Cheiromancer
Adventurer
Fascinating numerical speculation. Funny, though, that neither 60 nor 72 are significant in this schema.
Eadric et. al. (The Paladin and his Friends).
- Thread starter sepulchrave
- Start date
Cheiromancer
Adventurer
[sblock=Sep's original post]More random thoughts on divine ranks.
I was reading an old post by fusangite about what he calls 'metatext' and it got me thinking about one of the hidden patterns in the campaign: namely, that the overarching cosmologies presented by five different perspectives – Oronthonist, Uediian, Pseudonatural, Oneiric and Cheshnite – can be reconciled in terms of the numerology of divine ranks. When I started detailing deities, I didn't intend this; it kind of just happened: in many ways, I've actively avoided looking for any kind of meta-reality which holds various others. But…
Because DvRs have a 'real' meaning within the campaign world – e.g. Gihaahia is recognized as "three times thrice magnified" by Choach – it stands to reason that some enterprising Irrenite familiar with Mostin's ideas would have devised a scheme to describe this. It is couched primarily in numerological terms, and a variety of mystical 'routes' exist within it, as do a number of distinct mystical 'goals:' paths may be ascending, descending; linear or cyclical. Ascending them generally corresponds with apotheosis; descending has connotations of emanation.
None of the following is True.
DvR1: Divinity. The Union of Infinities. Divinity is paradigm-neutral.
DvR2: Bifurcation and division. Oronthon self-emanates. The first impulse of the Adversary. The beginning of the process of dissolution. The multiplication of life begins. DvR2 is also paradigm-neutral.
DvR3: Harmony. Accordance with the Divine Will. Associated with Oronthon's scheme ("thrice magnified").
DvR4: Disruption and revolution. (2 x 2) Powerful Bhitis. Explosive and fragmenting energy. Dynamic force applied to reality.
DvR5: Manifestation in the world. Great nature spirits: scions of specific tree-ludjas; powerful mountain-ludjas, river or lake-ludjas.
DvR6: Reconciliation. (3 x 2) Nehael. Sophist notions of God(dess) in Nature.
DvR7: Divine Mysteries. Oronthon's Regents. (The number of Sovereignties. Seven times seven Regents each with 7DvR. Also, 7 x 7 x 7 = number of seraphim in the highest choir.)
DvR8: Destruction. (2 x 2 x 2) Great Bhitis. Phenomena associated with Cheshne.
DvR9: Perfection. (3 x 3) Associated with Oronthon's Magnification scheme ("three times thrice"); also the Claviger is capable of bestowing this status.
DvR10: Fecundity (5 x 2) Specific tree-ludjas (Oak, Yew etc.)
DvR11: Imagination. The Claviger
DvR12: Reification (3 x 2 x 2) Eternal elemental forces. Elder elemental deities.
DvR13: Occultation. That which is hidden or impenetrable. Those who guard the Veils of Cheshne.
DvR14: Revelation (7 x 2) ?
DvR15: Sovereignty. (5 x 3) Sovereignties. Harmony x manifestation. Oronthon acts in perfect accordance with his own will. Esoterically, the Adversary is variously considered a 13+2, an 11+4 or a 9+6; he is the only entity described primarily as an additive function.
DvR16: Dissolution. (2 x 2 x 2 x 2) Apparitions of Demogorgon. The preconscious destructive urge.
DvR17: Impossibility. Pseudodeities.
DvR18: Resolution (3 x 3 x 2). The realization of the dialectic.
DvR19: Premanifestation. The apprehension of the Urge Primeval within Finitude
DvR20: Genesis. (5 x 2 x 2) Tree, Aeon. But the order of operators is different: Tree is (5 x 2) x 2, and partakes of the nature of 10 (fecundity); Aeon is (2 x 2) x 5, and partakes of the nature of 4 (disruption).
Speculative DvRs of Meta-Transcendentals
Derived from the "inverse avatar" notion.
22 Dream – Magical node. The Claviger's emanatory point.
24 Uedii (Mother of the Elements). The emanatory point of fundamental elemental forces.
25 Viridity (5 x 5). Hyperfecundity.
26 Cheshne (Beyond the Veils). Emanatory point of the Mistresses of the Veils. Note that she sleeps with the others.
27 Sela (3 x 3 x 3).
30 Oronthon (Radiant Form). Emanatory point of the Sovereignties.
32 Cheshne (Awakened). Emanatory point of the Apparition.
32 Demogorgon. Emanatory point of the Apparition.
34 Any specific Pseudoinfinity
36 Saizhan. Transcendence of the dialectic.
40 Hahio (Interwoven Green). Emanatory point of Tree.
40 Oronthon (Consciousness Form). The emanatory point of the Aeons.
44 Primordial Dream
49 Oronthon (7 x 7). Unknowable.
64 Tamasah. Emanatory point of the Demogorgon/Cheshne duality.
80 (Unmanifest).[/sblock]
My inner Irrenite wants to further discuss this numerological scheme.
From on Oronthonian perspective I'm wondering if 14 would be a better number for the Adversary. As (7 x 2) it can be read off as the mystery of evil (or duality, if you prefer). As (2 x 7) it symbolizes the Adversary's own opposition to Oronthon's mysterious plan.
The additive relations hint at the overlap of different paradigms. 10 and 6 are both Uediian numbers, while 4 and 8 are Chesnite. Since 14 is both (10+4) and (8+6) the Adversary may be thought of in terms of a dialog between the two traditions. As a kind of ludja with a dash of Bhiti, perhaps, or else as a great Bhiti nuanced by Sophist, incarnational theories. If 12 is a great elemental force and 2 is duality, then 12+2 is also an apt description; he is the great force of dualism in the world.
