The Claw of a V'hir
Location:
This relic is located in a guarded “viewing chamber” at the Fuming Gate's Temple at Tormau. Eight Laumaks and one Haragki of the Copper Hook guard the chamber at all times. They are to protect this relic with their lives.
The Claw is encased in a reliquary of wood with a glass window over top so that it can be seen and moved without being touched.
Description:
The Claw is made from a small (approx. one foot long), heavy rock-like substance that is pitted and blackened. Its shape undeniably resembles that of a curved and pointed claw. In spite of its dark surface, the Claw sparkles brightly whenever light is near. Sunlight causes it to reflect so brightly it causes blindness in all those who look at it directly. The dim candlelight in the viewing chamber is more than enough to see the Claw as it seems to provide its own light. The Claw appears to be wholly fireproof.
History:
The Claw was found in 672 TR by Olmar Daerand, then-Senesharil of the Fuming Gate, who was visiting the manor of one of the order's supporters, near Tormau. The Claw fell from the sky and struck the manor, crashing through its celing and, causing the building to burn with an intense blue flame. The Senesharil suffered extreme burns, retrieving the holy item, but survived long enough to transport it to the order's temple in Tormau. The burns, which hideously scarrified him, were taken as a blessing from Agrik himself.
Since then, the Tormau temple has become a site of pilgrimmage, with zealous Agrikans from across western Hârn wishing to see the Claw and gain its blessing. Ezar, the former Akarata of the Copper Hook was said to have prayed over the claw for eight straight days and nights, as a young man. Even ranking priests from other orders have come to see the Claw, although a few have been some who (later) denied its authenticity.
Miracles/Properties:
The Claw is said to instill a powerful battle-lust in the calmest of men, and quiet it in those in a stage of rage. Praying over the Claw is seen as requesting the V'hir to wreak revenge upon the pilgrim's enemies. It is believed that the Claw kept Ezar, the Akarata of the Copper Hook alive against so many enemies and an uncaring Crown for so long.
Other:
There has been one attempt to steal the claw. In 713 TR, two thieves slipped into the viewing chamber unseen by the guards, removed the reliquary, and slipped out with it. They were, however, spotted by one of the guards while skulking away with the relic. One thief was killed outright, while the other was captured after slaying three guards with a mere dagger. Though he was subjected to great tortures, he would say nothing. How the two thieves had managed to slip by the guards remains a mystery. The relic was recovered safely, although the guards on duty were punished by severe whipping for their laxity.
This page is part of the Hârn
Religion Team
Page last updated on July 29, 2002 by Jim Chokey.