Nasht and Kaman-Thah
Nasht and Kaman-Thah are the priests serving the Elder Gods of the Dreamlands at the Wall of Sleep in the Cavern of Flame, preparing dreamers for the journey into Deeper Slumber. They first appear in H.P. Lovecraft's Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath (fiction).
History and Scope
The Cavern of Flame is the cave-temple of the priests Nasht and Kaman-Thah, at least one of these two priests is always awake to greet anyone who descends the stairs to his home. At the far end of the cavern from this entrance is another set of stairs, the Seven Hundred Steps which lead to the Gate of Deeper Slumber, which open into the Enchanted Wood of the Dreamlands. Nasht and Kaman-Thah will properly garb dreamers passing that threshold: to every dreamer who asks, they provide an outfit of good clothing, a dagger of whatever style is desired, and three loaves of bread, a jug of water, and a hank of spun manna.
Identification, Psychology and Behavior
Nasht and Kaman-Thah are the aged, bearded high priests of the Elder Gods of the Dreamlands, dressed in robes and pschents (an Egyptian-style crown). Although they are only priests, they are sometimes worshiped in the Dreamlands as gods themselves. They reside in their cavern-temple and act to protect men’s dreams from the nightmares which inhabit the Dreamlands, to keep humanity from despoiling the lands of fancy, and to serve as a conduit for the prayers for the Elder Gods of Dream. Nasht and Kaman-Thah are very knowledgeable regarding the Dreamlands, but they are not known to leave their cavern-temple. They are generally helpful to dreamers seeking entrance to the Dreamlands, but dreamers are advised to be respectful when dealing with these two. They are fully capable of defending themselves should the need arise. No creature of nightmare would dare approach their abode, for the presence of a flaming pillar keeps them away. In the direst of emergencies the priests may evoke the Elder Gods themselves for protection. If this should become necessary the pillar will come to life and smite any foe who should menace its priests.
Resources
Appearances
- fiction: H.P. Lovecraft's Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath (fiction)
- sourcebook: H.P. Lovecraft's Dreamlands
