TEXT: Valiant Host v3.5                                                                                                                                                           1
  The Valiant Host
  “We will anoint the battlefield with our enemies’ blood, and break their weapons in your name.”
  - prayer offered to Clangeddin before battle
  Alaghor: an ancient dwarven word describing “those who demonstrate valor in battle”.  None exemplify
  this concept more convincingly than the disciples of Clangeddin Silverbeard, the Lord of the Twin Axes.
  The Valiant Host is dedicated to preserving the dwarven way of life through warfare in the manner
  prescribed by the Father of Battle.
  The Faith
  The dogma of the church of Clangeddin Silverbeard reads thus:
  “In war you will demonstrate the finest qualities of a dwarf: your indomitable courage, the strength of your
  metal craft, and your steadfast devotion to the gods of your forbearers.  It is your duty to prepare
  physically, mentally, spiritually, and resourcefully for battle, that you may ensure your victory wherever
  conflict erupts.  Conduct yourself honorably and valorously in battle, and resort not to deceit to win the
  day.  In this manner you will preserve the ways of your ancestors and the future of your descendants.”
  The holy symbol of Clangeddin is a pair of miniature steel axes, welded together to form an “x”.  This may
  be suspended on a chain and worn around the neck, attached to the crest of a helmet, or mounted as a
  device on a shield.  Clergy are frequently garbed in ceremonial silver chain mail under a tabard of red and
  black (red is reminiscent of blood, while black reminds all that war, though often necessary, is still a dark
  undertaking).  Some clergy wear a fine helm, which is seldom removed, even while sleeping.  In battle,
  clergy don the best armor available.  
  The battleaxe is the favored weapon of Clangeddin; indeed, he is often envisioned as wielding either a
  single axe two-handedly or two axes simultaneously.  While most acknowledge that the Father of Battle
  forgoes shields in favor of more devastating attacks, individual dwarves are encouraged to develop
  whatever fighting style works best for them.  Still, almost all of Clangeddin’s followers prefer heavy melee
  weapons that crush and cleave, and many emulate the fighting style of their patron deity, wielding two
  weapons to maximize their effectiveness in a skirmish.  Missile weapons are not uncommon, as they
  have their use in softening up enemy lines and discouraging aerial assaults.
  While most dwarves dislike mounts for various reasons, the paladins of the Valiant Host are renowned for
  the fierce dire boars that carry them into battle.  These beasts are fitted with barding comparable to the
  armor of their riders, and frequently wear a caparison bearing the crossed axes of Clangeddin.
  The clergy of the Valiant Host conduct ceremonies on battlefields, whether the battle was won or lost,
  historic or imminent.  The sites of important or notable battles host sizeable congregations on the
  anniversaries of these grim events.  Most temples recognize battles of lesser significance that occurred
  locally, and individual members may travel to distant sites with which they feel a personal connection.  In
  any case, the clergy offer prayers and break weapons anointed with their own blood.  Clangeddin may
  consume the weapons in his radiance, or leave them to be melted down and reused.  Neither is
  considered a “good” or “bad” portent, as the Father of Battle is not known to speak through signs or
  omens.
  
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  The center of Clangeddin’s Church in the Principality of Ulek is in Gryrax.  The temple is reminiscent of a
  stronghold; indeed, it is directly attached to the northern gatehouse of the city as well as the walls to
  either side, ensuring the that the soldiers have easy access to the strong fortification, and that the clergy
  can quickly reach the rampart, should they be needed there.  A major temple of similar design stands in
  Thunderstrike, and shrines can be found in every dwarven fortification in the nation.
  Organization
  The Valiant Host very much resembles a military organization, with a well-defined chain of command,
  outstanding discipline in the ranks, and an almost fanatical dedication to preparing for and engaging in
  battle.  Its leaders are invariably battlefield veterans who have distinguished themselves as both
  courageous warriors and devout clergymen (though the difference here is barely perceptible).  The official
  titles of the clergy are (in descending order): War Master / War Mistress (the leader of the church), Elder
  (senior clergy), Crusader (junior clergy), and Axe Brother / Axe Sister (lay member of the faith).  
  These titles are often overshadowed by personal appellations and honorifics earned during the course of
  an individual’s military/religious career (for instance, through adventuring).
  Despite the characteristics it shares with a military organization, the Valiant Host is not actually a
  separate militia; instead, the clergy work closely with the Royal Army, the Royal Navy, and the Mine
  Rangers to ensure the nation’s soldiers receive the best physical and tactical training possible.  The
  presence of the Valiant Host is evident in all levels of the armed forces of the Principality.  In addition,
  many clergymen travel to various towns and villages to teach commoners techniques in smithing
  weapons in the forge and using them in battle.  Others research musty tomes, hoping to glean some
  insight on an ancient tactical maneuver, while a few visit gnomish workshops, seeking new mechanical
  and alchemical weapons with which to surprise a future enemy.  All members are vigilant in guarding
  against any and all threats to dwarvenkind.
