[First Draft] Jorel, God of Chaos and Entropy

[Gossamer]

Jorel The God of Entropy & Chaos Alias’ The Lord of Chaos - Aelyria Breeder of Hate – Silrosia Sha'srae -Kemite Avatas – Dwarven Sssuussiar – Saurid Bringer of The Dark -Cether The All Father -Cyraxian Alignment Evil Realm Plane of Aeternia Abstract It is said nothing stays the same in the world. So this holds vastly true in the face of Jorel’s history. Once having reigned in Aetheria as a Arch Archon, common stories say that Jorel grew lustful for power and control. He attempted to overthrow Ioannes, the God of Gods, and was banished to an eternal prison for his crime. That prison became the Plane of Aeternia, where he still dwells today. However, that is not entirely the truth of it. Jorel was indeed Ioannes’ greatest and best loved Archon. Dedicated and loyal, Jorel served from the very creation beyond at Ioannes’ side. However, there were problems with all of the world that Ioannes created. Chaos and entropy constantly threatened to pull apart the great weave of all living things and of indeed the multiverse itself. Jorel, in the greatest act of self sacrifice known to the Gods, used his power to gather all chaos to him and contain it within himself to preserve the existence of reality. The God of Aetheria approved, but what such absorption and sacrifice created was something so unholy as to be a force on par with Ioannes himself. Thus, having no choice, Jorel’s power was bound to him never to be released, and the High Archon turned God was sent to a prison that was later to be called The Inferal Plane; Aeternia. Because of what Jorel contains, he represents Lawlessness, Disorder, and Injustice. He rules the Plane now, completely transformed by his sacrifice, untrustworthy and monsterous. Blamed for every negative thing known to the world, Jorel is also assigned the role of creator for the demonic race of Cryaxians that invaded Telath and sought the downfall of the Aelyrian race. Whether his hate spawned the Cyraxians or not, it does hold true that they all seem to follow him, as do numerous demons, demigods, and very powerful mortals. Common Appearance Because of his banishment, it is very rare for Jorel to put in a personal appearance and manifest fully. Instead, he prefers to draw his followers to his realm, The Infernal Plane, and interact with them there. He might send minion demons or demigods with his messages, or appear in Avatarial form. When he does this, he’s often depicted as a handsome man with a noted lack of eyes. This lack is often seen as wholly black eyes, where the pupils are completely colored to reflect midnight. But this is not so. Closer inspection will note that the eyes are completely gone and the only thing that occupies the sockets are shadows. Sometimes, in deeper fits of rage, Jorel will be seen with eyes that burn with the fires of Aeternia. Always cloaked with glimpses of armor shown beneath, Jorel looks every ounce the warrior archon he once was. Often, reports imply the figure can be seen sporting wings as well, though the tales speak more of them being Cyraxian rather than Aelyrian in shape and form. Organization of the Religion Due to his very nature, Jorel has no organized church or civic group like Aslan has within The Church of Faith and the Holy Trinity. Instead, his followers are often fluid in nature, found sporadically like raindrops across the land. These worshipers have no formal gatherings, unless you count the really devote priestesses and warriors of Jorel. While not exactly a true Church, the women who follow Jorel as Priestesses are called The Thorns after the infamous Avatas Brambles. These ‘Thorns’ are almost continually founding Temples that they then dedicate to Jorel. Within these temples, more thorn are born or recruited and trained in Jorel’s dark arts. The males born of these Priestesses are often trained as warriors. These warriors are called Wolves, since they tend to roam the land, upholding Jorel’s Will and bringing about the destruction of organized society. The most powerful Thorns and Wolves will often link up and form partnerships that buoy each other’s power up considerably. These pairs then scatter throughout the land, spreading Jorel’s Will and chaos in their wake. The Plane of Aeternia Aeternia, unlike Aetheria, has not always existed. Ioannes was forced to create this ominous realm when Jorel made his unholy sacrifice and stabilized the whole of the known multiverse from slow but certain destruction by chaos. Established initially as a prison, Aeternia has since become something of a paradise for the unholy, sheltering any and all of dubious nature who are strong enough to traverse the barriers between the Material and its plane of existence. Unlike Aetheria, Aeternia is constantly in turmoil, its true essence changing enormously from one moment to the next. Due to this very tumultuous nature, Aeternia is incredibly dangerous for mortals to traverse. Those that do cross over must do so under the protection and with the permission of Jorel. Even then, there are only certain locations they can comfortably exist within. Immersed in a realm