Aresis, God of War and Conquest

The Crimson Crown

Aresis is the unyielding force of battle, the embodiment of both the glory and the horror of war. He is the patron of generals, warlords, and conquerors, but he is also worshiped by soldiers who seek victory at any cost. Unlike deities who promote war as a means to an end, Aresis believes war is an end unto itself—a crucible in which strength, cunning, and resolve are tested. Victory justifies all, and conquest is the divine right of the strong. He rewards tactical brilliance, ruthless ambition, and unwavering resolve, and he despises hesitation, mercy, or indecision on the battlefield.

His appearance often reflects the duality of war's glory and savagery—adorned in magnificent armor drenched in the blood of past battles, with a crown of blades resting on his head. His piercing gaze is said to see through the hearts of warriors, revealing who has the will to fight and who will falter. His presence stirs the thrill of battle, invoking both fear and exhilaration in equal measure.

Divine Domains

• War
• Conquest
• Strength
• Order (Tyranny/Discipline Domain)

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The Crown of Blades: A circle of upturned swords and spears, symbolizing his authority over all forms of warfare. This symbol is carved into the helms of his champions.

Tenets of Faith

These principles guide his clerics, warpriests, warlords, and champions. They emphasize conquest, strength, and ruthless efficiency.

1. Victory at Any Cost
   "There is no honor in defeat. Glory belongs to those who stand over the fallen."
   • Failure is an abomination. If you are defeated, rise again and claim victory by any means necessary.
   • There is no shame in using guile, ambushes, or overwhelming force. Victory is the only measure of greatness.
2. Might is Right
   "The strong rule. The weak serve or perish."
   • Power determines justice. Those with the strength to seize control have the right to do so.
   • The weak must be taught their place, whether as soldiers in the ranks or as subjects under your reign.
3. Forge Yourself in Battle
   "Every scar is a lesson, and every loss is a teacher."
   • Pain and struggle are not to be feared, for they forge you into something stronger.
   • Train your mind, body, and spirit for battle. Cowards who flee from hardship shall never know glory.
4. No Mercy for the Defiant
   "Mercy is a weapon wielded by the weak to disarm the strong."
   • To spare an enemy is to invite treachery. Those who bow to you may live as your vassals, but those who defy you must be broken.
   • Do not offer mercy unless it serves the conquest. Mercy must be a tool, not a gift.
5. War Without End
   "Peace is stagnation. Conquest is eternal."
   • Seek out new frontiers to conquer, whether in battle, politics, or strategy.
   • There is always another war to be fought. A moment of peace is a moment of weakness.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Aresis is not a god who rests on his laurels. He is constantly in pursuit of new realms, stronger foes, and greater glories. His goals are ambitious and everlasting.

1. Subjugate every divine realm, mortal plane, and pocket dimension, placing them all under his banner.
2. Establish a mortal empire ruled by his most devoted champion, uniting the world under one banner.
3. Create a weapon so powerful that even the gods themselves cannot resist its edge.
4. Shatter any divine pacts or accords that limit the power of gods to only their realms.

Divine Classification

Deity

Religions

• The Shattered Shield

Current Location

The Crimson Crucible

Realm

The Crimson Crucible

Church/Cult

The Shattered Shield

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Other Affiliations

• The Shattered Shield

Ruled Locations

• The Crimson Crucible

Related Historical Events

• 1500 BCE
  The Shattering