Janus’ Doorway – New Magic Item / A to Z Blogging Challenge [J]

Janus

Once again the Republic was at war and the doorways of the temple of Janus were opened, as they always were to symbolize such a state of affairs.

As the young men marched to way, they passed through the Janus’ doorway, leaving the past behind and venturing into the future.  A handful of grain and salt given to the gods in hopes of receiving his blessing and guidance on the upcoming campaign.

Janus’ Doorway

These ceremonial doorways are usually quite large, sometimes large enough for a column of soldiers to march abreast through them.  A two-faced bust of Janus always rests at the pinnacle of the arch, one face looking backward to the part and the other forward into the future.  These edifices are usually made of hard stone faced by marble.

Ben Wootten’s Mantyd Warrior

Xilan, Mantyd Warrior by Ben Wootten

At the end of last year I was fortunate enough to win an illustration from the very talented Ben Wootten for donating to charity.

This was all coordinated through Craig Higdon’s RPG Character Illustrations site.

Craig and Ben were both great to work with.  I sent a very detailed description (over a page) and was consulted several times throughout the project to ensure that I was happy with the piece.

The piece is of Xilan, one of the Mantyd-caste (sorcerously created insect-human hybrids) warriors from the Land of Far Cathay.  Which, technically, is more Chinese than Japanese but I was still entirely happy with the samuraiko version that Ben came up with.

If people would like to know more about the Mantyd-caste, or the other castes, of Far Cathay or the setting itself please let me know.  I have the campaign notes around somewhere.