Cazhaak Creed
The Cazhaak Creed is an alternate interpretation of the Sovereign Host that is predominantly found in Droaam. Originating in Cazhaak Draal from amongst the medusas, the Cazhaak Creed venerates the Dark Six, primarily The Shadow.
The tradition acknowledges the existence of the Sovereigns, but it portrays them as tyrants that lord over their followers, demanding worship and providing nothing in return, whereas the gods of Dark Six encourage freedom and fair exchange.
Followers of the Cazhaak Creed believe that The Shadow created what many would consider "monsters", creatures like the medusa, and the troll, and that the Shadow gave these creatures their powers as gifts to allow them to free themselves. Where Aureon and the Nine hoarded their power and kept it to themselves, The Shadow freely shared it's power with it's children, so that their lives could be improved. The Shadow gave the medusa it's petrifying gaze, the troll it's regeneration, the ogre it's fearsome strength, and the harpy it's voice.
The Cazhaak Creed assigns the same values to the Dark Six as the Pyrinean Creed does, but it views those values as virtues rather than flaws. The Shadow is the Sovereign of Ambition, and helps you to find your own path in life, even if that means you have to step over others to achieve it. The Devourer encourages us to follow our instincts, and that while nature can be cruel, it is not evil. Instead, the Devourer weeds out the weak amongst us, and those that survive his trials grow stronger for it. The Fury teaches us not to be ashamed of our emotions, and to embrace them fully, and that suppressing our emotions causes us harm. The Keeper wields disease and infection, and so it is also within his power to heal, and his priests handle funerary rites for the variety of species that exist in Droaam, catering to their individual needs. The Mockery teaches us that when it comes down to life and death, our morals are ultimately second to our survival, that there is no shame in doing what you have to when the world gives you no other choice. The Traveler brings change, but it is not necessarily bad, instead the Traveler brings chaos as a way to challenge us, and put us on the path to self improvement. It is only through adversity that we can grow.
All of these beliefs are echoed in the worship of the Six in Droaam. Parties and revels are devoted to The Fury, and revellers are encouraged to embrace their emotions to live life to the fullest. Disciples might sacrifice a part of any unexpected fortune to The Keeper, so that he doesn't grow jealous.
There are minor variations amongst the Cazhaak Creed, practiced by the incredibly varied population of Droaam. The Harpies believe that it was The Fury that created them and gave them their voice, not The Shadow, but they otherwise agree with the faith.
