Zedrus

God of Torture¶

Zedrus, the God of Torture, is a deity shrouded in darkness and mystery. His origins are said to stem from the negative emotions of the people of Andórë, born of their despair, anger, and hatred. However, his cruel and sadistic tendencies led to his downfall, and the other gods imprisoned him in the Iron Hold on the Plane of Discord. Despite his imprisonment, Zedrus remains a powerful force, with a following of secretive and fanatical worshipers who seek to bring about his vision of a world ruled by pain and domination.

Zedrus' approach to torture is detached and clinical. He views pain as a tool to break down a person's will, and is meticulous and precise in his methods, possessing extensive knowledge of the mortal body and mind. Despite his reputation for cruelty, Zedrus values strength and self-discipline, and expects the same from his followers. He respects those who are willing to endure pain and suffering, seeing it as a necessary step on the path to power.

While Zedrus is regarded as a dangerous and enigmatic deity, it should be noted that his past has shaped his worldview, and his goals remain shrouded in mystery. Nonetheless, his followers remain devoted to his vision of a world ruled by pain and domination, driven by a fanatical and secretive fervor.

Zedrus remains a complex and feared figure in the pantheon of Andórë. His followers seek to bring about a world ruled by pain and domination, and they regard him as the patron of pain and suffering. While his approach to torture is clinical and detached, he does value strength and self-discipline, and his extensive knowledge of the human body and mind is unparalleled.

Author's Personal Thoughts¶

I find the concept of Zedrus, God of Torture, to be both fascinating and terrifying. His origins as a manifestation of negative emotions and his subsequent imprisonment by the other gods suggest a deity with immense power and potential danger.

The pursuit of pain and suffering as a means of achieving power and domination seems both cruel and misguided to me. While I understand the value of discipline and strength, I cannot condone the use of torture and pain as a means of achieving these goals.

However, I cannot deny the fact that Zedrus is a complex and enigmatic figure, with a depth of knowledge and understanding that is unmatched. His clinical and precise approach to torture and his knowledge of the mortal body and mind are both impressive and horrifying.

As a scholar, I am intrigued by the mysteries of Zedrus's past and the nature of his goals and motivations. While I cannot condone his methods, I believe that there is much to be learned from the study of his history and his faith.

While I do not agree with the tenets of Zedrus's faith, I am fascinated by the complexity and power of this enigmatic deity. As a scholar, I will continue to study and learn about Zedrus, in the hopes of better understanding his place in the pantheon of Andórë and the impact of his teachings on the world.

~Astrum, High Scribe of Hexorth

Divine Domains¶

Death, Knowledge

Artifacts¶

The Mask of Lies - a magical mask that allows the wearer to deceive others and hide their true intentions.
The Dagger of Agony - a cursed dagger that inflicts immense pain upon its victim, causing them to reveal their secrets.
The Tormentor's Chain - a magical chain that can restrain and torture its victim.
The Eye of Deception - a magical gem that can deceive and manipulate those who look into it.
The Book of Secrets - a magical tome that contains hidden knowledge and secrets that can be used for manipulation and blackmail.
The Painful Veil - a magical cloth that, when draped over a victim, causes immense pain and suffering.

It's important to note that these artifacts would be considered taboo by many and may be sought after only by those who follow Zedrus's secretive faith.

Holy Books & Codes¶

As Zedrus's faith is secretive, it is not widely known if there are any holy books or texts specifically associated with his worship. It is possible that his followers keep their beliefs and practices mostly oral, passing down traditions and rituals through generations. Or they may have written works that are kept hidden and inaccessible to outsiders. Without more information, it is difficult to say for certain.

