Here is a Mystic order I did for my character in my friend Antalon’s campaign – Ormsfell Range.
Order of the Claws of the Dragon
Martial school of mysticism – Dragons in human form
Mythos and History
The Order of the Dragon’s Claw has an ancient and revered history steeped in the pursuit of Draconic Knowledge. Founded as a martial school of mysticism, this organization embarked on a quest to harness the hidden wisdom of dragons. Their journey began with the discovery of a cryptic Draconic script, a language believed to contain the very essence of dragons.
There are areas in the document that current wisdom in the cult cannot decipher or might have gotten wrong due to misinterpretations thruout past 1000 years or that are deeper mysteries known at higher levels in order or a bad combination of above
The order’s founders unearthed a profound method that involved the emulation of dragons in human form through the acquisition of Draconic Knowledge in the script, strict physical regimen and mystic enlightenment. They recognized the importance of Dragon’s Claws, the embodiment of the dragon’s strength, and a strict physical regimen to unlock their true potential. This revelation became the cornerstone of their mission: to become as dragons in human guise and safeguard the ancient secrets of Draconic Knowledge.
Nature
The Order of the Dragon’s Claw is deeply woven into the fabric of society, playing a colorful and meaningful role that extends beyond their mystical pursuits. They are renowned for their commitment to the protection of knowledge and their unwavering loyalty to those they serve.
In addition to their scholarly and martial pursuits, the order has become known for training trustworthy bodyguards, offering their services to protect scholars, nobles, and leaders who seek their assistance. This unique connection to society allows them to make a significant impact despite their relatively small numbers. They are sought after for their integrity, discipline, and their unwavering dedication to safeguarding their charges.
Who Can Join
Membership in the Order of the Dragon’s Claw is not open to all. Potential initiates must meet specific and demanding criteria to be considered:
– A deep-seated commitment to the preservation of knowledge and the pursuit of Draconic Wisdom.
– A willingness to undergo extreme physical and mental testing, demonstrating their resilience and ability to survive the path to emulate dragons in human form.
– Proficiency in martial and mystical disciplines, showcasing their dedication to the order’s ideals.
– A proven ability to keep the order’s secrets and uphold its values.
Joining the cult
For those who are deemed worthy and successfully initiate into the Order of the Dragon’s Claw, their journey is marked by several significant milestones:
1. Initiation: Initiates undergo a solemn initiation ceremony, where they take the Oath of the Claw, pledging their dedication to the order’s mission and values.
2. Extreme Training Regimen: Joining the cult means embarking on an arduous and relentless training regime that encompasses physical, mental, and mystical aspects. This includes mastering the Path of the Dragon combat style, deciphering the Draconic script, and honing their connection to Draconic Knowledge through extreme physical and mental tests.
3. Progression: Members advance through the ranks from Aspirant to Sage, with each level unlocking new insights, abilities, and responsibilities. Each step of the journey is marked by even more demanding tests of endurance and dedication.
4. Ongoing Service: Joining the cult means a lifelong commitment to the order’s cause, which includes the protection of knowledge, the acquisition of Draconic Knowledge, and the offering of their skills as bodyguards when called upon.
5. Access to Mysteries: As members progress, they gain access to the inner mysteries of the order, including unique gifts and abilities associated with Draconic Knowledge.
Consequences of leaving or betraying the organization
Leaving the Order of the Dragon’s Claw is a choice that comes with consequences, as the knowledge they possess is both a gift and a responsibility. Apostates are encouraged to tread cautiously, for the path they leave behind may lead to unforeseen challenges. The organization, however, does not view them as adversaries, understanding the complexity of their decisions.
Organization
– The Awakening of Scales: An annual event celebrating the order’s founding, marked by rituals that pay homage to dragons.
– The Claw’s Ascension: A ceremony where members reflect on their progress toward emulating dragons.
– The Dragon’s Breath: A meditation retreat where members seek to connect with the essence of dragons.
Ceremonies of the organization
– Dragonfire Offering: Members make symbolic offerings to honor dragons and seek their blessings.
– Rune of the Wyrm: Inscriptions of Draconic runes on weapons and armor, a protective and empowering ritual.
– Oath of the Claw: A solemn pledge, taken by new members, to uphold the values and goals of the order.
Organisation Home Base
– The Wyrm’s Sanctum: A hidden monastery nestled in the heart of remote mountains, where the deepest teachings are imparted.
– The Scales’ Repository: A treasury of ancient scrolls and tomes containing knowledge about Draconic script and lore.
– The Dragon’s Roost: A temple in a bustling city, serving as the public face of the organization.
Areas associated with organisation
– The Ormsfell Mountains: A range known for its dragon legends, where the order hopes to conduct new research and seeks mystical sites.
– The Library of Wyrm’s Wisdom: A repository of ancient scrolls and texts, carefully guarded by the order.
– The Temple of the All-Knowing: A place of worship and reflection, maintained and protected by the order.
