Question

Original-language term required. A royal inscription denoted “XPh” is nicknamed for these beings and enigmatically boasts of destroying their dānā, or sanctuary. An 8th-century text (-5[1])argues against interfaith marriage because xwedōdah (“kweh-DOH-dah”) weakens these beings, whom Mary Boyce argued were originally gods of specific war bands. (-5[1])A text detailing “Rules for Keeping Away” these beings, (-5[1])like one called “the Long-Handed,” (10[1])requires anyone who kills an otter to hunt thousands of vermin to atone. Because one of these beings called Nasu hates dogs, dogs watch over corpses in the sagdīd (“sahg-DEED”) ritual. These beings, which are repelled by the mantra “truth is the best of all good,” (10[1])personify the concept of druj (-5[2])(“drooj”). The Fravarānē (“frah-vah-RAH-neh”) begins “I scorn” these beings, who oppose the yazatas (-5[2])in the Yasna. (10[2])For 10 points, name these (-5[1])demons that serve (-5[2])Ahriman (10[1])and (10[1])represent (10[1])evil and impurity in Zoroastrianism. (-5[1])■END■ (10[4]0[10])

ANSWER: daivas [or daevas or daēwa; accept divs, devs, dēw, yatu, jadu, or pairikas; prompt on druj or drugvant until “druj” is read by asking “what beings personify that concept?”] (The first line refers to Xerxes I’s “Daeva Inscription.” “Xwedōdah” refers to consanguineous marriages. The Vendidad calls otters “water dogs.”)
<Religion>
= Average correct buzz position