Divine Symbols & Sigils¶

As a god of torture and pain, the symbols and icons associated with Zedrus's faith are often disturbing and macabre. Some common symbols and icons include:

The Black Chain: This is the most common symbol of Zedrus's faith. It represents the chains that bind the tortured and the enslaved. Followers of Zedrus often wear black chains around their necks or wrists as a sign of devotion.
The Bloody Dagger: This symbolizes the violence and pain associated with Zedrus's domain. It is often depicted as a sharp, serrated dagger dripping with blood.
The Screaming Face: This is a terrifying image of a face twisted in agony and pain. It is meant to evoke the suffering and torment that Zedrus inflicts upon his victims.
The Broken Wheel: This symbolizes the crushing weight of fate and the inevitability of suffering. It is often depicted as a large, wooden wheel with broken spokes.
The Eyeless Skull: This represents the death and decay that is an integral part of Zedrus's domain. It is often depicted as a skull with empty eye sockets, staring blankly into the void.

These symbols are often hidden in plain sight, as the followers of Zedrus keep their faith secretive and hidden from the public eye.

Tenets of Faith¶

Zedrus is not known for having a widely practiced faith, as he is considered a deity of evil and is often feared and shunned by many of the other gods and their followers. However, for those who do worship him, there are several tenets that are believed to be central to his faith. These may include:

Embracing one's negative emotions: Zedrus encourages his followers to embrace and indulge in their negative emotions, such as anger, fear, and sadness. These emotions are seen as a source of power and strength.
Spreading chaos and suffering: Zedrus is a god of chaos and suffering, and his followers are expected to spread these qualities throughout the world. They may do this through acts of violence, destruction, or other forms of malicious behavior.
Pursuing personal gain: Zedrus is not a god of altruism or selflessness. His followers are encouraged to pursue their own goals and desires, even if this means harming others in the process.
Rejecting the other gods: Zedrus is often seen as an outcast among the other gods, and his followers may reject the teachings and beliefs of other faiths in favor of their own.
Honoring the darkness: Darkness and shadow are often associated with Zedrus and his followers may honor these qualities through rituals or other forms of worship.

It is important to note that these tenets are not universally accepted among Zedrus's followers, and there may be significant variation in how individuals interpret and practice their faith.

Holidays¶

Zedrus's faith is secretive and not well-known. However, it is possible that his followers may hold rituals or ceremonies on certain days or during certain phases of the moon. These could be tied to the cycle of negative emotions in the people of Andórë, or to specific events in Zedrus's mythos, such as his birth or the founding of his temple. Without more information, it is hard to determine any specific holidays or festivals associated with Zedrus's faith.

Divine Goals & Aspirations¶

Zedrus is known to take pleasure in inflicting pain and suffering on others. His divine goals are centered around the perpetuation of cruelty and the spreading of fear and despair among mortals. He revels in the chaos and destruction that comes with war and conflict, and delights in the suffering of his victims. Zedrus seeks to exert control over all beings in Andórë, and his ultimate goal is to establish himself as the supreme ruler of the realm. He is a malevolent and ambitious deity, driven by a hunger for power and domination.

Physical Description¶

Body Features¶

Zedrus appears as a young humanoid with pale skin and sharp, angular features. His hair is dark and tousled, and his eyes are deep-set and cold. He wears tattered, dark clothing that seems to cling to his thin frame. His movements are graceful, but also unsettling, as if he's always ready to pounce on his prey. His voice is soft, but with an underlying menace that suggests he's not to be trusted. Overall, Zedrus exudes an aura of malice and darkness, leaving those around him feeling uneasy and fearful.

Facial Features¶

Zedrus has a sharp, angular face with high cheekbones and a prominent jawline. His eyes are small and dark, with a piercing gaze that seems to look right through you. His eyebrows are thick and arched, adding to his menacing expression. Zedrus's nose is long and slightly hooked, giving him a somewhat hawk-like appearance. His lips are thin and tightly pressed together, as if he is always deep in thought or plotting something sinister. Overall, his facial features convey an intimidating and malevolent presence.

Identifying Characteristics¶

He has long, unkempt black hair that falls messily around his face and shoulders, and his eyes are a dark, almost black shade. His skin is pale and has a sickly, almost translucent quality to it. On his left cheek, he has a jagged scar that runs from his temple down to his jawline, and his fingernails are long and sharp. He also has a tattoo of a black serpent coiled around his left wrist. These physical features contribute to his overall eerie and menacing appearance.

