The Sentinel
"Born of the unending war between Kemis and Nastil, Sentinels are a hardy and devoted lot, dedicated to the defense of kin, kith, and community. Kemis, also called the “Vigilant” has been in conflict with Nastil, “The Riotous” since time immemorial. Evenly matched, the ebb and flow of their conflict has been attributed to the rise and fall of nations for centuries, if not longer.
Though Kemis is most well known for the aspect of vigilance against the darkness, in many ways, they are the most relatable deity in the pantheon of Arcanorum, also representing the Shepherd, the Ranger, and the Midwife: those who care for the weak, the lost, and the innocent.
Though Kemis is the primary focus of the faith, rumors abound of secretive cults centered on the worship of Nastil, whom is said to favor the overthrow of “unworthy” authority figures, but it is just as likely that any governing body would be a target for Nastil “the Cycle-Breaker.”
Description
Kemis, The Sentinel, is the traditional deity of the northern lands of Solum, common throughout Hjalmor, The Brassic Isles, the Tarandri Steppes, Thetlin, and some northern provinces of Edos. A “deity of the people,” Kemis is highly regarded in more rural lands, as the core facets of protection, community, and defense against the darkness are more central, practical matters on the minds of the people there.
However, that is not to say there aren’t more urbane adherents: transplants from the outskirts, houses on the political rise from serfdom, and soldiers returning home from distant lands ensure that every major city has at least one center of worship for the Vigilant.
Culture
The Wardens
The Vigilant Kemis is well known for their bravery in the fight with Nastil, and expects nothing less from the anointed Wardens. It is a common adage among those chosen, pulled and translated from the ancient texts, that: “...there is a fine line between consideration and hesitation: the former is wisdom, the latter is fear.”
Tenets of Faith
- Equality: Treat all with respect and dignity, without regard for gender, breed, disability, class, or wealth.
- Honor: Strive for justice, grace, and integrity in all things.
- Self-Respect: Accepting praise with humility and gratitude. Sacrifice not the body, mind, or will for power.
- Courage: Transform fear into determination. Embrace life fully, without holding back, doing what must be done even when it is difficult or risky.
- Compassion: Deep empathy for the suffering of others. Compassion flows freely from the heart when we let go of judgments and seek to understand.
Worship
The Falter
As a patron of the farmlands, many of Kemis’ holidays are found on traditional harvesting and sowing days of note, as well as equinoxes and solstices. One particular period, outside of the usual routine of holidays, is the last week of October - The Falter. The Falter is known as the “One True Defeat of Kemis”, and is the time in which Nastil’s power is at it’s zenith, and Kemis’ is least.
Generally, only the most necessary of business is conducted during this time, strangers are questioned vigorously, and in more traditional towns curfews are strictly enforced. While there hasn’t been a severe incident in nearly twenty years, that gives the more cynical (and older) folks all the more reason to insist that “Nastil’s time is due.”
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
~ Dylan Thomas