A pre-fall status is hinted by being the inverse avatar of one of Oronthon's regents (the double of 7; note too that a 'regent of regents' would be 7+7) and as the manifestation of perfection (5+9). His intellectual nature might be hinted at by the relation of (3+11); the harmony of imagination.
As 19 is pre-manifestation (because it is 1 short of 20), so too the Adversary falls short of perfect accordance with Oronthon's will; he fulfills his role, but does not do so willingly or consciously. This seems a suitable way of representing both his rebellion and his submission to Oronthon's sovereignity (15).
I'd speculate that in Chesnite thinking the Regents are failed Bhiti's; constrained, perhaps, by operating in the Oronthonian paradigm. In other words, 7 is 1 less than 8. As prince of Regents the Adversary similarly falls short of being an emanation of Demogorgon; conscious reflection gets in the way of the pre-conscious urge for destruction. In other words, 14 is 2 less than 16.
I'd also like to note that the unmanifest (80) *can* manifest- and in fact does so through successive emanations (40, 20, 10, 5). But that the unmanifest may be itself a self-limitation of that which, properly speaking, cannot manifest: the perfection of perfections, 81.
Besides 3 and 9, 81 has no other factors that could serve as the basis for speculation. But addition (or more specifically subtraction) could help. 80 is the closest number to 81 that can emanate and form 40, 20, 10 and 5. And so a numerology based on 80 is the closest to the unexpressible truth. An Oronthonian might claim this. An Uediian might go along with this, except that they'd substitute Hahio for Oronthon at 40.
A Chesnite might deny that there is any reality denoted by 80 (or 81), but that the fundamental reality is Tamasah (64). 64 is 24 + 40, and so is adequate to describe anything from within the Uediian (24) or Oronthonian (40) paradigm.
If they are inclined to be charitable to Oronthonians, they might introduce a number to express the Oronthonian schema. Perhaps they will use "perfect mystery" of 9 x 7, since it is a near-miss to the Truth that is Tamasah. A Chesnite influenced Irrenite might also posit a "hidden reality" of 13 x 5, which Tamasah approximates. It's the same notion as how 80 approximates 81. 81 and 65 cannot emanate (since they have no even factors) but 80 and 64 can.
Heavens only knows what the Alienists would say. Except I think they would pay a lot of attention to the prime numbers larger than 11. 11 is the number of imagination, and so can be grasped; larger primes symbolize what is too big for conventional minds and which cannot be reduced to something intelligible in conventional frameworks.
I was reading an old post by fusangite about what he calls 'metatext' and it got me thinking about one of the hidden patterns in the campaign: namely, that the overarching cosmologies presented by five different perspectives – Oronthonist, Uediian, Pseudonatural, Oneiric and Cheshnite – can be reconciled in terms of the numerology of divine ranks. When I started detailing deities, I didn't intend this; it kind of just happened: in many ways, I've actively avoided looking for any kind of meta-reality which holds various others. But…
Because DvRs have a 'real' meaning within the campaign world – e.g. Gihaahia is recognized as "three times thrice magnified" by Choach – it stands to reason that some enterprising Irrenite familiar with Mostin's ideas would have devised a scheme to describe this. It is couched primarily in numerological terms, and a variety of mystical 'routes' exist within it, as do a number of distinct mystical 'goals:' paths may be ascending, descending; linear or cyclical. Ascending them generally corresponds with apotheosis; descending has connotations of emanation.
None of the following is True.
DvR1: Divinity. The Union of Infinities. Divinity is paradigm-neutral.
DvR2: Bifurcation and division. Oronthon self-emanates. The first impulse of the Adversary. The beginning of the process of dissolution. The multiplication of life begins. DvR2 is also paradigm-neutral.
DvR3: Harmony. Accordance with the Divine Will. Associated with Oronthon's scheme ("thrice magnified").
DvR4: Disruption and revolution. (2 x 2) Powerful Bhitis. Explosive and fragmenting energy. Dynamic force applied to reality.
DvR5: Manifestation in the world. Great nature spirits: scions of specific tree-ludjas; powerful mountain-ludjas, river or lake-ludjas.
DvR6: Reconciliation. (3 x 2) Nehael. Sophist notions of God(dess) in Nature.
DvR7: Divine Mysteries. Oronthon's Regents. (The number of Sovereignties. Seven times seven Regents each with 7DvR. Also, 7 x 7 x 7 = number of seraphim in the highest choir.)
DvR8: Destruction. (2 x 2 x 2) Great Bhitis. Phenomena associated with Cheshne.
DvR9: Perfection. (3 x 3) Associated with Oronthon's Magnification scheme ("three times thrice"); also the Claviger is capable of bestowing this status.
DvR10: Fecundity (5 x 2) Specific tree-ludjas (Oak, Yew etc.)
DvR11: Imagination. The Claviger
DvR12: Reification (3 x 2 x 2) Eternal elemental forces. Elder elemental deities.
DvR13: Occultation. That which is hidden or impenetrable. Those who guard the Veils of Cheshne.
DvR14: Revelation (7 x 2) ?
DvR15: Sovereignty. (5 x 3) Sovereignties. Harmony x manifestation. Oronthon acts in perfect accordance with his own will. Esoterically, the Adversary is variously considered a 13+2, an 11+4 or a 9+6; he is the only entity described primarily as an additive function.
DvR16: Dissolution. (2 x 2 x 2 x 2) Apparitions of Demogorgon. The preconscious destructive urge.
DvR17: Impossibility. Pseudodeities.
DvR18: Resolution (3 x 3 x 2). The realization of the dialectic.
