Der’Qaraya

When not basking in the jungle sun on river islands, Der’Qaraya lurks in the depths for many miles. The great crocodile returns to his followers with the changing of each season. During such appearances, great feasts and sacrifices are held. The devoted to Der’Qaraya note that he is more fickle than the other gods. Many sacrifices are ignored if they are not fresh, or containing a great deal of meat. If a tribute is judged very poorly, he has been known to devour whoever presented it. Given that risk, all acolytes are expected to excel at hunting, or combat to enslave potential sacrifices. Failures are themselves given as sacrifice by their fellow acolytes. All tribute is given on a small island just offshore in Qarayahattun. The entirety of the island is taken up by the temple to Der’Qaraya, so that the sacrificial platforms rest easily at the edge of the water.   Acolytes of Der’Qaraya wear the skins of crocodiles, or of great lizards for the initiates. No wrath has been shown at such decoration by the great crocodile. Hierarchy is largely based upon skill at combat, hunting, and on the number or skill of slaves owned. Ritual combat is performed unarmed. Much prestige is gained in the application of strength and brutality. Broken bones and torn muscles are a common result of the combat. The loser most often fights to the death, as a loss results in enslavement by the victor. There is only ever one champion of Der’Qaraya, and that is a female chief. No male chief has ever been marked by him. Though not granted the boon of a champion, male chiefs do gain the right to wield the Scaled Spine. In the hands of any male judged worthy, the spine from the back of Der’Qaraya bestows incredible strength and hardened skin. With the curious restriction that it only works for men, the acolytes guard the relic during rule by a woman.