  The Valiant Host is supported by the monetary tithes and the services of its members.  The church also
  occasionally petitions the Prince of Ulek to make nominal donations on behalf of the Royal Army, the
  Royal Navy, and the Mine Rangers, in recognition of the invaluable services rendered to those
  organizations.  The Prince has thus far declined to respond to these petitions.
  History
  Moradin taught the first dwarves how to shape metal; Clangeddin taught them how to forge powerful
  weapons and wield them to devastating effect against goblinoids and giants.  These skills helped the
  Host develop the basis for the dwarven military model: squads of ten to fifty dwarves, each led by a
  warrior-priest, which could easily maneuver through the twisting tunnels of the world below.  The Valiant
  Host took its name at this time, and eventually proved instrumental in establishing the Principality of Ulek
  as it exists today.
  This millennia-old tradition was suddenly abandoned in the Principality when Prince Olinstaad Corond
  allied his realm with Keoland in the end of the third century CY.  Impressed with the organization and
  efficiency of Keoland’s sizable army, Corond restructured the dwarven war machine, effectively creating a
  new secular army from the traditionally religious militia.  The priesthood vehemently protested this
  change, appalled at the prince’s perceived apostasy, but the conquering of the Pomarj and other areas
  convinced the nobles that Corond was a visionary and the new Royal Army would usher in a golden age
  of prosperity for the Principality.
  Outraged at the arrogance of the noble houses, the Valiant Host refused to support the Principality’s new
  military forces.  Gulghon Redhammer, then the War Master of the Host, closed the temples to soldiers,
  officers, and noblemen who sanctioned the prince‘s action.  Even the great northern gatehouse in Gyrax
  was sealed in protest, obliging travelers, merchants, and dignitaries to walk around the city when arriving
  from or departing to the north.  Worship waned as Gulghon began excommunicating soldiers; so it was
  
  Valiant Host v3.5                                                                                                                                                           3
  that the church was significantly weakened and wholly separated from the Royal Army when the
  Principality began to suffer defeats in the occupied Pomarj.
  It wasn’t until the rise of Turrosh Mak and the invasion of the Principality that Gulghon was replaced by
  Brogna Stoneaxe.  Her first edicts reopened Clangeddin’s temples and sent scores of clerics to the front
  lines of battle.  Brogna herself led them, wielding the axes Valor and Fury, which had too long gone
  without tasting the blood of an enemy.  With the help of the Host, the Royal Army was able to hold the line
  at the eastern edge of the Lortmils.
  Today, the Valiant Host is once again integrated with the military forces of the Principality: the Royal
  Army, the Royal Navy, and the Mine Rangers.  The Battlepriests of the Royal Army are an example of
  how the old customs have been adapted to the modern military doctrine; indeed, no less than one
  hundred clerics from the Host volunteered to fill the ranks of the unit when it was established.  Besides
  being dedicated to expelling the Pomarj from the occupied territories, the church also maintains its
  vigilance against the imperialistic plots of nearby Keoland, the recent machinations of the untrustworthy
  elves of Celene, and the various bandits, pirates, monsters, and organizations who would prey upon the
  dwarves of the Principality.
  Notable Members
  War Mistress Brogna Stoneaxe - female dwarf fighter/cleric.  Brogna replaced her predecessor,
  Gulghon Redhammer, by convincing her colleagues that Clangeddin’s teachings applied to the manner in
  which the individual conducted himself in battle, not how a nation organized its military forces.  Gulghon
  was forced to step down, and Brogna took possession of Valor and Fury (also known as the War
  Brothers, the symbols of the office prelate).  Brogna has placed herself on the border of the disputed
  lands, where she believes the leader of the Valiant Host belongs.  She offers council to officers, training
  to soldiers, and two ready axes to the service of the Father of Battle.
  Elder Hagadorn the Grim - male dwarf cleric/ranger.  By the time Brogna Stoneaxe had assumed the
  mantle of prelate, Hagadorn had earned the rank of general with the Mine Rangers.  Called back to the
  Host, he resigned his commission to conduct the day-to-day operations of the church.  He is currently
  considering moving the headquarters to Thunderstrike, where he believes he can better direct the efforts
  of the church.