Special abilities¶

Zedrus possesses a unique ability to inflict pain and suffering beyond the capabilities of the other gods. He can manipulate the physical and mental states of living beings, causing them to experience agonizing pain or psychological torment. Zedrus can also enter and influence the dreams and nightmares of mortals, causing them to suffer from night terrors or traumatic memories. Additionally, he has the ability to create and control constructs made of iron, which he can use to imprison his enemies or torture them.

Apparel & Accessories¶

Zedrus wears a black robe that drapes down to his feet, concealing most of his body. The robe has intricate silver embroidery around the edges and sleeves. He also wears a silver amulet with a black gem in the center, hanging from a silver chain around his neck. The amulet seems to emit a faint, eerie glow, adding to his ominous appearance. Additionally, he has silver bracelets on each wrist, and his fingers are adorned with silver rings, each with a different design etched into the metal.

Mental characteristics¶

Personal history¶

Zedrus was born from the collective negative emotions of the people of the land. As they struggled with suffering and pain, their despair and anger began to coalesce and take on a life of its own. Zedrus emerged from this primordial negativity as a being of immense power and malice, determined to spread misery and suffering wherever he could. He reveled in the pain of others and took pleasure in causing despair and hopelessness.

The other gods of Andórë were horrified by Zedrus's existence and sought to contain his destructive influence. They bound him to the darkest depths of the Plane of Discord, where he could do no harm.

But even in his prison, Zedrus continued to fester and grow in power. He whispered to mortals in their dreams, tempting them with promises of power and revenge. And some listened, offering sacrifices and dedicating themselves to his cause.

Despite the efforts of the other gods, Zedrus remained a potent force in the world, a reminder of the pain and suffering that could arise from the darkest corners of the human soul.

Morality & Philosophy¶

Zedrus's moral philosophy is centered around the belief that suffering and pain are necessary for growth and evolution. He believes that only through the experience of pain and hardship can one truly understand and appreciate the value of life. Zedrus also believes that morality is subjective and that what is considered good or evil is dependent on individual perspectives and experiences. He sees himself as a necessary force in the universe, helping to balance the scales of life and death, pleasure and pain. However, this worldview can also be seen as morally flawed, as it justifies the infliction of suffering and the denial of the value of human life.

Personality Characteristics¶

Motivation¶

Zedrus finds motivation in the suffering and pain of others. He takes pleasure in inflicting agony and enjoys the power he has over those who are at his mercy. Zedrus is also motivated by a desire for revenge against those who imprisoned him, and he seeks to regain his lost power and influence. His desire for revenge drives him to work towards escaping his prison and building his power and following once again. Overall, Zedrus is a cruel and malevolent deity whose motivations are centered on his own sadistic desires and thirst for power.

Savvies & Ineptitudes¶

Zedrus has godly powers and abilities beyond human comprehension. He is highly skilled in the art of torture and can inflict excruciating pain on his victims. He is also highly intelligent and has an excellent understanding of the human psyche, which allows him to manipulate his victims to his advantage.

However, Zedrus has a tendency to be overly sadistic, causing him to lose sight of his goals and motivations. He is also notoriously secretive and paranoid, which can make it challenging for him to form alliances or make friends.

Likes & Dislikes¶

Zedrus takes pleasure in inflicting pain and suffering on others. He likes the sound of his victims' screams and relishes the feeling of power he gets from dominating them. He also enjoys the chaos and destruction that can come from the darker side of humanity.

Zedrus dislikes anything that threatens his power or control. He has little patience for weakness and will often punish those who fail him. He is also highly suspicious of others, as he believes that everyone is capable of betrayal.

Virtues & Personality perks¶

Zedrus is not known for promoting conventional virtues or moral values. Instead, he encourages his followers to embrace their darker impulses and indulge in their deepest desires. Zedrus believes that by giving in to their most base and selfish instincts, his followers can attain a sense of power and fulfillment that is denied to those who restrain themselves.

As for the boons he grants his followers, Zedrus is known to bestow them with the power to inflict pain and suffering on their enemies, as well as the ability to resist torture and pain themselves. He also grants them knowledge of secrets and hidden truths, which they can use to manipulate others and gain an advantage in their pursuits. Those who prove themselves to be particularly devoted to Zedrus may even receive the gift of immortality, allowing them to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh and the agony of others for all eternity.

