Agrik/1st edition

The attitudes of the evil war god are difficult to understand. Agrik is the breeder of war for its own sake, the deity of those who enjoy rapine, pillage, cruelty and destruction. Agrik’s element is fire; this is what his adherents serve; this is what he commands.

Agrik and Manrasusha
The amoral First God of primal fire is commonly called Manrasusha, he who cleanses and destroys, kills and comforts. Early dogma saw Agrik as his servant who nurtured and appeased him through sacrifice. Many of Agrik’s followers believe that his coming to an understanding with Manrasusha saved.

The ineluctable nature of the First Gods inevitably led to a divergence of metaphysical views and a confusion of identity between Agrik and Manrasusha. How the notion arose that Manrasusha required the blood of mortals is a mystery. Considering the general indifference of the First Gods, it is likely that mortal sacrifice is to sate the thirst of Agrik.

Agrik is most commonly portrayed as a mighty humanoid figure shrouded in crimson flame, with leathery, scalloped wings, cloven hooves and razor sharp claws. Two claws were severed from his left hand by the goddess Larani in an ancient dispute. Agrik will never forget this indignity. Only the terms of the Concordat of the Illimitable Tome deter him from seeking revenge. Some believe that he will eventually attempt to assassinate the goddess regardless of the consequences. The emnity carries over to the mortal followers of both deities.

There is little other record of active hostility between Agrik and other members of the. Only the followers of Larani are singled out for special attention. Otherwise, Agrikans loot, pillage, ravage and torture without discrimination.

Agrik is one of the greatest warriors of the gods, although he is known for his unchivalrous methods. His favourite weapons are Gashang the “Emperor of Flame”, his flaming mace capable of inflicting “the myriad voices of pain”, and Sycanus, the sickle with which he cuts the hearts and souls of men from their bodies. He also owns Armahnh, a great whip with which he strikes the ground with the sound of thunder.

Pameshlu
Demon Pameshlu the Insatiable is Agrik’s chief underling. He is the lord of frenzy and excess, and his appetite for blood is unrivalled. He is commonly portrayed as an ordinary human in laquered black armour, bearing his broadsword, Emyn, and his shield, Okayra. The Pamesani Games are named in his honour.

The V’hir
The best known of the semi-divine servants of Agrik are the Eight Demons known as the V’hir. Sometimes called the sons of Agrik, the V’hir are said to have sprung from eight drops of blood that fell when Larani cut the claws from Agrik’s hand. In appearance, the V’hir are much like Agrik, although smaller and less powerful. Nevertheless, they are often confused with the god by those unfortunate enough to encounter them.

Balgashang and Ak-Syt
Agrik dwells in his great fortress of Balgashang among his attendant V’hir. Somewhere within the castle is Ak-Syt, the dreaded chamber of tortures. The fortress’ location is uncertain and it may actually exist in several places/worlds at once. Many believe it to be at the fiery heart of, but the majority of priests hold that it is located somewhere on Yashain.

Ilpylen: The First Prophet
Ilpylen, who brought word of Agrik to men, was a warrior of the Kuldrh tribe, whose village was on the slope of a dormant volcano somewhere in the heart of Lythia. Around 1500, the volcano became active, threatening to destroy the village, and the chieftain took the opportunity to rid the tribe of Ilpylen’s constant boasts and violence. Telling him to make his peace with the volcano before returning, Ilpylen was driven up the mountain path with a half dozen spears at his back. An hour later, when Ilpylen was (presumably) within the crater, the volcano erupted. Strangely, only the houses of the chieftain and of the six warriors who had escorted Ilpylen to his doom were destroyed. When Ilpylen returned from the mountain, the villagers thought they saw fiery demons at his heels.

Ilpylen spoke from the ruins of the chief’s house, saying that the mountain was one of many gateways to the realm of “he who appeases the fiery doom The root of the world is the root of all if the roots are not nurtured, the plant will die”. Legend has it that Ilpylen performed several miracles in support of his claim to have communed with Agrik.

Ilpylen recruited eight acolytes to help him worship. The ceremony of appeasement required that a tribesman be seized from the village to battle Ilpylen on the crater’s rim; he who fell through the “gateway” was the sacrifice. Ilpylen was a superb fighter. Eventually, the village grew so short of men that it ceased to be viable; the survivors dispersed, carrying the tale of Ilpylen throughout the region. Charging his followers with some final instructions, Ilpylen mounted the summit alone and was never seen again.

