Khapeshan pantheon - Revision history

Gronk at 22:08, 8 July 2024

2024-07-08T22:08:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:08, 8 July 2024
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	Before judgement, however, all souls must first make their way to Shai. Such a journey is fraught with dangers, for Shai is not the only god who is concerned with those that have died. [[Apep]] too seeks souls for his own purposes, as he desires to consume them to provide him strength in his battles against the gods. The time between one's death and their arrival at Shai's court is perhaps the most perilous period for any soul. Upon death all souls enter the Rivers of the Dead, great divine waterways that collect souls from the mortal realm and carry them towards Shai. Complex rites performed for the dead by priests of Shai, as well as texts, maps, and other items interred with the deceased, are all intended to ward souls and provide them with the knowledge necessary to navigate the Rivers successfully, while avoiding Apep who lurks in the recesses of the waters. Even those who are sure they will be judged unworthy by Shai still consider such a fate preferable to being eaten by Apep.		Before judgement, however, all souls must first make their way to Shai. Such a journey is fraught with dangers, for Shai is not the only god who is concerned with those that have died. [[Apep]] too seeks souls for his own purposes, as he desires to consume them to provide him strength in his battles against the gods. The time between one's death and their arrival at Shai's court is perhaps the most perilous period for any soul. Upon death all souls enter the Rivers of the Dead, great divine waterways that collect souls from the mortal realm and carry them towards Shai. Complex rites performed for the dead by priests of Shai, as well as texts, maps, and other items interred with the deceased, are all intended to ward souls and provide them with the knowledge necessary to navigate the Rivers successfully, while avoiding Apep who lurks in the recesses of the waters. Even those who are sure they will be judged unworthy by Shai still consider such a fate preferable to being eaten by Apep.

	The clergy of Shai are intensely concerned with the proper methods to inter the dead. Funerary rites and rituals are of central importance to his religion, all carefully recorded and preserved so they will never be forgotten. Indeed, [[Khapesh\|Khapeshan]] burial practices have changed very little in millennia, in large part due to the diligence of Shai's priesthood. These traditions are recorded in Shai's holy text, ''Emerging Forth into the Light''. This lengthy tome includes instructions on the correct means to bury or preserve the bodies of the deceased, as well as steps meant to guide the soul as they make their way towards judgement and then their eventual destination. Excerpts from ''Emerging Forth'' are commonly written on coffins, funerary urns, or objects left with the dead, in order that they will not forget the instructions when they find themselves along the Rivers.		The clergy of Shai are intensely concerned with the proper methods to inter the dead. Funerary rites and rituals are of central importance to his religion, all carefully recorded and preserved so they will never be forgotten. Indeed, [[Khapesh\|Khapeshan]] burial practices have changed very little in millennia, in large part due to the diligence of Shai's priesthood. These traditions are recorded in Shai's holy text, ''[[Emerging Forth into the Light]]''. This lengthy tome includes instructions on the correct means to bury or preserve the bodies of the deceased, as well as steps meant to guide the soul as they make their way towards judgement and then their eventual destination. Excerpts from ''Emerging Forth'' are commonly written on coffins, funerary urns, or objects left with the dead, in order that they will not forget the instructions when they find themselves along the Rivers.

	The grand temple of Shai is located in the city of [[Apis]], believed by many to be the oldest settlement in all of Khapesh. The temple there has been used continually by priests of Shai for at least seven thousand years. It is old enough that there are inscriptions in the reliefs on the walls that are written in languages so ancient that their very existences have been otherwise forgotten. Outside the city are a large number of mortuary complexes and tombs for Khapeshan royals and elites, all dutifully preserved by Shai's clergy. Smaller temples and shrines to the god are commonplace across Khapesh and in other regions where the pantheon is followed, often with their own extensive crypts, catacombs, or other manner of tombs.		The grand temple of Shai is located in the city of [[Apis]], believed by many to be the oldest settlement in all of Khapesh. The temple there has been used continually by priests of Shai for at least seven thousand years. It is old enough that there are inscriptions in the reliefs on the walls that are written in languages so ancient that their very existences have been otherwise forgotten. Outside the city are a large number of mortuary complexes and tombs for Khapeshan royals and elites, all dutifully preserved by Shai's clergy. Smaller temples and shrines to the god are commonplace across Khapesh and in other regions where the pantheon is followed, often with their own extensive crypts, catacombs, or other manner of tombs.

