Morenth

Morenth's theology revolves around the simple idea that the entire universe belongs to him, and humanity is barely worthy to bask in his radiant presence. Those who refuse to acknowledge this simple, self-evident fact heretics, and deserve punishment or death. There is no repentance for heretics – all are doomed to eternal damnation,<sup>21plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Maelbourg

Ziedon looked at the group and their sad state of appearance and made a suggestion. “Perhaps we should find lodgings and cleanse ourselves. Ulan can wait until we are presentable.” Leaning heavily on his staff, he looked around for someone he could ask a question of. The appearance of the group prevented most people from coming near them, but eventually,</sup> though there is hope for their children.

Long ago, Morenth's church spread through a series of small-scale crusades, purges, and other such violent means. Since the Plague of Morenthplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Plague of Morenth (678-699)

After Drannenveldt, the leadership of the House of Morenth grew a bit frantic. They saw that the Jarramites, due to their commercial power, had a small measure of official tolerance, and they came up with their own plan to get a bit for themselves. (or the Scourge of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of, as Morenthians call it) three hundred years ago, Morenthians have been restricted to Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg

[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]

Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index in Huerten, and Haelbourg in Elgony. Outside of these towns, the law will look the other way when a Morenthian is killed.

Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg

[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]

Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index and Haelbourg have their guilds and townsmen, but the real power is in the hands of the priests, who reside in the House of Morenthplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d….

The Symbol of Morenth is a circle made from three snakes tangled on its edges. An eight-legged goat sits in the middle, its legs splayed out in all directions. Snakes are an important symbol in the religion, and while they aren't considered holy animals, there are those who try to keep them out of the hands of the less devout.

The House of Morenthplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d… is the only acceptable place of worship. In the year 1001, there are only two known Houses in existence, the larger one in Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg

[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]

Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index, and the smaller in Haelbourg. All religious activity is focused on the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d….

Followers are required to undergo several hours of ritual purification in the Purification Rooms, before entering the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…,<sup>20plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: A Storm Will Lead the Way

The tale of Ziedon's adventures held Sahlman's full attention. The desert dweller listened in awe to the recounting, his craggy face fully expressing his astonishment at many of the story's details. His mind fairly boggled at the idea of spending so much time under the ground, closed in, surrounded and trapped. 'Agh, this</sup> though this need be done only once a week. A simpler ritual can be used daily.

It's called the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d… because “Morenth dwells among us.”<sup>116plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The State of Maelbourg

An hour or so after the tailor left, a messenger arrived with an unsigned letter from Galgewe: I will not be able to visit you myself tonight due to prior engagements, so I will answer some of your questions here. Please destroy this message when you have comitted it to memory. If you forget, its ink is designed to fade within a day or two.

You asked for descriptions of the major players in town, so here they are. The number following each name is an indication of power and influence. There a…</sup>

The priesthood of Morenth is an elite class, who see themselves as above the common person, far more likely to be “one of the few” accepted by Morenth. There are a large number of priests in each House, who have a variety of jobs.

At the bottom of the heirarchy are the Low Priests, who perform everyday tasks, run the Purification Rooms and bathhouses, and maintain the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…. They are well-versed in the Songs, but have very little power. Next come the regular Priests, who are responsible for congregational prayer and education.

Ritual Ministers<sup>115plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Working for a Townsman

Ziedon was escorted out of the jail, to be taken to the nearby Purple Raven. His damaged clothes were brought elsewhere to be mended. Two of the three men who walked with Ziedon were common thugs, hired for strength rather than agility. They wore standard uniforms, consisting of leather armor, longsword, light crossbow and dagger, along with narrow-rimmed hats and a short black ribbon. The third man, doubtless the leader, was lighter than the others, but certainly looked like he could hold his o…,184plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: A Secret is a Secret is a Secret

“Well,” the priest muttered, looking into the crowded room, “I suppose they have enough people in there.” He turned and walked the dark tiles towards the entrance portal to keep watch for the sorcerer and his unholy pets. He passed by Voss, who was intently examining his wounds.,187plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: A Changed Maelbourg

Ziedon awoke from a dreamless sleep to a painful pecking on his chest. He opened his eyes and shut them again. His head was pounding, and his eyes felt like they were glued together. The next time he opened his eyes, he saw a blur that had to be Tah'iera. Next to him, Kreemon was sitting up with his head between his knees, trying not to vomit.,195plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Taking a Stand

Voss's refusal to enter the cell made Corbyn nervous. “Again, sir,” he said trying to deflect a bit of attention, “my friend here is not a Balowan or whatever you call it.” He looked at the awaiting room. “Looks more like a waiting room to me, Mr.</sup> may or may not be priests. Those who are not live outside the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…. They form a kind of lay leadership. Those who are priests are a step above regular priests. Ritual Ministers in the priesthood have both religious and political power.

