The Journal of Shyk
Teachings left by your parents, Watchers in secret, servants of Moradin in sight.
The Forge of Life
“Life is Moradin’s forge. Guard the spark, and strike when needed.”
Game Note:
- Disciple of Life: Your healing is always stronger — every spell gives allies more than expected.
- Preserve Life (Channel Divinity): Use it early to stabilize fights, restoring many allies at once.
- Divine Strike: Even your weapon strikes carry divine spark. Don’t forget you can hit back.
The Light of Healing
“A spark well-tended keeps the forge alight.”
Game Note:
- Healing Word (bonus action): Always keep it prepared. Even 1 HP can mean victory — it brings allies back on their turn instead of lying helpless.
- Many small heals > one big heal. Bring allies up, let them fight, then heal again.
- Revivify: Prepare for the worst. Carry diamonds. Forgetting once is enough.
The Lantern of Protection
“The lantern’s flame is not for you, but for those who walk beside you.”
Game Note:
- Bless: Cast it at the start of battles. That d4 saves lives.
- Spirit Guardians: You are the wall — radiant light slows enemies and shields allies.
- Warding (Sanctuary, Shield of Faith): Use to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
The Watch at Dusk
“Keep the light until the night has passed.”
Game Note (Rituals of the Watchers):
- Anvil’s Toll: Strike metal at dawn/dusk to mark time.
- Restful Palm: Hand over heart before sleep — grant safe dreams.
- Deep Flame Offering: Light a brazier, thank the spark of creation.
- Communal Song: Sing the Deep Hammer to honor labor and unity.
Roleplay Hook: Each dusk, note whose burdens you prayed for — this ties your cleric to the world.
The Chain of Companionship
“Chains are forged link by link.”
Game Note:
- Shield the casters (Rue, Cassandra, Elia). Without you, their magic fails.
- Strengthen Hunter’s stand with your healing.
- Be Vex’s quiet lantern in the dark — he hunts in shadows, but shadows need flame.
The Mask of Moradin
“The forge shapes in silence; the hammer does not boast.”
Warning: The Cult of the Dragon hunts our kind.
- In public, say only: “I serve Moradin.”
- Keep lantern rites small, discreet, hidden in plain sight.
- Binding rituals must be subtle. Do not draw the dragon’s eye.
On Guiding Hands
“A whispered word steadies the hand at the forge.”
Game Note:
- Guidance: Use constantly. Exploration, investigations, tense moments — a single d4 can tip fate.
- Spare the Dying: Don’t waste spell slots on those who can wait. Use this cantrip on fallen allies or common folk — save your strength for true battles.
On Quiet Rituals
“The forge is fed not only by fire, but by patience.”
Game Note:
- Ritual Casting: Spells like Detect Magic, Purify Food and Drink, and Ceremony cost no slots when cast as rituals. Use them to strengthen bonds, cleanse dangers, and uncover secrets without draining power.
- Preserve Life (Channel Divinity): Don’t forget it can be used outside combat to top off allies’ wounds without expending spell slots.
On Mercy Beyond Battle
“Chains are not only iron — they are compassion, binding one to another.”
Game Note:
- Lesser Restoration (always prepared): Can remove poison, paralysis, blindness, deafness, or disease.
- Use this to serve not only your party but common folk. Healing the miners, sailors, and poor earns trust and respect — just be cautious with spell slots if danger looms.
A Word for Hunter
“Keep the beast whole. If he bleeds too deeply, he may not find his way back.”
Game Note:
- Prioritize healing Hunter when he is grievously wounded. His lycanthropic power is an ally, but bloodlust unchecked could endanger the party.
Player Takeaway
- Always prepare Healing Word. It’s your safety net.
- Bless + Preserve Life are your core tools — give allies the edge and keep them alive.
- Spirit Guardians + Divine Strike make you a radiant wall, not just a healer.
- Roleplay dusk rituals. They are your faith, your flavor, your bond.
- Stay hidden. Moradin in the streets, Watcher in the dark.
Sidebar: Notes from Mother
“Chains are forged link by link. Protect them all, especially Hunter. If he bleeds too deeply, he may not find his way back.”
“Do not boast of your true faith. Speak only of Moradin in public. The Watchers endure by silence.”
“Remember — you are not only healer but guide. Light lanterns for the weary. Pray for safe dreams. Let the poor know someone tends their spark.”
The Watch at Dusk
“Keep the light until the night has passed.”
Game Note:
- Anvil’s Toll: Strike metal at dawn and dusk.
- Restful Palm: Hand to chest before sleep.
- Deep Flame Offering: Thank the forge for creation.
- Song of the Deep Hammer: Sing with others when labor ends.
Everyday Ministry
“The light serves in silence as well as in war.”
Game Note:
- Guidance: Cast constantly in conversation, investigation, or labor — it is subtle but powerful.
- Spare the Dying: Save fallen commoners or allies without burning spell slots.
- Rituals: Use Detect Magic, Purify Food and Drink, Ceremony without cost — daily faith, not combat only.
- Lesser Restoration (always prepared): Heal poison, disease, paralysis, blindness, or deafness. A blessing not just for heroes, but for the miners and poor.
Summary: What You Must Remember
- Always prepare Healing Word.
- Bless + Preserve Life are your foundation in battle.
- Use Spirit Guardians + Divine Strike to become radiant shield wall.
- Practice the rites of dusk daily. They are who you are.
- Be discreet: the world must see Moradin’s priest, not the Watcher.
- In battle, heal Hunter when blood runs deep. His beast is both ally and danger.
- Outside battle, use your gifts for the weak. Ministry makes you a true Watcher.
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