The Key of Naed

## Brief History and Ethos

In the days before the coming of the comet there were the old magics of the Skagriagaard and the Zoranethi, the Giant Kin and the Angelus. When the comet came it bought with it the first of the changes, the new magic, the source of magic; source magic. From source magic through the belief of others the three Gods of old were born: The first was Kalarin a goddess founded in the forges of War, battle goddess: The light of the Heavens. The next was Malice the made being created of spite and sin wickedness founded of one man's ambitions to rule the lands: The Dark One. The last was the balance, weaver of order and bringer of the peace, founded by need and necessity and a call for common ground: Tremalian the Grey. As they rose to the heavens so they gave Focus to the power of the Source. Focus Magic was created and so, powered by the belief of their followers and a pact made with Fae of Eidelos they prospered.

For many hundreds of years they ruled the heavens and the stories of their followers, the Angels and Archangels and indeed even the Gods themselves are many. Epic Legends when all powers strode the lands and did battle, causing so much devastation that the great Tharinos’ was called in which all powers were as equal and the Gods could be called to answer for their actions. Eventually however the eyes of Malice, inspired by the will of the Torakaylin family line, turned to the control of the lands of the Basin and beyond and it called upon its General Gabrak to lay waste to the other great churches in its name. It was in these great Pantheonic Wars that the Gods of this time were destroyed and the Gods that we know and venerate today where born.

Power and belief of that time are mysterious forces to the modern day Priest; the fall and rise of Gods and Goddesses, that seems so alien to us now, was a real threat to the followers of the faith in that day and age. It is almost impossible for us to imagine seeing the raw power of our God overshadowing a city and being cut to pieces by the power of Daemons and enemy casters. Yet this is how the deities of the past were ended but it was not the end of the belief nor the power and portfolios that they represented. It was almost as if the Gods had prepared for the final days of their mortality and had chosen new vessels for their powers but rather than the simplicity of the three deities their power was extended to meet the demands of a larger, growing base of Priests. Seemingly normal folk were raised up and became the new powers of Gods and Goddesses beyond the boundaries of Soul Anchor.

It seems apparent to the faithful of Naed that the way had been prepared for; that the paths to the heavens were readied for the rise of not only the Maimed God but also the other powers of the heavens. According to our Lores the Gods rose from mortal forms to the immortal, chosen by some inalienable power, potentially in advance, to represent the people who prayed to them. Naed was our chosen representative; a skilled farmer who had worked and tilled all his life, amassing great wealth. This wealth he shared with his neighbours and his friends expanding his farmland, providing jobs and the chance to build schools, explore peoples wants and needs and provide a place of refuge. When the war came, threatening the lives of not only the people that sheltered under his own banners but also the liberty of all free peoples Naed immediately took up arms and armour and with only a handful of days in training took on the role of soldier to protect those that could not protect themselves. This was Naed, as it was then, so it is now; that which is free should not be caged and so it was when Kalarin fell and Naeds spirit was released and rose to the heavens on the back of all of the prayers of those that he had guided safely to the light.

Once the wars were over the faith of Naed was at one point huge in number but at the same time small; that is to say that the needs of the people were many and that the women and the men of the faith were few. Post war the people of land were much beleaguered, whole villages, townships and families had been left in disarray, the central governmental powers smashed and the Gods that had guided them vanished. Even the power of the Tao that had, for thousands of years, been instrumental in the wellbeing of the people, before the coming of Gods, was changing, its definition crumbling. Naeds faithful began to grow in strength and churches and temples were found wherever people were willing to donate buildings: In Strabain the Lord Kingsmith donated his remaining wealth and his great home, that would one day become the Greatest of Temples in all the land. Beyond that farmsteads, family homes, schools and even keeps were given over to the care of the lost, the banal, the sorrowful and from them grew hope. In those early days, bereft of Naed for physical leadership, the Church almost fell apart as power hungry priests of Kalarin, such as the ill-fated Farcall, took control of the burgeoning faith. Fortunately the faithful decided to promote from within their own ranks and the Key was formed when Arradonal Stoker took up the mantle and began the early crusades for freedom.