Moralin: The Balefire Chronicle
All that survives of the early history of the church of Agrik is contained in the Balefire Chronicle, written by Moralin, the greatest of Ilplyen’s eight acolytes. From the village of the Kuldrh, the eight made their separate ways to lay 888 cairns at the corners of the world, to appease the “gates of fire” and to open new ones. Each took a copy of the Balefire Chronicle which contained the legacy of Ilpylen.

Early Church
Only a common object of worship and the Balefire Chronicle united the early church, and the latter was liberally interpreted by its guardians. The eight disciples travelled without haste, letting the word of their doings precede them. Each selected eight followers and these parties split up when the leader died, each acolyte bearing an interpreted copy of the first chronicle and the history of their group. Many groups were, of course, lost.

The church never made any attempt to convert masses of the population. The rituals of “nurturing the root” were tasks for skillful and dedicated hands. Few could have the temperament or inclination to become priests of Agrik. At first, only the finest warriors were admitted to the priesthood. The movement also attracted scholars whose bent was toward administration and ritual rather than the martial arts. Within a millenium, two specialized castes had developed. The priests were guardians of the Balefire Chronicles, which had become a synonym for archives, and the “Terahni” warriors were protectors of the priests; most bands contained several (often eight) Terahni in addition to its leader and eight acolytes. But the martial ideal has survived, and most priests still have skill at arms.

Dogma was tempered by exposure to larger populations. The more aggressive bands were too antisocial to survive, and were “martyred” by persons outraged by wanton violence. Those who adapted to moderation survived and sometimes prospered.

Purists travelled in compact bands, erecting and repairing the 888 cairns. Some bands incorporated wagons and a whole panoply of followers. Some made their ceremonies public, offering a prize to any warrior who could defeat the band’s champion, and staging ritual combat in village squares. When their champion was slain, the priests often considered it a good sacrifice and the victor was set free. Eventually most bands settled and built temples to house their archives and hide their increasingly complex rituals from prying eyes.

To prosper, the church had to accept a wider following and this prompted the priesthood to invent spectacular rituals which had very little to do with the original ideals of the church, but certainly attracted a sizable laity. Hence came a change in attitude towards the general population. Lay adherents were allowed to attend certain rituals and make donations. The temples provided religious justification for those who practiced violence and attracted warriors who enjoyed the brutality of war. The political, military and financial support of these worshippers was eagerly accepted by pragmatic priests. The laity also provided a pool from which Terahni and priests might be recruited.

Organization
Thus developed three distinct castes of the followers of Agrik: The priests, who governed and kept their theology closely guarded, the Terahni who served as the secular arm, and the laity, viewed by the priesthood as a source of funds, recruitment, and political support.

The rise of complex societies in Lythia was mirrored in the church. The original structure of one priest and eight acolytes remained, but the eight became masters with special responsibilities. As administration grew burdensome, they took assistants; schools were founded to train priests. The wandering band was slowly replaced by the temple hierarchy.

Feudalism provided a model for the Terahni. The priests organized their warriors into fighting-orders. When a temple prospered it founded new houses; sometimes control was maintained, more often the new temple declared independence. Since most temples had their own Terahni, bloodshed was common.

It was not only the numerous philosophical differences that fostered disputes within the church. Agrikanism seemed to attract men as much concerned with power for its own sake as with theology. Competition between orders and temples was accepted, even encouraged. Often, violence was perceived as an act of worship in itself, and no adherent could make a greater sacrifice than his own life.

Temple Hierarchy
The responsibilites of the priests within a temple vary from one to another, but an idealized model can be presented.

The Viriahn {High Priest)
The High Priest is the master of the temple. In regions with strong central authority, the Viriahn is appointed by the bishop. Elsewhere, the High Priest is elected for life by the temple masters.

The Aperani (Masters)
There are usually eight masters, each with his own area of concern. Most masters find their spheres overlapping those of their colleagues, and competition is ceaseless, although usually covert. The Aperani are usually appointed by the High Priest.

