Agrik
The Evil god of Fire and War; the breeder of violence for its own sake.
God Agrik (a.k.a. The Emperor of Flame, The Reasonless Reaper)
He is a deity for the ambitious and merciless.
Those who enjoy revenge, war, combat, cruelty, and destruction will find a welcome within his religion.
He is also the god of self-improvement, sacrifice, merit-based promotion, the survival of the fittest and might makes right.
His fire cleanses and destroys, it warms and burns.
His hatred for the Goddess Larani is unending.
Agrik is worshipped by dozens of squabbling sects most of which sponsoring its own fighting order.
The Hârnic Orders
Sponsored Fighting Order
Order of the Cohorts of Gashang
Order of the Red Shadows of Hepra
Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer
Order of Pameshlu the Insatiable
Hèpekérian Orders
Clerical Order
Brotherhood of the Molten Flame
Order of Octagonal Pit
Sponsored Fighting Order
Order of the Seekers of Ilpynen
Order of Pameshlu the Insatiable
Azeryani Orders
Sponsored Fighting Order
None
Divine Domains
Fire, Pain, War, Conflict, Self Improvement, Domination, Renewal, and Change
Holy Books & Codes
The church has many holy books
The Balefire Chronicle - The churches primary holy book written by Moralin, the greatest of Ilpylen’s eight acolytes.
Other books contain dogma, spells, and rituals specific to a given order. These include;
Arvasursusav’hir - The Primary holy book of the Order of Hepra the Mace which is an ancient collection of Demon summoning invocations.
Codex of Balefire and Blood - Holy book held by the Order of the Fuming Gate
Uppriz'Vahungi - Rituals and indications used to create and bind a Shroud Ghouls.
Blood and Fire, the Dances of the Kukshin - Holy book of the Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer and Order of Kukshin.
Caniconus Rarixa and the Vorgeirak scrolls - are used by the Order of Hepra the Mace and the Order of the Eight Demons contain the Ritual of Vorgeirak used to transform a wardog into a Hellhound.
Trials of Mamaka - The myths of the Holy Smith of Balgashang revered by the Order of Mamaka, Master of Steel.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The number Eight and any multiple of Eight.
Colors of flames (orange, yellow, crimson and red) and black.
Octagonal pit.
Fire and Balefire.
Demons and Severed Claws.
Eight drops of Blood.
The V'hir (Agriks' Sons).
Gashang, Ágriks' flaming mace.
Sycanus, the sickle with which he cuts the souls from the body.
Armahnh, a great whip made of thunder.
Holy Artifact Materials
Lava, obsidian, steel, and jet
Holy Animals
Dragons, Tigers and the Wardogs.
Tenets of Faith
Fearless in actions.
Never show mercy or pity.
The end justifies the means.
Show determination.
Loyalty to those who earn it.
The belief that power is granted to those who deserve and use it.
Commandments of War
Fight until no enemy stands
Pillage until no wealth remains
Burn until nothing is left
Holidays
The Balefire Disciplines
These are held on the 8th of each month although the specifics vary from Order to Order.
Low Ceremonies
These ceremonies are open to all adherents and include pyrotechnic displays, prayers and a real or symbolic sacrifice by combat.
Middle Ceremonies
These are available to priests, and members of the sponsored fighting orders. The warriors practice elaborate reenactments of mythological and historical combats to renew faith.
High Ceremonies
Attended only by priests. Each order has its ceremonies which can occasionally involve combat to the death and in some cases torture.
The Feast of Balefire
Occurs on the 8th of Agrazhar when many bonfires are lit, and ceremonies are undertaken.
Funerary Rites
As Agrik is a fire god adherents practice ritual cremation. The more important the worshipper, the larger the funeral pyres. Ashes are usually scattered to the wind, never over water. Occasionally the cremation pit may contain a live human sacrifice as well.
The Octennial Games
The Ukhila is probably the world’s greatest and most bloody tournament. Every eight years thousands gather at Lysara to participate in the Ukhila, an eight-day series of events including feasting, prayers, sacrifices, rituals, combat, clashes of armies, beast and monster combat. The highlight is the Pakara.
Pakara
Each Fighting Order of Agrik, which attend the Octennial Games, appoints a champion. Over the first six days of the games they engaging in combat until two warriors remain, who will then do battle to the death on the last day. This victor earns the title Maparas, Warrior Supreme, and use of Juka-Melbesa, an enchanted flaming sword, for the next eight years.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Agrik is described as a mighty humanoid figure shrouded in crimson flame, with leathery, scalloped wings, razor-sharp claws, and cloven hooves. His left hand is missing two claws.
He is usually represented wielding either his flaming mace Gashang, Sycanus the soul cutter or Armahnh, the thunder whip.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Demon Pameshlu the Insatiable
Agrik’s chief underling, the lord of frenzy and excess, and his appetite for blood is unrivaled. The Pamesani Games are named for him.
Mamaka
The Holy Smith of Balgashang, makes and maintains Agriks' and his sons great weapons.
Family Ties
The Eight Sons of Agrik
Prince D’kahn - Harbinger of War
Prince Zakronas - Master of Pain
Prince Aneshar - The Bringer of Decay
Prince Rashkahn - The Screamer in the Dark
Prince Naidurlas -Mindless Carnage
Prince Ashlagya – Hunter after Life
Prince Pavahnis - Judge of the Faithful
Prince Molgoshka - Keeper of the Foul Chamber
Agrikian Articles
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The God Agrik
Evil God of Fire and War.
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Ashlagya, the Bloodsport
- Embassy of Living Flame
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Balefire
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Pamesani Games
- Sasalan Mountains
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888 Sacred Cairns
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Shroud Ghouls
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Ashlagya, the Bloodsport
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