The next step up is the Ritual Master. A variety of other, more obscure specialities exist, such as Voice, Voice of Morenth and Snake Walker.<sup>183plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Averting the Signs

From the looks of it, something had long since grown and died in that room. Crumbled branches lay strewn about, and powdery dust that may once have been leaves or moss coated every surface. In the middle of the room was a solid stone desk whose edge was carved in the likeness of a snake, and beyond was an empty bookshelf.</sup>

Below all are the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d… Guard. These are brought up in the same way as the priests, taught the Songs, but don't make the cut. They are still skilled and feared swordsmen. Only some Houses, such as the House of Morenthplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d… in Maelbourgplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigMaelbourg

[This map is obviously missing a lot. There aren't huge open spaces in Maelbourg.]

Maelbourg is a walled town in the Barony of Huerten, with a population of approximately six thousand. Its primary exports are textiles, wool and coal, the last of which it acquires from deposits in the nearby hills. The land on which the town sits was added to maelbourg index, have their own Guard.<sup>178plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The House Guard

All the younger boys bunked together and served or studied in whatever way they were told. Like Gil, these were mostly the firstborn sons of converts to the faith. Their fathers, for a variety of reasons, had undergone the difficult conversion required to join the faithful. Those men who could not also make a meaningful donation in coin or labor, offered the promise of their firstborn sons. It was no honor to come in to</sup>

By Lindsey Norman, 2017-10-21

It is well known that the Morenthians have the most beautiful and complex songs of praise throughout the modern religions. Most Morenthians are taught from a young age to sing their given notes properly; even those with lackluster voices will typically be able to hold the correct key for a song. While many outside the religion may find the teaching methods to be harsh, offering the notes properly is considered essential for worship. Few devout Morenthian parents would indulge their child that deficiency. Interestingly, Morenthian songs rely entirely on voice and lack any instrumental accompaniment.

The songs of worship are divided into three main styles: ritual, liturgical, and mystery. Ritual songs are most frequently heard by outsiders; they cover any song sung in the home and the public spheres, through to the Purification Rooms. Most ritual songs are written to be shared among multiple singers, ranging from paired songs to ones that allow dozens of voices. Given their heavy use, the lyrics are prone to change over the years, and some melodic evolution is generally accepted.

Liturgical songs comprise the Song services and education for the religious community, and tend towards a call-and-response format that progressively increases in melodic and tonal complexity between verses. While they are difficult to obtain without access to the interior of a House of Morenth, lay scholars value these relatively unchanging songs for their historical content, if not their heavy religious dogma. However, their lyrical symbology often necessitates the use of additional sources to work through.

So called ‘mystery’ songs encompass a host of rare and closely guarded pieces. Few Morenthians outside the upper echelons of the priesthood have knowledge of or access to these. These include, but are not limited to segments of retired liturgical songs, as well as songs that transfer knowledge within the priest class. A stylistic comparison of these songs is impossible for the modern researcher, and would be met with hostility if such an inquiry were made.

Additional notes: In 577, ritual songs are more frequently encountered than in 1001. It would not be very unusual for a family to sing a short praise together before their meal. A group of like-minded laborers may hum together for encouragement as they begin to tire. Paired songs are generally considered quite intimate, but their use spans platonic, romantic, and hierarchical relationships (the most notable of these being the purification ritual).