  Axe Brother Jace Ulfson - male human fighter/expert (diplomat).  Jace has long lived among the
  dwarves, mastering their language and absorbing the nuances of their culture.  He is employed by the
  Brogna to act as the liaison between the church and the military forces of the Principality, most likely to
  avoid many years of heated arguments between the leaders of these organizations.  He is quite adept at
  stroking egos while navigating the pitfalls of a stubborn dwarven mindset, and has used his skills to place
  clergymen in advantageous commissions in the various military forces.  His efforts did much to repair the
  damage caused by Gulghon Redhammer‘s edicts; indeed, he has been so successful, the Host granted
  him an honorary membership.
  Crusader Vadek Bloodforge - male dwarf paladin.  Vadek recently arrived in the halfling village of
  Foghollow, where he is expected to organize an effective militia capable of defending the village or
  augmenting a company of regular troops.  Thus far he has succeeded in making himself the target of
  several harmless (but embarrassing) pranks.
  
  Valiant Host v3.5                                                                                                                                                           4
  Requirements
  Each tier’s requirements are built upon those of the ranks below, and costs are cumulative. Thus a
  member who joins as a Crusader will need to meet all the requirements for both Crusader and Axe
  Brother. But when a Crusader is promoted to Elder status mid year, he need pay only the additional costs
  of the Elder (because he has already paid for all Crusader benefits that year). Annual costs must be paid
  for all qualifying ranks on the first AR of the new year. Initial costs are paid only once. If at any time you
  fail to meet the requirements of your rank (through level loss or another tragedy) your rank will be
  reduced to the highest rank for which you qualify.
  Axe Brother / Sister
  • 
  Must be a citizen of the Principality of Ulek. (Must have had Principality of Ulek as home region for
  the past 52 Time Units. Characters created within the last year whose home region is the Principality
  of Ulek are also eligible.)
  • 
  Must worship Clangeddin Silverbeard as your patron deity.
  • 
  Must spend 2 TUs per year in service to the Valiant Host.
  • 
  Must tithe 5% of all income.
  • 
  Must have 1 rank in knowledge (religion), and 1 rank in one of the following skills:
  Craft (armor)
  Profession (siege engineer)
  Craft (weapon)
  Profession (soldier)
  Knowledge (engineering)
  Profession (sailor)
  Crusader
  • 
  All requirements of Axe Brother / Sister.
  • 
  Must be a dwarf.
  • 
  Must spend 2 additional TUs (total 4 TUs) per year in service to the Valiant Host (these TUs may be
  considered military time units).
  • 
  Must tithe an additional 5% (total 10%) of all income.
  • 
  Must have ability to cast 1st level divine spells or have a +1 BAB.
  • 
  Must have 2 ranks in knowledge (religion), and 2 ranks in one of the following skills: 
  Craft (armor)
  Profession (siege engineer)
  Craft (weapon)
  Profession (soldier)
  Knowledge (engineering)
  Profession (sailor)
  Elder
  • 
  All requirements of Crusader.
  • 
  Must have spent a minimum of 6 months (real time) as a Crusader.
  • 
  One time cost of 1 TU (in addition to any spent in a previous rank).
  • 
  Must spend 2 additional TU (total 6 TUs) per year in service to the Valiant Host (these TUs may be
  considered military time units).
  • 
  Must have ability to cast 4th level divine spells.
  • 
  Must have the feats Extra Turning and either Combat Casting or Skill Focus (Concentration).
  • 
  Must have 10 ranks in knowledge (religion), and 5 ranks in one of the following skills:
  Craft (armor)
  Profession (siege engineer)
  Craft (weapon)
  Profession (soldier)
  Knowledge (engineering)
  Profession (sailor)
  Benefits
  Axe Brother / Sister
  
  Valiant Host v3.5                                                                                                                                                           5
  • 
  A +1 competence bonus to Diplomacy checks with any member of a Principality of Ulek dwarven
  faith.
  • 
  A +1 competence bonus to Knowledge (religion) checks concerning Clangeddin Silverbeard’s faith.
  • 
  All Axe Brothers and Sisters are given a suit of chain mail and one of the following weapons:
  battleaxe, dwarven waraxe, or warhammer.  These items are owned by the Valiant Host, and must be
  replaced if lost or destroyed.
  • 
  Access to the following mundane items:
  Healing Salve (T&B)
  Holy Text (A&E)
  Steel Holy Symbol (DotF) 
  • 
  Access to the following Adamantine item:
  One weapon (player‘s choice)
  • 
  Access to the following magic items:
  +1 Throwing Battleaxe (DMG)
  Headband of Ferocity (S&F)
  • 
  Access to the following magic item enhancement:
  Holy (DMG)
  Crusader
  • 
  All benefits of Axe Brother / Sister.
  • 
  An additional +1 (total +2) competence bonus to Diplomacy checks with any member of a Principality
  of Ulek dwarven faith.
  • 
  A additional +1 (total +2) competence bonus to Knowledge (religion) checks concerning Clangeddin
  Silverbeard’s religion.