Responsible for training apprentice priests. The Aperalis assigns acolytes to the other masters and helps insure that the temple runs smoothly.
 * Aperalis (Master of Acolytes}

The master reponsible for the daily running of the kitchen, cleaning, etc. Acolytes are assigned to assist the Apervisha and are supervised by his lieutenants.
 * Apervisha (Master of Maintenance}

Responsible for the temple's wealth and special artifacts. The Aperphe lis may share responsiblilty for the armoury with the Master of the Middle Discipline. There may also be disputes with the Master of Archives.
 * Aperphelis (Master of Treasures}

The master in charge of the temple records. He holds the Balefire Chronicle(s) and has responsiblity for most written works, but must contend with the Master of Treasures for jurisdiction over some valuable items.
 * Apersuphur {Master of Archives}

The master responsible for the temple's relation with the community. In this he must share power with the Masters of the Middle and Low Disciplines. The Aperahkai commands a number of spies and may hold the ear of the local government.
 * Aperahlali {Master of Propagation}

The priest who leads most rituals of the High Discipline. He has his own archives and disputes authority and dogma with the masters of the Middle and Low Disciplines. Important ceremonies may be led by the High Priest; this is another cause for jealousy. The Aperagris sets tests for acolytes.
 * Aperagris {Master of the High Discipline}

The master in charge of relations with the Terahni. If he lacks competence, the temple's warriors may be virtually independent. The Aperterahn leads special ceremonies for the Terahni, and has a say in their recruitment; competition may lead to disputes with the Master of the High Discipline.
 * Aperterahn (Master of the Middle Discipline}

The priest who usually leads the "open" ceremonies and deals with most lay supplicants. The Aperhanar also conducts evangelical activities and may have spies in the community at large.
 * Aperhanar (Master of the Low Discipline}

The number of Heruchai varies from one temple to another. They rank between acolyte and master and are assigned to one of the Aperani. A lieutenant of the Aperterahn would be called an Aperterahnherucha, for example. Appointments are made by the High Priest with advice from the Masters of Acolytes and High Discipline. Many Heruchai spy on their masters for other Aperani. The assignment and covert recruitment of Heruchai is one of the temple's most complex and dangerous games. The true possessor of the most Heruchai is the likely successor to the High Priest.
 * The Heruchai (Lietenants)

These are usually recruited at the age of sixteen to twenty, by the Master of High Discipline or the Master of Acolytes, from the laity or Terahni, but the process is open to interference from any Aperani. They are trained in martial arts and learn ritual and dogma by rote, but most of their time is spent at menial tasks. The acolyte is periodically tested by the Master of the High Discipline. This serves to gauge and toughen the mettle of acolytes and to rid the temple of troublemakers. If the acolyte agrees to spy for the Aperagris, his tests may be easier. Tests may vary from a recitation of ritual to a quest halfway across the world to wrest an artifact from a fearsome foe. It is the responsibility of the Master of Acolytes to coordinate training under various masters and lieutenants so that they can pass tests, but if he is unimpressed by the acolyte's "loyalty" and competence, he will make less effort. Because of the power struggle behind the scenes, most acolytes are forced into the camp of at least one Aperani during their first few months.
 * The Agnichari (Acolytes}

Eventually, if he survives, the acolyte will be promoted to the rank of Heruchai. If he shows skill at arms, he may be transferred to the Terahni.

The Central Authority
The fractious origins of the Agrikan temples long prevented the establishment of a central authority, but in the more densely populated regions, where more temples were established, some high priests came to dominate the district. By 300 TR, the temple of Lysara in Azeryan had come to dominate the Agrikan church throughout most of that Empire. By 450 TR, most Lythian temples had acknowledged Lysaran supremacy to some degree. Lysara, on the edge of the Azeryani Drylands, began as a temple and grew into a city /enclave almost independent of imperial authority and dedicated to Agrikanism.

The Amanasurif (The Pontiff)
The most powerful priest of Agrik dwells in Lysara where he is a powerful secular lord, collecting revenues from temples and other church properties throughout Azeryan and the rest of Lythia. Most Agrikans acknowledge that he has a special relationship with the deity, but not all orders recognize his infallibility.

The High Corcuno (Senior Cardinals)
The High Curcuno serves as a kind of pontiff's cabinet. Its eight members advise the Amanasurif and are the government of the church estates. They are chosen by the pontiff from the Low Curcuno. When the pontiff dies, his successor is most often one of the High Curcuno.

The Low Curcuno (Cardinals)
The great enclave of the church of Agrik consists of the primates and bishops, and enough additional appointees to bring the number to eighty eight. When the pontiff dies, the Low Curcuno elects his successor, although few enclaves are attended by everyone who is eligible. Members travelling to Lysara are frequently ambushed by hostile groups. Such occasions are also used to review /devise the church's international policy. Most offices in the government of Lysara and the church estates are filled by members of the Curcunos who therefore head the secular and sacred bureaucracy.