Daily prayers are known as the Morning Song, the Evening Song, etc. There are also magical songs, including the Song of Eternity<sup>186plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Song of Eternity

The blades shot out towards his neck--

--and struck the snakes. They weren't blades at all, but rather blunt blocks of shiny metal. Were they just there to tighten the collar? Gil felt the floor giving way under his knees. Instinctively, he spread out, searching for anything he could hold on to so that his neck wouldn't snap. There</sup> and the Song of Destruction.<sup>143plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Song of Destruction

Kreemon woke up hurting all over. He lifted himself slowly, only realizing he was lying on a table top when his motion unbalanced the makeshift stretcher, twisting it out of Ziedon's sore and tired hands, and sending it crashing to the ground. Kreemon rolled a couple times on the ground before colliding with the filthy wall of the alley. Weak from his many wounds, he lifted himself carefully on the palms of his hands, and saw</sup>

Other rituals include the Low Songs, and the Sign of the Worthless.<sup>178plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The House Guard

All the younger boys bunked together and served or studied in whatever way they were told. Like Gil, these were mostly the firstborn sons of converts to the faith. Their fathers, for a variety of reasons, had undergone the difficult conversion required to join the faithful. Those men who could not also make a meaningful donation in coin or labor, offered the promise of their firstborn sons. It was no honor to come in to</sup>

No one may enter the sanctuary without being cleaned and ritually purified. This must be repeated at least once a week.

By Lidsey Norman, 2017-10-21

The Purification Ritual for Morenth’s faithful is a well-guarded secret, despite the numbers that perform it. The major ritual takes 2-3 hours on average, and must be performed at least once a week.

Depending on the size of the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…, Purification Rooms are laid out in one, three, or eight well-station configurations. Each well-station is manned by an attendant- typically a lower-ranked priest- and contains a preparation area and a small sunken tub (or, depending on the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…’s resources, a large shared one). The room is heavily perfumed, although an astringent smell can be detected underneath the incense.

Upon entering, the penitent disrobes and the attendant anoints their forehead and gums with a tincture containing snake venom. The exact preparation of this tincture is held closely by the priesthood, but it is rumored that there are multiple preparations for different roles in the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…. A short, demanding song is shared between the worshiper and attendant before cleansing begins.

Any forward-thinking Morenthian will have fasted properly before the ritual, but the venom’s emetic properties purge the stomach thoroughly in minutes. The skin is wetted then scrubbed with stiff brushes, aided by the attendant if lethargy sets in early or if the penitent displays any hesitancy. This help is understood to be an act of generosity, despite the intense discomfort.

The penitent is helped into the sunken tub and another, easier, song is shared. At this point, the dilute venom’s effects have taken hold and the worshiper becomes lethargic and euphoric. The tub’s liquid- another guarded recipe- produces a burning sensation on the freshly-scrubbed skin as the worshiper is held beneath it for several seconds. When allowed to surface, the penitent rests in the searing tub in a meditative state as the venom runs its course.

After the bath, the worshiper rinses and applies an unguent to their skin and the room attendant’s hands. A final song is shared between the two, and the penitent is free to dress and enter the sanctuary. If the worshiper sleeps before entering the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…, a minor ritual must be performed before they are considered clean. This involves splashing a liquid similar to the baths’ water onto their hands and face, then rinsing them before entering. Dual cisterns or troughs with ladles are typically provided in the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…’s antechamber for this purpose. Children who have not yet come of age are relegated to this ritual as well. Some busy Morenthians choose to skip the full purification ritual, instead relying on the minor ritual. Houses vary in their monitoring or enforcement of this custom.

Some of the more extreme rumors do hold historical weight; most educated Morenthians are aware that the venom was originally conferred by placing snakes directly on the penitent. This, however, was quite dangerous and exhausting for the reptiles, and the practice has fallen out of favor where congregation numbers have swelled. There are quiet rumors amongst some Morenthians as to the existence of ‘dry baths’- a snake pit, in essence- for those involved with greater mysteries.

The most salacious rumors are viewed with derision, as they reflect unbelievers’ deep misunderstandings of the nature of an intimate and revered ceremony.

Additional notes:

• There is more than one level of purity. The description above is for the common practitioner. What priests do behind closed doors is a mystery to most, only talked about in whispers if at all.
• Due to the euphoric effects of the snake venom, people are left with a foggy memory of the ritual after its completion. This adds to the mystery, since people comparing notes afterwards might describe very different experiences.

By Gilplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGuillaume

Tall and handsome, Gillaume son of Heliand is the image of the heroic warrior. His chin is broad and his smile broader. His face is carefully shaven, and his brown hair would fall in curls if it weren’t for the closely cropped, monastic haircut. His hands are calloused and strong, but his long fingers give them a kind of elegance. Gil’s voice is deep and his bearing is soldier straight. In his clear, blue eyes, one sees an odd humility and an unexpected kindness., 2012-12-26

They'd hoped to slip in and avoid the long lines, but the priests always knew. How they knew was one of the mysteries of the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d…. Of course, it was no secret to Gilplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGuillaume

Tall and handsome, Gillaume son of Heliand is the image of the heroic warrior. His chin is broad and his smile broader. His face is carefully shaven, and his brown hair would fall in curls if it weren’t for the closely cropped, monastic haircut. His hands are calloused and strong, but his long fingers give them a kind of elegance. Gil’s voice is deep and his bearing is soldier straight. In his clear, blue eyes, one sees an odd humility and an unexpected kindness.. Members of the Guard watched petitioners enter the Purification Rooms, and made diagrams representing their descriptions with lime on pieces of slate. Runners took these to the guards at the Houseplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe House of Morenth

As the primary place of worship for a population of six thousand, the House of Morenth is an enormous structure, perhaps five or six hundred feet across at the longest, but it's not just one big rectangular building. It looks like it's been added to many times over hundreds of years. Whether the building is bigger or smaller underground is impossible to tell. It is known that a library exists under the House, to which access is severely restricted. Expensive glass windows d… entrance. The coded descriptions were remarkably accurate. Gilplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigGuillaume

Tall and handsome, Gillaume son of Heliand is the image of the heroic warrior. His chin is broad and his smile broader. His face is carefully shaven, and his brown hair would fall in curls if it weren’t for the closely cropped, monastic haircut. His hands are calloused and strong, but his long fingers give them a kind of elegance. Gil’s voice is deep and his bearing is soldier straight. In his clear, blue eyes, one sees an odd humility and an unexpected kindness. had almost never had trouble telling whether a person was allowed to enter, and when he did, it was easily explained that the person had not had the proper intent when he went through the purification, and had to repeat the process. A stern expression and the words, “You have not been purified,” booked no argument.<sup>178plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The House Guard

All the younger boys bunked together and served or studied in whatever way they were told. Like Gil, these were mostly the firstborn sons of converts to the faith. Their fathers, for a variety of reasons, had undergone the difficult conversion required to join the faithful. Those men who could not also make a meaningful donation in coin or labor, offered the promise of their firstborn sons. It was no honor to come in to</sup>

Morenthians bury their dead in common graves, and construct large tombstones with many names on them<sup>117plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Jerrakken

Ziedon slept deeply, and did not wake until fairly late in the morning. The rest of the materials for the summoning spell and the priming of the paper were on the desk, though some of the summoning materials were not _quite_ right. The spell would probably work anyway.</sup>. Before burial, Morenthians clean all flesh from the corpse's skull, and carve the eight-legged goat, without the snake, in the brow. If available, a snake egg is sealed into each eye with wax<sup>164plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: A New Friend

Kreemon wasn't too gentle as he ripped out the crossbow bolts and searched the priest and the thatched pack he'd dropped at the beginning of the fight. There was a lot of worthless junk - an old bedroll, a winter blanket, a bucket with a strange symbol carved in the bottom, some candles, a fishing net and a piece of reflective metal possibly used for shaving. There were packages of herbs that</sup>. After burial, Morenthians might recite long, complex eulogies, which integrate “personal and professional details, religion, philosophy and even the Zioth (in the context of a joke).” <sup>117plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: Jerrakken

Ziedon slept deeply, and did not wake until fairly late in the morning. The rest of the materials for the summoning spell and the priming of the paper were on the desk, though some of the summoning materials were not _quite_ right. The spell would probably work anyway.</sup>.

Morenth is unusual in that there are no religious holidays. Morenthians also don't observe most Restdaysplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigRestdays

Restdays have been established by various kings of Rang over the years, to celebrate a person (religious, political or mythical figure) or an historical event. Some of these days have endured through time, while others have faded. It is no coincidence that these are balanced heavily toward the winter, when there is no work to do in the fields., at least not as a global practice; it is customary for masters and employers to grant a handful of days off per year, on no particular schedule.

