Kamar, Goddess of the Moon
Holy Symbol: A white circle on black background, pearls, and moonstone spheres
Alignment: CN
Domain(s): Moon
Favored Weapon: Daggers, but especially “fancy” daggers decorated with jewels or hand made and shaped in interesting ways, curved, or narrow like an ice-pick, as well as folding knifes like Katanga, switchblades, etc.
Favored Race: Human
Favored Class: Bards, Rogues, Thieves, Rangers, Shamans, Spies, Assassins
Background Story:
Kamar was always the Goddess of the Moon. Her followers believe she is the most ancient Goddess of all. It is less that Wodin accepted her, than that she accepted Wodin and his Pantheon. Kamar rules the night, as the others rule the day. Who is to say that day is superior to the night, or that night is superior to the day? Is it not true that at certain times the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth and blocks the sun’s light? Who rules then? Kamar rarely involves herself in conflict – openly anyway. She is sympathetic to the Trickster God, and the Goddesses of Love and Beauty, as well as the God of Drunkeness – all of whom she shrouds in her welcome darkness. Night time is a time of celebration, of love, and of skullduggery – all the things you do in the dark. All those things Kamar sees and protects. Of all the pantheon, Kamar may be the least judgmental.
Achievements: All that Kamar does, she does subtly, under cover of night. Worshipping: Priests and Priestesses of Kamar often live as solitary hermits, providing safety and succor, hiding places and healing, love and comfort (which may include substances such as krrf, intoxicating beverages and hallucinatory drugs and even sex) to all who come asking, while asking no questions in return.
Shrines to Kamar are served by a head priest or priestess, several initiates, and often many acolytes. One of their functions is to take in the children of prostitutes, dancers, and other working women who cannot care for them – either fully raising them, or providing child care during the nighttime hours. Street children also are welcome and provided with food, clothing, and a place to sleep but are otherwise not interfered with. These children often become acolytes, but they are not obligated to be initiated and many leave the temples for other lifestyles. Often they are choose apprenticeship to master thieves, spies, assassins, smugglers, musicians and entertainers.
Shrines to Kamar always offer shelter to any who ask, however dirty, disheveled, or unwholesome they may appear. Priest/esses of Kamar will also hide followers from the local version of gendarmes if need be and most temples are connected to underground tunnels or escape routes.
However, it is considered sacrilegious to harm, kill, maim, steal, gossip or create havoc or violence of any sort inside of Kamar’s Shrines.
Larger Shrines often house members of the White Peacock sect – more about them later.
Kamar expects little from her followers other than worship, admiration and devotion. She expects them to aid and abet each other and to that end, followers of Kamar can identify each other by the wearing of a white circle on black background on clothing, shields or armor, or a pendant, bracelet or earring made of (or with) a pure white sphere – either a pearl or polished moonstone. The symbol need not be obvious, simply to be shown when one is asking for help or understanding from another who may be a follower.
Our Lady of Broken Hearts is one of the three largest and best known shrines to Kamar. Built by a former child of a prostitute, who became a child prostitute himself, and then rose by sheer cunning and ruthlessness, as well as seduction, to a position and riches and titles, this anonymous donor credited Kamar for all of his good fortune. Our Lady of Broken Hearts was designed by one of the most famous architects, built by the best masons of the finest pure white marble with a massive moonstone shaped by the finest sculptors into a perfect sphere and placed in the exact center of this large round temple. The arched roof features a slot that allows the moon to shine directly in and onto the moonstone every night of the year but it is so constructed that it may be closed in case of poor weather. No expense was spared to create worship halls and living quarters of the highest luxury for the holy people who live there, and special quarters were created for the head of the Order of the White Peacocks which is headquartered there.
Our Lady of Song and Dance is the second largest of Kamar’s Shrines – owing largely to the many large rooms devoted to the teaching and practicing of dance, music, and plays, including three separate performance halls with stages and luxurious seating. This Shrine is also a source of considerable income in sales of subscriptions (yearly passes to performances) and lessons.
Our Lady of Shadows is the third largest shrine to Kamar, and yet many do not believe it even exists. Little is known about it, not even it’s location. It is said if you wish to go there, you will find the way. It is rumoured to be the home base of the Secrets and Shadows of Kamar, but as the sect itself is secret, who knows?
Omens and Signs:
A full moon means that Kamar sheds her good fortune on entertainers, dancers, musicians and prostitutes.
A new moon – full darkness is the time Kamar favors business best done in the dark – thieves, spies, assassins, smugglers.
Finding a perfect pearl, or any perfectly round, smooth, white spherical object where it is not expected or looked for is often taken as a sign of favor from Kamar.
