Zol’grax
Zol’grax, the Flame of Ruin, is an Elder Evil representing the untamable forces of chaos, destruction, and corruption. Known by titles such as The Fire of Madness, The Molten Devourer, and The Chaos Inferno, Zol’grax is a fiery force of indiscriminate ruin, reveling in unmaking order, twisting life into grotesque forms, and burning all creation to ash. Unlike the natural or controlled fire associated with creation, Zol’grax’s flames are purely destructive, embodying a madness that twists and contorts the world into something unrecognizable.
The eyes of Zol’grax are like blazing embers, filled with a chaotic light that seems to consume whatever it gazes upon. Those who meet its gaze feel a wave of chaotic emotions—anger, madness, and despair—all intensified by the flames of its ruinous presence. Its voice, if heard, is said to be a crackling, hissing sound that brings thoughts of madness and destruction to all who listen.
Its influence first manifested as wildfires that could not be extinguished, sweeping across the land and destroying entire ecosystems. The flames corrupted life itself, turning elves and angels into twisted Elder Spawn that embodied chaotic, fiery destruction. These beings became instruments of Zol'grax’s will, spreading its flames and instability wherever they went.
Zol'grax’s essence destabilized the Weave, causing surges of uncontrolled magical energy that obliterated everything in their path. Its touch reduced entire civilizations to ash, leaving behind a world scarred by fire and chaos.
Though the Elder Evils were banished to the Void, Zol'grax’s echoes continued to haunt Erathan. These echoes manifested as flashes of uncontrollable rage and destruction within mortals, inspiring acts of reckless violence and madness. Zol'grax's influence was particularly strong in regions affected by volcanic activity or magical instability.
During the Divine Era, Zol'grax’s whispers spread among mortals, encouraging them to defy the natural order through acts of chaos and ruin. The flames of its corruption kindled riots, insurrections, and conflicts, throwing societies into disarray. Even those who resisted its direct influence were often victims of the magical surges and catastrophic fires that marked its continued presence.
As the War of the Divine raged, the barriers between the Void and the material realm weakened, allowing Zol'grax to partially return. Its arrival was heralded by massive eruptions and wildfires that consumed entire regions.
Zol'grax waged war on gods and mortals alike, seeking to unmake creation through pure chaos and destruction. Its armies of Elder Spawn and corrupted mortals rampaged across the land, leaving trails of ash and molten ruin in their wake. Zol'grax’s presence destabilized even the divine, as its fiery essence caused unpredictable magical surges and disrupted the orderly cycles established by Pholtus.
The gods and mortals united in a desperate effort to banish Zol'grax once more. Through immense sacrifice and the combined might of the Divine Triad, Zol'grax was forced back into the Void, though the scars of its chaos remain etched into the world.
Indulge in Destruction: Zol’grax’s followers are taught to revel in acts of destruction, seeing ruin as a form of worship. They often engage in pyromania, destroying structures and environments as a tribute to their god.
Corrupt and Transform: Followers believe in turning purity into grotesque forms, perverting order into twisted, chaotic versions of itself. This includes manipulating and twisting life, bending it into something horrifying and violent.
Resist Creation and Peace: Zol’grax’s followers avoid acts of peace or growth, seeing these as offenses against chaos. They are taught to despise harmony and act against those who create, nurture, or heal without purpose of ruin.
These beliefs guide Zol’grax’s followers to live as agents of chaos, corrupting, burning, and destroying anything that represents stability or beauty. They reject compassion, viewing it as weakness, and find purpose only in unmaking what others hold dear.
Agents of Corruption: Some followers of Zol’grax are skilled manipulators, using subtle means to twist and pervert the minds of others, encouraging violent and destructive urges. These agents incite anger and rebellion, leading to chaos within groups or communities.
Wasteland Wanderers: Followers who live in the corrupted wastelands and fire-scorched ruins left by Zol’grax’s influence. These wanderers venerate their god by keeping the fires of madness alive, stoking the embers of chaos in barren lands.
Corrupted Beasts and Elementals: Some creatures, such as fire elementals and twisted beasts, have been corrupted by Zol’grax, taking on volatile, chaotic forms. These entities serve as avatars of Zol’grax’s influence, spreading his destructive presence.
Followers of Zol’grax are feared and hated, not only for their acts of destruction but for the corrupting influence they leave behind. They revel in anarchy, seeing their god’s presence in every flame and embracing the madness and rage that accompanies it.
Flame Rituals: Ceremonies where worshippers dance around massive pyres, seeking visions from the flames.
Acts of Destruction: Devotees are encouraged to burn or destroy something of significance to symbolize their dedication.
Ritual Combustion: Cultists ignite parts of their bodies in controlled burns as acts of devotion, often resulting in severe scarring.
The Day of Embers: A day of mourning for what was lost to fire, twisted into a celebration of destruction as a sacred act.
