Deities of the Order of the Flaming Blade
~by Lucinda Creighton, Master Tactician and Pawn of the Red Knight
The Order of the Flaming Blade venerates the following deities, its warriors and knights are called from the servants of these deities. Let their dogmas speak for themselves among the code of the Order.
Primary:
Tempus
Lord of Battles, Foehammer
Dogma:
Tempus does not win battles, he helps the deserving warrior win battles. War is fair in that it oppresses and aids all equally and that in any given battle, a mortal may be slain or become a great leader among his or her companions. It should not be feared, but seen as a natural force, a human force, the storm that civilization brings by its very existence. Arm all for whom battle is needful, even foes. Retreat from hopeless fights but never avoid battle. Slay one foe decisively and halt a battle quickly rather than rely on slow attrition or the senseless dragging on of hostilities. Remember the dead that fell before you. Defend what you believe in, lest it be swept away. Disparage no foe and respect all, for valor blazes in all regardless of age, sex, or race. Tempus looks with favor upon those that acquit themselves honorably in battle without resorting to such craven tricks as destroying homes, family, or livestock when a foe is away or attacking from the rear (except when such an attack is launched by a small band against foes of vastly superior numbers). Consider the consequences of the violence of war, and do not wage war recklessly. The smooth-tongued and fleet of foot that avoid all strife and never defend their beliefs wreak more harm than the most energetic tyrant, raider or horde leader.Secondary:Uthgar
Father of the Uthgardt, Battle Father
Dogma:
Strength is everything. Civilization is weakness. Men should fight, hunt, and raid from the weak to provide for their wives and families. Family is sacred, and its bonds not cast aside lightly. Arcane magic is effete, self-indulgent, and ultimately leads to weakness. Reliance upon arcane magic is an evil and false path that leads to death and ruin. Revere Uthgar, your ancestors, and your tribes beast spirit. Study the beast so that you know its virtues and its weaknesses; claim its virtues as your own and weed its weaknesses from your spirit. The beast holds wisdom and raw power that you can make your own. Make the others of your tribe fear and respect your power and knowledge so they heed the wise words your ancestors speak through you to them.Red Knight
Lady of Strategy, Grandmaster of the Lanceboard
Dogma:
War is won by those with the best planning, strategy, and tactics, regardless of apparent odds. Any fool can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with fortune’s aid. Only a master strategist can ensure lasting victory. War is a series of battles. Losing a battle does not necessarily indicate the war is lost. Seek out your opponent’s weaknesses and recognize your own; avoid an opponent’s strengths and play to your own. Only by focusing one’s own strengths on your opponent’s vulnerabilities can triumph be ensured. In times of war, prepare for peace; in times of peace, prepare for war. Seek out your enemy’s enemies as allies, and be prepared to compromise. Life is an endless series of skirmishes with occasional outbreaks of war. Be ready- and have a contingency plan.
Valkur
The Mighty, Captain of the Waves
Dogma:
There is nothing more invigorating than challenging the elements. The feel of wind and spray on one’s face and the deck pitching beneath one’s feet is the greatest feeling in the world. If humankind is to expand its reach, daring men and women must defy the odds and dare the impossible. The thrill of exploration is sweeter than wine or rum. There is always risk, but without risk life is empty. Life is to be lived and damn the consequences. One’s loyalties are first to one’s mates, then to one’s ship, then to Valkur, who protects all sailors. Rely not on Valkur’s hand to always extract you from difficulties, for such is coddling and leads to lack of challenge and room to grow. Rather, Valkur helps those actively solving their own problems by helping their plans work.The following deities are openly opposed by the Order of the Flaming Blade, most of them for advocating dishonorable tactics or actions in battle, directly opposed to Tempus’ teachings and dogma.
Bane - Opposed by the Order as a whole, specifically Tempus and The Red Knight
Garagos - Opposed by Tempus
Umberlee - Opposed by Valkur
Selvetarm - Opposed by Tempus and Uthgar
Lolth - Opposed by The Red Knight
Shar - Opposed by The Red Knight
Cyric - Opposed by the Red Knight
Auril – Opposed by Uthgar and Valkur
Malar – Opposed by Uthgar and Valkur
Talos - Opposed by Valkur