A lunar eclipse, those rare occasions when Kamar stands between the sun and the earth shows her favor to her followers who, for this time, will find their way unhindered by the forces of the sun and the light (for instance, law and local police).
Artifacts:
The Cloak of Kamar – woven by Kamar herself from the threads of starlight as they reach towards the earth, the cloak of Kamar makes the wearer invisible. She created it for the rogue who captured her heart, The Blackforest Killer, an assassin of legendary prowess. Even now when an especially audacious assassination is carried out, it is said the Blackforest Killer must be still alive. Is he still alive, still wearing his cloak? None can say.
The Pearl of Kamar – the most perfect pearl ever found, Kamar plucked a bit of moonbeam from her heart and cast it into the ocean. The waves rolled it round and smooth and cast it up on the beach where it was found by Lyryna, then just a lowly dancing girl. She had it set in a golden cage and wore it around her neck. Lyryna became the most famous dancing girl in the world, wooing kings and princes and turning the heads of men rich and powerful. It was said that Lyryna made the decisions behind the thrones and closed doors that ruled the fate of the world. She founded the Order of the White Peacocks and when she died the Pearl of Kamar was passed to her successor, Zhasamtai, who handed it down in turn to her successor. However, about a hundred years ago some truly audacious thief made off with the pearl and it has never been found.
This sparked a considerable cottage business that goes on to this day selling all sorts of pearls, fake and real, set in antique gold cage settings for outrageous sums as “The Pearl of Kamar” – bound to make it’s wearer so charming that no one can resist them. There has been some rumour that the Order of the White Peacocks themselves spread the story of the theft and have some hand in the sale of the fakes while hiding the real Pearl in some unspecified location. But there’s no telling if there is any truth in any of it.
The Obsidian Blade – Kamar herself plucked this blade of black glass from the volcano and sharpened it on the edges of her own teeth as a gift to Dahmer the Merciless – another famous assassin. The Obsidian blade is sharp enough to pierce the heart of a God, it is said. Dahmer died at the hands of the state, as often happens to assassins. His blade was found upon him and was long displayed with the Kings other treasures until in the black of night some thief made off with it.
Legend has it that The Obsidian Blade is now in the hands of the Secrets and Shadows of Kamar, but who knows?
Ceremonies and Holidays:
Every full moon is a holiday, as is every New Moon. Celebrations include libations poured to the Goddess and drunk to the Goddess. Plays, dances, and other entertainments are performed in her honor during the night.
Ritual sex parties are often held on the full moon nights, presided over by the ranking members of the local Order of White Peacocks and sponsored by the rich, the royal, and the powerful – perhaps less to curry the favor of the Goddess and more for the pure pleasure of the attendees.
Sects
Order of the White Peacock – established by Lyryna this order accepts beautiful boys and girls and trains them from the youngest possible age to be dancers, singers, entertainers and consorts. Some are also secretly trained in skills more appropriate to spies and assassins but their identities are a closely kept secret within the society.
Align: CN
Governing Precept: We are devoted to the business of pleasure.
Hierarchy: (highest) Kamar’s Chosen – who wears a full headdress with train of white peacock feathers on ceremonial occasions, Erikae – who wear a full headdress of white peacock feathers, Maiko – who wear a single white peacock feather, and Atotori (apprentice) who wear white feathers from any bird they choose, which often becomes a part of their initiate and common names over time (Little Dove, Cock Boy, Lady Pheasent, Young Falcon). Both boys and girls may ascend all levels.
Rites and Ceremonies: Initiations and rites as initiates rise in rank. It is said there are secret ceremonies for those who become assassins or spies but that is only rumour of course. One a year in Midwinter a competition beginning with local fairs and culminating in a national/world level held at the Our Lady of Singing and Dancing is held for bards, playwrights, actors, dancers, and singers with awards from small cash awards at a local level to titles and large cash awards at the highest level. The competitions are judged by White Peacock members and awards are provided by the sect. The competitions are held in honor of Lyryna and the highest awards are called “The Lyryna Awards”.
Order of Secrets and Shadows of Kamar – this is a secret organization, and so very little is known about it. In fact, the official Shrines of Kamar claim to have no knowledge of this sect.
Aphorisms and Words of Wisdom
Without the darkness, there could be no light.
Few speak of deeds done at night, and even fewer tell the truth.
Pleasure rules the night.
Notable Minions
Historically, Lyryna is, of course, well known, as were several of her successors. In the present atmosphere of repression, the greatest of the White Peacocks are less known outside the ranks of the wealthy and powerful, and many of them chose not to speak of what they do in the privacy of their own castles. The Blackforest Killer, infamous assassin – could it be he is still alive? It seems almost impossible as he would be well up in years by now, but it is true there are still mysterious assassinations performed in his name.
made by Summer
Alignment: CN
Domain(s): Moon
Favored Weapon: Daggers, but especially “fancy” daggers decorated with jewels or hand made and shaped in interesting ways, curved, or narrow like an ice-pick, as well as folding knifes like Katanga, switchblades, etc.
