Chaskan pantheon

The Chaskan pantheon (pronounced CHOSS-kahn) is one of the major regional pantheons on Kishar. Though early historical records indicate the pantheon first took shape in cultures living along the eastern coast of the Chaska Sea, it has long since spread far more widely. Today it is the primary pantheon around the Chaska, save for in Hellea and Khapesh, and it is also followed around the Phiora Sea and along the coasts of the Kilche as far south as Oscan.

Overview

In the Chaskan pantheon's conception of the divine, gods are knowable, unchanging entities with knowable, unchanging tenets. Few individuals believe they have the full understanding of the divine, yet nearly all believe there is one singular truth. Sects and those that follow non-pantheon gods are therefore either errant believers to be proven wrong, or perhaps possessors of some previously unknown secret that provides a glimpse at ultimate knowledge. While in Chaskan theology the gods themselves are perfect beings, and therefore could not possibly change, religions do not necessarily always reflect their gods' faultlessness. This quest for final, definite answers to questions of the divine is a significant factor in Chaskan theological thought.

The creation story of the Chaskan pantheon tells of great divine struggles as the universe was brought into being. Socharin is believed to have been the ultimate creator of the world, aided by the other gods, each assisting for their own reasons. In the hazy era before time became set, Socharin directed the other deities in shaping the first incarnation of the universe, fitting together the cosmic pieces into his perfect design. As the gods celebrated their finishing touches, Lotan, who had observed this process from afar with anger at the structure that was taking form, struck at Socharin. After a battle that took a fraction of a second and an eternity Socharin was defeated, his consummate creation scattered into an unrecognizable and chaotic jumble. Chased by the other gods, Lotan fled back into the darkness, nursing his wounds yet victorious. The gods mourned, then set to work once more. A new creation was born, far less ordered than the first, as the cosmic quintessence was arranged into something vaguely resembling the original design. As the second world took shape, Socharin was reborn, chosen by Shai for resurrection. Stepping back from his role, Socharin gave his possession of the domains of rulership and law to his sister Harinna - in Chaskan theology, Harinna is now the steward of the universe. All gods have existed since before creation and, with the exception Lotan, seek to maintain its existence for the indefinite future.

Deities

Name	Alignment	Areas of Concern	Description
Harinna	LG	The sun, rulership, law, duty, hunting	Harinna (pronounced ha-RIH-nah) is the goddess of the sun, rulership, law, duty, and hunting, thought to be the queen of the divine realm and the steward of the universe. Before the beginning of creation, Harinna was the goddess of duty and purpose. She marshaled the other gods to follow the plans her brother Socharin had drafted for the universe, fervently organizing them to create the world in his vision. When Lotan struck at Socharin, angered at the order that had been formed out of the primordial chaos, Harinna led the other gods in pushing the World-Encircler back to the void. Socharin died in the attack yet returned, reborn and changed. He had observed Harinna's zeal and knew that while he could no longer occupy his former role, his sister could. He transferred his domains of rulership and law to Harinna and stepped back to let her lead. No longer merely the enforcer and overseer, Harinna now leads the ceaseless fight against the indefatigable Lotan, protecting the other gods and their creation from the divine beast that would consume them all. Harinna embodies justice, honor, and even-handed rulership. She represents the stabilizing influence of the law, but only when applied equally and fairly - to Harinna, tyranny is as inimical as chaos. Just as the sun's rays enlighten and nourish the world, clearing away the darkness of chaos, she teaches that rulers should teach and foster the growth of those under their authority. Her clergy instruct that one must follow and enforce the law for the good of all of society, as long as one’s leaders hold to the same principles. All good rulers should lead by example, setting a path for their people through their own deeds. Those that seek justice, behave honorably, and bring law and order to wild and chaotic places are the most drawn to Harinna. Leaders of many kinds, whether of a community, nation, or household, frequently pray to Harinna for guidance and strength. Perhaps more so than with any other deity, she has many paladins who act in her name. Harinna's faith is especially strong in Viridia, where the monarchy and senate draw legitimacy from the long-standing support of her clergy. She is the goddess not only of justice and fair rulers but also of those that enforce the laws set out by those rulers. She is commonly prayed to by guards, soldiers, and others who believe their profession and cause is righteous. Religious ritual is extremely important to the faithful of Harinna. Participation in their many intricate ceremonies is seen as paramount in ensuring their goddess continues to favor their community and society - if a temple were to falter or cease in their rituals, it would be tantamount to inviting disorder back into the fold. Harinna's primary holy text is the Book of Justice. Written as a narrative that places Harinna as the overseer of the other gods and all of creation, in the tale she listens to a series of disputes between both the divines and mortals under her rule. After hearing each character's side in their quarrel, she determines an equitable solution that will satisfy both parties. Temples to Harinna are always either open-air or otherwise designed in a manner that allows large amounts of sunlight to enter. Her faithful believe that performing a prayer in the light of the sun will ensure it is seen by their deity, and therefore make every effort to ensure their actions are visible to her, sometimes even bringing bottled sunlight with them when traveling to sunless places. The church of Harinna is highly centralized, and the faithful of the goddess place great importance on respecting and maintaining their religious hierarchy. Since the end of the Amberikon Crusade in Y7596*, the church has been based out of the Stronghold of the Light on Mesollonia, an independent island nation entirely controlled by the church. The Keeper of the Light serves as the head of the church and the religion, chosen by a conclave of high priests to provide guidance and leadership to all followers of Harinna. Though the vast majority of Harinnite churches follow the Keeper of the Light, some are instead part of the schismatic movement led by the Grandmaster of the Sun Refuge. Established in Y8925* by a group called the Sun Blades, this movement believes Harinna's faith has become too complacent and that true adherents to the goddess should go forth and actively destroy the evil in the world. Towards this goal, the sect established a base on islands just offshore from the undead empire of Tarkuus, from which they attempt to fight against what they see as the greatest of the world's many evils. Some temples have joined the schism, particularly those around the Kilche Sea and along the eastern coast of the Chaska Sea, but the movement remains relatively small compared to the rest of the religion. Harinna is most often depicted as a woman clad in bronze armor with a hunting falcon resting on her outstretched arm. In some pictures she holds the sun in her other hand, and in others the sun is drawn behind her head, almost haloing it.

Area of worship

Of the major regional pantheons, the Chaskan pantheon is perhaps the most geographically widespread. Gods from this pantheon are the primary deities worshiped in the eastern Chaskan coast, Thadria, the Western Coast, and around the Phiora in Koritan, Talam Galta, and Izgrev. Adherents of the pantheon have also spread their beliefs as far south as Oscan and Laniobriga. Followers of Chaskan gods can commonly be found much farther afield as well, present in areas where other pantheons or religions hold more influence.

Connections to other pantheons

Millennia of shared history and cultural connections have led to great similarities between the Chaskan, Hellean, and Khapeshan pantheons. All three have quite similar creation stories and tales of the gods, though sometimes differing in the details. Holy texts are often shared across the pantheons in altered forms.