Zol’grax, the Flame of Ruin, remains one of the most feared Elder Evils, his followers acting as agents of fire, chaos, and corruption. The terrifying transformation he brings to landscapes, creatures, and even minds marks him as a cosmic force of ultimate ruin. His legacy lingers in the charred remains of once-thriving places, a stark reminder of the devastation he embodies and the chaos he demands.
Physical Description
Zol’grax appears as a massive, burning entity of living fire and molten flesh, a constantly shifting mass of flame that radiates intense heat and raw chaos. Its form is vaguely humanoid, with jagged edges and a skull-like visage that can change shape as the flames shift. Some describe Zol’grax as a figure of red-hot iron that drips and reforms as liquid fire, with smoke billowing and sparks flying from its constantly shifting shape. When it moves, it leaves trails of ash and molten residue, a destructive path that spreads its corruptive influence.The eyes of Zol’grax are like blazing embers, filled with a chaotic light that seems to consume whatever it gazes upon. Those who meet its gaze feel a wave of chaotic emotions—anger, madness, and despair—all intensified by the flames of its ruinous presence. Its voice, if heard, is said to be a crackling, hissing sound that brings thoughts of madness and destruction to all who listen.
History
Zol'grax entered Erathan during The Ruination, taking advantage of the rifts created by the Divine Triad’s fractured will. As the antithesis of Pholtus, Zol'grax sought to dismantle the orderly cycles of life and death through fiery chaos and destruction.Its influence first manifested as wildfires that could not be extinguished, sweeping across the land and destroying entire ecosystems. The flames corrupted life itself, turning elves and angels into twisted Elder Spawn that embodied chaotic, fiery destruction. These beings became instruments of Zol'grax’s will, spreading its flames and instability wherever they went.
Zol'grax’s essence destabilized the Weave, causing surges of uncontrolled magical energy that obliterated everything in their path. Its touch reduced entire civilizations to ash, leaving behind a world scarred by fire and chaos.
Though the Elder Evils were banished to the Void, Zol'grax’s echoes continued to haunt Erathan. These echoes manifested as flashes of uncontrollable rage and destruction within mortals, inspiring acts of reckless violence and madness. Zol'grax's influence was particularly strong in regions affected by volcanic activity or magical instability.
During the Divine Era, Zol'grax’s whispers spread among mortals, encouraging them to defy the natural order through acts of chaos and ruin. The flames of its corruption kindled riots, insurrections, and conflicts, throwing societies into disarray. Even those who resisted its direct influence were often victims of the magical surges and catastrophic fires that marked its continued presence.
As the War of the Divine raged, the barriers between the Void and the material realm weakened, allowing Zol'grax to partially return. Its arrival was heralded by massive eruptions and wildfires that consumed entire regions.
Zol'grax waged war on gods and mortals alike, seeking to unmake creation through pure chaos and destruction. Its armies of Elder Spawn and corrupted mortals rampaged across the land, leaving trails of ash and molten ruin in their wake. Zol'grax’s presence destabilized even the divine, as its fiery essence caused unpredictable magical surges and disrupted the orderly cycles established by Pholtus.
The gods and mortals united in a desperate effort to banish Zol'grax once more. Through immense sacrifice and the combined might of the Divine Triad, Zol'grax was forced back into the Void, though the scars of its chaos remain etched into the world.
Beliefs
Zol’grax doesn’t have a coherent philosophy in the traditional sense, but he promotes the spread of chaos, fiery destruction, and corruption wherever his influence reaches. His followers, however, adopt a twisted worldview centered on the belief that order and structure are inherently false, that true freedom lies in chaos, and that only through ruin can something authentic arise.Core Tenets of Zol’grax’s Doctrine:
Embrace and Spread Chaos: Followers of Zol’grax see stability and order as illusions that must be undone. They believe that chaos, fire, and upheaval are the true natural states of existence.Indulge in Destruction: Zol’grax’s followers are taught to revel in acts of destruction, seeing ruin as a form of worship. They often engage in pyromania, destroying structures and environments as a tribute to their god.
Corrupt and Transform: Followers believe in turning purity into grotesque forms, perverting order into twisted, chaotic versions of itself. This includes manipulating and twisting life, bending it into something horrifying and violent.
Resist Creation and Peace: Zol’grax’s followers avoid acts of peace or growth, seeing these as offenses against chaos. They are taught to despise harmony and act against those who create, nurture, or heal without purpose of ruin.
These beliefs guide Zol’grax’s followers to live as agents of chaos, corrupting, burning, and destroying anything that represents stability or beauty. They reject compassion, viewing it as weakness, and find purpose only in unmaking what others hold dear.