With the Church established and the Clergy being formed of the other dominant faiths the Clergy began its true business; spreading the word and seeking out the borders of not just Basanic territories but also the standards of its morality. The Key began to fall into the patterns and correlations of faith that would see it through centuries even millennia of belief: Few heroes were directly recognised by the Church; in a church of equals where all are encouraged to act selflessly beyond the expectations of most then all are truly heroes. Equally the faith broke down into three basic structures - Its Soldiers that would protect those that could not protect themselves, although all are should be free to take up arms if they choose to; Its Priests who spread the word and faith of Naed and care for the people and their interests, handing out food and care and words and strength although all should be free to take up these duties should they choose to and the politicians and lawyers who have learned the laws and words of the kingmakers of the land and use them to protect the people of the land that do not have remit to do so for themselves although all should be free to take up these duties should they choose to. The Leadership of the Church when these ideas were formed in the early time of the first centuries was constantly fluctuating as many lost their lives in difficult endeavour but names such as Felance, Steelheart and Tarykon were all among the worthy.

The years rolled by and the Church of Naed grew in great faith and strength continual war with various factions led to a massive influx of followers among the small folk and to some degree the minor nobility although merchants, soldiers and the like mainly stuck with the more obvious choices. The "Dark" Gods fell away to Devourite influence and such problems made their way into other faiths, fortunately the Naedite church remained strong and now names began to come to the fore: Katarina Steelheart and her cousin Jarmak, Morris Thurlock and Kursten Raddowen to name but a few. However disaster, as we know, was not far behind: The Steelheart line was extremely old and had connotations to the old tribes, they carried a blade from ancient days named Steelsong that was blessed to Naed upon their blending with the Order. What was not known, however, was that the blade was forged from a metal from another time, another place and that it had been plundered from the home of the Daemon Lord Orbolom and that this most powerful of fiends had been seeking it since its loss. So closely felt was the loss that when he found out what had become of it he began a pogrom against the Steelheart line and all those that were close to it.

The great fall and schisming of our Church occurred during the Codex wars and at the hands of our own arrogance as much as at the hands of Orbolom. We were so, so confident that we were protected, our Church was progressive, Naed was the most revered, the most powerful deity in the heavens and our Holy Warriors the strongest with their belief. First Katarina Steelheart was taken from us, stolen by the power of a great Rice Empire Sourcerer called Tzanar Tzin who drove his Golden Nails into her cursing her to become entombed in the body of a Lich that would force her to carry out atrocities whilst locked inside. Whilst the outraged Church fought tooth and nail to free her they did not notice the infiltration of the Steelheart estates and the very Church itself and at the height of the Codex Wars as we celebrated our victory in freeing Katarina he struck. Hundreds of Churches, some Cathedrals and even the Great Key of Naed itself were destroyed in great explosions simultaneously as even then Daemons poured through bleeds into the world and attacked the clergy en masse. As his Holy places and his followers fell Naeds power was diminished and so too did he fall from his graces in the heavens and fell to Daer Akmir where Orbolom was waiting.

Naed was in no way prepared for a battle with Orbolom and was made the focal point for the Daemons ire at human folly, a lesson that we have never forgotten. Orbolom took Naeds hand and his eye and would have taken even more had not Jarmak Steelheart and many members of the Dragon arrived to take up the fight. When Naed was restored however there were great and powerful ramifications: The God has never recovered from the blow, despite years of protecting the small folk so many were killed that they found it hard to trust him again and his power is now among the weakest of the Powers. The Church though, that hurt him in a deeper way than the loss of his followers, who had found a solace and were protected by other Gods. In the aftermath of the battle the powers of the Churches were split in how best to proceed and now there are four Churches, four directions and no unity: The Key remains as it always was; split into the three graces of warriors, priests and diplomats but The People of the Crossed Keys saw it as their duty to return the impoverished, the weak and the downtrodden all to the fold of Naed. Meanwhile the Sons of Naed believed that those that were pure in the eyes of Naed should be protected at any costs and took to more violent methods to ensure this, finally the Divine Order of Liberty and Hope took up the worst of causes, that of vengeance against all Daemonkind, their followers and those that emulated their power and we felt the tang of Kalarin in the faith once more.

