Merak (/Meh-rahk/)

"He Whose Glow Warms All Believers"

The All-Father

Merak is the deity of faith and leadership, and a father-figure amongst the gods. He is the patron of all who act in furtherance of the broader good and instills within them the bravery and confidence to continue to act. Often, his followers invigorate their own purpose through worship of him. Merak is often symbolized by a simple blue flame and a feeling of warmth, and paladins devoted to his cause will ceremonially heat their blades to mimic his heavenly glow. As Merak particularly abhors necromancy, it is often rumored that Undead particularly revile the blue flame.
Centers of worship to Merak are referred to as cathedrals, and his followers refer to their memberships as congregations. Cathedrals are common in large cities, and people will often visit them when they need good luck or confidence, or before they make a big decision.
Merak's holy text is the Song of Saints within The Triad Song. Aside from his apostles, Nes and Pyriel, Merak is the brother of Ah'yelan and Sola-Rin. He is a rival of Jix, Vyr, Cinakath, and Idolax, who each represent one of the Four Chains to him.

The Four Chains

Merak is often referred to as a god of good. The exact nature of this good is defined by one's opposition to the Four Chains of the Song of Saints: deceit, despair, decadence, and domination. This opposition is primarily within oneself; they are thought to materialize within oneself if one does not constantly hone their character. Canonically, then, they typically refer to:

• The inner drive to lie to preserve oneself - deceit. Intentional lies to advance one's cause are not necessarily evil, though one should be careful, as even such intentions bring deceit to gnaw at you.
• The inner drive to lose hope in oneself - despair. Faith and prayer are important counterweights to elude the crushing force of despair, especially in dire times.
• The inner drive to reward oneself - decadence. Those who strive for heroism must be careful that they do not come to act in service of fame and coin, but maintain their initial purpose.
• The inner drive to control others - domination. It is not the task of the holy to dictate the good, nor should the holy grow so bold as to think they, themselves, are the good's sole authority.

The Gultic Cult

Merak has special importance in Gultic culture, as he has served as their people's patron saint since before the days of empire. Within the Protectorate-Commonwealth, Merak is referred to as Al-Merak, and his cult is maintained by the powerful Crimson Aphorites.
In his form as Al-Merak, the All-Father takes on a far more punitive and unforgiving tone. While he remains a fatherly figure and still emphasizes faith and leadership, he also becomes a protector-god of the Commonwealth and a direct crusader against evil and sin.

Merak, the All-Father

Deity of Faith and Leadership

Tenets

Penances	Strictures
⊕ Guide the shackled from their Chains.	⊝ Do not permit the Chains to shackle you.
⊕ Inspire hope in those around you.	⊝ Do not permit the dark art's practice.

Mandates

⊜ Kneel before the cathedral's altar. Recite passages of the Triad Song. Pray to the All-Father for inspiration.