Church of Pharika

In the affliction, hidden truths are revealed. Through the balance of suffering and remedy, we unlock the mysteries of existence.

— Follower of Pharika

The Church of Pharika, dedicated to the god of poisons and medicine, exists in the shadowy realms between life and death. Temples to Pharika are often hidden in swamps, marshes, or concealed alcoves, reflecting the clandestine nature of the goddess. Pharika's followers are a diverse mix of healers, assassins, and alchemists who revere her as the arbiter of life and death, the purveyor of antidotes and venoms.

Structure

The Church of Pharika operates through a network of hidden sanctuaries and secretive cults, each led by a High Apothecary. These leaders guide the faithful in the mysteries of poisons, healing arts, and the delicate balance between life and death. Communication between these cults is often cryptic, mirroring the enigmatic nature of the goddess.

Culture

Cultural life within the Church of Pharika revolves around the dual aspects of poison and medicine. Followers are adept at cultivating herbs and crafting potions, exploring the boundaries between healing and harm. Rituals often involve the preparation of antidotes, the study of venoms, and ceremonies to honor the delicate dance between life and death.

Holidays

Affliction's Insight: A day of contemplation and experimentation, where followers seek divine inspiration in unraveling the mysteries of affliction.

Transformational Equinox: Celebrating the balance between life and death during the changing seasons.

Cosmological Views

In the cosmology of Pharika, the goddess oversees the realms of both poison and medicine. She is a neutral force, indifferent to the moral implications of life and death. The church teaches that Pharika's influence is essential for maintaining the equilibrium in the natural world, as both poison and antidote are part of the grand design.

Tenets of Faith

Duality of Existence: Embrace the inherent duality of life and death, recognizing that every remedy may carry a cost, and every affliction may bear hidden knowledge.

Seek Knowledge in Suffering: Explore the mysteries of medicine and affliction as pathways to greater understanding. Pharika's followers value the pursuit of hidden truths through both innovation and suffering.

Balance of Life and Death: Act as stewards of the delicate balance between life and death, understanding that each is a facet of the eternal cycle. Uphold the sacred nature of transformation, be it through aging or alchemical processes.

Ethics

Ethics within the Church of Pharika are complex, reflecting the goddess's dual domain over both poison and medicine. Followers are taught to understand the necessity of both life and death, recognizing that sometimes harm is a means of healing. The ethical framework emphasizes balance, the careful application of poisons, and the responsible use of medicinal knowledge.

Worship

Worship in the Church of Pharika involves secretive ceremonies conducted in hidden sanctuaries. Followers prepare potions, concoct poisons, and offer herbs and plants sacred to the goddess. Rituals may include symbolic acts that represent the delicate dance between life and death. Offerings often include rare herbs, venoms from exotic creatures, or alchemical creations.

Priesthood

The priesthood of Pharika comprises alchemists, healers, and individuals skilled in the art of poisons. High Apothecaries lead local cults, guiding their followers in the intricate practices of potion-making and herbalism. The priesthood views the mastery of both poisons and medicines as a sacred duty, and they are often called upon to provide both lethal venoms and life-saving antidotes.

Type

Religious, Organised Religion

Deities

• Pharika, God of Affliction