Ishkul
~ Ishkul
Excerpt from forbidden teachings, Library of Asundeai
Excerpt from forbidden teachings, Library of Asundeai
Description
In the darkest, coldest parts of Dromaria, monstrous horrors lurk. They are a gruesome fusion of beast, mortal, and monstrosities, forged to breed terror and destruction. These dreadful abominations are the creations of Ishkul, the god of experimentation, outcasts, and the underground. Universally hated by major religions, Ishkul is acknowledged as a source of great evil. His teachings have long been forbidden, with his writings hunted down and eradicated. Yet, the desire for a sliver of the god's power persists. Those devoted to Ishkul who are willing to venture deep enough can still uncover knowledge of his work. One of the major enemies during the Age of Horror, Ishkul carved vast networks of underground tunnels to unleash his monsters upon the world. Within his subterranean lairs, he was near invincible. Despite that, the gods Asir, Matunas, and Vale made a heroic stand against him, a key story in the scriptures of the Summertide faith. They managed to defeat Ishkul, but with his dying breath, he cursed on Vale, Tus'Alim, and the Upiryrials, revealing himself to be of the same divine lineage. The world may have moved past Ishkul's reign, but his legacy remains. His grotesque creations still hide within the labyrinthine depths, occasionally unearthed by shifting stones. These horrors serve as harsh reminders of Ishkul's history. In shadowy corners of the world, individuals driven by desire still seek to perpetuate Ishkul's work, hoping to harness his forbidden knowledge and continue his reprehensible experiments.
Modern Depiction
The true image of Ishkul has faded with the ages, largely due to the destruction and prohibition of his related artifacts. He is most typically portrayed as a monstrous hybrid of beast and man or as a dark, fallen Upiryrial.
Tenets of Ishkul
 | Unfettered experimentation unrestrained by ethics. |
| Everything beneath us exists solely for our amusement. |
| Outcasts and the downtrodden have a purpose. Shape them to your will; never discard them. |
| The subterranean depths and the cold corners of the world are our dominion. They hold more importance and power than the civilized world. |
| Society's bonds must be shattered, and morality discarded, for the world to truly be free. |
Ishkul Worshiping Adventurers
Open worship of Ishkul is shunned by civilized society, yet that doesn't mean the god lacks followers. Many volgul and lycanthropes honor Ishkul as a creator, dedicating their lives to sheltering other outcasts from harm. Residents of the underground worship the god who constructed their refuge from the harsh surface world. Mad scientists and arcanists yearn to unleash Ishkul's creations, aspiring to fulfill the god's dream of ruling a world of monsters.
God of Experimentation, Outcasts, & the Underground
Why would you choose this faith?
Aligning with Ishkul is a path for those who are comfortable with the label of 'evil.' Barbarians, sorcerers, warlock, and wizards, and are found among Ishkul's followers, drawn to the god's focus on experimentation and manipulation of the natural and supernatural.
His doctrine encourages unfettered exploration of reality and the manipulation of life forms, allowing followers to delve into areas conventionally deemed forbidden. It is a choice that may resonate with those who have experienced persecution and developed a deep-seated resentment towards the world. Followers of Ishkul are often those who feel marginalized or outcast, finding purpose in his teachings. For these individuals, Ishkul's dominion over the underground can offer a sense of belonging in the dark.
Backgrounds
Characters who were artificially created or find themselves on the edges of society are among the most likely to follow Ishkul.
Holy Symbol
Ishkul's Chimeras are busts or totems bearing a variety of mortal and animal faces, often twisted in screams of agony and rage. While frowned upon, these Chimeras are occasionally found in homes as wards against monsters and nightmares. Lycanthropes and volgul use the totems to warn outsiders of their presence, hoping to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Associated Religions
Ishkul is not followed in any major religions, but is instead reviled. Even so, there are those out there that claim the god inspires their Calling. The Covenant and Illumination based faiths ban and persecute Ishkul worshipers.