Maulok

God of Pain

Identity

  • Title(s) – The Torturer
  • Influence – Masochism, Pain, Sadism, Suffering, Torture
  • Appearance – An ashen nude man, curled into a ball and tied with ropes or chains, most often in dark place

Attributions

  • Symbol – A wooden door with a barred window
  • Focus – Iron cuffs
  • Color(s) – Black and White
  • Element –
  • Animal – None

Cult

  • Center of Worship – Any of the dungeons of Maulok (see below)
  • Scriptures –
  • Leader –
  • Priesthood – The Damned, The Pure
  • Orders –
  • Aspects –
  • Touched –
  • Holy Days –
  • Friends – None, though the Damned are sometimes hired to interrogate or torture enemies
  • Enemies – Unknown
  • Sayings – “With each scream one becomes a more perfect person”, “Do not fight the pain, bathe in it, ignoring the sensation dulls the lesson learned”

Introduction

The origin of Maulok is told differently in each of the world corners where it is told. Each of the stories hold common ground in that Maulok was a prisoner of a wicked and talented torturer. Having insulted a local person of importance (the Tassèri story has him blamed for the killing of the king’s only heir), Maulok was sentenced to a life of torture. Years passed and Maulok received “divine revelation” through the blinding pain granted him by his tormentors. Soon, he welcomed the torture inflicted upon him, and was soon able to “borrow” pain inflicted on those around (though he stopped this when he realized he was keeping them from their own revelations and betterment). When the torturer died (from old age) his apprentice followed, and his apprentice after that. Soon, a “merciful” king gave the order to kill the old prisoner, but the task was never carried out. In some of the tales, Maulok stood from his fetters and imprisoned his captors, while in other tellings of the legend the soldiers sent to kill him found their spears could not penetrate his scarred and calloused flesh. In all the stories, Maulok overcame his imprisonment and became master of the dungeons. Soon, the dungeons were expanded to suit the “needs” of its new residents.

The Cult

The Priesthood

Each rank within the Cult of Maulok is accompanied by a grueling test of stamina. Members of the highest ranks within the Cult have undergone terrifying ordeals and are considered “beyond” the mortal concerns of pain and suffering. Followers of Maulok wear no clothes except for the metal collars, manacles, or ropes of their chosen experience.

Daily Activities

Holy Days and Rituals

The Damned do not believe in killing, but will torment and torture animals and people during unholy days and other festivities. Flagellation is believed to be a cleansing process which purges the body and mind of wickedness.

Places of Worship

Over the centuries, other great dungeons have been built in Maulok’s name. In addition to their intended purpose, these dungeons serve as temples for the Cult of Maulok. Six of these dungeons are considered by the Damned to be the unholiest temples to the Torturer. The dungeons are:

  • Çan Po of Kenyu
  • Gormòrgor of Naskara
  • Nirvàn Kordun of Tarantis
  • Orzul of Shrull (beneath Niibshibbett Castle)
  • Salmyrida of Balaal
  • Dægwùrdunjun of Oð (beneath Dagger Peninsula)