Introduction

Ludger is the god of assassination, blood, and cruelty. He is an unforgiving god, who cares little for his adherents, save that they server him without question and provide him with animae in the form of assassinations or ritual murders. Thieves, assassins, and common murderers often worship him.

Depiction

Ludger’s depiction varies by region. Within the Dragonspine Empire, Ludger is depicted as a menacing man dressed in black clothing with dark red trim, appropriate for an upper-class gentleman. He has dark brown hair and brown eyes. The lower half of his face is hidden by a dark-red mask that looks like a grimacing mouth. He carries two daggers, one silver and the other ebony.

Theological Mission

Ludgerianism teaches that there are only two commandments: serve the god faithfully or die and all animae should be given to Ludger. Ostara, in her role as The Custodian, is the bitch goddess who hoards animae, doling out scraps to the other gods.

Social Mission

The church of Ludger really has no social mission. The nature of the religion does not mesh well with any kind of charity.

Organization

Regional Authority

Ludger worship dates back to the mists of ancient times. Ludgerianism, as it is known now however, was founded during the Chthonic Empire. As such, Ludgerianism is centered in Chthonia and Maelgrimm. It is forbidden in much of Aerdyn; with few exceptions, temples to Ludger are hidden. The elves of Toriath and Sai Torath do not follow the Dholkhvir, but Ludger does have some adherents there.

Temple Hierarchy

Shakarth – Pontiff

Seated in Chthonia, the Shakarth is the highest official in the church. It is said that Ludger will appear to him, giving him instructions for select assassinations and naming those who have failed Ludger.

Hark Vyran – Holy Office

Attendants to the Shakarth, they often act as inquisitors and messengers. All are highly skilled in the art of murder.

Kho Shakarth – High Priest

Each region where Ludger is worshipped has a Kho Shakarth. As the pontiffs voice, he carries out the edicts of the Shakarth.

Sha Ganarak – Priests

Sha Ganarak run the temples to Ludger and train the Kho Ganarak. Their is a rigid hierarchy among them, based on seniority and the number and manner of kills each has. Each temple will have a handful; even the largest temples in Chthonia only have five or six. It is they who are sent to kill the enemies of the church, unless such a death requires the skill of the Hark Vyran.

Kho Ganarak – Acolytes

The bulk of the church, such as it is. They are responsible for temple upkeep, as well as carrying out many of the contracts undertaken by the church. Very rarely does the church send a promising Kho Ganarak on a mission of church business; those who return from such are often marked for advancement, should they survive the rest of their training.

Clerical Orders

D’hor Kai Vyran – An order devoted to hunting necromancers and their undead. Their name translates to “Those Who Hunt Blasphemy”. The largest chapter is active in Wostenheim, although its members can be found just about anywhere. They are ruthless in their pursuit and not opposed to removing those who get between them and their prey. Once they determine the identity of a necromancer, no amount of evidence can prove that person innocent. The each chapter is comprised of Sha Ganarak and Kho Ganarak, overseen by a Kho Shakarth.

Religious Practices

Ludger demands two things: animae and unwavering dedication. As such, ritual murder and suicide play major roles in his worship.

There are two ways to become a member of the clergy. One is to be chosen by existing members and invited to take the initiation ritual, the Sherak Vai. The other is to be kidnapped as a child and raised in the temple.

Those who fail an assassination are expected to atone for their transgression. Depending on the nature of the failure and the value of the target, this may range from rigid penance to suicide.

The most important day of Ludgerian year is Khral Divaq – the 13th of Ludgezeit. Translating to the bloodletting, it is a night of murder and suicide. Penitent followers may take their own life if they feel their transgression against Ludger warrants. It begins the two days of drug-induced reverie that make up the celebration of Todnachten. Members of the church take hallucinogenic and opioid drugs and enter a euphoric state where they commune with Ludger and his attendants. This culminates in an orgy of bloodletting as hapless victims are sacrificed to The Hidden Blade. It is as close to revelry as this dour church comes.

Moving to higher ranks within the church, especially at the highest levels, often involves the untimely death of ones predecessor.

Archetype: The Hidden Blade
Titles: Father of Cruelty, The Merciless Father, Morderin, Dunkler Vater, Vater Tod
Gender: Male
Sacred Animals: Spider
Sacred Colors: Black, dark red
Favored Weapons: Dagger

Holy Days

• 13th of Ludgezeit – Kral Divaq
• Both nights of the Festival of Todnachten