Tiki

From ENWiki

Alignment: Neutral
Domains: Ancestor, Community, Fertility, Luck
Favored Weapon: Spear
Symbol: image of the deity
Tiki (pronounced “TEE-key”) is one of the most popular and important gods in the Fire Islands. He is the god of mankind, the father of all people, and the Great Ancestor. His name is evoked during marriages and funerals, and his blessings are sought by pregnant women and barren women alike for his powerful fertility powers. He is also the god of good fortune and peace, and wooden carvings in his image are made and sold throughout the Fire Islands as talismans against evil spirits and bad luck.

There are many stories of Tiki, depending on the family clan that is telling the tales. One of the most common stories, however, is the story of how Tiki became the father of all mankind.

Tiki was the first man, created by Papa and Rangi before they were separated. As the only human in the new world, Tiki was very lonely and began to pine for a companion. He saw his reflection in a pool of water, and thinking that he had found someone like himself to be friends with, he dove into the pool. This shattered the image, and Tiki became very sad. It came to pass that a few days later, he happened upon his reflection in a second pool of water. He sprinkled the water with dust and ashes, taking great care not to disturb the reflection, until the water hardened. This hardened reflection came to life, and became the first woman. Thus Tiki made a wife for himself, and they populated all of the islands with their offspring.

Tiki’s mask is brown, with black lines on the forehead and cheeks that symbolize his many children. His presence is shown, not only during festivals but all the time, as wooden carvings of the deity himself. The smaller carvings are worn around the neck as lucky charms, and the larger ones are erected as statues or building pillars in front of huts. As the father of all people, he is worshipped in many different ways by all families and clans, from the elves deep in the forests, to the dwarves under the mountains, to the humans and halflings along the shores.

Tiki belongs to the Fire Islands Pantheon.