Skeptics
 | This article is about a topic found primarily or only in the RPGA's Living Greyhawk campaign (2000-2008). While it is officially sanctioned and is frequently based on officially published material, it may be considered unofficial or non-canonical to the setting. |
| Skeptics | |
|---|---|
| Other names: | Skepticism Skeptic Movement School of Skepticism |
| Leader: | Elbain Hothchilde |
| Allies: | Various noble houses, scholars, and philosophers. |
| Enemies: | House Amelung House Kruske House Meissel (Uther) House Tarnel All religions and religious organizations |
The Skeptics, also called the Skeptic Movement, Skepticism, or the School of Skepticism, is a philosophical organization which calls into question the divinity of the deities. This pholosophy is taught through the teachings of Elbain Hothchilde, amongst others, and became popular with some groups of Urnst nobility in the duchy.[1] Skeptics routinely question of the relevance of the gods in peoples lives, declaring that true divinity resides in mankind.
History
Urnst had never been an overly religious land,[2] and many in the nation openly doubted the worth of following the gods. Scholars Daesnar Braden and Elbain Hothchilde founded the Skeptic belief, arguing that true divinity lies within humanity and that gods are merely powerful beings, not deserving of worship. They pointed to mortal-turned-deities like Kelanen, Murlynd, and St. Cuthbert as evidence.
In 570 CY, Skepticism peaked under Duke Justinian Lorinar, who opposed organized religion. He removed religious members from the Honorable Chamber, imposed heavy taxes on temples, and ordered the destruction of the Temple of Zilchus when it refused to comply. This led to rioting in Leukish and the bloody Temple Coalition Revolt. Following the revolt, "most churches withdrew from Urnst, declaring the duke and his noble advisers, the Honorable Chamber, heretics."[2] Justinian’s rule ended in 571 CY when he died from battle wounds because no clerics would render him aid.[2]
His successor, Duke Karll, attempted to restore relations with the faithful but faced resistance from Skeptics within the nobility and the Honorable Chamber. Skeptics remain influential in the Duchy, particularly among the Strong Harts and some noble houses, and continue to shape the Duchy’s religious and political landscape.[3]
Members
Notable individuals
- Elbain Hothchilde[2]—Remaining leading voice for the movement and co-founder, went into hiding after his two collegues were assassinate in Nellix in 591 CY[4]
- Lord Rycroft Saevil—(Wiz 14) Director of Elemental Studies at College of Sages and Sorcery[4][5] and part of House Saevil.
- Wefreid Meissel[6]-House Meissel.
- Aldor Meissel-Son of Wefried Meissel, follows his father's footstep.[6]
Past members
- Daesnar Braden[2]—Was once part of the three leading proponents and co-founder for the movement before he was assassinated in 591 CY[4]
- Molfkar Kolir—Was once part of the three leading proponents for the movement before he was assassinated in 591 CY[4]
- Duke Justinian Lorinar[1]
Allies of the Skeptics
While no longer in its heyday, the Skeptic Movement still has allies, fervent followers, knowledgeable scholars and thoughtful philosophers expanding upon its beliefs.
The following Duchy Houses are considered allies of the Skeptic Movement: Arginar, Baercol, D’dolch, Durnix, Eisener, Gaernot, Holomaer, Kressel, Meissel, Regin, Samaris, Sidae, Tarnel, U'Morael, Vaer, Verana, and Xiotha.
Structure
Members of the Skeptics generally fall into one of four ranks or tiers:
- Friend of Skeptics
- The Skeptic Movement values and considers anyone who supports its cause a friend, regardless of their personal beliefs.[7]
- Follower
- New members of the Skeptic organization start as followers of a specific Philosopher, focusing on their teachings. They can choose a Philosopher whose views align with their own or study one out of curiosity. Followers can change their focus at any time, with more easily persuaded individuals doing so more frequently.[7]
- Scholar
- Scholars advance beyond Followers by studying multiple philosophers and researching the origins of their writings. They frequently engage in in-depth discussions with fellow scholars.[7]
- Philosopher
- Philosophers are prominent members of the Skeptics, developing new theories and leading Followers who align with their teachings. They must balance intelligence with persuasiveness to maintain their followers’ interest. Philosophers frequently engage in debates to promote Skeptic ideals and sway others to their views.[7]
Locations
Resources
Books
- Justinian Lorinar authored a book entitled Cultivating the Mind which was highly valuable to collectors (350gp)[8]
- Daesnar Braden authored a book entitled “Philosophical Questions”.[9]
- Elbain Hothchilde authored a book entitled "The Divine Man".[9]
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ a b ''Living Greyhawk'' Regional Triad, Duchy of Urnst. "Listing of Duchy Houses". duchyurnst.com. (Jan 2007)
- ↑ a b c d e Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.125.
- ↑ The Skeptics Meta-org document (2007)(RPGA), p.1
- ↑ a b c d Living Greyhawk Journal #4(2001)(RPGA), p.31
- ↑ Ye of Little Faith (2004)(RPGA) p.7, 15
- ↑ a b Spring Cleaning (2003)(RPGA) p.5
- ↑ a b c d The Skeptics Meta-org document (2007)(RPGA), p.3, 4
- ↑ A Test of Faith (2003)(RPGA), p.15
- ↑ a b A Test of Faith (2003)(RPGA), p.43
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skeptics | People Group | Living Greyhawk Journal #4 | 15 |