As the years have passed the Churches have developed new outlooks as they strive to meet the demands of the people that they serve. It has been a mainstream struggle between the old guard and the new thinkers and in recent years the new thinkers have won through. Whilst many would point to the actions of the old "Dark" Churches that brought us together it is clear that the new order of the Clergy: The Churches of Dawn, Day and Dusk would not have become prevalent had it not been for the Holy Order. The Dawn Churches, Yarrianne, Naed and Tiberius represent the dawn of life when we are fresh and full of life, naivety and energy. The Day; Bethylak, Terref and Ekimelahw, represents the middle of our lives when we have become wise and wealthy and live more ordered lives. The Dusk shows us as we approach the end of our lives, when our burdens have weighed heavily upon us, we are wearied and tired and death is but a corner away on our journey. This aspect of our faith is represented by the Churches of the Kraken, Notelexus and Rayvahn. Thus the coming together of the faiths has occurred and we hope that this unity will be reflected inwardly to all faiths that have shared a schism such as ours and that it will one day be for the best of us.

Currently the Faith is in a state of stability; we are led by Katarina Steelheart who, since her recovery from the curse of Tzanar Tzin all those centuries ago, has suffered an eerily long life and her husband the redoubtable Morris Thurlock. They have witnessed much and as such they have learned and become greater for it, they are the best bet for our future. The Church continues to battle the forces of darkness, to protect the weak and the innocent and to support the clergy in all things but we have learnt to do so quietly and without pride and arrogance. Whilst we hope that the power of Naed will one day be fully restored we would not see it happen without forethought and the care of duty that we owe our followers. Our main aims are to restore the Church to its oneness and wipe away the hatred that infests some quarters of it so that only the true lessons of Naed be taught without prejudice or impurity. However even in these dark times shining examples of the Naedite way still walk the lands: Goliath Seventear, Amelia Silverlight and An-Grim of Naed are part of the guidance that Naed has lain before us to become better than once we were.

The Clergy have long been the ruling body and government of the faiths of the Royal Basin. At times it has been severely understaffed, particularly in the periods when the Churches of the Devourer, Notelexus and Rayvahn were left awash in the wilderness. In recent years the Clergy has been in constant debate and argument but in 2014 the decision was made to appoint a full head and re-establish the Azure Table to sit with the Golden Table of the Royal Basin. Initially the vote seemed likely to be in favour of Sebastian Blackthorn to rule the table in the name of the Church of Rayvahn but it was Yarrianne's Mirelle Silverlight who won the majority vote and became the new leader of the Azure Table. Now the Azure Table/Clergy begin a time of rebuilding and unity that will bring a new and prosperous time for all faiths and a togetherness that we hope will endure a thousand years of Basanic life.

### Code of the Clergy and the Azure Table

* The Clergy stands above the individual churches with regards to the following issues:
* Ratification of any new Church Policy
* Ratification of any change in Church Dogma
* Ratification of any policy that crosses the Golden Table
* Expenditure of Azure Table Resources
* Identification and direction of Divine Law
* Interpretation of the words of the Gods at Tharinos

#### The Clergy expects

* Full respect to all other faiths that stand within the pantheon of Dawn, Day and Dusk
* The adherence to both Divine and Mortal Law
* To show adequate respect to the laws of the Clergy and the members of the Azure Table that uphold them.

#### Code of the Key of Naed

* Protect the weak and the innocent above all else, bringing hope and freedom to the world, not just the Royal Basin.
* Revere the will and the word of Naed, apply his wisdom and his teachings to the problems that you face each day.
* Show respect to all other clergies and faiths, denoted by their activities and their attitudes towards those that you are charged to protect.
* Allow no cause that is pure to our God to go un-championed, allow no soul to be un-shepherded and seek those that need your aid.
* Follow the doctrine and only take life if it is written or you are forced to do so. All life is sacred.
* Do not grow arrogant or allow your faith to overcome that which is the soul you were born with, do not fear that you will turn from Naeds side.
* The risks that you take shall be an example to others do not fear to allow your heart to guide you and your faith to uphold you.