DvR19: Premanifestation. The apprehension of the Urge Primeval within Finitude
DvR20: Genesis. (5 x 2 x 2) Tree, Aeon. But the order of operators is different: Tree is (5 x 2) x 2, and partakes of the nature of 10 (fecundity); Aeon is (2 x 2) x 5, and partakes of the nature of 4 (disruption).
Speculative DvRs of Meta-Transcendentals
Derived from the "inverse avatar" notion.
22 Dream – Magical node. The Claviger's emanatory point.
24 Uedii (Mother of the Elements). The emanatory point of fundamental elemental forces.
25 Viridity (5 x 5). Hyperfecundity.
26 Cheshne (Beyond the Veils). Emanatory point of the Mistresses of the Veils. Note that she sleeps with the others.
27 Sela (3 x 3 x 3).
30 Oronthon (Radiant Form). Emanatory point of the Sovereignties.
32 Cheshne (Awakened). Emanatory point of the Apparition.
32 Demogorgon. Emanatory point of the Apparition.
34 Any specific Pseudoinfinity
36 Saizhan. Transcendence of the dialectic.
40 Hahio (Interwoven Green). Emanatory point of Tree.
40 Oronthon (Consciousness Form). The emanatory point of the Aeons.
44 Primordial Dream
49 Oronthon (7 x 7). Unknowable.
64 Tamasah. Emanatory point of the Demogorgon/Cheshne duality.
80 (Unmanifest).[/sblock]
My inner Irrenite wants to further discuss this numerological scheme.
From on Oronthonian perspective I'm wondering if 14 would be a better number for the Adversary. As (7 x 2) it can be read off as the mystery of evil (or duality, if you prefer). As (2 x 7) it symbolizes the Adversary's own opposition to Oronthon's mysterious plan.
The additive relations hint at the overlap of different paradigms. 10 and 6 are both Uediian numbers, while 4 and 8 are Chesnite. Since 14 is both (10+4) and (8+6) the Adversary may be thought of in terms of a dialog between the two traditions. As a kind of ludja with a dash of Bhiti, perhaps, or else as a great Bhiti nuanced by Sophist, incarnational theories. If 12 is a great elemental force and 2 is duality, then 12+2 is also an apt description; he is the great force of dualism in the world.
A pre-fall status is hinted by being the inverse avatar of one of Oronthon's regents (the double of 7; note too that a 'regent of regents' would be 7+7) and as the manifestation of perfection (5+9). His intellectual nature might be hinted at by the relation of (3+11); the harmony of imagination.
As 19 is pre-manifestation (because it is 1 short of 20), so too the Adversary falls short of perfect accordance with Oronthon's will; he fulfills his role, but does not do so willingly or consciously. This seems a suitable way of representing both his rebellion and his submission to Oronthon's sovereignity (15).
I'd speculate that in Chesnite thinking the Regents are failed Bhiti's; constrained, perhaps, by operating in the Oronthonian paradigm. In other words, 7 is 1 less than 8. As prince of Regents the Adversary similarly falls short of being an emanation of Demogorgon; conscious reflection gets in the way of the pre-conscious urge for destruction. In other words, 14 is 2 less than 16.
I'd also like to note that the unmanifest (80) *can* manifest- and in fact does so through successive emanations (40, 20, 10, 5). But that the unmanifest may be itself a self-limitation of that which, properly speaking, cannot manifest: the perfection of perfections, 81.
Besides 3 and 9, 81 has no other factors that could serve as the basis for speculation. But addition (or more specifically subtraction) could help. 80 is the closest number to 81 that can emanate and form 40, 20, 10 and 5. And so a numerology based on 80 is the closest to the unexpressible truth. An Oronthonian might claim this. An Uediian might go along with this, except that they'd substitute Hahio for Oronthon at 40.
A Chesnite might deny that there is any reality denoted by 80 (or 81), but that the fundamental reality is Tamasah (64). 64 is 24 + 40, and so is adequate to describe anything from within the Uediian (24) or Oronthonian (40) paradigm.
If they are inclined to be charitable to Oronthonians, they might introduce a number to express the Oronthonian schema. Perhaps they will use "perfect mystery" of 9 x 7, since it is a near-miss to the Truth that is Tamasah. A Chesnite influenced Irrenite might also posit a "hidden reality" of 13 x 5, which Tamasah approximates. It's the same notion as how 80 approximates 81. 81 and 65 cannot emanate (since they have no even factors) but 80 and 64 can.
Heavens only knows what the Alienists would say. Except I think they would pay a lot of attention to the prime numbers larger than 11. 11 is the number of imagination, and so can be grasped; larger primes symbolize what is too big for conventional minds and which cannot be reduced to something intelligible in conventional frameworks.
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Sepulchrave II
Legend
Even you have an inner Irrenite?
It's worth noting that the numerical schema is not mine, per se, but rather cribbed (with modifications) from John Addey's Harmonics in Astrology; in this regard, it only bears a passing resemblance to 'standard' Western numerology.
If anyone is au fait with astrology, they'll recognize the general scheme follows the meaning of astrological aspects: 1 (conjunction), 2 (opposition), 3 (trine); 4 (square); 5 (quintile) etc. Either consciously or otherwise, astrological symbolism underpins much of the mythical backdrop(s) of the campaign.
Mostly Pluto/Scorpio - notions of unconscious eruption, death, destruction, and violent metamorphosis - especially the Chthonic-Soneillon-Kaalaanala-Apparition-Demogorgon-Cheshne complex of symbols (Visuit is more Martian). Also things draconic (and Hellfire-ish). But also the Oronthonist symbolism of the Eagle (and phoenix).
In Wyre's night sky (mysteriously identical with our own) the 'Eye of Cheshne' (Taaraka in Shûth) is assumed to be Alpha Scorpii, Antares.