  • 
  A +1 competence bonus to Knowledge (religion) checks concerning any other dwarven faith.
  • 
  All Crusaders are given a steel holy symbol of Clangeddin Silverbeard.  If lost or destroyed, it will be
  replaced at no cost. 
  • 
  A 50% discount on standard lifestyle costs within the Principality of Ulek.
  • 
  Access to the following feats:
  Death Blow (S&F)
  Extra Smiting (DotF)
  Divine Might (DotF)
  Divine Vigor (DotF)
  • 
  Access to the following spells:
  Curse of the Brute (DotF)
  Flame of Faith (DotF)
  Knife Spray (DotF)
  Sword Stream (DotF) 
  • 
  Access to purchase the following Adamantine item:
  One suit of armor or a shield (player‘s choice)
  • 
  Access to purchase the following magic items:
  Wand of Cure Light Wounds (DMG)
  Periapt of Wisdom +4 (DMG)
  Elder
  • 
  All benefits of Crusader.
  • 
  An additional +2 (total +4) competence bonus to Diplomacy checks with any member of a Principality
  of Ulek dwarven faith.
  • 
  An additional +2 (total +4) competence bonus to Knowledge (religion) checks concerning Clangeddin
  Silverbeard’s religion.
  • 
  An additional +1 (total +2) competence bonus to Knowledge (religion) checks concerning any other
  dwarven faith.
  • 
  Access to the following feats:
  Reach Spell (DotF)
  Sacred Spell (DotF)
  • 
  Access to the following spells:
  Bear’s Heart (DotF)
  Castigate (DotF)
  Divine Storm (DotF)
  Lesser Aspect of the Deity (DotF)
  Recitation (DotF)
  Righteous Wrath of the Faithful (DotF)
  Unfailing Endurance (DotF)
  Weapon of the Deity (DotF) 
  
  Valiant Host v3.5                                                                                                                                                           6
  • 
  Access to purchase the following magic items:
  Greater Holy Symbol (DotF)
  Vest of Resistance +4 (T&B)
  • 
  Access to the following magic item enhancement:
  Heavy Fortification (DMG)
  • 
  Access to the following prestige class:
  Warmaster (S&F) - note the Tower, Keep, Castle, and Huge Castle features have been altered.
  Rather than build a structure for the warmaster, the Church places him in charge of training
  soldiers in one of the Principality’s fortifications. If the warmaster accepts this commission, he
  must spend some time each year performing his duties: a minimum of 2 TU for the tower, 4 TU
  for the keep, 6 TU for the castle, and 8 TU for the huge castle. This is in addition to any other TU
  requirements that must be met in this or any other organization, and are not considered military
  TUs. For this service, the church will pay the warmaster 100gp per TU spent in this manner, to a
  maximum of 4 TU (tower), 8 TU (keep), 12 TU (castle), and 16 TU (huge castle). Normal lifestyle
  must be paid during this time. All costs and benefits are paid at the beginning of the year, or
  when access to this feature is earned. If a warmaster does not have enough TUs left to meet the
  minimum, he must wait until next year. A warmaster may decline this commission; once declined,
  he cannot take advantage of it until he advances to the next level that offers this feature.
  Leaving the Valiant Host
  As in most religious organizations, members tend to remain dedicated to the Valiant Host for their entire
  lives. It is rare (but not unknown) for individual dwarves to “shift their focus” to another god in the
  pantheon. Those clerics who wish to convert to Clangeddin’s faith must spend 8 TUs in study and
  meditation (in addition to the other costs for joining), and the clergy will then cast atonement on them.
  An individual may simply decide to cease to participate in the church. These dwarves are pitied, and not
  wholly trusted, but will are generally left alone providing they have fulfilled all of their obligations up to the
  point of their departure. They are always welcome to return to the Host (at no higher status than a
  Crusader), though the circumstances of their withdrawal may require atonement.
  Members who fail to act in accordance with the dogma of the faith may be obligated to attend instruction
  with the younger Axe Brothers and Sisters  (costs 1 TU). Further offenses of this nature, as well as more
  grievous actions such as blasphemy, cowardice, and treason, will find the offender imprisoned until a full
  investigation is conducted (2 TU). If enough evidence is discovered, the transgressor is stripped of his
  holy symbol, vestments, and any other item deemed sacrosanct to the faith. The malefactor may be
  exiled (possibly without his beard), or even executed (in the case of cowardice or treason). A warmaster
  who leaves the church under such auspices immediately looses any commissions he may be entitled to.
  Credits:
  Author:
   
  Andrew Valentin
  Additional Design and Editing:
  PoU Metagaming Committee
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Living Greyhawk/Metaorg Material/Ulek/Valiant Host v3-5.pdf