The Vineyards of Zheenkeef

The vineyards of Zheenkeef, where the Zhenkefans (zhenn-KEFF-uhnz) worship, are raucous and lively places. Overseen by the oracles (or not, depending on the community), the vineyards are not places of strict authority, as each vineyard’s members determine its hierarchy. One thing is, however, constant: The vineyards are places of celebration, invention, folly, and, sometimes, even danger. They are enormously popular among the common folk. They make some of the finest—if not the finest—wine in the world, and the oracles living there are the best source of prophecies one can find. Many cultures disallow vineyards in their more important cities or, at least, in their “higher class” neighborhoods and temple districts, for the temples are home to wild revelries and sometimes, a fair bit of debauchery. The refined and lawful members of society therefore consider them a “necessary evil.” Someone from the upper crust of lawful society might visit an oracle, but would do so hooded, to keep from being seen. Essentially, the vineyards are popular, but of ill repute. Few are concerned that shunning the vineyards will draw Zheenkeef’s wrath, as everyone knows Zheenkeef cares little about the opinions of mortals. Regardless of high society’s attitudes, the Zhenkefan faith is popular, and her apostles and oracles might be seen wherever one travels.
Zheenkeef cares about her church only as much as it keeps her entertained. She has never had much interest in structures or organizations, but individual members of the faith often draw her eye. Particularly faithful members of the vineyards who seek change, alteration, insight, and inspiration sometimes find themselves protected and guided by their goddess. More often, though, they’re not even noticed.
The Zhenkefans have a saying: “Her vision is not ours to fathom.” They utter it when it seems like she cares nothing for them. It is a frequent problem for the faithful, as Zheenkeef seems just as likely to take an interest in a mad peasant as in the workings of her worshipers. For this reason, she watches vineyards, but does little to interfere with their affairs, and relies on her servants in the heavens to tend to such trivial matters as heeding prayers and supplying powers.

Tenets of Faith

“We have no need for great men and their towering spires. We cast our lot with the outsider, the poet, and the fool. In the end times, we will all be remembered by the mad acts of the shunned and the outcast, not the rigid perfection of the pillars of society.”
—The Visions of the Prophet Glorik Hillock

The Zhenkefan faith revolves around six sayings, called “The Vintner’s Creed,” or just “The Creed.” The earliest oracles of Zheenkeef handed down these maxims at the founding of the vineyards. This was quite some time ago; vineyards have maintained their form of worship longer than nearly any other church. Perhaps this is because the traditions are captured in six simple sayings, and do not require a great deal of doctrine or dogma to be passed from generation to generation. Whatever the case, all Zhenkefans contemplate and observe the Creed. It is supposed to be repeated daily, if the Zhenkefan remembers, but weekly observance suffices. The reason for the Creed is that the true worship of Zheenkeef is difficult to grasp for those who do not possess profound wisdom. As her greatest apostles, oracles, and joyous brothers understand, Zheenkeef’s nature is highly mystical—for what does it mean to be the source of inspiration, to be the feelings below the surface that people rarely heed? The wise understand that the strength, the inner glow one feels when one has drunk too much wine, is Zheenkeef. There are those who can harness that deep assurance, that happy strength, without the aid of wine, but for most, accessing it requires drink in copious amounts. Just as those truly touched by the Mother of Madness can experience inspiration without the aid of wine, those who are wisest can contemplate her without the Creed. But for most, wine and these sayings are necessary.

The fruit of the vine is sweet. Drink deep!

Always the first invocation of the Zhenkefan, this is a remembrance of Zheenkeef’s gift of wine to the mortal races. It is also a rumination on the power of Zheenkeef—through her gift of wine, she makes life sweeter for the mortal races. A Zhenkefan seeks to savor the sweetness of life, finding the joy and vibrancy in all things, that most find only in wine. There is only one terrible sin among them: to refuse to drink from the cup of life. Life is filled with wonder and despair, and many try to avoid the despair by living quiet lives of caution, and miss the wonder as well. Wine should not be sipped moderately, and neither should life. One must live to the fullest, and savor life’s wonder and sadness.

There is no joy without suffering

This is the saying in which the Zhenkefan ponders savoring despair. Zheenkeef is a goddess with bright red hair, but is also embodied in the grapevine. In the summer, the grapevine yields the grapes that make wine, but in the winter, the vines must be pruned constantly, or they will not produce their bounty in the following year. In legend, Zheenkeef is often joyous and wild, like the vines in bloom, but at other times she is dark and sorrowful, like the vines of winter, undergoing the pain of a thousand cuts. She is the patron of tragedy, sometimes filled with delight, but at other times overtaken by dark madness. Many of the ingenious artists and inventors for whom she is Inspiration suffer from similar tragedy.

