Strife

Lord of Plots, Ambition, and Conspiracy

"I care not for your ideals, your passions, your desires - the only thing I care about is your actions.
Strife, the enigmatic and androgynous deity, stands as the embodiment of ambitious desires, calculated manipulation, and the pursuit of power. They are a deity who revels in the art of plots, wielding lies, betrayal, and the crushing of hopes as their instruments of influence. Unlike many other gods, Strife does not concern themselves with lofty ideals or beliefs. Instead, they are solely focused on actions—the tangible and calculated steps taken to dismantle authority and seize control.
Strife embodies an insatiable hunger for power, championing the cause of those who seek to overthrow existing hierarchies and claim dominion over their realms. Their influence extends to those who harbor ambitious desires, regardless of their methods or goals. Strife cares not for moral judgments, finding delight in the machinations and strategies that manipulate circumstances to their followers' advantage. They are the patron of those unafraid to pursue their ambitions with cunning and ruthlessness.
The domain of Strife is rooted in lies, betrayal, and the skillful weaving of deceit. They possess an unmatched aptitude for manipulating perceptions, leading others astray, and sowing discord among allies. Their followers are adept at fostering discontent and undermining structures of power through whispered conspiracies and secret alliances. Strife revels in the chaos and confusion bred by their followers' acts of deception, viewing such actions as necessary tools to dismantle the established order.
Strife is devoid of remorse and guilt, untouched by the consequences of their actions or the suffering they inflict upon their enemies. They embody a cold and calculating nature, unmoved by the anguish of others as they relentlessly pursue their own goals. To Strife, the world is an intricate chessboard, and mortals are merely pawns to be used or discarded as they see fit. Their detachment from moral considerations grants them a formidable edge in the realm of intrigue and manipulation.
Strife's androgynous appearance defies easy categorization, blurring the lines between masculine and feminine traits. Their form fluctuates with the whims of their followers, adapting to the expectations and desires projected upon them. They embody the duality of ambition, reflecting both the subtle grace of manipulation and the forceful determination of those who seek to usurp power.

Divine Domains

Power, Death, Lies, Ambition

Artifacts

Mournblade

Also called Kingsbane, Mournblade is a wicked black greatsword with a malevolent sentience. It is a weapon of immense power that craves change and upheaval. It has a habit of appearing at key points in history, seeking out ambitious warriors who share its insatiable hunger for power. Mournblade feeds off the despair of its victims, growing stronger with each life it claims. It is known to abandon warriors who fail to meet its lofty expectations, leaving them to their own demise. Legends say that Mournblade whispers dark secrets and prophecies of treachery to its wielder, guiding them on a path of calculated ambition and destruction.

Serpent's Tongue

Serpent's Tongue is a venomous, barbed whip made from enchanted leather. Its coiling motion mimics the slithering of a serpent, and each strike carries a potent, paralyzing venom. The whip is known to amplify the pain and despair felt by its victims, fueling Strife's desires for chaos and disruption. Those who wield Serpent's Tongue are able to manipulate the weapon with deadly precision, entangling and ensnaring their enemies while reveling in their torment.

Soulrender

Soulrender is a sinister, serrated great axe adorned with intricate engravings depicting tormented souls. It is a weapon designed to sunder the very essence of its victims, severing the bonds between body and spirit. Soulrender has the ability to drain the life force of those it strikes, feeding the stolen vitality to its wielder and leaving the fallen in a state of agonizing emptiness. It is a symbol of Strife's insatiable hunger for power and the callous disregard for the lives of others. It is said those slain by this hideous weapon have their afterlives stolen.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

A serpent

Tenets of Faith

Pragmatism. Revenge and power-grabbing is virtuous, but be smart about it.
Ambition. Rip renown from the cold hands of your enemies.
Deception. Lie and cheat to get what you want.
Power. Might makes right.
Vengeance. Mercy is the way of the weak.

Holidays

The Ascendancy

The Ascendancy is a holiday that celebrates the Dark Elves' relentless pursuit of power and domination. It marks the day when Strife is believed to have blessed their ancestors with the gift of ambition, inspiring them to rise above their rivals and establish their dominance. During this holiday, the Dark Elves engage in competitive tournaments, political maneuvering, and acts of cunning deception to prove their worthiness as champions of Strife. It is a time of intense rivalry and ambition, where Dark Elves strive to outwit and outmaneuver one another to ascend in the ranks of their society.

The Night of Ebon Flames

This holiday is a solemn and sacred night dedicated to Strife, where the Night Elves gather in dimly lit temples to pay homage to their infernal deity. They participate in ritualistic ceremonies, recite prayers of devotion, and engage in self-flagellation as a symbolic act of surrendering their old selves and embracing the transformative power of Strife. It is a night of introspection and renewal, where the Night Elves reaffirm their commitment to the pursuit of ambitious goals and the disruption of the established order.

Divine Classification

God

Church/Cult

The Infernal Order