Tane

Tane is a patriarchal deity of justice, judgement, leadership and honour. His symbol is the double-headed axe, though he is also associated with measuring scales, the gavel, stag’s antlers, and the eleven-stared constellation that bears his name.

Although the gods form no particular hierarchy, Tane’s dominance as a ‘father deity’ in so many cultures has reinforced the notion that he carries special authority among the divine. Both the humans of Galdra and the Dagundra of Karskalazar worship him as their principal deity, honouring him above all others.

He is sometimes represented as Raskinot’s father, Iphazia’s husband and Nemeon’s brother. Neither the Galdrans nor the Dagundra accept any of these relationships as dogma. This said, there is consensus that Tane has a mentor relationship to Raskinot, a great affection and respect for Iphazia, and a fierce enmity with Nemeon.

Tane is typically depicted as a fearsome bearded man in armour, wielding his trusty axe, Skycleaver, and seated on his steed, the golden stag Morvac. Galdrans depict Tane as human, while Dagundra depict him as a dwarf. Elves, who regard Tane as a less important deity, depict him as a dwarf as well - to the annoyance of Galdran clergy.

In some representations, Tane is shown to be missing left hand. This refers to a legend that Tane lost the limb in a duel against Nemeon, who in turn lost his right hand in the same battle. In Galdran and Dagun superstition, left-handed people are an ill omen on account of the association with the hated deity.

Tane’s temples are mostly large and foreboding structures, and lacking in ornate embellishments. Statues and symbols of Tane are often carved from granite or marble, but rarely of precious metals. The largest temple of Tane is the monolithic Hallowed Hall deep inside Dagundrad, but the largest free-standing temple is the impressive Justicad in Galdra.

Priests of Tane are called Patras, the more senior High Patras. The head of the church in Galdra is The Patriarch. In Karskalazar, priests are Patzars or Karpatzars, and the head of the church is the Dagunpatzar.