Mogis, God of Slaughter (Moh-Gis)
"Reneta launched a dozen arrows into the minotaur's hide, but he did not slow his charge. The fury of Mogis was upon him, and he made a promise to his god that there would be blood."
The god of brutality, blood, and beasts.
Table of Contents
Overview
Mogis, the dark twin of the god Iroas, is the horned god of wrath and pain. He is associated with slaughter, violence, bloodlust, war, and cannibalism. He is worshipped by mainly minotaurs and is known to take the form of a minotaur, as well. His "red eye" is used as a profanity in Meletis relating to violent death, while Akroan warriors are warned of the threat of giving in to his whims.
Mogis can be best described as fury incarnate. Even the smallest of outbursts can be attributed to Mogis playing on the minds of mortals. He has been responsible for the darkest of betrayals and most brutal of wars. Those who seek to give their devotion to Mogis will be rewarded with strength beyond measure, but there is always a price for such power.
Mogis, God of Slaughter by Peter Mohrbacher
Mogis
History
DUALITY
Mogis is one of the oldest gods on Ravnica. He and his twin were originally one being that was manifested as the savegery of war and bloodshed grew in the world. As decades passed, and wars came and went, the original being began having conflicting thoughts about the stature of war in Ravnica. This inner conflict eventually began to eat away at his mind, until he violently spit into two, forming Mogis and Iroas. The mind of a beast with the body to create war, and the mind of a man with a body made for it. Those who sought bloodlust and destruction followed Mogis, where those who upheld honor and tradition chose Iroas. This would eventually lead to one of the biggest wars fought on the planet even before the guilds were made.
THE WAR OF THE TWINS
Lines were drawn between the worshipers of war. One end sought that war should be honorable, and only made if necessary. The other desired plunder and death from battle. Skirmishes were fought across the forgotten lands of Ravnica, until all out war was finally realized. Each of the twin gods took command of thousands of their followers, and lead them into a grand battle across an ancient plane, long buried by the city built over it. Though the location of the battle was lost, the recorded history was kept with the priests and warriors who had it within their scriptures where it survives even today. It is written that Iroas and his warriors drew a pyrrhic victory, narrowly defeating his brother and his army.
MOUNTING TENSIONS
Mogis, having been severely wounded from battle, was imprisoned for centuries. His twin as well was thought to be out of action for some time, recovering from his own devastating wounds. Mogis bid his time in prison to heal and to plot. He knew in his mind that the call for war would be every present as long as there existed life that could wage it. He watched as Ravnica evolved, seeing the guilds form and grow in power. As the guilds became the driving force for the world, Mogis, now nearly fully recovered, burst from his bindings and withdrew from Iroas' clutches, seeking to fan the flames of hate and the wicked nature of war and battle once again. With Jace, the Living Guildpack no longer present, the guilds have been growing tension between each other. Mogis will see to it that this war, The Guild Wars, will be his greatest creation.
Portent of Betrayal by Daarken
Mogis' fury can destroy even the closest of bonds.
by Orange Blue Hue
Worshiped by
Cult of RakdosMana Alignment
Holy Weapon
Great AxeDivine Symbol
Bleeding EyeSacred Animal
War HoundReligious Colors
Red, Gold, BlackEdicts
War, Violence, Bloodlust, Wrath, Pain, Minotaurs, Hatred, CannibalismStandard Skills
Brawn, Evade, Combat Style (Cull the Weak)Professional Skills
Skills that Priests may teach at major temples and gatheringsDevotion, Exhort
Children
Theism
Clerics of Mogis are given access to the powers he offers. Some miracles are restricted to more trusted or higher ranking members of this religion. (WIP)
Initiate
AegisBehold
Acolyte
ConsecratePriest
AwakenExcommunicate
Commandments
True worshipers of Mogis follow his commandments carefully, with those who ignore or are ignorant of such laws may find themselves praying to deaf ears, or worse.- Offer a satisfying sacrifice to Mogis once a month.
- Slaughter your enemies with great prejudice. Let your brutality be a warning to others.
- Eat the heart of your worthy foes, it shall make you stronger.
- Do not associate with the weak.
- Kill. Kill for Mogis.
