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 ====== Neptune/Vahrun ======
+//"What we cast upon the waters, is that which we receive."//
+This god is known by many titles, including the Master of the Seas, All that Glitters, the Dweller of the Deep, and the Ever-Journeying. He is one of the most highly revered on [[settings:jaern|Jaern]], as his domain - the sea - makes up nearly the entire planet. He is the patron of sailors, traders, and travelers.
+===== History =====
+Originally given the task of governing the oceans on Torandor, Neptune quickly became the champion of all upon the sea. Unlike his companion gods, he cared little for the intrigue, strife, and emotion that seemed to drive their every move. As the events of the centuries unfolded about him, he stood steady, an anchor in the water.
+Escaping from Torandor when it was destroyed, Neptune took the emerging oceans of Jaern for his domain, nurturing the transplanted life. Neptune's arrival and conquest lead to centuries of hidden command over the abyssal empire of Lizantis and a suppression of their native worship and language, to the extent that Neptune took a hand in wiping out the heretical Trigona clan for their efforts to reinstate the old gods and usurp him. Only recently was this wrong rectified and the god of Lizantis, Terrama, reinstated as an aspect of Neptune himself.
+Neptune as a god cannot permit or accommodate commerce with the gods' hated enemies, but Terrama represents an exception to form and enjoys limited exclusions which he uses to engage in trade with extraplanar powers such as [[lore:creatures:demons|demons]].
+===== Aspects =====
+==== The Sea-Guardian ====
+Rarely, if ever, seen by those outside his priesthood, this aspect is most often seen as an elderly Jaernian lizard with scales as blue as the deep, resplendent in garlands of living plants and creatures. While his judgments seem harsh, he seeks only to hold even the balance between the land and sea. He is king of the waves and the over-sea skies, and is most often prayed to by sailors, especially sailors of Jaern, in hopes for calm seas and safe voyages.
+While Neptune maintains some domain over the life within the sea, this delegation has begun to be shared with [[gods:osiris|Osiris]] as of late.
+==== Windfall, The Merchant ====
+This aspect of Neptune represents his domain over trade and prosperity. Wealth is something desired by just about all living beings, and this gilded divinity looks upon seekers of fortune with a smile. He supports every trade, every profession, and stands staunchly behind all those who journey for a leg up in life. It is known, though, that the ultra-wealthy with little respect for the downtrodden accrue somewhat less of the Merchant's magnanimity.
+Windfall is oft prayed to by those who seek a promotion at work, or perhaps good luck in their trade deals. He is also sought by those struggling in poverty, clutching what little gold they can. He appears as a portly, red-cheeked, smiling man usually of Humanoid or Lizard persuasion, dressed in bright clothes and adorned with a jangling multitude of gold, silver, and platinum.
+==== Vahrun, The Traveler ====
+Originating on Cahyali, this aspect is Neptune's domain over all those who must journey far from home. He is the god of crossroads and winding paths, of treacherous quests and exhausting treks. Many compasses have a small symbol of Neptune engraved on them, in hopes that his smile will help the lost find their way and the wandering make their way home. He is prayed to by those about to embark on travels, and by those who have lost their way. For sailors, these prayers are often wrapped up with those to the Sea-Guardian, in hopes of calm seas and prevailing winds.
+Vahrun takes a variety of forms, most often as a nondescript man or androgynous individual found wandering the wilds or floating nonchalantly along on driftwood at sea. A smile usually sits on his face, and he wears a pack filled with various bits and bobs that he may gift to mortals as boons. He is most often smoking a pipe of some unknown substance. From time to time, he may journey with those who find him, then vanish once more once they have found the way... even though that way may not always be the shortest path forward.
+==== Terrama, The Returned ====
+With the destruction of [[settings:torandor|Torandor]] and the arrival of its gods on Jaern, the gods before were relegated to historical footnotes at best - Terrama was an unfortunate casualty of this. This same heretical magic was eventually used and supported by Neptune to bring Terrama back to life at the cost of Demon Prince Mammons', leading the two to agree to a form of forgiveness and reparations for the Ocalla of Lizantis.