of molten lava, bursting flames and an impenetrable shredding ice at its core, Aeternia is the Infernal Plane. Sometimes called the land of Absolute Darkness, the description is not wholly accurate when speaking of illumination. Rather, the term refers to the Plane’s denizens which routinely include incredibly evil demigods, demons, and vile creatures of mysterious origins. Jorel rules Aeternia with a ruthless hand, keeping his power base within the unholy city of Aeternia. The City of Aeternia is infused with darkness and despair, misery and evil, and its inhabitants, the demonkind, yearn for the opportunity to conquer other planes and bring about discord wherever they may go. Jorel’s Sacred Symbols The Burning Eye – This sacred eye symbolizes the chaos and entropy locked within Jorel simply consuming him from within. This process is clearly represented both in a burning eye and an eye devoid of all material substance within it. Swirling Spiral - Like the great storms that sweep across the oceans in both the north and south, the swirling spiral is the embodiment of destruction and chaos upon Telath. Jorel followers have proudly adopted this symbol as their own. The Fanged Wolf - Snarling and spitting acid, this symbol is one the Wolves of Jorel have adopted for their own. They ruthlessly enforce its exclusivity to themselves, having a tendency to see to the immediate destruction of any force or individual that goes by the name wolf or wolves that are not in fact Jorelites. The Broken Sword – Nothing creates order in the universe like a well-forged sword expertly wielded. Break it, and the tide turns and victory is hard one. The Broken Sword also represents Jorel’s fall from Aetheria and unrecoverable transformation into what he is today. Avatas Thorn – Avatas thorns grow abundantly across Aelyeria’s plains in the form of enormous wicked brambles. If left unchecked, they can consume whole fields, even engulf entire forests. Often called ‘Jorel’s Fingers, these wickedly barbed thorny vegetation wrecks havoc on the environment, creating chaos and unbalancing the whole of the natural world. Some druids and herbologists claim this plant is both unholy and unnatural. When one locates an older plant, they can hack off a section, leave it to dry and harden, then come back and form a war club from its wood. Ogres notoriously love this weapon. Rites, Oaths, and Rituals Both the Wolves and Thorns of Jorel have many rituals they commonly participate in. Some are named and well known, while others are covertly practiced in dark rooms in rituals that make no sense to the sane. The Avatas Indoctrination – In this ritual, a would-be priestess takes within herself, normally by consumption the poison from the roots of the Avatas plant. During this ritual she will be wearing a crown, necklace, and bracelets of Avatas Thorns which bury themselves into her skin. Often, these women sicken and all but die from this consumption. If they awake, these women normally find themselves unbound and ready to take their training. The Ivakiatu Ritual - In this ritual, a Wolf will formally accept a Thorn Priestess as his lifetime partner. Often the strongest Wolves will take the strongest thorns. This ceremony is akin to marriage in the eyes of Jorel. At such a time as the Thorn accepts the ritual and makes her vows, the Wolf thus owns her body and soul, expecting full obedience and support for his endeavors. The Siabivu Ritual – In this ritual, a Wolf is formally marked as a Wolf by a senior Thorn Priestess. The ritual involves an actual physical gutting and rebirth within Jorel’s influence. Often the would-be Wolf does not survive. Sigil Bonding – A Thorn Priestess may dedicate her entire life to the destruction or downfall of a person, place, or concept. When she does this, a sigil of power is created and branded into her skin to forever mark her purpose under Jorel’s leadership. Upon completion of the task, the brand invariably disappears. Sacred Places – Sacred Places often include those defiled by both Necromancers and Necrotic Manipulators. They can include sites of mass murder, betrayal and holocaust. Strangely enough the main gates of Aelyria Prime are considered a holy site due to them being the location where Candace threw open the gates to the city and welcomed Antidelivuan within. A Wolf can also create an unholy place by sacrificing a young thorn acolyte and cursing her blood to bless a location. This ritual has no formal name, but it is commonly done to defile Aslan Temples. The acolytes volunteer for this acceptingly. Holidays and Holy Sites Jorelites often celebrate each and every great war and fall of a city as a personal holiday. If an Emperor or Empress has been slain, that too is celebrated. Thus, when tabulated together, each province and indeed each city has at least one or two dates a season that can fall into this category. Holy sites tend to comprise any location that’s been ‘corrupted’ in any form. Especially tainted locations are often the sites of Temples, normally ran by Jorel’s Thorns. Minions and Relatives Meephos – The God of Gluttony and Passion resides within