Shanah

The undisputed religion of the warrior. Shanahists believe that the highest realm of heaven can only be obtained by death in holy battle. They view the world as one of preordained fate with only the fields of struggle able to allow one to change the course of destiny. Strongly opposed to the Church Universal on nearly all counts, Shanah stresses the focus on the heroic warrior as the model for the society rather than the co-operation of the masses. Very popular with Nomads and the warring parties of the North and especially the Dragonriders.

The faith is led by the First Sword (currently Beldame), a Priest who has distinguished him/herself on the battlefield.. The choice appears to made randomly (at least to non-believers). *However, Apana stated: “First Swords…… well obviously it is a great honour to take up that post, **Shanah** himself determines how the winner will be determin’d. You’ve got Bez Drock hims’, the only Sword I can remember to step down of his own accord before his term was up – really nice guy but far too intense – I heard rumour he is out West of Far Haven. Then Beldame took the post up for a couple of terms, personally never really liked her – too sneaky for my taste. Warskull took over from her…. I remember that well, its how I got these souvenirs – indicates her missing fingers and facial damage – thought I had a decent chance; Anyhow Warskull lost his arm, ‘bout 10-12 years back I think and Beldame took the post up again…. Who knows where the bitch is now.*”

Further info on leadership:
The First Sword is the military leader of Shanah, the High Priest is the religious leader - they are effectively of the same rank and are expected to agree on policy. Occasionally one person manages both roles. They are the overall leaders.

Each major temple with have a senior Priest (sometimes confusingly referred to as High Priest in the locality)

## Religious Overview

### Generally Accepted Origins of the Faith

The Shanah sect of Universal appeared around the same time as Barosa, Shanah was another Universal Saint – probably of Maratasen origin, who took a much more militaristic approach to spreading the faith. Shanah worship found strong roots in the North Island particularly amongst the Nomad Clans where the Wyldwood faith was struggling to find an identity.

### Lay Worshipper Notes

Shanah worshippers are expected to fight, using whatever means are at their disposal. Conflict is seen as the primary means of realizing objectives, whether personal, political or religious.

In general Shanah worshippers are taught that their religion will spread through demonstration of superiority, even a fallen enemy who recognizes Shanah can become worthy. (…and if that sounds like “Convert or die”….. well yup!).

## First Sword Chronology

The succession of First Sword seems to go:

* Bez Drock - <1 term? Did the attack on Wyldwood occur in his first term, and, if so, how soon after he took office - either stands down or is removed.
* Beldame - "a couple of terms"
* Warskull - x terms - stands down after losing an arm about 10-12 years ago
* Beldame - y terms including current - when is she up for "re-election"?

On Day 94, Bez Drock becomes First Sword again, and informs us that Beldame is dead.

## No regeneration

The party wonders why Warskull has not had his arm regenerated, or Apana her lost fingers etc.

Possible theories include 'insufficient mana', cursed weapons (though unlikely that Warskull would use such a weapon in ritual combat vs Apana), a curse from Wyldwood or Shanah specific prohibitions on regeneration.

## General

Alignment: Non good

Races: Any

Specials: Wisdom used for experience bonus and required to be a cleric

Constitution used for spell bonuses

1. ↑ Zoom 2020-11-06 21:00
2. ↑ A Conversation with Apana
3. ↑ Email2020-11-02 20:45
4. ↑ Day 42-45 – Leaving Northlake
5. ↑ Zoom session 18th March – Meeting Bez Drock