The Regional Authority
The church of Agrik divides the known world into primacies and bishoprics. Primates and bishops are the pontiff's voice, and (theoretically) the supreme authority within their juridictions. The wealth and power of these officers depends on the number of adherents in the region, the legal status of the church, and so on. The autonomy of the region is usually a function of its distance from Lysara.

A Primate is generally responsible for the Agrikan church of an entire country. In some cases, several countries are grouped into a single primacy, as is the case with the nations of Harn. The primate is usually allowed to appoint bishops, and may also select the high priests of the temples in his primacy.
 * Apalankh (Primate)

A bishop is the governor of an ecclesiastical subprovince, containing one or more temples. Some bishops hold many temples and are wealthier than primates. The power of the bishop is in inverse proportion to that of his primate. If the primate (and temples) are weak, the bishop may freely appoint his own followers to vacant positions. Otherwise, the primate usually takes a major role in selections.
 * Kemelras (Bishop)

This is roughly equivalent to Aperani. Ulankhs may be appointed by bishops, primates, members of the High Curcuno, or the pontiff. Their status depends on who appoints them. Some hold offices within the primacy, bishopric or central bureaucracy. Ulankhs serve as spies, inspectors and emissaries. Members of the priesthood who serve well may be made Ulankh and given licence to wander freely. Often, they are created to ease the burden on the church resources, since, while an Ulankh may receive food and accomodation at any temple, he may not remain for more than eight days and nights in any month. Ulankh's usually renounce any connection with temple or order; their allegiance is directly to the pontiff (in practice, more often to their appointer).
 * Ulankh (Free Priest)

Clerical Orders
A clerical order is a group of temples/priests united by common dogma, activity or policy, in essence, a political or religious faction. Many orders are limited to a single temple, some have many temples, a few have no temples at all and function as (often covert) wandering bands. Most orders have a headquarters and the priests of this chief temple usually hold the high offices of the order. Clerical orders are founded as a result of theological (or political) differences, or under a special charter from high authority. In the latter case, the order is usually given a specific task, such as the establishment of the church in a previously unorganized region, or the military defeat of some nation or district. Almost all clerical orders maintain their own fighting orders.

Clerical orders have little official significance. They are associations independent of the legitimate hierarchy. In practice, however, they are important pressure groups, and where there is little in the way of regional authority (as in Ivinia and Harn, for example) clerical orders may be the highest effective organizationa1 leve1.

The political and inspirational leader of the order, is often more concerned with political matters than with the running of his own temple. His role is to provide guidance as to how the directives of the legitimate hierarchy can best be carried out. In theory, therefore, his function is interpretive rather than theological. Some Senesharil are appointed by the Pontiff or Primate, some are elected by the order's High Priests; this depends on the order's charter or the degree of organization in the region.
 * Senesharil {Clerical Grandmaster}

If the Senesharil is busy with other concerns, his deputy substitutes for him. In large orders, there may be several deputies. Some may travel constantly on tours of inspection from one temple to another. Markithras are selected from the Aperani of the order.
 * Markithra {Deputy Grandmaster}

Fighting Orders
Almost every clerical order sponsors, and theoretically commands, its own Terahni. Their organization reflects the culture in which they are situated. In feudal states, Agrikan fighting orders consist of “knights” and often a commonality. In imperial states, they may copy legionary ranks. In the church hierarchy, the Terahni rank in status between the laity and priesthood. They serve as temple guards, assassins, spies, and armies when their temples are at war. The chapter house also serves as a kind of social club for members of the order.

A fighting order is the secular equivalent of the clerical order. Instead of temples, it has chapter houses which vary in size and function. Some fighting orders are limited to a single barracks on the grounds of its sponsor’s temple. Some have dozens of manors, castles, fortresses, and hundreds of “knights” and commoners. Many are able to conduct military campaigns, and they often achieve a high degree of independence. The headquarters of a fighting order are usually near the seat of its sponsoring clerical order. Most fighting orders have part time and full time members. The former are “called up” only in time of need and are generally of independent means.

