Lamashtu (lah-MAHSH-too)
Lamashtu is the mother and patroness of many misshapen and malformed creatures that crawl, slither, or flap on, above, or below the surface of Monteia. Her unholy symbol is a three-eyed jackal head, which may be represented in many ways, and her sacred animal is the jackal.
Artifacts
The Skull of Mashaag
The yellowed skull of a yaenit who died in the service of Lamashtu, this object has the ability to speak the goddess' will in several languages. Every few years, her worshipers meet to hear its teachings, and heroes from each tribe undergo a series of contests to determine which group is to keep it nextHoly Books & Codes
Lamashtu's cults rarely place much interest or emphasis on texts, preferring to rely on divine revelation and madness. Nonetheless, the more coherent of her followers have jotted down some horrendous writings over the eons.
The Four Hides of Lawm
This is a collection of three leather straps, each made from the skin of a humanoid. The fourth was lost long ago and is said to contain monstrous rites of power and fertility in Lamashtu's name.Tenets of Faith
Lamashtu is a deity in the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game's Golarion setting. She is known as the Mother of Monsters, the Demon Queen, and the goddess of madness, monsters, and nightmares. Lamashtu's religion is often associated with chaos, destruction, and the perverse. Here are some common tenets associated with the worship of Lamashtu:
- Embrace Chaos and Madness: Lamashtu's worshipers revel in chaos and embrace madness. They see disorder as a natural state and view insanity as a path to enlightenment. They actively seek to sow chaos and discord, promoting madness as a desirable state of being.
- Celebrate the Creation of Monsters: Lamashtu's religion values the creation and proliferation of monstrous creatures. Her worshipers believe that the twisted and unnatural forms of monsters are divine blessings. They may engage in acts of crossbreeding, experimentation, and dark rituals to create new abominations.
- Engage in Ritual Sacrifice: Lamashtu's worshipers often practice ritual sacrifice to appease their goddess and gain her favor. These sacrifices may include both animals and sentient beings, offered in gruesome ceremonies to please Lamashtu and seek her dark blessings.
- Embrace Transformation: Lamashtu's followers embrace transformation and mutation. They see physical deformities and aberrations as signs of Lamashtu's favor and may intentionally seek out or inflict physical changes upon themselves and others.
- Spurn Traditional Concepts of Family: Lamashtu's religion rejects traditional family structures and values. Her worshipers see the bonds of family as weak and restrictive, favoring instead the chaotic relationships born from dark desires and twisted connections.
- Promote Suffering and Despair: Lamashtu's worshipers delight in the suffering of others. They may actively seek to spread misery, inflict pain, and cause despair. They find pleasure in the anguish of sentient beings and view it as an offering to their goddess.
- Embrace the Supernatural and Occult: Lamashtu's religion celebrates the supernatural and occult forces. Her worshipers may delve into dark magic, witchcraft, and forbidden rituals, drawing upon the powers of the chaotic and monstrous.
- Worship Lamashtu's Image: Lamashtu's followers honor and worship her image in various forms, often depicting her as a monstrous creature or a twisted mother figure. They offer prayers, sacrifices, and perform rituals in her name, seeking her favor and protection.
Children
