Voltan

Voltan is the Brytish Sky God, and considers himself King of all the other gods, save for the Primals. The Brytish consider him to be the most powerful of the gods who have any cares for men, and so nearly all of their religion revolves around the worship of Voltan. The other gods are mentioned, but generally only in passing. The only other Brytish gods that have an organised cults are Igia and Rim.

Voltan is the god of strength, wits, craft, poetry and magic, which covers most things mortals want aid in. He is a warrior god, and expects people to make their own way in the world. Those that seek his aid because they are lazy or weak are generally ignored. Those that are able to give in return, and who are willing to work for what they want, may find his gifts extensive.

Worship

Worship of Voltan is held on high places - normally the highest hill within sight. A large stone, about a metre tall with a flat top is ideal, is place at the site of worship, and a wooden staff is placed in a whole at the top, carved with the runes signifying what the people are beseeching Voltan for. In times of war, the staff may be replaced by a spear, or sometimes a sword. Often a sacrifice will be performed, normally a dog, sometimes a cow or deer if an important request is being made.

Very rarely a human sacrifice will be made, but to the best of anyone's knowledge, this has not been performed in living memory. The sacrifice requires that a warrior who has proven himself in battle willingly give his life ritually for the god. The warrior prepares himself for a full moon, and a sword is forged and ritually prepared to receive the blessing of Haltan. At the end of this time, the warrior drives the sword through himself on the top of the stone at dusk. If at dawn the god was pleased enough to give his blessing, then the warrior will rise from the dead, and he and his sword will be blessed to lead the people into battle. If not, then nothing is gained.

The role of priest is taken by the eldest warrior in the community. When he takes up the position, he chooses as his consort a maiden, who takes on the role of Freeja in the rituals. The warrior is expected to father a child on his consort, though otherwise the relationship is generally ceremonial. The gender of the child, and its health, is used to determine policy in the coming years.