More Info on Ilmater
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I'm looking for additional info on Ilmater
Pledges
factions
Rites
Celebrations
etc.
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Ilmater insists all true followers support revolution in its many guises.
Otherwise this might help; http://www.nj-pbem.com/data/Gods/humangods/Ilmater.htm
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Shameless plug. :D
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I wonder what each of those orders are. the Rest period idea is int resting
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sorry this is a bit long winded but I confess I am a fan boy
The one thing that all Ilmatari agree on is that they must do all they can to end suffering on Toril. After that, it is the differences in how Ilmatari go about accomplishing this goal that makes them so interesting.
http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Church_of_Ilmater
The forgotten realms wikia has an interesting article on the Church of Ilmater. It is very worth the read. This article lists 14 different orders of paladins, monks, clerics and combinations there of. There is even a heretical cult. Each has a slightly different interpretation on how to be an Ilmatari.
The Companions of the Noble Heart for instance focus on destroying those that inflict suffering on others while the Order of the Golden Cup focuses on healing and protecting the weak. Both orders would disagree on tactics even though they share the same basic goal. Two pc's from different orders would have very interesting conflicts arise that would make for a very engaging story. There have even been civil wars between Ilmatari ordres in the past.
And then there is the Cult of Dionysus (yes, the Greek Dionysus). Who doesn't want to be in a religion where Dionysus is not only a member but also a canonized saint? :-D Then again I'm not sure I would want to see a physician with a mead in one hand and a scalpel in the other. Fortunately most of them are monks with some clerical support so we should be safe. To take a contrasting view many other Ilmatari believe in denying themselves earthly pleasures so as to take on the suffering of others. This leads to an emphasis on martyrdom and many Ilmatari consider it a sign of great devotion to be martyred multiple times. There is even a prestige class in one of the Forgotten Realms books just for this.
A lot of the above differences come from Ilmater himself being a 20th level Paladin and 20th Level Monk. He demands that his followers show mercy and endurance but also to confront those that inflict suffering. At the same time as he is a dedicated passivist himself, he sets aside this passivism when he sees acts of extreme cruelty, especially against those who cannot defend themselves. When he takes to the offensive he does so by smiting his enemies with his +5 keen vorpal lawful fists. Who else would multiclass monk and paladin?
All of these permutations and variations on Ilmatari doctrine, ideals and practices are what makes them so engaging and fun to play. I've played multiple Ilmatari in pnp. I also played an Ilmatari named Faruq for two years in V2 or V3 (It was so long ago I don't remember). We had a faction with over 10 players in it at one point. It included monks, clerics, paladins and even one bard. Each had different takes on what it meant to be an Ilmatari and I remember some very heated debates going on in the Temple in the Old Quarter (that's what Laria insisted everyone should call it to change the image and get the noble houses involved in the slums). These debates were a source of conflict that made it very fun to play our characters.
ps. And yes the tenday is a very fun tradition. The tenday is sometimes abused by clergy to commit acts that Ilmater would normally disapprove of. The article sites as an example taking down a tyrant through covert action rather than direct confrontation. Ilmatari are by their nature slightly rebellious when it comes to rules, which does add to the fun a bit. :-)
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One thing to keep in mind regarding Ilmatari, is that Ilmatari are not weak. Either in mental fortitude, or thanks to aid of strength domain and other blessings, physically. This is a faith of Martyrs, and individuals willing to stand up, and pursue their convictions to grim ends. The following was written up when WoTC elaborated on Ilmatar for 4th ed, explaining why Ilmatari ultimately stand for hope and freedom, given his revised domains.
Hope: Ilmaters followers always encourage hope, they do this by helping the suffering and by taking down a evil tyranny or possessing great spiritual faith. The broken become a beacon to his followers by overcoming and preserving his pain.
Freedom: Ilmater's primary mission is to keep others from feeling the weight of hardship, pain and being controlled against ones wish. The freedom the crying god grants comes from his own suffering.
Also, even an Ilmatari showing compassion and non-violence towards humans, demi-humans, and even monstrous races, will still oppose and kill things like demons, devils, abberations, and undead.