rules). A would-be affiliate usually uses magical means to offset the fatigue of such a long journey. Affiliation Rank Score 0 3 or lower 1 4-11 2
3
4
Title: Benefits and Duties None. Vagabond: Gain a+2 bonus on Sense Motive checks. 12-20 Wanderer: Gain a+2 bonus on checks made to resist a grapple, trip, or bull rush attempt. 21-29 Explorer: Once per day, gain a bonus equal to +1 per three character levels on one saving throw. 30 or higher Traveler of Worlds: Once per day, become ethereal for 1 round per three character levels as a spell like ability (caster level equals your character level).
ROLEPLAYING APPLICATIONS
open worship of the deity of thieves, so Olidammara's church is little more than a loose network of hidden shrines tended by secretive clerics. These temples are always located in urban environments—usually at the heart of thieves' guilds or smuggling rings—because the Laughing Rogue's followers enjoy the music and vices of the city and find little of interest in more rural envi rons. It would be incorrect and shortsighted to say that members of the church never leave civilization, however. They can frequently be found plumbing the depths of hidden temples and dungeons in search of vast stores of ancient wealth. The Fingers of the Laughing Rogue live for the oppor tunity to deceive. Some church members believe that any creature they can take advantage of is weak and exists only for their benefit. Most, however, have had hard lives themselves at some point, so they focus on the wealthier members of society who, they believe, are more deserving of their attention. In addition, openly lawful individuals are frequent targets of the Laughing Rogue's church. The followers of Olidammara enjoy deceiving anyone, but noth ing pleases them more than swindling a paladin or some other champion of law. To the followers of Olidammara, deception is a form of worship. The church teaches that anything taken from someone else was clearly not meant to belong to that person, and that any theft in Olidamma ra's name increases the deity's power. Each member tithes a portion of his take to the church, giving thanks for the deity's bless ing and offering prayers for success on the next job. Offerings are always left anony mously by night on a small hidden shrine, and they always disappear before another night has passed.
Favored Feats: Members of Fharlanghn's Way value selfreliance and have a talent for avoiding trouble. Thus, they often choose feats such as Endurance, Self-Sufficient, Dodge, and Mobility. Favored Combat Tactics: Many members of Fharlanghn's Way are pacifists who rise to bat tle only when no other choice is left—or to defend or free slaves. Thus, a member of this church favors spells and abilities that keep her out of reach of her foes. Spring Attack is a favorite choice, and members often use the various teleport spells to avoid combat or to maintain a safe distance from hostile creatures. Favored Adventure Types: Any sort of The church's only noncriminal activi adventure is right up the alley of a mem Holy symbol of Fharlanghn ties involve music. The Laughing Rogue ber of Fharlanghn's Way, but one that takes loves musical entertainment, so Olidam her to a place she's never been before is mara's few large temples are always filled with music of greeted with the most enthusiasm. Extraplanar adventures all kinds—calm garden tunes one day, and bawdy tavern are especially exciting, as are journeys to places rumored chants the next. The church frequently sponsors gifted to exist only in myth. performers, and any appearance by a famous bard is sure to Members of Fharlanghn's church frequently make be attended by many of the deity's followers. A musician is extra money as couriers or explorers. They are amazed never the target of a deception perpetrated by church mem that people are willing to pay them for services they bers unless he has committed an act that draws the wrath would perform for free, as long as they were headed in of a worshiper. that direction. Both the church and its members are unreliable when it Favored Oaths: "May you find a twist in your road" is a comes to agreements. They can change allegiances on a whim favorite saying of Fharlanghn's followers. More emotional if doing so appears entertaining or profitable. According to oaths include "By the bent and winding road!" and "By the church, many grades of deception exist, and white lies my feet!" are only the beginning. For these reasons, any follower of Olidammara forms only a few close friendships. Enemies and Allies: The Fingers of the Laughing Rogue have many enemies. Few understand the church's principles and ideologies, and lawful organizations especially condemn Ownership equals possession. If you want an item, take it—as its activities. The churches of St. Cuthbert and Heironeous long as you're willing to risk the consequences, if someone in particular frequently attempt to expose temples to the takes an item from you, you didn't guard it carefully enough Laughing Rogue and shut them down. and should take better care next time. Scale: 10 (regional). Members of the Church of Olidammara like to refer to Affiliation Score Criteria: A member of the church themselves as the Fingers of the Laughing Rogue, but the cannot gain affiliation benefits without first deceiving church lacks any formal organization. Few cities permit
LAUGHING
FINGERS OF THE ROGUE