Favored Race: Human
Favored Class: Bards, Rogues, Thieves, Rangers, Shamans, Spies, Assassins
Background Story:
Kamar was always the Goddess of the Moon. Her followers believe she is the most ancient Goddess of all. It is less that Wodin accepted her, than that she accepted Wodin and his Pantheon. Kamar rules the night, as the others rule the day. Who is to say that day is superior to the night, or that night is superior to the day? Is it not true that at certain times the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth and blocks the sun’s light? Who rules then? Kamar rarely involves herself in conflict – openly anyway. She is sympathetic to the Trickster God, and the Goddesses of Love and Beauty, as well as the God of Drunkeness – all of whom she shrouds in her welcome darkness. Night time is a time of celebration, of love, and of skullduggery – all the things you do in the dark. All those things Kamar sees and protects. Of all the pantheon, Kamar may be the least judgmental.
Achievements: All that Kamar does, she does subtly, under cover of night. Worshipping: Priests and Priestesses of Kamar often live as solitary hermits, providing safety and succor, hiding places and healing, love and comfort (which may include substances such as krrf, intoxicating beverages and hallucinatory drugs and even sex) to all who come asking, while asking no questions in return.
Shrines to Kamar are served by a head priest or priestess, several initiates, and often many acolytes. One of their functions is to take in the children of prostitutes, dancers, and other working women who cannot care for them – either fully raising them, or providing child care during the nighttime hours. Street children also are welcome and provided with food, clothing, and a place to sleep but are otherwise not interfered with. These children often become acolytes, but they are not obligated to be initiated and many leave the temples for other lifestyles. Often they are choose apprenticeship to master thieves, spies, assassins, smugglers, musicians and entertainers.
Shrines to Kamar always offer shelter to any who ask, however dirty, disheveled, or unwholesome they may appear. Priest/esses of Kamar will also hide followers from the local version of gendarmes if need be and most temples are connected to underground tunnels or escape routes.
However, it is considered sacrilegious to harm, kill, maim, steal, gossip or create havoc or violence of any sort inside of Kamar’s Shrines.
Larger Shrines often house members of the White Peacock sect – more about them later.
Kamar expects little from her followers other than worship, admiration and devotion. She expects them to aid and abet each other and to that end, followers of Kamar can identify each other by the wearing of a white circle on black background on clothing, shields or armor, or a pendant, bracelet or earring made of (or with) a pure white sphere – either a pearl or polished moonstone. The symbol need not be obvious, simply to be shown when one is asking for help or understanding from another who may be a follower.
Our Lady of Broken Hearts is one of the three largest and best known shrines to Kamar. Built by a former child of a prostitute, who became a child prostitute himself, and then rose by sheer cunning and ruthlessness, as well as seduction, to a position and riches and titles, this anonymous donor credited Kamar for all of his good fortune. Our Lady of Broken Hearts was designed by one of the most famous architects, built by the best masons of the finest pure white marble with a massive moonstone shaped by the finest sculptors into a perfect sphere and placed in the exact center of this large round temple. The arched roof features a slot that allows the moon to shine directly in and onto the moonstone every night of the year but it is so constructed that it may be closed in case of poor weather. No expense was spared to create worship halls and living quarters of the highest luxury for the holy people who live there, and special quarters were created for the head of the Order of the White Peacocks which is headquartered there.
Our Lady of Song and Dance is the second largest of Kamar’s Shrines – owing largely to the many large rooms devoted to the teaching and practicing of dance, music, and plays, including three separate performance halls with stages and luxurious seating. This Shrine is also a source of considerable income in sales of subscriptions (yearly passes to performances) and lessons.
Our Lady of Shadows is the third largest shrine to Kamar, and yet many do not believe it even exists. Little is known about it, not even it’s location. It is said if you wish to go there, you will find the way. It is rumoured to be the home base of the Secrets and Shadows of Kamar, but as the sect itself is secret, who knows?
Omens and Signs:
A full moon means that Kamar sheds her good fortune on entertainers, dancers, musicians and prostitutes.
A new moon – full darkness is the time Kamar favors business best done in the dark – thieves, spies, assassins, smugglers.
Finding a perfect pearl, or any perfectly round, smooth, white spherical object where it is not expected or looked for is often taken as a sign of favor from Kamar.
A lunar eclipse, those rare occasions when Kamar stands between the sun and the earth shows her favor to her followers who, for this time, will find their way unhindered by the forces of the sun and the light (for instance, law and local police).
