	Lochwar (Druaga) - "Lord of the Gods, Master of Plots, Tyranny and Retribution" Greater Deity Alignment: Lawful Evil Holy Symbol: An Iron Fist/Gauntlet Favorite Colors: Red Favorite Weapon: Red Heavy Mace Animal: Basilisk One of the first born and brother to Anu, Druga is the Lord of the Gods. All executions are carried out in the temple of Druaga.
From The Chronicles of The Priesthood of Lochwar The First Days of Lochwar in the Empire Lochwar first came before Canas, and proclaimed in the Earliest founding of the Empire “Take up my name, set your foot upon this world – give me worship, and show your devotion. In return, all Lands to your North, South, East, And West shall be of your Empire. Your Children, And Their Children, Their Brothers, and Their kin shall follow in this direction forever as long as your people stay true to me. But, if your people become false – if your people turn away from me, there will be great Bloodshed. Your enemies will march on your land, the blood of your brothers shall spill. Only by restoring my name can your people reunite your lands. Remember these words, Canas – chosen of my children, and you shall prosper.” In the location that Lochwar came to speak before Canas, a small shrine has been erected – where the devoted may read these words inscribed upon a statue of Canas himself. It is unknown as to what Barbaric or weak gods the people before Canas might of worshiped, but they were quickly brought under Lochwar and the Varanite Pantheon’s servitude. From them on, the Peoples of Varana have called Lochwar their Lord – notable exceptions in history have left black marks, even defeats amongst the Empire – where Lochwars pact with the first Emperor, Canas, has held true. The Year 561, The Great Heresy and the Schism of the Empire The Growth of the Canite heresy is but one example, where sundering faith had caused tremendous Turmoil for the Empire. That required a priest of Lochwar himself to take the throne. The Province of Dars comes out in support of the Canite Heresy, and creates truth to Lochwars prophecy. As Varanite slays Varanite, as some of the Bloodiest combat occurs under the rule of Emperor Siliron II, and Eioni I. This heresy divided the great provinces of the Empire, and it was felt that the betrayal to Lochwar had caused the Empire to begin to fall…. However it was Emperor Siliron’s II valiant slaughter of Canite Heretics, and the butchering of the Final Heretic army outside the walls of Canas by Emperor Eioni I which managed to unite the peoples of Varana once again. The Year 570-Present, In the Heart and Peoples of the Empire Lochwar’s faith saw a revival in the years of the Dasar Rebellion. Tharon, who the enemy Empire took upon as being the Lord of the God’s – infuriated the Church of the Empire, who for centuries past has told of Lochwar’s great tales as leader. For a few years following the War, some would even consider it Rebellious or Heresy to call Tharon your patron deity. Though he has slowly, regained acceptance in Imperial lands. This gave cause for not only the loyal imperial citizens, but dutiful Religious men –either out of fear of Lochwar’s prophecy, or out of sheer religious infuriation to enlist with the Empire, or the Church. For this reason it was not uncommon for Lochwar’s ministry to fight amongst the Imperial Regulars, tending to wounds – and then inflicting their own upon the enemy. During these years, Lochwar gained many converts – specifically amongst the military who had frequent interaction with him. Since most of these military leaders, who attributed great success to Lochwar, went on to lead political lives, it is no wonder why Lochwar’s faith has grown strongest shortly after the war against the Rebel Dasarians. This was reinforced amongst the populace as well, where Soldiers came back to their families thanking Lochwar for their victories – and now accumulated territories and fortunes. The consensus became, if Tharon was King of God’s why were his people utterly destroyed? For about 20 years following the Dasar rebellion, Lochwar conversion tripled in its growth until it finally leveled off and is growing at a steady rate since then. For the past 35 years, the largest known church to the Empire was being built in the Imperial City in his honor. The Church , while dedicated to Lochwar, shares praise to all gods of the Empire. In its halls, statues – shrines and priests of all faiths can be found within. However – in the very front, A large Heavy Mace Statue with a crown above it is the centerpiece – a clear testament to Lochwar as King of the God’s. When the Church bell rings, it is said Even the Emperor himself will halt his Business, go out to his balcony and pray in the direction of the Temple – which is clearly visible from his palace. It is said that Lochwar has blessed the Emperor with a proud son for his military service in the name of the Empire. Lochwars faith did have its time of faltering, such as when their First Prophet and Emperor – Canas had risen against its own people. The Priests of the Varanites however, quickly curtailed the faith back into line with the defeat of the Undead monster. This atrocity was seen