mendax.org

Unlike other Tauren tribes, the Deadhorn place great emphasis on death spirits, many of which are summoned during Deadhorn rituals. While the Deadhorn, like other shamanistic societies, consider the spirits around them to be mortal, the Deadhorn believe that some spirits manifest in the forms of earthly avatars, and these powerful spirits are regarded as demi-gods. Though true that the Deadhorn do not worship spirits as all-knowing gods, and do not consider themselves subject to these avatars, unique to the Deadhorn is the hierarchy they have created that many of their spirits fall under. This pantheon is vaguely similar to the “old gods” in Troll lore, and includes the following entities:

• Asak’hor, the Spirit of Blood: Invoked during rituals involving the spilling of blood, and alternately referred to as the Spirit of Life. Asak’hor represents mortality, and is invoked before a great hunt, such that Deadhorn prey may be plentiful during times of hunger. Followers of Asak’hor usually include Hunters, Priests, and restoration Druids, who mark themselves in blood before their rites.
• G’houran, the Spirit of Famine: As most spirits of the Deadhorn pantheon, G’houran represents a duality, for which numerous rituals exist to represent the defensive and offensive invocations the spirit is sought for. In the case of G’houran, followers summon G’houran to rid their crops of disease, as well as to poison the lands of their enemies. In common times, undead Priests have found G’houran to be a favorite subject to invoke.
• Istekretos, the Spirit of Doom: Known also as the Apocalypse Spirit, Istekretos represents the cataclysmic powers of nature, and symbolizes the primeval forces at work. Istekretos is often invoked during major rituals, and is often channeled during significant natural events. Followers of Istekretos regularly include Shamans and balance Druids.
• Kanto’on, the Spirit of Pestilence: In more recent times, rituals invoking Kanto’on have become more common, particularly because of the Scourge’s Plague. Historically, Kanto’on was summoned to poison the enemies of the Deadhorn, or to save the lives of those sick with disease. Many undead Priests are regular followers of Kanto’on, as are poison-using Rogues.
• Mundexis, the Spirit of Lies: Sometimes called the Spirit of Justice, Mundexis is summoned during the interrogation of criminals, and also channeled during those rare instances where Deadhorn walk in the guise of others. The recent addition of undead Rogues among the Deadhorn has created an increased interest in Mundexis, once regarded as a lesser-spirit.
• Ontophelis, the Spirit of Pain and Suffering: Commonly invoked during Deadhorn rituals, Ontophelis is revered by Warriors and feral Druids, and is an integral part of Deadhorn battles and impending losses. Deadhorn see Ontophelis as a a bringer of fortitude and learning, which is why he is often regarded as the Spirit of Strength.
• Quorugardth, the Spirit of Death: Known as the “Key Spirit”, Quorugardth is central to almost all major Deadhorn rituals. Channeled chiefly by Deadhorn Shamans, Quorugardth is sought out by prophets for revelations of the future. Quorugardth’s symbol is often carved into the flesh of fallen Deadhorn enemies, who have fought bravely in combat.
• Sarthau, the Spirit of Shadow and Silence: Highly regarded by undead Rogues and feral Druids alike, Sarthau is invoked before many covert intrusions into enemy territory, and regularly channeled during hunts and travel.
• Sejemussis, the Spirit of Secrets: Legends claim that the soul of the Deadhorn Tribe’s father, who discovered the sacred death rites that founded the Tribe, shattered upon his death. It is said that fragments of this great soul bound to the world in the forum of a potent spirit, now known as Sejemussis. This spirit is channeled almost exclusively by Deadhorn Shamans, when secrets of the death rites are sought.
• Telarahka, the Spirit of War: As the tensions between the races grow stronger, Telarahka is invoked by many Deadhorn before battle, though none are stauncher followers of Telarahka than Deadhorn Warriors.

Popularity: 3% [?]