Gronk at 01:32, 9 May 2024

2024-05-09T01:32:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:32, 9 May 2024
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	{\|class="wikitable sortable"		{\|class="wikitable sortable"
	!Name		!Name
	~~!Alignment~~
	!width="20%"\|Areas of Concern		!width="20%"\|Areas of Concern
	!width="80%"\|Description		!width="80%"\|Description
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Harakhte]]		\|[[Harakhte]]
	~~\|LG~~
	\|The sun, rulership, law, duty, hunting		\|The sun, rulership, law, duty, hunting
	\|'''Harakhte''' {{Pronunciation\|hah-ROCK-tee}} is a goddess of the sun, rulership, law, duty, and hunting. Rulers in areas following the Khapeshan pantheon often style themselves as the devoted servants of Harakhte, mortal agents of her will, even if they worship another god as well.		\|'''Harakhte''' {{Pronunciation\|hah-ROCK-tee}} is a goddess of the sun, rulership, law, duty, and hunting. Rulers in areas following the Khapeshan pantheon often style themselves as the devoted servants of Harakhte, mortal agents of her will, even if they worship another god as well.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Sokar]]		\|[[Sokar]]
	~~\|LG~~
	\|Death, rebirth, change, renewal, plants, agriculture, hope		\|Death, rebirth, change, renewal, plants, agriculture, hope
	\|'''Sokar''' {{Pronunciation\|SOW-car}} is a god of death, rebirth, and change. He is the creator of the universe and the original ruler of the gods, though after his battle with [[Apep]] he gave that role to his sister [[Harakhte]].		\|'''Sokar''' {{Pronunciation\|SOW-car}} is a god of death, rebirth, and change. He is the creator of the universe and the original ruler of the gods, though after his battle with [[Apep]] he gave that role to his sister [[Harakhte]].
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Tawaret]]		\|[[Tawaret]]
	~~\|NG~~
	\|Families, children, protection, dreams, hospitality		\|Families, children, protection, dreams, hospitality
	\|'''Tawaret''' {{Pronunciation\|TAH-wah-ret}} is a goddess of families, children, protection, dreams, and hospitality. She is seen as a rather playful goddess, an old matriarch who finds great joy in the laughter of children.		\|'''Tawaret''' {{Pronunciation\|TAH-wah-ret}} is a goddess of families, children, protection, dreams, and hospitality. She is seen as a rather playful goddess, an old matriarch who finds great joy in the laughter of children.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Meshkenet]]		\|[[Meshkenet]]
	~~\|NG~~
	\|Art, music, invention, leisure, beauty		\|Art, music, invention, leisure, beauty
	\|'''Meshkenet''' {{Pronunciation\|MESH-keh-net}} is a goddess of art, music, invention, leisure, and beauty. The goddess and her clergy teach the importance of rest, recuperation, and the enjoyment of the small things in life - sometimes to do right in the world one must take care to remember the efforts that make it worthwhile.		\|'''Meshkenet''' {{Pronunciation\|MESH-keh-net}} is a goddess of art, music, invention, leisure, and beauty. The goddess and her clergy teach the importance of rest, recuperation, and the enjoyment of the small things in life - sometimes to do right in the world one must take care to remember the efforts that make it worthwhile.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Qadesh]]		\|[[Qadesh]]
	~~\|NG~~
	\|Travel, storytelling, fresh water, rivers, oases		\|Travel, storytelling, fresh water, rivers, oases
	\|'''Qadesh''' {{Pronunciation\|kah-DESH}} is a goddess of travel, storytelling, rivers, and oases. She placed fresh water in the world to pull people together out of the hostile desert, providing the impetus for the earliest societies to grow. The goddess remains highly important as the patron of adventurers and others who travel widely, sharing tales of the sights they see and people they meet as they do so.		\|'''Qadesh''' {{Pronunciation\|kah-DESH}} is a goddess of travel, storytelling, rivers, and oases. She placed fresh water in the world to pull people together out of the hostile desert, providing the impetus for the earliest societies to grow. The goddess remains highly important as the patron of adventurers and others who travel widely, sharing tales of the sights they see and people they meet as they do so.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Shentayet]]		\|[[Shentayet]]
	~~\|LN~~
	\|Knowledge, writing, history, education, research		\|Knowledge, writing, history, education, research
	\|'''Shentayet''' {{Pronunciation\|shen-TAH-yet}} is a goddess of knowledge, writing, history, education, and research. She taught mortals language so that they might keep records of the events of the world, just as she does with all the actions of the divines.		\|'''Shentayet''' {{Pronunciation\|shen-TAH-yet}} is a goddess of knowledge, writing, history, education, and research. She taught mortals language so that they might keep records of the events of the world, just as she does with all the actions of the divines.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Khenmu]]		\|[[Khenmu]]
	~~\|LN~~
	\|Cities, trade, wealth, architecture, craftsmanship		\|Cities, trade, wealth, architecture, craftsmanship
	\|'''Khenmu''' {{Pronunciation\|KEN-moo}} is a god of cities, trade, wealth, architecture, and craftsmanship. As the builder of civilization, he is thought to have a closer connection to mortals than any other god save perhaps for [[Tawaret]]. Khenmu and his faithful strive for growth and prosperity, as the god wishes only to see mortal civilizations thrive and expand in an orderly manner.		\|'''Khenmu''' {{Pronunciation\|KEN-moo}} is a god of cities, trade, wealth, architecture, and craftsmanship. As the builder of civilization, he is thought to have a closer connection to mortals than any other god save perhaps for [[Tawaret]]. Khenmu and his faithful strive for growth and prosperity, as the god wishes only to see mortal civilizations thrive and expand in an orderly manner.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Shai]]		\|[[Shai]]
