Meniaxter

Meniaxter is the god of war and death, the last-born child of the Mother of All. His entrance into the world was marked by screaming and difficulty, foreshadowing the chaos he would introduce to the divine order. In the earliest days, Meniaxter’s destructive nature caused significant strife amongst the Nine Gods, notably causing a rift between the sisters Malfin and Aeolf. His actions were so devastating to the creations of Frijdodr and Kari that their subsequent tears are said to have turned the world's freshwater lakes into the salty sea.

Meniaxter originally snuffed the light of life from the “little people” in a misguided attempt to understand the mechanism of their existence. This unchecked entropy was eventually curtailed by the Father and Fafnir, who set strict limits upon his powers. Through the arbitration of Fafnir, Meniaxter’s role was partially reformed; while he remains the bringer of death, he also accepted the task of providing comfort to those left behind, transforming him into a patron of the bereaved.

The followers of Meniaxter are primarily those whose lives are defined by conflict or the proximity of the grave. Warriors and soldiers invoke his name for strength in battle, while those performing the grim work of burial or execution look to him for professional guidance. He is notably sought after by widows, who pray for his protection and for the strength to endure their loss. His divinity is often associated with the “fog of war” and the inevitable conclusion of all mortal existence. Those carrying significant divine blood from Meniaxter, such as the renegade Rojden, exhibit a terrifying capacity for strategic misdirection and the calculated application of violence.

Meniaxter is not associated with a specific celebratory moon in the Skyssian Calendar, as his influence is felt more in the private moments of loss or the heat of combat. However, he is invoked during First Night rituals when homage is paid to the coming darkness. Common folk typically use small rituals involving their personally attuned amulets to ward off sudden death or to seek the god's “comforting” presence during times of mourning. A common prayer amongst his followers is to be spared from the worst to come.

The primary mystery cult of Meniaxter is composed of those who deal directly with the transition between life and death.

• Initiation: Initiates must undergo a trial of isolation, often being kept in total darkness to simulate the state of the grave, intended to purge the fear of death.
• Rituals: High-level adepts utilize rituals to perceive the presence of a magical geas, as Meniaxter's affinity allows them to see the “suffocating” cords of such bonds. They are often called upon to witness blood sacrifices made to intercede with Meniaxter.
• Observances: Cult members often act as silent “ghosts”, standing tall in service to their martial objectives.
• Amulets: the amulets of adepts are often embedded into their personal weapons, using runes to keep them sharp or to help them bite deep in Meniaxter's honour.

• Rojden: His grandson and a powerful Hero who utilizes Meniaxter's affinity for war and control.
• Noren: A descendant on his father's side, whose struggle against an involuntary geas required Meniaxter's intercession.
• Arinhildr: A formidable Hero and co-owner of the Troll's Head Inn who is descended from his line.

• Blood Payment: The legal exchange required for a death, unless deemed a divine judgment.