The Akarata is the commander in chief of a fighting order. Although he is not a priest, he has far more command of rituals than do most laymen. He deals with the clerical grandmaster and organizes his command in any manner he sees fit. He may be assisted by a number of Tenakas (deputies). If the order wishes to ingratiate itself with local government, it may appoint the king (etc.) to the office. In such cases, he would be invited to preside over certain ceremonies, but the running of the order would be done by a deputy. The Akarata is is usually appointed by his clerical grandmaster, on the “advice” of the ranking officers.
 * Akarata & Tenaka {Grandmaster and Deputy}

The commander of an independent chapter house or temple guard. He takes orders from the head of his order. If he commands a temple garrison, he is also subject to the authority of the High Priest and the Master of the Middle Discipline.
 * Meketa {High Commander}

A ''knight-commander" of an order. Telmen are subordinate to the Meketa, perhaps commanding a small unit of the order's forces, or taking responsibility for duties to do with the running of the chapter (quartermaster, etc.).
 * Telmen {Commander)

A deputy Telmen. These are appointed over small units and to assist the Telmen. They are given various duties.
 * Dotelen (Subcommander)

A noble member of the order. These “knights” rank below the preceding officers and above any commonality.
 * Haragki (Knight)

A member of the commonality of the order. These are warriors of (otherwise) low social status. There may be corporals (Ainlaumaks) and sergeants (T’kelans), but officers in Agrikan fighting orders are always noble.
 * Laumak (Soldier)

Any of the four preceding ranks may have their titles prefixed with the term “Anas-”, indicative of an honourary or part time status. “Anasi” can be regarded as a kind of reserve. They have the right to occasional accomodation at the order's houses, and may use them as social clubs.
 * Honorary Status

Religious Practices
Methods of worship vary somewhat between the innumerable clerical orders, but certain practices are constant. Human sacrifice is a common feature. In the Middle and Low Disciplines, man to man and man to beast combat is stressed, but the High Discipline may be more sinister (and less fair).

The Balefire Disciplines
Ceremonies fall into three groups, corresponding to the three castes of worshippers. In general, rituals of the Low Discipline may be attended by any adherent, although few priests or Terahni bother; those of the Middle Discipline are attended by priests and the Terahni and ceremonies of the High Discipline may be attended only by priests.

Low Ceremonies
These are the simplest. Most lay masses consist of mutual dedication to the deity and include canted, responsive prayer and a real or symbolic sacrifice by combat. Wealthier temples often insert pyrotechnic displays to enhance the spectacle. Most temples hold lay mass on the eighth of each month.

Temples contain a succession of chambers each closer to the “heart” of the temple and more elaborate than the last. Those who wish to worship on their own (or in small groups) make a donation and are guided to the chamber corresponding to the size of their offering. The first chamber is devoid of artifacts except for a small altar and bowl. The last (usually the eighth) chamber is a richly decorated shrine in which the high priest himself will assist supplicants to attract the deity’s attention.

The private ceremony incorporates standard prayer and meditation, designed to rededicate the adherent. Private ablutions are done with sand (powdered lava if available) never with water. Sulphur is often burned in small quantities.

Middle Ceremonies
In addition to private dedications, the Terahni practice elaborate reenactments of mythological and historical combats. The members of the order form an octagon within which two or more members fight. The actors will sacrifice speed to ensure that the moves are precise. The Master of the Middle Discipline voices a invocation, and the audience responds on cue. These physical ceremonies are as complex as verbal recitations, and the Terahni are sufficiently familiar with the routines to appreciate the quality of the performance. The reenactments are intended to renew faith.

High Ceremonies
The priests also use martial ritual, often acting out battles that are planned or anticipated. Some temples have amassed a series of hypothetical encounters that supposedly portray history centuries into the future. The most significant “predictive” battle is when Agrik slays Larani at the end of the Great Vendetta. The predictions are not remarkably accurate, but the rituals serve as a kind of contingency planning. Priestly combats often involve the use of a captive or slave, bedecked in the garment of an enemy. Such encounters are fought to the death.

On other occasions, the priest forfeit combat and conduct a more sinister kind of human sacrifice. The victim is usually prepared for the ritual by several hours of “ceremonial” torture to the chanting of the priests. All, or part of the victim is consumed by fire. The howls ·of the sacrifice, the use of fire and the ceremonial chanting are believed to be the best method of attracting the deity's attention. A student of the High Discipline will learn as many of the “Ten Thousand Ways” of inflicting pain as possible.

Surikal (The Secret Tongue)
The church of Agrik has taken pains to conserve its own private language. Originally based on Kuldrh, Surikal is intentionally complex and irregular. There are no texts on Surikal; knowledge is passed verbally from one generation to the next. Mastery of the language is closely associated with mastery of the ritual in such a way that the more grammar and vocabulary an individual knows, the greater his ability to perform rituals. The laity are taught enough to respond appropriately to the cants of priests. The nature of the church has led to the development of dozens of dialects, to the point that priests from different regions have difficulty understanding each other, but the ascendency of Lysara has enabled the central authority to impose a degree of uniformity.

