Zakrul
"He Who Carries a Shield of Darkness"
Summary
All things have a desire for safety, even those which have committed acts that demand condemnation. For these beings, Zakrul’s cloak spreads. In Zakrul, all find their sanctuary, regardless of their evils or their wrongs. Criminals, both organized and petty, speak his name with admiration and hope. Distrusted even by the other deities for his secrecy, Zakrul is the half-brother of Idolax and the son of Cinakath and Maer.The Canon and the Way
According to the Fables, all things have a right to life and prosperity. To some followers of the Green Way, Zakrul is but a natural extension to such wisdom. Even those who have committed great wrongs deserve the right to grow and change, and to redeem themselves. Zakrul protects them while they do so. Of course, he also protects them if they refuse to do so, but such is the trade-off of the Shadow-God. The Prime Canon is not so nuanced. Most followers of the Prime Canon have a strong distaste for Zakrul, and though his worship isn't often cracked down upon, it does generate revulsion among both the authorities and the commonfolk. After all, those who have something to hide are a threat to society; why should they be shielded?Symbology
Often depicted as a formless character, a simple floating coat with the outline of a face, Zakrul has few symbols. Symbols, after all, are not very discreet. Instead, Zakrul is said to live within every shadow, and his existence is a refuge for all. Still, cloaks are often associated with him - they tend to be widespread enough that wearing one is a subtle display.Rites and Worship
Followers of Zakrul are tolerated in most cities, as they provide a scapegoat for important governmental functions such as political asylum. Simply put, if such followers protect somebody wanted in another jurisdiction, then the city takes on no obligation to serve an order of extradition, and everybody is happy. Zakrul's centers of worship are typically called *sanctums*, and they're a center for exiles seeking a better life. On the other hand, they also tend to be functional prisons, as the guard is always around them waiting for an exile to poke out his head. They are also not safe havens for all criminals. While religious properties are nominally considered independent of the law in most nations, trespasses on sanctums by the authorities are common if they are seeking to serve their own warrants. Furthermore, sanctums are prone to corruption, as selling out certain criminals can grant them greater autonomy to shield others in the future. If the sanctum does not shield a murderer, then it can shield all thieves. Of course, Zakrul does not think in such ways, and he likely disapproves. Zakrul does have Clerics. They are typically feared, for they consort with all sorts of evil characters that the average person would never want to meddle with. This does, however, make them expert contacts for information, and many also serve the Esterosi. Zakrul's Clerics often wear cloaks and show off as little of their bodies as possible. They do their best to protect their privacy, and are masters of creating mysteries to deflect from their true identities and motives.Holy Text: The Sanguine Promise
Tenets |
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Penances | Strictures |
| ⊕ Aid another in evading the law. ⊕ Invent a persona or disguise. Become many. | ⊝ Never reveal more than that which is necessary. |
Mandates |
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| ⊜ Keep your secrets close. Should you share one, whisper praise towards Zakrul to maintain its privacy. |
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