Lost Gods

"I swear by all the lost gods, whoever they may be."

The Lost Gods are a pantheon of deities currently being rediscovered throughout Rathnir. While their origins are unverifiable, they seem to have originated from the nomadic Najer culture, then forgotten as the nomads settled in villages.

The Lost Gods symbolize those who were lost in certain places, allowing them to guide you whenever you are there.

Organization
The followers of the Lost Gods are very loosely organized. Most devotees organize themselves into smaller communities, the leaders of which come together to coordinate overarching beliefs and community issues. As such, there can be a wide variety of beliefs and practices across Najer, with such sects as the Mae-Ahso Faith, Abu'Hamrahism, and the Maeh'bahd Niv Athamah sect.

There are, however, a core set of beliefs and deities that are shared by all Najer. All generally accept the existence of the Lost Gods and follow Najer spiritual beliefs.

Najer Spiritual Beliefs
The Lost Gods religion is based on the traditional spiritual beliefs of the Najer people, passed down, lost, and found over many thousands of years. The beliefs are as follows: There are three main types of entities:

Lojahn
Lojahn, or concepts, are non-sentient forces, each representing a thing or idea. There is a Lojahn for everything in existence. The more broad and simple a Lojahn is, the more powerful it is. For example, the concept of a local river is much less powerful than the concept of water. Sentient entities are able to influence Lojahn to some degree.

Deities
Deities are sentient, immaterial entities. They are immensely powerful beings, able to have a firm hold on concepts and manipulate them in their favor. They are able to wield more than one concept at a time- which ones they hold can change over time. They are perceived in many different ways across the world, but some rituals and perceptions are more favorable to certain deities.

There are two "types" of deities: the Jenehr and Kakehr. They are referred to as benevolent deities and malevolent deities, respectively.

Jenehr use the Lojahn to aid the lesser spirits, granting them favors and powers in exchange for things such as sacrifices and worship. Having a body, spirits are also able to do things that deities cannot.

Kakehr are selfish and hateful, wishing to destroy and steal from other beings, both lesser and greater. They too may receive boons from followers, but they reward them only with indiscriminate death and pain.

Spirits
Spirits are sentient entities that can be material or immaterial. Every sentient being- human, niedene, vulpur, etc- is a spirit tied to a body. Spirits are able to influence certain concepts, but to a much lesser degree than deities. This leads certain people to greatness. For example, great artists often have affinity with the concepts of color and creation. Having a body, they are also able to do things that deities cannot. As such, deities may reward followers of theirs for doing certain things for them. This sums up the worldview that the Najer conceptualize all religion in. As such, it is extremely tolerant of many faiths, with many religions able to easily fit in this framework.

Moral Values
Followers of the Lost Gods believe in six core virtues, each called a "Mabaris" and exemplified by the teachings of one of the six main gods. They are collectively known as the "Dajek'Mabarisa" (meaning unyielding values).

The First Mabaris is tradition. Tradition represents an understanding of and respect for the past, learning lessons from past mistakes to improve the present and future. It also connotes a respect for one culture and the elderly. This principle was derived from the worship of Menkauhor.

The Second Mabaris is wisdom. Wisdom represents logical, moral, and spiritual decision-making, as well as discovery and innovation. It involves taking the most prudent course of action, following the other Mabarisa, to responsibly look to the future. This principle was derived from the worship of Koshaf.

The Third Mabaris is peace. Peace represents a shunning of hate and factionalism, including feuds, grudges, imperialism, and scheming. It also includes a willingness to forgive, trust, and compromise with others. This principle was derived from the worship of Gafa.

The Fourth Mabaris is dedication. Dedication represents a commitment to one's ideals. It involves mastering oneself and one's desires to better achieve a goal or cause. Hard work, self-sacrifice, and perseverance all exemplify dedication. This principle was derived from the worship of Ajvudah.