Ukhila: The Octennial Games
Every eight years (most recently in 714) thousands of priests, Terani and laymen gather at Lysara to participate in the “Ukhila”. The games last eight days and begin on the first of Agrazhar. Rituals, orgies, conferences and tournaments are held in the first six days. The seventh and eighth days are devoted to “special” entertainment. In the years preceding the Ukhila, a small town is constructed just outside Lysara. It is populated with slaves and stocked with hidden treasure. On the seventh day the warriors divide into two armies and engage in battle. The victors earn the privilege of sacking the town.

The Pakara
Each attending order appoints a champion to engage in the Pakara, a tournament to test individual prowess. In the first six days of the games, the champions meet in mortal combat. The final day of Ukhila, the feast of Agrik, is devoted to a mass ceremony in the great amphitheater. During this ritual, the last two survivors of the Pakara meet. This duel earns its victor the title “Maparas”, Warrior Supreme, and the custody of Juka-Melbesa, an allegedly enchanted sword, for the next eight years. The Maparas is the champion of the church, one of the most feared warriors of the known world. The Maparas must return to defend his title, but no one has ever won twice.

The Pamesani
The Ukhila is probably the world’s greatest “tournament”. The church also sponsors lesser spectacles. The Order of the Octagonal Pit and its fighting order, Demon Pameshlu the Insatiable, organize regular public games in many locales, often building arenas for the purpose. Generally these are far more than gladitorial events. The bloodletting and depravity seems unbounded. Because of this, the games are widely banned. The Pamesani of Azeryan are recognized either as the most dramatic or the most grotesque, depending on one’s point of view.

Canon Law
The church of Agrik settles most internal disputes by dueling. If temple policy is involved, affecting the higher priesthood, a hearing before the high priest or grandmaster may be called. Decisions tend to be summary and fatal. The Pamesani arena is used, whenever possible, for the resolution of such issues.

Symbols and Regalia
The number eight and the colours orange and black have particular significance for worshippers of Agrik. The number is symbolic of the emnity with Larani, and the number has acquired considerable mystical import. Early priests spoke often of the eight corners of the world, and the 888 (sometimes 8888) cairns, but these concepts have lost most of their significance. More recently, the octagonal pit has acquired particular ritual importance. The original pit is said to lie within Balgashang and to open onto the heart of Manrasusha. By the same token, the octagonal pits located in many Agrikan temples are said to open into the heart of Agrik. The pits are the centrepiece of many rituals and sacrifices are cast in, sometimes by elaborate mechanisms. Ritual combat is often staged on a narrow walkway over the flaming pit.

Calendar
The most important day of the Agrikan year is the Feast of Balefire on the 8th of Agrazhar. Many bonfires are lit and things are roasted

Geography
Agrik is worshiped throughout Lythia in one form or another, but in many regions, such as, , , , and , the practice is illegal and, therefore, covert. Wandering bands may still be found in wilderness regions such as, and the  Desert. The greatest concentration of temples is in. In and the East the worship of Agrik has declined with the growth of commerce. On Hârn, worship is concentrated in the Thardic Republic and the Kingdom of Rethem.

The Harnic Church
As of 720 there are seven clerical orders of the church of Agrik on Hârn; each sponsors its own fighting-order. The Hârnic Agrikan primate is the grandmaster of the Order of Mamaka the Master of Steel; his seat is located in Golotha. The clerical orders and their sponsored fighting orders are described below.

Eight Demons, Order of the
One of two female clerical orders, the Order is notorious for sexual-torture, and sacrifice of male captives. The order was established in 714 when it split from the Order of Herpa the Mace. The headquarters of the order is in Shiran; other temples are at Coranan and Golotha. The Senesharil of the order is Merele of Kantar, a ruthless intriguer. She is about forty and even by the standards of the Agrikan church she is considered diabolically cruel and sadistic.

Cohorts of Gashang, Order of the
Interestingly, while its sponsoring clerical order is restricted to women, the Cohorts of Gashang is open only to males. The headquarters of the order are at Themeson. The order’s formal name is the “Cohorts of Gashang the Emperor of Flame”, but this is seldom used. The Cohorts of Gashang are the result of the same theological/political dispute that created the Order of the Eight Demons. The Haragki and Laumak of the Order often deliver captives to the tender mercies of its parent clerical order in Golotha, Shiran and Coranan; most Hârnians tend to avoid them. The Akarata of the order is Crasel of Merbed.

