Tarhunz (pronounced tar-HOONZ) is a pantheonic god commonly associated with power, ambition, schemes, and rivalry.
Aserdian pantheon
There are few temples to Eltanin, and his priesthood almost always act independently of each other - in cases where they do work together, any alliances or pacts inevitably fall apart once one side attempts to gain an upper hand over the other. Devotees of Eltanin frequently engage in secretive plotting when they feel doing so would bring them to power. They never, however, conceal their identities - in their view only the weak are forced to hide, and therefore doing so is one of the greatest possible debasements.
Eltanin is usually given humanoid form in his depictions. He is typically shown dressed in elaborate clothing or armor and holding symbols of strength and leadership, usually a scepter. Sometimes the scepter is shown as having obviously been broken and repaired.
Edicts and anathema
- Edicts
- Anathema
Chaskan pantheon
Ambitious glory-seekers, assassins, and those consumed by a lust for power commonly worship Tarhunz. Though he is most closely associated with the violently power-hungry, some followers of Tarhunz are considerably more subtle. Ruthless politicians, generals without compunction, and others who seek victory at any cost can all find reason to pray to Tarhunz, at least on occasion.
Even before the creation of the world, Tarhunz coveted the position held by his twin Socharin. As the eldest and strongest, the right of rulership should have belonged to him. He watched as the other gods aligned with Socharin and his plans to create the world, and begrudgingly joined in their activities, attempting to shape the universe to his desires all the same. When Lotan struck out of the darkness at Socharin, Tarhunz stood by, but only briefly. Understanding that the death of the other gods and unmaking of the world would leave him without the throne he deserved, he aided his brother in pushing the snake back to the void - but only after Socharin had already been gravely wounded.
For a moment Tarhunz was elated. The role he so coveted was empty, his for the taking - but again, it was stolen from him. Socharin was deemed by Shai to be worthy of resurrection, and in an instant he returned. Pensive and changed, Socharin gave his power over rulership to their sister Harinna. Tarhunz’s jealousy returned, stronger than ever, only now directed at a new rival. As the tales recall, he has plotted against Harinna ever since, driven to find some way to claim his deserved position.
Yet despite his unceasing drive for power, Tarhunz has never let it blind him. Many stories tell of his efforts to aid first Socharin and then Harinna in keeping the great beast Lotan at bay; after all, if the World-Encircler succeeded in his goals, he would soon turn to Tarhunz next. As the stories go, Tarhunz and Harinna continue their eternal fight against Lotan hand in hand, one the sword to the other’s shield.
In following their god’s example, devotees of Tarhunz frequently engage in secretive plotting when they feel doing so would bring them to power. They never, however, conceal their identities - in their view only the weak are forced to hide, and therefore doing so is one of the greatest possible debasements.
Followers of Tarhunz generally eschew formal church structures. Instead, regional temples act and worship independently.
Tarhunz's holy text is Contendings, a work that describes his deserved place among the gods.
Tarhunz is often depicted as a humanoid figure dressed in elaborate clothing or armor accompanied by a pack of hounds. In most renditions of the god he is pictured as possessing symbols of strength: a crown or a ruler's scepter are most typical, but it could also include a lightning bolt or some other item culturally associated with personal power.
Edicts and anathema
- Edicts
- Seek personal power, dethrone your rivals, take what is rightfully yours
- Anathema
- Ignore a challenge or insult, show weakness, deny involvement once your plans have come to fruition, allow others to take credit for your achievements
Khapeshan pantheon
From his domain of the desert Sutekh always plots for more. The arid lands around Khapesh are so barren, his followers say, as he has already used everything they had in his chase of a greater position than the King of the Red Lands. Sandstorms are said to be brought about by Sutekh's anger, directed towards those that stand in his way.
Sutekh is the patron of the ruthlessly ambitious, those who are willing to cast others aside in their pursuit of personal power, even as his clergy simultaneously teaches the importance of uniting under strong leadership for a common goal. They see no contradiction in seeing the significance of both sides at once. Both the god and his followers seek control, yet what is the purpose in ruling a pile of rubble? For this reason Sutekh is seen far more favorably than Apep or Nakith by devotees of other gods of the Khapeshan pantheon, even if they remain keenly aware that to Sutekh's followers any notions of larger issues are constantly re-evaluated as they wait for a time to strike.
As with other evil deities in the pantheon, Sutekh has no grand temple. Smaller temples can be found with ease, however, as the god is tolerated enough for his followers to be permitted a presence in most large communities.
Sutekh is depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of a sha, spear in one hand and a fistful of sand in the other. In imagery made by his followers he is often shown wearing the same crown possessed by Harakhte, though this is never seen when the god is depicted in the religious artwork of other faiths.
Edicts and anathema
- Edicts
- Anathema
Orcish pantheon
The god has some priests but relatively few temples. Most prayer to Orzakh instead takes place at small shrines, which are often secluded due to widespread negative perceptions against his followers. He is the patron of those that seek glory and power for themselves regardless of the consequences. Followers of Orzakh tend to do so less due to genuine commitment to the god and more out of a belief that he will grant them the strength and opportunities to take what they desire. Those that commit wanton and purposeless acts of violence are thought to be driven to do so by Orzakh.
Orzakh is usually depicted wearing the damaged traditional garb of the leader of a clan or tribe, most often including a cracked fanged crown.
Edicts and anathema
- Edicts
- Anathema