Apostles of Zheenkeef
The apostles are Zheenkeef’s clerical order, but they are rarely found in the vineyards. They are wanderers, spreading the teachings of Zheenkeef and lending their hands to the goddess’s works. The stereotype of this order’s members is the wild-eyed man, with an unshorn and tangled mane of hair, dressed in simple robes and a rope belt, carrying an enormous morningstar in one hand and a flagon of wine in the other. Indeed, many apostles never shave or cut their hair, and their diet often consists of little more than garlic, onions, and wine. Many apostles are half mad, at least.
Apostles believe it is their duty to seek out the places of the world where the goddess’ hand is not felt and her inspiration, not experienced. They speak out on street corners, from hillocks, and in dark places of the cities. They spread the lessons of the Creed to anyone who will listen.
That said, Zhenkefans do not seek to actively convert others to their outlook, and neither is it the function of the apostles. Apostles offer all people the lessons of Zheenkeef in the hope that, seeing the way of inspiration, they take up the Creed and live a free life. Zhenkefans see most evangelism as a kind of tyranny (one unique to religion), and therefore speak against religious leaders who say people must follow a certain path, or suffer. As the sixth Creed teaches, all people are free, and must choose their own paths. The preaching apostles do not use language such as “this is the only way,” “follow or be damned,” or other threatening inducements. Instead, they simply speak of Zheenkeef’s way, and hope their words reach attentive ears.
The apostles hardly care about secular matters, and pay little attention to politics or issues of local concern. Heads in the clouds, they think only of the great teachings the Mother of Madness gave them.
Beyond the spreading of the doctrine, the apostles are also fierce opponents of stultifying and tyrannical forces such as devils, whose influence they cannot tolerate. They stride into the mouth of danger time and again to topple any force that threatens the freedom of the five mortal races. In battle, they have a wild look to their eyes, raging against their foes with their spiked morningstars.
Most apostles are chaotic neutral, and see it as their primary duty to spread the teachings of Zheenkeef. These are the untamed apostles that most know, who oppose the works of tyrants when they can, but mostly seek to change the world and undermine established orders. Apostles have little interest in politics and the workings of the vineyards; they are dedicated wanderers
and mendicants.
Chaotic good apostles are far more interested in inspiration and uplifting the oppressed. They pay attention to the workings of the world, learning about political leaders that wrong their fellow mortals, and speaking out against them. These apostles are often agitators and troublemakers, using their protected status as representatives of a god to promote freedom of thought and feeling.
There are chaotic evil apostles as well, but they are not openly welcomed in the vineyards, and tend to worship in dark, secret places.
Joining the Apostles of Zheenkeef
All members are named apostles upon joining. This is the only title a member of the order will ever bear, and they do not take on honorifics such as “father” or “brother.” If they are introduced, it is by name and the sobriquet, “an apostle of Zheenkeef.” A prospective apostle requires little training, and receives it either from another apostle, or from one of the oracles at a vineyard. Training takes only a few months, but requires absolute devotion to Zheenkeef. Upon completing the training, the apostles become clerics of the Madness Domain. Zheenkeef wields an enormous morningstar bound with iron and spiked with a thousand spearheads of divine fire. The weapon is called Askew, and its touch is said to drive the searing fires of madness deep into foes’ minds. Many clerics wield weapons forged to resemble the one used by their deity.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Parent Organization
Related Myths
