Torranak, God of Battle

Torranak first found worship among the Vaelsh. The religion did not begin to flourish until the founders of the nation of Estovia adopted him as one of their highest gods. Since then the faith has flourished all throughout Darisia, spreading into Pelosia and taking deep root in Menion.

Loyal followers of Torranak are noted for several traits; they do not shy away from danger when it comes in battle, they believe in an blessed afterlife for those who live valiant lives, and they have a tendency towards forthrightness and honesty.

Seat of the Faith

The worship of Torranak is no longer particular to any one part of the Wyrld, having spread across Darisia and even a bit to the east. There is a fair sized temple to Torranak in Vaelsh, where the faith began, but larger edifices are found in other nations. In fact, the Temple of Twelve Swords in Menion is the largest temple of Torranak anywhere, larger even than its "mother temple" in Falcos. The temple in Falcos has long since stopped sending support to its daughter, which routinely attracts pilgrims from war torn Pelosia and occasionally from the North.

Worship of Torranak is relatively rare among non-humans, though not unheard of. In recent years dwarves have seemed a bit more likely to follow this god whom they used to find too violent. The reason for this change of collective heart is unknown; even the dwarves would be hard pressed to describe why or how this change has occured.

Tenets, Beliefs, and Dogma

The primary tenet of all followers of Torranak is that battle and war are the provision of their god for righting the wrongs in the Wyrld. Solving problems with the blade and spear is not only acceptable, it is expected. As such many followers of this god are belligerent and agressive.

The priests of Torranak maintain their physical fitness and spar with each other many hours a day, as well as spending much time in meditation. One fact surprising to some is that followers of Torranak, or at least some of them, value intelligence at least as much as strength, brawn, and courage. "Battles are one with brains," says one truism of the faith. Because of this priests, and some followers, also spend much time playing strategy games such as chess, or contemplating riddles, or engaging in other mental excercises.

One of the beliefs that the typical lay follower places much stead in is the belief that warriors, especially those who fall in battle, are guided to a celestial hall of celebration in the afterlife for an eternity of pleasure and festivities.

Relations to Other Faiths

Followers and priests of Torranak don't take issue with followers of other deities except for those cases with teachings opposed to the ways of Torranak. In particular, relations with the churches of Hellei, Tahg, and Phessus are good, as their spheres of influence are important for the safety and success of one in battle.

Torranak enjoys the benefits of success and intimidation in its dealings with other faiths, which are often unwilling to offend a large and well armed sect.

Factions and Heresies

Worship of Torranak varies across the continent along with the cultures in which he is worshipped. In the north the faith is relational, with men asking a blessing before battle, or praying when there is need. In Menion and Estovia the faith has developed into a more devotional religion, with temple services to commemorate important historical events and victories as well as daily meditation and service.

The followers of Torranak are simultaneously focused enough and open-minded enough that rarely if ever does a heresy appear. New churches usually conform to the beliefs of the existing churches, and small differences are rarely if ever argued over, except in debates, which Torranak considers the lowest form of disagreement. To date no two factions of this faith have ever taken to battling each other.

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