The Fifth Mabaris is prosperity. Prosperity represents building a better society through hard work and cooperation. Surviving in the world is hard, and thriving even harder, but it becomes easy when everyone does their part and relies on each other. This principle was derived from the worship of Taramsej.

The Sixth Mabaris is expression. Expression represents many things, primarily freedom, creativity, and beauty. Individuals are encouraged to find their own path, but also respect the paths of others. Coercion is bad, and subjugation is worse. This principle was derived from the worship of Duyani.

Menkauhor
Menkauhor is the god of sand, soil, tradition, and memory. The earth is the bearer of the past. It records all it sees and whispers the memories of the dead. It contains records of disasters, miracles, destruction, creation, and more. Study of the earth can yield knowledge, not just of the present, but of possible futures. It is wisdom to study the ways of the dead and buried things.

Followers of Menkauhor, or the Delejeru, recognize this value. They seek the secrets and solutions of the past so that they may build a better future for their children and their future. They believe that a strong foundation of culture and tradition are the key to a prosperous society. Those who call themselves Delejeru typically include farmers, storytellers, historians, and archaeologists.

Menkauhor is often represented by a pair of Bells, referencing the Bells of Menkauhor, an artifact holy to the Najer.

Proverbs
There are two known proverbs referencing this deity, found inscribed in the temple at Najera'jad.
 * "Men, kings, and even gods may fall, but you shall rise again."
 * Written in response to when tragedy befalls someone.
 * "The Bell tolls for thee - the bell tolls for me."
 * Written to convey the passage of generations; The young surviving their ancestors.

Incomplete
There are also two incomplete sayings, obscured by the passage of time
 * "The sands spill away, and reveal a brand new day. One of miracles and whose bell rings for its"
 * "But for those guard the nest, Shall soon come their eternal So with eyes set on a setting sun, they hear a tolling duties"

Koshaf
Koshaf is the god of air, the heavens, knowledge, and magic. The sky is enticing and free. It tempts to detach from constraints and boundaries and to discover the new and impossible. Air is intangible and invisible, but it is able to exert force great enough to level villages. It brings ships to new harbors and birds to unknown lands. It is impossible and yet inexorable. It is the future, and only by preparing for it can men be saved.

Followers of Koshaf, or the Abhajeru, take this call to heart. They seek innovation, prophecy, and foreknowledge, so that they may not only survive the future, but meet it head-on. They advocate for solutions to problems that have not yet been realized, bulwarks against dangers not yet grown, and the recording of knowledge that is impossible to know. The Abhajeru typically include explorers, scientists, magicians, and engineers.

Koshaf is often represented by a feather, whether through birds or quill pens.

Gafa
Gafa is the god of water, moisture, miracles, and understanding. Although scarce in the deserts of Najer, it is the bearer of life. It is physically part of us, regulating the mind and the body, reminding us of our similarities. It connects our societies through river and sea travel. To deny water to someone is to condemn them to death, making them your enemy. To share water is to recognize immense value, making a lifelong ally. Water is about understanding and connecting with others.

Followers of Gafa, or the Tarajeru, believe in the power of the community: charity. They seek to empathize with others, healing wounds, and righting wrongs. They emphasize rebuilding and repairing the broken. To them, society is like a body of water- what afflicts a portion will also afflict the whole. However, empathy is more than kindness, and can also include harsh reproves and strict correction. The Tarajeru typically include diplomats, lawyers, soldiers, and nurses.

Gafa is often associated with sea lanterns, which are placed around sites significant to Gafa.

Ajvudah
Ajvudah is the god of heat, flame, perseverance, and transformation. Fire can both create and destroy. It enhances food, softens steel and ore, and hardens brick. It also burns, reduces to ash, and saps strength. What effect fire has depends on the person who uses it, and how it is wielded. It can be the cause for great joy, but also cause for great suffering. And yet, it is simply fire. The fire in every living being can be thought of the same way- a force that can be wielded for good or evil, but is inherently just a natural tool.