"Mogis can fan a small flame of resentment into an inferno of madness."
Day of Disputes & The Hour of Culling
Day of Disputes
The Day of Disputes is the legalized holiday of Mogis. Though Mogis himself doesn't find this a day he'd officially endorse, he does take minor enjoyment in watching. On the tenth day of the twelfth month, those who celebrate this holiday, minor worshipers and civilians alike, gather in town squares and arenas. The walk to these places is accompanied by singers whose voices carry a high-pitched falsetto to let everyone know what is about to happen. Once enough people have arrived, a circle is formed between the crowds and a single volunteer who calls out the first and last name of an individual. Should that individual not show up, or refuse the fight, they are met with ridicule and shame.
If the individual takes up the challenge, the two people will proceed to the center of the circle and start the fight. The people fighting are unarmed and unarmored, fighting with cloths wrapped around their hands. Biting, hitting those on the ground, and pulling hair are allowed during the fight. The winner is selected upon a knockout or intervention by a Boros Legion or Azorius Senate official. Other officials keep the crowds orderly during the fight. At the start and end of the fight, the opponents must shake hands or give each other a hug. If the loser of the fight disagrees with the outcome, he or she can appeal for another fight. Healers are present to offer aid to those in need. Killing is strictly forbidden at the events. These fights and brawls offer an alternative method to resolve conflict and create a more peaceful society by giving people a chance to let out their anger. The holiday is concluded at sunset and any fights yet to be fought must wait until the next year.
If the individual takes up the challenge, the two people will proceed to the center of the circle and start the fight. The people fighting are unarmed and unarmored, fighting with cloths wrapped around their hands. Biting, hitting those on the ground, and pulling hair are allowed during the fight. The winner is selected upon a knockout or intervention by a Boros Legion or Azorius Senate official. Other officials keep the crowds orderly during the fight. At the start and end of the fight, the opponents must shake hands or give each other a hug. If the loser of the fight disagrees with the outcome, he or she can appeal for another fight. Healers are present to offer aid to those in need. Killing is strictly forbidden at the events. These fights and brawls offer an alternative method to resolve conflict and create a more peaceful society by giving people a chance to let out their anger. The holiday is concluded at sunset and any fights yet to be fought must wait until the next year.
The Hour of Culling
The Day of Culling is the illegal holiday that is made in the name of Mogis. On the thirty-first day of the twelfth month, the zealots of Mogis secretly gather at undisclosed locations and wait for the last hour of the day. At exactly 11:00 PM, these fanatics spring forth in many locations to seek out and murder either randomly, or targeted individuals who are deemed weak (anyone who dies on this day is seen as weak by the cult regardless). All members wear masks with Mogis' symbol painted on to protect their identities as they cause havoc across the city.
The Boros and Azorius are sure to pull as many forces as they can to protect the city, but they can't be everywhere at once. To make matters worse, members of the Cult of Rakdos use this holiday to join in on the 'fun', and the Gruul Clans take the opportunity of thinned Boros ranks to try and cause as much destruction as possible. 12:00 AM marks the end of the holiday, and those true to Mogis stop and regroup, while anarchists and opportunists linger to continue to cause misery. Mogis claims that every new year should remove as much of the weak as possible, to leave behind the frail and to bring up the new period of the strong.
The Boros and Azorius are sure to pull as many forces as they can to protect the city, but they can't be everywhere at once. To make matters worse, members of the Cult of Rakdos use this holiday to join in on the 'fun', and the Gruul Clans take the opportunity of thinned Boros ranks to try and cause as much destruction as possible. 12:00 AM marks the end of the holiday, and those true to Mogis stop and regroup, while anarchists and opportunists linger to continue to cause misery. Mogis claims that every new year should remove as much of the weak as possible, to leave behind the frail and to bring up the new period of the strong.
