Koonze, the Wild god of Kierastahd

Koonze is worshipped by the hill people of Kierastahd. He is known as the “Wild God”, and his followers can often be seen with intricately-painted patterns on their skin, clothing, tools, and weapons. Worship of Koonze is restricted to those who have ventured deep into the mountains and obtained his “mark” - the skull of one of his children, brought down in battle. Many do not survive this ordeal, and by nature of the trial itself, most of Koonze’s followers are men.

The Wild God’s Mark is hung at the top of a pole in a central location – be that the center of a family’s house, or the center of a village. The pole and skull are painted in the desired pattern by the Marked, and nails are driven into the wood. Before a hunt or battle, Koonze’s worshippers kneel beneath the mark, promising to bring tribute worthy of the god in exchange for success. This tribute may be in the form of strips of fur, strings of teeth and bone, even skins, and they may be taken either from hunted animals, or humans felled in battle after receiving Koonze’s blessing. This practice leaves the poles as greusome warnings to those who might wish to attack the village or home, and are also a display of battle prowess and ability to provide for one’s family.