Kendach
by Marco Dalmonte English translation by Gary DaviesHalav - War, strategy and tactics, strength and determination, arms and armour, sacrifice, battle humanoids
Vanya - War, conquest, victory, pride, honour
Magna Mater (Terra) - Birth, prosperity and fertility, earth, agriculture
Notes:
1. Kendach is a small fortified domain in the centre of the Isle of Dawn, governed by Thyatis for several centuries and in which the penetration of the Thyatian culture has been greater in respect to the other Dawner provinces. Formed from native populations descendents of the Neathar arrived on the island in 2000 BC, Kendach is now an example of fusion between local culture and Thyatian mentality, so that the cults imported from Thyatis, together with Thyatian habits, technology and martial customs have been adopted by the native Kendachs in order to improve their own standard of life and social status. Currently the Kendachs, to the opposition of their cousins of the neighbouring western province of the Dawn, are the most fervent supporters of the Thyatianisation of the island and of the imperial machine of Thyatis.
2. Contrary to what may be thought, the cult of Vanya isn’t the dominant religion of Kendach, but that of Halav, considered the protector of the reigning family and the one who taught to the Kendachs the art of war and allow them to face humanoid hordes that live at the borders of the dominion. The rigid military traditions typical of Kendach derived from those tactics and from the strategy learnt from Halav, who according to the legends landed on the Dawners coast centuries ago, well before of the arrival of the Thyatians, in the moment of major danger for the humans that lived there, and led them to the victory reforming the army and teaching it tactics adequate against the humanoid enemies. Always according to legend (possibly based on the last deeds of the hero before finishing the path for Immortality), Halav is united to one of the more courageous matriarchs and gave life to the clan of Kendach, which still rules over this land with the consent of the divine ancestor. The current Countess has simply Thyatianised her real surname (from Julia Kendach to Julia Kendasius), even if her firstborn Marie (who by right of birth inherited the fiefdom) doesn’t seem equally intent upon following her mother’s example.
3. The cult of Victorious Vanya is naturally present in Kendach, as an example of the glory and imperial strength of Thyatis that the Kendachs made their own, but is in open and honest competition with the ancient Order of Halav in order to gain the religious supremacy in the dominion, exploiting any occasion of making assaults against the neighbouring humanoids in order to gain prestige and proselytes.
4. A small group of the followers of the Magna Mater is present in Kendach, mostly female farmers who identify the Thyatian Immortal with the ancient tribal customs linked to fertility and to the Neathar Immortal of nature.
5. Nyt (Hel) is worshipped by the tribes of goblinoids that infest the hills around Kendach as patroness of darkness, reincarnation and death. She has many shamans that plot to bring destruction in the Thyatian domination, as well as some powerful lycanthrope followers, so it is for good reason that she is considered the enemy par excellence of Kendach.