Fuming Gate, Order of the
The Fuming Gate’s only major temple is in Golotha. Since Ezar’s War, and the fiascos suffered therein by the Copper Hook, the order has been in steady decline. It is doubtful that the Golotha headquarters hold more than a dozen priests. The Senesharil of the order is Julah of Gathin.

Company Of The Copper Hook, Order of the
Established in 623 under the sponsorship of the clerical Order of the Fuming Gate. After several decades of aimless pillage and poverty, the order swore fealty to King Arlun of in 641, and were granted lands by King Nemiran in 681. The next year, the order used its bases at Menekod, Hyen, Dunir and Selvos to launch an attack on the Kandian keep at Imiden, starting a fifteen year conflict that was to be named Ezar’s War after their Akarata. With the defeat of Rethem and the Peace of Selvos in 697, the lands of the Company of the Copper Hook have been reduced to Hyen keep. The order has never recognised the Peace of Selvos and has continued to skirmish against Kandian units for the last 23 years. The Akarata of the order is Marag of Yeredar, a fifty two year old man whose sad and depressed demeanor belies a clever and scheming mind.

Herpa the Mace, Order of the
Order of the Herpa the Mace is the most mystical of the Hârnic Agrikan orders. It is also involved in politics, favouring a crusade against the rest of Hârn. Its main temple is in Golotha and it maintains a secret temple in Coranan, engaged in subversion. In 714, a faction broke off to form the Order of the Eight Demons. The Senesharil of the order is Andraz of Enald.

Red Shadows Of Herpa, Order of the
The order is headquartered at Menekai, in the Kingdom of Rethem. Like its sponsoring clerical order it favours a “holy” crusade against the rest of Hârn. The order was granted its lands in 681. In 708, it sent a force across the Gomisen and seized Themeson keep from the Thardic Republic. However, when a faction broke away to become the Order of the Cohorts of Gashang in 714, they took Themeson for their own. The Red Shadows are currently attempting to exterminate the Kubora tribesmen of Peran. In keeping with their policy of spreading-by-the-sword the word of Agrik, the order supports Chafin III, who is seen as a leader who might be able to unify and lead the crusade they favour. The Akarata of the order is Larga of Gydsilen, a coarse and brutish thug.

Kukshin, Order of the
One of the two Agrikan clerical orders which are restricted to women. The Order of Kukshin sponsors the unique female fighting-order, The Crimson Dancer. Both orders are of Thardic origin but since 701 they have been centered in. This is the result of the Order of the Kukshin and the Order of the Crimson Dancer falling into official disfavour in Rethem after events occurring in Ezar's War. The Hârnic order’s primary temple is located at Quimen. The Senesharil is Marene of Tusyne.

Crimson Dancer, Order of the
The only female fighting-order of the church of Agrik. Despite its Thardic origin the Order holds no lands on Hârn outside. There is a hostel of the Order in Shiran but the isolated Orbaalese keep of Quimen has been the Order’s headquarters since 701 when it deemed it wise to leave. The order draws most of its recruits from martially inclined women of Orbaal, disenchanted with an otherwise subservient role in society. The Akarata of the order is Baliela of Shernath. Fifty three years old, she is a resilient and merciless survivor of intrigue.

Mamaka The Master Of Steel, Order of the
The dominant clerical order of the Hârnic Agrikan church. The Order’s only temple is in Golotha and the Senesharil of the order has been the Agrikan primate for Hârn for the past three decades. The present primate, Klyrdes of Bisidril, is also chairman of the Heptarchy of the city of Golotha. While he claims descent from the alleged bastard daughter of the prophet Balsha (see Morgath), his philosophical leanings are more conservative than were the prophet’s. The main problem for the Hârnic primate is to keep the various orders from tearing each other apart. Klyrdes, in 717, orchestrated the most recent in a series of “temple wars” wherein the temple of the Order of the Pillar of Fire in Golotha, along with most of its priests, was “mysteriously” burned. The near total destruction of an entire sect did, of course, merit the primate’s “sincere condolences”.

Warriors of Mameka, Order of the
The Order has its headquarters at Bedenes keep on Rethem’s northern border and periodically crusades against the Kuboran tribes of Peran. The primary ambition of the Warriors of Mameka is to re-establish a keep at the ruins of Kustan. Bedenes was allegedly granted to the order by King Nemiran of Rethem, although no record exists. It is more likely that the order siezed the district from its legal holder around 690 when the kings of Rethem were involved in a war with ; the keep itself dates from 699. The Akarata of the order is Horab of Gerund, a violent sensualist.

