| Domain: | War, Fire and Soldiers |
| Symbol: | A broken or cracked wheel of fortune |
| Deity Alignment: | Lawful Neutral / Evil Tendencies |
| Worshipers: | Any but true neutral |
Azkal is tall, muscular and ruggedly handsome -- an identical copy of his twin, Estereal except for his neatly trimmed beard and mustache. He is always dressed in gleaming armor and carrying his Fire Sword. His white- blond hair may be tied back or blowing behind him. Always he appears strong, fearless and determined.
The myths of the canon do not depict Azkal as the most intelligent of deities. Some say that his intellect shines only in relation to battle strategy and tactics, while others argue that Azkal´s preference for plain speaking and firm decisions often make him appear more simple-minded than he really is. All agree that Azkal is unfailingly brave, loyal, and protective of his allies. Azkal respects the chain of command, but is willing to disobey The One´s orders when the welfare of an ally is at stake. He tends to be impatient and a bit hot-headed, and becomes especially furious when deceived or betrayed. Some claim that Azkal is cold and unfeeling, but many argue that he merely hides his softer emotions to protect his stern reputation.
Soldiers, guardsmen and warriors across the land almost universally pay homage to The Great Warrior. So do all tradesmen who use fire in their craft, such as potters and glazers; but especially smiths, who use both strength and fire in their art. Those who are admired for their strength often honor Azkal, as do the common people who have reason to value the protection of soldiers and guards.
Azkal obeys his twin, Estereal, and is not at all resentful of being born second in the pantheon. He is proud to be Estereal´s general, and The One´s right arm whenever battles arise. Azkal considers his twin just, honest and forthright, and worthy of the mantle of leadership. Azkal only disobeys Estereal, and this reluctantly, when Estereal´s commitment to the letter of the law places an ally in danger.
Azkal loves Soltana, perhaps as much as Estereal. But rather than being bitter over her marriage to his brother, he serves Soltana faithfully as her friend, brother and protector. Despite her physical weakness, Azkal recognizes the worth of Soltana´s powers and admires her loyalty and her courage.
Although Azkal has admitted that Wajen´s temper is the only thing he truly fears, he and The Great Mother share a deep passion that has led to many children. They have seldom been known to quarrel. Instead they seem to have developed an uncomplicated relationship based on lust and an appreciation for the simple pleasures. Azkal, who is not known to be witty and romantic, enjoys Wajen´s acceptance of his own blunt nature.
Jvelto´s jovial nature and general lack of responsibility are probably more offensive to Azkal than to anyone. The Great Warrior admires discipline, and Jvelto doesn´t seem to have a great supply of this virtue. However, even Azkal has seldom quarreled with the Oceanlord -- perhaps Jvelto´s persistent attempts to get Azkal to lighten up a little are starting to wear him down? Azkal has admitted a fondness for his brother, though he regrets the missed potential -- Jvelto could be a great warrior if he only applied himself.
Azkal quarrels with Torodin more than any of his siblings. He is routinely frustrated by his brother´s disrespectful, juvenile, and condescending behavior. Azkal doesn´t find Torodin´s snide remarks or his mischievous pranks amusing at all, and doesn´t understand why Estereal doesn´t punish the boy soundly. Worse, Azkal has expressed a certain distrust of Torodin, whose mysterious ways and close relationship with Othniel are not to Azkal´s liking. Despite all this, Azkal maintains a deep affection for his little brother that he would never admit to -- not even under torture. Torodin has saved Azkal´s life on numerous occasions, and Azkal has grudgingly admitted that the Shadowlord has always stood by his allies in times of trouble.
Among the minor deities, Azkal shares a great respect for the warriors among them, such as Tritherion, Natanael and especially his own son Dagon. Azkal himself has trained many of them in the art of combat, and displays a fatherly pride in their weapon prowess and their courage. He maintains a somewhat protective attitude towards the other younger gods, except for Siwili, whom he hates passionately.
Priests of Azkal are primarily warriors themselves -- either veteran soldiers or adventurers who found a new calling, or young folk who sought military service but were chosen to serve Azkal instead. The exceptions include former smiths and craftsmen, but each and every priest is strong and proud.
The church of Azkal is organized much as a vast military unit. Not only are the clergy of each temple given ranks much as soldiers, and these ranks apply across temple structures. Any priest or novitiate of Azkal is expected to obey the orders of their superiors. Discipline is always well maintained. Each priest knows his or her assigned duties and carries them out without complaint.
The temples of Azkal tend to be spartan. Vast rooms are built for sparring and ceremonies, but the priests themselves live in barracks. Only high-ranking officers have private quarters, and even these are not lavish. Sometimes this temple resembles a rowdy barracks more so than a place of worship and there are quite often pigs being roasted on spits and large barrels of ale standing open for all to enjoy. Instead of an altar, each sanctuary houses a holy brazier whose flames burn constantly. Torches and sconces abound, and the shields and weapons of honored priests and warriors fallen in battle adorn the walls.
In an Azkalite temple, all who enter are expected to submit to battles and contests of strength. This is not a safe environment for the weak or weak of heart.
Azkal protects those who protect themselves. War, Fire and Soldiers, three evils that can be harnessed for good by force of will, strength of heart and clarity of mind -- these are the basic tenets of Azkal, The Great Warrior. Priests of Azkal revere the honor code of the true warrior. Never betray an ally, never submit to an enemy, and never attack the weak.
The Azkalites have a zest for life second only to their zest to honor themselves through battle. Though their oath of, "Azkal, Sword, and Duty" evokes their commitment to church, battle and duty above all, the priests of Azkal are encouraged to enjoy life to its fullest (for tomorrow you may die). The clerics of Azkal are regular patrons at taverns, brothels and gaming establishments -- perhaps second only to the clerics of Jvelto. However, unlike the Jveltoans, the Azkalites never allow drink or pleasure to lead to a lapse of duty. Discipline must always be maintained.
As adventuring Azkalites must structure their daily routine around their mission, morning prayer and weapon care are their only required duties, other than a continued commitment to the upholding the honor of the church. Priests in the temple, however, have numerous duties, each assigned according to rank. Weapon drills, combat and the study of tactics take up a large part of each day. The lower-ranking priests maintain the temple, clean the grounds, and take care of the weapons. Some temples include smithies where priests may make holy weapons for special ceremonies or to bestow upon honored clergy. Temples may also include stables, where priests tend their own mounts. Priests always participate in holy day ceremonies -- loudly and with great gusto, lest any doubt their devotion to Azkal. Higher-ranking priests are expected to maintain good relations with temples of the other major deities, and to especially honor servants of Estereal.
Priests of Azkal always dress in red and black, and always wear armor and weapons while on duty. Off duty they may forsake the armor, but always carry at least one weapon unless prohibited. Style of dress is left open to the individual, but tends to be sturdy and practical. Long hair is common among the priesthood, in honor of their god. High Priests wear filigreed armor and gilded shields crafted within the temple.