If numerology is the subtext, then astrology is the infrasubtext, so to speak.
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Cheiromancer
Adventurer
I imagine you are familiar with the Tree of Life. In my own system of correspondences the path from Binah to Tipheret is matched to Scorpio and the Major Arcanum of Death. Tipheret, of course, is associated with the Sun, so is a good stand-in for Oronthon. Binah is dark and negative, so can be the Chesnite pole. I don't assign planets to the first three Sephirot.
So, yeah. I can see how Scorpio imagery fits. And the theme of death and transformation that is the purview of the Major Arcanum of Death. Since the Binah-Tipheret path connects the upper triad to the center of the Tree of Life, I can see how the themes of revelation and transcendence come into play, too.
Maybe cabalism is the hypoinfrasubtext of the campaign?
Sepulchrave II
Legend
You know what CP Scott said about television, right?
Sepulchrave II
Legend
Sovereignties
According to Urgic doctrine, Oronthon is manifest as both Radiance and Consciousness: the Aeons originate from the Mind of God; Sovereignties are emanated by his perceivable form – i.e. Radiance. Esoterically speaking, all Sovereignties are also regarded as differentiated Flames – i.e. functions of Consciousness which have assumed both apprehensibility and personae to mortal senses. The dividing line between the various finite manifestations of Oronthon is blurred and confusing at this point.
Traditionally, there are seven Sovereign Manifestations, although a number of obscure schools of thought place the number at nine or higher. Sovereignties are not deities, and are never supplicated or worshipped as such; rather, they form the basis of a number of different meditative techniques, the structure of which is eventually discarded as the adept grows in his understanding. It should be realized that as deeper and deeper states of awareness are attained, the Sovereignties themselves are regarded as barriers to the perfect insight of Saizhan.
Sovereignties are generally only encountered by highly evolved mystics in a state of deep reverie; essentially, contact with a Sovereignty is tantamount to an encounter with Oronthon himself. Although, notionally, each Sovereignty may be encountered in a variety of guises and has any number of appellations and honorifics, the Borchian titles are regarded as the 'Truest' as they describe only the role or appearance of each Sovereignty, rather than ascribe a specific 'name' in the usual sense. In this regard, the Sovereignties are – ironicallly – not dissimilar to the Nameless Fiend. Unlike the Adversary, however, they are not defined by their lack of nomenclature, and may – and do – possess many other names for those to whom they manifest.
Oronthon is described as Ansin Leoma (a Presence of Light); Metod Setlu (an Enthroned Monarch); Orthan Lutor (a Purifying Wind); Fyrn Dru (a Flawless Guide); Cempa Seond (a Vigilant Guard); Ead Suwian (a Silent Bliss); and Earn Torn (an Eagle of Requite).
Sovereignties may be classified as Insubstantial (Light, Wind and Bliss); Anthropomorphic (Monarch, Guard and Guide); or the single zoomorphic or Aquiline (Requite). Alternatively, they may be regarded as either discarnate or incarnate; respectively a trinity and a quaternity of forms which together form a hebdomad within the pleroma. Although no notions of hierarchy are ever implied and any Sovereignty can assume any form, the discarnate manifestations are generally accorded an increased reverence.
Seven Essences of Sempiternity
Sovereignties share a number of features; in game terms, all Sovereignties have certain SDAs in common:
Sketch for Requite
Mostin's greatest nightmare is perhaps the Eagle Requite, Earn Torn: the Anto ("Wrath") Emanation of Oronthon, and a Sovereign Manifestation. Requite is a function of the Radiant Form, and as such cannot be said to be entirely distinct from Oronthon. Although described in terms of divine rank, Requite is not a deity and shouldn't be regarded as one. With the widespread adoption of certain Urgic practices, the Anto meditation is one often favoured by Temple zealots.
Based approximately on an advanced exalted divine array celestial roc, the Eagle is an intermediate power. Initially, the Sovereignties were planned to have anywhere from 11 to 15 divine ranks; in the end, I made them all DvR 15s, mostly to satisfy my weird numerological agenda.
The Eagle subsumes the indestructibility and immortality of the phoenix in its symbolism, as well as notions of holy war, justice and vengeance; but also martyrdom, the regeneration which follows in the wake of trauma, and epiphany brought on by privation or mortification. Sovereignties are of a more fundamental order than most deities, and can/must absorb a number of different archetypes.
Requite's benefits package weighs in at a hefty 1.2 billion gp, which is rather nice. Although the Eagle is of the same order of magnitude as the Adversary – 15 DvR, 70 outsider HD and 60 class levels – it enjoys certain benefits by virtue of its exaltation which the Nameless Fiend has to meet or emulate by means of invested feats or SDAs. Like a celestial episeme, Requite also retains integrated cleric casting levels equal to its outsider HD. Consequently, the Eagle is somewhat more of a cosmic heavyweight than the Adversary.
Anto manifests as a radiant eagle wreathed in white fire, with a wingspan of over 200ft. Evil outsiders, undead and minor gods are generally disintegrated when they come into contact with Requite's aura; evil deities in the DvR6-10 range may endure briefly if adequately warded.
The notation Impulse +X after the Spellcraft score simply indicates the total of DC of additional seeds and factors the Eagle can add to a quickened, componentless epic spell. As an intermediate power, Requite takes 20 on all Spellcraft checks.
