Runetha ------- A large, influencial minority of the Vargr are followers of Runetha, an Odysseus-like figure of widespread fame among Regina, Uthe, and Dirgir Vargr's. (Uthe and Dirgir subsectors are located Coreward of the Spinward Marches). Runetha Saetedz (817 - 866) was a legendary Vargr adventurer/pirate/scout whose exploits are bedtime reading for young Regina Vargr. Dying from old internal wounds, he managed to lead his band to a heroic victory on Menorb, but died soon after. Soon after his death, his followers founded the Runetha Society, to keep alive his memory and his philosophy. As his fame grew, they built the Greater Thatho Temple in the Dro-Zhemm Hills, and spread his philosphy throughout the region. The Temple is the central site of the Runetha religion, now run by the High Runetha Federation of Holy Adventurers. The temple itself is a circular building, of about 25 m length, 5 m in height, with a concave roof. Of strong interest is what's above the temple: a large, floating, glowing yellow ball, of about 30 m diameter. It's quite bright (you cannot look at it directly within 50 meters of the ball), and can easily be mistaken for a second sun. While there is a constant flow of about 500,000 visitors per year, the Kengrogarz (which occurs every six years) leads to an influx of 10-20 million pilgrims from Regina, Uthe, anf Firgir subsectors. Once here, they go through various rituals (including a rigourous Hunt in the countryside), leading up to a mass meeting and blood sacrifices of various animals at the temple. The religion itself is strongly focused on heroic endeavers, felt to be the way of a True Life here and a glorious afterlife. Study of Runetha's history -- and the history of other heroes, Vargr and Humaniti's -- is a required tenet of the religion, as is the Aiding of all True Heroes, the pursuit of at least one Quest in your life, and the support of the Runetha Brotherhood above all worldly loves.