Zepthrion (Ze-fri-en)
The Dark Hunger
High Warlord Zerengorth, standing on the jagged rocks of Adamenrent, addressed his zealous followers amidst the height of the Great Sorashanan War. His eyes ablaze with fervor, his voice took on a powerful, echoing tone as Zepthrion spoke through him. "Warriors of the Pride Kingdoms, behold the glorious battle before us! A testament to our strength, our courage, and our indomitable will. Remember, Zepthrion teaches us that in war, in blood and steel, we find our true selves. For it is here, on this battlefield, where the weak are culled, and the strong prevail. Now, let the Dark Hunger guide us to victory, for Dominance, for Strife, for Fearlessness!" As the echoes faded, a chilling fervor gripped the crowd, their hearts beating to the rhythm of impending war. The presence of Zepthrion, the god of war, was undeniably palpable, fueling their lust for victory, and turning the tide yet again in the Great Sorashanan War.- Quote from Zerengorth Warlord of Adamenrent on 94th day of the Siege of Adamenrent
Looming over the peaceful existence of Eastrix is Zepthrion, the Dark Hunger, an embodiment of war and strife, and the polar opposite of the Red Matron, the goddess of peace. An enigmatic figure, Zepthrion is perceived as the deep-seated violence within all humanoids or as a shadowy knight, perpetually hunting for new prey. Associated with war, conflict, and dominance, Zepthrion spreads his influence by glorifying warfare, promoting a world where only the strongest survive and the weak are culled. His divine artifacts, such as the Cowardice's Blight, further amplify this destructive outlook, turning its wearers into brutal killing machines. Zepthrion's tenets of faith - Dominance, Strife, and Fearlessness - epitomize his relentless pursuit of continuous warfare and annihilation of peace.
Divine Domains
As the god of war and the embodiment of violence, Zepthrion's divine domains are far-reaching and potent. They penetrate the very essence of conflict, strife, and chaos, touching upon every facet of destruction.
War: Zepthrion is the embodiment of conflict and warfare. The primal instinct to fight, the surge of adrenaline in the heat of battle, the strategies and tactics employed, all fall within his domain. He revels in the clashing of armies and the tumultuous discord that it engenders.
Violence: Beyond organized warfare, Zepthrion is deeply tied to the raw, brutal violence that occurs in sudden bursts of anger, within the shadows, or in the wilds away from civilization. This isn't just physical violence but mental and emotional harm as well.
Fear: Zepthrion thrives on the fear that war and violence create. Fear is a powerful emotion, and in its grip, individuals can act in unpredictably destructive ways.
Hatred: Zepthrion also holds dominion over hatred, a destructive emotion that often fuels violence and conflict. He cultivates grudges and resentments, stoking the fires of anger and hatred to serve his purposes.
Chaos: As the antithesis of the Red Matron's domain of peace, Zepthrion sows chaos wherever he can. He delights in the disorder that war and violence bring, thriving on the instability they create.
Destruction: Destruction in its most unadulterated form is also Zepthrion's domain. Whether it's the destruction caused by natural disasters, wanton acts of violence, or the ravages of war, it all feeds into his power and influence.
The dark and insidious influence of Zepthrion lingers everywhere, a quiet, sinister whisper in the back of the minds of sentient beings, always pushing towards war, violence, and chaos.
Artifacts
There are many artifacts created in the name of the Dark Hunger, but these are the most famous:
The Cowardice's Blight
The Cowardice's Blight is one of the most potent artifacts created by Zepthrion, the embodiment of his chaotic and destructive nature. Crafted from a mysterious dark metal rumored to be as old as the universe itself, this suit of armor is a terrifying sight to behold.
Its form is always changing, always seeming to twist and writhe as though hungry for violence. Sharp, angular pieces protrude from it, looking as much like the obsidian shards of a broken world as they do the pieces of a knight's plate. Its helm appears to be a gaping, anguished maw, reflecting nothing of the wearer's face, only the darkness within.
The Cowardice's Blight imbues its wearer with an unquenchable thirst for combat. It feeds off fear and hesitation, replacing it with an insatiable bloodlust. The armor is said to gradually erode the wearer's empathy and sympathy, turning them into an unstoppable engine of destruction. Over time, the wearer becomes more ruthless, cold, and brutal, perfectly embodying Zepthrion's dark influence. It is said that the Blight even begins to slowly consume the wearer's soul, making them nothing more than a puppet to Zepthrion's will. While the armor grants great power, it comes at a terrible cost.
The Chalice of Discord
Another artifact attributed to Zepthrion is the Chalice of Discord. This simple-looking goblet is said to contain the essence of strife. Any liquid poured into the Chalice turns into a venomous brew that incites aggression and conflict. Those who drink from it are said to become quarrelsome and violent, with even the most peaceful individuals being driven to bouts of uncontrolled rage. It is believed to be a tool used by Zepthrion to spread chaos and discord.
Like many other divine artifacts, the whereabouts of the Cowardice's Blight and the Chalice of Discord are currently unknown. They disappeared during the Age of Champions and are rumored to be hidden somewhere in Eastrix, waiting to be claimed by worthy or unworthy souls.
Holy Books & Codes
Two significant texts associated with Zepthrion are the Codex of Carnage and the Scripture of Strife. Both books, written by zealous followers and cryptic messengers of Zepthrion, present the grim reality of war from a glorified perspective.
