Iskathrael

The oldest Rimethir sagas claim that Iskathrael was born during the first great winter, when the northern lands froze beneath endless darkness. As a mortal king, he united dozens of competing tribes, ending generations of warfare and leading his people against monsters, giants, and dragons that plagued the frozen wilderness. 

His kingdom stretched farther than any before it. Stone roads crossed the tundra. Watchfires burned atop the mountains. For the first time, the northern peoples stood united.

As his empire grew, tensions rose with the dwarves of Baragorn. Some legends say he intended conquest. Others claim he merely sought territory for his starving people.

Before war began, Iskathrael vanished. Some say Elune called him into the heavens. Some say he walked willingly into a blizzard. Others claim he climbed the highest mountain in the world and never descended. When spring finally returned, the White King was gone. His empire shattered. The tribes scattered. Only winter remained.

The Rimethir do not see Iskathrael and Elune as rivals. Instead, they believe: Elune guides travelers through darkness. Iskathrael teaches them how to survive it. Elune provides hope. Iskathrael provides endurance.

Many northern shrines depict the two together: the moon above, the frozen king below.

Some myths even describe him as Elune's chosen champion, while others claim she personally guided him to ascension.

Iskathrael's relationship with Solis is one of philosophical opposition. Solis represents:

• Warmth

• Harvest

• Growth

• Civilization

• Community

Iskathrael represents:

• Scarcity

• Survival

• Reflection

• Solitude

• Resilience

Northern myths say that Solis softens mortals. Iskathrael hardens them. One popular Rimethir saying states: "Solis teaches men to live. Iskathrael teaches them why."

Despite these differences, the two gods are not enemies in the conventional sense. The changing of the seasons is often viewed as an eternal agreement between them. Summer belongs to Solis. Winter belongs to Iskathrael. Neither may rule forever.

Iskathrael's worship is quiet. His followers rarely gather in large congregations. Temples are uncommon, particularly outside the north. Instead, his sacred places include:

• Stone cairns

• Frozen caves

• Mountain shrines

• Lonely watchtowers

• Snow-covered groves

• Abandoned roads

Prayers are often spoken alone. Many worshippers sit in silence during snowfall, believing the god listens when the world grows quiet. Offerings include:

• Antlers

• Ice-carved sculptures

• White flowers

• Preserved food

• Ash from hearth fires

• Personal secrets written and burned

Priests of Iskathrael are called:

• Frostwardens

• White Seers

• Keepers of the Long Night

• Cairn Priests

Many take vows of silence for portions of the year. Their duties include:

• Guiding travelers through blizzards.

• Maintaining sacred cairns.

• Protecting isolated communities.

• Burying the dead lost to winter.

• Preserving history and oral traditions.

They are respected not for miracles, but for endurance.

Followers of Iskathrael commonly live by these principles:

• Endure: Hardship is inevitable.

• Keep your own counsel: Not every truth must be spoken.

• Respect solitude: Silence is sacred.

• Prepare for winter: Abundance is temporary.

• Protect the lost: No one should face the blizzard alone.

• Leave only cairns: The greatest deeds need no monuments.

Animals associated with Iskathrael include:

• Snow owls

• White wolves

• Arctic foxes

• Elk

• Reindeer

• Polar bears

• Snow leopards

Many Rimethir believe these creatures can serve as the god's eyes during winter storms.

The northern peoples celebrate Iskathrael during the winter solstice. On the longest night:

• Fires are extinguished.

• Families gather in silence.

• Stories of ancestors are shared.

• Travelers are welcomed into every home.

• The first fire of dawn is lit in his honor.

The holiday teaches that winter is survived together, even though its lessons are learned alone.