Patrons of the Pantheon

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-=- Patrons of the Pantheon -=-

A Patron, by simple definition is a mortal that has been raised into power in order to act as the hand, or servant of the Deity that has empowered them. They may bear albeit is not limited to ichor coursing through their system that is active, and has replaced a good portion of their innards in which the Patron is now able to achieve feats unlike before; weaving light would be insignificant to the Keepers of Xan compared to what they were prior to transcending. Albeit it was Iblees who bore the first Patrons renown for their wicked blight and seething fire that scorched the lands of Aegis and Aegisians alike, and in turn Aeriel birthed her Holy Order of the Ascended to combat the unrelenting force of fire and blight.

Each, to their own, as time passed some Aenguldaemons interacted with the descendants more so than others, and offspring were birthed-- not inherently from the aenguldaemonic war, but through creations of their own to which the Mori'quessir and Kharajyr were born, the former deriving from the Aspect Nemiisae whereas the other came from Metztli, the Daemon of Time; these are renown amidst a grand portion of the Pantheon as lessers, inbred, or otherwise unworthy of their Patronage; they’re often discarded by other Deities and left to worship their own Gods.

Although legitimate Patrons, such as the Keepers, are forged from the core of an Aenguldaemons realm to which the Deity in question will empower the mortal to great lengths, often causing the wielder of the magic to pertain a large sum of ichor coursing through their system to act as a stable catalyst for the surplus of magic circulating around their very being. Some cases have been documented albeit isn’t solely confined to those currently known-- surely, some may lurk within the shadows unbeknownst to the Deities or descendants. They aren't solely subject to ichor, and they're able to be born in a variety of ways-- hence the Dragaar.

-=- Xan, Aengul of Order and Guardianship -=-

The Oath of the Three Blessed ones

The Golden Order

“Through our guidance may Order flourish. We shall illuminate Chaos wherever it may dwell, and through our Patron we shall subdue it. We are the Blade, the Shield, and the Elixir.” - The Oath of Order.

The Golden Guardianship

“Chaos will fight Order, such is the nature of this realm. We shall stand steadfast against Chaos and its allies, empowered by our Patron so that we may do his will. We are the Scepter, the Torch, and the Codex.” - The Oath of Guardianship.

The Sapphire Mantle

“My Prophet will forever be by my side, devote and stalwart alongside his ilk to pass on my blessing and my word, with his sword and shield ready to defend the weak and deliver unto those that deserve my ire; the Sapphire Mantle will forever be a position naught shall aspire for, and only gifted unto they who’ve served for a hundred years or more, and must pertain the blood of lineage. For I am their Father and their Forefather.” - The Aengul Xan, bestowing the position of the Sapphire Mantle to his stalwart son.

-=- Tayl, Daemon of Companionship -=-

Patron: Alistaer

“... It is well known that the gods of our realm hold an affinity for stirring trouble and in a realm stricken with an endless State of War, and it is not unheard of when an AenguDaemon begins to intervene in mortal affairs. Alas, in this day and age such abuse on the part of the gods runs rampant and only the Dark Flame repels them; their zealous aptitude for violence having long distorted the Grand Council of the Seven Skies.”

Introduction

The gist of this lore is that an AenguDaemon under an alias is responsible for the powers of the Covenant.

The First, Second, and Third Sins

Long had the man stared at the night sky to wonder what lurked above in the heavens, and long had the answer remained barred from them. In days of yore a simple Seer had wandered the earth with a scrying orb in hand. Kaer’gi, the supposed wrath of the sun; Aerk’iath’s tenets, he taught, must be upheld lest the world dissolve into endless war and as he went on to gradually explain the sins of the deific and how all godliness must be expunged as to prevent cataclysmic conflicts such as the First Sin and the wars against both the Undead and the Scourge in more recent days.

To make matters simple, the Seer claimed that the First Sin was Iblees whereas the Second was both Undead resurgences and the Third the direct intervention of AenguDaemon in mortal affairs. With this revelation, Kaer’gi’s followers basked in his wisdom and so the Seers of Aerk’iath were born and to this day they have wreaked havoc on the Brotherhood of Sacred Light and its various incarnations.