## The God Naed

**Deity:** Naed, The Shield Bearer, The Invincible, The Kind Hand, The Maimed God.

**Aliases:** Tzi Tzain: Tok, Zumatakan: Tonok, Lairdan Gan: Coryabolis, Yuirfarvallen: Caben, Iron Blood: Getemon, Rock Hand:  Kerimarran, Granite Heart: Bakyrin, Gnomish: Rallisita, Orcish: Millimoth, Fey: Sampath.

**Divine Seat:** The Silver Inn

**Afterlives:** The Home of Heroes, Hopes Rest, The Place of Unification.

**Foes:** The Devourer, The Yama Lords, The Dragon Emperor and Tyrants everywhere.

**Symbol:** A Golden Key

### Portfolios:

**Major**: Freedom, Hope, Protection and Martyrdom

**Minor**: Lost Causes, Risks, Zeal, Bravery and Individuality

Naed is the protector of the weak, the champion of the oppressed and the hope to the defeated. He is the martyr who would sacrifice his own life for his cause and the lives of those who he deems worthy. He is tireless in his work, never ceasing in his quest to free the world from injustice and tyranny, he stands as a shining beacon of holy purity against the dogmas of slavery and inequality. In the eyes of Naed all men and women stand shoulder to shoulder, none better than any other in class nor wisdom, only in deed do they set themselves apart, for him only through the abuse of power to crush the spirits of the weaker or less fortune do you set yourselves apart.

Naed is generally a quiet and well natured deity, often found in good humour, he exudes a camaraderie that is difficult to escape from. Indeed Naed is well liked by almost everyone, even those that disagree with his extreme stances in many fields find him to be an extremely charismatic and enchanting figure for whom you would walk through fire. Naed holds a great friendship with Yarrianne, with whom he shares many ideals though his alliance with Tiberius is an uneasy one. The two do not see eye to eye on a great many issues that oft leads to argument and schisms in the pairs churches. Recently Naed and Ekimelahw have warred over the issue of the children of the Gods, Naeds firm belief in their right to existence bought him into direct conflict and defeat with Ekimelahw, this left Naed stripped of his powers for several years before his return. During this time his portfolio was shepherded by Kortanagry an Arch Angel of Ekimelahw and this still leaves a deep wound in Naeds pride.

During his visits to Vaklam The Maimed God has appeared as a handsome, well-dressed man around his mid-twenties. His sparkling eyes, charming mannerisms and exciting tales are said to have lured many a maid to his bed although his love appeared to be somewhat fleeting. During battle against the Yama Lords the Shield Bearer was permanently scarred, losing his Left hand and Right eye to his foes, these wounds have been consistent whenever he has been seen since. Naeds Clergy is made up predominantly of Priests, who account for the bulk of his faith, however the Knights of the Faith are his Blessed Warriors who travel the lands in his name carrying out his ethos through battle and deed whilst his Defenders of the Faith take oaths of purity to spread his word through word and praise. His clergy prefer to dress in Rich blues and blacks, carrying the key of Naed across their livery.

## Dogma

Naed, by his very nature, is not one for rules and regulations. His doctrine is quite specific about the responsibilities placed upon those with power and as far as he is concerned all of the Priests within his faith are considered to be those with power. As such his followers are expected to act within the parameters of his edicts and to also to keep an eye on each other to ensure that no-one is falling behind in their piety. It is difficult for any Priest of Naed to truly grasp the overall message that Naed is sending to his people, Naed encourages individuality and his Priests have embraced this concept with open arms. Whilst there are only four recognised Churches of Naed there are hundreds of tiny schism factions within that hierarchy that have slightly different dogmas of their own.
The main concern of any of the churches is for the people of the land, they see the small folk as their divine charge, protecting them from the machinations of the nobility that considers itself superior. Obedience and Loyalty to the Crown of the basin only stands as long as one whom the Naedites consider worthy of representing the people of the land wears the Crown. Their respect for any position of power is tenuous to say the least, their loyalties lie in the order of: The weak, the innocent and the oppressed and the needy first, then to Naed, then to the strong who uphold the words of Naed in deed if not in faith, then to themselves and finally to those of power, rank and privilege who fall outside of previous catchments. As such Naed's Clerics are rugged individualists who are never afraid to question authorities.