+The oceans above the Black Belt, the line which divides the waters habitable and survivable by most, remain the domain of Neptune and the waters of the abyss below belong to Terrama. Further, all previous restrictions of old knowledge have been rescinded and while the power of a god cannot be restored, Terrama was brought into Neptune's own godhead as an aspect of himself. This has actually made the god more powerful than it even was in antiquity owing to the scale of divine power the Godpact has accumulated in its short time and been accepted as part of the deal; with this new power, Terrama intends to accelerate his people into an empire spanning the entire abyss.
+Still, Terrama keenly remembers the pain of being erased by another and takes steps to ensure that he never takes anything of excessive cultural or historical value from another place (even from demons.) He does not believe in making museums by pilfering everything of value, killing the people to display the corpse of their being, and even in war takes precautions to ensure his enemies retain something of themselves.
+===== Priesthood =====
+==== On Jaern ====
+Temples dedicated to Neptune, the Sea-Guardian, are called Natatoriums and are always located on the coastline, partially submerged. One of the most conservative and formal priesthoods, Natatoriums are headed by a priest known as The Ekvilibri. He is the eldest priest, and often, though not always a semi-aquatic lizard. Each priest is assigned duties according to his seniority and position within the Natatorium hierarchy.
+=== Organization ===
+A council of elders is directly responsible to The Ekvilibri for their actions. Each council member is responsible for an aspect of worship and maintenance. Every priest is responsible to an elder on the council. Position is largely a matter of protocol and proper procedures, but the priesthood is flexible enough to consider any
+thoughts, if they are presented through the proper channels with proper protocols.
+=== Apprenticeship ===
+Life within the Natatorium is harsh and busy. Each apprentice is responsible for a heavy load of classes and maintenance duty. They are overseen by a Plenaga (mentor) responsible for the children’s education and general health. While this life may seem harsh, a parental-like bond is often forged between Plenaga and students.
+As they grow older, more and more of their education shifts from general studies to that of the procedures and traditions of the priesthood. One class a day is devoted to physical training, and use of defensive weapons and the trident. The priesthood goes to great lengths to ensure an apprentice’s education is spiritually, ethically, cerebrally, and physically well-rounded.
+=== Initiation ===
+When an apprentice reaches the age of 15, he is brought before the council of elders for examination. Any mistakes are pointed out and corrected. After two hours of this questioning, an elder asks, “Are you ready to face the judgment of Neptune?” The elders cannot make this decision; it can only come from the apprentice. If he answers negatively, he is allowed to remain an apprentice for another year.
+When a air-breathing apprentice answers positively, he is taken deep within the Natatorium to the Chamber of Proof. The chamber is a 60 foot tall cylinder below ground. The walls are smooth and lack hand holds. The apprentice is placed inside and the door sealed. The priests open valves, slowly filling the room with water. The room is left filled for 20 minutes.
+If Neptune sees truth and faith within the apprentice, he will grant him his first spell, Air Pocket, which allows him to breathe water. If the apprentice is found drowned when the chamber is drained, Neptune has shown that the apprentice was unfit for the priesthood.
+Water-breathing apprentices are tested differently. They are sealed within a very small, dry room within the temple and left for five days. If Neptune sees truth and faith within the apprentice, he will grant the apprentice his first spell, Create Water, which allows him to survive the arid conditions. If he is found dead when the chamber is
+opened, Neptune has shown the apprentice was unfit for the priesthood.
+Induction of a new priest is cause for celebration. A feast is held, and the new priest’s friends present gifts and recite stories about him. Lastly, The Ekvilibri presents the new priest with his last gift, a new name reflecting the priest’s accomplishments.
+=== Dogma ===
+The followers of Neptune believe in the concept of Cosmic Justice, and treat others as they wish to be treated. This creed makes them much less retributive and violent then some others, believing that those who do them harm will receive harm in return, without their direct intervention. Most worshippers volunteer for charity work and often assist in emergency situations.
+=== Holidays ===
+On Jearn, at the beginning of Akvofojo, in the month of Gorn, the priests wait for the first rainfall. When the Ekvilibri declares the start of the first rainfall, the Akvotempo or Time of Rain is declared. All the priests and worshippers gather outside the gates of the Natatorium and the Ekvilibri offers prayers of thanksgiving to Neptune. A meal follows, where the priests invite outsiders to join them in giving obeisance to Neptune.