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are Nava-shak-ara, an ebony knife; and Shinkra-akra, a translucent human skull. Replicas of both are used in temple rituals.

Naveh’s main demonic servants are Dekejis and the Gytevsha. Dekejis appears in the form of a black, redeyed cat. Dekejis considers human eyes and genitals a great delicacy; those who lack either are said to bear the curse of Naveh. There are three principal Gytevsha, each with numerous lesser servants. Gekrish, the “Hands of Despair,” can reach inside the body with taloned hands and still the heart, or possess the body, tormenting the resident Aura before slaying it. Krasula, the “Hunter of Sleep,” brings horrific nightmares and appears as a male child with one eye of the palest blue and the other of the deepest black. Vesha, the “Mouth of Falsehood,” spreads deceit and confusion and is strengthened by every lie told by men and wounded by every truth.

Temples of Naveh are always covert, even where lawful. Very little is known of the church by outsiders. Its discipline is second to none; temple masters have been known to order loyal underlings to commit ritual suicide for no apparent reason. Navehan clergy have little interest in the laity. It is widely believed that the temples kidnap children of good or noble birth to be raised as clerics and servants. Some temple rituals involve drug-induced trances. Each temple is self-sufficient. The chief temple and the seat of the primate for Hârn is in Coranan; there are also covert temples in Golotha, Shiran, and Tashal. The pontiff lives at the Temple of Maniquideh in Dalkesh.

Ritual murder play a major role in the worship of Naveh. The temples take commissions for assassinations or thievery and may be contacted through the Lia-Kavair, who often pay them tribute. Fees are high and the church is prone to refuse contracts without explanation.

The clerical garb is loose fitting to allow freedom of movement, and usually black with a trace of blood red. Ranking clergy wear an over-robe of red and may don the dreaded skull mask that denotes imminent death. All clergy carry razor-sharp daggers. An assassin wears a broad belt of white cloth that will be red with the victim’s blood when returned to the temple. Success and failure are judged by more than the simple death of the victim; there is a degree of “artistry” involved. Various punishments are meted out for failure.

The church’s most interesting ritual punishment is the Herth-Akan, in which a target is given a one-hour start and must evade the murderous pursuit of seven of his temple brothers for three successive days and nights. Few are successful. If the victim evades death for the required period, he is permitted to live, but the failed assassins must then commit ceremonial suicide.

“The Restorer and Bringer of Life, Maker of Balms, Lady of Truth, Daughter of White Virtue, Guardian of the Meek, Lady of the Ripe Harvest, Confidant of Lovers, Chaste Lady of Honest Love.”

Peoni is the most popular deity among commoners. She is the patron goddess of healing, agriculture, the poor, and lovers. She requires of her adherents a strict moral code of gentleness and kindness to others but is forgiving of those who transgress. She is most often represented as a young girl with gentle hands worn red from hard work. Peoni is symbolized by any of several spring flowers or the fruits of agriculture. It is said that she prefers white flowers, particularly the daisy.

The countryside is dotted with peasant-made shrines to Peoni where adherents can find shelter and hospitality. Clerics are divided into two orders, the ''Order of the Balm of Joy (female) and the Irreproachable Order'' (male). Peonian clerics are celibate and the orders often have separate temples. The primate for Hârn is the grandmistress of the female order; her seat is in Thay. The pontiff is in Perna, Trierzon; the office alternates between male and female clergy.

The Church of Peoni distributes most of its wealth, gathered mainly through donations, among the poor and is always verging on bankruptcy. Temples often include houses of healing that are open to anyone of pure heart; patients pay according to their means. Clerics can often be found among the poor and sick, blessing their labors and easing their tasks with boundless comfort.

Clerics of Peoni change their grab with the season. They wear white in the winter, green in spring, beige in summer, and yellow in autumn. While Peoni is swift to forgive laymen, strict morals are required from her clerics.

SARAJIN
“King of the Icy Wind, Lord of the Perilous Quest, Wielder of the Blooded Axe, Master of Frosty Climes, the Gray Slayer.”

Sarajin is the god of battle lust. He favors those who love the sport of war and takes great pleasure in watching and even participating in large battles. The only virtue universally admired among Sarajinians is courage. The noblest achievement of a Sarajinian is to die in heroic battle; most try to live each day as if it were their last. They value the Ljarl, a code of honor, but treachery is not unknown.

Sarajin most often appears as a giant yellow-haired warrior dressed in leather and furs, bearing Fakang,

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