Velshnov
A merchant in Baghdad sends his servant to the marketplace for provisions. Soon afterwards, the servant comes home white and trembling and tells him that in the marketplace, he was jostled by a woman, whom he recognized as Death, who made a threatening gesture. Borrowing the merchant’s horse, he flees at great speed to Samarra, a distance of about 75 miles, where he believes Death will not find him. The merchant then goes to the marketplace and finds Death, and asks why she made the threatening gesture to his servant. She replies, “That was not a threatening gesture, it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.”
Divine Domains
Death, Luck, Travel. His unique nature also makes him the patron god of divination and fortune-tellers--it is no coincidence that gambling and divination share many accoutrements. Dice, bones and cards can be played by a learned individual to interpret the future, a skill which Veshnov will teach if he is appropriately invoked and propitiated. Not only fortune-tellers and gamblers, but miners, couriers and messengers all revere the death god.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
A gray cloak, a lantern, dice, cards or other gaming implements. A man's head with two faces. Since he is the god of transition and the underworld is his home, transitional spaces that lead to the underground like caves, wells and mineshaft are considered to be his sacred spaces.
Tenets of Faith
Veshnov has very few temples, but many small stone shrines along the roadsides that make for safe places to camp for weary travelers. His protection incurs only a very small fee--these little shrines are often littered with offerings of preserved foods or bottled libations, or other things that might be useful to poorer travelers given in his name, such as an extra hat or coat in cold weather. Though any who need are welcome to take these gifts, they should be taken out of need rather than greed, or otherwise superstition states a curse will dog the taker's steps until they either return the gift or one of greater value to any of Veshnov's shrines.
Holidays
Nights on which both moons are dark are Veshnov's high holy days, and he is honored at the end of the harvest season, when he makes welcome the return of his son, Jaralder, to the underworld.
Physical Description
Body Features
When he appears in human form, Velsnov appears as a mild looking man whose age varies--he is often kind and tries to be comforting, so this is often as a very young or a very old man so as not to be threatening. He has a soft voice, a lilting laugh, dark hair and gray eyes.
Apparel & Accessories
He wears a dark gray cloak and often carries a lantern--like his daughter Sestra, he enjoys traveling amongst the people in disguise.
Mental characteristics
Intellectual Characteristics
Patient, Prescient
Morality & Philosophy
Though he is a god of death, Velshnov well understands the value of life. He respects a game well-played, and does not honor one kind of death over another. A child that dies of illness, a mother in birth or an old man gazing down his life with foggy eyes are just as brave and just as valid as any warrior that gives his life in the defense of his country. This kindness wears thin for those who have lived cruel or greedy lives though, and the stakes they offer must be very good indeed for him to even consider holding back his hand.
Personality Characteristics
Savvies & Ineptitudes
To surprise Velshnov is a legendary feat; as a god of transition and travel, he sees in both directions through the stream of time.
Likes & Dislikes
Games of chance and strategy; it is said that if Velshnov calls at an inconvenient hour, he can be staved off by challenging him to a game. Common offerings to his altars include finely made game pieces and sets in addition to libations of coffee and dark rum.
Virtues & Personality perks
Though his touch is inevitable and inexorable, Velshnov is a compassionate deity to those who suffer.
Vices & Personality flaws
He can be distracted from his schedule. While this may stave off the final end and allow one to win a little time for themselves, death's delay can lead to unnecessary suffering, and for those who are cruel and greedy in their lives, he has no patience.
Social
Family Ties
Velshnov is the father of Krilowiatr, Goruoko, Jaralder and Sestra.
Divine Classification
Deity
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Lord of Where Roots Reach, Earthstrider, the Merry Gambler
Children
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