“May you be one of the few,” is said on parting from time to time. “The few” are the minuscule number of people worthy of life after death. Almost everyone, including non-Morenthians without exception, are subject to the Eternal Death.

Morenthians believe in magic for the most part, but are very much against its use. They played a major role in the Battle of the Magicsplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Battle of the Magics (577)

Belazan: The conflict dates back to the beginning of time, and has little to do with magic. I imagine the first men to craft arrow heads out of stone were feared and hated by their enemies, and the weapons themselves viewed with suspicion. Nothing changed when mages began to hire themselves out to princes and kings. The kingdom with more power was hated, but that hatred couldn't target an entire kingdom. To do so would be to admit inferiority. Instead, the weapons….

Some priests believe the Zioth was invented by Andrithansplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of, or maybe by mages, to control others through fear.<sup>168plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Old Library

Kreemon walked around the edge of the disgusting pond, looking for any signs that the priest entered it. There were none. Unless Halaren was an excellent leaper, he wouldn't have been able to avoid leaving footprints in the muck. Just to be sure, Kreemon stood still for a while, watching for any ripples in the water that would suggest something larger than a frog or snake hiding in there. Again, nothing. There were a few shallow caves and quickly tapering tunnels in the chamber, but nothing larg…</sup>

“The Only True Justice”<sup>141plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Merchant from the Eastern Kingdoms

Ziedon made it to the Silver Sign unmolested. He received a few funny looks from passers-by, and a member of the town guard followed him for a short time, but he was otherwise left alone. The tavern and boarding house was easy to find. The rusty iron Sign of</sup> – Morenth's justice.

“The Great Hand”<sup>141plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Merchant from the Eastern Kingdoms

Ziedon made it to the Silver Sign unmolested. He received a few funny looks from passers-by, and a member of the town guard followed him for a short time, but he was otherwise left alone. The tavern and boarding house was easy to find. The rusty iron Sign of</sup> – Morenth's influence on the world.

“We will send you to Morenth”<sup>141plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Merchant from the Eastern Kingdoms

Ziedon made it to the Silver Sign unmolested. He received a few funny looks from passers-by, and a member of the town guard followed him for a short time, but he was otherwise left alone. The tavern and boarding house was easy to find. The rusty iron Sign of</sup> – A metaphor for death.

“His illustrious being”<sup>142plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Battle of the Magics

Ziedon sucked in a deep breath of air. His fingers moved nimbly in the motions of a spell as he replied in a cold tone, “For your transgressions, my wrath with shake the earth and blot out the sky! My friends will defend me against your evil!”

“Your devious tongue will only enhance your suffering,</sup>

“Morenth's eternal wrath”<sup>142plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The Battle of the Magics

Ziedon sucked in a deep breath of air. His fingers moved nimbly in the motions of a spell as he replied in a cold tone, “For your transgressions, my wrath with shake the earth and blot out the sky! My friends will defend me against your evil!”

“Your devious tongue will only enhance your suffering,</sup> – The suffering due to almost everyone after death.

“Morenth's final judgement”<sup>178plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAppeared or occurred in:

: The House Guard

All the younger boys bunked together and served or studied in whatever way they were told. Like Gil, these were mostly the firstborn sons of converts to the faith. Their fathers, for a variety of reasons, had undergone the difficult conversion required to join the faithful. Those men who could not also make a meaningful donation in coin or labor, offered the promise of their firstborn sons. It was no honor to come in to</sup> – The moment when Morenth decides to destroy the world. Also known as the first judgement.

The Battle of the Magics (577)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Battle of the Magics (577)

Belazan: The conflict dates back to the beginning of time, and has little to do with magic. I imagine the first men to craft arrow heads out of stone were feared and hated by their enemies, and the weapons themselves viewed with suspicion. Nothing changed when mages began to hire themselves out to princes and kings. The kingdom with more power was hated, but that hatred couldn't target an entire kingdom. To do so would be to admit inferiority. Instead, the weapons…

The Plague of Morenth (678-699)plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Plague of Morenth (678-699)

After Drannenveldt, the leadership of the House of Morenth grew a bit frantic. They saw that the Jarramites, due to their commercial power, had a small measure of official tolerance, and they came up with their own plan to get a bit for themselves.