Phlogistera
Phlogistera, Fire Goddess
Some in Malton believe that the immense amount of violence, destruction, abomination, and terror that have occurred since the outbreak has attracted the attention of outsiders. It is believed by a few that some or all of these outsiders have a supernatural or spiritual component to their existences. Phlogistera is one such entity.
Hers is a slow-burning revelation that may ultimately build into a fully realized religion or, perhaps, Her physical presence manifesting in Malton. None but Phlogistera may be sure. She is worshiped by The Fire Cult and Her Words are (loosely) interpreted by Her sacred Fryers. What She wants with us, of us, and for us, none knows but She.
Neutral Point of View
Phlogistera is an entity worshiped by a small number of players--presumably Survivors--who enjoy being helpful, but are not beyond the mischief, chaos, and mysticism that the sacred Fryers often espouse. While these worshipers are not even loosely organized and the Fryers are themselves self-appointed (as Phlogistera will only communicate with a Fryer to open him or her to Her mysteries), any style of play may be entertained by anyone who chooses to believe in Phlogistera and such style should not indict other worshipers. Indeed, one of the known tenets of Phlogistera is the espousal of individualism.
Origins
It is said that the first of Phlogistera's Fryers was made aware of Her existence in Dunell Hills sometime in 2012. It is said that She revealed a mysterious and majestic pattern to this man and he could not remember his life before that moment ever afterwards. This first Fryer made it his life's work to spread the Word of Phlogistera to Malton, confident that Phlogistera would reveal more of Her mysteries to others as time pressed on.
Worshipers
Those who worship Phlogistera sometimes identify with the group Fire Cult or Fire Cult of Phlogistera. These individuals believe in Phlogistera's existence, but have never experienced a message, vision, or conference with Her. Those precious (but ostensibly growing) few who have experienced Phlogistera's presence firsthand may choose to regard themselves as one of Phlogistera's sacred Fryers and preach their interpretation of Her Word to the Fire Cult and non-believers alike.
Clergy
Sacred Fryer is the title the first individual Phlogistera contacted appended to himself. This first Fryer believed that Phlogistera would reveal herself to Her chosen and that they would have to bear the burden of interpreting Her Word and the meaning associated with it. Given the first Fryer's interpretation, Phlogistera places a premium on individualism, what information people take away from their perceptions, and how they choose to act on that information. As such, She appears not to preach dogmatic tenets, but allows Her Fryers to shape them as their understanding does.
Only an individual can know if he or she has been contacted by Phlogistera and only they can then choose to spread Her Word or not.
Tenets
Based on the interpretation (so far) of Her Fryers, Phlogistera seems to find positive value in:
- Individualism and Liberty
- Interpretation and Critical Thinking
- Enlightenment - the Free and Accurate Sharing of Information (?)
- Walking The Path of Burnination - ???
- Embracing the Cleansing Flame - ???
