Sobek

Sobek (Naya), a Andalusian crocodile god of nature, strength, and power. Their ferocious attributes led to Sobek to become a patron of druids, nature clerics, and paladins of the Nasyan swamplands. They have named themself King of the Swamp and protector of the Lizardfolk who reside there.

## Worshipers, Clergy & Temples

Sobek's clerics keep havens through out the roughest areas in the land, from places deep within the swamplands, high in the mountains, among the marshes of L'Andae, and even in the scattered oasises of the Andalusian swamps.

The worshipers are split among two camps, the Shaunti and the Seki:

The Shaunti's devout believe themselves to know that with **adaption,** and **wisdom**, come **power**.

The Seki's devout believe themselvles that forces of **power** comes control, this will give **wisdom** to **adapt**.

### Embodiemnts:

Sobek "Tunnis" Shaunti - The Silent

Sobek "Waiti" Seki - The Prophet

Sobek "Alyia" Shaunti - The Savior

Sobek "Alicent" Seki - The Wise

Sobek "Cheserai" Shaunti - The Chosen

## Dogma

Sobek's essential creed is "eat or be eaten." They value **Power**, **Wisdom**, and **Adaptablility**. Their followers strive to carve out their own place in a world that is hostile to them. Sobek's followers are aware that the infulence that their god pushes into the world. They clings to as much strength possible, obeys the laws of the land when necessary, though the rules of survival of the fittest feeds into how they interact outside of the structed system.

## Appearance, Manifestations

Sobek is a crocodile-headed deity whose humanoid body is covered with thick, tough scales. They have a thick, crocodilian tail and heavy, clawed hands and feet. Often depicted wearing a simple hooded cloth robe, gold coins laced into the hem, their eyes shine gold.

They also sometimes appear as a huge white crocodile with gold markings along their head in the shape of a crown.

## Relationships & History

Sobek is an animal deity that is part of the pantheon of Andalusian gods, originally lived among the material plane before the gods left for the upper planes. When Sobek was offered a seat among the nature dominion they grew an iresome relation with a godess, who got them "banished" from the upper planes. They took their "exile" in stride, returning to the mortal plane but residing mainly in the astral plane.

**God Alignment:** LN

**Worshipers Alignment:** LN

**Domains**: Nature (Home/ Water/Fertility), War (Hunt, Tempest)

**Portfolio:** Water, river hazards, crocodiles, wetlands.

**Worshipers:** Sailors, reptilian creatures, assassins, monks

**Plane:** Astral Plane (actual residence) / Material Plane (current residence)

**Weapon:** Shortspear

## Cult centers

The city of Krokoplis - sits on the edge of the Nasyan swamps near the Nahr Bati River, near Lake Moeris. - serves as a cult center of Sobek. Most small vilalges nearby develop their own localized versions of the god along with remote locations spread throughout Andalus, the unmapped Oberon lands, southern Gaul, and L'Naede, A few are Soknebtunis at Tebtunis (Oberon Lands), Sokonnokonni at Bacchias (Gaul), Souxei at Karanis (L'nadae),

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\*)

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.

Tebtunis, houses the temple of the King Maker, an old outpost from the time of Oberon where followers of Sobek took arms and defense in the lands to the west. They house the body of Sokneb Seki, who fought back some of the forces using nothing more then the preist at the temple.

Bacchias, houses the temple of the Hollow Mountain, the ruins of a once great temple built into the mountain side. It sits on the southern river snaking out of Gaul hidden among the Dragon Spine. They house the body of Sokonno Shaunti, who climbed the Spine to uncover the true name of Sobek.

Karanis, houses the temple of the Salted Ire, the sunken remains of a temple originally to the spirit Nayan, great releifs to the god are spread among the flooded temple. It is believed to be one of the original sites of the old god from the time, but most of the markings of the original temple have been lost to the water. The remnants are all bent to Sobek, in the deep pits remains on of the white crocodiles from Nayan Shedety, brought here from pilgramage from Nayan Shedety.

## Character and surrounding mythologies

Sobek is, above all else, an aggressive and animalistic deity who lives up to the vicious reputation of their patron animal, the large and violent Nile crocodile / West African crocodile.

Some of their common epithets portray this nature succinctly, the most notable of which being: "The King of Opprotunity", "The one who eats while they mate", and "pointed of teeth".

They displays grand benevolence in more than one celebrated myth. Legend speaks that Sobek stood against the other gods of the Sands and spoke for their standing among the gods of the upper plane. In return they were banished to the material plane for their insolence to the older faiths. In truth, they drew the attention of an older nature god, who deemed themselves Speaker of Beast, when Nayan claimed they were one of many voices, the Speaker of Beast threw them from the upper planes. They are also known as the one who helps to keep the desert at bay from the wetlands, protecting those who need the life water to survive.