The Codex of Carnage
The Codex of Carnage is a visceral chronicle of some of the most brutal battles that have occurred in Eastrix. It meticulously details the strategies, sacrifices, and carnage that unfolded, painting them in a ruthless, glorious light. The Codex perceives war not as a dreaded event, but as a stage where one's true character is revealed and tested. It argues that in the chaos and violence of war, individuals find their ultimate purpose and, in the heat of battle, achieve a state of tranquility and fulfilment unlike any other.
"As the moon rises and the blood of the fallen seeps into the thirsty earth, we taste the bitter fruit of life. Such is the dance of existence, bound in a ceaseless cycle of creation and destruction. Zepthrion, our Lord of War, welcomes us to this dance. It is in the brutal crescendo of battle that we find our true selves, stripped of all pretenses, bare and raw. The clash of steel, the cries of the fallen, the taste of victory and defeat... all these are but notes in the symphony of conflict. Let us not shrink from it, but instead, embrace the exhilarating madness that is war. For in carnage, we are born, and in it, we shall meet our end."- Exerpt from the Codex of Carnage
The Scripture of Strife
The Scripture of Strife, on the other hand, is a philosophical tome. It suggests that conflict is the fundamental nature of existence and that peace is nothing but a temporary pause between battles. It presents the idea that violence and war are inevitable and natural, that they cleanse society and lead to progress. The Scripture claims that every significant evolution in society and individual has been a direct result of conflict and strife, thus it should be embraced, not feared.
"In the shadow of peace, the hunger of war stirs. There is no dawn without dusk, no life without death, no peace without conflict. The world craves balance, and Zepthrion, the Dark Hunger, is its keeper. To wield a blade, to draw blood, to conquer and to fall... these are not acts of evil, but a fulfillment of nature's design. As the river rushes to meet the sea, so must violence surge in the hearts of the living. Do not quell the storm within you. Unleash it. In the heat of battle, know the true essence of existence. Live not in the illusion of eternal peace, but awaken to the reality of perpetual strife. For as long as there is life, there will be war."- Excerpt from the Scripture of Strife
While these texts can be horrifying in their brutal honesty and grim acceptance of war, they provide valuable insight into Zepthrion's ideology and the perspectives of his followers. Those who study these texts often do so with caution, for they expose the reader to a worldview that is as seductive as it is alarming.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Symbols associated with Zepthrion tend to evoke a sense of intimidation and the merciless nature of war.
The primary symbol is the Helmet of Shadow, an ominous symbol that stands for the protection of one's own and the eradication of the enemy. The helmet, often depicted as black and imposing, also represents Zepthrion as a looming figure of war and hunger.
A secondary symbol is the Bloody Gauntlet, a clenched hand smeared with blood. This symbol underscores the brutality of war and the willingness to stain one's hands with blood for the sake of victory. It is a stark reminder of the sacrifice and ruthlessness needed in war, and the omnipresence of violence that Zepthrion embodies.
Another iconic symbol is the Broken Scale, a representation of the precarious balance between peace and war. One side of the scale is often portrayed as shattered or heavily weighed down, indicating the inevitable tipping towards conflict, reflecting Zepthrion's perspective of war as an inevitable part of existence.
These symbols are used by the followers of Zepthrion in various forms such as banners, tattoos, and markings on weapons and armor. While they are openly displayed during times of war, in times of peace, these symbols are often hidden or used discreetly, marking the secret iconography of Zepthrion's worship.
Tenets of Faith
These are the three tenets of Zepthrion:
Dominance: The worshipers of the Dark Hunger are encouraged to pursue power and assert their dominance. Zepthrion teaches that there are two kinds of individuals: the strong, who enforce their will, and the weak, who must be culled for the natural order to flourish. To them, the pursuit of power is not only a sacred path to divinity but also a duty to maintain the balance of power.
Conflict: Followers of Zepthrion are taught to embrace conflict, not as an evil, but as an inherent part of existence. To them, war and strife are the crucibles in which character is tested and strength is forged. This principle guides them to constantly test their mettle and grow through adversity.
Resilience: Zepthrion's followers understand the brutal, harsh realities of war and conflict. They are trained to endure suffering and loss, using these experiences to fuel their determination and perseverance. They view every challenge as an opportunity to manifest the strength of their god.
Holidays
Zepthrion has now holidays celebrated in his name given that Zepthrion himself believes them to be a distraction to the real goals of life; engaging in combat.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
The divine goals of Zepthrion are the following:
Spread of War: Zepthrion aims to fuel conflicts, wars, and strife across all of Eastrix. He feeds on the energy of violence, destruction, and conflict. Therefore, he influences his followers and others to initiate and escalate conflicts.
Eradication of Peace: The Dark Hunger is the polar opposite of the Red Matron, the Goddess of Peace. Zepthrion seeks to undermine her influence and works tirelessly to eradicate any peace, believing that continuous conflict and warfare are the natural state of existence.
Rise of the Strong: Zepthrion advocates for a world ruled by the strong, where the weak are culled, ensuring only the fittest survive. He aspires for a world order that rewards strength, ruthlessness, and dominance, aligning with his tenets of faith.
Relationships
Divine Classification
God of Destruction
Spouses
Siblings
Children
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