Taal and Rhya are two gods usually worshipped together. Indeed, some academics at the University of Nuln postulate that they are in fact different aspects of the same entity, although such theological subtleties are of no interest to the average worshipper.
Taal is god of the summer and of wild nature. He is the god of gales and downpours, waterfalls and rapids, avalanches and landslides. He is the lord of beasts, forests, and mountains. Rhya is the goddess of autumn and spring (winter is Ulric's domain). She is there whenever a wild animal is born, and she watches over cultivated lands and agriculture. She is the goddess of gentle rains, babbling brooks and mild weather.
Worship of Taal is particularly prominent in Talabheim - the only city in the Empire where his temples are as common as those to Sigmar. Outside of Talabheim, both Taal and Rhya are much more commonly worshipped in rural settings than in cities. Their worship is linked somehow to the ancient worship of the Old Faith, from a time long before the gods had their current names. Druids adhering to the Old Faith can still sometimes be found in out of the way parts of the Empire.
Symbols
Their shared symbol is the Coil of Life. Taal by himself is symbolised by a set of stag's antlers, or a stone axe; while Rhya's symbols are a sheaf of grain or a bow and arrow.
Strictures
- Taal’s children gladly give themselves for food and sacrifice. Respect and honour this gift to you.
- A sacrifice, of an animal or grain, must be made to Taal and Rhya once per month, at the dark of the moon.
- Each year, all Priests must spend seven solitary days and nights away from civilization, communing with nature and living on what they catch. The time for each Priest’s retreat is determined by the hierarchs in the region.
- Do not clad yourself in metal, rather wear the hides of your animal kin.
- Take pride in your strength and natural skill. Avoid firearms and other works of science.