Religious Music (sage study)
Religious Music is a sage study in the field of Music, encompassing compositions and performances intended for religious use or shaped by religious influence. It includes chants, hymns, sacred melodies and ceremonial compositions performed in devotion to deities, during rituals or as part of spiritual traditions. Religious music serves to invoke divine power, strengthen communal faith and enhance the mystical atmosphere of sacred spaces.
The nature of religious music varies by faith, with different traditions emphasizing particular instruments, vocal styles and harmonic structures. Some gods demand solemn, reverent chanting, while others inspire joyous, rhythmic celebrations of faith. In some cases, music is believed to carry divine power, reinforcing the authority of clerics and strengthening spells, blessings and religious ceremonies. Certain hymns may only be performed by ordained figures, while others are open to entire congregations.
Temples and shrines often have choirs, sacred musicians or devoted chanters whose voices are said to carry divine resonance. Some songs may be enchanted to produce tangible effects, such as warding off evil spirits, bolstering morale or even calling forth divine intervention in moments of great need. Characters must choose a religion, which defines the nature and extent of both their musical ability and their knowledge within a larger field.
Sage Abilities
The sage abilities below are those acquired by a character through the study, according to status.
Amateur Status
- Harmonic Courage: When playing or singing, the character is able to put to rest fears or hesitation when uncertainty looms, granting a +1 saving throw to any ally or hireling with 30 ft., whether or not that other is of the same religion. This effect lasts for five complete rounds, whereupon the song can be taken up again. The character can take no other action while singing.
- Liturgical Repertoire: grants knowledge of sacred music within the character's chosen religion, allowing them to recall and perform hymns, chants and other devotional pieces with accuracy. This includes understanding the appropriate context for each piece, such as prayer, celebration, mourning or invocation. While the character is not a composer, they can lead others in song, recognise regional variations and ensure that religious ceremonies are properly observed through music.
- Sacred Instrument: the character is competently able to play the most common single religious instrument associated with their faith. This could include a hand drum, lyre, pan flute, bell chime, wooden flute organ or small harp, each of which holds ceremonial significance. The character is capable of accompanying congregational singing and performing music for rituals, but their skill does not extend to secular compositions or complex arrangements beyond the religious context.
Authority Status
- Inspired Chorus: allows the character to give a 10-minute performance, conducting four others with sufficient knowledge to either sing or play an instrument. The effect bestows a +2 bonus to the hit points of up to 30 listeners, who must be of the same religion as the character with this skill, representing an uplifted spirit and vigour. This benefit persists up to 12 hours following the performance.
- Sustaining Melody: allows the character to draw physical and mental nourishment from their own religious music. By performing a hymn, chant or instrumental piece for at least one turn, the character experiences a deep spiritual fulfillment that sustains them for the remainder of the day. This grants the performer the ability to go without food or drink for 24 hours without suffering fatigue or penalties. This ability can be used once per week, and though it provides no magical healing or physical restoration.