith, as to how it uses it’s influence. Certainly the Church does not actively promote peace, conflict or trade (much to the disgust of Universal, Shanah and Perceval), but neither does it hinder. As one non-Barosan philosopher once said, “Barosa, the god of influence who expects his worshippers to simply watch.”. Nobody really believes this though – just nobody knows what is going on in the inner sanctum of the Golden Pagoda.

## Priestly categories

Priests of the church categorise themselves as one of the following:

### Watchers

The most numerous, and least visible of the clergy, quite often the first time that people know that someone was a Barosan priest is when they die and their body is collected by the Church.

### Teachers

The most visible of the Barosan clergy, quite often wanderers or adventurers, their role seems to be that of spreading the word (but very passively!) and observing events.

### Warriors

Including the ‘famed’ warrior monks of the Golden Pagoda, the Warriors take responsibility for guarding the various Barosan temples.

### Enlightened

The inner circle, outside of the Church, nobody knows how they are selected, but it is believed that the Enlightened seek to interpret and implement their Gods goals – whatever they may be.

## PC Characteristics

Alignment: Any neutral

Races: Any

Specials: Wisdom used for experience bonus and required to be a cleric

Intelligence used for spell bonuses

1. ↑ Day 75 - Fleet of Foot