Temaur, The Storm Caster

**'The Storm Caster'**

**'Cyclone Weaver'**

**'God of Thunder, Rain and Storms'**

Temaur, the Storm Caster, is the god associated with wind and weather. He is known particularly for his poor temper, flying between calm and furious at a moment’s notice. He is most commonly depicted as a large, bearded man who wields a lightning bolt and rides a storm cloud, with many associating him with eagles - oftentimes considered omens of his rage. However, his depictions change drastically depending on the local climate. In frigid regions, he is the King of Blizzards, and depicted as a hulking figure of glacial ice. In other regions, he is the king of tornadoes, sandstorms, typhoons, et cetera. His artistic depictions are the most various among any of the gods, and reflect the geography of his followers.

Temaur is the force behind almost all meteorological phenomena, from life-giving rains to destructive storms. Mortals worship him to try and get him to bestow the weather that they want, but the rituals for every type of weather are different and incredibly convoluted, and rarely succeed. Still, rituals for rain and sunshine persist across every civilized culture, despite Temaur’s infamous difficulty to please.

The cult of Temaur is mostly dormant. His priests are known as great scientists, experimenting constantly with different rituals to try and discover what truly pleases Temaur and how to request certain kinds of weather, with some others developing a rageful personality, stemmed from Temaur’s values - and practicing the Stalwart value of honor, be it in or out of combat. The studying required to memorize even a fraction of Temaur’s rituals is enormous, creating a great hurdle for people trying to join Temaur’s priesthood. Shrines built to Temaur are like his temperament, massively various, and with few shared characteristics across regions. Many priests, oddly, find themselves taming eagles and birds of prey, given their strong connection and association with both the skies and Temaur.

## **Church of Temaur**

*The Religion of Temaur has always had a small following, each with their different interpretations of the religion. In Ludwag, it’s akin to a philosophy and way of life rather than just piety. Temaurites forgo most vices and focus on showing righteousness, dignity, honor, and boldness. They forge their body into becoming temples, letting Temaur’s will flow through them clearly. Children of the storm toil to create a better world to foster virtuous beliefs and to instill good morals in the commonfolk. Most of the followers are warriors, however, while some opt for a more peaceful approach they train for defending themselves and their honor. Devoting yourself to Temaur is not easy, as most cannot take the challenge of steeling their minds and body. Although following the Edicts of Temaur is highly recommended as a Temaurite, some are known to modify them while still retaining the original meanings.*

## **The Ten Edicts of Temaur**

* **1. Thou shalt pay tribute accordingly**

You have no place fighting for Temaur if you cannot show your gratitude for his boons. Tribute is subjective and can be anything that holds value. Temaur does not tolerate the sacrifice of sentient beings though, any race/creature that has the capacity to serve Temaur shall not be slain in his name.

* **2. Thou shalt exude honor and boldness**

Both in battle and outside, a Temaurite is meant to show honor towards others and live their life to the fullest. A Temaurite must not deceive others and must show respect to his peers. Once your time is up you will be sent to the fields of the Ankounan (except for a few very righteous people chosen by the gods), but it is believed that the fields will be opened once Temaur’s will for the world is complete and paradise is reached on Azura. Therefore, a Temaurite’s job is to help create this paradise on Azura in order to prove that the mortals of the world are worthy of ascending to the realm of the gods.

* **3. Thou shalt take pride in the fruits of thine labor and thyself**

Admire the result of anything you have made, whether it be a project or a child. Hold yourself to a high standard, both mentally and physically. Temaurites maintain that followers should respect their bodies by abstaining from vices and instead focusing on building strong physiques — this is believed to build discipline and give Temaurites the ability to properly carry out Temaur’s will on Azura.

* **4. Thou shalt eradicate abominations and their ilk**

Undead, cursed beings, and corruption deserve to be eradicated. Sparing them not only shows weakness but completely goes against Temaur’s wishes.

* **5. Thou shalt respect family, lest they seek to eradicate**

A familial connection is sacred to Temaurites, and you must treat your siblings and parents the same way Temaur treats Parthan. This extends to the entire bloodline, comrades, and lovers unless they commit heinous acts.

* **6. Preserve all birds of prey and let none come to harm**

Birds of prey must not be harmed or touched unless they wish to incur the wrath of Temaur; if an injured bird of prey is seen, nurse them to recovery. Birds of prey are sacred because they represent Temaur and may in fact be embodiments of a dead Temaurite’s soul.

* **7. Show true mettle when faced with times of sorrow and accept the outcome**

Life is filled with tragedy, however must not be met with pitiful acts of sadness. Be the voice of reason and lead others to happiness; accept the outcome, no matter how terrible.

* **8. Do not bend thy knee, no matter how decorated the individual is**

Temaurites belong to Temaur and their parents, no one else. Do not be foolish and charge garrisons, but do not feel as though you owe them anything. You will also not bend the knee to other gods and must be a faithful follower of Temaur.

* **9. Dedicate half a fortnight to pilgrimages and holy acts**

On the week of storms, you will do nothing besides dedicating yourself to doing holy acts. This includes preaching, teaching others the ways of Temaur, expelling abominations, restoring shrines, etc.

* **10. Display a trustworthy demeanour**

A Temaurite’s word means everything to them; making a promise that they cannot keep shows weakness and is not respected in the eyes of Temaur himself. Stick to your word if it costs you your life, or hold your tongue.