Lord of the Games, Fireheart
Symbol: A burning torch clutched by a strong hand
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Portfolio: Strength, athletics and sport
Worshipers: Athletes, barbarians, fighters.
Cleric Alignments: Any Non-evil
Domains: Celerity, Competition, Fire, Strength
Favored Weapon: Greatsword
Arca usually appears as a tall, powerfully-built, dark-skinned human, his body a picture of statuesque perfection. He is the embodiment of competitive sport, given shape through a human hero widely regarded as perhaps the greatest athlete ever to live, noted for his fair play with both sentient and animal opponents alike. When Arca was still mortal, he organized the Great Games as a means of bringing peace through competetive sport rather than bloodshed. For this, and as he emerged victorious at the end of this first great competition of the most legendary athletes of the day, the Morrigan herself appeared and awarded him a laurel of victory, made out of living, eternal flame. Only Arca had the courage to stand in her presence, and as the flaming laurel touched his head, he was transformed into a demigod. He is known for his numerous affairs with various mortals and immortals, both before and after his change, and is known to be an incorrigible lecher, though an honest one. His symbol, the eternal flame, is also the symbol of all competitive sports on Therafim.
Dogma
Physical challenges and contests are Arca's love and patronage, and he encourages nonlethal sports as a means for resolving disputes in communities whenever possible. To his followers, bravery is one of the greatest qualities that anyone can have, and the strong and fit should lead and protect those weaker than them.
Clergy and Temples
The clergy of Arca are expected to be leaders and athletes, strong without being domineering or bullies. Red, white and green are their favored colors. Arca's clergy are expected to be in excellent physical condition, and to train others in as well as participate in various forms of physical activity and competitions. His temples always include a gymnasium and extensive baths, and are adjacent to hunting grounds or else to fields of competition. For all their competition, however, the clergy of Arca do not have a hierarchy, but instead simply acknowledge the ability of their members in different areas, and allow them to take charge accordingly. Arca's clergy are also expected to keep an eternal flame burning somewhere on or around the grounds of their temples. This is usually a natural gas pocket that has been carefully channeled to release slowly, and then lit.