	\|N
	\|Judgement, souls, the dead, the moon, burial rites		\|Judgement, souls, the dead, the moon, burial rites
	\|'''Shai''' {{Pronunciation\|SHY}} is a god of judgement, souls, the dead, and the moon. They are the judge of the deceased who determines if they are worthy to pass into their afterlives and their guardian who keeps them safe from threats beyond death.		\|'''Shai''' {{Pronunciation\|SHY}} is a god of judgement, souls, the dead, and the moon. They are the judge of the deceased who determines if they are worthy to pass into their afterlives and their guardian who keeps them safe from threats beyond death.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Maahes]]		\|[[Maahes]]
	\|N
	\|Conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, alcohol		\|Conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, alcohol
	\|'''Maahes''' {{Pronunciation\|MAH-hess}} is a goddess of conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, and alcohol. The capricious goddess is simultaneously a fighter and a healer, one who can both cause grievous injuries and tend to wounds, all depending on her unpredictable whims.		\|'''Maahes''' {{Pronunciation\|MAH-hess}} is a goddess of conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, and alcohol. The capricious goddess is simultaneously a fighter and a healer, one who can both cause grievous injuries and tend to wounds, all depending on her unpredictable whims.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Amathaunta]]		\|[[Amathaunta]]
	~~\|CN~~
	\|Survival, trickery, self-interest, spite		\|Survival, trickery, self-interest, spite
	\|'''Amathaunta''' {{Pronunciation\|a-mah-THAWN-tah}} is a goddess of survival, trickery, self-interest, and spite. A comparatively minor deity in the Khapeshan pantheon, she is the patron of outcasts and outlaws, those who have rejected the rules of society and now live on their own terms. Communities that live on the margins of the inhospitable [[Red Lands]] often worship Amathaunta, as she gives them strength and motivation to continue to live life in a harsh landscape.		\|'''Amathaunta''' {{Pronunciation\|a-mah-THAWN-tah}} is a goddess of survival, trickery, self-interest, and spite. A comparatively minor deity in the Khapeshan pantheon, she is the patron of outcasts and outlaws, those who have rejected the rules of society and now live on their own terms. Communities that live on the margins of the inhospitable [[Red Lands]] often worship Amathaunta, as she gives them strength and motivation to continue to live life in a harsh landscape.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Sutekh]]		\|[[Sutekh]]
	~~\|LE~~
	\|Power, ambition, rivalry, deserts, sandstorms		\|Power, ambition, rivalry, deserts, sandstorms
	\|'''Sutekh''' {{Pronunciation\|SOO-tek}} is a god of power, ambition, rivalry, deserts, and sandstorms. Though aggressive and evil in his quest to rule the gods, he is not unreasonable, and he plays an important role in keeping [[Apep]] at bay. Sutekh aids [[Harakhte]] in her cyclical battles against the Serpent, fighting side by side through the night even as he seeks to usurp her position, as despite his own aims he knows there are greater stakes at play.		\|'''Sutekh''' {{Pronunciation\|SOO-tek}} is a god of power, ambition, rivalry, deserts, and sandstorms. Though aggressive and evil in his quest to rule the gods, he is not unreasonable, and he plays an important role in keeping [[Apep]] at bay. Sutekh aids [[Harakhte]] in her cyclical battles against the Serpent, fighting side by side through the night even as he seeks to usurp her position, as despite his own aims he knows there are greater stakes at play.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Nakith]]		\|[[Nakith]]
	~~\|CE~~
	\|Hedonism, catharsis, hunger, revenge		\|Hedonism, catharsis, hunger, revenge
	\|'''Nakith''' {{Pronunciation\|nah-KITH}} is a goddess of hedonism, catharsis, hunger, and revenge. The goddess has an unusual status in the pantheon. Commonly known as the Half-Alive or the Serpent-Tarnished, she is believed to have been partially devoured by [[Apep]] in the first battle between the Serpent and the rest of the gods. Though she managed to escape, in her incomplete form she can no longer experience joy, satisfaction, or other sensations like she could before. Constantly driven by a hunger to recapture emotions she can no longer grasp, Nakith now seeks to devour the mortal world just as Apep does the divine.		\|'''Nakith''' {{Pronunciation\|nah-KITH}} is a goddess of hedonism, catharsis, hunger, and revenge. The goddess has an unusual status in the pantheon. Commonly known as the Half-Alive or the Serpent-Tarnished, she is believed to have been partially devoured by [[Apep]] in the first battle between the Serpent and the rest of the gods. Though she managed to escape, in her incomplete form she can no longer experience joy, satisfaction, or other sensations like she could before. Constantly driven by a hunger to recapture emotions she can no longer grasp, Nakith now seeks to devour the mortal world just as Apep does the divine.
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	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Apep]]		\|[[Apep]]
	~~\|CE~~
	\|Destruction, chaos, anger, night		\|Destruction, chaos, anger, night
	\|'''Apep''' {{Pronunciation\|ah-PEP}} is a god of destruction, chaos, anger, and the night. The Serpent is the primary antagonist of all the other gods, fighting them in nightly battles as he tries to unmake the divine world.		\|'''Apep''' {{Pronunciation\|ah-PEP}} is a god of destruction, chaos, anger, and the night. The Serpent is the primary antagonist of all the other gods, fighting them in nightly battles as he tries to unmake the divine world.

