Faiyum

A temple city situated on the edge of the wicked sister islands known as a capitol of the Bati River Cities, two other cities are ranked of note, Kosj and Darastrix. It houses the main temple to the demi-god Sobek, a god who left the upper planes and resides on the material plane. It is seperated into three parts: Port of Bahti, City of Krokoplis, and Nayan Shedety.

## History

The city was originally based around Nayan Shedety, a might sacred site to Sobek, where it sat inside lake Moeris, a strangely clear lake that does not intermix with the river and murk of the marshlands. As the population grew, the town on the edge of the lake became known as Krokoplis due to the large amount of crodiles along with lizardfolk who took the town to be it's home. The port itself is named after the River that feeds it.

The city of Krokoplis - sits on the edge of the Nasyan swamps near the Nahr Bati River and on the rim Lake Moeris. - serves as a cult center of Sobek.

In Krokoplis, two forms of the god were worshipped: Naya (stone reliefs of the god) and Petsuchos (mummified followers were employed as cult images of Petsuchos\*), when a sacred crocodile passes or is killed, their remains are taken to the temple in Karasis.

Nayan Shedety, heart of the centrally located capital, Krokoplis (or "Shedet"), sits the most prominent form of the god. Extensive building programs honoring Sobek were realized in Krokoplis, as it was the capital of the Bati River cities. It is thought that the effort to expand Sobek's main temple was driven by a Shaunti high preist who sent out followers to create new temples in Sobek's honor across the land.

Specialized priests in the main temple at Shedet functioned solely to serve Sobek boasting titles like "Prophet of the crocodile-gods", "One who buries the sacred of bodies of the crocodile-gods of the Land of the Lake". At the center of the Lake on the marshland named Krokoplis, is a temple named Pae Sobek, or house of Sobek.

The remnants are all sent to Sobek, in the deep pits remains on of the white crocodiles from Nayan Shedety, brought here from pilgramage from Nayan Shedety.

## Goverment

The city is run by the religious followers, there is a split of power of those who run the temple and those who control the city/port proper.

The power tends to remain in the hands of the Temple, but they have split themselves among 2 main families.

Seki: Ironblood, Blazescale

Shaunti: Sawtooth, Bonebreak

## Cult of Sobek

**Domains**: Fertility, Home, Hunt, Nature, Water, Tempest, War

**Location**: Nasyan

**Cult Secrets**: Martial training, Fecundity, Crocodile breeding, and Sobek's ambition

Sobek is a crocodile god associated with the Nasyan Swamplands, along with remote and hostile enviroemtns. An offspring of the nature spirits and djinn from the southern desert. Their ferocity and protective nature made them the perfect defender for the border. Sobek is also a fertility god due to his association with the Nahr Bati, He is known for his strong will. Sobek takes what he desires and brings them to a place that he fancies.

A deity of many titles and concepts, perhaps the most important is “Lord of Waters,” for he rose from the primeval waters called the Nun, and from it, all rivers return. Some even said it was from the eggs laid by Sobek around the Nun that gave life to the world.

Don't mistake their martial prowess and creation myth for discipline or nurture, Sobek's personality is one of ferocity, animalistic aggression, and territoriality. It is the nature of the Crocodile to protect its river and to take what it wants when it wants.

Naturally, their order is focused on the crocodile concept itself. Breeding, sacrificing, and mummifying the animals are constant chores. Sobek’s darker ambitions are hinted at in the epithet “He who takes what he wants when he fancies it.” Some followers give in to Sobek's malevolent plans, sacrificing everything to make their god's will a reality. Others respect Sobek's more nurturing traits and see his gluttony and greed as the whims of an animal, not to be truly emulated. This dichotomy in devotional fervor has created a schism between factions of Sobek's cult.

#### INITIATION

Initiations are held at the “Appearance of Sobek” rituals and the temple is quite strict about this rule. They will educate and train possible candidates all year, but it is only at the ceremony of mummification that new members are fully acknowledged into the faith.

## FESTIVALS

##### The Appearance of Sobek.

At the beginning of the Sayaf (Sayaf 1, Avalon Lunar Calendar) a mummification ritual of the dying Crocodiles of the temple is open for the public to offer them prayers and tribute. The blessing of Sobek provides fecundity for those who attend. The adult crocodiles parade with their hatchlings proudly displayed on their backs.

#### Procession Towards Neith.

Held every Harvae (Harvae 5th, Avalon Lunar Calendar) a procession from Sobek temples pilgrimage to nearby temples, with the famous Crocodile Helmet priests leading the procession. Once they arrive, a ceremony is held to mark Sobek's tribute to his mother, the ancient waters at the helm of the swamplands.

#### Feast of Sobek.

In early Lune (Lune 4th, Avalon Lunar Calendar), a great fest is held honoring Sobek. It is expected that guests bring tributes to the crocodiles that live in the temples where this feast is held.

#### Full Moon Feast of Sobek.

Held around 1st Full Watcher Moon, last 2 days, this feast is very similar to the Feast of Sobek, however, it is only held at the first Full Watcher Moon of the year. Attending priests tell tales of fecundity and invite anyone seeking the blessings of fertility to visit the temple at night.