Power belongs to those with the strength to take it. The rightful ruler is the one with the steel sword in the iron hand.—Common proverbs associated with followers of Tarhunz
Tarhunz (pronounced tar-HOONZ) is the god of power, ambition, and deserts.
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
Description
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.
Followers
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. Particularly unscrupulous merchants, ruthless politicians, and others who seek victory at any cost can all find reason to pray to Tarhunz, at least on occasion.
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.
Just like their god and his peers, worshipers of Tarhunz have a tumultuous relationship with the followers of other deities, especially those of Socharin and Harinna. Though devotees of the Contender almost always work in opposition to those of his siblings, they are never above joining forces in the face of a mutual threat.
Church structure
Followers of Tarhunz generally eschew formal church structures. Some temples to Tarhunz in Khapesh, Rudamun, and formerly Akhom organize themselves under a set of high priests, but outside these regions temples to the Contender almost always act and worship independently.
Holy text
Tarhunz's holy text is Contendings, a work that describes his deserved place among the gods.
Depiction
Tarhunz is often depicted as a humanoid figure, frequently with the head of a sha, dressed in elaborate clothing or armor. In most renditions of the god he is pictured as possessing symbols of strength: a crown, a ruler’s scepter, a lightning bolt, or some other item culturally associated with personal power.
Variations by pantheon
| Pantheon | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aserdian | Eltanin | In the Aserdian pantheon, Eltanin is connected to mortals who would seek to impose their role over an unwilling populace. |
| Hellean | Zarex | In the Hellean pantheon, Zarex is widely seen as a divine wildcard, a backstabber who will quickly turn on his allies for his own benefit. |
| Khapeshan | Sutekh | In the Khapeshan pantheon, Sutekh's role in fighting Apep is heavily emphasized, representing the importance of uniting under strong leadership for a common goal. |
| Laurentian | Gautaz | In the Laurentian pantheon, Gautaz is viewed as a god who does what needs to be done, no matter how unsavory the task. Cultures following the Laurentian pantheon often warn against relying on Gautaz, as he will inevitably betray any trust. |
| Dwarven | Ranven | In the Dwarven pantheon, Ranven is viewed as an outcast biding his time on the margins without involvement with the other deities, waiting for an opportunity to usurp the legitimate ruler. |
| Elven | Thevrumines | In the Elven pantheon, Thevrumines is seen more neutrally as an iron-fisted ruler who protects those under him, at least to Redemptionists. To Wild Ones, he represents the ambitious drive of their old society, and is therefore more evil. |
| Orcish | Orzakh | In the Orcish pantheon, Orzakh is seen as more of a neutral figure, one who assists his ruler while preparing to eventually take the role himself. |