Requite (Sovereign Manifestation) (CR125)
Anto. The Wrath of Oronthon
Intermediate Power
Symbol: The Eagle
Home Plane: Heaven (Sovereignties)
Alignment: Lawful Good
Portfolio: Wrath, War, Retribution, Renewal
Worshippers: None
Cleric Alignments: None
Domains: Wrath, War, Retribution, Renewal
Provenances: Phoenix, celestial eagle, celestial griffon
Fighter 60
Colossal Outsider (Augmented, Exalted, Extraplanar, Fire, Good, Lawful)
Divine Rank: 15
Hit Dice: 70d8+4480 (Outsider) plus 60d10+3840 (Fighter) (9480hp)
Initiative: +56 (Supreme Initiative)
Speed: 80ft., fly 320ft. (perfect); instant translocation
Armor Class: 275 (-8 size, +48 Dex, +60 armor, +15 competence, +15 divine, +55 insight, +29 natural, +51 deflection)
Base Attack/Grapple: +100/+241
Attack: Talon +262 melee (8d6+91/18-20 plus annihilation)
Full Attack: 2 talons +262 melee (8d6+91/18-20 plus annihilation) and bite +262 melee (8d8+55/19-20 plus annihilation)
Space/Reach: 30ft./30ft.
Special Attacks: Annihilating strike, salient divine abilities, smite evil, spell-like abilities, spells, turn undead
Special Qualities: Divine qualities, DR 30/cold iron and epic and evil, fast healing 20, regeneration 20 (evil), SR 175
Saves: Fort +252 Ref +236 Will +243
Abilities: Str 152 Dex 107 Con 139 Int 119 Wis 120 Cha 113
Skills: Intimidate +228, Sense Motive +203, Spellcraft +329 (Impulse +517; +777 with backlash), Spot +213; other skills
Feats: Alertness, Awesome Blow, Blistering Spell, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Empower Spell, Extend Spell, Flyby Attack, Great Cleave, Greater Spell Focus (Transmutation), Greater Weapon Focus (bite), Greater Weapon Specialization (bite), Greater Weapon Focus (talon), Greater Weapon Specialization (talon), Heighten Spell, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Critical (talon), Improved Grapple, Improved Initiative, Improved Multiattack, Maximize Spell, Melee Weapon Mastery (slashing), Mobility, Multiattack, Persistent Spell, Persuasive, Power Attack, Power Critical (bite), Power Critical (talon), Quicken Spell, Skill Focus (Intimidate), Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Snatch, Spell Focus (Transmutation), Twin Spell, Weapon Specialization (bite), Weapon Focus (bite), Weapon Focus (talon), Weapon Specialization (talon), Widen Spell
Epic Feats: Dire Charge, Enhance Spell (x5), Epic Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Epic Skill Focus (Intimidate), Epic Spell Focus (Transmutation), Epic Spellcasting, Epic Weapon Focus (bite), Epic Weapon Specialization (bite), Epic Weapon Focus (talon), Epic Weapon Specialization (talon), Great Smiting, Improved Heighten Spell, Improved Metamagic (x6), Intensify Spell, Manyspell (x5), Planar Turning, Spellcasting Harrier, Superior Initiative, Tenacious Magic
Salient Divine Abilities: Alter Reality, Alter Size, Annihilating Strike, Avatar, Castigating Screech, Dispelling Glance, Divine Fire Mastery, Divine Firestorm, Divine Spell Focus (Transmutation), Divine Spellcasting, Extra Domain, Improved Spell Resistance, Indomitable Strength, Irresistible Blows, Radiant Aura, Rejuvenation, Supreme Initiative, True Shapechange
Other Divine Abilities
Create Portfolio Item: 200,000gp limit
Divine Aura: Free action. 1500-ft radius; Will DC 141. Daze, fright or resolve
Immunities: Ability damage, ability drain, acid, banishment or imprisonment, cold, death effects, disease, disintegration, electricity, energy drain, fire, mind-affecting effects, poison, polymorph, sleep, sonic, stunning
Movement: Requite may move between any two points as a swift action, regardless of separation
Portfolio Sense: Any portfolio-related event
Remote Communication: Standard action. Any Oronthonist or any creature within 15 miles of any dedicated Oronthonist site.
Sensory Range: 15 miles. Darkvision, low-light vision, blindsight, blindsense, greater arcane sight, tremorsense, true seeing.
Remote Sensing and Blocking: Standard action. 10 locations; 15-mile radius
XP Reservoir: 50,000/day
Exalted Qualities
Requite's abilities are based on a Divine Exalted array and it gains certain benefits associated with Exalted celestials:
Innate Bonuses
These replace items. The Eagle benefits from the following modifiers:
Spell-Like Abilities
Requite may use any spell with the [fire] descriptor and any War, Wrath, Renewal or Retribution Domain spell at will as a spell-like ability (CL 145; DC 76+ spell level),
Spellcasting
Requite casts spells spontaneously as a cleric (CL 85; DC 80+ spell level, Transmutations DC 91+ spell level) without any need for components. Requite may Heighten spells up to 55th level. If the Eagle uses spells which deal energy damage, that damage is maximized and is considered divine damage for the purposes of elemental resistances or immunities.
Epic Spellcasting
Requite never pays XP for casting epic spells, and may apply up to 260d6 in backlash damage. When using impulses it may effectively add up to +777 DC in additional factors. Requite may use 13 epic spells per day.
Permanent Epic Mage Armor
This provides a +60 armor bonus.
Salient Divine Abilitiy Notes
Unique SDAs or modified standard SDAs:
On Encountering Void
When warded and augmented, the Eagle's statistics change as noted below. The Eagle gains a +250 enhancement bonus to each of its ability scores (replacing the existing bonus) and a +250 bonus to its SR. Six epic slots are retained for offensive purposes.
