Strife
The Black Lord, the Black Hand, Lord of Darkness, the Iron General
Thorn, the Strife Emperor is the evil deity of war and conquest. His followers accept his call to conflict, seeking lesser people to break and subjugate. Warmongering nations and goblinoid tribes worship him as they conquer the world. The Strife Emperor twists all living things to his iron will, even forcing nature itself to bow to his whims.
Although Thorn proved his worth during the War, he experienced difficulty adjusting to the peace. In conflict, he repeatedly demonstrated his tactical acumen, leadership talents, and understanding of the enemy. Once peace arrived, his skills were no longer in demand. Thorn believed, especially after the death of the Overgod, that he represented the best possible leader of all deities. Not surprisingly, the other gods disagreed with his assessment.
Throughout history, Thorn has played an integral role in the development of the mortal world. Generals, conquerors, mercenaries, and soldiers alike have called for his blessings and wisdom in the art of war. Officers schooled in Thorn's teachings have, more often than not, proven superior leaders. When empires adopted Thorn's philosophies of war, they invariably grew strong and expanded against all opposition.
In the present day, the Church of Thorn is the third largest in terms of both clergy and followers, exceeded only by the churches of Ilmater and Selene. The past two centuries have witnessed the explosive growth of this faith, with countless communities building Strifite temples and granting authority to Strifite clerics.
A number of sages have debated the rise of Thorn's church. The underlying theory is that, as civilization retreats and nations have waned, people have chosen refuge and protection over freedom and self-rule. A community ruled by Strifites is likely somewhat despotic, strict, and even cruel. At the same time, the community likely has a low crime rate and remains protected from the depredations of local brigands and monsters. In these grim, uncertain times, people have eagerly handed over their freedoms in exchange for security.
Despite the darker side of Thorn's faith, his worship is widespread and common throughout Irion. It is not unusual to see a Strifite temple located prominently in a town or city. Strifite priests walk the streets without fear of persecution or attack. In a number of communities, local citizens have chosen Strife over Ilmater or Selene in the notion – accurate or not – that Thorn's ways offer greater safety than those of any so-called good god.
Although Thorn stands among the evil deities and his teachings are often brutal, the Black Lord nonetheless represents something alluring to mortals, especially those drawn to power, violence, bloodshed, and conquest. Those searching for power or in pursuit of their destiny are drawn to Thorn's creed, and become his worshippers.
Strife's greatest enemy is Eirene, the goddess who defeated him during the Calamity. The Strife Emperor grew his armies by corrupting noble creatures into monsters and destroying the wilds to fuel his terrible engines of conflict, this enraged the Wildmother and the two deities clashed many times during the war before his defeat.
Thorn, the Strife Emperor is the evil deity of war and conquest. His followers accept his call to conflict, seeking lesser people to break and subjugate. Warmongering nations and goblinoid tribes worship him as they conquer the world. The Strife Emperor twists all living things to his iron will, even forcing nature itself to bow to his whims.
Although Thorn proved his worth during the War, he experienced difficulty adjusting to the peace. In conflict, he repeatedly demonstrated his tactical acumen, leadership talents, and understanding of the enemy. Once peace arrived, his skills were no longer in demand. Thorn believed, especially after the death of the Overgod, that he represented the best possible leader of all deities. Not surprisingly, the other gods disagreed with his assessment.
Throughout history, Thorn has played an integral role in the development of the mortal world. Generals, conquerors, mercenaries, and soldiers alike have called for his blessings and wisdom in the art of war. Officers schooled in Thorn's teachings have, more often than not, proven superior leaders. When empires adopted Thorn's philosophies of war, they invariably grew strong and expanded against all opposition.
In the present day, the Church of Thorn is the third largest in terms of both clergy and followers, exceeded only by the churches of Ilmater and Selene. The past two centuries have witnessed the explosive growth of this faith, with countless communities building Strifite temples and granting authority to Strifite clerics.
A number of sages have debated the rise of Thorn's church. The underlying theory is that, as civilization retreats and nations have waned, people have chosen refuge and protection over freedom and self-rule. A community ruled by Strifites is likely somewhat despotic, strict, and even cruel. At the same time, the community likely has a low crime rate and remains protected from the depredations of local brigands and monsters. In these grim, uncertain times, people have eagerly handed over their freedoms in exchange for security.
Despite the darker side of Thorn's faith, his worship is widespread and common throughout Irion. It is not unusual to see a Strifite temple located prominently in a town or city. Strifite priests walk the streets without fear of persecution or attack. In a number of communities, local citizens have chosen Strife over Ilmater or Selene in the notion – accurate or not – that Thorn's ways offer greater safety than those of any so-called good god.
Although Thorn stands among the evil deities and his teachings are often brutal, the Black Lord nonetheless represents something alluring to mortals, especially those drawn to power, violence, bloodshed, and conquest. Those searching for power or in pursuit of their destiny are drawn to Thorn's creed, and become his worshippers.
Strife's greatest enemy is Eirene, the goddess who defeated him during the Calamity. The Strife Emperor grew his armies by corrupting noble creatures into monsters and destroying the wilds to fuel his terrible engines of conflict, this enraged the Wildmother and the two deities clashed many times during the war before his defeat.
Divine Domains
Hatred, fear, destruction, war, conflict
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The three-talon black claw. There have been numerous symbols dedicated to Thorn, but this symbol remains the most enduring.
Tenets of Faith
- Fear is a two-edged sword.
- Law and order are sacrosanct.
- Victory is only achieved through strength.
- Victory proves worth.
- If you fail, you have only proven your weakness for all to see, and you deserve your final fate.
Divine Classification
Deity
Alignment
Lawful Evil
Children
PRONOUNCIATION:
(sst-RIFE)
(sst-RIFE)