Shista

A very ancient deity that was intermittently worshipped on Loth. It bore six thin rubbery arms, many leering, smouldering orange eyes, and even more mouths scattered upon its torso, along with greasy jowls. It wore no garment but was adorned with wide bracelets of pale green metal from which is derived its powers. It was able to squat, so presumably also had legs, unless its "arms" also doubled as legs. Apparently it dwelt amidst "the outer cold of nothingness." [RHB Deplorable]

It was also described as like a five legged spidery crab, tall and mottled with purple and green, with sundry orange eyes, and four metal bracelets. Its voice was deep and strange. This form was said to be "one of the more or less original avatars that the god affected," so apparently Shista's appearance could vary. [RHB Fidelity]

If we combine the descriptions, it seems that Shista had five legs and six arms, four of which had bracelets. Then again, perhaps it had four to six limbs that could be interpreted as arms or legs, along with a similar or slightly deficient number of bracelets. Or perhaps the varied descriptions actually represent different forms that Shista could assume.

Shista is said to be "the hermaphroditic grandparent of Selth, the Black One." This might simply mean that Shista was both a hermaphrodite and a grandparent, or perhaps that Shista somehow mated with him/herself to spawn one or more of Selth's parents. [RHB Deplorable]

Shista can be summoned by the Chant of Shista, along with a live sacrifice, but the summoner would be wise to protective himself. On one occasion, the sorcerer Khalda summoned Shista this way. It is not known what ensued, but Khalda may have asked Shista to help him travel to the satellite Gleer. [RHB Deplorable]

While Krang was alive, Shista had lost its worshippers and retired into seclusion. When Krang expired, Shista was mightily pleased and set out to take over Krang's gleaming tower. Along the way, Shista was lucky enough to encounter Krang's high priest, Lord Ghu. It is not known if Shista bribed Ghu or cast a spell upon him. However, soon after, Ghu persuaded the devotees that Shista was Krang's chosen successor and should be worshipped in his place. [RHB Fidelity]

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