Vices & Personality flaws¶

Zedrus's vices are inherently tied to his divine portfolio. He takes pleasure in the suffering of others and delights in causing pain. This sadistic streak can lead him to be ruthless and cruel, even towards his own followers.

Zedrus's flaws include his tendency to be manipulative and controlling. He enjoys being in power and having others at his mercy, and this can lead him to use his followers for his own gain without regard for their well-being. Additionally, Zedrus can be prone to arrogance and overconfidence, leading him to underestimate his opponents or take unnecessary risks.

Contacts & Relations¶

Whenever a patron of Fortunia breaks the rules of the casino, they are ejected from Fortunia and sent to the Iron Hold, which is located in Zedrus's divine realm on the Plane of Discord. This agreement was made between Atdite and Zedrus as a way for Atdite to maintain order and fairness within her casino, while also providing Zedrus with a steady stream of souls to torment and torture.

In exchange for sending these rule-breakers to the Iron Hold, Zedrus allows Atdite to keep a portion of the souls as payment for the service. This arrangement benefits both parties, as Atdite is able to maintain the integrity of her casino, while Zedrus gains a steady supply of new souls to add to his collection. Additionally, this agreement has strengthened the alliance between Atdite and Zedrus, making them close allies in the Andórëan pantheon.

This is Zedrus's only known alliance.

Hobbies & Pets¶

Zedrus does not engage in conventional hobbies or have pets as mortals do. However, he may find amusement in experimenting with various forms of torture, devising new methods, and exploring the limits of pain and suffering. This is not a hobby in the traditional sense, but more of an obsession and fundamental aspect of his being as a god.

Speech¶

Zedrus's manner of speech is otherworldly and may be difficult for mortals to fully comprehend. However, those who can understand him describe his tone of voice as cold and emotionless, with a hint of sadism and cruelty. He speaks in a deep, rumbling voice that can be heard even from a great distance.

Zedrus does not have a discernible accent or dialect, as he does not originate from any specific mortal culture. He speaks in a language that mortals can understand, but it is unknown if this is his true divine language or a form of divine magic that allows him to communicate with mortals.

Zedrus's catchphrases and common phrases are often related to suffering, pain, and torture. He may use phrases such as "the sweet agony of pain," "the exquisite torment of the damned," or "the joy of agony." He may also use metaphors related to darkness, imprisonment, or torment, such as "trapped in the darkness of their own mind" or "imprisoned by the weight of their own guilt."

Zedrus does not typically offer compliments or expressions of praise, as he finds pleasure in the suffering of others. However, he may insult mortals or other deities, often using words related to weakness, cowardice, or failure. He may use phrases such as "pathetic mortal," "weakling deity," or "pitiful excuse for a god."

Zedrus does not have a specific greeting or farewell, as he typically appears and disappears at his own whim. However, he may use phrases such as "pain and suffering be upon you" or "may your agony never cease" as a form of parting words.

Zedrus may use swearing or vulgar language, especially when he is enraged or frustrated. He may use curse words related to torture or pain, such as "may you be flayed alive" or "may your eyes be gouged out."

Divine Classification

Deity

Alignment

Neutral Evil

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Zedrus is known by several titles, including "Lord of Torment," "Master of Pain," "Prince of Agony," "God of Suffering," and "Sovereign of the Abyss."

Children

Pronouns

He/Him

Quotes & Catchphrases

"Pain is the currency of progress."
"The greatest secrets are hidden in the darkest places."
"Fear is the most effective tool of persuasion."
"Punishment is not an end in itself, but a means to an end."
"I am the keeper of the ultimate truth, and the truth hurts."
"The weak are like clay, and I am the sculptor who shapes them."
"The road to enlightenment is paved with suffering."
"In the end, all will be revealed and all will suffer."
"I am the shadow that lurks behind your thoughts, the voice that whispers your fears."
"Pain is a gift, for it teaches us the true value of pleasure."

Character Prototype

Dark Lord