Artifacts:
The Cloak of Kamar – woven by Kamar herself from the threads of starlight as they reach towards the earth, the cloak of Kamar makes the wearer invisible. She created it for the rogue who captured her heart, The Blackforest Killer, an assassin of legendary prowess. Even now when an especially audacious assassination is carried out, it is said the Blackforest Killer must be still alive. Is he still alive, still wearing his cloak? None can say.
The Pearl of Kamar – the most perfect pearl ever found, Kamar plucked a bit of moonbeam from her heart and cast it into the ocean. The waves rolled it round and smooth and cast it up on the beach where it was found by Lyryna, then just a lowly dancing girl. She had it set in a golden cage and wore it around her neck. Lyryna became the most famous dancing girl in the world, wooing kings and princes and turning the heads of men rich and powerful. It was said that Lyryna made the decisions behind the thrones and closed doors that ruled the fate of the world. She founded the Order of the White Peacocks and when she died the Pearl of Kamar was passed to her successor, Zhasamtai, who handed it down in turn to her successor. However, about a hundred years ago some truly audacious thief made off with the pearl and it has never been found.
This sparked a considerable cottage business that goes on to this day selling all sorts of pearls, fake and real, set in antique gold cage settings for outrageous sums as “The Pearl of Kamar” – bound to make it’s wearer so charming that no one can resist them. There has been some rumour that the Order of the White Peacocks themselves spread the story of the theft and have some hand in the sale of the fakes while hiding the real Pearl in some unspecified location. But there’s no telling if there is any truth in any of it.
The Obsidian Blade – Kamar herself plucked this blade of black glass from the volcano and sharpened it on the edges of her own teeth as a gift to Dahmer the Merciless – another famous assassin. The Obsidian blade is sharp enough to pierce the heart of a God, it is said. Dahmer died at the hands of the state, as often happens to assassins. His blade was found upon him and was long displayed with the Kings other treasures until in the black of night some thief made off with it.
Legend has it that The Obsidian Blade is now in the hands of the Secrets and Shadows of Kamar, but who knows?
Ceremonies and Holidays:
Every full moon is a holiday, as is every New Moon. Celebrations include libations poured to the Goddess and drunk to the Goddess. Plays, dances, and other entertainments are performed in her honor during the night.
Ritual sex parties are often held on the full moon nights, presided over by the ranking members of the local Order of White Peacocks and sponsored by the rich, the royal, and the powerful – perhaps less to curry the favor of the Goddess and more for the pure pleasure of the attendees.
Sects
Order of the White Peacock – established by Lyryna this order accepts beautiful boys and girls and trains them from the youngest possible age to be dancers, singers, entertainers and consorts. Some are also secretly trained in skills more appropriate to spies and assassins but their identities are a closely kept secret within the society.
Align: CN
Governing Precept: We are devoted to the business of pleasure.
Hierarchy: (highest) Kamar’s Chosen – who wears a full headdress with train of white peacock feathers on ceremonial occasions, Erikae – who wear a full headdress of white peacock feathers, Maiko – who wear a single white peacock feather, and Atotori (apprentice) who wear white feathers from any bird they choose, which often becomes a part of their initiate and common names over time (Little Dove, Cock Boy, Lady Pheasent, Young Falcon). Both boys and girls may ascend all levels.
Rites and Ceremonies: Initiations and rites as initiates rise in rank. It is said there are secret ceremonies for those who become assassins or spies but that is only rumour of course. One a year in Midwinter a competition beginning with local fairs and culminating in a national/world level held at the Our Lady of Singing and Dancing is held for bards, playwrights, actors, dancers, and singers with awards from small cash awards at a local level to titles and large cash awards at the highest level. The competitions are judged by White Peacock members and awards are provided by the sect. The competitions are held in honor of Lyryna and the highest awards are called “The Lyryna Awards”.
Order of Secrets and Shadows of Kamar – this is a secret organization, and so very little is known about it. In fact, the official Shrines of Kamar claim to have no knowledge of this sect.
Aphorisms and Words of Wisdom
Without the darkness, there could be no light.
Few speak of deeds done at night, and even fewer tell the truth.
Pleasure rules the night.
Notable Minions
Historically, Lyryna is, of course, well known, as were several of her successors. In the present atmosphere of repression, the greatest of the White Peacocks are less known outside the ranks of the wealthy and powerful, and many of them chose not to speak of what they do in the privacy of their own castles. The Blackforest Killer, infamous assassin – could it be he is still alive? It seems almost impossible as he would be well up in years by now, but it is true there are still mysterious assassinations performed in his name.
made by Summer
Type
Religious, Pantheon
Comments