Summus Ecclesiae Luria/Katerina Arundel

The Hanged Goddess

Once a mortal Queen of Luria, her reign lasted fifteen days. Her betrothed, King Koli Bedwyr, was poisoned by her close friend Brom Silverfire the Betrayer. She hanged herself in front of the Betrayer, fueled by despair, and broken from betrayal. Her rage caught the attention of our Divine Mother, who lifted her up from the Mortal Coil and set aside a place by her side. So the Hanged Goddess was born. She is an angry Goddess, furious at the betrayal of one so close. She now judges the Lurian dead, and reserves a special place in the Abyss for those guilty of betrayal. Her symbol is a black gauntlet clutching a noose. She is the Goddess of Judgement, Loyalty and Vengeance.

The Priesthood

Her priests favor the great axe, all the better to execute traitors with. They tend to dress in dark, somber colors, as though they are always prepared to attend a funeral. They celebrate no holidays, but lead days of mourning on certain occasions. The anniversary of Katerina's death is the biggest affair by far, but the anniversary of any royal death is a cause for the priests of the Hanged Goddess to gather and lead somber masses. Many priests of the Hanged Goddess also serve as executioners, and a small sect is forming where her priests never allow themselves to be seen without an executioner's hood concealing their face.

Rites and Rituals

-Judgement's Eve: For a fortnight, priests of the Hanged Goddess travel their area, receiving confessions from Lurians whose burden of guilt is too great for them. The priests prescribe a means for atonement, which usually involves donations of wealth or self flagellation. After the fortnight has passed, Judgement's Eve takes place on the anniversary of the death of Katerina Arundel. Poisoners, murderers, deserters and traitors are brought out to receive judgement. They undergo purification by pain until they confess their terrible crimes. Then they are executed, and a sermon is given before the bodies are burnt.