Hit Points: 21,830
Initiative: +151 (Supreme Initiative)
Armor Class: 485 (-8 size, +143 Dex, +60 armor, +15 competence, +15 Divine, +150 insight, +29 natural, +146 deflection)
Grapple: +336
Attack: Talon +357 melee (8d6+186/19-20 plus annihilation)
Full Attack: 2 talons +357 melee (8d6+186/18-20 plus annihilation) and bite +357 melee (8d8+102/18-20 plus annihilation)
Special Attacks: Annihilating Strike DC 249, Castigating Screech DC 236, salient divine abilities, smite evil (+467 melee), spell-like abilities, spells, turn undead
Special Qualities: SR 425
Saves: Fort +452 Ref +426 Will +433
Abilities: Str 342 Dex 297 Con 329 Int 309 Wis 310 Cha 293
Skills: Spellcraft +424 (Impulse +602; +862 with backlash)
*
According to Urgic doctrine, Oronthon is manifest as both Radiance and Consciousness: the Aeons originate from the Mind of God; Sovereignties are emanated by his perceivable form – i.e. Radiance. Esoterically speaking, all Sovereignties are also regarded as differentiated Flames – i.e. functions of Consciousness which have assumed both apprehensibility and personae to mortal senses. The dividing line between the various finite manifestations of Oronthon is blurred and confusing at this point.
Traditionally, there are seven Sovereign Manifestations, although a number of obscure schools of thought place the number at nine or higher. Sovereignties are not deities, and are never supplicated or worshipped as such; rather, they form the basis of a number of different meditative techniques, the structure of which is eventually discarded as the adept grows in his understanding. It should be realized that as deeper and deeper states of awareness are attained, the Sovereignties themselves are regarded as barriers to the perfect insight of Saizhan.
Sovereignties are generally only encountered by highly evolved mystics in a state of deep reverie; essentially, contact with a Sovereignty is tantamount to an encounter with Oronthon himself. Although, notionally, each Sovereignty may be encountered in a variety of guises and has any number of appellations and honorifics, the Borchian titles are regarded as the 'Truest' as they describe only the role or appearance of each Sovereignty, rather than ascribe a specific 'name' in the usual sense. In this regard, the Sovereignties are – ironicallly – not dissimilar to the Nameless Fiend. Unlike the Adversary, however, they are not defined by their lack of nomenclature, and may – and do – possess many other names for those to whom they manifest.
Oronthon is described as Ansin Leoma (a Presence of Light); Metod Setlu (an Enthroned Monarch); Orthan Lutor (a Purifying Wind); Fyrn Dru (a Flawless Guide); Cempa Seond (a Vigilant Guard); Ead Suwian (a Silent Bliss); and Earn Torn (an Eagle of Requite).
Sovereignties may be classified as Insubstantial (Light, Wind and Bliss); Anthropomorphic (Monarch, Guard and Guide); or the single zoomorphic or Aquiline (Requite). Alternatively, they may be regarded as either discarnate or incarnate; respectively a trinity and a quaternity of forms which together form a hebdomad within the pleroma. Although no notions of hierarchy are ever implied and any Sovereignty can assume any form, the discarnate manifestations are generally accorded an increased reverence.
Seven Essences of Sempiternity
Sovereignties share a number of features; in game terms, all Sovereignties have certain SDAs in common:
- Indestructibility (Rejuvenation): Only an entity of equal or higher DvR can permanently eliminate a Sovereign Manifestation.
- Emanatory and Reflective (Avatar): Just as Sovereignties are emanations of the Radiant Form, so they too may reflect their own avatars. Each Sovereignty has seven DvR7 reflections, known as the Regents of the Empyrean.
- Fourfold Dominion (Extra Domain): Sovereignties are each charged with governance over four domains.
- Magnificat (Magnificat): A Sovereignty may invest a considerable portion of its essence in a proxy creature. For each DvR which a Sovereignty bestows, its own DvR is reduced by a like amount. Sovereignties cannot reduce their own DvR to less than that of lesser deity (DvR6) status; they may bestow up to DvR9 upon proxy creatures.
- Cosmic Agency (Alter Reality): All Sovereignties possess the ability to alter phenomena to better suit their needs.
Radiant Aura (Radiant Aura): Sovereignties emanate an aura of light to 1500ft. which destroys evil outsiders and undead (as though disintegrated). - Infinity of Forms (True Shapechange): A Sovereignty may assume any shape or form. Sovereignties need not meet the normal prerequisites for this ability.
Sketch for Requite
Mostin's greatest nightmare is perhaps the Eagle Requite, Earn Torn: the Anto ("Wrath") Emanation of Oronthon, and a Sovereign Manifestation. Requite is a function of the Radiant Form, and as such cannot be said to be entirely distinct from Oronthon. Although described in terms of divine rank, Requite is not a deity and shouldn't be regarded as one. With the widespread adoption of certain Urgic practices, the Anto meditation is one often favoured by Temple zealots.
Based approximately on an advanced exalted divine array celestial roc, the Eagle is an intermediate power. Initially, the Sovereignties were planned to have anywhere from 11 to 15 divine ranks; in the end, I made them all DvR 15s, mostly to satisfy my weird numerological agenda.
The Eagle subsumes the indestructibility and immortality of the phoenix in its symbolism, as well as notions of holy war, justice and vengeance; but also martyrdom, the regeneration which follows in the wake of trauma, and epiphany brought on by privation or mortification. Sovereignties are of a more fundamental order than most deities, and can/must absorb a number of different archetypes.
Requite's benefits package weighs in at a hefty 1.2 billion gp, which is rather nice. Although the Eagle is of the same order of magnitude as the Adversary – 15 DvR, 70 outsider HD and 60 class levels – it enjoys certain benefits by virtue of its exaltation which the Nameless Fiend has to meet or emulate by means of invested feats or SDAs. Like a celestial episeme, Requite also retains integrated cleric casting levels equal to its outsider HD. Consequently, the Eagle is somewhat more of a cosmic heavyweight than the Adversary.
