Damyomhikir
~ Damyomhikir
Inner chambers of Tenebrus'mah
Inner chambers of Tenebrus'mah
Description
For those who belong to the wilds, for those who seek unity with nature, living amongst the trees as kin, and shaping them to their needs. For those who hunt, not for sport or prey, but for sustenance and balance, preferring to befriend the beasts instead. For those who tread the Path of the Ancestors, the original path of the druids, tending to the world as only they can, these wardens of nature pay homage to the first druid, Damyomhikir. Damyomhikir, the goddess of adaptability, curiosity, and nature, holds a sacred bond with druids and the elvenari people. The ancient teachings involve living and working alongside nature, never subjugating the wilds to one's will. They also emphasize the critical role of being wardens against predatory and unnatural forces. Those who follow Damyomhikir's path believe in exploring the dark and unknown facets of nature, becoming familiar with all its aspects. Believers hold that Dromaria belongs to the natural order and no one else, and it is their duty to uphold and preserve it against all opposition. In the ancestral lands of Zan'deil, Tenebrus'mah serves as both a tomb and a monument to Damyomhikir and her constant companion, Benikio. When Damyomhikir fell alongside Benikio while battling the primal dragon Rodgort, her legacy began to diminish. Benikio's spirit has persistently resonated within people's hearts through the animals that surround them, while the memory of Damyomhikir has slowly faded. The Path of the Ancestors, once a prominent religion, has lost much of its popularity. Many of Damyomhikir's attributes have been absorbed by Groman as his influence grew within the Illumination faiths. Nevertheless, those who follow the old ways continue to honor Damyomhikir, keeping her spirit alive through their reverence for nature.
Modern Depiction
Damyomhikir is described as a bipedal woman with the head of a panther, armored in bark and leaves. In stories she is known to take on the form of a massive tigress on the prowl. No matter how she appears, the goddess is always in the wilds. Artwork usually features her walking accompanied by a large wolf meant to be Benikio, the god of beasts, vegetation blooming in their wake. On the Path of the Ancestors, druids use sticks and sinew to craft idols in her honor. Sightings along the path are extremely common.
Tenets of Damyomhikir
 | Encourage curiosity. |
| Tending to nature is the best way mortals can give back to the world. |
| Live among nature; never force it to submit to your whims. |
| Explore all of nature, even the parts that frighten you. |
| Life is better with companions, especially animals. |
Damyomhikir Worshiping Adventurers
Followers of Damyomhikir typically have a connection to nature, often linked to the Path of the Ancestors. Druids who remember the old ways and awakened animals remember the deity as if she were a close friend. However, with the advent of the god Groman, worship of Damyomhikir has seen a steep decline. While those who walk the Path of the Ancestors still worship the first druid, it is up to those who travel the world to keep her presence alive.
Goddess of Adaptability, Curiosity, & Nature
Why would you choose this faith?
Choosing Damyomhikir as your guiding deity is for those who seek a bond with the natural world. Rangers, druids, and rogues, in particular, will find a home with Damyomhikir's teachings. As adventurers, they often navigate vast wildernesses and untouched frontiers where understanding and respecting nature is vital.
Embracing Damyomhikir means drawing upon the wisdom of the first druid, fostering a relationship with the wilds and the creatures that inhabit them. Her emphasis on adaptability and curiosity encourages exploration and growth, making her an excellent choice for those who constantly wish to learn.
Backgrounds
The elvenari, specifically those who follow Summertide, are among the most devoted worshipers of Damyomhikir.
Holy Symbol
Damyomhikir's holy symbol is a beast with three heads, most commonly a panther, a wolf, and a fish. In the days of the Ancestors this represented the three core deities of nature, Damyomhikir, Benikio, and Narwel. Followers of Damyomhikir often carry a totem of the three heads, with the feline head always prominently displayed at the base of the pole. Spotting a statue or totem bearing this symbol often indicates the presence of ancient druid enclaves and nature reserves.
Associated Religions
Damyomhikir is an ancient and mostly lost god, however she is memorialized in both the Path of the Ancestors and Summertide faiths.