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his great double-bladed axe. His symbols are a pair of crossed handaxes and his sled, Shalka. Sarajin’s demigods are Usnarl the bear, Jarlak the wolf, and Njehu the whale.

Sarajin dwells in an ice castle on Yashain in a land called Talagaad. Those who worship Sarajin and fall in battle come to Talagaad and spend each day in the valley below the castle, hacking and slaying each other until the snow runs red. At dusk, all retire within the castle, including those newly slain, for a long night of feasting and wenching. By dawn, all are revitalized in this warrior’s paradise and repeat the endless battle.

The worship of Sarajin was brought to Hârn by the Ivinians and is mainly practiced in Orbaal. It is sometimes said that “they who follow the King of the Icy Wind worship death.” This may explain the failure of the religion to win many adherents among Hârnians not of Ivinian ancestry. Where the faith is followed, the religious needs of the community are handled by a single clan. The Ivinians tend to approach religion like any other business. It is a loosely organized religion, little interested in rituals or frills. Each clerical clan may have a different interpretation of the truth, but all agree that courage, strength, and skill at arms are the cardinal virtues. Clerics of Sarajin have no particular mode of dress; most are warriors and will dress accordingly.

Save-K’nor
“Sage of the Gods; Lord of Jesters, Puzzles, and Mazes; Mixer of Potions and Elixirs; Keeper of the Var-Hyvrak; The Lost Guide.”

Save-K’nor is an intellectual snob who will only accept worshipers of high intelligence. He has a voracious appetite for knowledge and will go to great lengths to obtain mysterious scrolls and books; his adherents make frequent gifts of such esoterica. Save- K’nor most often appears to mortals as an aged sage, a beggar in rags, a minstrel, bard, skald, or jester. The religion is intellectually demanding and there are few adherents. Save-K’nor has several symbols, the most common being a blank scroll, a book portrayed so that the script is illegible, a quill and ink pot, and Uhla, the black lantern.

Although its influence is subtle and discreet, the church wields considerable political power. Clerics and laymen of the religion are found in high offices throughout Hârn, particularly in Melderyn. Generally, each temple is left to itself and some are little more than hostels for clerics. Three main clerical orders exist, in order of size: Hyn-Aelori, Rydequelyn, and Shea-al-Aecor. All three favor gray as their formal attire. High-ranking members of the church (usually of the Shea-al-Aecor) bear

emblems of office, most commonly a staff or lantern. The pontiff is traditionally the grandmaster of the Sheaal-Aecor. The pontifical seat is in the city of Berema in Emelrene.

SIEM
“Master of the Lords of Dream, Lord of the Thrice-Blessed Realm, King of the Uttermost West, Spirit of the Sundered Ones, Bringer of Blessed Forgetfulness, Lord of the Azure Bowl.”

Siem is a benign god of mystery and shadow, magic and dreams, a wielder of esoteric powers and a knower of secrets. At one time, Siem was foremost of the gods of Hârn, said to have been lord of the Sindarin in residence on Hârn. Before the coming of men, Siem laid down his scepter and quit Hârn in favor of the Blessed Realm.

On occasion, Siem still answers the call of his Hârnic followers. The power he and his servants wield is subtle; the deity sends dreams that purge unpleasant memories. He is far more apt to confuse an enemy than slay him outright or bestow martial powers.

A highly mystical symbol of Siem and of his religion is the Azure Bowl. Sindarin legends, old even when they first reached Hârn, describe the artifact as being connected with “the making, the holding, and the very spilling forth of the stars.” If the original Azure Bowl ever existed, no mortal has ever seen it, but several facsimiles have been constructed. Although many Azure Bowls are undoubtedly the work of charlatans and of only aesthetic interest, some are authentic “gazing bowls.” If one of these is filled with clear, fresh water, visions are apt to occur while gazing within; the spiritual fiber of the gazer, and possibly that of observers, may be altered, most likely in a benign way.

Several of Siem’s demi-divine underlings, notably Sereniel and Sweldre, are more accessible than the deity and may be worshiped directly. Sereniel is said to intercede at his master’s court on behalf of the Khuzdul. According to their mythology, it was Sereniel who breathed life into the Khuzdul to wake them from their long slumber. Sweldre is believed to intercede before the throne of Siem on behalf of the Sindarin.

Siem’s priesthood is minute. Known as Inthiars, they are wielders of illusion and keepers of ancient secrets. Not even the names of the various orders that worship Siem are known. They are fond of symbolism and magic and attach much significance to the stars and twilight. They build no temples, preferring to worship under the stars in sacred forest glades.

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