Followers of Ajvudah, or the Medajeru, believe in the power of the self: willpower. They seek to identify the fire within themselves and nurture it so that they may fulfill their desired goals. Their ideals are everything to them. Challenges and enemies are naught but stepping stones to their own self-actualization. Weakness is not a problem, but staying weak is. If your flame has gone out, gather flint and tinder. The Medajeru typically include blacksmiths, artisans, politicians, and business owners.

Ajvudah is often represented by soul fire in various forms, as well as nether bricks.

Taramsej
Taramsej is the god of stone, progress, wealth, and productivity. Stone is implacable and monolithic. It can contain treasures but it demands hard work and preparation before it will yield them. It can build cities, but will not be moved except by the combined efforts of many. Stone supports stone just as brothers support brothers, and only when these are combined will a city be built. Strength comes not only from moving stones, but also by aiding one's brethren. Progress of any kind must be made as a group.

Followers of Taramsej, or the Vethejeru, believe in the power of productivity, cohesion, and routine. They seek to advance civilization through structure and cooperation. Duty and brotherhood are important to them, as are social ties. They understand that work is good for the soul, especially when it is done in the service of the needy and poor. Wealth is a powerful force that must be managed carefully and wisely. The Vethejeru typically include miners, businessmen, soldiers, and laborers of all kinds.

Taramsej is often represented by diamonds, and sometimes bedrock.

Duyani
Duyani is the god of flora, beauty, creativity, and the natural world. Life is tenacious and unpredictable. It can thrive in places one might not expect, or die even in ideal conditions. It is mysterious and wonderful. The world is a beautiful, a wellspring of inspiration for the soul. It inspires men to show their true colors, to express the beauty they feel. Nature gives hope that life may go on, and that beauty will exist in some form or another as long as it does.

Followers of Duyani, or the Urejeru, believe in the power of expression, individuality, and flexibility. They seek to allow each individual to express themselves and to life their life to the fullest. They strive to find joy in beauty and growth, eschewing the negative things of the world. Even tragedy can be beautiful if understood as part of a journey of change. The Urejeru typically include artists, musicians, gardeners, and ecologists.

Duyani is often represented by flowers, especially the sunflower, which is culturally significant to the Najer.

Mayassioh
Mayassioh of the god of dreams, visions, and nighttime. The night is a time when clear things become unclear and dark things begin to wander. It is also a time of rest, where dreams visit the minds of men. These dreams are sometimes thought to be visitations from a higher plane, bestowing knowledge on the minds of mortals.

Followers of Mayassioh believe that Mayassioh can grant visions of the future or reveal hidden knowledge.

Mayassioh is often associated with a bowl, which is used to scry and burn incense. He is also linked with the moon, which the crescent shape of a bowl is evocative of.

Midahn and Asri
Midahn and Asri are a pair of minor deities subordinate to Menkauhor, representing the left and right bells, respectively. Midahn is associated with beginnings, birth, and noise. Asri is associated with endings, death, and silence.

Shestri
Shestri is a god of strife and malice. She is considered by most to be a wrathful, vengeful and evil entity. Worship of her is unheard of in Najer, save for by the Avmos-Tal cult. The city of Kijaro is linked with this god.

Lahmaj
Lahmaj is the god of natural disasters and chaos. He is not seen as a malevolent god, as natural disasters are viewed as something resulting as a side effect of his actions, which are clumsy and random.

Symbols
Gods in Najer are typically associated with a symbol, which are a self-contained logosyllabary: they can be read as the name of the god they represent. These symbols often decorate the walls of temples and other holy sites corresponding to a god. There are also hypothetical symbols for non-Najer gods, which are not used to build temples, but rather refer to the non-Najer gods in Najer religious contexts.

These symbols are very ancient, and their exact meaning has been lost to time, although many theories about about their shape and symbolism.