All that there is will be undone

Everything changes, and everything will change, regardless of the hopes and endeavors of the mortal races. For this reason, it is folly to become attached to societies, structures, or any other mortal work. They will all be washed away in the end. The Zhenkefans, therefore, do not become attached to their inventions or ideas. They happily turn them over to others who wish to waste their time building upon those works, just as Zheenkeef gave music to her daughter to look after. For this reason, Zhenkefans are more interested in the works of those on the fringes of society, unfettered by convention, than they are in the lives and times of the powerful and noteworthy.

Only that which you have not done is worthy

Since nothing lasts, repetition of labor or ideas is an utter waste of one’s life. Each person should broaden their experiences—visit new places and cultures, learn new things, and partake in new activities. It is particularly good when a Zhenkefan manages something mortals have never done before. Thus, invention and creativity are truly holy pursuits.

Inspiration’s voice is felt, not heard

Zheenkeef is the goddess of intuition, the gut feeling, the well of emotions deep below the surface, and harder to interpret than the love, loyalty, and courage other gods represent. Zhenkefans heed their intuition and act on it, for it is the voice of Zheenkeef. It is in intuition that inspiration and invention can be found. Giving oneself over to one’s intuition is likened, by most, to madness.

Those who crave control are slaves

People who would impose law and structure on others are deluded. They are slaves to their beliefs, as much in need of liberation as those they seek to control. The Zhenkefans actively undermine lawful beliefs, usually through mockery or humor, sometimes through debate and argument, and in some rare cases, through violent overthrow. They know those who impose laws are wrong, and that the only sensible laws are those all people agree to abide by. Some Zhenkefans are so individualistic that they believe all laws are wrong, but most are more democratic. So long as people agree to laws, they are valid. These beliefs make vocal Zhenkefans unpopular with authoritarian governments. It is rare for vineyards take an active hand in politics, however (what could be more boring and repetitive?), so most authorities ignore them.

Priesthood

There is no “supreme order” of the vineyards; each determines its own power structure. Usually, the highest-ranking local oracle oversees the vineyard, but there are vineyards run by councils of children or the local halfwit—even a vineyard that takes its instruction from an enchanted gibbon. No matter how the Zhenkefans structure their faith, no one gainsays them. Regardless of vineyard structure, though, there are three orders universal to the Zhenkefan faith. A person who dedicates her life to Zheenkeef’s works can join one of these orders, whether it is powerful in her local vineyard or not. The clergy are called the apostles. The holy warriors are called the joyous brotherhood, and have two levels of status: laughing brother or sister, and drunken brother or sister. The oracles, who most consider religious authorities, have two levels of status: seer and prophet. There is no “average” vineyard, though most have an oracle in residence and three or four apostles. Yet there are many vineyards made up of local Zhenkefans, with no one from the holy orders.

Apostles of Zheenkeef

The apostles are Zheenkeef’s clerical order, but they are rarely found in the vineyards. They are wanderers, spreading the teachings of Zheenkeef and lending their hands to the goddess’s works. The stereotype of this order’s members is the wild-eyed man, with an unshorn and tangled mane of hair, dressed in simple robes and a rope belt, carrying an enormous morningstar in one hand and a flagon of wine in the other. Indeed, many apostles never shave or cut their hair, and their diet often consists of little more than garlic, onions, and wine. Many apostles are half mad, at least. Apostles believe it is their duty to seek out the places of the world where the goddess’ hand is not felt and her inspiration, not experienced. They speak out on street corners, from hillocks, and in dark places of the cities. They spread the lessons of the Creed to anyone who will listen. That said, Zhenkefans do not seek to actively convert others to their outlook, and neither is it the function of the apostles. Apostles offer all people the lessons of Zheenkeef in the hope that, seeing the way of inspiration, they take up the Creed and live a free life. Zhenkefans see most evangelism as a kind of tyranny (one unique to religion), and therefore speak against religious leaders who say people must follow a certain path, or suffer. As the sixth Creed teaches, all people are free, and must choose their own paths. The preaching apostles do not use language such as “this is the only way,” “follow or be damned,” or other threatening inducements. Instead, they simply speak of Zheenkeef’s way, and hope their words reach attentive ears. The apostles hardly care about secular matters, and pay little attention to politics or issues of local concern. Heads in the clouds, they think only of the great teachings the Mother of Madness gave them. Beyond the spreading of the doctrine, the apostles are also fierce opponents of stultifying and tyrannical forces such as devils, whose influence they cannot tolerate. They stride into the mouth of danger time and again to topple any force that threatens the freedom of the five mortal races. In battle, they have a wild look to their eyes, raging against their foes with their spiked morningstars.

