Cults of Glorantha

Shargash

The Destroyer

Shargash is the Dara Happan god of war. Yelm’s most violent son was always trouble, rushing into every fight, eager to turn his anger against any foe. During the Golden Age, peace reigned and Shargash’s powers were restrained by the Emperor’s wisdom. When the cowardly Rebel Gods murdered Yelm, Shargash was released. He ruled the world in the absence of his father. He waged war against all the enemies of the Empire, defeating them one by one until only Death remained. He forced Kazkurturm to beg for mercy and freed Yelm. Shargash bears the Killer Bolt, and remains the foremost wargod of Alkoth. Sensible Dara Happans fear him and his bloody followers but they serve the Just Emperor loyally with their violent ways. Shargash is the patron of Alkoth, the Hell City, one of the Dara Happan Triopolis. He is depicted as a fiery image of a powerfully built, red-skinned man with a long hair and a beard. He receives burned sacrifices and the blood of gladiators. Shargash temples are found throughout the empire but are rarely larger than shrines except where Alkothi military units are found. Shrines to Shargash teach Berserk.

Runes: Death, Fire.

Type: War, Underworld.

Pantheon: Solar.

Worshippers: Alkothi Citizens, Violent Killers, Bloodthirsty Sociopaths.

Worshipper’s Duties: Destroy enemies of Shargash! Burn his offerings! Defend Alkoth!

Initiate Membership

Requirements: Standard.

Cult Skills: Athletics, Dance, Lore (Military Tactics, Shargash Theology), Play Instrument (Drums), Shield, Spear, Unarmed, 1H Hammer.

Cult Spells: Bludgeon, Demoralise, Fireblade, Ignite, Strength.

Common Divine Magic: All.

Special Divine Magic: Crush, Sinews of Shargash.

Acolyte Membership

Requirements: Standard plus the candidate must slay a foe in ritual combat.

Divine Magic: Cremate Dead, Inspire Worshippers.

Ash Priest (Runepriest) Membership

Requirements: Standard. Must have subdued one of Alkoth’s many demons and tamed it.

Divine Magic: Command (Specific Alkoth Demon), Jagrekriand’s Bolt.

Son of Shargash (Runelord) Membership

Requirements: Sons of Shargash lead the warriors of Alkoth. A candidate must have 90% or more in 1H Hammer or Unarmed attack, plus 90% or more in any four of the following skills: Athletics, Dodge, Influence, Perception, Dance, Unarmed and one other Weapon skill. He must lead a group of warriors successfully on a dangerous mission.

Special Note: Sons of Shargash check for Divine Intervention on a 1D10 rather than 1D100. A Son of Shargash must donate 90% of his time and income to the cult. His duties include frequent fighting, particularly against the hated Darjiini Usurpers.

Divine Magic: Jagrekriand’s Bolt.

Special Benefits

Initiates of Shargash gain a +2 damage bonus when using maces, javelins, or unarmed combat. Acolytes ignore the effects of Serious wounds while in combat, they continue to fight normally. Runelords may communicate with any denizen of the Underworld. Cooperation by such demons is certainly not assured.