Aeternia and is ruled by Jorel. Meephos and Jorel have a tenuous relationship at best, neither trusting the other. Haya - Wife of Meephos and Goddess of Lust and Pestilence, Haya is often a trial to Jorel. She’s manipulative, seductive, and often involved any number of Meephos’ crazy schemes to gain power and increase his strength. Jalat – The God of Death and the God of Chaos have an easy relationship. Jorel brings Jalat a great deal of power through his actions, and thus the two have an easy understanding that borders on friendship and mutual respect. Prensetta – This giant winged serpent of fire is a seven headed beast that Jorel holds in high esteem. Often found coiling about his Thorn in Aeternia, Prensetta is rumored to be the closest creature to Jorel’s black heart. It was said that her poisonous bite created the Avatas Bramble and lead to the creation of the Thorns. This great flaming serpant diligently protects Aeternia and the Heart of Darkness within it. Like a true Goddess herself, Prensetta is immortal. The Uvak Pack – A true term would be hound, but the Uvak are unlike any creatures seen on Telath. Bred exclusively by Jorel, these immortal creatures can stalk the material fetching any and everything Jorel might desire for himself. It’s said if a mortal earns Jorel’s attention and displeasure, he will set an Uvak or perhaps the entire pack on that person’s trail. Once found by the creatures, the targets are never seen again. The Uvak have the power to traverse the space between Aeternia and the Material, making them incredibly dangerous creatures. Champions and Notables Desuak Vatarus – The first Wolf of Jorel recorded in history. He wielded the Hurricane Blade and was unbonded to a Thorn Priestess. The histories kept by the Thorns say if he had ever bonded, he would have probably resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of Aelyria. Desuak Vatarus lived a thousand years ago in what is now modern day Sheria. Tomalin Kinard – Chief Kalendryan Stargazer of Aelyria Prime and Wolf of Jorel Lethia Dembranus – Receptionist at The Institute of Higher Learning, Thorn Priestess and partner to Tomalin Kinard. Magnus Avalinagras – Seerer of Jorel, now residing in the Temple of Thorns (Primus Countryside) Lady Havina Lestra Ka Neiliva – Thorn of Jorel and leader to the main Temple of Thorn in Prime Province Oji The Eunuch - Jorel's Sorcerer on Telath thought to be roaming the Empire with no home base. Fabian Houk – An rather well-known Wolf residing in Port Alexyandrya Isabel Gorgowitch – Partner to Fabian, this Thorn priestess supports Fabian’s work throughout the PA region of Aelyria. Isabela owns The Red Sky, a business in PA. Throughout Telath, there are other rumors of Wolves and Thorns existing in pairs. Some sets wander, while others have settled into cities and made those places their own. From Eunasia to Diana, across to Taralon and back up across through Arkamat, stories abound though no one actually can confirm such outrageous tales but the Wolves and Thorns themselves. Bases of Power Probably the greatest base of power in the Empire for Jorel is the Temple of Thorns in the Khardran Mountains outside of Aelyria Prime. However, many priestesses of Jorel have split off and wandered near and far in order to found further temples of Jorel. Some of these Jorelites are not necessarily Wolves or Thorns, but they are in fact important people in Jorel’s faith. In virtually each city, a temple can be found of some sort, more often than not hidden. Important Artifacts The Hurricane Blade- This ancient jewelsteel blade is an enormous two-handed broadsword. Set into the hilt is a large clear diamond that seems to contain the whirling pattern of a hurricane in its midst. When swung, this blade unleashes the power of a mega storm and is said to have the capability of leveling cities. No one knows the current location of the Hurricane Blade, but it was the weapon of choice wielded by the first Champion of Jorel, a Wolf named Desuak Vatarus. The Ring of Whispers - While long lost to the Thorns (and rumored to be destroyed), this ring was said to be the single most powerful artifact the Thorns of Jorel had. Worn by the high priestess of the entire group, it allowed her to read the thoughts and feelings of those serving under her. Through it, she was also able to send almost instantaneous messages throughout the Empire to any Thorn anywhere. Now, in the modern day, Rings of Whispers are still created and worn in pairs by the Wolfs and Thorns. They function remarkably the same way the original ring did, except keyed to the blood of the bearers, they simply only allow messages to pass between the pairs with alacrity. Staff of The Iskira - This staff is made of the undead bones of a greater Etos. Infused magically and reworked by Jorel’s very hand, this artifact staff allows The Temple of Thorns to craft Iskira, their infamous undead wolf servants, almost at will. It can create a single Iskira a day, and is said to have unlimited usage. The Staff of The Iskira can only be used by a Necromancer of level 4 or higher, and one that is exclusively dedicated to Jorel.

