Ugaztasz, The Song of the North

Cover art by William Wu

On the return journey, we made a point to keep our catches sealed away. The last thing we wanted was for the water to take offence at our plentiful spoils. Barrels full to the brim with eels, pike and other creatures sat beneath in the hold, and our crew took the following days for some much-needed rest. Those who drew short straws took their watches, and a pleasant journey was had by all.

When we returned, however, and the harbourmaster opened our barrels, he found them empty. By Ksieryca, the Captain raged, blaming all around for the missing profits. In honesty, I remember not who stood on deck over the nights journeying home, but I remember one thing, most certainly.

Off in the dark - beyond the gathering mist - I heard it. A chorus of voices, united in song.

— Notes from an interview with a Sylvar Sailor

Holy Books & Codes

by tatiana kirgetova

The most common sacred words of Ugaztasz are kept in two languages; Sylvar and Vod’laghi. To study the word and song of this God, people travel to the northernmost point of the continent, where remnants of his call roam the waters. Much of his word is given through the form of song, in small boxes made of sturdy sea shell and sharp string. These devices known as Zaroglasi (zaroglas - singular), can simulate the voice of Ugaztasz, his words and wisdom. When the Lord was still awake, he would often create wondrous songs and lyrical masterpieces in his tongue and the tongue of his children. Since his slumber however, the Vod'lagha have been forced to listen to these replications and play music of their own to ensure their ruler's calm sleep. The most prominent of these zaroglasi is known as the King's Lull in Sylvar⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣  translation. It supposedly plays in the grand Vod'lagha cathedral, to soothe their newborns.
Another zaroglas sits in the university of Blackstead . Olthamites⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣  call these devices music boxes, and believe the one placed in the university to have been a gift from a Vod'lagha to an Olthamite man as a symbol of their love. That particular box has not been played in over a century.

Sylvar bards and musicians have taken to creating more conventional copies of their God's gospel. Whilst the words are still mainly lyrics and poetry, they have been compiled into a thick tome under the title "Calls of the Hollow Sea." It is considered a fundamental piece of literature for anyone interested in Ugaztasz, bardic magic or the northern sea. Some scholars argue about the tome being written in Sylvar, arguing that it takes away from the original meaning of the songs and music. 

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Ugaztasz in his song would praise the Midnight Lily. This flower is often believed to be his own creation. Midnight lilies grow in areas of Ugaztasz' influence and magic, often close by to or around bodies of water. The petals of this flower glow a deep luminescent blue colour akin to the night sky. The flowers themselves seem to respond to their lords signing, and grow, when exposed to similar kinds of energy. Without water however, these flowers crystallise into a gem as hard as steel, and are worn by the followers of Ugaztasz to bring them hope and guidance in moments of need.

Tenets of Faith

1. A man's heart is as deep as the northern sea, it has potential for love and hatred alike. Never assume which drives one's action; they can be deceivingly similar at first glance.
2. No song is greater or lesser than another. It is simply different.
3. The world can be cruel and unforgiving. We must all sometimes do that which shall haunt our dreams. Ask yourself whether the horror you have committed has spared a different horror to your loved ones. Let that knowledge guide you. 
4. Some love lasts forever. Some will eventually fade like the tide. All are worthy. No love is the same.
5. Your mind is greater than you can see. Listen to the voice of your soul. It may surprise you a thousand times over. 

Holidays

by Andrew Mar

The Vod'lagha each year congregate to sing to their Lord on the anniversary of his slumber. For all day and all night they gather and sing. This day, is said to be the day of love in Sylmaneth. Followers of Ugaztasz and Sil⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ alike believe it is because this one day in the year, the married couple can meet one another thanks to their followers dedication.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Despite his seemingly calm sleep, Ugaztasz suffers from his slumber. His subjects have been searching for a way to wake their Lord from his nightmare without causing a catastrophe which could potentially destroy what remains of Varen. For Ugaztasz, to sleep without dreams is torture unimaginable; he longs for Lael'Unuszta where he may one day see his beloved again. Followers of the Dreamless Sleeper are sometimes graced with the call of their father. In dark dreams of an oily void, he calls out and speaks to his followers. Many have recorded anything from instructions, casual conversations and fatherly heart to hearts.

Divine Classification

Great Old One

Alignment

Lawful Good

Honorary & Occupational Titles

The Lord of the Sea Folk, The Dreamless Sleeper, The Snow Hearted, The Song of the North

Gender

Male

Domains

Sea, Dreams, Music, Cold, Love

Favoured Weapon

Glaive