Planar Encounters
Mogis is a glutton for battle, but he isn't a dim-witted brute. He knows that he reveals himself on the mortal plane Iroas will be there waiting to try and imprison him again. Instead, Mogis will possess the body of an individual to engage in combat. These individuals tend to be Mogis' more fanatical followers and who he deems are the strongest. It is more typical of him to possess the body of a Minotaur, though he has on rare occasions used the body of other species. Those that have been possessed carry with them a fury unlike any other. Their strength increased tenfold, their stamina endless, and their appetite for death and brutality insatiable. A tell that one has been taken by Mogis, is the blood that pools and drips from their red eyes. It's not uncommon for those who have been controlled by Mogis to fall dead after the god has had his fun, but the ones that survive prove themselves to be worthy of Mogis, and a candidate to become his next champion.
Mogis's Warhound by John Severin Brassell
Mogis' faithful hound.
Temples and Shrines
Worship of Mogis typically has a bad reputation for good reasons. This is why temples are scarce or hard to find, any that are out in the open tend to be shut down by the Azorius rather quickly. Few temples can be found deep within Rakdos territory, as both the Rakdos and worshipers of Mogis enjoy a good blood bath. Temples offer grand arenas for those to spar and fight to the death in, and there are many occasions where priests will hold such events. Outside of fighting, temples offer a secure place to send sacrifices to Mogis and to recover from a well fought battle as well as training and armaments.
Fanatic of Mogis by Matt Stewart
A fanatic of Mogis becoming possessed by the very god he worships.
“KILL KILL FOR MOGIS.”
Relationships
Mogis above all else carries a special hatred for Iroas. The two twins so deeply connected on some levels, but so far apart on others. Mogis' imprisonment has only fueled this fire even deeper, and Mogis counts the days where he can sink his battle axe into his twin brother's chest. Clerics will find it impossible to have devotion to both of these gods, and should a follower of Mogis attempt to worship Iroas, they will be torn to shreds by Mogis himself, or his hound.
Mogis tends to leave the other gods alone, for he has no quarrel with them. However, due to his short temper and eagerness to fight, many of the gods avoid him if they can help it. Clerics may reluctantly have devotion to any other god along with Mogis.
Mogis tends to leave the other gods alone, for he has no quarrel with them. However, due to his short temper and eagerness to fight, many of the gods avoid him if they can help it. Clerics may reluctantly have devotion to any other god along with Mogis.
Followers
Many followers don't openly flaunt their religiousness of Mogis, as such a statement is extremely looked down upon and gives heavy suspicion to the devotee. Mogis hates this, and wishes that all his loyal followers express themselves as much as they can, to show that they are not afraid of a mean look or dirty glare. Still though, as long as they follow his commandments and fight in his name, he is ultimately satisfied.
Lay members are those who have only recently joined the religion. They are the lowest of the totem pole and are treated as such. Many lay members are used as punching bags or at worst, target practice. Killing a new member is looked down upon, but not totally forbidden. Lay members are expected to prepare the weapons and armor of their superiors as well as to clean the messes of previous battles. They are expected to attend important celebrations, festivals, or meetings but need not attend every single one so long as they maintain some minimal committment. They are taught basic skills, but are not given access to deistic magic. Only once a lay member has demonstrated that they are not feeble, and have been in the cult for at least a month can they be considered a promotion to Initiate. Most new members leave the cult before then.
Initiates are given a fraction of Mogis' power after a trial by combat. The lay members who have stayed long enough are pitted in a free for all match against each other where only those deemed strong enough can further their ranks. These melees are held once every three months to give time to prepare for those who will participate. Those that survive but have been bested, or have poorly demonstrated their combat prowess or willingness to fight, are expelled from the cult. The victorious are brought into a special ceremony and celebrated. The blood from the fallen are painted as Mogis' symbol on their foreheads, and they are each given a chalice filled of the same blood, blessed by the High Priests. The members must drink the entire thing and keep it down if they are to be imbued with more of Mogis' strength. There are rare occasions of the expelled being allowed back as a Lay Member to start again, but these incidents are very circumstantial.
Initiates are expected to work, train, and fight full time unless specifically sent off to perform tasks. If possible they must also attend all ceremonies, festivals, or meetings. Initiates are given a communal bed and board at temples. There is also a small income to help maintain arms and armor as well as access to trainers without having to pay full price for their services. Initiates are given access to learn the divine magic of Mogis.
