The Banner of Balgashang
Location:
The Banner of Balgashang is located at the temple of the Fuming Gate in Hyen, Rethem. It is not normally displayed,, but is kept in a special reliquary in the temple's treasury.
Description:
Physically, the Banner is an 8' by 4' tapestry depicting Agrik's flame-shrouded fortress of Balgashang, including its eight formidable towers and its impenatrable gate. It is made from a mysterious wool-like textile that flame will not burn or mar. The Banner also will not absorb water. The banner is primarily off-white in color, although some black, orange, red, and yellow appear frequently.
History:
The Banner of Balgashangwas discovered “miraculously”underneath the temple's fire pit, during the temple's reconstruction during Ezar's War (approximately 30 years ago). Most priests believe it to date from the temple's original construction, even though there is no account (written or otherwise) of such a banner ever having existed. A few s members of the Fuming Gate and the Copper Hook believe the Banner was woven in Balgashang itself, and then translated to their temple through the“Gate of Fire” that supposedly is made between our world and Agrik's realm when pyres rage in the temple's firepit.
It is unknown how this water-repellant cloth was dyed. Some say that holy oils, sacred ash and “The Reaper's Own Blood” were used to color the threads.
Miracles/Properties:
Touching the banner, it is known, will cure burns and ease the pain of elderly soldiers. Many members of the Copper Hook have asked that they be allowed to carry the Banner before them into battle, as it would (they believe) assure them of victory. So far, the priests have not granted this request.
Other:
When Hyen was rebuilt, much digging took place. Strange threads and yarn that appeared to be made of the same non-flammable, water-repellent material as the Banner itself were uncovered throughout the grounds. These too is kept in the temple treasury, in a separate reliquary. Rumor says that more of this mystic textile lies below the temple and keep. The priests, howvever, refuse to let it be recovered, for fear it could diminish the special sacrality of the banner they have now.
This page is part of the Hârn
Religion Team
Page last updated on July 29, 2002 by Jim Chokey.