Priesthood of Aphrodite

Overview

Aphrodite is the eldest of the Olympians, and most honored.

The Priesthood of the Aphrodite is split between three avatars of the Goddess, and this causes some confusion among the general population. The main elements of the religion centre around Aphodite Pandmos - the bringer of pleasure and love to the population. This is the mastery of physical love. However, as the Cleric advances in level, they cross into the realm of Aphrodite Apotrophia (Ἀφροδίτη Ἀποτροφί) this is the Expeller of Evil and is the reason why Aphrodite Clerics are so effective against Undead. Lastly, the most advanced avatar, Aphrodite Urania governs the traveling of Clerics to other planes.

Symbol

The Holy Symbol of Aphrodite changes according to the level of the Cleric. Some carry a Clam Shell, Others carry a Dove, and the Highest ranks carry a five petaled, 12 pearl studded Anemone.

Chronic Anachronism Control

Aphrodite has designated the beating of a heart that is in love to be her rhythmic contribution to the metronomic methods used by the Olympians to maintain the flow of time.

Restrictions

The Priestesses of Aphrodite must have 15 or higher in Charisma. The Male Priests must have 16 or higher in Constitution.

Socially the Priests and Priestesses of Aphrodite will never sacrifice a pig or a boar to Aphrodite as Adonis was slain by such an animal. As such the Priests and Priestesses will target any wild boars they encounter in priority over any other targets present.

Also no wine is used in Aphrodite's worship or offerings - the individual is expected to be drunk on love.

Weaponry

The Priests of Aphrodite are permitted to use small weaponry only, this includes Daggers, Darts, Cestus, and similar small weapons not longer than a shortsword. The weaponry is said to represent the 'sting' of love. Druids are allowed to use longer weaponry including spears and scimitars.

Armour

The heaviest armor they can wear is Chainmail and shield. However it is preferred by Aphrodite if they wear less armor.

Spheres of Magic

The Aphrodite Priesthood provides access to 8 of these
All
Animal (Minor)
Astral (Major)
Charm (Major)
Creation (Minor)
Divination (Major)
Guardian (Minor)
Healing (Major)
Necromantic (Major)
Protection (Major)
NOTE: Druids of Aphrodite can access the following spheres instead:
All
Animal (Major)
Combat (Insect Swarm)
Creation (Major)
Divination (Minor)
Elemental (Major )
Healing (Major)
Plant (Major)
Weather (Major)

Additional Spells

The Aphrodite Priesthood and Druids are also able to select from all first level Enchantment/Charm spells cast by Wizards as if they are Priest Spells.

Special Note:

All Touch Range spells of the Druids and Priests must be cast with a kiss. In fact all casting done by Aphrodite Clerics appear sensuous, seductive, alluring and enticing. One would not even realise that the spell is being cast in some cases. The Kiss of Remove Curse (To awaken a sleeping princess) is a classic example of this casting tradition.

Granted Powers

From 3rd Level, Undead turning is at one level higher.

At 5th Level the Druids and Clergy of Aphrodite gain the ability to Blow a Kiss - allowing them to deliver any Touch range spell at a distance up to 3' if in sight of the receiver. (If struck blind or in pitch black - this ability does not work).

Druids of Aphrodite are blessed with more of their ancestoral Dryadic Power - this allows the Druid (when of sufficient level to cast level 4 spells - to cast Speak with Plants or Plant Door 1/day (Druid's choice as to which they choose to learn each day. So the spell is learned as a bonus spell at the start of the day just like all other spells available to the Druid.)

Structure

Lower Level Clerics prior to 5th level carry a Clam Shell shaped Holy Symbol,
after 4th Level they must change this to a Dove shaped Holy Symbol,
and finally above 8th level, the Clergy carry an Anemone Shaped Holy Spirit.
This Holy Symbol has five petals, and 12 pearl studs on it (Costing minimum of 100gp per pearl) emblematic of the Dodekatheon Olympians.

Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All)

Founding Date

unknown

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Alternative Names

Houri

Parent Organization

The Olympian Pantheon

Location

Atlantis