Rieloch (/Ry-lok/)

"He Whose Name Is True"

Summary

Rieloch is respected by most, and feared by many. All battlefields are his plays, all generals his playwrights, and all soldiers his actors. Few wish to have the need to call upon his name, but those who hold this perverse desire often find themselves rewarded as officers and generals of war-hungry nations. Rulers often find their prayers wandering to his name in the hope that he will shield them from the curse of war - or guide their nation to victory. He is sometimes alternatively known as "He Whose Name is Necessary" by those who put on a visage of moral opposition to war.

The Canon and the Way

In the Green Way, Rieloch takes on the position of a deity of conflict in general, rather than mere war. In one-on-one fights and small-scale conflicts between families, Rieloch still finds his place. He is praised when his necessity arises, and he is appeased when his domains can be avoided. In areas where conflict between Fey and Mortals arise regularly, Rieloch occupies a permanent place of reverence among the Fey pantheon, as his guidance serves better than that of Thear.
The Prime Canon treats Rieloch predominantly as a deity of war, encompassing both tactics on large-scale battlefields and the shady diplomacy that occurs in the back halls and war rooms of conflicting states. Petty fights are more commonly associated with a deity like Szu'ul, for Rieloch has bigger things to worry about than minor squabbles.

Symbology

Rieloch is often represented simply by a skull, often with a helmet donned. Armor is viewed as symbolic of him, especially heavy armor made of rock or metal. His holy mantras are often quoted and repeated by officers on the battlefield as war cries and speeches, and all who aspire to lead shall inevitably read them at some point or another.

Rites and Worship

Battlefields and graveyards are the 'holiest' sites of Rieloch. Armies will often have divisions of Rielochian Clerics-in-training who sanctify the honorable dead and lay them to rest after battle. In cities and villages with expansive gravesites, similar contingents often exist, offering prayers to and caring for the dead that have been laid to rest. These groups often double as guards or militia organizers within the settlement, and their association with gravesites puts them in close contact with the Clerics of El'yr (who often give last rites). An unusual brotherhood thus exists between followers of these deities, even though the deities themselves have no official relation.
Most Rielochian Clerics, of course, are battle-priests who spend their lives in combat and at war. No standard suit of armor or other decoration is necessitated to worship Rieloch, but when you see one of his devout followers, you generally *know* what they are - whether it be their commanding aura, the scars upon their body, or the exaggerated confidence that they are eager to display.
The training of Clerics is somewhat standardized. They serve the function of squires throughout half of their training, and care for graveyards and fallen soldiers the other half. Often, this is very busy work, with very little time for rest, but it instills a deep respect for Rieloch and a martial discipline that is unparalleled.

Holy Text: The Tacticum

Tenets

Penances	Strictures
⊕ Conquer your fears and defeat a dreaded foe.	⊝ Never back down from an honorable challenge.
⊕ Demonstrate such force that others dare not challenge you.	⊝ Never surrender or retreat once you have committed to a fight.

Mandates

⊜ Lay all honorable opponents to rest with prayers to Rieloch for their soul.