Ong



ONG The Lion-Headed God of Pain & Atonement ''"Go, soldiers. The Inquisitors can handle things from this point. They’ve a far greater feeling of accomplishment if the soul they mean to save resists for a time… much as this old man has been doing for some weeks now."-Roy Thomas, The Inquisitors of Ong 

Pantheon

 * Zamorian Pantheon

Regions of Worship

 * Zamora

Divine Relationships
None specified found.

Representation
A grim, lion-headed man.

Gender representation: male

Symbolism

 * Whip
 * Chains
 * Pain
 * Bondage

Spheres of Power

 * Pain
 * Atonement
 * Restoration

Rituals & Beliefs
Ong, is the Atoner of the Gods, providing god and mortal alike with a sense of restoration after due punishment. Ong is worshipped by accepting various methods of pain and bondage. Pain is an essential part of reality for it represents the tortured soul of humanity as well as the rapturous delight of life. Exquisite pain and unbearable passion brings the worshipper of Ong close to experience a union with the divine. Humiliation, shame, pain and submission is worship for the followers of Ong. The image of being subjected to the will of the gods followed by a spiritual resurrection is the ritual of transcendence for the congregations of Ong. Humiliation and pain is the path to salvation and purity.

The Priesthood
Grim priests and foul sorcerers are abundant in Zamora, all practicing diabolisms such as murderous rites of human sacrifice, wicked acts of soothsaying and foul divination through ghostly contact with spirits and demons. Many Zamorian priests are eligible to marry into noble families, thus raising their own rank considerably. For specific information on a deity's priesthood, see the god themselves.

Ong’s priests are known as Inquisitors and the High Priest is known as the Grand Inquisitor. Ong’s priests are in touch with the spiritual, physical and emotional value of pain and torture. The Inquisitors lash themselves and each other daily. They will put thorns in their gloves and shoes for continued pain and transcendental transformation. Many sew thorns into their garments or wear garments so course as to cause continual discomfort.

Body piercings and tattoos are common. The truly devout may even wear chains to cut into their flesh, flagellating themselves with chains and hooks instead of lithe leather whips. The Inquisitors routinely command their acolytes to lash them on bare backs. The Inquisitors also flagellate the members of their congregation to help them on their path to enlightenment and sinlessness, believing mystical ecstasies and visions are sent by Ong to the pained. They believe whipping and pain has the power to save a soul from the demons and devils of Hell and the Outer Dark.

Implementation IC & In-Game
Vanilla Yogg religion as placeholder.

More Information

 * The Inquisitors of Ong (Short-Story)
 * Shadizar: The City of Wickedness (Conan RPG Book)
 * Faith and Fervour (Conan RPG Book)