[Gossamer]

Okay, as promised here's God #2. I need help with Holidays, concepts, anything else anyone wants to add. I see already I need to add a note that the NPCs we have as notables are not ICly known... except if PCs find out in thread... as some has. Also, as usual I'm not perfect in my knowledge of these Gods... so some of this is development, out of the blue stuff, and radically new ideas. Feel free to hash away, debate, fist-fight, and generally have fun hashing on this.

Everyone did a great job with input with Kaimelea, so I expect this one (who's even more popular) to go even better in terms of discussion.

I'm thinking of working on Kalendryas next. If anyone desperately needs a god/goddess done before her, let me know and I can tackle it. Some people have already called 'dibbies' on doing writeups, so I'm leaving those writeups to the 'experts' who have a warm fuzzy for those deities.

[Gossamer]

Oh, also more cultural names? I have a hard time pulling these out of thread an am thinking of starting to just come up with names for different cultures.

[Amber Brightwing]

Organization of the Religion: Right now it sounds like there’s only scattered individuals following Jorel. There’s should be a few cults and temples scattered around though. Nothing unified Empire wide, but organized nonetheless IMHO.

Jorel vs. Jalat:
I don’t think they should be buddies. In fact, it should be quite the opposite. Jalat is in many ways a more neutral deity IMHO. Jalat wouldn’t like that Jorel send people over before their time more then he’d like that they kept living longer then they should. Think of pushing the balance to the wrong side.
Evidence of their not getting along:
* They fought over Avanthar, making him eventually switch sides. Jalat even asked Avanthar to kill his own daughter because she was a Jorel spawn (though he was given an alternative as well).
* They’ve been fighting over who’s the main deity in Vortex (currently Jalat).

Bases of Power: there’s some remnants in Vortex, though Jalat is the primary deity these days. Not sure if it counts as anything major.

[Gossamer]

Thanks Amber, I'll note those for changes in later drafts. What does everyone else think about this? Can you give me some examples of these temples and cults? I know you have a far broader sense of the history of this game in terms of Vortex and a few other darker areas.

[Bruce]

Change the color of the font....dark blue is hard to read.....

[Jamie Almari]

I love it. I do think Amber is correct in the Jalat-Jorel bit.

As far as temples go, I think Jorel is the most underplayed Aetherian deity this side of Meephos, so....yeah. I wouldn't know of any.

But this looks more like a final draft than a first!

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The Nameless God or the Dark Deity as the name given to him by the traditionalistic Vagarans

It's a feared deity that receives human sacrifices in times of need to be appeased, very mysterious at least in their point of view. It's still a concept to be added in the Vagaran write-up but I guess they could consider him the responsible for their downfall in the past and forced migration to the Medonian Continent.

[Amber Brightwing]

As far as cults: I think Jorelites in Vortex are fairly scattered at the moment, though I'm not sure. You'd have to ask Kalinda if there's any organization left. Vortex has a ruin of a temple and I know Herrozal has a a temple of Jorel, but I don't know about any other places.

[Joshua Ravencroft]

I agree, Jalat should really be a neutral Deity if he's to judge when people are to die.

[Gossamer]

We should probably debate Jalat in the Jalat thread! IF/When one gets posted! I'm totally down with Amber's suggested changes. Consider them done. :P

[Amber Brightwing]

Just thought of a rather important thing that wasn't mentioned: Orks. Isn't Jorel their primary deity? Also, another temple would be the Jorel Spire.

And perhaps the Udran Beydir are worth mentioning as well.

[Gossamer]

I have the Udran Beydir on the list of additions. Jorel spire is not .. added it now. No clue about Orcs.