Cult of the God of War
Dogma
Master the arts of combat and war. Learn to both fight and strategize.
Ensure unity and discipline. Disorder and rebellion deserve harsh punishment.
Fear is your ally. Conquer yours, and use your enemies’ against them.
Victory proves worth, and it is best achieved through strength.
Honor those who have fallen in battle, remember the heores and forget the coward.
Scriptures
The Steel Scripture - The Steel Scripture is the canon of the Cult of War. A practical tome for a practical faith, the book focuses on strategy and tactics, offering followers advice for training, organizing, and fighting. The Scripture is often expanded to reflect changing technologies, magic, and stratagems, and great generals are invited by the Cult of War to add their own wisdom to the text. Even those who dislike Sardar and his followers often study the Scripture to gain insights.
Worshippers
Sardar is almost universally worshipped amongst soldiers and warriors. While many barbarian tribes primarily follow animistic ritual, all revere and respect Sardar as their Overlord. Goblins tame and train beasts in Sardar’s name. Bugbears murder and spread fear for him. Hobgoblins organize and conquer. Amongst more “civilized” peoples, Sardar maintains an incredibly popular presence, unsurprisingly, among militaries. Many great generals and conquerors have offered prayers to the Iron General, and common soldiers often ask for his blessing to grant them strength and courage. Low-level clerics often arise amongst military companies and serve as chaplains.Clergy
The Church of Sardar, known as the Cult of War, is organized along strict hierarchical lines. The Cult of War lacks a global structure, but individual regions operate along rigid chains of command, and clerics generally adopt titles identical to military ranks. The Cult of War generally seeks to serve the local nation and kingdom. Followers of the Cult of War often offer their services to local militaries or mercenary companies, and they quickly become invaluable resources. Often, when neighboring states come into conflict, believers must face each other on the battlefield. This interfaith conflict is acceptable, as followers of the Cult of War believe that the violence only serves to strengthen and sharpen their church. While members of the Cult of War often fight on the battlefield, they are quick to put aside their differences and unite to combat undead, primordial, or demonic influences.Paladins
Hounds of WarShields of the Fallen
Monks
Way of the Dragon
Clothing and Symbols
The Iron General’s devout carry symbols made of, unsurprisingly, iron. Crafted of black iron or darkened with soot in a pinch, the Breaking Blade is worn on amulets with substantial chains. Many followers emblazon their shields, armor, and banners with the symbol.
During ceremonial occasions, priests of Sardar often dress in robes of black fringed with blood-red, and high priests are adorned with fearsome, beautifully adorned armor designed to truly show the Conqueror’s glory. Priest of Sardar that advance to important positions in the clergy are commanded to always wear a warhelm in public, and its rumored that some actually have their helmets fused with their head.Rituals & Traditions
Members of the Cult of War must remain sharp and committed. Instead of morning prayers, Sardar expects daily training. Believers are commanded to exercise, spar, and study strategy and tactics. Throughout their lives, the devout are commanded to abstain from alcohol and other mind-altering substances, as these erode discipline and dull fighting senses.
During times of conquest, believers show gratitude to Sardar by offering a tithe of their loot to the Cult of War. This gold goes to maintaining armories, supplying soldiers, and funding spells.
Finally, followers are expected to pray before and after combat and dedicate their foes as blood sacrifices to the Iron General. The Cult of War forbids the sacrifice of slaves, as Sardar desires fresh blood from worthy foes bested in combat, not the beating hearts of the helpless conquered.
Places of Worship
Sardar’s worship primarily occurs through deeds of conquest and warfare, and the most sacred rites of the Cult of War are performed before battle in war camps and fortifications and after the conflict amongst the fields of dead. Out of combat, the Cult of War constructs their temples on historic battlefields, among permanent military fortifications, and within cities that tolerate their presence. These temples are built as fortresses, and generally feature barracks, armories, and training yards. Most feature simple, utilitarian architecture, as decorative aesthetics are considered a distraction from discipline.
The one decorative flair of the Cult of War comes from their beautiful sculptures of the Iron General. As Sardar was once a mortal warrior, the Cult of War depicts him as a warrior clad and armed according to local styles. Among the Kamamayan, for example, Sardar is often shown atop a horse, drawing back a massive bowstring, while the raiding tribes of the North depict him as a fearsome bearded warrior wielding a mighty battleaxe. While most of the armor, weapons, and gold taken from the conquered is repurposed for the Cult of War, a small percentage is melted down to craft these statues.
