Suvobog & Gat Yagar

in: Gods & Religions

## Introduction

Worship of Suvobog comes from long ago. So long ago that many have actually forgotten the origins of the god and how they came to power. The brutal god and demon fit for the people of Kovrokov perfectly as many outsiders consider them a brutal people and the religion they follow certainly shows this to those who only choose to look at the surface.

## Origins

Many rumours have started about how Suvobog became a god (some say it was a true old God) who almost died from lack of worshippers, until they changed and adapted to survive. Yet, others say he was nothing, but a blood mage who enjoyed his craft a little too much. Not much is known about how they came to rise to the God of Pain, but all stories do talk about deals with creatures from other planes. Those outside the faith will know nothing of this deal or pact, just that some forms of demon worship do seem to be accepted. Those inside the church may know little more, except for a select few who have proven themselves to both the God and the Demon.Despite all this, Suvobog came to the aid of the people of Kovrokov in their times of need. When the people were almost wiped out by the Snow Elves, the church led the bloody and violent fight back. There was no match for the blood spilled and the pain inflicted by the Devout and the Demon. It was during this time that people first started to speak of Gat Yagar: The whisper of pain. Many tales were repeated to scare children into good behavior amongst the common in those quiet nightmare tales, but those true to the faith knew that should they had need… she would answer. While Gat Yagar is a demon, they are not one of the great Demon Lords of the Soul Wastes. They are said to hold more power than most who inhabit that plane. Often depicted as female, there are very few who know more than this. Whispered hush and rumour about how to summon Gat Yagar often float about and only two things remain the same in these pacts: the price is paid in blood and crossing The Whisper of Pain stirs a vengeance with no immunity… not even from other demons.

## Beliefs

"It is through suffering that I will be granted the strength to survive, it is through my scars, that I know my god favours me.”Pain and suffering are the common tenants of the faith. The world is harsh, and it is through these struggles that people will find the strength to keep surviving. Due to this, the followers of the Lingering One often will not be heard complaining about what life deals them. Rarely will you find them living in luxury as they believe that comfort will means there is no skill placed in survival. To many on the outside, this would seem that Suvobog does not favour his people by letting them suffer, but those of the faith would argue that it is through these challenges, Suvobog makes their favor known by granting the strength to do what must be done. Pain is often a physical thing, and many times, service will end up with blood flowing. Cries of pain ringing out in the churches as the congregation shows their faith, asking for blessings through their suffering. Whips and ritual knives are often worn by the priests on their simple ragged robes. Priests also take offerings upon their body for others of the faith. Devotion is measured in scars and tolerance, the clergy of Suvobog being judged the most devout in disfigurement. This explains why those who follow Suvobog will find it hard to trust a “smooth skin” (someone who has no scars), as it will show they have suffered little pain and anguish.

This brutal way of life lived in pain is often seen as savagery and unnecessary hurt by those outside the faith, causing distrust from outsiders. Another source of distrust falling to the use of Blood Magic in lieu of Holy Magic by the priests, often reviled by others of the world. Despite this magic being mostly used for healing, due to the further extent, efficiency and strength as compared to Holy Magic, many still ostracize the mere association of Blood Magic. Taking away the pain and healing like how Holy Magic would, is seen as a grave insult to the true faithful. The use of Holy Magic amongst the followers of Suvobog is a quick and painless death sentence, dishonoring the practioner by denying them that last offer of pain to the God. While Blood Magic is commonly used for healing and certain rituals, the grafting of other species parts to the body is seen as an affront to many. A true follower adding or changing any part of their body as this is seen as unnatural with one exception: The Order of Anguish. Those who walk around displaying the grafting of limbs and even growing of wings who are not one of Anguish will result in a very slow and painful death at the hands of the Order if and when caught. Despite the common show of brutality and suffering that the people offer to Suvobog, one of his main tenants is that his gifts are only for those who are willing to receive them. It is rare to inflict involuntary pain except in cases involving the Order of Anguish.

## The Order of Anguish

This is a very secret order. Scant few will ever attain a place here, given the absolute devotion and strenuous trial required for entry. Few have been invited to join, and fewer yet have ever lived through the trials to actually serve in it. The background to the order is something only known to those who have survived and earned their wings. During the last occupation of the Snow Elves, a select few had a visit from not just Suvobog, but by Gat Yagar. During this meeting a deal was made, and those who would accept would agree to serve both the God and Demon. What that actually entailed, very few knew, but it was clear, those of the order would not be bound by not hurting others. Instead they would go out and inflict as much pain and suffering on those they caught as they could. Often pushing them to the very edge of life and death, and keeping them in that state until they could take no more. All of this was done in the name of Gat Yagar. Not even the priest of Suvobog would know much of the order and their practices. The main way to identify one of the Angels of Torment was their wings. Upon the back of initiates, the carved winged scars settle, flesh kept on ice for those who would make it through their trials to become a true member of the order. Upon their back would be hideous wings, made from their own flesh. These wings would not allow them to fly, often being little more than a horrific badge to show with honour. To earn these wings, many offerings would be made to both Suvobog and Gat Yagar before they would undertake their rebirth ritual and having the wings carved from their flesh. These would be the first line of attack that would seek out the enemies of Suvobog in times of need. Often leaving bloody and horrific messages to those who sought to persecute the faithful of the Lingering Ones. First with the Snow Elves, and then more recently with the followers of the Sun God.

## Relations with Other Gods

Due to their distrust of Holy Magic and reliance on Blood magic, most followers of other Gods would tend to look down on the followers of Suvobog. Malakht being one of the few religions that seems to get on with the followers of Suvobog. A particular place of hatred is reserved for those who would follow Solnarium. The followers of the Sun God are often seen as weak, as their god coddles them. As time has gone on, some from Kovrokov have even turned to the Solnarium, opening the way for crusaders to venture into the lands to persecute those of Suvobog and Gat Yagar… and be hunted in turn. These often lead to bloodshed as the crusades have been repelled and counter attacks mounted against the crusaders and those who provided information to them.

*Credit for Lore: Achelon, Agony, & Rattenkreig*