Ryiak
Titles: The Cat Lord, the Prowler
Domain: Freedom, Renown
Symbol: An old key
Sphere Granted: Light
The Cat Lord, one of the more popular gods among adventurers, good-natured thieves, and daring burglars, is an enigmatic character rich in bravado and glory. Above all things, Ryiak teaches cunning and a sense of freedom to his faithful, instilling in them a sense of excitement and pride in having their names and deeds rise above the masses. Ryiak loves a good story, especially when he or his faithful are the subject of it. He encourages his faithful to seek out and commit deeds of wit and prowess, not just for material gain, but for renown and reputation. Many Ryiak followers strive to have the bards sing of their exploits and adventures.
When not engaging in the stuff of legend making, a follower of the Prowler should be forever honing their skills, often through acts of skulduggery and chicanery. In the eyes of the Cat Lord, the act is often more important than the goods it yields. Stealing the ancient war totem of an Orc tribe’s high shaman right out from under his nose is worthy of Ryiak’s graces, while robbing a blind widow of her last silver pieces is definitely not. In fact, the latter act is quite likely to invoke Ryiak’s wrath if it is undertaken under his banner. Endeavours like the former are called Glory-Binds and Ryiak expects his followers to engage in them whenever possible. Ryiak is not an evil god, and even though he crosses the law on many occasions, his thefts, pranks, and bravado would never harm an innocent. It is for this reason that the Church of Light, in most regions, tolerates his worship, although they would never give him a seat or altar within the greater church.
Because of the Church of Light’s refusal to incorporate Ryiak into their ranks, the Cat Lord was forced to employ alternative methods to encourage worship. While officially no formal churches exist, Ryiak’s most cunning faithful have adapted by sneaking his church into already established churches. As one might imagine, this causes unending grief to the favoured in charge of keeping their churches sanctified. When the priests of the Light go home for the night, the worship of the Cat Lord begins. Many times a bewildered clergyman has found the door to his church already unlocked in the morning, the remnants of a lascivious party strewn about the pews and stray cats sleeping on their holy altar. It is these kinds of reckless and bold actions that please Ryiak. However, given the likelihood of eventual discovery, these churches within churches are usually closely guarded secrets and often move around to reduce the chances of being caught. When no church exists to infiltrate, there is almost always a small altar to Ryiak in the local tavern – in most cases, behind the bard.
Appearance
Ryiak, when in humanoid form, appears as a male Savar’Aving, although his subspecies changes. In all forms he is strikingly handsome, with piercing yellow cat eyes and a smooth, relaxing voice. In addition to the various types of Savar’Aving, Ryiak has been known to take on the form of an alley cat, which leads his faithful to take care of strays, both feline and mortal. His clothing and style change seasonally and, oddly, he always wears what is in the height of fashion, though not necessarily for the region he is visiting. While style and grace are his markers, Ryiak also carries with him the wounds of a grim past. Upon his wrists are the burning reminders of his last encounter with Malagant, the God of Undeath. These wounds, caused by the unholy manacles once clasped around his hands, burn and sizzle his flesh unendingly. Ryiak is capable of healing them for a time but, try as he might, the wounds always return eventually.
In combat Ryiak wields a single mirrored-edged rapier which, when used to parry an incoming spell, will reflect it back at its caster. In addition to his magical blade, Ryiak can summon fearsome claws that will rend any mortal armour. His grace and dexterity are unparalleled in battle and he is often seen jumping, leaping, and tumbling out of danger, well before the danger strikes.
His final known possession of power is a key, fashioned from his index claw, said to open any door, magical or otherwise. He has been known to pass this key to his most favoured of favoured on occasion, though the magical effects rarely last longer than a year.
The Cantor and Glory-Binds
Unlike most gods, Ryiak has not set out a series of tenets or commands for his faithful to follow. Instead, his followers devised a code of conduct which seem to please Ryiak when it is followed. This code is called the Cantor and has been passed down through the multitude of Ryiak’s churches for the faithful to follow.
In addition to this Cantor, Ryiak expects his faithful to take on personal quests or exploits that he calls “Glory-Binds.” Glory-Binds are tests or challenges that a faithful will charge themselves with in order to hone their skills and give prayer to the Cat Lord. These may be as simple as placing a humorous sign on the back of the local magistrate or as complex as stealing a coin from a dragon’s treasure hoard. Glory-Binds are important acts of devotion to Ryiak and should be performed numerous times a year, when possible. In order to have a Glory-Bind sanctioned in the eyes of the Cat Lord, it must first be blessed by one of Ryiak’s Chosen in what is know as the Rite of Glory. If no Favoured reside in the area, then the oldest or most experienced faithful can give the necessary sanctification, by simple approval. Upon completion of the rite, a golden ribbon is blessed and given to the faithful. It is expected that this ribbon be tied to the faithful’s wrist or weapon hilt and worn with pride for the entirety of the Glory-Bind. The one exception to this rule is if this identifying symbol would, in some manner, make the Glory-Bind impossible. One cannot infiltrate the Church of Malagant to steal their favourite skull if one is wearing the symbol of the Cat Lord on their wrist. The ribbon acts as both an identifier to other faithful, so that they may provide assistance if required, and to potential marks or targets, so that they are made aware that mischief may occur, forcing the faithful to overcome additional difficulties. If a Glory-Bind is easy, it is not worthy of the Cat Lord.
The Cantor
The Cantor
- If you steal, steal from the rich. If you prank, prank the boastful. What you take from one, give to another more in need.
- Every act and deed should increase your reputation and renown.
- Take on Glory-Binds to hone your skills and practice your trade.
- Accept reasonable challenges from friends and allies. The more risky the challenge, the better. Make sure to challenge back.
- Glory-Binds must not cause significant hardship or suffering to the poor and innocent.
- Make good on promises to the Cat Lord’s faithful.
- Do not testify against your friends, other faithful or those who have aided you.
- When possible, help other Glory-Bound in need, through emotional and material support.
- Never, under any circumstances, have a ‘legitimate’ job unless it is a cover for your Glory-Bind.
- Never become a common thug or petty criminal.
- Give the poor and innocent a percentage of the the riches you take from the wealthy. See that they are cared for and protected.
- Do not tie yourself to marriage or children, especially your own.
- If you are Glory-Bound with another and they are caught, take the blame. If you cannot, ensure their escape and freedom. The more daring and grandiose the escape, the better.
- Teach the code to destitute youth. Put them on the path to Ryiak’s glory, for they will have none without your aid.
- Never lose your wit when using drugs or liquor.
- Never be cheap with coin or praise.
- Do not steal from other Ryiak followers unless you are Glory-Bound to do so. Even then, give it back when your Glory-Bind is complete.
- If you enter an area controlled by another of Ryiak’s faithful, make every effort to seek them out and make your presence known.
- Punish those who break the code.