Zaltec

Zaltec is the chaotic evil god of war in Maztica. He is also known as Bringer of War and the Eater of Hearts. The latter title says what he demands of his followers.

Worship
The cult of Zaltec was brought to the extremes by the Nexalan people. He was their patron deity and they thanked him consequently for their victorious conquests of Maztica. His priests had to give him human sacrifices in high quantities. The highest sacrifice was a fresh heart presented on an altar of a holy pyramid. But he also loved those sacrifices who were given to him during a battle. His worshippers believed that he favored them if they made war in his name. Ironically the Nexalan used the so called "feathered wars" (named after the peaceful brother of Zaltec, the god Qotal) and waged them in Zaltec's name to procure sufficient sacrifices during times of peace.

The priests of Zaltec were clothed in black, soiled robes and used the blood of their victims as coloration for their hair. They also arranged the hair into spikes sprouting out into all directions. The priests had minor access to the spheres of hishna, sun, combat and charm but major access to influence. Reaching the 9th level they could freely chose two additional spheres out of the four others to gain major access over them.

Literature
2. Edition:

Zaltec