Oracles of Zheenkeef
Most vineyards are run by the oracles, the oldest of the Zhenkefan holy orders. The motivations of this order are mysterious. They sometimes aid those who have nothing but contempt for the vineyards and its worshipers, but deny requests from the most ardent Zhenkefans. Whatever motivates them, their powers are unrivaled— they see far.
Oracles are eccentric leaders of the faith who, speaking in riddles and whispers, send people on bizarre errands only Zheenkeef understands. They are often found in rooms filled with clouds of stinking incense, or near chasms, smelling strange vapors from fissures in the earth. They read the many signs of the universe and converse with voices none but they can hear—and perhaps, with the Mother of Madness herself. It would be easy and perhaps comforting to discount them as mad, but they know too much to be ignored. When two oracles meet, particularly two prophets, it is both propitious and terrifying; their visions might combine into premonitions of mighty deeds, or terrible disasters.
Frail, peculiar, a bit mad, the oracles of Zheenkeef see things they should not, and know more than they let on. They call on Zheenkeef to fill them with swirling, mad images of the future, most of which cannot be cast into words. Many do not reveal the secret knowledge they bear, believing others would be better off not knowing.
Some compulsively reveal all they see, terrifying children with their dark futures. Most who spend time with these provisional leaders of the Zhenkefan faith end up asking themselves whether the fates they foresee can be avoided. To be an oracle is to live a life plagued by visions, most of which make no sense, but some of which tell the future.
Far-Seeing Master
Prospective oracles must seek out prophets and request admission into the order. Often candidates are sent away, but if the prophet deems the applicant worthy, she puts him to the test. Applicants must answer twelve questions that can only be answered using divination, which culminates in the test of the chalices. In this test, the would-be oracle must choose one of thirty chalices, all but one of which is filled with poisoned wine. Surviving the test grants admittance into the order, and the title of seer. A seer is addressed as “Far-Seeing Master” and introduced with the words “The Seer” before his name. So Karzgar would be addressed as “Far-Seeing Master Karzgar,” but introduced as “The Seer Karzgar, an oracle of Zheenkeef.”Prophet
Experienced seers can declare themselves prophets. The prophets, having known they would bear the title someday, prepare new robes and a staff of office for the day of their ascension. Seers who do not prepare robes or staffs either know they will find some in their journeys, or foresaw they will never become prophets. Prophets are addressed as “All-Seeing Master,” and are always introduced with the words “the Prophet,” before their names.Joining the Oracles
Only non-lawful characters devoted to Zheenkeef can join the oracles. Most are warlocks who made pacts with Zheenkeef in the aspect of Oracle, though some come from the rank of apostles, Joyous Brotherhood, or from outside the faith. Wizards (of Divination) and other divination magic specialists might join, should they feel so moved. Sometimes, powerful visions even inspire clerics of other gods to become oracles later in life.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Parent Organization
Related Myths
