Berhain

Berhain the Man

Legend has it that Berhain was one of the first great humans in the Elder Days. When the dwarves and goblins of old were settling and growing their rival civilizations in the East of Wösterkhan, the humans were of little account. They were much like orcs- nomads roaming the lands, barely subsisting on hunting and gathering. Then a great hero of old, Berhain the Builder, subdued and united many peoples in a region that is now Illuska, Grario, and Randhawa. He began to build the great cities around the Amida Sea and the first great Human Civilization- Ancient Datricum (named after its chief city Datricum) was born. It is said that his earthly cities were so magnificent that he was invited by the gods to construct great heavenly cities for the gods to dwell. Myth states that he was brought up into the heavens and never died, but remains a great god, respected by all the other deities.

The Cult of Berhain

The religious cultus dedicated to Berhain is not about pious devotion or relationship to a higher power. Berhain is aloof, and few tales tell of his dealing in mortal affairs. The people of Illuska do not seek to appease Berhain. Though imprecise, he is often thought of in a Deistic manner.

The cultus of Berhain is rather steeped in the liturgical activity that permeates all strata of society. Religious activity and rituals reinforce and celebrate hierarchical norms. Berhain was said to have set up the offices of the crown prince, the nobility, the Architects, the military, and the priesthood, as well as the other organs of government before his ascension. Just as it is a high crime to vandalize or tear down an ancient building in Illuska (many of which are attributed to Berhain himself as architect), so it is the worse trespass to criticize or destabilize the status quo.