Achaekek (uh-CHAY-kek)
Achaekek is the god of assassins, and the patron god of the Red Mantis assassins based on the island of Mediogalti. Achaekek takes a middle position between Calistria, the goddess of revenge if not necessarily murder, and Norgorber who is the god of all murder, whether paid for or not. His symbol is a pair of mantis claws depicted as if in prayer.
He is occasionally worshiped by some ruthless druids and rangers who wish to emulate his efficiency in killing. Druids of Achaekek focus on vermin, often have a giant mantis as their animal companion, and are not considered part of the organized church; they forsake all links to friends or family in order to draw themselves as close to Achaekek as possible. As outsiders, they often serve as investigators or even assassins of traitors to the faith.
The largest public temple to the Mantis God is the Pagoda of the Mantis in the Redshore neighbourhood of the city of Ilizmagorti, although the centre of the faith is the heavily guarded Sarzari Library located within the Crimson Citadel, the headquarters of the infamous Red Mantis assassins located deep in Mediogalti Isle's jungles.
In ancient Azlant, Achaekek's priests revered dangerous animals and beasts, and would often sacrifice enemies of the faith by throwing them into crocodile pits or leaving them in the forest for cats and bears to eat. They revelled in earthquakes and tsunamis, and often claimed that Achaekek was responsible in the wake of the calamity. Nearly all other Azlanti considered them dangerous and savage, and both the empire and enemy faiths regularly hunted them down. Most of his temples were located in remote areas, with a few hidden and kept secret in cities.
They avoid initiating hostilities with other religions over doctrine but are staunchly opposed to Rahadoum, the cult's ancient home, which exiled them after enacting the Laws of Mortality.
Leading the Red Mantis are the Vernai, also known as the "High Killers", from the Crimson Citadel. These 13 women are themselves led by the Blood Mistress, a figure considered to represent the Mantis God's will on Golarion.
Church of Achaekek
Achaekek does not actively seek followers. He is mentioned rarely in religious texts, but does appear in the ancient Book of Maan and the Path of Ways as a slayer of gods, something his church claims Achaekek is not currently capable of doing. Clerics of Achaekek are themselves assassins, even if they lack skill, and those who live on Mediogalti Island are expected to provide some service to improve the city of Ilizmagorti.He is occasionally worshiped by some ruthless druids and rangers who wish to emulate his efficiency in killing. Druids of Achaekek focus on vermin, often have a giant mantis as their animal companion, and are not considered part of the organized church; they forsake all links to friends or family in order to draw themselves as close to Achaekek as possible. As outsiders, they often serve as investigators or even assassins of traitors to the faith.
The largest public temple to the Mantis God is the Pagoda of the Mantis in the Redshore neighbourhood of the city of Ilizmagorti, although the centre of the faith is the heavily guarded Sarzari Library located within the Crimson Citadel, the headquarters of the infamous Red Mantis assassins located deep in Mediogalti Isle's jungles.
In ancient Azlant, Achaekek's priests revered dangerous animals and beasts, and would often sacrifice enemies of the faith by throwing them into crocodile pits or leaving them in the forest for cats and bears to eat. They revelled in earthquakes and tsunamis, and often claimed that Achaekek was responsible in the wake of the calamity. Nearly all other Azlanti considered them dangerous and savage, and both the empire and enemy faiths regularly hunted them down. Most of his temples were located in remote areas, with a few hidden and kept secret in cities.
Relations with other religions
Achaekek's followers have no tolerance for the Skinsaw Cult sect of Norgorber, but allow other worshipers of the god of secrets into Ilizmagorti. They respect Mephistopheles and his domain over contracts. Prior to Nocticula's ascension to the true deity the Redeemer Queen, they gave her followers a degree of respect as skilled peers in assassination, though their respect was limited by disdain for their status as lone agents. In the wake of her ascension, she no longer includes assassins or assassination in her portfolio; it is unclear whether her abandoned followers still have the Mantis cult's respect, or whether some of those abandoned assassins might take up worship of the Mantis God themselves.They avoid initiating hostilities with other religions over doctrine but are staunchly opposed to Rahadoum, the cult's ancient home, which exiled them after enacting the Laws of Mortality.
Red Mantis Assassins
behaviourLeading the Red Mantis are the Vernai, also known as the "High Killers", from the Crimson Citadel. These 13 women are themselves led by the Blood Mistress, a figure considered to represent the Mantis God's will on Golarion.
Heretics
Some of Achaekek's worshipers disavow the Red Mantis assassins but still receive divine magic from the Mantis God, though these heretics are considered enemies of the church by the Vernai. While this sometimes leads to comparisons to Skinsaw cultists, both groups despise even the insinuation of such a connection.Divine Domains
Death, might, trickery, zeal
Artifacts
The Mantis Blade is a unique minor artifact sacred to followers of Achaekek.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Social
Contacts & Relations
The Mantis God has at most an uneasy relationship with Golarion's deities, as most do not approve of his heavy-handed purpose and methods. None dare to oppose him however, at least not openly, and Achaekek keeps no relations of his own with other deities. This extends to his own younger sister, Grandmother Spider, who often tries to convince him to rebel against other gods, although he is known to be extremely displeased with his followers if they kill Grandmother Spider's adherents. No deity admits to ordering him to assassinate someone, though there are few doubts that many of the gods have requested his services. Achaekek seems to instinctively find his targets, although some believe that the orders come from some yet-unknown source.
Alignment
Lawful evil
Realm
Honorary & Occupational Titles
The Mantis God
He Who Walks in Blood
Azlanti period: He of Bloody Claws and Savage Bite
He Who Walks in Blood
Azlanti period: He of Bloody Claws and Savage Bite
Children
Current:
Blood
Death
Assassination
Azlanti period:
Monsters
Murder
Natural disasters
Worshipers
The Red Mantis, assassins
Edicts
Conduct assassinations, spread the Red Mantis's infamy, wield sawtooth sabres in combat
Anathema
Kill a rightful ruler, become fixated on petty matters such as others' gender or ancestry, abandon an assassination contract you agreed to pursue
Favoured Weapon
Sawtooth sabre
Symbol
Crossed mantis claws
Sacred Animal
Crimson mantis
Sacred Colours
Red
Comments