EXACTOR

     Exactors exist to expedite a swift and tidy resolution to any serious and intractable dispute. Exactors will only interject themselves when the social, economic, political stakes are high: ending a war, for example, or choosing a new ruler from a tangle of rightful claimants. Common, everyday arguments are beneath their notice.

     The three species of exactors are all of lawful align, and are easily distinguished by both physical appearance and ethical outlook. Good exactors (the Virané) have beautiful golden skin, neutral exactors (the Gendéa) have steely gray skin, and evil exactors (the Foroné) possess glossy black skin. Eye and hair color varies from individual to individual. All three "subraces" appear as exceptionally tall and muscular humans of either gender, and dress in garments eerily reminiscent of clerical vestments. Their very presence, both physical and spiritual, commands cooperation and respect.

     On occasion, exactors will directly serve the Powers of Minarra as an intermediary, herald, or proxy. Only three of the True Gods have this sort of authority over the exactors: Alviani the Intercessor for the Virané, Cydot the Lawgiver for the Gendéa, and Lazev, Overlord of the Pits for the Foroné. Exactors can be called upon by mere mortals should the need arise; such intervention requires the cooperation of a Grace of any lawful Order and the casting of the fifth-level spell, summon exactor.

     Exactors are curt, businesslike, and often short-tempered in their dealings with mortals. Impasses borne of stubbornness or stupidity are sure to bring out the worst of their natures once their patience has run out—and once the line is crossed, exactors will readily resort to threats and even violence to reach a resolution. Conversely, the exactors are more than happy to indulge their "clients" whenever they engage in reasoned debate and confine their arguments "to the facts". So long as both sides bargain in good faith, an exactor’s patience is considerable.

     Mortals are free to decline the services of an exactor, but once accepted as an arbitrator, an exactor will not retire until the job is done or its physical body has been destroyed in combat. Exactors never come to the bargaining table unprepared; during a period of meditation lasting from dusk to dawn, an exactor will "absorb" all the relevant laws and customs that bind the participants, at least in theory.

     Virané seek not only resolution but goodwill as well, with both the word and the spirit of the agreement held in equal esteem. Gendéa are primarily concerned with the "letter of the law", and any bendings due to omission or ambiguity may or may not arouse their anger. Foroné are more than happy to allow any loophole in the final pact to be exploited to the hilt, and almost seem to enjoy the fireworks when it happens.

Combat: Once goaded into combat, the exactors are fearsome opponents. Though they wear no armor, exactors have an AC of -3. They also possess a magic resistance of 20%, and can only be struck by magical weapons. (The Foroné may also be struck by silver weapons for half damage.) Exactors are immune to any spell affecting the mind or soul, and are allowed a saving throw against any form of illusion, even if normally disallowed.

     Offensively, the exactors are just as formidable. They cast as both 11th-level wizards and 9th-level priests, and can employ all of the following at the 15th level of ability once per day: contact other plane, speak with dead, know alignment, commune, and true seeing. Exactors can cast detect lie at will.

     Exactors will also engage in melee, if that is their choice. Their weapon is a great bastard sword of exotic materials: Virané prefer mithril, Gendéa glassteel, and Foroné adamantite. These +3, 8' long blades inflict 5-20 (5d4) points of damage on a hit, along with the bonus for the exactor's 19 Strength (+3 to hit, +7 damage).

Habitat/Society: Except where their duties intersect the mortal realm, the exactors have no real connection to Minarra. As for their place in the divine hierarchy, there are a few plausible theories.

     Some speculate that they are the spirits of exceptionally devout mortals, being tested to determine their worthiness of becoming minor attendants to the True Gods. Others believe the race to be divine minions, natives of the Beyond who have committed some minor infraction and are now serving their sentence of "community service". A third view sees the exactors as divine servants in good standing, sent to Minarra to gain understanding and insight into the "mortal condition".

Ecology: As divine minions, exactors do not truly interact with the Minarran environment. At most, an exactor may leave behind a token of their passing, known to mortals as the Scar of Rage.

     The Scar is a patch of charred ground, radiating some three to five feet in all directions from where the exactor once stood. When their dealings with mortals go very, very badly, the exactor’s mounting anger seeps into the very earth, incinerating any organic matter and, in the very worst of cases, may actually melt rock or fuse soil into glass. Fortunately, most visitations don’t end up leaving behind this sort of unpleasant souvenir.

     Some Scars never heal, even with the passage of centuries. While most areas that surround long-lasting Scars take on the superstitious mantle of "cursed earth", a few become honored shrines to the Power the exactor was serving during its visit.

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