Great Parsha

in: Gods & Religions

*“The strong take from the weak.”*

The Great Parsha is one of the older gods and long associated with the Minotaur and Aveihn. Parsha is known as bestial and savage, and those that seek his favor gain it though brutal conquest and bloody sacrifice. The strong take from the weak and look to the Parsha for their strength.

## Visual Representation

The Great Parsha has long been a deity associated with beasts. The Minotaur and Harpy sect of the Aviehn both have racial origins that start with the Great Parsha. This has led to significant differences in visual representation of the deity. The Minotaur believe that Parsha bears a great bull head atop a massive bestial body while the Aviehn believe that the deity bears the head of a great bird of prey. In both cases, the body is that of a muscular humanoid.

## History

Parsha is considered infinite with no beginning or end. However, his physical presence in the world has ended for a time. Followers believe that he will return and lead worthy followers in total conquest and domination of the world. What remains of his influence is the two races that he created in times past. These are the Minotaur and Aviehn. Both races are meant to subdue those around them in preparation for the return of their god and ultimate conquest over all others, mortal and immortal. Mention if the great Parsha in text is rare with the main followers of the god prone to oral history. Often, this means what was recorded was penned by historians rather than followers of the deity. This has led to conflicting writings, much like the visual representations of the god. Still, writings can be found, and those writings agree on many aspects of the Parsha.

Minotaur and Aviehn were designed to be superior to other races so that Parsha’s children could conquer and dominate the world. The Minotaur were given greater strength than most other races and the brutal instincts to carry out the Parsha’s intent. They were intended to dominate the ground below while their cousins, the Aviehn, dominated the sky above along in places hoof could not carry the bovine. Adherents believe that between the hooved Minotaur and winged Aviehn, Parsha’s followers can dominate all under the heavens.

## Worship in Practice

Conquest and subjugation are considered worship. When the Harpy Flight or Minotaur Herd grows, followers believe they are one day closer to the Parsha's return. But beyond the obvious desires to reproduce and gain territory, altars are constructed to the Great Parsha. Altars are used in various sacrificial ceremonies to honor the god and to obtain his blessing. These blessings always include blood and are intended to gain Parsha's blessing or favor in some way. A Harpy may sacrifice the sire of their offspring to gain a healthy child, and one that will lead a productive life. Minotaurs have their own reasons for sacrifice, though they are just as likely to offer that sacrifice on the field of battle rather than an altar.

## Contemporary

While gains in the afterlife are vague, receiving the Parsha’s blessing in the present has its physical reward. Followers need to be ready for that unknown moment that the Parsha will return. And while they wait, they seek his blessing through sacrifice and deed to gain his attention and favor. That favor means strength in battle and abundance in offspring. Many believe that the Parsha will only return once his followers have subdued enough of the world to make it ready for his return. It is this desire to set the stage for the Parsha’s return that motivates followers to conquer, displace, and subjugate other races. Only once the proper balance has been achieved by the mortals, will the immortal god return to lead his followers to ultimate victory. While Parsha is the primary deity of the Minotaur and the Harpy, others choose to follow for their own reasons. Some gravitate towards the god and what he represents to justify their own brutality and conquest. Others invoke his name and power to bring the bestial as a physical curse. Some perform rituals known as the Blessing of Parsha, which can be either a blessing or a curse. They invoke the god to twist a human into a bestial form with or without their targets consent. While some may see this as just another vessel preparing the way for Parsha's return, others simply relish the ability to twist others to their will. No matter the motivation, the followers of Parsha try to force the world around them into a setting that will usher in the god, sweep their enemies aside, and reward them with the spoils of conquest.

*Credit: Akan, author with collaboration from Nelson.*