Anto manifests as a radiant eagle wreathed in white fire, with a wingspan of over 200ft. Evil outsiders, undead and minor gods are generally disintegrated when they come into contact with Requite's aura; evil deities in the DvR6-10 range may endure briefly if adequately warded.
The notation Impulse +X after the Spellcraft score simply indicates the total of DC of additional seeds and factors the Eagle can add to a quickened, componentless epic spell. As an intermediate power, Requite takes 20 on all Spellcraft checks.
Requite (Sovereign Manifestation) (CR125)
Anto. The Wrath of Oronthon
Intermediate Power
Symbol: The Eagle
Home Plane: Heaven (Sovereignties)
Alignment: Lawful Good
Portfolio: Wrath, War, Retribution, Renewal
Worshippers: None
Cleric Alignments: None
Domains: Wrath, War, Retribution, Renewal
Provenances: Phoenix, celestial eagle, celestial griffon
Fighter 60
Colossal Outsider (Augmented, Exalted, Extraplanar, Fire, Good, Lawful)
Divine Rank: 15
Hit Dice: 70d8+4480 (Outsider) plus 60d10+3840 (Fighter) (9480hp)
Initiative: +56 (Supreme Initiative)
Speed: 80ft., fly 320ft. (perfect); instant translocation
Armor Class: 275 (-8 size, +48 Dex, +60 armor, +15 competence, +15 divine, +55 insight, +29 natural, +51 deflection)
Base Attack/Grapple: +100/+241
Attack: Talon +262 melee (8d6+91/18-20 plus annihilation)
Full Attack: 2 talons +262 melee (8d6+91/18-20 plus annihilation) and bite +262 melee (8d8+55/19-20 plus annihilation)
Space/Reach: 30ft./30ft.
Special Attacks: Annihilating strike, salient divine abilities, smite evil, spell-like abilities, spells, turn undead
Special Qualities: Divine qualities, DR 30/cold iron and epic and evil, fast healing 20, regeneration 20 (evil), SR 175
Saves: Fort +252 Ref +236 Will +243
Abilities: Str 152 Dex 107 Con 139 Int 119 Wis 120 Cha 113
Skills: Intimidate +228, Sense Motive +203, Spellcraft +329 (Impulse +517; +777 with backlash), Spot +213; other skills
Feats: Alertness, Awesome Blow, Blistering Spell, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Empower Spell, Extend Spell, Flyby Attack, Great Cleave, Greater Spell Focus (Transmutation), Greater Weapon Focus (bite), Greater Weapon Specialization (bite), Greater Weapon Focus (talon), Greater Weapon Specialization (talon), Heighten Spell, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Critical (talon), Improved Grapple, Improved Initiative, Improved Multiattack, Maximize Spell, Melee Weapon Mastery (slashing), Mobility, Multiattack, Persistent Spell, Persuasive, Power Attack, Power Critical (bite), Power Critical (talon), Quicken Spell, Skill Focus (Intimidate), Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Snatch, Spell Focus (Transmutation), Twin Spell, Weapon Specialization (bite), Weapon Focus (bite), Weapon Focus (talon), Weapon Specialization (talon), Widen Spell
Epic Feats: Dire Charge, Enhance Spell (x5), Epic Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Epic Skill Focus (Intimidate), Epic Spell Focus (Transmutation), Epic Spellcasting, Epic Weapon Focus (bite), Epic Weapon Specialization (bite), Epic Weapon Focus (talon), Epic Weapon Specialization (talon), Great Smiting, Improved Heighten Spell, Improved Metamagic (x6), Intensify Spell, Manyspell (x5), Planar Turning, Spellcasting Harrier, Superior Initiative, Tenacious Magic
Salient Divine Abilities: Alter Reality, Alter Size, Annihilating Strike, Avatar, Castigating Screech, Dispelling Glance, Divine Fire Mastery, Divine Firestorm, Divine Spell Focus (Transmutation), Divine Spellcasting, Extra Domain, Improved Spell Resistance, Indomitable Strength, Irresistible Blows, Radiant Aura, Rejuvenation, Supreme Initiative, True Shapechange
Other Divine Abilities
Create Portfolio Item: 200,000gp limit
Divine Aura: Free action. 1500-ft radius; Will DC 141. Daze, fright or resolve
Immunities: Ability damage, ability drain, acid, banishment or imprisonment, cold, death effects, disease, disintegration, electricity, energy drain, fire, mind-affecting effects, poison, polymorph, sleep, sonic, stunning
Movement: Requite may move between any two points as a swift action, regardless of separation
Portfolio Sense: Any portfolio-related event
Remote Communication: Standard action. Any Oronthonist or any creature within 15 miles of any dedicated Oronthonist site.
Sensory Range: 15 miles. Darkvision, low-light vision, blindsight, blindsense, greater arcane sight, tremorsense, true seeing.
Remote Sensing and Blocking: Standard action. 10 locations; 15-mile radius
XP Reservoir: 50,000/day
Exalted Qualities
Requite's abilities are based on a Divine Exalted array and it gains certain benefits associated with Exalted celestials:
- Integrated cleric caster levels equal to its outsider Hit Dice
- A bonus to its saving throws equal to its Charisma modifier.
- An insight bonus to attack rolls and armor class equal to its Wisdom modifier
- All of Requite's attacks are made as though they were smite evil attempts. Against evil creatures, Requite gains an extra +51 bonus on Attack Rolls and deal an aditional 190 points of damage.
