Faris (Holy Warrior)
A holy war is more than just a mobilization of an army in a religious fervor. In Yusuf, it is also an opportunity for spiritual redemption for those fighting the war; if they fight the good fight, their souls will be redeemed, regardless of any past sins. Since no mortal is without sin, the opportunity for a free pass to the paradisiacal afterlife is hard to pass up. A holy war is thus a “good war,” one which enjoys the popular support of its people. Warriors engaged in it are not mindless slaves blinded by literal adherence to holy texts; rather, they are popular, living champions of their people and their faith. The farisan (FARE-iss-ahn) of the Yusuf are such warriors. They are devoted to their cause, drawing power from the faith of the people, acting as model champions.
Role
Farisan are champions of their faith and their people, in that order. Each warrior is bound tightly to one faith and one deity, much more so than even Templar, who can often become infatuated with the concepts of good and law as opposed to direct service to Palanos. This devotion to faith does not negate the thought processes of the farisan. Farisan also feel a concern for the common people. This is not restricted to folk who share the respective faiths of the farisan; it includes all who may be brought to the “true path” that a faris professes. Leaders, wealthy merchants, scribes, and adventurous types usually have their own agendas; they receive less concern. But common folk - herdsmen, artisans, small merchants, and the like - can be brought into the fold. Farisan seek always to conduct themselves in a manner that inspires the common folk. The willingness to die for one’s cause is part of that inspiration. Within this normal role there exists a wide latitude for farisan personalities, ranging from firebrands and berserk warriors to more thoughtful planners and popular leaders. The clergy are well served by farisan, and a number of holy warriors are among their retainers and bodyguards. Some farisan are intolerant of clergymen and holy warriors with other belief systems, including Templar. Such groups are perceived as wrong-headed rivals who seek to lead the people astray through their false concepts. Under the best of conditions, this dislike is manifested in a redoubled effort by farisan to prove that their own faith is more secure, their own life more worth living than that of a rival (even a rival faris). Under the worst of conditions, it results in the intolerant holy war, sweeping a land clean like a desert wind. This schism has manifested itself acutely in recent years as Templar have retreated from classic positions of protection and care. Farisan see these individuals as incompetents lacking the emotional and physical muscle needed to protect those deserving.
Distinctive Appearance
None
Special Benefits
A faris gains a +4 benefit to encounter reactions with other members of his or her personal faith, including both laypersons and clergy. The faris may stay at appropriate local temples, recruit helpers, and borrow equipment - all free of charge. The period of a loan never exceeds a week. If a borrowed item is damaged or lost, the holy warrior is responsible for its replacement; furthermore, he or she loses the encounter reaction bonus described above until that replacement takes place. Temples never lend magical items to friendly farisan, regardless of their faith or stature.
Special Hindrances
Much like Mamluks (Slave Warrior), farisan are obedient to their organizations, although in this case the organizations are churches or faiths. A faris may be called upon to redress attacks against his or her church and its devoted members. Action is the expected response to such a call; the faris must be willing to fight or die in the faith’s name. A faris also will be asked to join in wars which the faith has declared holy. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the holy warrior’s usual benefits until some restitution is made (e.g., with a quest spell).
Farisan must tithe 20 percent of their income to their churches. Each supports the particular faith to which he or she belongs. A faris may seek out a proper church official to receive the tithe, or may simply distribute the wealth to the poor (in the name of the proper faith, of course). Player characters - regardless of their class or present economic circumstances - may never be the “poor” or “churchly” recipients of a holy warrior’s tithe.
Farisan may be either gender and any race. The unisex title is faris (FARE-iss). The optional feminine title is farisa (FARE-iss-ah).
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