Semoz

Spheres of Influence: Magic, Healing, Sacrifice, Reaping, Grief, Suffering

Epithets: The Fallen Moon, Bringer of Magic, the Fleshbound, the Forgotten, the Sickle

Common Domains: Arcana, Grave, Knowledge, Life, Twilight

Semoz is the twin of Koros, and is known as the Fallen Moon and Bringer of Magic. Long ago, Semoz was cast down to the world by Skura, partly to save Semoz from the Demon-god Bahtot and partly to protect the world. For when she swept Semoz from the sky, she also sent the gift of arcane magic to the world. Skura knew that some magic would be dangerous to the denizens of our world and gave Semoz the job of protecting the people and teaching them how to use magic. This is his duty, and he can never again ascend to the sky, where his mother and brother still dwell, for after she cast him out, Skura sealed the rift in the sky behind him.

Worship of Semoz is closely tied to that of Koros. The newly constructed Moon Dome, where they are worshipped together, speaks to the importance of the Hero Twins. Anyone who has seen the moon rise between the spires of Kernu Apsu, recognizes the meaning this place has to Koros and thus to Semoz. The twins are special protectors of all who dwell beneath the sky. After eons on Aardia, Semoz has grown to understand the fleshbound more than any other deity. Semoz is most powerful during the new moon, when Koros is weakest. Conversely, Semoz is reduced in power at the full moon. It is common for followers of the Twin Heroes to work together, especially during new and full moons.

As Bringer of Magic, Semoz is the patron of magical beings and those who use or channel magic to aid, heal, or protect. The idea of protection is quite expansive and can include the use of offensive spells. Semoz is also the patron of martyrdom, suffering, and loss.

Among the dwarven folk of the Akkur Mons and Burkhdyn Gazar, Semoz is known as Samwah and also considered god of caves, mines, death, and the underworld.

Festivals & Offerings

Karpa: The festival of the Reaping equinox is a celebration of abundance and is a fortuitous time for planting root vegetables and conceiving children.

Offerings: Offerings are made before fighting against seemingly hopeless odds, before using complex magic (especially for protection and healing), when facing death, when making a personal sacrifice, when praying for a dead or dying loved one, when needing protection at night near the new moon.

Flora and Fauna

Flora: Chamomile, Feverfew, Hero’s Trumpet, Moonflower, Sandalwood, Yarrow, Yew tree

Fauna: Abalone, Giant Moon Moth, Glowworm, Lemur, Moon Jellyfish, Moonfish, Mussels, Narwhal, Oyster, Silver Stag, Snail

Devotees

• Priests of Semoz: The priests, along with Priests of Koros, help to conduct joint religious services for worshippers of the Twin Heroes at the Moon Dome, around moonrise each afternoon or evening. These priests of the Twin Moons also live and study in the new Moon Dome, along with the Bronze who guard the artifacts housed there. Many Priests of Semoz also live, study, and teach on the Campus of Semoz, along with the Arcane, the Medda, and the Norus.
• The Arcane: Scholars of magic who study and teach at the Campus of Semoz and also travel in search of knowledge. Some belong to the Culture and Antiquities Society.
• The Medda: The Medda are scholars of healing arts and healing magic who study and teach at the Campus of Semoz. They also serve as healers in Moru Kel, tending to the injured and ill. Just as the Bronze work together to quickly apprehend a criminal or break up a public brawl, the Medda send groups of healers to any emergency. They also heal the Bronze, when needed, and are closely tied to them.
• The Norus: The Norus study astronomy, mathematics, navigation, and optics They are composed largely of worshippers of Semoz, Skura, Ptomir, and the Petrels. The Norus are closely connected with the Shola Astrana, a similar school in Bessina, on Mezzi Island. 
• The Nightwatchers: a part of the Circle of Spores.