The Mark of the Viper

It is said that Kaer’gi was bestowed with eldritch powers by Alistaer, known simply in the Cyniine tongue as ‘the Helper.’ Crimson, the aura of dominance had long been established as a symbol of power and through his runic abilities Kaer’gi bestowed the aura upon his acolytes, it was no gruesome power but instead a simple boon that gave them an identity.

It is said that when Kaer’gi was bestowed with eldritch powers by the Alistaer, he poured some of the energy into the first branding. The Mark simply shifts magic to a red color, as well as a variety of other cosmetic effects that do not strengthen or weaken the Seer or Templar’s arts whether it be Dark or Arcane in origin.

Manifestations

The supposed AenguDaemon manifests as a viper, cobra, or eye. It is incredibly rare for Tayl to manifest as Alistaer but it is known to have happened at least twice in the past three centuries. On the first occasion, he is said to have manifested as a suit of pseudo-Orenian platemail with the crest of both an eye and cobra emblazoned on the tabard.

Patron: Lord Knox

Introduction;

Lord Knox is a patron to Tayl, one of the first patrons and continues to live on to this day - spanning many centuries and lifetimes.

Aim;

Lord knox is a creature of evil being - he seeks to create a mass of pure destruction within the world and bring it to it’s knees. The goal is to create an ultimate war, pure anger and descend the world into anarchy.

Often this is achieved by manipulation, trickery and deceit. Two sides can be paired against each other through these methods to create a small conflict which can often lead to bigger and greater means. He seeks not company - but others to achieve these aims for him.

Illusion;

Lord knox is an unusual being. His powers allow him to tap into the mundane world and fill it with his desire. Possessing the ability to pass people into a sleep-driven state, he is able to trick the mind to produce anything of his will. He will often confuse beings into thinking that these illusions are real - leading the effects of the illusion to become mentally temporary as well. The illusions are often so life-like that the subject would pass them off as absolute anyways.

Lord Knox also possess the ability to to transform into a cloud of smoke - this allows him to travel far and wide to carry out his aims, and also prevents his body from becoming damaged when coming into tight situations.

Form;

Lord Knox will often be seen wearing a pumpkin atop his head, as is such the infamous signature. However he can also be seen without the pumpkin on - mostly when within close acquaintances. The actual being of Lord Knox is not man, nor spirit - he can be thought of as a mind set. Knox will choose a potential suitor, a potential body. However this ‘suitor’ must be willing to accept Lord Knox upon himself. Lord Knox will take hold of the body. Lord Knox will become the body. The once soul bound to the frame will become buried so deep it will be forgotten. Standing in front of you would be Lord Knox.

Sometimes Lord Knox’s body will become incapable of filling out Knox’s duties, he will then seek a new being to live on with. Usually this happens due to age; however other circumstances can become apparent.

Bounds;

Although yes, Lord Knox’s aim is the destruction of the mundane world - Tayl has placed some restrictions upon Lord Knox to make sure that Tayl’s aim is carried out.

Lord Knox is unable to kill another being. He would experience great pain if this were to happen by his hand.

Lord Knox is never able to deviate from the path of destruction - his mind will always be set upon the torn world.

Lord Knox has the insatiable desire to wear suits.

Patron: Irel'an

Abdication and Surrender

The weights that balance life itself are cruel in their machination, such apathy can only be parried with empathy. In selflessness, no matter the cause, we find true virtue. Benevolences true nature is the purging of selfish endeavors and the promotion of betterment for the overall.

-+-

Sacrifice to Serenity

The unspoken isle and all of its inherent dangers sooner pierce the veil of serenity than add onto it. Within this unfathomable darkness lay an Elven civilization, partially led by a Scion named Irel'an. The one counselor truly built upon the morals of their sanctuary. Each beam supporting their city was a vein to Irel'an’s livelihood, every brick a piece of himself and the dedication he had given to the Elven kind inhabiting their forgotten island.

Though solitary, flames are born flickering, and eventually the slightest wind will erode at its heat. Their sanctuary was no exception, and as darkness encroached over their land, the only one truly aware was Irel'an; each tower another eye to survey the city’s interests. As the cults encroached over them, Irel'an took what life he could into an ark, bringing the seedlings to the mainland. Life was lost and the weights of balance were appeased for the time being.

