The Church of Killers

"Grandfather Murder's Children"

The Church of Killers or the Bhraqik Church is one of the three churches known under the moniker The Churches Coven. It is a major church in Eastrix that is present on all of Eastrix, however, many declared the church as heresy and see it as a cult. The church is infamously known for praising murder, violence, assassination and death as being the most beautiful form of humanity that you can find. You will often find the influence of The Church of Killers amongst assassination bureaus, serial killers, gangs, mafias, gladiatorial arenas and rouge soldiers.

Though every individual member of the church praise murder and see it as a form of expression, they, alike artists, develop their own style of worship and murder. Often a follower can be identified by their reaction to seeing another members work, if they react with critique and compliments to their artistry, you most likely have found a Bhraqist.

Bhraqist Drow

Despite most throughout Eastrix being terrified of him, Bhrask has gained the favour of certain Drow. Through other drow constantly discriminate 'The Unwilling Spiderlings', the exact nature of what Grandfather Murder had power over found a home in them. The lust to murder every single one of this discriminatory drow lead to the creation of the Bhaaliq Drow as well as the Varikkien Drow. In a most generous act, Grandfather Murder has granted his favour to this group of drow in exchange for their worship.

Bhrask has been viewed as a figure that might have taken strength in violently punishing murderers and warmongers, but also a revolutionary saviour leading to a cuddled image at best. Challengers of this notion insisted that he judged whether a murder was righteous or not and yet another ideal was propagated by others that Grandfather Murder only saved the drow since he simply wanted more murder.

Temples

The "churches" of Bhrask, are mostly located in the cities sewers, slums or downtowns. The churches are largely dominated by bypassers and a few regular priests. These temples are usually fairly small without many religious ornaments or religious bravado. The churches of Bhrask, or Bhraqian pits, only have one constant and that's their banner depicting the infamous blood skull of Bhrask with a sacrificial knife in front laid upon a bowl. The concentration of the Bhraqian pits is the strongest in large, decadent cities with class struggles, where newcomers are often recruited from the ranks of the lower social class and the authorities are often ignorant of the churches degenerate activity. Besides that, you will often find Bhraqian pits in the Underdark around drow villages.

Some known Bhraqian pits are: The Murder Hole in Veridian; Tizandre, Knives Embrace in Marshburrows; Libertalia and Shankers Seldom in Melmonora; Talara.

Mythology & Lore

In the luminous heart of the Balanced Epoch, where magic ebbed and flowed with all its might and mystery, the realms of Eastrix knew the undeniable presence of the Necrons. Among these practitioners of death and reanimation, there emerged a figure who would shape the course of the world's history: Bhrask.

The Unyielding Necron

Before his ascension to divinity, Bhrask walked the lands as one of the most powerful Necrons. His affinity with the dead was unparalleled, and he could hear the whispered tales of souls long departed. However, unlike most Necrons, Bhrask did not use this gift merely to converse with the deceased or reanimate them. He sought something deeper, something intangible: the secrets that lay in the rift between life and death.

Era of Restraint

Even in this epoch, Bhrask's brutality was legendary. His temper was a force to be reckoned with, but he had an ironclad rule: he would not kill. This self-imposed restraint intrigued many. Some said it was because of a prophecy, while others believed Bhrask feared the power that came with taking a life.

The First Artistry

Then came the day that would forever change Eastrix's history and Bhrask's fate. Confronted by an entity that threatened the very essence of the Balanced Epoch, Bhrask, for the first time, channeled his fury into a single, lethal act. The entity met its end at Bhrask's hands, and with its final breath, a surge of energy coursed through him. It was this act, this "First Artistry" that Bhraqites revered as the divine spark that propelled Bhrask into godhood.

The Chain of Truth

From that moment on, Bhrask no longer refrained from killing. But to him, each act was not mere violence; it was an exploration, a step closer to understanding the mysteries of existence. With each life he took, a new revelation was unearthed. Bhraqites came to view these acts not as murders but as proclamations of truth. Each death was another layer of reality peeled back, revealing deeper insights into the cosmos. Bhrask's time as a Necron left an indelible mark on the world of Eastrix. Through his actions and revelations, he reshaped the realm's understanding of life, death, and the spaces in between. While many viewed him as a deity of murder, those who truly understood his journey saw him as a seeker, forever in pursuit of the ultimate truth.

In the annals of Eastrix's history, the Balanced Epoch shines as a golden age of magic. And amidst its tales of wonder and wisdom, the story of Bhrask, the Necron who became a god, stands as a testament to the complexities of power, purpose, and destiny.

