The Gods of Shale: Tine

Titles: Lord of Fire, Old Smoker

Alignment: Centered Chosen, Chaotic Neutral

Portfolio: Fire, Smoke, Azers, Efreeti, Fire Magic, Purification, Cooking

Worshippers: Battle Mages, Smiths, Azers, Fire Elementals

Dogma
Tine's justice is as his flames.
And where's there's fire there is smoke.
Better to burn out than fade away.

Tine does not have a huge following among the common people of Talamh but is nonetheless well respected, as one of the eldest and most powerful Chosen Gods. However, because most people acknowledge that they need fire to live in comfort, they know they will always need him. The mark of tine is carved into forges and cook fires the world over.

When praying for favours from their God, worshippers of Tine must sacrifice an offering by burning it. For example, a mage who wishes to granted the gift of greater fire magic, would place a powerful magical item into the immortal fire and pray.

Tine has a solid following among the spellcasters involved in the Stormwatch war, many of the mages and priests are spreading his word, knowing how the young apprentices love the damage and excitement that the fire magic brings. They pray that this 'Lizard war' will increase the numbers of Tine followers dramatically.

Clergy and Temples
Tine temples are not found in most big cities, due to the fear of a fire spreading and destroying the city. The same can be said when looking for them in towns and villages. However, this situation is due to a gross misunderstanding. All Tine disciples have a great deal of control over fire. The townspeople have a great fear and realistic fear that the shrines will attracting ash rats. Even though the fire order do not mind them, in fact many take them as pets, alas they do have to obey the rules of towns and cities.

A tine temple is easily recognisable, not only is it the tallest building in most cities/towns, it also resembles a large chimney and boasts a huge plume of smoke that wafts from it's top. The building is usually circular. A wide round base houses the outer sanctum which surrounds the inner sanctum. The Outer area is used for the offices and living quarters of the mages/priests.

At the centre of the temple is an inner sanctum, which is also the main worship area. It contains with various works of art, made from sturdy and fire resistant materials, due to the heat. Wealthier temples boast fire sculptures by Efreeti and Azer artists. In the centre of the inner sanctum is the I'Gonai Tine (Immortal flame) burns. Above it is a huge chimney which transports the smoke away from the shrine. When conducting services the fire mages or clerics in the temple cast a short duration 'endure fire' on the congregation so that they can enjoy and indeed survive the intense heat in the shrine.

It is imperative that the immortal flame is never extinguished. Although the fire is magical and burns even without air or fuel, the flame could be put out with magic. If this happens the shrine looses the blessing of Tine, and the temple has to be abandoned. The shame for the high priest of the temple is great and he is usually expelled from the order. Tine's justice is as his flames. The Tine followers unofficial motto: Better to burn out than fade away, explain that the priests are expected to die trying to protect their shrine.

In smaller towns and villages, most blacksmiths will have a small shrine in their forges. Followers of Tine are usually welcome to stop and say a small prayer, but they are expected to make allowances for the smithy, who is usually a busy man.

Sachim Grenten
Storm Watch Travel Writer

Read all my works in
Storm Watch on a Shoe String and a Cure light wound potion