Worship of the Gods of Lankhmar

In the city of Lankhmar, The Gods of Lankhmar are revered with a mix of awe, fear, and deep respect, their presence woven into the fabric of daily life despite the lack of an official religion. The Gods of Lankhmar, mysterious and capricious, reside in a state of undeath in The Black Temple, and their influence is felt throughout the city. While most people do not acknowledge or honor The Gods of Lankhmar in any way outside of the Night of Fear, many people of Lankhmar honor them through a variety of informal practices and ceremonies, each aimed at appeasing these powerful deities and securing their favor. Most of these individuals create their own traditions and practices, but some of them have created a "family practice of faith" that a particular household follows, often passing these practices down from generation to generation. As there is no official religion, there really is no wrong way of doing it, but those who have created practices in reverence, adhere to it in their own ways.

Daily Practices

• Offerings: Some households in Lankhmar maintains a small shrine dedicated to the gods. These shrines are adorned with simple offerings such as bread, fruit, and coins. It is a Common belief that neglecting these offerings can invite the gods' wrath, manifesting as misfortune or illness.

• Prayers and Invocations: While formal prayers are rare, invocations to the gods are woven into daily speech. Phrases like "By the gods' grace" and "Gods willing" are frequently used, reflecting the pervasive belief in divine influence over everyday events.

• Superstitions and Taboos: Numerous superstitions dictate behavior in Lankhmar. For instance, it is considered bad luck to whistle after dark, as it is believed to attract the attention of malevolent spirits. Similarly, crossing a threshold with the left foot first is thought to bring the gods' displeasure.

Ceremonies and Rituals

• The Midnight Offering: Once a month, during the dark of the moon, a solemn ceremony known as the Midnight Offering takes place. Citizens gather silently in the streets, carrying candles and small sacrifices. At midnight, they converge on The Black Temple, leaving their offerings at its gates in the hope of currying favor and protection.

• The Day of Masks: An annual festival, The Day of Masks, is held in honor of the gods. Participants don elaborate masks and costumes, representing various deities and mythical creatures. The day is filled with feasting, dancing, and storytelling, culminating in a grand procession to The Black Temple, where prayers and offerings are made to ensure the gods' continued blessing.

• The Cleansing Ritual: In times of crisis, such as plague or drought, the people of Lankhmar perform a city-wide Cleansing Ritual. Led by the oldest and most respected citizens, participants walk through the streets with brooms, symbolically sweeping away evil spirits and bad luck. This is followed by a communal feast and the burning of effigies representing the causes of their troubles.

The Role of Fate and Omens

The Gods of Lankhmar are also believed to communicate through omens and signs. Interpreting these signs is a deeply ingrained practice, with seers and soothsayers playing a crucial role in society. A sudden storm, an unusual animal sighting, or even the pattern of tea leaves can be seen as messages from The Gods of Lankhmar, guiding decisions and actions.

Mystical Experiences and Stories

The Miracle of the Lost Child: One stormy night, a child went missing in the labyrinthine streets of Lankhmar. Desperate, the parents offered a prized family heirloom at their home shrine and whispered a fervent prayer. As they completed their plea, a stray dog with unusual blue eyes appeared and led them through the rain to a secluded alley where their child lay sleeping unharmed. The dog vanished as soon as the child was safe, and the family believed it to be a manifestation of the gods.
The Golden Fish of the Market: During a severe drought, the river ran dry and the city's water supplies dwindled. The merchants at the market set up a collective offering, placing their most valuable goods in a makeshift altar. The next morning, a fisherman brought in a single golden fish, an unheard-of marvel. As the market elders examined the fish, clouds gathered, and rain began to fall, breaking the drought. The fish was released back into the River Hlal, and the rain continued for days, filling the city’s reservoirs.
The Stranger’s Blessing: A poor beggar, known only as the Stranger, wandered into the city during The Day of Masks. He received alms and food from the masked citizens, who treated him with unusual kindness. As the festival ended, the Stranger stood before The Black Temple and blessed the crowd. The next day, it was discovered that those who had helped him found their fortunes inexplicably improved, from finding lost items to receiving unexpected inheritances. The Stranger was never seen again, and many believed he was an avatar of the gods testing the city’s generosity.
The Singing Wind: During a particularly harsh winter, the citizens of Lankhmar faced severe shortages of food and fuel. In desperation, the townsfolk gathered for a communal prayer at The Black Temple. As their voices rose in unison, a strange, melodic wind swept through the city, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers. The wind stirred the snow, revealing hidden caches of food and firewood buried beneath the drifts, saving the city from famine and cold.
The Silent Night: One night, the city of Lankhmar was engulfed in an unnatural silence. All sound ceased, and a profound stillness fell over the streets. In this eerie quiet, citizens witnessed ghostly figures moving silently through the city, cleansing it of evil spirits and dark energies. When dawn broke, the sounds returned, and the people felt an unexplainable sense of peace and renewal, believing the gods had intervened to cleanse their city.
The Laughing Feast: During a grim period of political tension and fear, the citizens of Lankhmar held a communal feast to honor the gods. As they shared food and stories, a contagious laughter spread through the crowd, lifting their spirits. This laughter was said to be a gift from the gods, dispelling fear and distrust, and fostering unity and goodwill among the people. The laughter continued well into the night, and by morning, many of the city's conflicts had been resolved peacefully.
The Protective Shadows: A gang of thieves planned to raid a wealthy merchant's home during the annual Day of Masks festival. The merchant, sensing trouble, offered a generous donation to the gods and prayed for protection. That night, as the thieves approached, they were confounded by shadows that seemed to come alive, blocking their path and leading them astray. The merchant's home remained untouched, and the thieves, frightened by the supernatural interference, abandoned their plans.
The Guiding Star: A young woman lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Lankhmar prayed for guidance under the night sky. Suddenly, a bright star appeared directly overhead, shining with an unusual intensity. The star moved slowly, guiding her steps until she found her way home. She later recounted her story at The Black Temple, where the star was interpreted as a direct intervention by the gods, leading the faithful through darkness.
The Festival of Colors: One spring, the city was plagued by unseasonal storms that ruined crops and dampened spirits. In response, the citizens held an impromptu Festival of Colors, throwing bright powders into the air and celebrating in defiance of the weather. As the festival reached its peak, the storms ceased, and a brilliant rainbow appeared over the city. The gods, it seemed, had been pleased by the joyful defiance and blessed the land with a bountiful harvest that year.
The Whispering Tree: In a quiet corner of Lankhmar, an ancient tree stood that was believed to be touched by the gods. During a particularly difficult summer, The Tree began to whisper secrets and advice to those who approached it with a sincere heart. Farmers learned of impending weather changes, merchants received tips that saved their businesses, and lovers heard whispers that guided them to happy unions. The Tree's whispers ceased at the end of the summer, but those who had listened prospered.
The Night of the Silver Moon: On a night when the moon shone with an unusual silver hue, the people of Lankhmar experienced vivid, prophetic dreams. Those who heeded the dreams' messages found themselves forewarned of dangers, opportunities, and significant life changes. These dreams were seen as direct communication from the gods, offering guidance and protection. Many credited their newfound successes and avoided calamities to the divine insights granted that night.
In these ways, the worship of The Gods of Lankhmar persists not through formal institutions but through the collective consciousness and cultural practices of the people. The gods’ unpredictable nature demands respect and reverence, ensuring their place at the center of Lankhmar's spiritual life.

Primary Related Location

Lankhmar

Important Locations

• The Black Temple