Followers
Zol’grax’s followers are often nihilists, pyromaniacs, and anarchists drawn to his philosophy of ruin and chaos. They live to subvert order, spread discord, and burn down established structures. Some of his followers are those corrupted by his influence, having touched the Elder Evil’s fire and now bearing its madness. Others are naturally drawn to chaos, worshiping Zol’grax as a liberator from the stifling bounds of structure and control.Types of Followers:
Cultists of Fire and Chaos: These individuals live for destruction, spreading Zol’grax’s influence by setting fires, creating discord, and spreading madness wherever they go. They are often fanatical and aggressive, enjoying the fear and havoc they inspire.Agents of Corruption: Some followers of Zol’grax are skilled manipulators, using subtle means to twist and pervert the minds of others, encouraging violent and destructive urges. These agents incite anger and rebellion, leading to chaos within groups or communities.
Wasteland Wanderers: Followers who live in the corrupted wastelands and fire-scorched ruins left by Zol’grax’s influence. These wanderers venerate their god by keeping the fires of madness alive, stoking the embers of chaos in barren lands.
Corrupted Beasts and Elementals: Some creatures, such as fire elementals and twisted beasts, have been corrupted by Zol’grax, taking on volatile, chaotic forms. These entities serve as avatars of Zol’grax’s influence, spreading his destructive presence.
Followers of Zol’grax are feared and hated, not only for their acts of destruction but for the corrupting influence they leave behind. They revel in anarchy, seeing their god’s presence in every flame and embracing the madness and rage that accompanies it.
Temples and Worship
Temples dedicated to Zol'grax are rare and often hidden in volcanic regions or charred ruins. These sanctuaries are adorned with molten metal and burning braziers, creating an oppressive, chaotic atmosphere.Worship Practices:
Infernal Sacrifices: Followers offer sacrifices by fire, believing that the flames carry their devotion to Zol'grax.Flame Rituals: Ceremonies where worshippers dance around massive pyres, seeking visions from the flames.
Acts of Destruction: Devotees are encouraged to burn or destroy something of significance to symbolize their dedication.
Ritual Combustion: Cultists ignite parts of their bodies in controlled burns as acts of devotion, often resulting in severe scarring.
Holy Days:
The Infernal Ascension: A celebration of Zol'grax’s return during the War of the Divine, marked by massive bonfires and destructive rituals.The Day of Embers: A day of mourning for what was lost to fire, twisted into a celebration of destruction as a sacred act.
Zol’grax, the Flame of Ruin, remains one of the most feared Elder Evils, his followers acting as agents of fire, chaos, and corruption. The terrifying transformation he brings to landscapes, creatures, and even minds marks him as a cosmic force of ultimate ruin. His legacy lingers in the charred remains of once-thriving places, a stark reminder of the devastation he embodies and the chaos he demands.
Type
Greater EvilTitle(s)
The Fire of MadnessThe Chaos Inferno
The Molten Devourer
Alignment
Chaotic EvilSymbol
A flaming, twisted skullEdicts
unleash chaos and revel in fiery destruction; spread corruption and encourage madness; resist order, stability, and the creation of peaceful structures.Anathema
bring calm or harmony to chaotic situations; protect structures or individuals from devastation, aid in acts of healing or preservation without a purpose of causing further ruin.Areas of Concern
fire, chaos, destruction, corruptionD&D Domains
Death, LightP2 DEVOTEE BENEFITS
Divine Ability
Strength or CharismaDivine Font
harmDivine Sanctification
must choose unholyDivine Skill
IntimidationFavored Weapon
scimitarDomains
chaos, destruction, fire, madnessAlternate Domains
decay, nightmaresCleric Spells
1st: ill omen, 2nd: flaming sphere, 7th: fiery bodyDivine Intercession
Zol’grax rewards those who revel in chaos and fiery destruction, while cursing those who bring stability or calm.Minor Boon: Flame of Corruption
Once per day, you can cast produce flame as an innate divine spell, with the additional effect that any creature hit by the flame takes a -1 status penalty to saves against fear for 1 round.Moderate Boon: Burning Presence
Once per day, you can cast fireball as an innate divine spell. Additionally, while under this effect, you gain a +1 bonus to Intimidation checks to demoralize those who fear fire or chaos.Major Boon: Inferno of Madness
Once per day, you can cast incendiary cloud as an innate divine spell, representing the ultimate chaotic inferno of Zol’grax. All creatures within this cloud must also succeed at a Will save or become confused for 1 round, as the chaotic flames induce fear and madness.Minor Curse: Searing Pain
If you act to bring calm or stability, Zol’grax punishes you with painful, searing heat. You suffer a -1 penalty to all Fortitude saves and take 1 persistent fire damage each round until you cause destruction or chaos.Moderate Curse: Fiery Backlash
Zol’grax withdraws his fiery boon, causing you to be particularly vulnerable to flame. You gain weakness 5 to fire, and each time you are struck by a fire attack, you must succeed at a Will save or become confused for 1 round. This curse can only be lifted by causing notable destruction in Zol’grax’s name.Major Curse: Ashen Decay
Zol’grax leaves you as a hollow, burned-out shell. Your skin becomes charred, and you lose 1 HP per hour as though affected by persistent fire damage, even if you are otherwise healthy. This curse can only be lifted by a massive act of chaos or destruction that significantly alters a community or structure.
Children
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