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.

Menkauhor
Menkauhor, known also as the "Buried Bells," was the first god to have been rediscovered. The discovery of an ancient temple dedicated to him, known today as Najera'jad Temple, first kickstarted the Najer cultural renaissance in 1 AB. His token is a pair of bells. Many Najer villages have a pair of bells as a homage to this deity. The left one is chimed at births (life), and the right is chimed at funerals. (death)

He is commonly associated with renewal, symbolized through sand. The constantly shifting and resetting sand dunes bring to mind an infinite capacity to reset and rebuild. This also strongly associated with the Najer epithet "we remain," a traditional phrase used in the face of hardship. Menkauhor aids those who have lost sight of their foundation, those who have forgotten their past, and those who wander.

Followers of Menkauhor, or the Delejeru, believe that the past is of great value. It contains many secrets and solutions that have been passed down father to son and mother to daughter. Just as the earth can tell the stories of times before, the past is full of patterns that can be used to guide and teach future generations. Truth and knowledge are of the utmost importance to adherents of the god of sand.

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 was among the group of gods discovered by the cracking of the ancient Najer script. Research done by Najer scholars unlocked the secrets of many old documents, revealing this gods name and symbols. Although the least-understood god, his symbol is the quill pen (or feathers in general).

This god is associated with prediction, foresight, knowledge, and innovation. The sky can foretell many natural phenomenon, and holds the keys to many secrets. While the sand represents remembering what was, the sky represents finding something new. Koshaf aids those who lack knowledge.

Followers of Koshaf, or the Abhajeru, believe that the future is the ultimate goal. New things must be sought out and unknown frontiers must be conquered. Just as the wind heralds a new course, so can knowledge and curiosity herald in a wonderful future. Abhajeru are believers in things unseen and dreams untold, and as such are among the most spiritual of any denomination.

Ajvudah
Ajvudah was the second god rediscovered. The unearthing of Nahrayn led to many artifacts and documents related to this god being made public, around 39 AB. Her token is a lantern. Lanterns, particularly soul Lanterns, are often arranged around significant sites, temples, and memorials as a homage to Ajvudah.

She is primarily associated with endurance and vitality. Life in the desert is difficult, and this god is sometimes looked upon negatively for this reason. However, Ajvudah represents the negative and positive aspects of heat, promoting a capacity to survive, change, and adapt. Ajvudah aids those who have lost their strength, the sick, and those who are weak.

Followers of Ajvudah, or the Medajeru, believe in the power of the self: willpower. They desire to better themselves, to embody their own ideals. Fire can cook food or soften metal, but it can also burn and destroy. In this, many Medajeru recognize the same destructive or beneficial potential within each person, and desire to temper themselves. And even the most devastating blaze will clear space to rebuild and begin anew.

Gafa
Gafa was the third god rediscovered. Residents of Sigtuna discovered the Vernadamal Cenote, thought to be a holy site to this god. Her token is a sea lantern, which are sometimes placed around oases as a homage to Gafa.

This god is strongly associated with peace and miracles. The symbolic sharing of water between Najer is significant because of the value and scarcity of water in the desert. Due to various conflicts over water throughout the long history of the Najer, many Najer revere Gafa to promote peace and understanding. A common phrase in the Najer language, translated as "Gafa bless you," is used in reference to warmongers. Gafa aids those who are lost in imperialistic, bigoted, or greedy desires.

Followers of Gafa, or the Tarajeru, believe in the power of empathy and kindness. The ability to not only understand others, but also help and guide them, is the key to a prosperous society. Just as water can soothe and heal the body, altruism can heal the soul of both giver and receiver. The hurt can be mended, the wound can be made well, and the problem can be fixed.

Taramsej
Taramsej was among the group of gods discovered by the cracking of the ancient Najer script. Research done by Najer scholars unlocked the secrets of many old documents, revealing this gods name and symbols. His symbol is a diamond. Diamond tools and adornments were commonly placed around significant sites, but over the centuries these have all been stolen or destroyed.

This god is linked with industry. Stone and other minerals take effort to obtain, and the desire to obtain these things is a driving force behind the desire to progress as a society, build cities, and become prosperous. Taramsej aids those who have become lost in laziness or carelessness, and the impassioned.

Followers of Taramsej, or the Vethejeru, believe in productivity, cohesion, and routine. They strive to be diligent, dutiful, and prosperous. They stick to their fellows more rigidly than bedrock and shine brighter than emeralds. Hard work, especially work that benefits others, is their secret to fulfillment and joy. For what good is wealth never seen?

Duyani
Duyani was discovered in 64 AB when a mysterious plant grew from the ground bearing Najer writing in Kigea'jad. Research done by Najer scholars unlocked the secrets of many old documents, revealing this gods name and symbols. Her symbol is sunflowers, specifically the desert dandelion, which is a type of sunflower. This dandelion is an important symbol for many Najer that connects the various gods together, and is the national flower of the Emirate of Najer.

This god has many associations, including plantlife, creation, and beauty. Flowers in particular symbolize expressions of aesthetic, color, and passion. These connections tie the Najer love of life to their deep respect for nature. Duyani is commonly venerated at festivals, celebrations, and other lively events. Duyani aids those who lack willpower or inspiration, as well as those who love nature.

Followers of Duyani, or the Urejeru, believe in self-expression, flexibility, and adaption. They strive to find joy in beauty and growth, eschewing the negative and ugly things of the world. They are as hardy as a winter oak and as vibrant as a summer rose. To them, life is beautiful and precious, something to be lived to the fullest.

Mayassioh
Mayassioh is a very ancient and mysterious god. It was worshiped by the ancient Noxnorrian people as they migrated north, following the north star, Afton. They are strongly associated with the Noxist deity Baldemar. It is thought that they constructed an underground cavern for the purpose of worshiping this god, then passed the tradition onto the Najer, who built temple Tala'ii and the surrounding structures. The symbol of Mayassioh is a bowl, used to burn incense and to scry.

This god is associated with dreams, visions, and the night. It is said to protect all those who sleep, and brings dreams to everyone, regardless of their faith. On rare occasions, visions can also be bestowed by Mayassioh, which are often vague and easily misinterpreted.

Mayassioh aids those that need rest and those that something revealed.

Midahn and Asri
Midahn and Asri are a pair of minor deities subordinate to Menkauhor, representing the left and right bells, respectively. Midahn is also associated with beginnings, life, and noise. Asri is also 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 in that 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 texts.