ALL HAIL SHAQ!

That's right folks, Shaq Daddy made it into Chronicles of Elyria. Baller, actor, rapper, writer, dj, producer, law enforcement officer, brick layer, and...prophet!? Yes, Shaq is the savior of Mann-kind.

-Overview

-Summary

-Founding of Shaqqa

-Cult of Shaq

-Warriors of Shaq

-Battleborn

-Followers of Shaq

-Structure

-Rules and Regulations

-Enemies of Shaq

-Discord

-Website

Settlement: Shaqqa

Kingdom: Fortuna

Duchy: Charmed Sands

County: Stormwatch

Shaqqa is a cult based, war focused settlement, determined to train fighters and provide equipment for combat as we rid the world of heresy. Mercenary work and combat related crafts will be our economic focus. We look out for our own and maintain a close community. Every member has a role to play in the wars to come.

A small village, its name long forgotten, rested along the banks of a well traversed river. The land was fertile, the animals plentiful, and soon the village prospered in peace and wealth. But, as often happens, fate guided cruel hands to the village. A bandit lord, Ceann Sealgair, met with the village elders and informed them of his nefarious intent. They were to henceforth pay him homage, or he would put the village people to the sword.

The majority cried and bleated for submission, but a few wanted to fight for their land and property they'd worked so hard for. In the end, however, Sealgair won, and the villagers Memsoneus, Balin, and Vicven abandoned their homes and livelihoods to fade into the surrounding forest. They would not serve the bandit lord, nor would they live with a people so docile.

Over the next several months Sealgair's men began to disappear under mysterious circumstances, all but unnoticed until Sealgair's own son was lost only to be found murdered several days later. Sealgair, in a black rage, ordered his men to hunt his son's killer and bring back his head. The small group of fled villagers, stylizing themselves Battle Born, heard of Sealgair's manhunt and decided to risk everything while Sealgair remained poorly defended. The night before their planned attack, as the three men lay asleep, each received a dream. “Look South and survive,” a tall, dark man said. “Your vengeance can wait. Luna has grander designs.” The next morning the three men awoke and with a look at each other’s face, knew. As one, the men of Battle Born packed their gear and melded into the shadow, cool steel having long replaced their farming tools, and departed from the lands around that river and forgotten village.

They served as hired swords for a time, but always remained separate from common soldiers. Daring, expertise, and cunning set them apart, and they served many a valiant lord, so different from Sealgair and his ilk. Beginning their own mercenary band, Memsonius, Balin, and Vicven continued to fight for causes they felt worthy of their talents and continued to look South, not knowing what their dreams had meant, but knowing in their hearts that they must follow their instructions.

A decade had passed, but the tall, dark man had not appeared in their dreams again. They were older now, gray more prominent in their hair, and were tired of fighting only for coin. It was in Fortuna that they stopped to rest and asked, "What is our purpose? Sealgair has long been dead, poisoned by his own men. We have forever lost the fulfillment in revenge. We have gone South, fought and killed, yet still you are silent." And throughout the remainder of that day, he remained silent. It wasn't until later that night, when all were asleep around their fire, that they each shared a dream once again. "I have heard your calls. You are ready, you are chosen. When you wake, follow the rabbit to his brethren. Within that sand is where I rest. Make this place your home, in the name of Luna and her prophet, Shaq."

When the men awoke, a canis rabbit was standing in their camp. Without a word, each man packed his belongings and followed. After years of wandering and contracts, the Battle Born had finally found a home. Walls were raised, homes were built, and watches were established. The leaders would never again let their home be contested by an outside force.

Years later, with whiter hair and a more pronounced gait, the three founders met together in the town hall for what would be the final preparation of their legacy. On a table sat a book, within it they placed the dogma of Shaq and the story of his life and death in service to Luna.

After the Book of Shaq was written, the founders having completed their purpose, began to die. Before the last brother fell, a new generation of Chosen were named. These men and women continued the traditions set down by the founders, and the settlement grew in strength. Their strength slowly grew louder each passing year, the sounds of hammers striking anvils, architects shouting out orders, and the cacophony of farm animals bleating over the din of Warriors of Shaq drilling for battle. All of this to warn the world: here sits Shaqqa, home of Chosen, spear of crusade.

The Cult of Shaq is a branch of the Qindred faith with a simple tenet: Luna is our god, Shaq her prophet.

Long ago Luna, our benevolent creator and protector, sent her will to a Mann named Shaq. A master of martial arts and an aspiring disc jockey, Shaq could soar through the skies and identify fools. One night, after thrashing King Divac, Shaq heard a whisper on the wind and received instructions from Luna. He began spreading her word, but as Luna’s and his popularity began to rise, so too did the jealousy of his rivals. Namely, King Naipsac “The Late.” Naipsac, a king in just name, was a petty chief of lands once referred to as Qupldeys. A king who promised much but delivered little, he feared any words spoken against him could threaten his position, and, possibly worst of all, hurt his feelings.

The will of Luna continued to spread through Qupldeys, and the enlightened people became critical of Naipsac. Although the criticisms were accurate and relatively mild, Naipsac declared Shaq and his followers, the sowers of dissent, enemies. Since many of the Followers of Shaq were peaceful, they were quickly silenced. Eventually Shaq turned himself in hoping Naipsac would spare his remaining faithful. On the day Shaq was to be executed, Naipsac marched out 100 of the Followers of Shaq for beheading. As the last head fell, Shaq made his final declarations: One day Shaq’s Chosen will return to the location of his body and found a new settlement. From that settlement war will be raged on the enemies of Shaq, and the Chosen will sacrifice the vessel of Naipsac’s enduring soul every 7 days, else the world face the wrath of Luna. When the sacrifices finally balance the scales of justice, Shaq will be brought forth by Luna to conquer the three worlds of the Qin.

As Shaq’s voice began to fade, eight spears were plunged into his back. Shaq slowly began to fall to his knees and was covered by darkness. When light began to shine again, he was gone. It is believed Luna took his soul to reside with her until he could be reborn, and his body left to be buried…

The Warriors of Shaq are fighters dedicated to defending the will of Luna and her prophet, Shaq. Led by the Grand Marshall of Shaq, these fighters specialize in bow, spear, or light cavalry. Primarily a defensive force protecting the sacred ground of Shaqqa, the Warriors may occasionally be asked to reinforce allied forces elsewhere. The Warriors of Shaq may also be initiated into Battle Born should they choose to brave the Trial of Shaq.

The Battle Born are Warriors of Shaq who have been reborn through the blood and sacrifice of Naipsac. Having passed the Trial of Shaq, Battle Born members become the offensive force of the Cult of Shaq. These fighters will specialize in small unit tactics with a range, melee, or hybrid/flex role in combat. Each member is expected to be adequate in both melee or range combat, as well as have a talent for horsemanship. Battle Born will more often than not function behind enemy lines where ideal tactical advantages may be scarce.

The Followers of Shaq are the non-combat faithful. Craftsmen, scholars, laborers, and other non-combat specialties make up a large number of the faithful. Learning from the lessons of the 100 Martyrs, Followers of Shaq will have a minimum combat ability in order to answer the call when necessary.