Avelygyd

(The following setting is exclusive to S:PL canon and is based on the event chain orchestrated by DM Pincushion across 2023-2024. Anyone is welcome to create a character based on this setting, and their character is free to know all information on this wiki page unless explicitly marked as 'DM dark' or otherwise. Prospective Clerics and Warlocks who worship or are bound by Avelygydian entities must request permission to be playable.)

Avelygyd's Ancient Capital...

Introduction

Welcome to the Wiki Page for Avelygyd, an apocalyptic setting where the remnants of a once-grand civilization now teeter on the brink of oblivion. Once steeped in ancient traditions, noble lineages, and mystical intrigue, Avelygyd has been ravaged by the cataclysmic forces unleashed by the dreaded Beast of Plenty. Now, the rich tapestry of this civilization's history, culture, and the tumultuous events that shaped its fate lie in the hands of those who survived its downfall.

A potential character from this desolate setting begins as a refugee in the Planes, whether arriving with fleeing merchants and peasants into the Outlands, or as an errant noble, penniless and powerless, to seek sanctuary amidst the chaos of Sigil.

Rediscover and reestablish your culture and people amongst the planes, or abandon your history in favor of a new life in Sigil. Explore the secret history of your destroyed home, delving into the history of the ancient nobility and their blood relics, and the arcane secrets which linger amongst the survivors.

Will you forge a new destiny amidst the ashes of the old, or succumb to the weight of a world torn asunder by forces beyond mortal comprehension?

Nobility

(Make a mention that noble PCs from major noble families need to be approved by the team.)

Religion

The faith in the Kingdom of Avelygyd is a peculiar one indeed. The "state religion" undergoes frequent changes, and consequently, the entire kingdom seamlessly adapts to these shifts. At least, this adaptation is readily apparent in public life. Whenever a new State Religion is established, the old churches, cathedrals, statues, and relics of the previous order are discreetly replaced, without exception, by the new ones.

It's not that the Faith and the Kingdom at large openly disrespect these secondary deities. Rather, they adhere to a singular heir of faith, much like the Kingdom's approach to bloodlines. Discreet prayers and concealed temples still exist for the other religions, and their institutions continue to operate, although not in any official capacity. This leads to a gradual decline in the number of their worshippers.

The state religion usually changes with the appointment of each Marquis or Marchioness of the Faith. However, the current Varquesse of House Accorde officially maintains her father's faith in the Flayed Martyr.

Public places of worship are typically designed to accommodate any religion. Statues are crafted from affordable materials, and there are very few widely recognized relics associated with any particular Faith. To describe this tradition as bizarre would be an understatement, but for Avelygyd, it's the only way they know.

Some contend that this peculiar system was originally devised by Celistine himself for reasons that have remained shrouded in mystery over the centuries. Scholars observe that when the state religion changes, there is a noticeable shift in the attitudes and behaviors of both the nobility and the common people. While it's not inconceivable that the adoption of new primary religions can lead to significant social change, some suggest a mystical aspect to it. There's a belief that perhaps the God itself gains power and influence over the land through some mysterious process of selection.

Furthermore, these Gods are known only by their titles; they lack true names. They are not worshipped beyond the borders of Avelygyd, and if a Cleric ventures outside the realm, their spellcasting abilities are restricted to 4th level and below. Many theories abound regarding the reasons for this limitation, but as few Avelygydian scholars venture beyond their homeland, answers remain elusive. Many divisions of the pantheon have existed throughout history, though none have stuck. The current manner of organisation is that of 'mounted', and 'unmounted' Gods -- that is, which Gods have once been part of the State Religion, and which ones have not.

The Flayed Martyr

Name: The Flayed Martyr Alignment: LN Symbol: A flayed man, hanged upside down, burning alive. Domains: Fire, Law, Light, Protection, Retribution

Description:

The Flayed Martyr is a vengeful God whose beliefs center on the principles of fair and just punishment, with a strong emphasis on corporal retribution. Represented by a chilling symbol—an image of a flayed man, suspended upside down, consumed by flames—the Flayed Martyr's presence is a stark reminder of the consequences of transgression. Fire, in the eyes of this deity, is not only a cleansing element but also a potent tool for executing the vilest of criminals, ensuring that justice is swift and uncompromising.

However, beneath the stern visage of the Flayed Martyr lies a complex protector figure. This god is often regarded as a guardian of children and the innocent, seeing them as sacred and untouchable. In the eyes of the Flayed Martyr, these vulnerable beings must be safeguarded at all costs, their purity preserved against the encroaching darkness of wrongdoing. This dual aspect of retribution and protection makes the Flayed Martyr a deity of unwavering righteousness and fierce devotion.

The Flayed Martyr has always been a favourite of the people, for its faith often challlenges the rule of nobility. Paradoxically, it has also been a frequent choice by the monarch as reigning Faith -- after all, one must keep one's enemies close, and their claws blunt.