Daelrion
Titles: Warbringer, The Warlord
Domain: War, Strategy
Symbol: Crossed swords
Sphere Granted: Dark
Daelrion the Warbringer is a relatively new god, first appearing on the battlefield some 500 years ago. Unlike Roland, the god of honour, Daelrion believes in victory at all costs. He encourages his followers, known as his Blades, to employ whatever strategy is necessary to ensure success in battle, unhindered by morality. He is favoured by those mercenaries, sellswords, and military personnel who do not wish to be restrained by the ethics of the Church of Light or the purposeless bloodshed of Baagh. His ranks are filled with tacticians and strategists who consider the art of war divine. These devout serve the Warlord both on the battlefield and in the afterlife as sacred weapons in his great war room.
Daelrion is not merely an unparalleled commander. He has also perfected the art of combat known as Bladechanting. His Bladechant, performed on the battlefield, is a powerful blending of combat and dance, allowing him to become a death-dealing whirlwind of sword and magic. Daelrion is the only known master of this combat style and has yet to find a favoured worthy of its teachings.
The Warlord’s churches, while not as popular or widespread as Roland’s, are popular in militaristic towns and cities, particularly in those places outside of the Church of Light’s influence. Prayers and masses are often given inside armouries and war rooms while warriors don their armour in preparation for battle.
The Warbringer cares not for the titles of Light or Dark. There is only war and the pursuit of victory.
Contents
Appearance
When seen on the mortal plane, Daelrion appears as a tall and well muscled elven male with fair bronze skin. He wears his silver hair cut close to his scalp, with a neatly trimmed beard that frames his strong jaw. His face is marked by many scars and his thin, almond shaped eyes are constantly scanning and analysing the people and surrounding environment for strategic value.
The Warlord wears armour wrought from the most powerful transmutation magic, able to change its shape and material to accommodate for any situation on the battlefield. No matter the form, his armour is always of the finest quality. When he leads on the battlefield, the Warbringer dons a helm bearing the face of a hawk, and at his will this helm projects a portion of his consciousness high above to survey the field of battle. Upon his back rest his two legendary crossed blades, rumoured to contain the spirits of two of history’s greatest generals. When the cry of war is sounded and the weapons are drawn, one glows with a dark blue energy that cuts through any mortal material and the other is bathed in black flames that sunder and destroy the spirits of those it slays. In addition to his own swords, Daelrion is capable of summoning the weapons of his chosen who have fallen in battle. These weapons, with the spirits of his favoured contained within, make up his army, should he ever go to war.
Tenets
Five things a Daelrion follower should do:
1. Live life militaristically, on and off the battlefield. When not engaged in battle, one should constantly strive to perfect the art of war.
2. Outside of the tenets of Daelrion, there are no rules or ethics on the battlefield. Use subterfuge and intimidation if the strategy is sound.
3. Be loyal to those who are loyal to you. Sacrifice no soldier unless it ensures victory
4. Always take the lead in battle, unless there is a better choice, and then support them. Victory before pride.
5. Prisoners of war may be necessary for success. Treat them in the manner that is most beneficial to achieving victory.
Five things a Daelrion follower should not do:
1. Show mercy to those who do not fully surrender. Mercy dishonours both you and your enemy.
2. Break rank unless the call for retreat has been given. To die in battle is the greatest reward.
3. Show remorse or regret if you have done your best in battle. Learn from your mistakes.
4. Make war for personal reasons. War should only be made if it benefits society, your leaders, your liege or Daelrion.
5. Betray secrets if taken prisoner. Should you capture a follower of Daelrion, treat them with respect until they are no longer needed, and then give them a clean death.