Arkal (ar-CALL) the Hawk is a force of order and community within the world. Within the Sianaen Pantheon, he is in constant struggle against his counterpart, Imtiau the Raven.

Arkal is primarily associated with Air, Law, and Community.

History

Originally aboriginal animal spirits, as the Sianaen civilization developed, so did their theology, allowing their spirit totems to ascend into the upper echelon of the Greater Pantheon. These deities are worshiped primarily by Sianaens, whether at home or abroad. Devotion to these deities failed to interest other lands and Sianae never developed what could be termed an empire.

Relationships

Like all of the deities of the Greater Pantheon, the Hawk has opposition in the cycle in the form of Imtiau, the Raven. Where Arkal represents the ultimate in order and predictability, the Raven is a force of chaos and chance.

In Sianae, the Hawk is seen as an enforcer and an omen of coming together and cohesiveness.

Appearances and Emissaries

Like most other Sianaen deities, the Hawk takes on three different forms:

• A huge, red-eyed variation of his namesake creature
• A stern, muscular man in silver armor and a hammer.
• A man with a hawk’s head and wings

Worship of Arkal

Followers of Arkal believe in an orderly society above all else. Justice or injustice come second to order and the force of law. Followers revere reliability and honor. It is not unusual for followers of Arkal to become garrison keepers and magistrates.

Worshipers and Clergy

Both men and women may serve the Arkal as clerics.

Priests of Arkal often mark themselves with elaborate Hawk tattoos that run from the face and down the neck onto the torso. They also wear flowing silver robes. All clergy also wear the symbol of the Hawk as a pendant.

Arkal welcomes the worship of any who would work for an orderly and strong society.

Temples and Shrines

Worship of the Sianaean Pantheon has not traveled far outside of that country. However, worship is tied directly into the ascension cycle of the ruling houses. When the Hawk is in power, temples tend to reap the benefits in gold and followers. When it is in decline, the temples suffer accordingly.

Temples to the Hawk tend to be built as tall towers with a central shrine on the uppermost level. Many garrisons will have shrines built within their barracks or halls.

Holy Texts

The sacred Codex of the Hawk lies in the temple in Siannis.

Holidays

Followers of the Hawk hold the nights of the full moon as being sacred, the eye of the Hawk upon the world.

Obediences

Certain devout followers of Arkal participate in daily rituals known as obediences which unlock special blessings from the deity. Find a high point, a rooftop or an upper floor, and face the sun. Recite the Pledge of Valor from the Codex of the Hawk seven times. Gain a +4 sacred or profane (your choice) bonus to Climb, Fly, and Intimidate checks.

Sacrifice

Followers of Arkal may feel the need to make a sacrifice in his name. Acceptable sacrifices are usually left in high places and on a set schedule.