Joining the Apostles of Zheenkeef

All members are named apostles upon joining. This is the only title a member of the order will ever bear, and they do not take on honorifics such as “father” or “brother.” If they are introduced, it is by name and the sobriquet, “an apostle of Zheenkeef.” A prospective apostle requires little training, and receives it either from another apostle, or from one of the oracles at a vineyard. Training takes only a few months, but requires absolute devotion to Zheenkeef. Upon completing the training, the apostles become clerics. Zheenkeef wields an enormous morningstar bound with iron and spiked with a thousand spearheads of divine fire. The weapon is called Askew, and its touch is said to drive the searing fires of madness deep into foes’ minds. Many clerics wield weapons forged to resemble the one used by their deity.

Sects

Joyous Brotherhood of Zheenkeef

The Joyous Brotherhood is made up of those who feel the very power of inspiration flowing through their veins and limbs. While Darmon is the god of joy and laughter, the joy in the hearts of the Zhenkefan brotherhood is more like religious euphoria and bliss than the simple joy of a good laugh. The members of this order are lent great strength and power by the elative forces of Zheenkeef, and slip into divine trances to aid them in battle. Though they sometimes have a wild demeanor, the joyous brothers do not seem madness-stricken like apostles. Instead, they are an ecstatic people, moved from the very well of their beings to do great things. Unlike most apostles, they do care about secular matters, and involve themselves in local struggles and politics, befriending and aiding the underdogs, and those without a voice. In the classic feuds of legends, where two great families tear apart a town, the Joyous Brotherhood sides with faceless peasants caught in the middle. They are trained at noticing the people others ignore. The order focuses its attentions on serving these ignored groups and opposing of all forces that enslave minds and hearts. Joyous brothers delight in matters great and small, fighting against evil with their massive morningstars and happiness. When confronted with the stolid considerations of decorum, they resort to mockery and japes. Good manners are not their forte, and for this reason many call them the “vulgar order.” They drink wine, often to excess, do not hold their emotions in check, and don’t stay their tongues when they feel someone is wrong. They are bold, brash, loud, and unquestionably empowered with the divine inspiration of their goddess. While many in power think them drunken buffoons, they are in fact terrifyingly observant, and often cut haughty men low with a single perfectly worded observation. Every autumn, the joyous brothers see it as their duty to help harvest grapes and press wine. They disguise themselves and show up in communities where they are strangers, lending work to the farmers and departing days later, when the harvest is done. In this, they see themselves as walking in the footsteps of Zheenkeef, who also wandered the land, lending aid to strangers and departing, her identity unknown. While there are other holy warrior orders, like the Eagles of the Urianath, who seek to oppose tyranny and free the enslaved, no order’s behavior is like the Joyous Brotherhood’s. While the brothers do seek to free those who are literally enslaved, they also wish to awaken the desires of those who are not drinking deep from the cup of life. “There is a kind of slavery in the heart,” they are known to say, “when a man lives free of physical bonds, yet never strays from what is expected of him.” The joyous brothers seek to move all those they meet to live life to its fullest, be bold, love all people, and speak their minds. More reserved folk find them insufferable. The rules of conduct for the joyous brotherhood are more poetic suggestions than clear edicts:
Never accept the words of the powerful at face value. Those who are too weak to afford beliefs should be offered aid. Look for the detail no one else sees. Remind all those you meet that life is sweet. Never shrink from looking into the face of tragedy. A person enslaved by his own beliefs should be offered the hand of friendship. A person enslaved by the beliefs of others must be freed. Remember the Creed each day. Interpretations of these edicts vary, so it is unlikely a joyous brother would be ejected from the order for violating one unless that violation was patently obvious, such as becoming the obedient servant of a king. The command to free the enslaved does not pertain to those who have been imprisoned for evil deeds. That much is universally accepted by the members of the order. Whatever the interpretation of these edicts, if a joyous brother knowingly commits an evil act or actively aids in the commission of an evil act, she will lose her abilities until she atones. Joyous brothers prefer chaotic companions. It is very rare to find joyous brothers traveling with, say, officers of the courts of Maal. They most often travel with fighters, barbarians, rogues, rangers, and others who do not mind the occasional song and large jug of wine. Those who take themselves very seriously, or insist that their companions obey every rule, are unlikely to find themselves in the company of a joyous brother for long.