Becoming an Acolyte is fairly easy. Simply follow the region's culture, keep up with any tasks given to you, and stay true to Mogis' commandments. After three years, or by special recommendation, initiates are promoted to their new rank and given even more of the power of Mogis. Those that survive by then are deemed strong enough to move on. Acolytes are expected to take charge of the management and education of lower ranking members. They must also attend all ceremonies, services, and meetings essensial to the cult; and to be active in expanding the cult's membership and influence.
Acolytes may requisition equipment and materials necessary for cult business. They can also commander lower ranks to provde any necessary support. In addition, they are paid a stipident to their status, and provided with their own personal chambers in whichever temple they choose. Their access to even more powerful divine magic is allowed.
Priests of Mogis pick the meeting places for the Hour of Culling, perform sacred rituals, perform rites and give promotions. They supervise the fighting events for lay members, and are the bureaucrats for their god. They are the generals and tacticians in any large scale battle, and the teachers for those yearning to improve their killing power. Sacrifices from priests are expected to be grand and elaborate, and their duties are never ending. They only take orders from High Priests, the Champion, and Mogis himself. To move up the ranks, an Acolyte must directly challenge a priest to a duel. This is a fight to the death, and both combatants are expected to use anything and everything to their advantage to win. The Acolyte will take the place of the priest should he win, or simply die trying.
Priests may demand any of the resources available to their branch of the organisation. They can also commandeer any or all of the lower ranked members to provide support for their plans. However, unless these are used to further the organisation as a whole, abuse of this power can lead to an alienation or execution. They are paid a high wage, given the best living quarters available, and can access even more powerful divine magics.
High Priests are those who have been possessed by Mogis himself and have lived through the process. For this reason the majority of High Priests are minotaurs with the rare exception. High Priests can be identified by an everlasting blood red eye, left over as a mark from Mogis. High Priests are the voice of Mogis, they speak on his behalf and take orders only from him and his champion. High Priests are notoriously skilled in combat, and their brutality is enough to please their god. These priests have total control over the religion, when and where temples are built, where attacks are made, and how events are conducted. They have access to all resources the guild has and are taught the highest forms of divine magic.
The Champion of Mogis is an exclusive title only to one. The current champion is Orcus 'Spine Render' Takana, the minotaur. Like becoming a priest, to become the Champion a High Priest must directly challenge the current Champion of Mogis to single combat. This is an event not to be taken lightly or to happen very often. Only a fool would challenge the champion if they had any doubt they could win. The duel takes place in the main temple of Mogis, where the god of slaughter himself is summoned to observe the fight. Mogis judges the combatants on their fighting capabilities and their brutality. If he is satisfied with the winner, he will either imbue the new champion with the power of the old, or give the reigning champion an increase in their own strength. The winner must consume the raw heart of their opponent, and only then will the event be concluded.
The Champion of Mogis reaps many benefits of the title. Mogis enhances their strength and endurance far beyond what they could normally achieve. Their lifespan is significantly increased to the point where they may be biologically immortal. The champion is also given the secrets of divine miracles that only they could know and cast. The champion takes orders only from Mogis; everyone else is under them and must respect their authority at all times. The champion may at any time speak to Mogis, and be given an audience with him so long as the event is worth his time. Sacrifices are no longer required at this point, for the champion has already proven their worth to their god. The champion is still expected to further the goals of Mogis and to spread his dominion.
Lay members are those who have only recently joined the religion. They are the lowest of the totem pole and are treated as such. Many lay members are used as punching bags or at worst, target practice. Killing a new member is looked down upon, but not totally forbidden. Lay members are expected to prepare the weapons and armor of their superiors as well as to clean the messes of previous battles. They are expected to attend important celebrations, festivals, or meetings but need not attend every single one so long as they maintain some minimal committment. They are taught basic skills, but are not given access to deistic magic. Only once a lay member has demonstrated that they are not feeble, and have been in the cult for at least a month can they be considered a promotion to Initiate. Most new members leave the cult before then.
