The Phoenix Lord

The Phoenix Lord is the primary deity of The Holy Dresvin Empire. The Phoenix Lord was the first emperor of the Holy Dresvin Empire after the Dresvin Civil War 1000 years ago. After his death, The Phoenix Lord ascended to godhood.

While the Phoenix Lord was a true historical figure, his true name has been completely erased from all records. Saying the true name of The Phoenix Lord is an act of blasphemy punishable by exile or death.

History
Below is a retelling of the story of the Phoenix Lord as told by the Church of the Phoenix.

Rise of the Phoenix Lord
The Phoenix Lord first appeared in the bloodiest battle in the Dresvin Civil War. He appeared in a plume of flame alongside a battalion of highly trained soldiers. His involvement heavily shifted the battle in the favor of the revolutionists. After the battle, he spoke to the leaders of the revolutionists. Gazing into the eyes of these leaders, all the Phoenix Lord saw was sin. He slew these leaders, which included the Tribunal members who changed sides, and ordered all that truly wished for a greater empire to step forward and join him. Those who refused were killed.

With the Phoenix Lord leading the revolution, the Vulgarians were pushed out of Dresvin and every major battle became a bloodbath for the loyalist side. One day, on a secret mission to the capital. The Phoenix Lord slew the Tribunal singlehandedly. He then made his presence known in the capital proclaiming "Those who led this sorry state of an empire are dead. I, shall take their place. The only way to create a better nation is to destroy the foundation of corruption. From the ashes a better empire may rise." The Phoenix Lord ordered the complete destruction of the capital, killing the rest of the loyalists in the process, though nearly everyone joined his side that day. The capital was raised to the ground and built back up into what is now known as Port Spodium.

Death of the Phoenix Lord
The Phoenix Lord ruled the New Dresvin Empire for centuries. While appearing human, his divine power slowed down the Phoenix Lord's aging process. Even with the capital destroyed and in reconstruction, The Phoenix Lord ushered in a golden age for the empire. Eventually, old age began to set in. Feeling as his work was done, he allowed himself to die. As he died, his body erupted into flame and a large flaming figure of a phoenix appeared over the capital. It flew into the sky and disappeared.

Worship
Worshiping The Phoenix Lord is mandatory for citizens of The Holy Dresvin Empire. Citizens are allowed to worship other gods, but devotion to The Phoenix Lord is primary. However, members of the government are forbidden from worshiping any other god.

Worship of The Phoenix Lord is separated into 3 distinct groups. In worship of The Phoenix Lord, he is separated into The Spark, The Flame, and The Ash. The Phoenix Lord is both 3 different entities and 1 whole god. While citizens of the empire worship the entity as a whole, is is common for people to focus their worship on a single aspect as a sort of patron deity.

The Spark
The Spark is the aspect of change and creation. A single spark can bring about warmth or food, or great destruction. The Spark is the aspect of birth, life, creativity, creation, and change. This aspect is largely worshiped by trade workers and families.

The Flame
The Flame is the aspect of law and wrath. The Flame burns hot, it destroys all that touch it but lights the way for those who are worthy to wield the flame. The Flame illuminates the dark and reveals those that hide in the shadows. The Flame is most commonly worshiped by warriors and paladins

The Ash
The Ash is the aspect of death and the end of all things. All things will eventually come to an end and be reduced to ash. This is not something to fear. In the end of things, something new and greater will rise from the ashes. The Ash is commonly worshiped by those who work with history or death. Many academics focus on The Ash.