Pyrous, God of Fire |
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Pyresian History
The religion of Pyrous has found a way into nearly every major controversy that has occurred during the Age of Mortals; even dating back to a time before Pyrous wore the mantle of Fire. The longstanding architectural marvel that is modern day Pyrdian was constantly engaged in battle with the earthen city of Ra'dun. Built with the sole purpose of keeping the peace between the two cities, the ancient city of Pyetra had done so until its fall during the Great Shattering. The religion is in constant turmoil between those intent upon destruction to better themselves or their position, and those who believe through destruction, rebirth can be achieved and Pyrous truly honored. Since the Great Shattering, Pyresians have had their eyes set on Pearl and its position at the center of the modern world. They've gone so far as to try and seize control of Pearl on multiple occasions. In more recent years, the Isle of Pyrous has expanded its navy to combat the rising expansion of the Kalesian fleet and the pirates that fly the banner of the kraken.
Accepted Races
The devalin, an elven race shaped by the Great Shattering, are the chosen of the God of Fire and make up the largest population within the Pyresian religion. Devalins are among the most devoted races across Archai when it comes to acting in the name of their God. Like the Isle of Tetherias, a large population of dwarves and vukasins call the Isle of Pyrous home. The dwarves are known to populate the southern Girammar Mountains, but to what extent has not been tallied by outsiders. It is rumored their numbers rival that of the devalins in the city of Pyrdian. Traditionally nomadic, the tribes of vukasins that worship Pyrous have called the deserts of Shan'zar their home. Humans, gavials, and argali often fill the ranks of the Pyresian military living anywhere from the densely populated cities to the volcanic mountains and arid deserts. While not the most common to be seen, a sylph devoted to Pyrous is often in it solely for the mischief and chaos that many Pyresians embrace. A gargoyle of Pyrous can be a rare sight due to the superstition that the steady heat on the Isle of Pyrous may shorten its lifespan. Even rarer still is a goblin of Pyrous. In the years leading up to the Great Shattering, the goblin clans struck a deal with Itzal that resulted in their dismissal from the other elemental religions. All but one clan had remained loyal to Pyrous despite the promises of untold riches from, the then mortal, Itzal. Descendants of that clan remain welcome in the temples of Pyrous, though their numbers dwindle more and more with each passing generation.
Accepted Professions
Followers of Pyrous are well-known for letting their religious zealousness spread like wildfire into their professional life, using every opportunity to claim they do so in the service of their lord. Making up the largest single profession in the religion, fire-mages are extremely passionate about their element. Though, there is a sizable number of assassins, thieves, and scouts of the Pyresian faith despite their discipline against deception. All three professions often find themselves in the service of the Pyresian military or its navy. In the Girammar mountains, home to the Pyresian dwarves, the most common professions outside the clergy are that of warriors and barbarians. The Empyrion, a title given to the respected leader of each Pyresian cathedral, is selected by the faithful from the ranks of priests and templars. In times of conflict, fire-mages have been known to step into the position if the ranking priests stand in the way of war. As a result, the position of war-mage was created to satisfy this war hungry faction. Pyrous is the only one of the four main religions to not have a separate arch-mage in any of their temples. The last to carry the title was the Elven fire-mage Itzal, who abandoned the position.
Colors, Sigils, and Other Representations
Pyresian followers most often show their devotion by replicating the colors of fire; usually combined with shades of yellow and orange. Deeper crimsons and even blacks are used by those with a darker representation of their lord. Like the other religions, Pyresians most prominently display the sigil of a dragon. Those houses that have broken ranks to establish their own hierarchy of power have established banners with the rising phoenix or the cerberus that prowls the eastern deserts. Much of the world's copper is mined in the southern mountain region of Pyrous, where the smelted metal orichalcum was first discovered. Both metals are commonly represented in Pyresian crests. Due to the high volume of volcanic activity on the isle, obsidian is plentiful, used in decor, carved into shrines, and used as accents in jewelry. Pyresians are quite fond of gems, favoring pyragyrite above all others for its exclusivity to the home isle. Rubies, bloodstones, and garnets are often used in religious representations and extravagant jewelry. The lush valley resting between either side of the Girammar Mountains is home to thick groves of mahogany trees, often used in home furnishings.
Beliefs and Characteristics
Pyrous, the God of Fire, is cherished by countless hordes of mesmerized devotees. His followers believe in two things: destruction and rebirth. Both are achieved through fire, though not all his followers appreciate each result. They are about more than just fiery chaos. They are calculating and a typical pyresian's biggest enemy is his or her impulsiveness when an opportunity is spotted. They don't let it pass. Followers of the Pyresian religion are likely to have the most inner conflicts of any religion. Many of his followers spend their lives debating and jockeying for power and position within the ranks, ultimately seeking notoriety. Not known for dwelling on the past or even present matters, his followers tend to act quickly, be it straight-forward diplomacy or a heavy hand. Not surprisingly, it was Pyrous who first breached an agreement with the other three elemental gods by confronting Itzal. Fire is in one's burning soul to be controlled and used beneficially. How one chooses to focus on this element is either creative in nature or political. One can gain by destroying what is important to the opposition.
Interacting With Other Religions
The most widely recognized conflict in the world is that between Fire and Water; Pyrous and Kaleith. There have been few times the two sides were able to come together and peacefully resolve anything. Much like the elements they represent, the opposing sides transform when confronted by one another. On the other hand, Pyrous has a love hate relationship with Itzal, the God of Shadows, and his followers. They often find themselves on the same side of an issue, but are hesitant to work together. Pyresians have a long-standing relationship with the religion of Aerthane, and an unsteady, but functional, understanding with the Tetherians. While Astraevans as a whole do not bother Pyresians, their desire to control the City of Pearl keeps the two sides at a professional distance.
Read more about Pyrous in the following selections from the libraries of Archai.
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