Divine Origins

Amidst the cacophony of the Sorashanan war, in the heart of the tumultuous Imbalanced Epoch, stood a monolith of endurance and despair: the fortress Adamenrent. This towering bastion was emblematic of the very nature of the Seven Year War; a grim testament to a conflict that shattered generations and redrew boundaries both geographic and moral.

Adamenrent's Dark Repute:

Positioned precariously in one of the most contested zones of the war, Adamenrent bore witness to countless atrocities and became synonymous with the very essence of the conflict. Its walls bore the scars of artillery and its corridors echoed the screams of the dying. Within its depths, however, another transformation was taking place. A sect of soldiers, both from Libertalia and the Pride Kingdoms, disillusioned by the futility of war but intoxicated by the primal rush of combat, began to gather. They were bound not by national allegiance but by a shared euphoria derived from the act of killing. The war, for them, was not a tragedy but a canvas, and each act of violence was a stroke of art. These soldiers, often returning from the very front lines, convened in secret, their meetings cloaked in darkness and conspiracy. Beneath the blood-red sky, they whispered tales of their exploits, each more gruesome than the last. Their shared narratives weren't just reports but sermons, testimonials to the ecstasy they felt. They reveled in the slaughter, finding in it a joy that transcended the horrors of war.

The Birth of the Sire of Suffering:

As their numbers grew and their tales became more audacious, the soldiers sought a deity to embody their newfound faith. They needed a symbol, a figure to revere, one who understood the intoxicating blend of pleasure and power derived from taking a life. In their fervor, amidst chants and rituals soaked in blood, they called forth Bhrask. The spirit of Bhrask, already a deity in the making following his "First Artistry", was drawn to this collective desire. In the depths of Adamenrent, he manifested, not as a god of mere murder, but as the embodiment of the act's artistry and the truth it revealed. With Bhrask's appearance, the Bhraqik faith was officially born. The fortress of Adamenrent, once a symbol of war's bleakness, became the birthplace of a religion that would spread its tentacles throughout Eastrix. The teachings of the Bhraqik Church, with its emphasis on the beauty and truth in murder, found fertile ground in the aftermath of a war that had already blurred the lines between right and wrong.

Thus, from the shadowed trenches and bloodied halls of Adamenrent, amidst a war that consumed nations, rose a religion that would challenge the very essence of morality and truth in Eastrix. The Church of Killers had begun its dark pilgrimage.

Cosmological Views

For the followers of Bhrask, the world did not come into existence through a benevolent act of a singular deity or a union of powers. Instead, it was birthed from a cataclysmic clash, a primeval battle that fractured the cosmos. This was not a mere battle between two entities; it was the very essence of conflict, a chaotic maelstrom from which the tangible world emerged. Thus, the fabric of reality, for the Bhraqites, is intrinsically woven with strife and conflict.

Life as a Battlefield

In the eyes of a devout Bhraqite, every breath is an act of defiance, every step a minor victory, and every thought a skirmish in the vast battleground of existence. They believe that from the moment of birth, an individual is thrust into a myriad of wars: wars of survival, of ideology, of desires, and of dominion. These wars are not deviations from a peaceful norm; they are the very essence of existence. Bhraqites don't limit their understanding of war to mere physical conflict. Emotional turmoils, ideological confrontations, societal struggles – all are battles in their own right. The wars between nations are but macrocosmic reflections of the personal wars every individual wages. From the disputes of gods to the tiniest disagreement between creatures, all is war. To them, embracing the conflict, engaging in it with fervor, is the true path to enlightenment. And of all the forms of conflict, murder stands supreme. It is the ultimate expression of power and agency. When a Bhraqite takes a life, they believe they are tearing down the illusory barriers put up by deceitful deities, peering into the very essence of existence, and confronting the deceitfully divine curtain of law.

The Veil of Deception

Bhraqites harbor a deep-seated mistrust of most deities, viewing them as betrayers who have spun a web of lies, obscuring the inherent nature of existence. They believe that these gods have promulgated concepts of peace, unity, and coexistence as tools to subjugate and control, to distract from the world's true nature.

The Doctrine of Murder

For the faithful of Bhrask, murder isn't just an act of taking a life. It's an act of revelation, of tearing away the veils, and confronting the raw, unfiltered chaos that is the world's true essence. In that moment of extreme agency, they believe they become one with the world's primal nature, experiencing a euphoria and clarity unmatched by any other act. This doctrine, dark and uncompromising, challenges the very foundations of morality and ethics, presenting a worldview that revels in conflict and sees truth in bloodshed. It is a testament to the Church's power and allure that it has found followers willing to embrace such a philosophy.

