Desert Speakers
"The whispering of the wind tells the future, to those who listen. Heed the words of your god!"
-- Vargus, First of the Desert Speakers
Desert Speakers are the institution of the Mteule responsible for the education of the people, for passing on the faith, and for direct intervention with their god, Akhat. While all Speakers draw their power from the same source and perform mostly the same duties, there is a variation in capabilities: Speakers is used as a title for both the normal clerics of Akhat, and the more blessed, who have access to other avenues of magic. It is the second that this will speak of.
Becoming a Desert Speaker
Desert Speakers are traditionally chosen young, based on a child's inclinations in schooling and demonstrated intelligence and abilities. The more unique aspect of the Speakers that gives them power seems to be hereditary to an extent, but much else beyond that is not known.
Once selected, a child Speaker must undergo several periods of rigorous training in religious rites, as well as being drilled in basic educational matters. At that point, they are a novice Speaker, and are given certain duties, and are expected to pick at least one area that they will teach in the future, and to study and memorize it.
Entry Requirements
Alignment: LawfulSkills: Knowledge (Any) 4 ranks
Spells: Must be able to cast 2nd-level divine spells
Special: Must be a follower of Akhat
In order to join the Speakers, one must also spend at least two periods in study with the Speakers themselves.
Class Features
BAB: Progresses as 3/4
Saves: Good Will, Fort; Bad Ref
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Desert Speakers gain no proficiency with armor or weapons.
Spells per Day/Spells Known: Every other level the character gains new spells per day (and spells known) as if gaining a level in the divine spellcasting class used to qualify to be a Speaker. They gain no other benefits as that class (such as improved turning).
Desert Casting(1): The Speaker is trained to cast in the desert with its plethora of distractions. They do not need to make a Concentration check to deal with hazards such as sandstorms or the sonic effects of desert flora or fauna.
Desert Power(2): The Speaker begins to gain the powers of the desert to enhance their casting. As the caster gains spell levels, they gain access to a single casting of each spell on the Desert domain list. This is separate of their normal spells per day. In addition, any spells cast while the Speaker is in a desert is cast with a +1 to their Caster Level.
Class Skills: Concentration(Con), Craft(Int), Heal(Wis), Knowledge(History)(Int), Knowledge(Local)(Int), Knowledge(Religion)(Int), Listen(Wis), Spellcraft(Int), Spot(Wis)