Gronk at 03:22, 21 April 2024

2024-04-21T03:22:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:22, 21 April 2024
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	Maahes is the patron of many disparate groups. Soldiers and adventurers worship her for her martial domains, while healers and herbalists do so in hopes of receiving divine guidance in tending to their patients. Her followers vary widely in alignment, as the goddess will accept any whose actions do not further the interests of [[Apep]]. Maahes is also the patron of brewers, who often invoke the goddess to bless their alcohol.		Maahes is the patron of many disparate groups. Soldiers and adventurers worship her for her martial domains, while healers and herbalists do so in hopes of receiving divine guidance in tending to their patients. Her followers vary widely in alignment, as the goddess will accept any whose actions do not further the interests of [[Apep]]. Maahes is also the patron of brewers, who often invoke the goddess to bless their alcohol.

	As the warrior of the gods, Maahes is one of [[Harakhte\|Harakhte's]] most important attendants in the battles against Apep. Though the other gods rely on Maahes heavily to keep the Serpent at bay, they simultaneously fear her. Maahes' bloodlust after each nightly encounter is so great that she sometimes refuses to stop fighting after Apep retreats at the coming of the dawn, turning her violent attentions to the other gods instead. Every time she does so they lead her to one of the Rivers of the Dead, to a waterway said to flow with endless beer. Her attentions diverted, Maahes drinks until she calms and rests, forgetting her battles for a time. This is said to be the only way Maahes can be placated.		As the warrior of the gods, Maahes is one of [[Harakhte\|Harakhte's]] most important attendants in the battles against Apep. Though the other gods rely on Maahes heavily to keep the Serpent at bay, they simultaneously fear her. Maahes' bloodlust after each nightly encounter is so great that she sometimes refuses to stop fighting after Apep retreats at the coming of the dawn, turning her violent attentions to the other gods instead. Every time she does so they lead her to one of the Rivers of the Dead, to a particular waterway said to flow with endless beer. Her attentions diverted, Maahes drinks until she calms and rests, forgetting her battles for a time. This is said to be the only way Maahes can be placated.

	From their grand temple in [[Naqada]], a city in lower [[Khapesh]], the priesthood of Maahes provides guidance and instruction to the many other temples to the goddess that can be found across the kingdom. Temples to Maahes are extremely important places in most communities, as their clergy are expert healers renowned for their ability to treat nearly any injury or ailment through both magical and mundane means. Many travel Khapesh and abroad, serving as itinerant war clerics who solve the troubles of the places they venture, whether that come in the form of defeating local foes or tending to the sick.		From their grand temple in [[Naqada]], a city in lower [[Khapesh]], the priesthood of Maahes provides guidance and instruction to the many other temples to the goddess that can be found across the kingdom. Temples to Maahes are extremely important places in most communities, as their clergy are expert healers renowned for their ability to treat nearly any injury or ailment through both magical and mundane means. Many travel Khapesh and abroad, serving as itinerant war clerics who solve the troubles of the places they venture, whether that come in the form of defeating local foes or tending to the sick.

Gronk at 05:56, 6 August 2023

2023-08-06T05:56:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:56, 6 August 2023
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	== Area of worship ==		== Area of worship ==
	The vast majority of the Khapeshan pantheon's followers live in the Kingdom of Khapesh. Khapeshan influence stretches far, however, and many adherents of these gods can also be found elsewhere along the southern and eastern coasts of the Chaska Sea. In the northern Kilche, the now largely abandoned nation of [[Akhom]] was inhabited by followers of the Khapeshan pantheon, and many who left their destroyed lands for [[Rudamun]] continue to worship the same deities. The pantheon has a notable presence even in the southern Kilche as far afield as [[~~Laniobriga~~]] and [[Oscan]].		The vast majority of the Khapeshan pantheon's followers live in the Kingdom of Khapesh. Khapeshan influence stretches far, however, and many adherents of these gods can also be found elsewhere along the southern and eastern coasts of the Chaska Sea. In the northern Kilche, the now largely abandoned nation of [[Akhom]] was inhabited by followers of the Khapeshan pantheon, and many who left their destroyed lands for [[Rudamun]] continue to worship the same deities. The pantheon has a notable presence even in the southern Kilche as far afield as [[Talmithe]] and [[Oscan]].

	== Connections to other pantheons ==		== Connections to other pantheons ==

Gronk at 02:42, 4 August 2023

2023-08-04T02:42:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:42, 4 August 2023
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	\|[[Meshkenet]]		\|[[Meshkenet]]
	\|NG		\|NG
	\|Art, music, leisure, ~~and~~ beauty		\|Art, music, invention, leisure, beauty
	\|'''Meshkenet''' {{Pronunciation\|MESH-keh-net}} is a goddess of art, music, invention, leisure, and beauty. The goddess and her clergy teach the importance of rest, recuperation, and the enjoyment of the small things in life - sometimes to do right in the world one must take care to remember the efforts that make it worthwhile.		\|'''Meshkenet''' {{Pronunciation\|MESH-keh-net}} is a goddess of art, music, invention, leisure, and beauty. The goddess and her clergy teach the importance of rest, recuperation, and the enjoyment of the small things in life - sometimes to do right in the world one must take care to remember the efforts that make it worthwhile.

Gronk at 18:33, 3 August 2023

2023-08-03T18:33:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:33, 3 August 2023
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	Unlike every other grand temple to the pantheon's many gods, Khenmu's is not located in Khapesh proper. Instead it can be found in [[Avaris]], a port city that connects the [[Chaska Sea\|Chaska]] and [[Kilche Sea\|Kilche]] seas. Despite its relative distance from most of the god's followers, the priesthood of the grand temple maintain close connections with other temples scattered across the kingdom and the Khapeshan diaspora. Khenmu's temples serve as examples of the greatest of Khapeshan architecture, simultaneously innovative and traditionalist as they meld ancient designs with modern methods of construction.		Unlike every other grand temple to the pantheon's many gods, Khenmu's is not located in Khapesh proper. Instead it can be found in [[Avaris]], a port city that connects the [[Chaska Sea\|Chaska]] and [[Kilche Sea\|Kilche]] seas. Despite its relative distance from most of the god's followers, the priesthood of the grand temple maintain close connections with other temples scattered across the kingdom and the Khapeshan diaspora. Khenmu's temples serve as examples of the greatest of Khapeshan architecture, simultaneously innovative and traditionalist as they meld ancient designs with modern methods of construction.

