Iuz
(a.k.a. The Old One, Old Wicked)
Title(s)
The Old One, Lord of Pain, Master of Deceit, The Tyrant of the North
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
Symbol
A grinning human skull, which symbolizes death, oppression, and deception. Followers often use this symbol to mark places of power or on objects involved in rituals, and some even wear amulets shaped like the skull as a sign of their devotion.
Domains
Evil, Trickery, Death, War
Followers and Clergy
Iuz's followers include tyrants, sadists, and those who seek power through fear and domination. His clergy are known as Liars or Oppressors, titles regarded as marks of honor within their twisted hierarchy. Clerics of Iuz frequently multi-class as wizards or fighters, blending magic and combat skills to better serve their cruel ambitions. They believe in survival of the fittest and often engage in power struggles among themselves as well as against Iuz’s enemies. They travel the planetoids disguised, searching for powerful artifacts, magical knowledge, or enemies of great good to capture as trophies. In secret gatherings, they wear robes of rusty black or bloodstained white, adorned with bones. Many wield greatswords, whips, or flails, valuing these weapons for their ability to inflict suffering.
Worship Practices
Worship of Iuz is a dark and horrific affair, often conducted in secret to avoid persecution. His rituals include the burning of foul substances like dung, the beating of drums, and the clashing of bronze bells to create a chaotic atmosphere. Blood sacrifice is central to his worship, with ceremonies designed to be as painful and gruesome as possible. The faithful often use the blood of captured enemies or dissenters in their rites, spilling it in elaborate patterns or as offerings to the Old One. Worshippers take delight in devising cruel methods of sacrifice and view the infliction of pain as a form of art. In regions where his worship is more open, these ceremonies are public displays of power meant to instill fear in the local populace.
Character and Doctrine
Iuz embodies the darkest aspects of tyranny, cruelty, and deceit. His doctrine emphasizes that the strong are entitled to exploit the weak, and that lying, betrayal, and oppression are the proper tools of a ruler. Power is the ultimate goal, and any means used to acquire it are justified. Iuz teaches that pain and suffering are to be relished, as they prove one’s strength over others. His followers are encouraged to spread chaos, inflict terror, and undermine order wherever they go. Deceit is considered a virtue, and followers are taught to use lies and subterfuge to achieve their goals. Iuz considers himself the rightful ruler of all, believing it is his destiny to dominate the entire Primean Solar System.
Manifestations and Interventions
Iuz has two primary forms: a gnarled old human male and a bloated, red-skinned demonic figure. As an old man, he is barely five feet tall, with a spittle that withers all it touches. In his demonic form, he stands seven feet tall, with reddish skin, pointed ears, and long, steely fingers. His eyes glow with a malevolent light, capable of instilling terror in those who meet his gaze. Iuz's interventions often involve the sudden appearance of nightmarish creatures or outbreaks of violence, as well as dark omens that foreshadow coming calamity. His presence can also be felt through strange whispers or visions that drive the weak-minded to madness.
Divine Relationships and Stories
Iuz has a longstanding rivalry with Heironeous, the god of chivalry and justice, as well as a history of conflict with other good-aligned deities. He also harbors a deep enmity towards Erythnul, from whom he took the portfolio of War. Iuz despises his father Graz'zt, the Demon Prince, for his betrayal during the epic battle with Iggwilv, which resulted in Iuz's form being split in two. He remains distant from other gods, using them only as tools to further his own goals. His followers believe that he has forged secret pacts with various fiends and demonic powers to bolster his strength. Iuz's most loyal servants, including the Boneshadow and Boneheart, serve as his agents, carrying out his will across the planes.
Sacred Items and Symbols
Iuz’s sacred items include weapons used in torturous executions, cursed relics, and skulls of vanquished enemies. The symbols of a grinning human skull or bones are often used in dark rituals or displayed in places dedicated to Iuz. Blood-soaked weapons and objects that bring fear and suffering are treated with reverence, as are items associated with domination, such as manacles or torture devices. The greatsword, whip, and flail are particularly favored in Iuzian rituals due to their association with pain and cruelty.
Temples and Shrines
Temples to Iuz are hidden in dark places, such as ancient ruins, underground lairs, or fortresses of cruel warlords. These places are often decorated with grotesque imagery, including skulls, bloodstains, and twisted metal. Shrines to Iuz may be found at sites of great suffering, such as battlefields, prisons, or places of execution, marked by the grinning skull symbol. His temples serve as centers of dark power where followers gather to plot the downfall of their enemies, engage in bloody rituals, and conduct ceremonies that invoke the blessings of the Old One. The Boneheart and Boneshadow are key factions within Iuz’s church, providing leadership and conducting espionage, assassination, and magical research on behalf of their master.
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