Merak (/Meh-rok/)
"He Whose Glow Warms All"
Summary
Merak is a father-figure of a god, especially to those who also worship Pyriel and Nes, who are his apostles. Simply put, Merak is the patron of all those who do good in the world. He is often the first one called upon when one offers a general prayer, and most worship him alongside their chosen deities. Merak is truly one who demands the respect of all, but few are devoted purely to him; after all, Merak’s gift was spread to his apostles, and it would be foolish to ignore it and rely upon him alone.In Gultic Culture...
Merak has special importance in Gultic culture, where he is a deity that has been syncretized with an ancient Old Faith god. While these connections have largely fallen into obscurity, a significantly altered portrait of Merak still persists in the The Protectorate-Commonwealth, where The Crimson Aphorites dominate society. Here, Merak is portrayed as the Commonwealth's protector-god, a punisher of all evil and a flaggelater of all sins. He is merged with the image of Nes and Pyriel, though followers to both exist within the Commonwealth, and typically diverge entirely from the aphorites' interpretation, adopting their modern, Prime Canon versions. Even among aphorites, this version of Merak is viewed as entirely separate from the deity Merak, as many aphorites fall into their roles purely through ceremonial, secular reasons. Devoted aphorites sometimes refer to Merak as Al-Merak, the Protector, or the Testament, with the popularity of each name varying by context and by order.Symbology
Merak is generally represented as a hooded figure with glowing white eyes. Among his most prominent symbols are the blue flame and the mace or flail. Paladins will often heat their weapons in blue-tinged fires before going into battle against the Undead, as a means of securing Merak's favor.Rites and Worship
Most cities have places of worship where followers can congregate and praise Merak. Where an official building is not associated with such a place, the gathering is typically called a congregation; where official buildings are allocated for Merak's worship, they are referred to as cathedrals. Cathedrals and congregations typically have highest attendance following tragedies, as people ask Merak for the strength to carry on in the face of evil. Clerics of Merak are somewhat rare, instead committing themselves to Nes or Pyriel, though they do exist. They are especially prevalent in the Protectorate-Commonwealth, where the Crimson Aphorites thrive. Regardless, Merak's clerics are often heavily-armored and prepared to defend those around them. They are eager to act on their moral code, regardless of legality - though they will always strive to follow legal channels when possible. The preferred weapon of most is blunt, though swords are also common.Holy Text: The Triad Song (The Song of Saints)
Tenets |
|---|
Penances | Strictures |
| ⊕ Punish those who would seek dark powers. | ⊝ Never permit the existence of an evil being. |
| ⊕ Inspire courage in those around you. | ⊝ Never betray an ally, without ordained reason. |
Mandates |
|---|
| ⊜ Bow your head before the altar whenever you enter a cathedral of Merak. Show your face only after asking for his will to empower the courage within you. |
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