Chen Kai Ancestor Cults (Chen Kai Religion)

Note: Divine Casters (Generally speaking, clerics or favoured souls) who revere the Ancestor Cults are referred to as Custodians.



Most spirits depart entirely from the world when their time has come, but some, whether out of a sense of duty or an unfulfilled cause in life, remain behind to guide their descendants to acts of greatness. Obligations entail this connection, so many do not answer their offer. The spirits, having agreed to lend direct aid drawn from their experiences and abilities--have high expectations of their descendant.


The spirits, sensing kindred company, congregate in the afterlife according to certain important causes in life. These are known as the Five Traditions. Custodians are able to commune (via certain spells) with all of their ancestors, but they are required to select the Tradition which best suits their intentions in life.


To follow a Tradition is to declare a philosophical and metaphysical devotion to a fundamental aspect of Huang-Cao society. It is not possible to change traditions. Furthermore, players should be aware that deviating from the tenets of their Tradition may attract the disfavour or even ire of the ancestors. Examples would include: Custodians of Industry who blithely censor knowledge, Custodians of Adventure who succumb to vices (living life to the fullest is their creed--not confining it to habits), or a Custodian of Adversity who willingly serves an ancestor's murderer. The potential examples are too many to note, but they should be considered when role-playing as a Custodian.


Being one of the eldest traditions of the Chen Kai people, there is nearly no divorcing of ancestral reverence from the Huang-Cao way of life. The depth of the practice is where it varies. It may be as simple as pouring a libation on a collective birthday, or as complex as hosting a three-day event amongst representatives from every branch of the family. Laymen do not choose Traditions, nor do the ancestors interact with them in the fashion do they with the Custodians.


Practitioners of Jing-Heping may observe ancestor worship, but this is disputed amongst philosophers and wisemen. Some may take an anti-thetical stance against it, since the ancestors encourage the passionate exploration of their humanity. It is still possible for a Custodian to follow Jing-Heping, but he or she is foremostly a Custodian, and thus receives no mechanical benefit from Jing-Heping while still being responsible to the spiritual mission of that faith. This can lead to conflicts in decision-making.


Being without a dogma, few doctrines, or a unifying holy text, the ancestor cults of Huang-Cao are not a religion in the Milerian sense of the word. However, there are rituals, duties, and an element of supernatural power, all beseeched and honoured with austerity.

---

Portfolio: Varies amongst the Tradition, and even within themselves, as it is drawn from the professions and personalities of the ancestor spirits.

Alignment: (Varies by Tradition; see below)

Domains: (Varies by Tradition; see below)

Holy Symbol: A talisman bearing a stylized Huang-Ni character, poem or four-character adage which represents their chosen Tradition.

Favoured Weapon: (Varies by Tradition; See Below)

---

Adversity

Domains: War or Protection; + Law, Trickery, or Glory

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Favoured Weapon: Katana, Wakizashi, or Kusari-Gama


The tradition of warriors and generals, the courage which begins or answers wars, and the guile that ends them. The ghosts of all the men and women whose vision of peace of order demanded a strong hand and a keen mind remain to guard their descendents' interests. Custodians of Adversity are expected to devote themselves to martial matters, big and small, and to respect their foes and their allies alike on and off the proverbial field of battle.

---

Society

Domains: Community or Nobility; + Earth, Knowledge, or Strength

Alignment: Neutral Good

Favoured Weapon: Kama, Longspear, or Tessen


Within this tradition one can beseech the spirits of statesmen, great orators, and effective rulers of all levels of office, down to the farmers and shepherds who left their fields to defend home and hearth. Custodians are expected to nurture their society, bringing about peace and the development of culture and wealth, whether through honest labour or leadership.

---

Invention and Industry

Domains: Knowledge or Artifice; + Creation, Rune, or Magic

Alignment: True Neutral

Favoured Weapon: Three-Section Staff, Nunchaku, or Quarterstaff


The makers and creators, advocates of the mind, riddles, and efficiency. They propel society forward from their workshops and laboratories, or by investigation into the mysteries of the world. Custodians of this Tradition are often found either as explorers of knowledge and craft, or as protectors of those who do.

---

Adventure

Domains: Liberation or Travel; + Trickery, Luck, or Competition

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Favoured Weapon: Shikome-Zue, Wakizashi, or Ninja-To


It is sometimes joked that having dared to defy their lot in life, these ancestral ghosts dare to defy their lot in death. Playwrights, wanderers, explorers, mischief-makers, even the brewer who gave up the vats for horse racing, they are all favoured by those ancestors who, too, sought all that the world had to offer. Clerics of the Tradition of Adventure are urged to go forth into the world and leave an exemplary mark... whether of fame or infamy.

---

Vindication

Domains: Law or Revenge; + Repose, Strength, or Destruction

Alignment: True Neutral

Favoured Weapon: Sai, Two-Bladed Sword, or Katana

Special: The tradition of Vindication has no purpose without ancestors to avenge. This can include the recently deceased. To give a Custodian of Vindication continued purpose, it is recommended that the player work with the DM team on a sub-plot.


The history of the world is long, and many have perished unjustly. Clerics who adopt the Tradition of Vengeance are expected to avenge the wronged dead, or to fulfill specific tasks--such as recovering pieces of their armour from the black market. The ancestors, being immortal spirits, know they have all the time in the world. Nevertheless, furious spirits can be quite demanding. For this reason, rather few take up this tradition.