User:Chaoswolf/sandbox2

Ziphane, Lady of Pain
Domains	Pain and Suffering
Subsidiaries:
Additional Symbols	Cat o'nine
Colors or Aesthetics	red field, black symbol

Basic Overview

Ziphane is the goddess of pain and suffering, regarded as evil by most of the Thracian world but very highly regarded by ogres, orcs, and goblins. To them she is more of a teacher and a representative of toughness and endurance. She is the particular patron goddess of ogres, and every generation or so the ogres of the deep wastes may unite around a figure they declare to be an avatar of Ziphane, typically a young adult lady who had proven herself to shamans satisfaction, and she will lead the unusually united hordes on a massive incursion into Warwick or even further. Her primary symbol is the cat-o-nine.

Pain is a universal experience, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual, and it is that concept that lies at the core of Ziphane worship.

Worship & Simple Devotions

This primary figure within the local pantheon led Thracia to adopt Ziphane into their own pantheon as a means of including the goblinoid hordes into their theology, seeking to reduce conflict between colonial Albans, Thracians, and the local Goblinoids. Worship of the Goddess outside of Goblinoid cultures' original concepts, such as those found in Thracian torture pits, is regarded as evil. As the Goddess of Pain, Ziphane's worship is controversial, as many have come to associate her with Goblinoid incursions and torture, but this is only one side of her devotees.

Major Religious Centers

Another near-local sect of Ziphane worshipers are the remains of the Ear Bitta Tribe, a tribe of cave-dwelling Goblins. It was their belief that Ziphane liberated the Goblins from slavery to the other Goblinoids and chose them as her favored tribe. Their hierarchy was based on the length and degree one could withstand the Wrack spell, a now extinct magic that could only be related to Vitriol in its effect. A Goblin who could undergo the painful spell without moving or making a sound, and could find a trancelike tranquility in the state, would be considered the Grand Shaman and granted the Staff of Ziphane. The Ear Bittas did not see their Mistress as a Sadist, but as a Matronly Figure handing out discipline to teach much needed lessons. When Wrack disappeared, the Ear Bitta clan needed to rely on Vitriol to enact their religious devotions. The Ear Bittas have since dispersed and no real tribal center remains, however the Goblinoids of Knyfe Rock have accepted many Goblins who still follow those practices.

Formal Orders

Many other sub-sects of Ziphane followers have arisen over the years, commonly united under one claiming to be her Avatar, but due to their general aggressive practice of inflicting pain on others, taking prisoners for entertainment purposes, and overall disdain for any who do not bow to their will, most of these religious orders have been wiped out. There are still Orcs far to the North of Freeholt, and Ogre Mounds bordering the near Wastes who participate in grisly devotions, just like there are Orders of professional interrogators who pay tithe to the Goddess of Pain, most of her followers now believe that the pain they personally experience is a blessing of Ziphane, rather than learning, or taking pleasure, from inflicting pain upon others.

Presence in Warwick

Perhaps the most well-known source of information on the Goddess of Pain are the local Sisters of Ziphane, who recently hosted the Tournament known colloquially as "The Murder Game". Many of their congregation were once Ogres before they were transmuted against their will into Sidhe by the Warlord Tharnack over ten years ago. Their practice is one that embraces the lessons brought by pain, along with the pleasure found in pushing one's own boundaries. The Sisters practice openly with the blessing of the local Lord, seeking to help educate the populace that Ziphane is no longer a name to be regarded with fear or derision.

[[Category:Thracian Pantheon]]