### From the Texts of the Everyman

*“All deserve life and the ability to choose their own place in the world, and those that would place others in shackles or control them with their oppressive laws should be toppled. Train the commonfolk to defend themselves and their property should another wish to take their freedoms. If your wards are threatened defend them with zeal like the mother bear defends her cubs, those who would harm or exploit those without the strength to defend themselves must be driven out or destroyed.”*

## Archangels and Angels of Power:

**Nibor:** Archangel of Freedom: Dealing with the liberties of the individual and the society, the rights of the people and the casting off of the shackles of Tyranny. A Priest that has called upon Nibor to be their patron becomes a vessel for the will of the people. They must take up the causes of the small folk when called upon to do so and do battle in their favour even should this place their own freedoms in danger.

**Nyloc:** Archangel of Hope: Dealing with the fulfilment of dreams, the encouragement of success, the strength of friendship and the inspiration of personal strengths. A Priest that has called upon Nyloc to be their patron becomes responsible for the morale and encouragement of the group to which they belong and the flock that they shepherd. Low morale can lead to the weakening of friendships and the spread of fear, mistrust and hatred.

**Imhes:** Archangel of Protection: Dealing with physical and spiritual protection, the shielding of the weak and the protection of the land from tyranny and evil. A Priest that has called upon Imhes to be their patron becomes responsible for the guardianship of the physical and spiritual side of both those that they travel with and the flock for which they care. The priest themselves become the shield that protects in the name of Naed.

**Pel’ Ardon:** Archangel of Martyrdom: Dealing with the sacrifice of one's self in the name of a pure cause or another individual. A Priest that has called upon Pel’ Ardon to be their patron takes a difficult path. In any cause that Naed considers to be pure the priest must place the success of that cause above any other aspect of their duty, including their life. Before the engagement of a task a follower should engage in a voice of the heavens prayer to understand Naeds view of such a task.

**Bol-Semiv:** Angel of Lost Causes: Dealing with the inspiration of hope and the act of martyrdom through the championing of a seemingly lost cause in the name of purity. A Priest that has called upon Bol-Semiv to be their patron is brave indeed. They will meet many upon their path whom have given up the will and hope to complete their path. This can range from the questing Knight whose mission has reached an impasse to the baker whose business has failed and faces extinction. To those the follower of Bol-Semiv must offer all aid and assistance.

**Manoth:** Angel of Risks: Dealing with the taking of extreme chances with one's own self in order to achieve ones goals. A Priest that has called upon Manoth to be their patron is called upon to be an exemplar of Naed. Calling upon all aspects of the Maimed God they travel the world proving themselves and showing to all the commitment and determination that his followers have to their cause no matter the costs.

**Escappilion:** Angel of Zeal: Dealing with the enthusiasms and strengths that should be inspired in all people working towards a better end. A Priest that has called upon Escappilion to be their patron provides a commitment to the working men and women of the lands that they serve. They are willing to lend aid and assistance to those that require it, often toiling in the fields, assisting in the front lines of combat or working with the local militia. These assistances come when the ebb of strength is at its lowest and inspiration is called upon.

**Ursheth**: Angel of Bravery: Dealing with the inner bravery that each individual must seek for in order to stand up for a cause in which they firmly believe. A Priest that has called upon Ursheth to be their patron is another example of how the Priesthood of Naed inspires the failing. This action of inspiration through bravery can come on the battlefield or when spouse is abused. Even to stand when the heart has fallen and body fails you, to give the will to them to go on.

**Xastar:** Angel of Individuality: Dealing with the right of each person to be individual and not having to conform to the common standards and actions that remove some of ones most defining features. A Priest that has called upon Xastar to be their patron is responsible for the forming of the individual outside the collective of society.  Each person as an individual has the right to develop should they choose to and it is the responsibility of each of the followers of Xastar to adopt and train these folk as best they can.