more as an affront by Culnul, rather than Lochwar’s weakness. Lochwar’s followers saw Culnul acting out of line, as a rebellious noble in Lochwar’s great court. The animation in which they saw, was merely the Flesh of the Prophet – not the spirit and soul which is assumed be in Lochwar’s realm. The way in which the Clergy handled the issue, and the swiftness in which the Undead creatures were put down – bolstered those who stayed faithful, and brought back some of the few who turned away from his glory. The Year 590-Present, In The Heart and Peoples of Reunited Dar Province Lochwar shared little popularity in the former lands of the Rebel Empire, where he was seen as a conquering and oppressive God. Years of migration from Loyal Imperial Citizens, as well as the aging and death of former Rebels – have caused these feelings to evaporate rapidly, although not completely. Impressed by peace, order, stability, and the growth of the region – has seen a rising of converts to Lochwar in these new lands. After the war, some who wished to not give to Lochwar, and felt that Tharon had betrayed them – turned to numerous heresies. For this reason, some of the most absurd and awkward heresies can be found in the former lands of the Rebel Empire. Where men have turned to Worshiping Bugbear gods, Orcs, Moon’s, Goblins, and some even give worship to Rat’s. While small and rarely seeing new recruits outside of their own followers – who simply breed more children for the purpose of increasing their faith – these Heresies are seen as nonthreatening. The strict persecution by Imperial Inquisitors has made membership to any of these false faiths – move to dangerous, or underground areas. Those who have been bold enough to show their heads aboveground, or in cities – quickly found themselves gaol’d or executed in swift order. The Year 615, The Completion of the Great Church of the God’s Its construction began under the rule of Emperor Eioni I, during the rebel wars against the Dars Province in the year 580. It was finally completed under the benevolent reign of Emperor Marcus IV in the year 615.It is a true testament to the faith of the people of the Empires, as the gigantic belltowers can be seen for miles from the Imperial City. While the amount of land is much smaller, this colossal building can be a match for even the Emperors Palace in sheer size. It is constructed from all of the Empires finest made, and the rarest imported materials. Gold, Silver and other expensive jewels are inlaid all upon the massive temple. There is a shrine in dedication to each and every god of the pantheon. However, the Main hall – lodges a gigantic statue of a Large Mace, with a Crown that is just above it. This is Lochwar’s shrine, and when there is a procession of the people in the city – it is this that they face. The Great Church of the God’s, humbles anyone who might call themselves an unbeliever. Its towering features are home to dozens of clerics, of many faiths. There is one Preacher from each faith, who is said to be the “Leader” of the faiths – that reside and preach in the Great Church of the God’s. This is more of an Imperial believe, than a religious one to some of the faith. Lochwar’s most fond brother, Etoth, shares equal worship in the Church – and sometimes Etoth’s priests are allowed to give the weekly procession. To the followers of Lochwar, this is a true manifestation of one’s faith – and his followers are encouraged to make at least one Pilgrimage to this Church (In addition to the Shrine devoted to where Canas Met Lochwar) before they die. The Emperor himself has said to taken into consul the Priests of this Church for certain advisements, most prominently – during the Year 620 and the first Inquisition. The Great Church of the God’s is also the only place where an Inquisition may be called upon. The Year 620, Emperor Marcus IV Sanctions the Imperial Inquisitors- and the First Inquisition Emperor Marcus IV, after witnessing the Kingseeker Rebellion, the Goblin and Orc uprising outside former Daris, and fearing that the former Province of Dars is still harboring heretical ideas brought on from the Canite Heresy – and thus is the cause for turmoil in certain areas of the Province, took action. This made him work in union of the Great Church in the Capital, to sanction the Imperial Inquisitors. Imperial Inquisitors come from all faiths of the Pantheon of Varana, however they are very clear on certain things. They are all extremely dogmatic, and unbending. Only the most pious, and fervor of the faith go on to become Inquisitors – and because of the praising and emphasis on Lochwar as the leader and guider of these Inquisitors certain clergymen are put off from this life, feeling it takes them away from their Patron. This is especially true of Tharon followers, who still are trying to maintain a niche in the modern day clergy. Immediately following the first initiation of the Inquisitors, the first Imperial Inquisition was declared on the Province of Dars. Within just one year the Inquisition was announced as over, they met with immediate success, purging almost all known heresies underground, or away from society – where