Worship

The Church of Bhrask venerates murder as the highest form of worship, and its practices, deeply entrenched in this belief, revolve around the act of taking life. Here are the key tenets of their everyday or regular practices, rituals, and traditions:

Daily Observances: Devotees often engage in silent contemplation, visualizing acts of murder, and seeking Bhrask's guidance in perfecting their 'art'. This could be likened to a meditative state for Bhraqites, mentally preparing them for their deeds.

Rite of the First Kill: A significant coming-of-age ritual, where young followers must commit their first murder. This act is seen as the first true step into the church's fold, symbolizing one's dedication to Bhrask.

Tenday Sacrifice: Every cleric of Bhrask is expected to perform at least one murder every tenday, preferably during the night's darkest hours. This act renews their commitment to the deity and is essential for maintaining their status within the church.

Grand Festivals: On certain sacred days, Bhraqites gather covertly for grand massacres, where they target a specific group, community, or location. Such events are considered high worship and bring together followers from different regions.

Sacrament of the Blood: Post-murder, the followers might collect the blood of their victims, using it in rituals, imbibing it, or even anointing themselves, believing it to be a conduit of Bhrask's power.

Artistry Displays: Followers take great pride in the manner of their kills, often leaving behind symbols, patterns, or specific methods as their signature. They view murder not just as an act but as an art, with each kill being a masterpiece dedicated to Bhrask.

Recruitment Through Deed: High-profile assassinations or public displays of violence act as both worship and recruitment tools, drawing in those curious or sympathetic to the church's teachings.

Communion Gatherings: Bhraqites sometimes gather in secret locations to discuss and admire each other's "artistry", sharing stories of their kills and offering critique, much like artists reviewing each other's work.

Pilgrimage to Adamenrent: Some dedicated followers make journeys to the ruins of Adamenrent, the birthplace of their religion, seeking deeper connection and enlightenment.

In essence, worship in the Church of Bhrask is a constant, dark dance with death. Every act, no matter how trivial or grand, circles back to the central tenet of murder, making the followers perpetually immersed in Bhrask's teachings.

Priesthood

Priests and Paladins of Bhrask, the Sire of Suffering are usually assassins, serial killers, murders or heartless fanatics. They refer to themselves outwardly as Bhraqik Servants and have always been a disorganized web of strictly local hierarchies. Bhraqik Servants tend to be clerics second and lustful murders first. Often found in the urban areas of Eastrix's underground, they encourage the local crime scenes of many countries and cities to partake in murder in the name of the Gnobotept Great Lord of Gnolls, Grandfather Murder or Lord of Lament.
Together these disordered networks form urban and rural branches maintaining distant relations with one another. Collectively, they believed that murder was both a duty to their god and a game for their enjoyment. Each cleric of Bhrask was expected to perform at least one murder every tenday, in the darkest moment in the dead of night.

Leadership

The faithful of the Bhraqik Church are guided by their priests and paladins, also known as Bhraqik Servants. These leaders, representing the epitome of devotion to Bhrask, are notorious figures in Eastrix's underworld. They are not just spiritual leaders; they are exemplars of the church's core tenets, actively partaking in acts of murder as a form of worship.

Appointment

Given the decentralized and local nature of their hierarchies, the appointment of a Bhraqik Servant is not governed by a centralized authority or formalized process. Instead, one earns the title through reputation, acts of devotion (particularly, the artistry of murder), and recognition by their local followers. Demonstrating an unparalleled zeal for Bhrask's teachings, a potential leader's acts of murder and their ability to inspire other followers are paramount for their elevation. In areas where the church's influence is robust, an informal council of existing Bhraqik Servants may acknowledge and accept a new leader into their fold. In other regions, a display of power or a particularly poignant act of devotion might automatically earn the recognition and respect of fellow worshippers, thereby solidifying their position as a guide.

Distinction

Bhraqik Servants are distinguished from the general flock in multiple ways:

Acts of Devotion: A Bhraqik Servant isn't just a passive preacher. They actively engage in murders, treating each act as a sacred ritual. Their dedication is evident in the frequency and method of their killings.
Influence in the Underworld: Given their prominence in Eastrix's criminal circles, they often command respect and even fear from local gangs, mafias, and other illicit organizations. This influence is both a sign of their leadership status and a tool they employ to propagate the faith.
Symbols and Attire: While the church lacks ornate religious ornaments, leaders might carry specific symbols or wear distinct attire, possibly stained with the remnants of their acts, serving both as a badge of their status and a testament to their deeds.
Rites and Ceremonies: They are responsible for leading various rites and ceremonies of the faith, particularly those centered around murder. Their expertise and fluency in these rituals further set them apart.
Teachings: Beyond the act of murder, they are also repositories of the church's teachings, philosophies, and lore. They offer guidance, resolve doctrinal disputes, and provide interpretations of Bhrask's will.

