This is a draft; the
eventual version appearing in Mythic Russia may
well differ in concept or detail. Please also note that the treatment of real
religions in game form is merely a representation of how medieval people
thought of their faiths and their beliefs in magical powers. This is a game
for mature individuals able to distinguish between fact and fantasy.
St George of the Teutons
The Crusader
This is the aspect of St George revered by the Teutonic
Knights and other crusaders who regard holy war against pagans, schismatics and
apostates of every kind as a struggle for the very soul of the world, a glorious
cause in which the ends justify the means. There are, of course, honourable and
fair-minded worshippers of this aspect, but they tend towards the ruthless and
fanatical.
Entry Requirements: Those who follow St George of the
Teutons must forswear any worship outside the Roman Church.
Abilities: Devotee of St George the Teutons or
Initiate of St George the Teutons, Ignore Injury, Life of St George.
Virtues: Combative, Dedicated, Hate Pagans,
Intolerant.
Affinity: Crusader (Hymn of Victory, Resist
Pagan Magic, Smite Pagan, Strength of the Virtuous)
Secret: Fight On! (When engaged in a combat
against pagans or other enemies of the Roman Church, this ability may be used
either for or to augment a Final Action. Alternatively, it may be used to allow
the warrior to fight on, even when his AP fall below zero. He may continue to
act until his AP fall below -[his rating in this ability]. If he manages as a
result to bring his AP back into positive figures, he sustains no injuries, but
if falls below the ability’s threshold or else remains at minus AP when he
wins the contest, he then collapses and suffers the appropriate consequences.)
Rites & Representations: St George is generally
represented as a mounted warrior, slaying a dragon or worm, but in this aspect
he bears a sword rather than the traditional spear.
Worshippers: Primarily, warriors of the Teutonic
Order.
Connections: Followers of this aspect often maintain
good relations with other aspects of St George, although generally not those of
the Russian Orthodox Church. Given the extent to which this aspect of the saint
is so closely associated with the Teutonic Knights, it is in many ways
considered its patron (even though its formal patron is St Mary of the Teutons,
an aspect of the Blessed Virgin Mary).
Antagonisms: This is a zealous crusading order: it isy and unremittingly hostile towards pagans and those who consort with them
(which includes any who practice dvoeverie), even though from time to
time the Teutonic order may talk to or even ally with pagan powers for political
advantage.
Disadvantages: Members of this order are expected to
be disciplined and uncompromising, and those failing to live up to this will
soon face pressure and worse from their peers. This also means that even other
Catholics tend to consider them dangerously fanatical. Usually with good cause.
All content throughout this site relating
to the Mythic Russia game and setting is
copyright © Mark Galeotti 2004.