Nessek

Description

“Representing an elemental force without morals, Nessek is capable of blinding flashes of rage as well as slow, methodical action. As the patron of sorcery, she embodies the innate fire of magic that can erupt from an individual and be used for almost anything. She appears as a beautiful human woman with long dark hair and a crown of flames. She sees fire (and its more abstract counterpart, magic) as merely a tool and not something that can be defined as good or evil. Primarily worshiped in Bazareene and Xaphan, Nessek has a token following in other countries, mainly supported by sorcerers and people who use fire in their work, such as smiths. She is also favored among hobgoblins, orcs, bugbears, and ogres, who typically worship her destructive aspect. Her temples are usually large buildings made of stone (particularly volcanic rock) within which a fire is constantly kept burning. Each temple is largely independent. Responsibilities of the clerics include teaching people how to build stronger and safer fires, creating firebreaks around high-risk areas, and serving with military groups as magical firepower. Nessekar pray at noon in front of some sort of fire or flame (at least a candle). The summer solstice is a holy day called the High Burning. On that day the clergy build pyres and sacrifice animals and large pieces of ice to the flames. Once a cleric reaches 6th level, he must undergo the Branding, a ceremony in which a magically heated brand sears the symbol of Nessek into the cleric’s flesh on the hand, forehead, or chest as a show of faith. Nessek’s clerics often multiclass as sorcerers. Her clerics never rebuke or command undead. Nessek’s colors are orange and red.

History/Relationships:

Nessek is a fairly old deity. She has been known to change her appearance and name every few hundred years (her last two incarnations were Golzan, a short dwarf with a burning beard, and Herukal, a crone wearing fire-scorched robes). She makes no strong friends or enemies among the deities, preserving her neutrality. Orcus dislikes her because many undead are vulnerable to fire. Nessek cannot perceive Soggelos directly in any way, having to rely on magic or the actions of others to recognize his presence; she knows he exists from past experience, but cannot verify it with her own senses.

Dogma:

Fire is the energy of life. Before the people of the world tamed beasts and built cities, they loved fire for its warmth and feared it for its bite—and that love and fear endures to this day. Fire is a tool, above laws and moral concerns; it is the actions of the user that determine the good or evil of it. Seek to understand fire and emulate its neutrality. Know when fire should be used to comfort and heal, and understand when it must be used as a brand against your enemies. Magic, like fire, is a fundamental force not subject to moral classification.”