Criterion Affiliation Score Modifier One-Time Character level 1/2 level Knowledge (any) 5-9 ranks +1/skill Knowledge (any) 10 or more ranks +2/skill Skill Focus (Knowledge [any]) +1 Has levels in a class that has at least three Knowledge skills as class skills +1 Can cast 3rd-level or higher divination spells +3 Is a devout and actively practicing worshiper of Boccob, Wee Jas, or knowledge as a principle +1 Has at least one level in the Paragnostic apostle or Paragnostic initiate prestige class +1 Has been a member of the Paragnostic +1, +1 for every Assembly for at least 5 years additional year after 5
THE PARAGNOSTIC ASSEMBLY "Nothing in this world, or any other, is more worthy of worship or more -precious a treasure than knowledge itself. " —Pallavarta Santalieri, Master of the Unturned Page The Paragnostic Assembly is sometimes described as a group of religious fanatics with a scholarly bent, and sometimes as an association of knowledge-seekers with faint reli gious overtones, depending on who you ask. In truth, this organization's members are scholars, as faithful as they are educated and as knowledgeable as they are zealous. They whole-heartedly believe that knowledge is the ultimate prize and the ultimate power—beyond riches, beyond magic, beyond the gods themselves.
JOINING THE PARAGNOSTIC ASSEMBLY Those who are already devoted to knowledge or to under standing the multiverse most commonly petition for entrance to the Paragnostic Assembly. Such classes include clerics, wizards, archivists™, and the more studious bards and psions. However, members of many other classes, including sorcerers, rogues, and warlocks, make up a significant minority. Even druids, monks, and the occasional canny fighter can be found in the organization's ranks. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Skills: Any two Knowledge skills, 3 ranks each. Special: Intelligence 13 or Wisdom 13.
The Paragnostic Assembly exists to organize and catalog knowledge, to seek out new information and ancient secrets, and to empower its members through the use of that lore. As seekers of truth, its members are both studious and adventur ous. They literally worship knowledge, viewing its acquisition as both self-discovery and holy obligation. When not studying or sharing information, members of this organization spend their time searching for new knowledge through magical experimentation, historical research, or (in the case of most PCs) adventuring.
Multiple Use Has suffered serious injury or other threat on an expedition solely to gather new Lore and Information + Is a high-ranking member of a prestigious university, arcanists' guild, sages' guild, or similar organization (other than the Paragnostic Assembly) +1 Provides the Paragnostic Assembly with a detailed account and analysis of a monster or culture unknown to other members +1 Provides the Paragnostic Assembly with a spell unknown to other members +1 Fails to share a new spell or bit of lore discovered* -8 Fails to pay monthly dues- -2 Fails to turn over the appropriate percentage of treasure to the Assembly* -4 * If one of these events occurs, the character is expelled unless she offers a very convincing explanation and makes proper restitution. The affiliation score modifier applies only if the character manages to retain membership.
Affiliation Rank 0 1
Score 3 or lower 4-10
2
11-15
3
16-22
4
23-29
5
30 or higher
AFFILIATION SPECIFICS The Paragnostic Assembly accepts only those with the brainpower to absorb the knowledge it offers, or the sense to know how to use it. To advance from one rank to the next, you must petition your superiors and provide evidence (in the form of written works, a recounting of accomplishments, and so forth) to indicate your worthiness. If your superiors agree, you are granted the next rank in a formal ceremony held before other members.
PARAGNOSTIC ASSEMBLY BENEFITS The Paragnostic Assembly has contacts in most major govern ments, churches, and guilds, and its various archives contain almost every piece of information imaginable. Members who have gained sufficient rank in the organization can benefit
Titles: Benefits and Duties None. Paragnostic Scholar: Gain +1 bonus I on Appraise, Decipher Script, any Knowledge skill, PsicraftEPH, Spellcraft, or TruespeakToM per hour spent researching (maximum +5); see text. Sage of Worldly Matters: Gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy checks under certain circumstances; see text. Seeker of Unseen Words: Add one of Appraise, Decipher Script, any Knowledge skill, Psicraft, or Spellcraft to class skill list; see text Master of the Unturned Page: Gain +1 bonus on Appraise, Decipher Script, any Knowledge skill, Psicraft, Spellcraft, or Truespeak per hour spent researching (maximum+10); see text. Exalted Philosopher of Paragnostic Truths: Gain mastery of Knowledge skills; see text.
greatly from its connections and holdings. These advantages come at a price, though: You are expected to contribute tim| and money to furthering the Assembly's aims.