In a faith that revels in chaos and finds divinity in murder, the Bhraqik Servants stand as paragons of devotion, guiding their followers deeper into the church's macabre embrace.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Church of Bhrask, with its inherent themes of murder and chaos, has left indelible marks on the political landscapes of organizations and states it has infiltrated. Here’s how:

1. Instability and Fear

The targeted assassinations of elected officials and high-ranking nobles by Bhraqites create an environment of constant tension and fear. Politicians and other influential figures live in perpetual apprehension, always aware of the potential danger lurking in the shadows.

2. Power Vacums

The sudden assassination of key figures often results in power vacuums. These situations can lead to intense jockeying for influence among remaining leaders, promoting infighting, factionalism, and further destabilization.

3. Political Opportunism

Some politicians and leaders might covertly align with the Church or its teachings to use it as a weapon against their rivals. By having a Bhraqite assassin eliminate a competitor, they can further their own agendas under the guise of a religious act.

4. Policies of Suppression

To combat the threat posed by the Church, many states and organizations might institute harsh measures against known or suspected Bhraqites. This can lead to widespread surveillance, crackdowns on religious practices, or even witch-hunts. Such policies, while aimed at ensuring stability, often exacerbate tensions and can infringe on the civil liberties of the populace.

5. Rise of Counter-Movements

The violent actions of the Bhraqites can give birth to counter-religious or secular movements. These groups can arise as a defense mechanism against the Church's influence, promoting peace, stability, and collaboration as antidotes to the chaos sown by Bhraqites.

6. Legitimization of Violence

In areas with a strong Bhraqite presence or sympathy, the Church's teachings can lead to a normalization or even celebration of violence. This can result in policies or actions that are aggressive, expansionist, or oppressive, as violence becomes an accepted method of governance and negotiation.

7. Diplomatic Strains

States with a significant Bhraqite influence can face diplomatic challenges. Neighboring countries might view them with suspicion, impose sanctions, or even break off diplomatic ties, fearing the spillover effects of the Church's teachings.

8. Economic Implications

The constant threat of assassination and political instability can deter both domestic and foreign investment. Regions with significant Bhraqite activity might witness slowed economic growth or even recession due to the unpredictable nature of their political landscape.

9. Cultural Shifts

The Church's presence might lead to shifts in cultural values and norms over time. Concepts of life, death, and morality can evolve, with society becoming either more accepting of the Church's views or vehemently opposed to them.

In essence, the Church of Bhrask acts as a destabilizing agent in the political fabric of the entities it touches. Its emphasis on murder as worship and the active targeting of key officials ensures that no organization or state remains unchanged by its presence.

A quote on the Church of Killers from Garry Berry Hart, a world-renowned tourist guide:
"A vile bunch thats nothing less than souless and brainless beings without compassion."

Through Blood We Express

Prayer to Bhaal

Some people pray to Bhaal when they want to commit murder others before an assassination attempt, one thing is always common and that is a prayer to Bhaal is offered when the premature death of someone is soon to be. The prayer of Bhaal goes as the following:

"Grandfather Murder, grant my knife sharpness as Its serrated edges once again will feed you blood, guts and glory as I murder the weak in your name. Grandfather Murder, grant me strength as I again pierce the flesh of the weak in your name. Grandfather Murder, grant me wisdom, let my blade strike true and let it be stuck in the wound of the weak. I offer my kill in your name, Bhaal".

TENETS OF BHAAL

A cleric who devotes themselves to Bhaal or a paladin who takes this oath has the tenets of Bhaal scarred on their back:

"Enjoyment. Any blade may kill, but not every man may enjoy it. We the spawn of Bhaal experience the utmost rightful humanity when the rooting flame of hope is snuffed. Honesty, sadness and weakness are presented for us to play and toy with and so we shall impress our Dreaded Lord.

Strenght. Stomp the fickle's flame of life. Anyone may kill, anyone may distort, anyone may euthanize the weak, but only the truest of Bhaals spawn may kill with such flourishes and brandishes that we the Church of Killers do. Leave blood, guts and gore for our Grandfather Murder.
Hatred. Kill what you hate, no matter person, age, rank, gender, race. We kill one and all. Like Grandfather Murder, we indiscriminately murder, kill and maim. For nothing is more beautiful than purging what you hate from the world. We are cleaning the rot for Grandfathers arrival."

Type

Religious, Sect

Demonym

Bhraqites

Deities