Karash

Karash, often called the Sea Lord, is a large man with a black beard, sea green eyes and long black hair braided and tied behind his head. In his right hand he wields a large harpoon, while his left carries a great copper shield. In battle he will don a silver helmet and breastplate.

Karash is one of the most fickle gods and often strikes out at those who direct even the smallest slight to him. He is very jealous of his clerics and demanding from those needing his blessing. To match his quick temper his command of the seas and those who live within have been used against those that anger him. He has flooded river towns, washed entire coastal cities into the sea, and sunk hundreds of ships that didn't play him the proper respect. This has often put him into conflict with the other gods as he cares little for any other temples that were destroyed when he punished a town.

Most of Karash's temples have rows of squat columns that rise along the walkway, topped by statues and busts of Karash and the creatures of the sea. The temple itself will be a large structure fully enclosed and high vaulted ceilings and hundreds of small windows. Benches and silver bowls are kept for the faithful and a large statue of Karash is behind the alter looking down at the worshippers.

Karash's symbol is a large silver harpoon on a blue field with a black reverse embattlement on the bottom. Most priests will have large walking sticks with sigils of Karash done along the sides and silver shod. In addition, their vestments include cloaks, scarves, and an incense burner shaped like a round anchor. Priests that have been recognized for their excellent service will be given a silver ring of Karash's face with two milky emeralds for eyes.

Believers typically favor amulets, necklaces, tattoos and other ways of honor the Sea Lord that will not interfere with their work aboard a ship. Many of ships main masts are carved with Karash's sigil to ask his blessing upon the ship while its at sea. Even the tradition of putting a mermaids, dolphins, or sea serpents upon the ship's bow was done to appease and honor Karash.

Karash’s followers are many and quite varied from sailors and fishermen to elemental magicians and coastal lords. Few are those that have slighted him and lived to tell the tale. In any town along a coast, most of the people will offer some money or burn some of the holy incense so that Karash may spare his hand from crushing them. These people are not fervent worshippers, but understand that his strength could crush their homes and wish to prevent that by any means.

A few of Karash's rituals are long complicated affairs that test the true willingness of both worshipper and cleric alike, but these are only done on the high holy days.

Karash is a fierce warrior and is considered nearly Vayne's equal; however his true strength is that of a master strategist. He can foresee the plans of his enemies and devise the perfect counter. It was his mind and Vayne’s arm that kept the devils from destroying the gods until Gemen could complete Vayne's axe.

Their differences aside, Vayne and Karash were at one time both the greatest of rivals and constant companions. That ended when they both sought the heart of the nymph Lórion, which Vayne won when he gifted her with a silver and ruby necklace of unmatched beauty. Karash flew into a rage and sent flood and hurricanes against the followers of Vayne, who responded by slaying the great sea serpent Yazrinal who was greatly favored by Karash. Byrne stopped the war, but to date both gods harbor a deep resentment of the other.