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consolidated:sakar:deities

Deities and Religion

Need to review the pantheon for a more modern feel: Consider:

Perhaps use Enlightenment as a Philosophy / Pantheon leading to a Neutral Outlook - that celebrates thought and service (LN) and Freedom (some sort of C?), with elements of tolerance - especially for other races and other enlightened cities states. (The Hann empire doesn't fit in that - but places like Port Elizabeth and the Razadi islands fitt well enough enough to allow trade but not 'brotherhood'.

Sarenrae is still the Patron of Sakhar

Use Local Gods for flavour Besmara, Azan

Look for others

Overview

The Enlightened Pantheon greatly influence the culture of Sakhar, which was shaped by the Law of the Loregiver— It provides a set of common values including honor, hospitality and the importance of one’s family that date back to the Loregiver’s teachings. Altogether this is called enlightenment. They differ from other deities, as they do not have a precise portfolio, nor alignment. Instead, each exemplifies a single characteristic or trait important to Enlightenment. They stand above the classifications of alignment, as these traits could be found in good and evil folk alike.

A number of other deities, known as the Common Gods, are worshipped alongside the Enlightened Gods, although they are seen as partizan, and tolerated rather than accepted as part of the true pantheon of The Land of Fate. Many common deities are only worshipped locally, in specific areas or regions, while others only have a few followers. Most people, in the Land of Fate, will only make occasional prayers or sacrifice to the Common Gods, and though the Enlightened Pantheon are seen as a part of everyday life.

Other gods are seen as either savage (opposed to enlightened) or ajami (coming from outside), or perhaps both. However, see The Temple Of Ten Thousand Gods, below.

Besides the deities, almost all Sakarans believe in the power of Fate. It is not seen as a god and not worshipped, but Fate is believed to influence mortals and deities alike. Because of this, Fate is often paid homage, and sometimes called on during times of great peril. The whole of Zakhara is called the Land of Fate to signify its importance. Some sages speculated that Fate is an Overgod.

The Enlightened Pantheon

The Enlightened Pantheon is revered as a group, and the individual deities do not have their own temples or priests. The priests teach Enlightenment and The Lore. However, they recognise Sarenrae as the Patron Deity of Sakhar. The eight Enlightened Gods are:

  • Kor: God of wisdom.
  • Vataqatal: God of war and duty
  • Hajama: God of bravery.
  • Hakiyah: Goddess of honesty and truth.
  • Haku: God of freedom.
  • Jisan: Goddess of fertility and productivity.
  • Selan: Goddess of beauty.
  • Zann: God of knowledge, learning, and intellect.
  • Sarenrae: Patron of Sakhar.

Common Gods

The common Gods are seen as partizan, and are tolerated rather than revered on a regular basis, and there are few Sakharans who will abandon the Enlightened Pantheon for one of the common gods. That said, you can find temples dedicated to these deities in some towns and cities, and you can nearly always find a representation of them in a temple dedicated to The Ten Thousand, alongside Sarenrae, Pharasma and the enlightened deities. Common Gods have alignments and specific portfolios, rather than the broad areas of interest found among the Enlightened Pantheon.

These are the most common of the local / common gods.

  • Takri: (TN) Psychopomp, navigator and patron of slaves
  • Khepri: (NG) The People's God
  • Azan the Wise: (LN) - (Quasi-Deity, patron of markets and small traders)
  • Bala: (TN) - Goddess of Music - Patron of all musicians (need to write her up)
  • Najm: God (CG) (sometimes goddess) of adventure.(need to write her up)
  • City Gods: (LE) - Each city has a pyramid said to contain their own City Gods, overseen by Priest-Kings. Many Sages believe that these are powerful undead, some with magical, or divine, abilities.
  • Chohar (LG) - the Lion God of The Sun, justice, loyalty, and work. He is commonly depicted as a golden lion with a sun for a mane.
  • Sivanah: (TN) - Goddess of Illusions
  • Besmara: (CN) - Patron of Pirates

Temple of Ten Thousand Gods

Of interest, however, is the Temple of Ten Thousand Gods which is an unusual faith in Zakhara. Its adherents believe in the enlightened gods, but hold the opinion that they, and each deity represented there, were only facets of one supreme divine being. The credo of the Ten Thousand also includes that there was a divine spark in every creature, and that the variety of mortals also reflected the theme of diversity in unity. The ideals of the Temple of Ten Thousand Gods are therefore tolerated and accepted. Its symbol is a nautilus shell.

consolidated/sakar/deities.txt · Last modified: by johnb