Octagonal Pit, Order of the
Both this Order and its sponsored fighting order are primarily concerned with operation of the Pamesani games in Golotha, Shiran and Coranan. The headquarters of this order are at Golotha. The Senesharil of the order is Varean of Akaim.

Demon Pameshlu The Insatiable, Order of the
The Order holds no lands, serving primarily as guards, gladiators, beast and slave masters and administrators for its parent body which operates the Pamesani. The Akarat of the order is Tonwersa of Klaib.

Pillar Of Fire, Order of the
The Order’s only Hârnic temple was razed during a “temple war” with the primate in 717. Only a few dozen priests of the order survived and have been in hiding ever since. They move secretly from one place to another, never reveal their identities to outsiders, and attempt to kill anyone who learns their secret. The Pillar of Fire intends to assassinate the primate at the first opportunity. It is generally accepted that the order was plotting to sieze the primacy when it was purged. The order’s sponsored fighting order, the Companions of Roving Doom have not demonstrated a high degree of loyalty since the crisis. The Senesharil of the Hârnic order is Balak of Rensi.

Companions Of Roving Doom, Order of the
The Order was established in 604 and helped Arlun the Barbarian to establish the Kingdom of Rethem. The order’s house is Arketh, in the Kingdom of Rethem, from where Haragki of the order sally forth to commit acts of brutality and intimidation. Kings of Rethem have traditionally employed the order to “lean on trouble-makers”, enchanted, no doubt, by their efficiency. Since the virtual destruction of the sponsoring clerical order in 717, the Companions of Roving Doom have effectively become an independent body. The Akarata of the order is Bremel of Kawaran.

The Ivinian Church
The church of Agrik is relatively new to the northlands, but has become the most popular religion besides the worship of Sarajin. Ivinian lords have often found the Agrikan fighting orders to be useful temporary allies.

Kukshin, Order of the
The Kukshin and their sponsored fighting order have spread to from Hârn. In 710 the Orbaalese order sent missionaries to Ivinia where they have established temples in Beleka, Harling and Jarehm. Although the Hârnic and Ivinian chapters operate as virtually independent organizations, there are close ties and relatively good relations between them. The Senesharil of the Ivinian order is Sulabryn of Larvenes.

Crimson Dancer, Order of the
Since 710 the Order has been active in where it maintains a headquarters in Beleka. The Akarata of the Ivinian order is Tamyne of Chukris, a relatively young twenty nine, and sometimes called the cruelest woman in Seldenbaal.

Pillar Of Fire, Order of the
The Pillar of Fire is one of the two Agrikan orders that has spread from Hârn to. In 673 members of the Order of the Pillar of Fire travelled to Hutheng Island to witness the eruption of Mount Geravek. Finding both the locale and the political climate of the north to their liking, clerics of the order founded a temple in Vulenheim in 677. They also maintain a small temple at the northern foot of Mount Geravek. Since the virtual destruction of the Hârnic order in 717 the Ivinian order has inherited a few refugees. The order supports in its war with ; this is one cause of the considerable tension between the Pillar of Fire and the V'hirahn. The Senesharil of the Ivinian order is Petren of Tramabin.

Companions of Roving Doom, Order of the
Since 677 there has been a chapter of the Order in, where their long tradition of violence and aggression is very appropriate to local politics. The headquarters of the Ivinian order are in Vulenheim; the Akarata is Zudsyr of Veld.

V’Hirahn, Order of the
This order originated in Azeryan where it was and is called the Order of Sedegar the Pitiless. It appeared in in 633. Within a decade a bloody internal dispute in the order resulted in the murder of the founding leaders of the Ivinian branch and the creation of the Order of the V’hirahn in 644. There has been no official contact between the Ivinian order and the Azeryan order since that date. The Order of the V’hirahn is the largest and wealthiest Agrikan order in Ivinia and the grandmaster of the order claims the Agrikan primacy. The adherants of the order regard themselves as a purist elite, a high handed attitude that has led to several clashes with the rival Agrikan orders in Ivinia. The chief temple of the order is in Fuhreling, other temples can be found in Jarehm and Pelby. The order supports the Dagen of in his war with.

Sable Claw, Order of the
The Order is a renegade branch of the Azeryani fighting order called the Company of Kurriksor Lashwielder. It appeared in in 633 and was quickly rocked by the violent internal strife of its sponsoring clerical order. In 644 a merciless purge of Azeryan “reactionaries” was carried out and the order took its present name.

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