It is from this association with healing that Sobek was considered a protective deity. Their fierceness was able to ward off evil while simultaneously defending the innocent. They were made a subject of personal piety and a common recipient of votive offerings, particularly in Nasayan history. It was not uncommon, for crocodiles to be preserved as mummies to present at Sobek's cultic centers, along with lizard folk of the faithful to be mummified and brought to the temple to be inturned, they are offered mummified crocodile eggs. Likewise, crocodiles were raised for religious reasons as living incarnations of Sobek.

Upon their deaths, they were mummified in a grand ritual display as sacred, but earthly, manifestations of their patron god. This practice was executed specifically at the main temple of Crocodilopolis. These mummified crocodiles have been found with baby crocodiles in their mouths and on their backs. The crocodile is one of the few reptiles seen to diligently care for their young, and often transports its offspring in this manner.

The practice of preserving this aspect of the animal's behavior via mummification is likely intended to emphasize the protective and nurturing aspects of the fierce Sobek, they protect the lizardfolk people in the same manner that the crocodile protects its young.

Rumor:

The swamplands of Nasayan are the covergence of four rivers, two from the mountains to the south, and two from the north. They meet at an adjoining place that once held a great lake but the arguements with dieties of the land they could not agree on who had control, a final verdict came down to remove the lake and make sure the four rivers never touch again. Belief that Sobek fought the gods to keep their swamplands free of the encroching desert.

## 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.

### THE TEMPLES

The city of Krokoplis - sits on the edge of the Nasyan swamps near the Nahr Bati River, near Lake Moeris. - serves as a cult center of Sobek. Most small vilalges nearby develop their own localized versions of the god along with remote locations spread throughout Andalus, the unmapped Oberon lands, southern Gaul, and L'Naede, A few are Soknebtunis at Tebtunis (Oberon Lands), Sokonnokonni at Bacchias (Gaul), Souxei at Karanis (L'nadae),

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\*). Newly raised crocodiles and hatchlings are brought to Krokoplis to grow.

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.

Tebtunis, houses the temple of the King Maker, an old outpost from the time of Oberon where followers of Sobek took arms and defense in the lands to the west. They house the body of Sokneb Seki, who fought back some of the forces using nothing more then the preist at the temple.

Bacchias, houses the temple of the Hollow Mountain, the ruins of a once great temple built into the mountain side. It sits on the southern river snaking out of Gaul hidden among the Dragon Spine. They house the body of Sokonno Shaunti, who climbed the Spine to uncover the true name of Sobek.

Karanis, houses the temple of the Salted Ire, the sunken remains of a temple originally to the spirit Nayan, great releifs to the god are spread among the flooded temple. It is believed to be one of the original sites of the old god from the time, but most of the markings of the original temple have been lost to the water. The remnants are all bent to Sobek, in the deep pits remains on of the white crocodiles from Nayan Shedety, brought here from pilgramage from Nayan Shedety.

#### 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.

## OATH OF TAKING

Under each Crocodile Helmet lies a warrior that is devoted not just to a god, but an entire way of existing. They too must embody 'He who takes what he wants, when he fancies it. They do not ask for Sobek's blessing, they take it. And to do so, they must venture deep into the temple on a night of full moon and demand the favor. If a crocodile emerges from the shadows, the initiate must kill it, taking from Sobek’s image and adding to their own. And they best embody that image, lest they face the wrath of a god who has no patience for the meek. The art of 'taking' is one passed down, emulated by watching closely the elder crocodile lords, learning from their actions the Way of Taking. A priest will often recite feats of the crocodile lords of the past to inspire the initiates to challenge the crocodiles when they feel the time is right.

#### TENETS OF SOBEK

Ambitious champions dare to take the Oath themselves when they think they have learned it through observing elder champions. They mimic the elder’s animalistic mannerisms, muttering secret phrases and prayers under their breath. If they are right, they join the ranks of Sobek’s elite champions after bringing the leather of a crocodile they defeated in single combat. From it, their helmet will be fashioned by one of the temple's priests. If they mutter it wrong, yet still prove their might, they might be invited to go on expeditions with their seniors, learn about it in the act of doing. Otherwise, they are seen as an imposter, barred from the temple grounds forevermore.

### The Way of Taking has the following dogmas:

**Take What You Want.**

Those who hesitate are not true champions of Sobek, for they must indulge their whims with no respect to the claims of others.

**Nurture the World.**

Everything is yours for the taking, so make sure everything is been taken care of properly.

**Fight Like a Crocodile.**

Be territorial, fierce, intense, and above all – violent.

**Destroy Those Who Oppose You.**

If someone gets in your way to what you wish to take, they must die.

**Seek Self-indulgence.**

The Land may provide for all, alas you see yourself as the number one cause.