	Khenmu is depicted as a figure with the head of a ~~scarab beetle~~, often holding a hammer and chisel or other tools associated with craftspeople.		Khenmu is depicted as a figure with the head of a bull, often holding a hammer and chisel or other tools associated with craftspeople.
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Shai]]		\|[[Shai]]

Gronk at 02:56, 2 August 2023

2023-08-02T02:56:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 2 August 2023
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	Shentayet's faith is led by her grand temple in [[Arthribis]], a relatively small city in upper [[Khapesh]]. Like many other temples to the goddess, this grand temple is also a library and school, a place for prospective students to learn about divine, magical, and mundane topics alike. Temples of Shentayet often serve as repositories of knowledge, places where obscure information otherwise forgotten can be found, all dutifully cataloged and preserved by her priests.		Shentayet's faith is led by her grand temple in [[Arthribis]], a relatively small city in upper [[Khapesh]]. Like many other temples to the goddess, this grand temple is also a library and school, a place for prospective students to learn about divine, magical, and mundane topics alike. Temples of Shentayet often serve as repositories of knowledge, places where obscure information otherwise forgotten can be found, all dutifully cataloged and preserved by her priests.

	Shentayet is depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of an baboon. She often carries a clay tablet or a scroll, upon which is visible an invocation to the goddess.		Shentayet is depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of a baboon. She often carries a clay tablet or a scroll, upon which is visible an invocation to the goddess.
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Khenmu]]		\|[[Khenmu]]

Gronk at 02:55, 2 August 2023

2023-08-02T02:55:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:55, 2 August 2023
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	Shentayet's faith is led by her grand temple in [[Arthribis]], a relatively small city in upper [[Khapesh]]. Like many other temples to the goddess, this grand temple is also a library and school, a place for prospective students to learn about divine, magical, and mundane topics alike. Temples of Shentayet often serve as repositories of knowledge, places where obscure information otherwise forgotten can be found, all dutifully cataloged and preserved by her priests.		Shentayet's faith is led by her grand temple in [[Arthribis]], a relatively small city in upper [[Khapesh]]. Like many other temples to the goddess, this grand temple is also a library and school, a place for prospective students to learn about divine, magical, and mundane topics alike. Temples of Shentayet often serve as repositories of knowledge, places where obscure information otherwise forgotten can be found, all dutifully cataloged and preserved by her priests.

	Shentayet is depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of an ~~ibis~~. She often carries a clay tablet or a scroll, upon which is visible an invocation to the goddess.		Shentayet is depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of an baboon. She often carries a clay tablet or a scroll, upon which is visible an invocation to the goddess.
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Khenmu]]		\|[[Khenmu]]

Gronk: /* Connections to other pantheons */

2023-07-09T03:19:53Z

Connections to other pantheons

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:19, 9 July 2023
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	== Connections to other pantheons ==		== Connections to other pantheons ==
	The ~~Khapesh,~~ Chaskan~~, and to a degree [[Hellean pantheon\|Hellean]]~~ pantheons all share many notable similarities. Their creation stories are ~~all~~ quite similar, for one, as are the general roles that they ascribe to each god. Scholars of religious matters generally believe all pantheonic deities to be the results of differing cultures seeing the same gods in their own ways, frequently pointing to these ~~three~~ pantheons in particular as proof. Certainly their modern followers often do not see great differences. A priest of a Khapeshan deity and one of a Chaskan deity often find much common ground, sharing many teachings, holy texts, and practices. Even religious structures and leadership often overlap. For example, though the Khapeshan church of Harakhte is nominally independent, it has close relationships with the centralized church of [[Harinna]] in [[Mesollonia]].		The Khapeshan and Chaskan pantheons all share many notable similarities. Their creation stories are quite similar, for one, as are the general roles that they ascribe to each god. Scholars of religious matters generally believe all pantheonic deities to be the results of differing cultures seeing the same gods in their own ways, frequently pointing to these two pantheons in particular as proof. Certainly their modern followers often do not see great differences. A priest of a Khapeshan deity and one of a Chaskan deity often find much common ground, sharing many teachings, holy texts, and practices. Even religious structures and leadership often overlap. For example, though the Khapeshan church of Harakhte is nominally independent, it has close relationships with the centralized church of [[Harinna]] in [[Mesollonia]].

	{{Deities}}		{{Deities}}

Gronk at 18:30, 8 July 2023

2023-07-08T18:30:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:30, 8 July 2023
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	\|'''Meshkenet''' {{Pronunciation\|MESH-keh-net}} is a goddess of art, music, invention, leisure, and beauty. The goddess and her clergy teach the importance of rest, recuperation, and the enjoyment of the small things in life - sometimes to do right in the world one must take care to remember the efforts that make it worthwhile.		\|'''Meshkenet''' {{Pronunciation\|MESH-keh-net}} is a goddess of art, music, invention, leisure, and beauty. The goddess and her clergy teach the importance of rest, recuperation, and the enjoyment of the small things in life - sometimes to do right in the world one must take care to remember the efforts that make it worthwhile.

