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The Sufferers

by Arvind Vasudevan

The Sufferers are more a philosophical order than one that believes in a particular deity. They believe in the absolute necessity of pain and suffering and often go to such lengths as inflicting it upon themselves. Sufferers play a dual-role: Though they inflict injury after injury upon themselves, they do not wish to kill themselves. Hence, they are also skilled doctors, curing injuries so that they may inflict them again. Also, Sufferers fill a vital niche in Erebus for many are skilled artisans and poets and their works fetch a high price in the markets. Sufferers are usually portrayed as wearing black robes and carrying whips and clubs with which they continually flagellate themselves.

Faith

What is the purpose of suffering? The Sufferers have taken a very unique stance on this ancient question. It is their belief that suffering is a necessity because only through suffering can Man tap his creative soul. The greatest artists and poets were those who suffered through conflict. The greatest works of art were done by those who would toil day and night sweating and wearing their fingers to the bone to produce a masterpiece. Some scholars scoff at the Sufferers and give examples of palaces that were built on the foundations of love. But the Sufferers know better. It was the work and suffering of hundreds of men that caused the palace to be built in the first place. The Sufferers actually go one step further in stating that one can only see "true reality" through suffering. Most scoff, but some of the predictions of the Elder Pain Masters are frighteningly real.

The Sufferers are skilled doctors because they do not believe in death; what is death but an end to suffering? Sufferers go to great lengths to heal people who are close to death. However those who are suffering through a cold or fever which won't kill them... aren't they TRULY blessed?

Boons

Expertise - Any art that enhances pain and suffering in an individual is usually within the realm of the Sufferers. Usually, these talents are turned against themselves, but sometimes a lesson must be taught. Any art that gives a person fortitude in order to better suffer is also included. The majority of Sufferers are also great healers and their knowledge of relieving illness, though not suffering, is legendary. Sufferer healing removes wounds but leaves a permanent memory of the pain that was inflicted by the wound. The true Pain-Masters are those who have countless scars and injuries as well as the memories of countless others before those. These people are the natural leaders of the Sufferers and most follow their lead.

Suffering - A blessing and a curse, the boon of Suffering makes a Sufferer unable to lapse into unconsciousness due to extreme pain. He will always suffer until death. Also, since Sufferers are accustomed to pain and suffering, it cannot be used as a weapon against them. Torture simply does not work on those used to the sting of the knife. Finally, the creative energies of a Sufferer are stirred as he is brought closer and closer to death through pain. (The Hall of Pain, the headquarters of the Sufferers in Erebus, was created by those Sufferers who were on their last leg and is a testament to their beliefs for it is magnificent in design and style. It is said that just walking through the neighborhood brings sadness, and actually viewing the building can make a soldier weep for his mother.)

Health - The Sufferer's body heals faster and is more resistant to actual damage due to the constant stress that is put upon it. The endurance and stamina of Sufferers are usually much higher than average.

Anathema

Never live in luxury. Always aid the dying, and give the suffering fortitude, but never remove suffering. Ignore pleasure unless it leads to eventual suffering (for example, a Sufferer may stop suffering long enough to fall in love... and then marry their love off to another person; the amount of suffering caused by this would be delicious). Always suffer and obey the Pain-Masters for they have seen the true way of Man. Aid creativity through suffering. Destroy pleasure for it is a blinder to man's true creativity.

History

The Sufferers began as a philosophical movement among artists, only evolving into an organization through the work of charismatic leaders and the income of talented artists. However, their introspective attitudes and unappealing practices limit their numbers and political power. They are influential in medical and artistic circles, but only one group among many.

Allies

The Sufferers have no allies, though their skills as doctors help them gain ready friends with the critically ill and diseased.

Enemies

The Society of Bliss' philosophy is dynamically opposed to the Sufferers', making them natural rivals. The Sufferers, however, do not like to wield open warfare, seeing as that could cause death.

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