-+-

Foretold Incumbency

Desperation took hold over the migrants; their tears filled with reflections of their loved ones, only to be broken against their cupped hands and cold ground of the North. They landed in the deep cold, where falling snow could cover their tracks in hope of losing their offenders. Prosecuted in truth, they sought refuge where a small enclave would be made. Their cheeks were always stained, caught in a flurry of emotion. Irel'an was the only one to touch another cheek to brush away tears, the only pair of arms protecting another’s vulnerability in a tight embrace. All were devoured with self-pity and loathing, aside from their last standing Scion.

Nonetheless everyone knew that their fate was simply prolonged, unaware of the dangers this new land would present. Irel'an knew as well, but refused to let such corrupting thoughts eat away at any remaining sanity that remained in his freezing people’s minds. One by one they fell to disease, hunger and the very cold they thought would cover their departure. In their weakest state animals picked at them, seeing no reason to let the falling numbers go to waste. Wolves and unforeseen beasts ate at the thin lining of flesh on the bone of their civilization wherever they could and left them in a state of paranoia and masochism.

-+-

Irel'an the Fallen

As the once-proud citizens fell around him, Irel'an cared for what was left. A grimace always laid imprinted on his features, but his intentions never faltered. As per history of their land, their even further weakened people were hunted. When Dwarven-kind invaded the land of Vailor, it only took a small regiment of their warriors to take care of the emaciated population of their nigh-abandoned enclave.

Irel'an went forth to stop them and was able to keep half of the force away from the town for a moment, but was battered and captured. His own scrawny form was bound in thick links of chain, a lead ball hanging off his left ankle. Soon after he was thrown in the nearest river, tossing and turning throughout the waters like a ragdoll to it's eroding tendencies. It did not take long for the bound Irel'an to drown, face taut in disappointment in himself, unable to keep his brethren living, the seed dead.

-+-

Ascendency, Rejuvenation

The selfless martyr lay at the bottom of an ocean for centuries before Tayl’s sight lay over him and his past. With enough power surged forth he became rejuvenated, able to drag himself to shore. Chains hung from Irel'an’s arms and the ball tore across the sand, the martyr’s strength renewed and thus turning his appearance to represent such. And so he rose, hair bent in knots and matted, chains rusted. From thereon he fell to his knees into the sand, swearing vengeance upon those very first forces who brought ruin to his family.

Irel'an has since awoken, empowered and remembering. A host of mixed men and women with chains wrapped around their arms moves behind him, beset by his tale and the reclaiming of ‘their’ land. His will is forever unbroken, harder than diamond, able to pass this trait to others in select instances. His willing flesh regenerates when wounded, and it is so willing that he may take the wounds of others upon himself and relinquish their pain to himself. Though the shackle that once bound the lead ball to his foot remains, the weight is released, and his agility has grown ten-fold.

The weights that balance life itself are cruel in their machination, such apathy can only be parried with empathy. In selflessness, no matter the cause, we find true virtue. Benevolences true nature is the purging of selfish endeavors and the promotion of betterment for the overall. So their host repeats to themselves, a hive mind focused on the renewal of their people and solely their rejuvenation; rather than the thought that the darkness that once ate at their land will do so again.

-+-

Sacrifice Incarnate

It is under his follower’s belief that self-sacrifice is the most necessary of traits. Irel'an is no exception, and he frequently shows himself to both his people and their opponents. He often shows as he did prior to his death; cloaked in chains, a single broken shackle hanging loosely off his left ankle, though strengthened from his ascendency. He is not one to allow his boundless followers give all of themselves for him and will thus often help them, whether it is taking on their pain, or preventing it through defense or offense.

Though vengeful, he is merciful, and will not bring unnecessary pain. Though a firm believer of justice, it is only that which someone deserves, and is expectant of them to fully accept their punishment responsibly. He will enforce these expectations heavily if need be, he is not a pacifist.

-=- Dragur, Daemon of Knowledge -=-

-=- Dragaar -=-

Unlike their counterpart Dragaars are gifted with boons bestowed from Dragaar. In exchange for their ability to reproduce the Dragaar posses a great aptitude of magic. Capable of great feats and even dramatically altering their forms such as their iconic ability of shapeshifting. It is the nature of their father Dragur that they seek any form of knowledge and horde it to themselves. Indulging in it. In addition the Dragaars remain ever vigilant. Constantly in fear of Aenguldaemonic forces. They fear the unknown Aenguldaemon that had vanquished their beloved Dragur and those such as Xan who encourage the slaying of the Dragonkin.

