Seht

Seht is a major deity in the pantheon of Haresh, and is the main recipient of worship from the Ahibanu and Durami Khaneshar. As such, themes of blood and water are common in sects that revere him. He may appear in various forms depending on the ritual or occasion, both in waking and in dreams.

Appearance
The principle form, or avatar, Seht takes in Hareshi culture is that of a horned viper (debateable). Alternatively he may appear as a man-shaped mass of writhing snakes, or in a form similar to one of his acolytes. Occasionally, especially to the Ahibanu, he appears as a normal man or a very large, pale-skinned man with black wings.

Significance to Ahibanu
For the Ahibanu, Seht represents an acceptable intermediary between the mortal world and Anahita. It is speculated that the god and goddess are lovers, though any offiicial lore on the matter has been discarded or forgotten; much more importantly, Seht gathers adulation as the high priestesses siphon off magic, and he gives this concentrated worship to Anahita. He also acts on her behalf, enforcing her will and granting certain children her blessing before they are born, as well as allowing other devotees to receive it afterward. He accepts sacrifices of food, livestock, and certain people marked with the honour of giving their lives to Anahita.

Significance to Durami Khaneshar
Among the Blood Hunters Seht is revered as a blood god, who taught the first of the tribe the art of living off pure life force. The tribe hunt for human sacrifices at regular intervals, and they hold other festivals throughout the year in his honour. He never appears as a man to them.