![[The_Chained_God.png]] > [!success] The Unchained > ![[Symbol-Unchained.png]] > > [!question] Domains > Manipulation, Madness, Trickery, Secrets > > --- > > > [!question] Aliases > Aginar, The Black Mass, Prince of Madness > > --- > > > [!question] Formerly > The Chained God The Unchained, formerly The Chained God, also known as Aginar, or the Prince of Madness, is a complex and controversial deity within the [[Shattered Realms]]. Once a powerful mortal, this enigmatic being has risen to godhood through means shrouded in mystery and fear. He is one of only two mortals known to have risen to godhood, the other being [[The Ascendant]]. ## History and Nature For centuries, The Chained God lay dormant beneath the [[Azure Sea]], bound by powerful bonds. He ultimately broke free of his bonds, escaping his prison roughly 50 years before [[The Shattering]], thus becoming Unchained. Little was known about The Chained God before the [[Age of War]], during which time the deity amassed a following in secret among the islands of the Azure Sea. The few who know the true origins of The Chained God understand the potency of his influence and how swiftly it can spread once a few supplicants turn toward him. ## Divine Role and Influence As the deity of manipulation, madness, trickery, and secrets, The Unchained's influence is often subtle but far-reaching. He is said to whisper in the ears of the desperate and the ambitious, offering power and knowledge in exchange for devotion. ## Appearance and Symbols Depictions of The Unchained vary widely, often reflecting the madness and chaos associated with him. Common representations include a mass of writhing shadows, a figure bound in chains, and various spirals and manacles. ## Worship and Followers Followers range from those seeking power through manipulation to individuals struggling with mental instability. Cults dedicated to The Unchained often operate in secrecy, fearing persecution from mainstream society. ### Worship Practices Followers often exchange information in secret, believing that the darker the secret, the more favor granted to them by their mad god. Nighttime rituals are common and often involve confronting one's fears and inner demons. Followers of The Unchained see this as a way to master the self and gain the god's favor. #### Benevolent Worship Despite the often negative connotations associated with The Unchained, some followers interpret his teachings in a more positive light. Some devotees view the deity as a patron of hidden truths and dedicate themselves to uncovering secrets that could benefit society, not unlike that of [[The Echoist]]. Followers of The Unchained, however, believing that knowledge, no matter how disturbing, is ultimately freeing, whereas followers of The Echoist tend to use a more structured and academic approach. The Unchained's escape is symbolic to a lot of his followers, representing freedom from either literal bonds or societal constraints. Unlike followers of [[The Harbinger]], who view freedom as a natural right, followers of The Unchained view freedom as something that must be seized or won, often through struggle or subterfuge. ## The Unchained God in the Shattered Realms The Chained God's escape has led many to speculate about his role in [[The Shattering]]. Some believe he may have caused or contributed to The Shattering, while others think he merely foresaw it and broke free in order to survive. In the [[Shattered Realms]], The Unchained's influence has grown. The chaos and uncertainty of the fractured realms provide fertile ground for his teachings of manipulation and secrets. Some see him as a force of necessary change in a broken world, while others fear his growing power and the madness he brings. ## Controversies and Conflicts Worship of The Unchained is often met with suspicion and fear by mainstream society. Many religious and governmental organizations actively work to suppress all worship of the deity, viewing his followers as dangerous to the social order. However, the line between benevolent and malevolent worship of The Unchained is often blurred, leading to complex ethical debates about the nature of his influence and the intentions of his followers. [^1]: Deity names and titles often vary across different cultures and regions within the Shattered Realms, and the names provided here may not be exhaustive; your character may encounter or prefer alternative names for these entities in their own experiences and/or traditions. #### Tags #deity