	Meshkenet is the patron of artists of all kinds, as well as that of musicians. But not all followers of Meshkenet choose to ~~express~~ their faith through art. She is a goddess of creativity above all else, and all types of ~~creativity~~ that bring wonder and provoke the imagination are believed to be appreciated by the goddess. Inventors, for example, commonly worship ~~the goddess~~ as they design ingenious new contraptions and devices. Gardeners as well frequently pray to Meshkenet as they construct beauty out of the natural world. Butterflies are closely associated with the goddess, and it is believed that she shows her favor by sending swarms of the beautiful insects to the gardens of her most devoted.		Meshkenet is the patron of artists of all kinds, as well as that of musicians. But not all followers of Meshkenet choose to display their faith through art. She is a goddess of creativity above all else, and all types of expression that bring wonder and provoke the imagination are believed to be appreciated by the goddess. Inventors, for example, commonly worship her as they design ingenious new contraptions and devices. Gardeners as well frequently pray to Meshkenet as they construct beauty out of the natural world. Butterflies are closely associated with the goddess, and it is believed that she shows her favor by sending swarms of the beautiful insects to the gardens of her most devoted.

	The grand temple of Meshkenet, in the city of [[Peremoun]], is actually rather atypical of her temples. It is located underground with the rest of the city, and therefore cannot easily host the sprawling gardens that others typically have. Her grand temple is still richly decorated however, interior and exterior surfaces alike covered in many brightly colored reliefs and frescoes. The production and maintenance of gardens and artistic works is often closely involved in the prayer of Meshkenet's faithful.		The grand temple of Meshkenet, in the city of [[Peremoun]], is actually rather atypical of her temples. It is located underground with the rest of the city, and therefore cannot easily host the sprawling gardens that others typically have. Her grand temple is still richly decorated however, interior and exterior surfaces alike covered in many brightly colored reliefs and frescoes. The production and maintenance of gardens and artistic works is often closely involved in the prayer of Meshkenet's faithful.

	Meshkenet is depicted as a figure with the head of an antelope. She is sometimes shown holding a ~~book~~, paintbrush, or other item used for artistic pursuits.		Meshkenet is depicted as a figure with the head of an antelope. She is sometimes shown holding a musical instrument, paintbrush, or other item used for artistic pursuits.
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Qadesh]]		\|[[Qadesh]]
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	The act of telling a story is seen as pious to adherents of Qadesh's faith. They have a particular penchant for fictional tales, especially long and intricate epics, but shorter stories and accounts of real events take on religious importance as well.		The act of telling a story is seen as pious to adherents of Qadesh's faith. They have a particular penchant for fictional tales, especially long and intricate epics, but shorter stories and accounts of real events take on religious importance as well.

	The grand temple of Qadesh is located in [[Faiyan]], a city in upper [[Khapesh]]. Temples to the goddess often have elaborate fountains and waterworks that serve as objects for contemplation and prayer. Though Qadesh's temples and shrines can be found across ~~Khapesh~~, most of her priesthood are itinerant, wandering paths both widely traveled and seldom taken. In doing so they teach the tenets of their goddess to those they meet along the way, aid fellow travelers, and share news of the places they have been. Unlike with the devotees Qadesh's interpretations in some other pantheons, however, these clerics retain close ties to their home temples and regularly return to receive guidance and instruction from the leadership of the priesthood. Some clerics and champions of Qadesh act as water-bearers in the harsh landscapes of the [[Red Lands]], ever vigilant for travelers that have succumbed to thirst and dehydration.		The grand temple of Qadesh is located in [[Faiyan]], a city in upper [[Khapesh]]. Temples to the goddess often have elaborate fountains and waterworks that serve as objects for contemplation and prayer. Though Qadesh's temples and shrines can be found across the kingdom, most of her priesthood are itinerant, wandering paths both widely traveled and seldom taken. In doing so they teach the tenets of their goddess to those they meet along the way, aid fellow travelers, and share news of the places they have been. Unlike with the devotees of Qadesh's interpretations in some other pantheons, however, these clerics retain close ties to their home temples and regularly return to receive guidance and instruction from the leadership of the priesthood. Some clerics and champions of Qadesh act as water-bearers in the harsh landscapes of the [[Red Lands]], ever vigilant for travelers that have succumbed to thirst and dehydration.

	Qadesh is depicted as a humanoid figure with ostrich feathers in her hair. In some imagery she holds a walking staff or a pot of water that is poured out to form a river.		Qadesh is depicted as a humanoid figure with ostrich feathers in her hair. In some imagery she holds a walking staff or a pot of water that is poured out to form a river.
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	\|LN		\|LN
	\|Cities, trade, wealth, architecture, craftsmanship		\|Cities, trade, wealth, architecture, craftsmanship
	\|'''Khenmu''' {{Pronunciation\|KEN-moo}} is a god of cities, trade, wealth, architecture, and craftsmanship. As the builder of civilization, he is thought to have a closer connection to mortals than any other god save perhaps for [[Tawaret]]. Khenmu and his faithful strive for growth and prosperity, as the god wishes only to see mortal ~~societies~~ thrive and expand in an orderly manner.		\|'''Khenmu''' {{Pronunciation\|KEN-moo}} is a god of cities, trade, wealth, architecture, and craftsmanship. As the builder of civilization, he is thought to have a closer connection to mortals than any other god save perhaps for [[Tawaret]]. Khenmu and his faithful strive for growth and prosperity, as the god wishes only to see mortal civilizations thrive and expand in an orderly manner.