the humanoid beasts tend to. They burned numerous small villages, towns, and citizens to the ground in the name of the True Faith. Whether or not these town’s, villages, or people were actually heretic is a point of debate – but the inquisition proved the absolute success and effectiveness of the Inquisitors. No man looks to even recommend an Inquisition again to the Church, even the Priests of the Faith (Who were often the first to be questioned – and burned – by the Inquisitors). Today, Imperial Inquisitors have been withdrawn from the Province of Dars for the most part – leaving only a few behind to shake fear into the faithless that still hide amongst the religious citizens. Imperial Inquisitors are known at times to directly work with the Claw, and feel no remorse in executing the will of the Empire – even amongst their own. ~~Submitted by Minuvas
On The Maidens of The Mace During the war with the people of our Emperor's consort, there arose a largely unknown sect working deep within the disputed lands. The Dasarian writings recovered and even some captives of war spoke in hushed whispers of these fierce priestess and they became almost legendary figures who operated out of an abandoned temple. After the victory over Dasar, the Inquisitors made themselves known to these females. Finding their faith unwavering but their methods unorthodox to say the least, the Inquisitors attempted to guide these "Maidens of the Mace" into more suitable roles. The Maidens of the Mace lost all influence and authority following the wars end. Faithful followers of Lochwar were reluctant to push away true believers, but at the same time - Imperial influence had built a disdain for women in positions of power. Over the years, after careful selection of children, and removal of outspoken members of this sect, the Maidens became an accepted part of the Lochwar faith. They had shown a tremendous faith to Lochwar that simply could not be ignored by the Church. They proved invaluable during the first Inquisition, when they personally escorted the Inquisitors across the Province of Daris. Inquisitors are known to travel in very small, although well-armed, groups. Having the maidens accompany them allowed for a greater expansion of Inquisitor influence in the Province, even into the most hostile of areas of the former rebel territory. In recent times, this sisterhood became the terror of the temples. Their role became to help oversee the re-education of the fallen. Many became personal bodyguards and enforcers to the more visible Inquisitors. Their numbers became reduced, only those seen to have true devotion to Lochwar and those of exceptionally strong will chosen as initiates. These "Maidens of the Mace" are females that have sworn themselves to Lochwar. They are skilled in both the clerical arts and the art of battle. Many choose to wield the war maces favored by Lochwar. They are singled minded in their faith to the dogma handed down by the Inquisitors, and to their own harsh rituals. Mindful of their place in the hierarchy, they obey the Inquisitors and priests of Lochwar without question, although the elder priestesses have been known to offer words of advice from the female perspective. A few have risen to rank of executioner, but no higher. In their own sect there is a strict hierarchy. The Matron Superior's voice is law. The position is usually chosen from the ranks of the spinners based on the whole career in the sect. The Spinners are those who have risen through the ranks and have reached an age of advanced maturity. Unable to withstand the harsher physical duties of their youth, they become teachers of the Initiates. Occasionally, the priests of Lochwar will ask their aid in instructing children not destined for the 'sisterhood" as well. The Elite are those sisters in their prime. They perform whatever duties asked by the Inquisitors or priests of Lochwar. Trained in military tactics as well as dogma, they are often used as enforcers and as guards in the temple. Few are called to be missionaries. The Acolytes are those who have finished their training, but have not proven themselves to the sisterhood as of yet. They are often sent to various cities and villages so that they can distinguish themselves within the temples. The Initiates are the lowest rank. These are the young girls still undergoing the harsh training imposed by the Spinners. The focus is on discipline and obedience, as well as religious dogma and intense physical training. To attain rank as an acolyte they are required to pass rigorous testing in all four subjects. It is rumored that many have died in the testing. It has been noted that a few of the priests of Lochwar, when choosing to mate, selected their partners from the initiates and acolytes of this sect. However after taking vows as an Elite it is forbidden that they marry, so that their devotion remains to Lochwar only. Those who break this edict are harshly dealt with, and have been put to death in some cases. Once an Elite, the maidens are to remain pure in mind and body. They constantly seek perfection in Lochwar's eyes and are often held up by the priests as the ideal of Varanite womanhood.