Known members of the cult
Vestio – Follower of the Dragon. Exceptionally fit member of the order unwaveringly dedicated to the order and its mission with a fear of illness getting in the way of progression in the order.
Ignacio Kharma – Claw of the Dragon at Dragon’s Roost, Vestio’s rival within the order with uncanny ability to manipulate people.
Master of the Stick – Highest ranking member of the order at the Dragon’s Roost temple.
Membership
Standard
Ranks
- Aspirant
- Follower of the Dragon
- Claw of the Dragon
- Master
- Living Dragon
Members often adopt names inspired by dragons or their attributes, a testament to their commitment to Draconic Knowledge.
Restrictions
Members are encouraged to collaborate and share their findings within the cult, avoiding any restrictions on revealing their knowledge.
Tradition: uses only weapons and armor made of wood, leather or dragon bone (it is just ordinary bone armor)
Skills
Mysticism
Cultural Combat style (Quarterstaff, Cestus, unarmed, Bone Dagger)
Endurance
Insight
Benefits
The organization may offer some or none of the below benefits for its members according to theirrank.
Members receive training in the Path of the Dragon combat style and cult skills.
Path of the Dragon (Quarterstaff, Cestus, Unarmed, Bone Dagger) with the below traits.
| Aspirant | Dragon Slam | allows use of bash special effect with all weapons in combat style | |
| Follower of the Dragon | Dragon Tail | opponent’s resistance to Trip special effect is one difficulty grade harder. | Cost: 3 experience rolls plus one for every already known trait in the style |
| Claw of the Dragon | Dragon Sense | Same as blind fighting | Cost: 3 experience rolls plus one for every already known trait in the style |
Protection
The order offers protection to its members, promoting a sense of security.
Material Aid
Access to resources and equipment made from materials associated with dragons.
Social Status
Members enjoy a respected and esteemed status in society for their role.
Magic
Cult members may learn folk magic but can use no other disciplines other than mysticism.
| Aspirant | Proud to be part of the cult. Folk Magic: Heal, Vigour, Calm, Protection ,Magnify, | |
| Follower of the Dragon | Invoke Formidable Natural Weapons | The hands and feet of the mystic are treated as size Large for the purposes of attacking and parrying in combat |
| Follower of the Dragon | Enhance Initiative | |
| Follower of the Dragon | Augment Endurance | |
| Claw of the Dragon | Enhance Damage Modifier | |
| Claw of the Dragon | Aura (Intimidate) | Can be used to present a particular aspect to those who behold him. Overcoming the mystic’s aura requires an opposed roll of Willpower versus the mystic’s Mysticism roll for invoking the trait. The aura affects all things within a radius of the mystic’s POW in metres. |
| Master | Invoke Pain Control | The mystic is inured to pain and able to work through its effects. Endurance rolls when experiencing any kind of injury are considered to be automatic successes.Has to accept a geas |
| Master | Special Effect Dragon’s Claw | Dragon’s Claw – May learn (5 XP) a new Special Effect called Dragon’s Claw that allows them to penetrate a number of points of worn or natural armor equal to 1/20th their Mysticism skill with their unarmed attacks using their cult combat style. They need to possess in their person a piece of a Dragon’s Claw to use this. |
| Master | Augment Insight | Needs to have Lore(How to be a Dragon) at 70. Needs to have a dragon scale to use the gift. |
| Living Dragon | May have a gift maybe Alacrity. The Gift requires a roll, and an expenditure of Magic Points. Needs to have a dragon scale to use the gift. |
Return of the Magic
Consumption:
Breathing the smoke from a fire with the Drake Flower (have to find it first) 1MP per shot. Meditation roll required to succeed.
Each shot adds one difficulty grade. If fail then delirious for an 1d3 hours
1MP per hour if one has supply of Dragon Claws (at least x ENC present)
Gifts
Alacrity for Sage. Gifts associated with Draconic abilities and knowledge, granted as members progress in their pursuit of emulating dragons. First gift received as a respected master or sage
Return of the Magic
Consumption:
Breathing the smoke from a fire with the Drake Flower (have to find it first) 1MP per shot. Meditation roll required to succeed.
Each shot adds one difficulty grade. If fail then delirious for an 1d3 hours
1MP per hour if one has supply of Dragon Claws (at least x ENC present)
Gifts
Alacrity for Sage. Gifts associated with Draconic abilities and knowledge, granted as members progress in their pursuit of emulating dragons. First gift received as a respected master or sage
Divine Intervention
None
Allies and enemies
Friendly with the God of Knowledge, who appreciates their dedication to preserving wisdom.
Engaged in alliances and collaborations with various powers, depending on their goals and interests in acquiring Draconic Knowledge.
Source
Created for Antalon’s Ormsfell campaign by Hannu
Here is a link to the Mystic Calculator for Order of the Claws of the Dragon talents
Notes From Pavis 