	Khenmu and his priesthood call for his followers to build and create, whether that be an object as simple as a tool or as ~~large~~ as a city, or something even grander in scope. Many among his faithful see the construction of towns, cities, and great monuments as a religious prerogative, something to be undertaken with great solemnity and devotion as an expansion of civilization in the mortal realm. The grandiose tombs, mortuary complexes, canals, and more that can be found across [[Khapesh]] were largely made under the direction of Khenmu's clergy, as the inscriptions to the god they often bear can ~~prove~~.		Khenmu and his priesthood call for his followers to build and create, whether that be an object as simple as a tool or as complex as a city, or something even grander in scope. Many among his faithful see the construction of towns, cities, and great monuments as a religious prerogative, something to be undertaken with great solemnity and devotion as an expansion of civilization in the mortal realm. The grandiose tombs, mortuary complexes, canals, and more that can be found across [[Khapesh]] were and are largely made under the direction of Khenmu's clergy, as the inscriptions to the god they often bear can attest.

	The god has a large following ~~among~~ all manner of craftspeople. No matter the trade, all those who work with pride are welcomed by Khenmu. Both the apprentice and master can find reason to worship Khenmu, as he is the master of all crafts, surpassed in none. Architects in particular are closely connected to the god. More generally, Khenmu approves of prosperity and those ~~that~~ bring it to their communities, and so merchants often follow him as well.		The god has a large following amongst all manner of craftspeople. No matter the trade, all those who work with pride are welcomed by Khenmu. Both the apprentice and master can find reason to worship Khenmu, as he is the master of all crafts, surpassed in none. Architects in particular are closely connected to the god. More generally, Khenmu approves of prosperity and those who bring it to their communities, and so merchants often follow him as well.

	Unlike every other grand temple to the pantheon's many gods, Khenmu's is not located in Khapesh proper. Instead it can be found in [[Avaris]], a port city that connects the [[Chaska Sea\|Chaska]] and [[Kilche Sea\|Kilche]] seas. Despite its relative distance from most of the god's followers, the priesthood of the grand temple maintain close connections with other temples scattered across the kingdom and the Khapeshan diaspora. Khenmu's temples serve as examples of the greatest of Khapeshan architecture, simultaneously innovative and traditionalist as they meld ancient designs with modern methods of construction.		Unlike every other grand temple to the pantheon's many gods, Khenmu's is not located in Khapesh proper. Instead it can be found in [[Avaris]], a port city that connects the [[Chaska Sea\|Chaska]] and [[Kilche Sea\|Kilche]] seas. Despite its relative distance from most of the god's followers, the priesthood of the grand temple maintain close connections with other temples scattered across the kingdom and the Khapeshan diaspora. Khenmu's temples serve as examples of the greatest of Khapeshan architecture, simultaneously innovative and traditionalist as they meld ancient designs with modern methods of construction.
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	\|N		\|N
	\|Conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, alcohol		\|Conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, alcohol
	\|'''Maahes''' {{Pronunciation\|MAH-hess}} is a goddess of conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, and alcohol. The capricious goddess is simultaneously a fighter and a ~~medic~~, one who can both cause grievous injuries and ~~aid in mending~~, all depending on her unpredictable whims.		\|'''Maahes''' {{Pronunciation\|MAH-hess}} is a goddess of conflict, weapons, tactics, healing, and alcohol. The capricious goddess is simultaneously a fighter and a healer, one who can both cause grievous injuries and tend to wounds, all depending on her unpredictable whims.

	Maahes is the patron of many disparate groups. Soldiers and adventurers worship her for her martial domains, while healers and ~~doctors~~ do so in hopes of receiving divine guidance in tending to their patients. Her followers vary widely in alignment, as the goddess will accept ~~just about~~ any ~~who seeks to heal or harm, far more concerned about~~ the ~~actions her faithful take than their reasons why~~. Maahes is also the patron of brewers, who often invoke the goddess to bless their alcohol.		Maahes is the patron of many disparate groups. Soldiers and adventurers worship her for her martial domains, while healers and herbalists do so in hopes of receiving divine guidance in tending to their patients. Her followers vary widely in alignment, as the goddess will accept any whose actions do not further the interests of [[Apep]]. Maahes is also the patron of brewers, who often invoke the goddess to bless their alcohol.

	As the warrior of the gods, Maahes is one of [[Harakhte\|Harakhte's]] most important attendants in ~~her fights~~ against [[Apep]]. Though the other gods rely on ~~her~~ heavily to keep the Serpent at bay, they simultaneously fear her. Maahes' bloodlust after ~~these battles~~ is so great that she sometimes refuses to stop fighting after Apep retreats at the coming of the dawn, turning her violent attentions to the other gods instead. Every time she does so they lead her to one of the Rivers of the Dead, to a waterway said to flow with endless beer. Her attentions diverted, Maahes drinks until she calms and rests, forgetting her battles for a time. This is said to be the only way Maahes can be placated~~, though as yet it has never failed~~.		As the warrior of the gods, Maahes is one of [[Harakhte\|Harakhte's]] most important attendants in the battles against Apep. Though the other gods rely on Maahes heavily to keep the Serpent at bay, they simultaneously fear her. Maahes' bloodlust after each nightly encounter is so great that she sometimes refuses to stop fighting after Apep retreats at the coming of the dawn, turning her violent attentions to the other gods instead. Every time she does so they lead her to one of the Rivers of the Dead, to a waterway said to flow with endless beer. Her attentions diverted, Maahes drinks until she calms and rests, forgetting her battles for a time. This is said to be the only way Maahes can be placated.

