The Order of Saint Jerboa

Saint Jerboa and the Jerboan Order

Legends: Jerboa was a humble and good-hearted young man who felt trapped on his small home island because of the wanderlust that was in his heart. One day, in a fit of despair and boredom, he cried out, "Lord, save me from the certain death by dullness you have planned for me!" At that moment a great earthquake split the ground, and Jerboa fell into the deep underworld of darkness.

Jerboa had many fantastic adventures deep under the world's surface, and they are the stuff of much popular entertainment. Angels came to teach him magic, and he became skilled with his trusty staff. He learned to see in the dark. He used his quick wits to elude enemies, and was both brave and fleet of foot. He often went to great lengths to save those less powerful than himself.

Some of the more famous Jerboa stories are:

Jerboa and the Beholder in the Mirror
How Jerboa Charmed the Vampire
Jerboa and the Angel with Broken Wings

But after incredible trials and even bouts of homesickness, he found his way to the surface in the huge southern desert which at that time was filled with pagan wild folk. Jerboa went among them and converted them all, so that to this day the desert nomads are renowned for the strength of their faith and piety. He lived the rest of his days in the desert, and after 150 years was taken up into heaven by the Lord.

Spheres: Travel, Adventure, Deserts, Underground Protection

Worshippers: St. Jerboa is the patron of desert nomads, of course, and also of travelers, wanderers, and adventurers. That's why he has a shrine in New Avalon. He is also worshipped by those who seek escape.

Although chaotic, Jerboans are tolerated and accepted within the Old Faith because they appeal to common folk, adventurers, and the like. This draws people into worship who otherwise might not be as pious. And just as importantly, back home, the barbarian nomads of the desert (really a hot steppe-like environment, but the closest thing to a large desert on this world) had resisted both army and missionaries for a very long time. With the Jerboan Order, these people have embraced the Old Faith. That makes the Lord God plenty happy, and more than willing to accommodate any peculiar or chaotic nomad customs.

Priests: Just like clerics with the following modifiers:

Holy day: last day of summer.

Animal: the Jerboa

Colors: Black and Brown at lower levels, tan at medium, yellow and white at higher levels.

Spheres: Access to spheres as a cleric except no access to creation and full access to weather.

Restrictions:

Must be chaotic good or neutral good.
Can use only a staff..
Must remain unencumbered for easy travel - which may limit armor choices depending on the character's strength. Excess donated to charity.
Attacks on the Rogue chart.

Granted Powers

Turn Undead.
Rogue abilities: Hear Noise, Move Silently, Hide in Shadows, Climb Walls. Distribute 60 points to start, no more than 30 to any one ability. Get 20 more points per level, no more than 10 to any one ability. Standard adjustments apply.
At second level, see in the dark (infravision as an elf).
At fourth level, stonework functions as a gnome.
At sixth level, gain riding and arrow proficiency.
At eighth level, track as a ranger of half the priest's level.
At tenth level, cast Endure Heat at will.

Site Map | 20 March 98