## Servants:

Naed is served by a number of Lesser Powers that can also be worshipped by Priests and Ley Followers, these powers  have fallen under the remit of the Lord over the years and given their power to increase the strength of The Maimed God

### The God Duskorth

**Known Powers** – Guardianship, Immovability, Indomitable Nature

**Allied Powers** – Naed, Shelor, Kaldred

*“None shall move the Duskorths might nor cause our will to shake.*

*Let undead rise and demons shriek, our courage shall not break.*

*We shall stand and guard the pass till all our days are done*

*And powers scatter to the winds and minors are respun.*

*Beware the failing of the shield that keeps our hopes alive*

*Have faith that thirty shall stay true so all may yet survive.”*

Very little is known of Duskorth and his followers. They keep themselves to themselves, revealing nothing to outsiders of the purpose and nature of Duskorth. New initiates are given his holy symbol, a shield with two weapons upon it and told to prove themselves worthy of him out in the real world. Some have achieved such and told of the feelings that follow as they feel his eyes upon them. Those who do achieve such often vanish shortly afterwards for a time before returning to their normal lives, but it does not end there. They will continue to vanish and be absent for a month of the year, telling no one of where they go or what they do.

### The Goddess Shelor

**Known Powers** – Freedom of Speech, Irrational Actions, Inspiration through Belief

**Allied Powers** – Naed, Duskorth, Kaldred

*“All the power of the world cannot hold back a pure heart. Swords may slice your flesh, maces may break your bones, tyrants may chain your body and take your very life but with their actions all they do is set you free. I bow to no despot, king, guardian of power, demon or otherwise. Neither shall you. You are my voice on Vaklam, my arm, my spirit; spread my teachings so that the oppressed know that I watch their suffering and in death they shall fly on to me on wings of silver. ”*

Shelor, or the Silver Heart, is almost indistinguishable from Naed who she allies with. Her followers, whilst seen as agents of good, are rabble rousers, the voice of anger against those in positions of power who speak of the day when all shall be truly equal and the oppressors cast down. But they are good folk at heart, determined to improve the lot for all peoples regardless of class, gender, race, country of birth or otherwise. In their eyes all people are truly equal and worthy of respect.
Many of the minor Gods had no affiliation to one of the nine before their ascension. This was not so with Shelor. In life she served with the Sons of Naed, although in her native tongue he was known as Rallisita. Her power with him was mighty and it was whispered that her mother had been visited by Naed himself, thus making her a true daughter of Naed. This story seemed to be given extra credence as when she eventually fell in battle against a demonic host Naed himself appeared amongst the remaining priests. He smote the Demon Lord low before ascending once more, taking Shelor’s body with him. Shortly afterwards a new presence was felt within the ranks of the lesser deities and Ekimelahw had new reason to be angry with Naed. Any who embrace Naed’s teachings shall find themselves welcome within the ranks of Shelor who boons her followers for the tasks she sets them.
A heart with silver wings represents the Goddess Shelor. To her followers this symbolizes her divine heritage and her ascendance to the heavens on the wings of Naed. Sunsdusk 19th marks the date of her ascendance when her followers don robes of silver and blue for feasting, singing and extreme quantities of alcohol consumption.

### The Goddess Kaldred

**Known Powers** – Good Fortune, Positive Thinking, Helping Oneself to Help Others

**Allied Powers** – Naed, Shelor, Duskorth

*“The world too often brings us down with its tasks, trials and endless torments. There must be those who throw such things aside to try and bring light where there is darkness, joy where there is despair. Quite often I have found simply being happy and joyful is enough to brighten most people’s days. That is why my followers smile. A  lot. And no one can stop them. Fun isn’t it? ”*

Some Gods are far more happy go lucky than others. Terref and her underlings are best known for it but Kaldred can keep up with them quite happily. It is thought that Kaldred was an Eaölfen bard who came to a sticky end after writing a series of plays about a branch of the Damascus family in a less than favourable light. They were underpaying their miners and getting fat from the profits; Kaldred performed a stinging ballad at the Summer fete that rallied the locals to strike until pay was increased. Whilst they got their wish Kaldred was discovered dead in the mines only days later. Not that it stopped her or her work.

