Fire in the Mist (36 page)

There are thousands of gods in Arhel. However, a few generalizations may be made.

 

The
Kareen
, for the most part, give thanks to the
Lady
and the
Lord
, two nebulously defined and all-encompassing deities who embody the earth and air, day and night, and male and female parts to every facet of life.

 

The
Hoos
have elaborate pantheons of sexually voracious, warlike gods of all thirteen Hoos sexual orientations. These gods tend to be viewed as capricious and dangerous, and prone to weird humor. The Hoos try to emulate their gods in all the important ways—when they aren't ignoring them entirely.

 

The
Arissonese
are not a unified people, but are made of up city natives and travelers from everywhere else. Thus Ariss has a cosmopolitan view of religion, where it doesn't interfere with taxes. For example, birth control is illegal in Ariss because there is a child-tax, and a high birthrate provides a solid tax base. So religions that stress birth control or abstinence are frowned on (except in the case of the Magerie and Sajerie, which are such ancient institutions that the rules of the city are formed around them, leaving them untouched.) One further generalization—Arissonese gods usually like to get money gifts.

 

And a final note. The
seven ugly gods
who rule the lowest and most horrible hell ascribed by any saje in Saje-Ariss are Makog, Dramfing, Shelfud, Grum, Torling, Keknok, and Wilmer. Just thought you'd like to know.

 

Chapter 1: A POX ON BRIGHT
Chapter 2: WATCHERS AT THE BRIDGE
Chapter 3: IN THE CITY OF FOGS AND BOGS
Chapter 4: THE SAVAGE, THE HEATHEN, AND EVIL AWAKENED
Chapter 5: NIGHT-BOGANS AND MYTHS REBORN
Chapter 6: WINGMOUNTS AND OTHER ODD PASSIONS
Chapter 7: A GASP BEFORE THE ROAR
Chapter 8: THE BELL
Chapter 9: THE PRICE OF HISTORY AND LIES
Chapter 10: WAR OF WIZARDRY AND SOUL
Chapter 11: AFTER
GLOSSARY OF ODD OR FOREIGN TERMS
MAPS