	From their grand ~~temples~~ in [[Naqada]], a city in lower [[Khapesh]], the priesthood of Maahes ~~provide~~ guidance and instruction to the many other temples to the goddess that can be found across the kingdom. Temples to Maahes are extremely important places in most communities, as their clergy are expert healers renowned for their ability to treat nearly any injury or ailment through both magical and mundane means. Many travel Khapesh and abroad, serving as itinerant war clerics who solve the troubles of the places they venture, whether that come in the form of defeating local foes or tending to the sick.		From their grand temple in [[Naqada]], a city in lower [[Khapesh]], the priesthood of Maahes provides guidance and instruction to the many other temples to the goddess that can be found across the kingdom. Temples to Maahes are extremely important places in most communities, as their clergy are expert healers renowned for their ability to treat nearly any injury or ailment through both magical and mundane means. Many travel Khapesh and abroad, serving as itinerant war clerics who solve the troubles of the places they venture, whether that come in the form of defeating local foes or tending to the sick.

	Maahes is depicted as a lion-headed figure, often holding weaponry of various types.		Maahes is depicted as a lion-headed figure, often holding weaponry of various types.
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	\|'''Amathaunta''' {{Pronunciation\|a-mah-THAWN-tah}} is a goddess of survival, trickery, self-interest, and spite. A comparatively minor deity in the Khapeshan pantheon, she is the patron of outcasts and outlaws, those who have rejected the rules of society and now live on their own terms. Communities that live on the margins of the inhospitable [[Red Lands]] often worship Amathaunta, as she gives them strength and motivation to continue to live life in a harsh landscape.		\|'''Amathaunta''' {{Pronunciation\|a-mah-THAWN-tah}} is a goddess of survival, trickery, self-interest, and spite. A comparatively minor deity in the Khapeshan pantheon, she is the patron of outcasts and outlaws, those who have rejected the rules of society and now live on their own terms. Communities that live on the margins of the inhospitable [[Red Lands]] often worship Amathaunta, as she gives them strength and motivation to continue to live life in a harsh landscape.

	By both her followers and the faithful of other deities, Amathaunta has always been considered to be apart from the other gods of the pantheon. She is too chaotic and strong-willed to be cowed under [[Harakhte\|Harakte's ~~rule~~]], while also having no desire to turn to the evil of [[Apep]]. Just as Amathaunta rejected the laws by which the other gods abide, so too do her followers with the laws of mortal society, carving out niches for themselves in times and places that do not favor them. Many criminals turn to worship of Amathaunta, but so too do individuals who cannot or simply will not conform to the expectations placed upon them.		By both her followers and the faithful of other deities, Amathaunta has always been considered to be apart from the other gods of the pantheon. She is too chaotic and strong-willed to be cowed under [[Harakhte\|Harakte's]] rule, while also having no desire to turn to the evil of [[Apep]]. Just as Amathaunta rejected the laws by which the other gods abide, so too do her followers with the laws of mortal society, carving out niches for themselves in times and places that do not favor them. Many criminals turn to worship of Amathaunta, but so too do individuals who cannot or simply will not conform to the expectations placed upon them.

	The grand temple to Amathaunta is located in the city of [[Timinhor]] in lower [[Khapesh]]. Temples to the goddess in major cities are otherwise rather uncommon, though smaller shrines are widespread. Most of Amathaunta's most devoted followers ~~instead~~ live in more isolated parts of the kingdom, especially on the borderlands away from the river, where a number of temples to the goddess can be found in isolated locations, tended be a priesthood that is, by Khapeshan standards, remarkably disorganized. The clergy of the goddess are quite independent, much like the Amathaunta herself, and do not pay much heed to religious guidance from afar that does not come directly from a divine source. Extremely unusually in comparison to other Khapeshan deities, there is no holy text to Amathaunta, though her clerics do commonly share exhortations to the goddess that are often inscribed on reliefs and other imagery ~~depicted the goddess~~.		The grand temple to Amathaunta is located in the city of [[Timinhor]] in lower [[Khapesh]]. Temples to the goddess in major cities are otherwise rather uncommon, though smaller shrines are widespread. Most of Amathaunta's most devoted followers live in more isolated parts of the kingdom, especially on the borderlands away from the river, where a number of temples to the goddess can be found in isolated locations, tended be a priesthood that is, by Khapeshan standards, remarkably disorganized. The clergy of the goddess are quite independent, much like the Amathaunta herself, and do not pay much heed to religious guidance from afar that does not come directly from a divine source. Extremely unusually in comparison to other Khapeshan deities, there is no holy text to Amathaunta, though her clerics do commonly share exhortations to the goddess that are often inscribed on reliefs and other imagery depicting her.

	Amathaunta is depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of a cat.		Amathaunta is depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of a cat.