Whilst banned in the county of the Ferns where originally written, the plays were popular and brought in a great deal of revenue to the Bards guild, comedies about nobles being a firm favourite with the common folk. To this day it is common practice for her work to be recited during important festivals in the Summer months, however much the Damascus family may loath it.

The stories of Kaldred do not end there. It is said that both Terref and Naed battled over which would have her in their ranks of demi-powers and that it was settled in a wager over who would get the larger half of a wish bone, as is the common practice of mortal folklore. It is assumed Naed won as Kaldred is allied with him. She approves of the cheeky and free spirited to be in her ranks of followers, being a beacon of light and joviality regardless of how it will affect the odd individual; if the majority are happy let nothing prevent you from continuing to act as you wish. As such, to avoid any particular angry swings from embarrassed warriors or insulted nobles she grants the following boon;

The wishbone is the symbol of Kaldred, harking back to the rumours of her ascendance as part of a wager between the Gods. No date is sacred to her or her people; all days should be spent spreading merriment to the world and wealth to those who need it with a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

### Day to Day Activities

The Clergy of the Maimed God is loosely organised and each church seems to carry an individual rather than a standardised doctrine. However, those Priests that dwell in large urban areas are obliged to protect the spiritual and physical well-being of their flock. They hold great sermons regarding the uncertain nature of certain political activities, revealing corrupt officials businessmen and members of other clergies is all part of the service provided by the Naedite clergy. They also spend evenings instructing the common folk on the arts of self-defence and recruiting likeminded members of other guilds to assist them in return for magical aid, absolutions and prayer.

When active in the field rather than in cities Naedites seek out tyrannical powers, including warlords, spies of the powerful and monopolistic trade houses and the like. If possible they will destroy these areas of corruption through the means of battle, stealth and political intrigues, all are weapons in a Naedites arsenal. Once destroyed the Naedite will make every effort to return misappropriated wealth and goods to its original owners. Of all of these crimes slavery is considered to be one of the most heinous and explains the direct actions of The Divine Order of Liberty and Hope. The followers of Naed also keep close tabs on “Lawful” religions and organisations in case they become too powerful and begin oppression of those of different faiths and beliefs.

### Holy Days and Important Ceremonies

The Ritual of reclamation is celebrated yearly at every Tharinos at midnight of the first evening. It is held in the area given over to Clergy meetings and is dedicated to the return of Naed to the heavens and the return of his power from the heavens. The Priest of highest rank present at the meeting leads the ceremony which is deeply moving and of great importance to all gathered. Afterwards a massive “festival” is held in the Tharinos bar to celebrate the Gods return to power.

### Major Centers of Worship

The Great Key of Naed sits in the centre plaza of the Gods in the capital and is by far and away the most impressive of the temples there, even dwarfing the Clergy buildings. Funded entirely by the personal fortune of the Steelheart family, mainly through the actions of Duke Jarmak Steelheart (High Priest of Naed) this edifice is contains relics and artefacts of Naed and Kalarin unrivalled anywhere in the basin.

### Priestly Vestments

The Priesthood of Naed favours Deep Blue Robes and vestments embroidered with silvers and golds. The Key of Naed is never a thing to be hidden unless the situation is called for and the Great Key is usually emblazoned upon the torso and sleeve.

### Church Leaders:

**Morris Thurlock:** Everyman of Naed (Zumatakan Priest):

Morris Thurlock was born 145 years ago on the vessel Junipers Wake. He was raised at sea, which is odd for a Zumatakan Eaölf, but his parents were fleeing in exile from allegations of assassination. These allegations were later disproved but Morris never knew his parents and they certainly never returned home, instead he was left aboard the Junipers Wake to be raised by Captain James Thurlock. Morris spent many years with the Captain learning the ways of the sea Merchant, unfortunately James was human and his adopted son was bound to outlive him. The vessel was bequeathed to the young Zumatakan and the crew stayed loyal, however the purpose and the name of the Junipers wake was to change forever.