- The ability to turn undead at will as an 85th-level cleric.
Innate Bonuses
These replace items. The Eagle benefits from the following modifiers:
- A +60 enhancement bonus to all abilitiy scores
- A +20 sacred bonus to Constitution
- A +100 competence bonus to Spellcraft skill checks
- A +60 resistance bonus to all saves
Spell-Like Abilities
Requite may use any spell with the [fire] descriptor and any War, Wrath, Renewal or Retribution Domain spell at will as a spell-like ability (CL 145; DC 76+ spell level),
Spellcasting
Requite casts spells spontaneously as a cleric (CL 85; DC 80+ spell level, Transmutations DC 91+ spell level) without any need for components. Requite may Heighten spells up to 55th level. If the Eagle uses spells which deal energy damage, that damage is maximized and is considered divine damage for the purposes of elemental resistances or immunities.
Epic Spellcasting
Requite never pays XP for casting epic spells, and may apply up to 260d6 in backlash damage. When using impulses it may effectively add up to +777 DC in additional factors. Requite may use 13 epic spells per day.
Permanent Epic Mage Armor
This provides a +60 armor bonus.
Salient Divine Abilitiy Notes
Unique SDAs or modified standard SDAs:
- Alter Reality: Requite does not pay the XP normally associated with this ability.
- Annihilating Strike – Irresistible Blows: All of Requite's natural attacks are treated as touch attacks and ignore object hardness. Creatures, attended objects and magic items struck by Requite's beak or talons must make Fortitude saving throws (DC 154) or be reduced to –10 hit points and destroyed outright. Unattended, nonmagical objects are obliterated. Requite can destroy up to 15,000 cubic feet of nonliving matter. Entities with 15 or more divine ranks are not affected by this ability, and it has no effect upon objects or effects which are not subject to physical damage, such as a wall of force. The Save DC is Strength-based.
- Avatar: Requite has seven reflections, all of which are Regents of the Empyrean. These entities are CR80 DvR7 divine array exalted celestial rocs with 40 outsider HD and 40 class levels.
- Castigating Screech (Unique SDA): The Eagle may utter a penetrating shriek in a 1500-ft. cone as a standard action. All creatures within the cone must make a Will saving throw (DC 141); creatures who fail their saves are frozen (as though paralyzed) for 40 rounds as the burden of their misdeeds overwhelms them; those who succeed are still slowed and shaken. Saints, celestials and other exceptionally holy creatures are unaffected by the screech; entities with 15 or more divine ranks are not subject to its effects. The Save DC is Charisma-based.
- Dispelling Glance (Unique SDA) (Sp): Once per round as a free action, Requite may use a superb dispelling effect with +145 bonus on its dispel check. The Eagle may target any creature or effect within its normal sensory range of 15 miles. This ability is the equivalent of an epic level spell.
- Divine Firestorm (Unique SDA): As a full-round action, the Eagle may beat its wings and invoke a firestorm centered on itself with a radius of up to 750 feet. All creatures within the storm are subject to 100d6 points of divine damage; a Reflex saving throw (DC 141) halves the damage. The divine firestorm restores full hit points to the Eagle, and automatically removes any negative conditions affecting it unless they were bestowed by an entity with 16 or more divine ranks. The Save DC is Charisma-based.
- Magnificat: Requite can bestow up to nine divine ranks upon a willing target proxy mortal or celestial which it can sense.
- Radiant Aura: Requite emanates an aura of brilliant light in a 1500-ft. radius which counters and dispels all darkness effects unless their source possesses at least 16 divine ranks. Every round, undead creatures and evil outsiders within the aura must make Fortitude saving throws (DC 141) or be destroyed (as if disintegrated). The aura may be suppressed or resumed as a free action. The Save DC is Charisma-based.
- Rebuke Mortals (Unique SDA): At will, the Eagle may rebuke or command mortal worshippers of Oronthon as a Cleric rebukes and commands undead. For purposes of this ability, the Eagle is treated as a 145th-level Cleric; a worshipper is defined as anyone who has ever supplicated Oronthon, or anyone who has ever witnessed and been moved by a supernatural event connected with Oronthon. There is no limit to the number of mortals which may be subject to this effect at any given time.
On Encountering Void
When warded and augmented, the Eagle's statistics change as noted below. The Eagle gains a +250 enhancement bonus to each of its ability scores (replacing the existing bonus) and a +250 bonus to its SR. Six epic slots are retained for offensive purposes.
Hit Points: 21,830
Initiative: +151 (Supreme Initiative)
Armor Class: 485 (-8 size, +143 Dex, +60 armor, +15 competence, +15 Divine, +150 insight, +29 natural, +146 deflection)
Grapple: +336
Attack: Talon +357 melee (8d6+186/19-20 plus annihilation)
Full Attack: 2 talons +357 melee (8d6+186/18-20 plus annihilation) and bite +357 melee (8d8+102/18-20 plus annihilation)
Special Attacks: Annihilating Strike DC 249, Castigating Screech DC 236, salient divine abilities, smite evil (+467 melee), spell-like abilities, spells, turn undead
Special Qualities: SR 425
Saves: Fort +452 Ref +426 Will +433
Abilities: Str 342 Dex 297 Con 329 Int 309 Wis 310 Cha 293
Skills: Spellcraft +424 (Impulse +602; +862 with backlash)
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Cheiromancer
Adventurer
Splendid! I hope the introduction of these characters entails that they will be making an appearance in the story.
Every time I think that things cannot possibly be ramped up further... they are. It's amazing how you can use the bulky rules engine to create such beauty.
Every time I think that things cannot possibly be ramped up further... they are. It's amazing how you can use the bulky rules engine to create such beauty.
