Reinohem

**Reinohem**, alternatively known as the God of Light, is an Irsgithimmil deity widely worshiped in the north on the continent of Gilderas. Reinohem has been described as a "fire god," as his worship involves fire and light. He is also the god of death, prophecy, and the season circles. He has been called the Red God and God of Darkness by nonbelievers.

## Description

In his natural form, Reinohem

Reinohem may appear as any sort of animal. Most often he appears as tall a figure that is vaguely human in size and shape. He has long, lean limbs with long claws. His body is emaciated and is the color of charred wood. His head is that of an antlered elk skeleton with empty sockets. Sometimes he dresses in long black robes.

### Personality

Reinohem's personality is not known. It is believed he is mostly an aloof and uncaring god who does not often lend aid to his followers.

### Abilities

Reinohem controls the lifespan of each individual, represented by a thread of light that constitutes what members of the Faith would call the soul, and may cut it short with his white bone knife at any time.

Reinohem knows all of the deeds his followers have committed in their lives. In his eyes, no act is dark or light, but rather a mixture of true or false to one's own spirit. Those who follow their innate nature granted to them by the gods are fulfilling the divine purpose which has been laid out to them. Those who attempt to step outside this purpose by committing acts which go against their nature risk the displeasure and curse of the gods.

This deity is known to communicate with his followers through dreams. When Reinohem attempts to contact a person during the daytime, they may experience intense headaches or spells of dizziness and fainting.

Reinohem can lift hunger and take away the pain of wounds. He can stir men to war and move their tempers if he wishes, though he most often does not meddle in human affairs, seeing little of interest with them.

He can bring darkness and still winds. When the wind grows quiet all of a sudden, it is believed Reinohem may be near.

### Possessions

Reinohem has a sackcloth filled with grain that never empties. As the god of the season cycles and thus fertility, he has the ability to plant all the fields in the world from this sack.

This deity also possesses a golden goblet that is continually filled with a wine-like elixir. This elixir cures all hunger and illness. A mortal could survive only on the contents of the goblet alone, for it provides all the nourishment of food and water.

### Worshippers

Those who worship Reinohem call upon him to protect them during war or to prevent famine. The burning of old grain at the turn of winter is an ancient tradition that attempts to call upon this deity for a good planting season. His priests practice extensive self-mutilation, as Reinohem enjoys the sight and scent of blood. Such mutilation strengthens him. He accepts both animal and human sacrifice. All of his sacrifices must be burned alive.

Human sacrifice is outlawed throughout Equis due to the laws of the Faith. Due to this, it is far more common to burn effigies made of straw or wood for Reinohem.

### Symbols

Elk skulls and bones are associated with this deity. His image is often created from pieces of wood. A skeletal figure of woven sticks is placed within a backdrop of spreading leafless branches. An elk skull is set above the wooden ribcage. This effigy is placed against a tree, the medium between the mortal world and the divine, or set into a bonfire as a sacrifice.

Such wooden effigies are quite common in association with Reinohem. It is believed that their creation pleases him. The most devoted of his priests will mark them with their own blood as well as those from sacrifices.