Initiates are given a fraction of Mogis' power after a trial by combat. The lay members who have stayed long enough are pitted in a free for all match against each other where only those deemed strong enough can further their ranks. These melees are held once every three months to give time to prepare for those who will participate. Those that survive but have been bested, or have poorly demonstrated their combat prowess or willingness to fight, are expelled from the cult. The victorious are brought into a special ceremony and celebrated. The blood from the fallen are painted as Mogis' symbol on their foreheads, and they are each given a chalice filled of the same blood, blessed by the High Priests. The members must drink the entire thing and keep it down if they are to be imbued with more of Mogis' strength. There are rare occasions of the expelled being allowed back as a Lay Member to start again, but these incidents are very circumstantial.
Initiates are expected to work, train, and fight full time unless specifically sent off to perform tasks. If possible they must also attend all ceremonies, festivals, or meetings. Initiates are given a communal bed and board at temples. There is also a small income to help maintain arms and armor as well as access to trainers without having to pay full price for their services. Initiates are given access to learn the divine magic of Mogis.
Becoming an Acolyte is fairly easy. Simply follow the region's culture, keep up with any tasks given to you, and stay true to Mogis' commandments. After three years, or by special recommendation, initiates are promoted to their new rank and given even more of the power of Mogis. Those that survive by then are deemed strong enough to move on. Acolytes are expected to take charge of the management and education of lower ranking members. They must also attend all ceremonies, services, and meetings essensial to the cult; and to be active in expanding the cult's membership and influence.
Acolytes may requisition equipment and materials necessary for cult business. They can also commander lower ranks to provde any necessary support. In addition, they are paid a stipident to their status, and provided with their own personal chambers in whichever temple they choose. Their access to even more powerful divine magic is allowed.
Priests of Mogis pick the meeting places for the Hour of Culling, perform sacred rituals, perform rites and give promotions. They supervise the fighting events for lay members, and are the bureaucrats for their god. They are the generals and tacticians in any large scale battle, and the teachers for those yearning to improve their killing power. Sacrifices from priests are expected to be grand and elaborate, and their duties are never ending. They only take orders from High Priests, the Champion, and Mogis himself. To move up the ranks, an Acolyte must directly challenge a priest to a duel. This is a fight to the death, and both combatants are expected to use anything and everything to their advantage to win. The Acolyte will take the place of the priest should he win, or simply die trying.
Priests may demand any of the resources available to their branch of the organisation. They can also commandeer any or all of the lower ranked members to provide support for their plans. However, unless these are used to further the organisation as a whole, abuse of this power can lead to an alienation or execution. They are paid a high wage, given the best living quarters available, and can access even more powerful divine magics.
High Priests are those who have been possessed by Mogis himself and have lived through the process. For this reason the majority of High Priests are minotaurs with the rare exception. High Priests can be identified by an everlasting blood red eye, left over as a mark from Mogis. High Priests are the voice of Mogis, they speak on his behalf and take orders only from him and his champion. High Priests are notoriously skilled in combat, and their brutality is enough to please their god. These priests have total control over the religion, when and where temples are built, where attacks are made, and how events are conducted. They have access to all resources the guild has and are taught the highest forms of divine magic.
The Champion of Mogis is an exclusive title only to one. The current champion is Orcus 'Spine Render' Takana, the minotaur. Like becoming a priest, to become the Champion a High Priest must directly challenge the current Champion of Mogis to single combat. This is an event not to be taken lightly or to happen very often. Only a fool would challenge the champion if they had any doubt they could win. The duel takes place in the main temple of Mogis, where the god of slaughter himself is summoned to observe the fight. Mogis judges the combatants on their fighting capabilities and their brutality. If he is satisfied with the winner, he will either imbue the new champion with the power of the old, or give the reigning champion an increase in their own strength. The winner must consume the raw heart of their opponent, and only then will the event be concluded.
The Champion of Mogis reaps many benefits of the title. Mogis enhances their strength and endurance far beyond what they could normally achieve. Their lifespan is significantly increased to the point where they may be biologically immortal. The champion is also given the secrets of divine miracles that only they could know and cast. The champion takes orders only from Mogis; everyone else is under them and must respect their authority at all times. The champion may at any time speak to Mogis, and be given an audience with him so long as the event is worth his time. Sacrifices are no longer required at this point, for the champion has already proven their worth to their god. The champion is still expected to further the goals of Mogis and to spread his dominion.
Orcus, Prince of Undeath by Andrew Mar
Orcus, Champion of Mogis
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