Snaga the Abusive

Iron Lord, Lord of the Forge, Bringer of the Flame

Unlike the other gods of the Inner Planes, who are made from the souls of mortals of significant impact, Snaga was an immortal before he died. Born the child of a ‘Bracyl Calzritz’ (a breaker of contracts), Snaga was an outcast from birth. Unlike most devils, he was born on the Prime Material Plane, making him an outsider naturally native to that plane. He had a soul bound to the plane, just like a typical mortal’s.

History

Despite being born native to the material plane, Snaga was still an immortal. Eons meant nothing to him. Fire, iron, and steel did not harm his flesh. Poison did not stay his heart. He spent centuries roaming the world, traveling across several continents and leaving his mark wherever he went. But inevitably, his lifestyle of interfering with mortal affairs got the better of him. It was the Mól that brought Snaga to his end. Their magics were strong enough to contain him and even capture him.

For a short time, Snaga was part of a few Mól experiments, but his captivity was brief. He was mighty, and charismatic in his own way. During his life he had convinced some to worship him as a god, and he had a small faith devoted to his own glory. It was these worshipers who believed the only way to free their lord from his chains was to free him of his physical form. They could not have known they were killing him. Snaga was upset and tried to convince them otherwise. Their mistake was serendipitous: that day the devil, born a native to the material plane, died, and that day he found his true place in the Inner Planes as a god.

Dogma

Snaga teaches that creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin. His followers are encouraged to forge new paths, create masterpieces, and embrace the fires of change and destruction as a necessary part of growth.

Tenets of Faith

• Embrace Creation: Use your skills and passion to create, whether in art, craftsmanship, or innovation.
• Honor Strength: Recognize strength in all forms, be it physical, mental, or emotional. True strength lies in resilience and adaptability.
• Respect the Forge: Understand that creation often requires destruction; the forge must melt the old to shape the new.
• Seek Mastery: Strive for excellence in your chosen craft or path, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
• Worship through Work: Let your dedication to your craft be a form of worship, honoring Snaga with each completed work.

Rituals and Practices

• Creation Festivals: Periodic festivals celebrating innovation and craftsmanship, where followers display their works and share techniques.
• Forging Rite: A ceremonial forging of a weapon or tool, blessed in Snaga’s name, performed by master smiths and artisans. The blessing said over finished work is naga idiopan.
• Sacrifice of the Old: Ritual destruction of old, worn-out tools or creations, symbolizing the continuous cycle of creation and renewal. (In many places, this also means that the old are on the front line in times of war).
• Trial by Fire: Initiation rites for new followers involving tests of endurance, creativity, and resilience, symbolizing their commitment to Snaga.

Consequences of Transgression

• Broken Bonds: Betraying fellow artisans or failing to uphold the community’s values may lead to social ostracism.
• Cursed Creations: Those who disrespect the forge or misuse their skills may find their creations failing or backfiring.
• Unforgiving Heat: Those who resist change or cling to the past may find themselves metaphorically “burned” by the relentless progress of time and innovation.

Worshipers

On the continent of Erôth, Snaga’s worshipers are diverse. Among them are the lizardfolk tribes of the Daelands, who hold biennial ceremonies with massive bonfires to honor their dead and seek strength for the next life. The Slōko, a reclusive people known for their craftsmanship and artistry, also revere Snaga, viewing him as the ultimate patron of their work.

In other regions, Snaga’s followers include isolated groups who have heard tales of the Iron Lord’s strength and resilience. His worship is often intertwined with local traditions of craftsmanship, metallurgy, and the transformative power of fire.

Orders and Sects

Iron Band

A group of elite blacksmiths and artisans dedicated to mastering the art of forging, who seek to create works worthy of Snaga’s blessing.

The Flamekeepers

Mystics and priests who maintain sacred forges and fires, offering guidance and blessings to those who seek Snaga’s favor.

Slōko

A warrior sect of lizardfolk who revere Snaga as a symbol of strength and resilience, combining martial prowess with powerful magics of Snaga’s blessing.

Campaign Updates

Koa keeps him among the seven of his ideopan, and speaks to him before a fight: the old smith’s blessing over the blade, said by a man who did not forge it. Snaga and Vroga Waruk are among the names he speaks aloud where others can hear.