Gathering of the Black Hand

Divine Origins

The goddess Tehaksha is one of the oldest gods, one who came into existence through a collision of cosmic forces rather than having been birthed by a mother. It was She who created the underworld, shunning the light favoured by the other elders. It was there in the dark that She birthed Her sons: Anjus'ketlen, Rai’telpet, and Vetol’xosed. Their father, Not the Trickster, has little involvement in His sons' lives.
Tehaksha was worshipped by early naga civilization out of fear of what lay beyond this life rather than out of respect. This angered Her and She demanded the respect her fellow gods were given.

Her first high priest was not a naga, but a lunyari named Ismaine. She had a terrible illness, one that would end her life at a young age. Angered by the hand life had dealt her, she turned to Tehaksha, pledging her eternal devotion in the hopes that earning the Soul Eater's favour would extend her life or, at the least, ear her a favoured spot in the underworld. Tehaksha was so pleased by Ismaine's devotion that She marked her right cheek with Her symbol, setting the precedent for all other priests to come. ismaine's fate has been lost to the annals of time, but the devout believe that she sits in an honoured place at Tehaksha's right hand.

Tenets of Faith

They do not fear death, knowing that they'll serve in Tehaksha's court in the underworld.
The Black Hand are often called upon to witness executions. Criminals are condemned to the lowest reaches of the underworld where their punishment will continue for eternity. A priest or priestess stands witness and records the criminal's name and other pertinent information (gender, age, crime, and House among other things) in an unadorned black book. Sometimes a condemned individual can work off their punishment after death and be set free from their torment. In such a case, Tehaksha grants her High Priest or Priestess with this knowledge and the name is stricken from the book. This has happened less than a dozen times since the practice began.
One of their most sacred rituals involves cutting their wrists with a blessed knife, trusting that Tehaksha will save them. Only the truly devoted survive this ritual. Scarred wrists are the most holy of scars aside from the full facial scars of the High Priests or Priestesses.

Worship

Her devotees refer to Tehaksha as their Holy Mother.
To those who aren’t afraid to seek out Her truth, She cradles them in Her arms and whispers the secrets of the world to them. When they die, their skulls are given a place of honour in her temples, their bodies put in the ground to nurture the world. This flies in the face of every funerary right and has earned her followers much scorn.
They believe that a soul remains intact regardless of what happens to the body. It’s their belief that the skulls of the faithful are worthy of remaining in Her temples while their blessed souls have a special place at Her side.
Devotees of Tehaksha are marked with facial scars, typically under the right eye. The more elaborate the scar, the higher they are in her favour. The highest ranking priests are marked with Tehaksha's sigil.
These marks have to be carved into the flesh over and over to prevent them from healing properly and to achieve the depth they required. It's a long and painful process and only someone with true devotion would consider putting themselves through it, let alone go through with it.
Many devotees shed their House name, believing that devotion to Tehaksha comes above their House affiliation.

Priesthood

Acolyte All those who wish to worship Tehaksha, whether affiliated with the Black Hand or not, may claim the title of acolyte.
Initiate To earn the title of initiate, one must have been an acvolyte in good standing for a minimum of 5 years. Good standing is defined in many ways, but largely understood that an acolyte needs to have their devotion to the Black Hand made public rather than private. As the Black Hand is often shunned by society, this weeds out the curious from the true devotees.
Kuhan These acolytes have proved their devotion to the Mother through their years of service and are now eligible to receive their first scars.
Priest/Priestess These devotees are marked by numerous facial scars.
High Priest/Priestess The truly devoted among Tehaksha's followers. Her symbol is etched into their face under the right eye. They may also have other scars on their body, further proving their faith and devotion. Many have scars on their wrists and neck.

Granted Divine Powers

Devotees claim that Tehaksha grants them a longer life if they are devoted enough. There isn't enough evidence to prove or disprove this claim and none outside of this sect are brave enough to ask Her.

Type

Religious, Other

Alternative Names

Black Hand

Demonym

Skullies

Deities

• Tehaksha

Divines

• Tehaksha

Location

Witesa