Pollaran

Showing cowardice in the face of adversity is considered a grave taboo. Followers of Pollaran are expected to exhibit courage and valor, and failing to do so is seen as a betrayal of the god's teachings.

Refusing to engage in a just and honorable battle is considered a serious offense. Pollaran is the god of war, and his followers are expected to embrace conflict when it is warranted.

Acts such as lying, cheating, or betraying one's comrades are considered dishonorable and are strictly forbidden within the faith.

All able-bodied followers are obligated to participate in wars and conflicts, either as warriors or as strategic advisors, to glorify Pollaran.

It is an obligation to honor those who have fallen in battle. This is typically done through rituals and ceremonies designed to commemorate the deceased.

Lesser temples are obligated to contribute a portion of their tithes and offerings to their aligned full temple. This is seen as a form of allegiance and unity within the faith.

During significant ceremonies, the clergy and high-ranking followers wear ornate armor that symbolizes the god's domains of war and order.

An emblem or pendant featuring Pollaran's holy symbol, a vertical arm and fist surrounded by a burst, is commonly worn by followers.

In some traditions, followers may adorn themselves with war paint during ceremonies, especially those that precede going into battle.

Noble clergy often wear elaborate robes adorned with symbols of Pollaran and possibly their own family crests, emphasizing their high status within the temple.

It is common for followers to carry a weapon, such as a sword or spear, during ceremonies. These weapons are often blessed in a ritual to channel Pollaran's strength.

Angelleous was an elven warrior of exceptional skill. Her prowess with the blade was unparalleled, and she had bested swordsmen from all corners of the world. Despite her victories, she yearned for greater glory. Pollaran, the God of War, took notice of her ambition and challenged her to single combat in disguise. Initially, Angelleous was reluctant to accept the challenge, as Pollaran appeared unremarkable and lacked noble markings. However, when Pollaran offered her a magical gem as a prize, she agreed. After an hour of combat, during which she was unable to land a single blow, Angelleous realized she was being toyed with. In a flurry of attacks, she managed to strike Pollaran in the chest. Pollaran revealed his true identity and offered to teach her the art of war in exchange for her glorifying him in battle. Angelleous accepted and became the first priestess of Pollaran's faith.

King Kengo led a formidable mercenary group from the jungle kingdoms in the southern lands. His troops were known for their relentless ferocity in battle, and fighting against them was considered a bad omen. Kengo reveled in the glory of his victories, adorning himself with gems, jewels, and the skulls of defeated generals. However, when Kengo defeated an army led by a high-ranking cleric of Pollaran and added the cleric's skull to his belt, Pollaran was incensed. In the next war, Pollaran joined the opposing side and single-handedly decimated Kengo's army, saving Kengo for last. Recognizing the divine intervention, Kengo bowed before Pollaran and offered his sword in submission. Pollaran demanded Kengo return the skull and pledge loyalty to him. Kengo complied and later joined Pollaran's clergy, leading many armies to victory in Pollaran's name.

Mikello Zoranti, a dwarven weaponsmith, was renowned for his masterfully crafted weapons. Despite his fame, he had never engaged in battle himself. When the high priest of Pollaran commissioned Mikello to create 128 special weapons for the clergy, Mikello employed powerful magic and the assistance of the clerics to fulfill the request. The Zoranti Weapons he created were so powerful that they became sentient and grew beyond the control of their owners, becoming artifacts of immense power.

The Telum Venandi is a sect dedicated to retrieving the 128 weapons created by Zoranti. Aware of the inherent danger of these highly intelligent and powerful weapons, the sect has developed methods to pacify the weapons' intellect long enough to secure them. However, the mortality rate of this sect is high, as a single mistake can lead to the weapons turning on their handlers. The sect is recognized by its modified holy symbol—a horizontal sword over the fist, instead of the traditional burst from the fist.

Pollaran's Militia is not a clerical sect but a private army of the faith. All warriors who pass the initiation are accepted into the army, which exists to defend the faith and is often directed towards battles where Pollaran wishes the underdog to win. Once a warrior pledges to the militia, it is a lifelong commitment. Abandonment is punishable by single combat with the current leader of the militia—a challenge few have survived.

This legendary weapon, believed to have been wielded by Angelleous during her fabled duel with Pollaran, is a symbol of her prowess and defiance. The blade's tip and approximately six inches down remain in pristine condition, untouched by time or battle. The rest of the sword, however, bears the marks of countless conflicts. Although still functional, using it as a weapon is considered sacrilegious. The high cleric often employs it in the ceremonial knighting of valiant warriors into the militia.

This relic, contrary to its name, is not the actual skull of Kengo but the one Pollaran claimed from him as a token of submission. Clergy members carry this skull during the finalization of a surrender agreement. As part of the ritual, surrendering generals are required to kiss the skull's crown, symbolizing their submission.

