Ratish is the god of spirit, balance, battle, morality and freedom. He gave the power of choice to the gods, needed for Gataur and Danu to make the choice to fall in love. He is the creator of the Orcs and Ogres . He created the godess Wana out of the first Ogre. Ratish is often seen as a distant god, only interfering with the lives of mortals when balance is needed. Yet many mortals call upon him on the eve of battle, praying, shouting and otherwise worshipping him to gain some edge over their enemies.

Spirit

The element Spirit is associated with Ratish. As the least visible of the four elements, the element spirit is considered somewhat of a mysterious thing. Yet it is as vital for a mortal as the other four elements are, as without spirit no mortal would be able to choose their own path. Some scholars consider both the Seraphim as well as the Grigori to be elementals of Spirit and that the existence of two elemental types hints at some more fundamental thruth in the universe.

Balance

The aspect of Balance is mostly seen as a goal to reach instead of something to ask for. Worshippers of Balance try will try to maintain balance in everything they do and encounter. They will help the losing side of a battle, cheat a rich merchant to gain some of his gold to give to the poor, or otherwise seek to return balance to situations.

Battle

Battle ranges from a fistfight of two young men about some girl to the clashes of mighty armies during the war between the denizens of Southern Heimr and the armies of the Kingdom of Asgard. The aspect of battle is worshipped by anyone seeking an advantage during these conflicts. The leader of an Orc House will pray to Ratish to grant him victory in the next battle with his rivals. A Shanata huntress will pray to ratish to survive the next day, as she considers each day to be a battle to be won.

Morality

Morality is the concept of right and wrong, of good and evil. While not necessarily an aspect that is often worshipped, it is yet vital to the world, as without morality societies would crumble as everyone would devolve to animals. Morality is sometimes asked for by parents, who wish their wayward son to rescind from his thieving ways.

Freedom

At its core, the aspect of freedom is about having, giving or taking the freedom of choice. The choice to walk away when you do not want to fight. Being given the choice to become leader of an Orc House. Taking away the choice of a criminal to continue stealing items from others. Judges, gaolers and slavers often worship this aspect of Ratish.

Good versus Evil

While most worship of Ratish is about battle, there is surprisingly little difference between "Good Battle" and "Evil Battle", since there are few ways to differentiate battle, except perhaps by the amount of casualties involved. Morality is likewise an aspect that is not very divisble. On the other hand, there is a very clear distinction between "Good Freedom" and "Evil Freedom". Evil worshippers will gladly take away freedom while good worshippers will defend one's freedoms and give them where possible. Likewise, balance has a clear distinction, since it can be maintained or broken.

> Oh Mighty Ratish!
Take your humble servant,
And guide him to your presence.
Never forget our fallen crewmemer!
And let Vas'Jin be a example for us all,
His battle-lust, comradeship and sacrifice,

Prayer to Ratish at the Funeral of Vas'Jin Coppersoul

Symbols

The primary symbol of Ratish is a double-bladed battle axe, symbolizing both balance and battle. An often used symbol for freedom is a pair of manacles, closed for taking away freedom or open and broken for giving freedom. A yin-yang symbol is both a symbol of morality and balance and is sometimes drawn near shrines of Ratish. Nicknames for Ratish include "The Invisible Consciousness", "The Keeper of Balance" or "The General of Generals". He is often depicted as a large Orc, wearing parti-colored clothes of black and white, wielding two double-bladed battle axes. Animals associated with Ratish are stags, symbolizing battle and one white and black swan; symbolizing morality. War drums and horns are instruments often associated with Ratish.

Angels of Ratish

Ratish' angels are the Seraphim . They are humanoid creatures with wings of white energy. Less powerful Seraphim can often be mistaken for mortals with wings of light, yet stories tell of beings that are nothing more than humanoid shapes of white light. They are mighty warriors and great generals and will often act as truly impartial judges in matters of great conflict. Some scholars consider both the Seraphim as well as the Grigori to be the most powerful divine beings on Heimr.

Daemons of Ratish

The daemons of Ratish are the Grigori . They are similar in appearance to the Seraphim, but rather than beings of light they are beings of darkness. Like their angel counterparts, Grigori make great warriors and generals. However, they often delight in causing as much suffering as possible, making them seem less capable. They also enjoy taking away freedom from mortals, which means they will occasionally show up to protect a jail or a slave caravan.

Realm

Main Article: Divine Realm of Ratish

The divine realm of Ratish consists of two mountains of equal height and shape, each topped with a massive fortress. One mountain is bathed in light, the other dark with black clouds overhead. The light mountain is surrounded by clear, calm water, the dark mountain by a churning black sea. Where the two mountains meet a large storm can be seen, like an enormous thunderstorm. Yet when one observes more closely, this turns out to be an eternal battle between Seraphim and Grigori.

Mandate of Ratish

Apart from the General mandate of the gods Ratish has expressed the following wishes from her followers.

General Ratish

• Fight

Good Ratish

• Allow people to make their own choices

Evil Ratish

• Rob people of their freedom

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