Chapter 5
The Churches of Daios and Thazotz
The Church of Daios, the Eternal Flame
The followers of Daios revere the earth, sea and skies. Not the plantlife and wildlife on it, but the ground and water itself. These are the gifts of Daios and they should be protected. Followers of Daios oppose digging, mining, anything that alters the world itself. Civilisation is seen as a necessary evil, though not a particularly severe one. Those who live their life taking care not to disturb the soil too much easily gain the respect of Daios’ followers. Farmers in particular are the cause of conflict within the Daios church; they provide what is necessary for life to continue, yet to do so they take from the soil to feed their crops. In most cases, the farmers paying their respects to Daios and the gifts provided solves this relatively minor issue. The digging and mining for ores and other underground resources, on the other hand, is something the church vehemently opposes.
The churches are often large, built from stone and hardened clay with many open spaces for light to enter. Large torches and other open fires serve to add any light where that from the sun cannot reach. Many servants of Daios have an interest in Pyromancy, the very power Daios mastered. Many come to their churches for exactly this, seeking wisdom and to glimpse the future.
Extremists see all life, even their own, as a blight on the world. They believe that all life must be eradicated and will go to extreme lengths to accomplish it. Needless to say, these individuals are not welcome in society.
The churches are often large, built from stone and hardened clay with many open spaces for light to enter. Large torches and other open fires serve to add any light where that from the sun cannot reach. Many servants of Daios have an interest in Pyromancy, the very power Daios mastered. Many come to their churches for exactly this, seeking wisdom and to glimpse the future.
Extremists see all life, even their own, as a blight on the world. They believe that all life must be eradicated and will go to extreme lengths to accomplish it. Needless to say, these individuals are not welcome in society.
The Church of Thazotz, Master of the Arcane
The followers of Thazotz worship life itself. People, creatures, plants, insects and fungi are all sacred to the followers of Thazotz. Life was given by him and to take it away unjustly is a grave insult. Followers of Thazotz believe no life can be taken by anyone else, with the exception of self-defence or preservation. It cannot be denied that hunting wild creatures is also a part of life itself and the church has no real objection to this. Those that provide food provide life and will earn much respect from the church. Those that hunt with respect to their prey have the church’s blessing.
Thazotz’ churches are usually made from wood and ceramics. They feature large glass sculptures and often refract the light from outside into patterns inside the building. The church’s followers generally have some skill in the arcane arts, following the footsteps of their god. This leads to many people coming to them with mundane problems that magic can trivially solve. Thazotz’ followers do not shy from this; sharing Thazotz’ art with his creation only makes sense.
Extremists in the church believe life should prevail at all cost. They see no issue in ravaging the world to improve life on it, and go to great lengths to oppose the church of Daios, believing them to obstruct life from conquering its surroundings.
Thazotz’ churches are usually made from wood and ceramics. They feature large glass sculptures and often refract the light from outside into patterns inside the building. The church’s followers generally have some skill in the arcane arts, following the footsteps of their god. This leads to many people coming to them with mundane problems that magic can trivially solve. Thazotz’ followers do not shy from this; sharing Thazotz’ art with his creation only makes sense.
Extremists in the church believe life should prevail at all cost. They see no issue in ravaging the world to improve life on it, and go to great lengths to oppose the church of Daios, believing them to obstruct life from conquering its surroundings.