This banner, a divine omen, appears before the general's tent on the morning of a battle, indicating Pollaran's chosen victor. If the general emerges from their tent and pays homage to the banner, it remains with them throughout the battle, ensuring victory. However, if the general neglects this ritual, their army is doomed to defeat. No army has ever lost when the banner graced the general's tent and was held by the general throughout the battle.

These gauntlets, adorned with Pollaran's holy symbol, are a testament to the victories achieved in his name. The original pair, reserved for the high cleric, is accompanied by numerous replicas worn by ranking officers within the order. Wearing these gauntlets in battle is associated with extraordinary phenomena, including earth tremors, heavenly lightning strikes, and forceful knockdowns of opponents.

This breastplate, marked by a sword puncture hole in the chest, is believed to be the one pierced by Angelleous's scimitar. When the scimitar and breastplate are brought together, the blade's immaculate tip aligns perfectly with the puncture hole. Many high-ranking clergy members wear this breastplate into battle, daring their opponents to replicate Angelleous's feat. However, most attempts end in failure, with the attackers' blades shattering upon impact.

This day, occurring four times a year on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th full moons, is a grand spectacle where nobles present their children for potential induction into the order. Marked by thrilling tournaments, it draws large crowds of commoners who enjoy the free entertainment, food, and drink provided by the petitioning nobles. The crowd's reaction and the initiate's performance often determine their acceptance into the order.

Observed on the first new moon of the year during winter, this night of mourning is marked by large fires at the temples and communal meals reminiscent of battlefield sustenance. Attendees commemorate the lives of fallen soldiers by speaking their names in a solemn remembrance.

Celebrated on the first day of summer, this day honors the courage and strength of Pollaran's followers. It's a day filled with competitions and challenges, all held to glorify Pollaran.

Observed in the heart of winter, this day symbolizes a pause in life's battles. Followers of Pollaran use this day for rest, reflection, and to honor those who have fallen, while preparing for the battles yet to come.

This festival, held on the anniversary of a legendary battle where Pollaran's intervention led to victory, is a day of celebration and storytelling, recounting tales of Pollaran's might and the valor of his followers.

Before marching into battle, a cleric performs this ceremony to bestow Pollaran's blessings upon the troops, fortifying them for the fight ahead.

This rite of passage is performed by young followers of Pollaran upon reaching the age of maturity. They publicly demonstrate their combat skills, symbolizing their readiness to fight for their beliefs and their community.

This personal ritual is performed by followers of Pollaran during times of hardship or challenge. Holding a symbol of Pollaran's fist, they recite prayers seeking his strength and resilience.

This communal feast is held after a victory or successful endeavor. The community unites to share a meal and express gratitude to Pollaran for his guidance and strength.

This solemn ceremony, held on Warrior's Rest day, allows followers of Pollaran to honor those who have fallen in battle. They light candles for each fallen warrior and recite prayers for their journey to the afterlife.

Followers of Pollaran are expected to exhibit courage in the face of adversity, believing that Pollaran bestows strength upon those who steadfastly uphold their beliefs.

While physical strength is highly revered, strength of character, will, and spirit are equally important. Followers are encouraged to cultivate resilience and determination alongside physical prowess.

Followers of Pollaran believe in the power of unity. They are encouraged to support each other, fight together, and stand united against adversity. Communal activities and ceremonies are integral to the faith.

Followers of Pollaran are expected to uphold honor in all aspects of life. This includes keeping their word, treating others with respect, and maintaining integrity. Honor is seen as a reflection of inner strength and character.

The faith of Pollaran teaches that life is a battle, and followers must persist, no matter the challenges. Perseverance in the face of adversity is highly valued, with followers believing that Pollaran grants endurance to those who refuse to surrender.

This heretical sect believes that Pollaran's domain of "order" should be emphasized over "war." They argue that Pollaran is not just a god of war but also a god of strategy and governance. This sect often finds itself at odds with the mainstream faith, which glorifies war above all else.

This group challenges the noble-centric nature of Pollaran's clergy, arguing that valor and skill in battle should be the only criteria for leadership within the faith. They believe that commoners who prove their worth should be allowed to rise through the ranks, a belief that is considered heretical by the noble clergy.

This sect consists of warriors who have been branded as cowards or have refused to fight in what they considered unjust wars. They believe that Pollaran's teachings have been corrupted by the clergy and seek to reform the faith from within.

This cult believes that Pollaran's true form is that of a giant, celestial fist that will one day descend to the world to smite all cowards and non-believers. Members of this cult are known for their fanatical devotion and are often involved in initiating conflicts to hasten the coming of the "Celestial Fist."

Members of this cult believe that life is a constant battle and that death is merely a transition to another form of combat. They seek to die glorious deaths in battle, believing that this will grant them eternal glory in the afterlife, where they will continue to fight alongside Pollaran.

This cult is focused on the ritualistic shedding of blood, both their own and their enemies', as offerings to Pollaran. They believe that blood is the purest form of tribute to the god of war and engage in bloodletting ceremonies that are considered extreme by mainstream followers.