Lord Rickard

The Beggar, The King, They Who Knows, The Mad, The Lord of Lies

Lord Rickard the False is the deity of duality, lies, redemption, and vice. They are often depicted as a man clad in rusty, heavy armor, slouched upon a throne, wearing a cracked and ornate mask. The depiction stands for their dual nature as both revealer of truths and keeper of lies, and it invites worshipers to consider their own masks.

Though not widely known, their influence permeates the world through the dark thoughts and hidden intentions of sentient beings. Indifferent to the world’s superficial order, Rickard sees through the web of intricate lies and false laws that govern society. They are the only one who can truly see through the masks that all people wear.

History

How Lord Rickard began was never written down. It is said that they were once a beggar who rose to become a monarch in ancient times. Their reign was marked by both misery and luxury, and to end the charade they took their own life. Instead of finding peace, Rickard ascended to godhood, having understood the world’s truths better than anyone else.

Rickard’s faith is not widely established, lacking formal priesthood and structured doctrine. Many believe their story is a metaphor for the duality of mortal nature and the hidden truths behind societal norms. Their followers are scattered, often forming small enclaves or secretive communities, and they seek to uncover the deeper truths of the world, guided by the teachings of their god.

Despite their obscure following, Rickard’s presence is felt in the dark corners of society and the private thoughts of individuals.

Dogma

The core teaching of Lord Rickard revolves around the concept of the three faces:

The first face, shown to the world.

The second face, shown to close friends and family.

The third face, hidden from everyone.

This doctrine emphasizes the masks people wear to navigate life and the hidden truths behind these facades. Worshipers believe that understanding these faces leads to self-discovery and transformation, whether for better or worse.

Tenets of Faith

• Embrace the Three Faces: Recognize and maintain the distinctions between the different faces shown to the world, loved ones, and the self.
• Seek the Truth: Pursue a deeper understanding of oneself and the world through introspection and critical thought.
• Accept Duality: Acknowledge the dual nature of existence, where lies and truths coexist.
• Live Authentically: Strive for personal authenticity while understanding the necessity of societal masks.
• Embrace Madness: Understand that the pursuit of truth may lead to madness, and be prepared to face it.

Rituals and Practices

• Masked Gatherings: Rituals where participants wear masks to symbolize their different faces and explore hidden truths.
• Truth-Telling Sessions: Private confessions where followers reveal their hidden selves to trusted members.
• Solitary Meditation: Periods of isolation to confront personal truths and reconcile inner conflicts.

Consequences of Transgression

• Ostracism: Those who betray the sanctity of the three faces or deceive fellow followers may be cast out.
• Spiritual Stagnation: Refusing to acknowledge personal truths or hiding behind false masks leads to a lack of spiritual growth.
• Madness: Those who delve too deeply into the world’s truths without preparation may suffer mental instability.

Worshipers

Worshipers of Rickard are diverse, ranging from sincere truth-seekers to individuals seeking redemption. They gather in small, secretive communities where they explore the complexities of existence through the lens of deception and self-discovery. Many wear masks to symbolize their hidden selves, removing them only in solitude or among trusted peers.

These followers include criminals seeking redemption, disillusioned worshipers of other gods, and altruistic individuals harboring dark secrets. The faith is marked by a schism of personality and conflict of reason, reflecting the duality inherent in Rickard’s teachings. Worship practices vary widely, from orgiastic celebrations to ascetic isolation.

Orders and Sects

The Masked Seekers

A group dedicated to unraveling societal deceptions through scholarly study and personal introspection.

The Court of Shadows

Secretive adepts who practice manipulation and intrigue to expose hidden truths and dismantle power structures.

The Redeemed Rogues

Former criminals or individuals seeking redemption through service to Rickard, embracing the journey of self-discovery and personal transformation.

Campaign Updates

Word of Rickard reached the party through Aldo, who works by persona and had never much wondered who might be listening. In a bad night alone, during the worst of his own doubts about which of his faces was the real one, he felt something attend to him for the first time (S3E31). Mikhail admitted to feeling something of the same pull.

Neither of them has taken a step further toward the Lord of Lies. Nothing was promised and nothing was asked.