-=- Drakaar -=-

The first incarnation of these foul beasts were at the hands of Iblees. Their name was only granted to them by the surviving Dragaars. Coined after the mortal phrase “Drake”, Drakaars are the Dragaar equivalent to a corrupted member of the Dragonkin. While it remains unclear few Dragaars have experienced a digression into Drakaar-hood. While it remains a mystery Dragaar believe that it is Iblees’ own curse inflicted upon the Dragonkin while others believe it is the result of Dragur’s absence.

-=- Iblees, The Betrayer -=-

-=- The Undead -=-

Originating in Aegis during Iblees' second siege upon the homeland of Aegis after the Thirty Year War, the Undead came as foul sorcerers. The deprived, power lusting, or craven came to worship the might and majesty posed by the Archdaemon of Ruin; only the most loyal, resourceful, and devout of his disciples were granted his boon. First Generation Necromancy was gifted unto the Undead in days of yore and, in later ages, in the land of Athera.

The Undead of Iblees served the Archdaemon and his vile nation of Drauchreich, housed primarily in its capital within the Nether called Drauchreim. To fulfill their dark lord's ravenous tasks they were given powerful forms. Referred to as a Noble Race alongside the Ascended in their creation, Undead were oftentimes characterized by their skeletal bodies, heinous and black magic, and distinct roles portrayed visually through trim colors. Undead were physically frail and suffered for their feeble forms, however their dark arts allowed them unparalleled magical prowess. Of the two sects -- later three in their second coming -- were the Destruction, Corruption, and eventually Chaos sects. Undead organized within one of the two or three branches, depending on the era their terms were in, and pursued tasks aligned with their denominations. The Destruction sect headed militaristic efforts, the Corruption sect headed political affairs, and the Chaos sect headed material fundraising. Respectively, the Overlord, High Prophet, and Chancellor led each of the listed sects and all came under the will and mastering voice of Iblees.

While potent and cruel, the crimes of the Undead were not restricted to the living who they so often offended; their cannibalistic, self-defeating nature allowed for constant betrayal and infighting amongst the Undead. Their chaotic nature left them to devour themselves in the end, where after winning over Aegis in conquest and re-emerging within Athera, they were eventually abandoned by their host; in a final assault upon the druid’s grove where cataclysm erupted from the manifestation of Iblees and a creation of the Aspects, the Undead were returned to their mortal forms and their memories were split of all their torturous actions. To this day it is unknown fully as to why Iblees forsook his devotees and retreated into the Nether, but speculation suggests the same flaw the Undead took after their lord: avarice.

-=- Aeriel, Caretaker of Souls -=-

-=- The Ascended -=-

To become an Ascended, one must die. This death happens due to the amount of power is given to one who is connected as an Ascended, awakening their dormant Aengul blood costs their life. While one who is disconnected from the Ascended can still live after the process, if is very painful, and almost untolerable to have your aengul blood become dormant once more. The song of Aeriel takes a strong grasp on an Ascended. The goal of the Ascended themselves is to stop the tampering of souls. Aeriel, the Caretaker of Souls goal is to make sure that souls go into their afterlife correctly. It's the Ascended's job to not only make sure that souls are not being tampered with after death, but to stop the dark arts users which work to hurt the Descendants. An Ascended must give their whole to protect the mortal races, their very existence is to be a barrier against the darkness that seeks to devour the souls of the Sons. The Ascended act as a force of Aeriel to protect the descendants against the dark arts, and Iblees's corruption. What is the difference between an ‘Initiate’ and an ‘Acolyte’? What of a ‘Sage’? The variations are dependent on how close the entity is with Aeriel. An initiate has a relationship with Aeriel as something of a friend’s friend, they still have remnants of their original life force and are limited in how much they can draw on Aeriel for in order to prevent an overload and cause mental issues and health issues. An Acolyte has their connection enhanced to something of a friend, and their life force completely converted to the Song. A Sage has a personal blessing, having something of a close friendship with Aeriel.