Name:
Ai Ermoa.
Title:
Näkijä (Seer)
Place of Birth:
Southern fishing district of Valkea
History:
Ai Ermoa was the son of a blind fisherman. He worked day and night to provide for himself and his loving father. Often finding himself with nothing to do, he usually did the fishing for his neighbours and helped them out with other menial tasks. Thus the story of Ai Ermoa ascending to ultimate religious power is a great one.
His neighbours and friends, in return for his deeds gave him money. Though his father was constantly starving and both had to live off measly rations for many years, Ai Ermoa was still encourage by his pop to use the money to buy books and texts to quench his thirst for knowledge.
Over the years, Ai Ermoa became very booksmart and his interest in politics grew. Still working tirelessly on the fishing boats, he wrote several influential letters to Järventaus. Ai Ermoa hadn't expected for Archcouncilor Järventaus to read the letters from a young man making a living off the seas, so you could imagine his surprise when he got called to Risselä for a brief stint as Keeper of the Keys.
Ai Ermoa led a happy life living in Risselä, however, he received news one day of his father's death. Requesting temporary leave, he departed for his hometown in Valkea where he took part in the ritual rites of his father. Ai Ermoa's position had allowed his father to be buried in a most memorable fashion. The Memorial service was held within the walls of the Temple Valokoto. It was during the memorial that Ai Ermoa first heard that illusive voice in his head. He knew it was Päi. From that day, many visions came to him. Usually they took the form of Päi leading Ai Ermoa by the hand into the huge double doors of Temple Valokoto.
Ai Ermoa resigned from the position Keeper of the Keys and Archcouncilor Järventaus arranged for him to be Näkijä of the Valokoto Cult. From that day, Ai Ermoa felt as if his heart had become unburdened.
Role of Näkijä:
Näkijä Ai Ermoa plays much more than a figurative role in the running of Zhem. The very guidelines and rules that dictate the way the people of Zhem, particularly the Valkean Päi worshippers, are in his control. Although there are those who choose not to believe ("God bless those Pagans"), many are avid attenders of The Blue Breath Temple. The state of the temple is the deciding factor between the egalitarian society that Zhem is famed for and total anarchy.
Ai Ermoa is considered to be the best Näkijä since Valkea's founding. Thanks to his efforts, Valkea's influence has been spread, as has the influence of the Sun Goddess, Päi. The city is illuminated in torchlight, providing a dim red glow. The Hymn of Päi can be heard throughout the city, regardless of whether you are standing in the middle of the Temple Valokoto or the fishing village outskirts.
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Without a doubt the adventurers are not exaggerating when they make reference to the old saying of Valkea...
"Päi > pie"
And that's saying a lot
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