Yama (Intermediate God)
As the first man to die. Yama became the lord and judge of the dead. His palace (Yamasadena) and his city (Yamapura) are located in the far south. Between the land of the living and his kingdom flows the
bloody river Vaitarani, which all spirits must cross on their way to Yamaa’s judgement seat.
After Yama has considered the spirit’s deeds in life, he decides what form the spirit’s new body should take. When Yama’s judgement is complete, the spirit goes to its new body in the world of the living. (Sometimes, in the cases of the very wicked, this journey takes the spirit through 21 hells of fire, filth, icy winds, thorns. etc.) Only those who have achieved unity with Brahman escape Yama’s judgement. Yama has the power to see a man’s entire history at a glance. In his true form, he is a green-skinned man with copper-colored eyes. He is usually dressed in red and is often seen riding his giant water buffalo.
Roleplaying Tips
Yama’s duties as judge of the dead keep him too busy to interfere in human affairs. No amount of praying or beseeching on the part of a mortal will influence his judgement, though he will often listen to another god’s opinion in regards to the fate of a dead person. Those who are likely to die soon often receive visits from one of his four-eyed dogs, an owl, or a pigeon.
STATISTICS
- Alignment. Lawful Neutral.
- Worshippers Alignment. Lawful Neutral.
- Spheres of Influence. Judgement of the dead.
- Holy Symbol. Red mace.
Clerics of Yama
Those worshiping Yama are responsible for preparing the spirits and bodies of the dead for cremation. They may never leave a dead intelligent being uncremated or they risk the temporary loss of their spell abilities.
Alignment Restriction. Lawful Neutral.
Weapons Allowed. Axe.
Armors Allowed. Any armor.
Divine Domains. Forge, Grave, Knowledge, Life.
GRANTED POWERS
- Level 1. Affect Normal Fires.
- Level 3. Produce Flame.
- Level 8. Speak with Dead
- Level 15. Trace any reincarnated spirit to its new body