Imtiau (im-tee-AH-oo) the Raven is a force of chaos, freedom, and chance in the world. Within the Sianaen Pantheon, she is in constant struggle against her counterpart, Arkal the Hawk.

Imtiau is primarily associated with Chaos, Liberation, Luck, and Trickery.

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 Raven has opposition in the cycle in the form of Arkal, the Hawk. Where Imtiau represents chaos and chance, the Hawk is a force of law and of order.

In Sianae, Raven is seen as a trickster and an omen of changing fortunes.

Appearances and Emissaries

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

• A huge, ebony variation of her namesake creature
• A beautiful, raven-haired woman with eyes that sparkle like stars
• A creature with the head of a raven and the body of a voluptuous woman

Worship of Imtiau

Followers of Imtiau believe that people should follow their whims and value their personal liberty. Authority and restriction is to be avoided. Tradition is a facade behind which people hide their true selves.

Followers of the Raven strive for freedom from society’s restriction but without the zeal of a true “do-gooder”. The individual is paramount and it is not their responsibility to fight for the rights of others.

Worshipers and Clergy

Both men and women may serve the Raven as clerics.

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

Imtiau welcomes the worship of any who would cast off the shackles of society and tradition.

Temples and Shrines

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

Each temple to the Raven tends to be open to the air—either roofless or without walls—and elaborate floor mosaics depicting the goddess in all of her forms. There is an altar for leaving offerings for interventions on the part of the clerics or to solicit good fortune.

Holy Texts

There are no holy texts or writs associated with the worship of the Raven. Worship is based primarily upon whim and momentary need, so there are not a great deal of traditions or ceremonies involved.

Holidays

The first day of the year is usually held sacred to the followers of Imtiau as a sign of great change.

Obediences

Certain devoted followers of the Raven indulge in obediences, special daily rituals that result in blessings from deity. Lay out shiny stones, trinkets, etc. that you have collected for this purpose and contemplate the fickle nature of fortune. Gain d4 re-rolls of a d20 roll.

Sacrifice

Some followers of Imtiau feel the need to make sacrifices in her name. She prefers objects that shine—and gold, of course.