Morris had for a long time watched the waterways and had become increasingly aware of a contingent of Pirates and Slavers operating around the Eastern coast of the basin. Morris despised and detested those that impeached on the liberty and freedom of the common people and decided it was his place to do something about this obscenity. The newly re-named and re-commissioned Crimson Knight began a 10-year campaign against the group that ended in Victory for Captain Thurlock but also destruction of the Crimson Knight.
Morris was rescued by a Fishing Smack of grateful folk from the port towns that had been subject to the Pirate raids and returned safely to dry land. With the destruction of the vessel that had for so long been his home Morris decided to leave the sea and return to his homeland. He made it as far as the fair city of Vopanderan where he was instrumental in overthrowing a tyrannical governor who held the city in a grip of fear. There he joined the temple of Tremalian, the old God of Neutrality, working with and for the people, he earned himself a name for his selfless care and attention for the people of the land. After the Pantheonic war he slid easily to worship of Naed and upon his marriage to Katarina Steelheart he was nominated to lead, forming the council of the key and becoming an Everyman.

**Katarina Steelheart:** Ever Living Hero of Naed (Human Knight of the Faith)

Born before the Gabrak Wars although she has never told us when, Katarina is quite literally a living legend with the weight of heroic action, wisdom and belief behind her. Now in her late 40’s Katarina Steelheart still cuts an impressive figure; in her day she inspired the nation with deeds too numerous to mention here and championed the common man. When Gabraks forces smashed into the capital it was Steelsong, Katarina’s blade, that met the invaders fury as the clergy of Naed fearlessly gave the citizenry time to escape.

She is related to Duke Jarmak Steel heart who now sits upon the ancestral Throne, she is ,married to Morris Thurlock, head of the Church of Naed. This legendary figure in Naedite history can be found throughout the history books and is considered to be immortal. Whenever she nears great age she vanishes on a pilgrimage in the name of The Invincible and returns a young maid of no more than 16. Currently she is married to Morris Thurlock and enjoying another great success as a hero of the people.

### Articles of Faith

As a Naedite there are some clear guidelines that are to be followed; as a Holy Warrior or Knight of the Faith you should follow the code below. This code is the guidance by which you set examples to the world that you strive to protect, a Knight of the Faith is the shining example of the faith, one who is given great power by the God and to break their tenets would be to break favour with the deity and lose not only the power that he has gifted but more, the very purity of their souls. Following these tenets are a guideline to how piety works and how, as a follower of the faith, your piety can be increased and decreased at the whim of the Gods.

### Tenets of the Knights of the Faith.

* You will preserve the Church of Naed and his tenets, bowing to those Pure of Faith and obeying his enlightened in all things.

* You are the shielding hand of Naed upon the land and shall move to protect those worthy of his grace, placing their life before thine own.

* You will sacrifice your own life for a cause or another that is pure in the eyes of Naed before you allow that cause or life to be destroyed.

* No cause is lost. Any cause that is pure in the eyes of Naed that is to be abandoned or lost by another’s lack of hope shall be shouldered by thee and pursued with all of thy ability as though it were the most sacred thing to thee.

* You will not suffer a tyrant or one who shows tyrannical nature to persevere; they will be hunted across the lands until they have had the evil driven from them or until they are destroyed.

* You will not allow despair, despondency or hopelessness to blossom and grow. Where such things blight the land you shall find its cause and uproot it, planting instead the seeds of Hope, Zeal and Freedom.

* You will watch those institutions that promote the strengths of law and conformity and shall, if they become blinded by their own beliefs, prevent and battle their oppression of those that do not share their thoughts and faith.

* You will combat those who seek to enslave, falsely imprison or force into labour those pure in the eyes of Naed. These people shall be brought to Naeds justice despite the laws of land that they may reside in.

* The weak, the innocent, the common folk of the land. These are the true powers of Naed and should be protected, cared for and obeyed before him.

* You will not retain the wealth that you acquire, except through honest toil. The church shall provide for you. Any excess wealth that you have acquired shall be distributed amongst the needy by thine own hand.