Holy days
Annual festivities are organized in honor of Sardar, during which simulated battles, military trainings, processions and ceremonies of tribute to the fallen are held. These celebrations involve both professional warriors and ordinary citizens, uniting them in recognition of the importance of courage and honor in battle.Courage Day
Courage Day is an annual holiday celebrated in honor of Sardar, the Lord of Battles and God of War. This festival is a special time when devotees of Sardar gather to recognize and celebrate the bravery, honor and determination of brave warriors. The festivity takes place in a large open field or large square, decorated with Sardar banners and symbols. The atmosphere is electrifying, with a palpable energy pervading the air. The day begins with a solemn opening ceremony, led by the priests of Sardar. These wear ceremonial robes, richly decorated with warrior symbols and protective amulets. With prayers and sacred incantations, they invoke the blessing of Sardar upon the assembled crowd. One of the main attractions of the festival is the simulated combat competition, where participants compete in duels and group matches to demonstrate their courage and martial prowess. Wooden swords or simulated weapons are used, ensuring the safety of the participants, but without sacrificing the intensity and excitement of the combat. Winners receive special honors and are recognized as champions of courage. During the festival, the priests of Sardar perform the rites of remembrance for those killed in battle. They go in silent procession to the cemeteries dedicated to the warriors, reading prayers and offering floral tributes and lights in memory of the fallen. It is a time of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made in the name of courage and honor. The day culminates with a large banquet, where abundant food and drinks are served, accompanied by festive songs and dances. During the banquet, stories of great battles and heroic deeds performed in honor of Sardar are told. It's a time of sharing and celebration, where everyone comes together to celebrate courage and heroism. The Day of Courage is an occasion to strengthen the bond between Sardar devotees, to inspire new warriors and to honor the glorious past of the brave fighters. It's a celebration that reminds everyone of the importance of courage and honor in life's challenges, both on the battlefield and in everyday life.Relics
The Spear of Infinity: This relic is a large and mighty spear, with a sharp blade and a shaft decorated with symbols of war and courage. The spear is said to have been forged from the flames of the Sardar's own heart. Those who wield it gain extraordinary fighting prowess and courage, being able to inspire allies and strike fear into the hearts of enemies. The spear also bestows a spiritual connection to the sardar, allowing its bearer to receive visions and insights into the battlefield. The Shield of Retribution: This massive and durable shield is engraved with images of epic battles and mythical creatures. The Shield of Retribution offers invincible protection against enemy attacks, repelling enemy arrows, spells and blades. Furthermore, when its owner suffers an injustice or aggression, the shield reacts by releasing a powerful energy beam that strikes the aggressor with formidable force, making him pay for his wickedness. The Helm of Eternal Sight: This helm, richly decorated with gems and warrior motifs, grants its wearer superhuman insight into the battlefield. The Helm of Eternal Sight allows its wielder to see beyond the veil of reality, anticipating enemy moves and identifying weak points. Additionally, the helmet offers mental protection, preventing confusion or mind control spells. With the Helm of Eternal Sight, the devotee of Sardar becomes a formidable commander, capable of making quick and strategically superior decisions.Myths and legends
The Legend of the Errant Knight: It is said that once, during a great battle, an unknown knight joined the struggling army. With unmatched combat prowess and superhuman strength, the knight led the army to victory and then mysteriously disappeared. Legend holds that this rider was a manifestation of Sardar himself, who descended to earth to lead his devotees to victory in their darkest hours. The Legend of Heroic Sacrifice: In a besieged city, a group of soldiers held up the defenses against an overwhelming enemy. In a moment of desperation, one of the soldiers offered to sacrifice his life to Sardar to gain the necessary strength to repel the enemy attack. It is said that Sardar accepted his sacrifice and that the soldier, transformed into an incarnation of divine fury, single-handedly defeated an entire army. Since then, his sacrifice has been commemorated as an example of devotion and courage. The Legend of the Advent Sword: Sardar is said to have gifted a special sword to a heroic warrior to protect the Kingdom of Dailinor in an age of chaos and discord. The Sword of Advent had the power to defeat evil and restore peace to the land. The warrior is said to have accomplished extraordinary feats with the power of the sword, liberating oppressed cities and defeating the lords of darkness. Legend holds that the Sword of Advent is still kept in a secret place, ready to be wielded by a hero who will have the courage to face the darkest challenges.
| Clerics of Sardar | |
|---|---|
| Symbol | A Blooded Sword |
| Favored weapon | Any |
| Deity Domain | War Domain
Destruction Domain Healing Domain |
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