Laughing Brother or Sister

Members of the Joyous Brotherhood are called laughing brothers or sisters. They are addressed as “Brother” or “Sister” and introduced by full title. A laughing sister is charged to ride forth, often with other members of her order, and do great works against the powers of Law.

Drunken Brother or Sister

After a laughing brother or sister has become powerful and filled with the inspiration of Zheenkeef, he or she is raised to the status of drunken brother, or sister. He or she is addressed as “Honored Brother” or “Honored Sister,” and introduced by full title. The accompanying ceremony is true to the name; a new drunken sister drinks for an entire day of the finest wine available, until she staggers. She is then stripped of her weapons and armor and sent to a remote area—a wilderness, a desert, a mountain—to wander alone for three days. Of course, by this time the drunken sister is quite powerful, and it is rare that one does not survive the initiation. After the initiation, many of the order swear off wine for some long period, except for ceremonial celebrations. Indeed, they hardly need it any longer; they are called the drunken brothers (or sisters) because they can conjure up the deep joy of inebriation without wine and its side effects. A drunken sister laughs louder, speaks more freely, sees more clearly, and is inspired more deeply than ever she was as a laughing sister. She can be understood to be drunk with life, not wine.

Joining the Joyous Brotherhood

A laughing sister is usually someone who heard the call of Zheenkeef at a young age, and went to a vineyard to train in the ways of the order. Quite often, the call is heard with the young person’s first sip of wine, for it is through wine that Zheenkeef speaks to her chosen. Training to become a member of the order usually only takes about two years. Unlike other militant orders, the joyous brotherhood is made up of sorcerers. While they possess magical power, most are just as happy smashing their foes with their morningstars as they are channeling the power of their mad goddess.

Oracles of Zheenkeef

Most vineyards are run by the oracles, the oldest of the Zhenkefan holy orders. The motivations of this order are mysterious. They sometimes aid those who have nothing but contempt for the vineyards and its worshipers, but deny requests from the most ardent Zhenkefans. Whatever motivates them, their powers are unrivaled— they see far. Oracles are eccentric leaders of the faith who, speaking in riddles and whispers, send people on bizarre errands only Zheenkeef understands. They are often found in rooms filled with clouds of stinking incense, or near chasms, smelling strange vapors from fissures in the earth. They read the many signs of the universe and converse with voices none but they can hear—and perhaps, with the Mother of Madness herself. It would be easy and perhaps comforting to discount them as mad, but they know too much to be ignored. When two oracles meet, particularly two prophets, it is both propitious and terrifying; their visions might combine into premonitions of mighty deeds, or terrible disasters. Frail, peculiar, a bit mad, the oracles of Zheenkeef see things they should not, and know more than they let on. They call on Zheenkeef to fill them with swirling, mad images of the future, most of which cannot be cast into words. Many do not reveal the secret knowledge they bear, believing others would be better off not knowing. Some compulsively reveal all they see, terrifying children with their dark futures. Most who spend time with these provisional leaders of the Zhenkefan faith end up asking themselves whether the fates they foresee can be avoided. To be an oracle is to live a life plagued by visions, most of which make no sense, but some of which tell the future.

Far-Seeing Master

Prospective oracles must seek out prophets and request admission into the order. Often candidates are sent away, but if the prophet deems the applicant worthy, she puts him to the test. Applicants must answer twelve questions that can only be answered using divination, which culminates in the test of the chalices. In this test, the would-be oracle must choose one of thirty chalices, all but one of which is filled with poisoned wine. Surviving the test grants admittance into the order, and the title of seer. A seer is addressed as “Far-Seeing Master” and introduced with the words “The Seer” before his name. So Karzgar would be addressed as “Far-Seeing Master Karzgar,” but introduced as “The Seer Karzgar, an oracle of Zheenkeef.”

Prophet

Experienced seers can declare themselves prophets. The prophets, having known they would bear the title someday, prepare new robes and a staff of office for the day of their ascension. Seers who do not prepare robes or staffs either know they will find some in their journeys, or foresaw they will never become prophets. Prophets are addressed as “All-Seeing Master,” and are always introduced with the words “the Prophet,” before their names.

Joining the Oracles

Only characters devoted to Zheenkeef can join the oracles. Most are witches who made pacts with Zheenkeef or oracles, though some come from the rank of apostles, Joyous Brotherhood, or from outside the faith.