Name: Tlanextli
Epithet: The False-Thrown Sun
Physical Description: Suspiciously human in appearance, Tlanextli is a giant of a man with dark bronze skin and a physique akin to an ox. A radiant glow of light emanates from him, akin more to an angel than demon. He wears a loincloth, dyed in red, yellow and black hues and a bronze belt it firmly attached to his torso. A resplendent golden mask hides the former deity's face, showing a permanent calmness in its place. Along the top of the masks, long feathers stretch out backwards, radiating a rainbow of colours. From his shoulders a cloak of similar feathers hangs by.
Mental Description: Tlanextli radiates an aura of calmness and those who speak with him find little else to believe. The man is rarely if at all, emotional. Only in great moments of victory or loss, does the False-Thrown Sun dare speak his mind. In those moments, most realise that Tlanextli is capable of at least some emotion; he simply thinks its a weakness. Though stoic, Tlanextli is known by all to be honourble (to a point), merciful (to a point) and pragmatic. Others who know him closely are greatly aware of his loyalty obsession and the many 'traitors' roasting under his abodes.
Bio: It is an open secret that Tlanextli was not a demon, a mortal or even an angel. He was born something higher entirely; a god of men. The son of the Old-Sun-Wandering, he had been forged on the second day of creation. From the start, he had been given a purpose: descend unto the realms of men and ensure they obeyed the rules of mortals and their obligations to the gods. For many a mortal generation he oversaw the rise of grand cities and temples, each abiding with divine plans and each offering to the gods . Without their sustenance, the gods would weaken and the world would descend into Death.
Sustenance, as Tlanextli was aware, was the blood-essence of mortals. To perform their duties, the gods feasted on mortal life and Tlanextli ensured the supply remained constant. For many a lifetime, Tlanextli carried out his task without trouble, ensuring the mortals did as they were required. In those days, Tlanextli eventually became content, and eased his rule. He became decadent, participating in the shallow celebrations and entertainment of lowborn cattle. For all he cared, as long as the blood flowed, he could do as he liked.
In his decadence, Tlanextli did not see his own downfall. Manuia, Deer-Who-Mourns, had been assigned another duty by the Old-Sun-Wandering. Where Tlanextli ruled civilisation and ensured it continued to function, Manuia was trusted with overseeing the happiness of mortals from cradle to grave. Though in the beginning she carried out her task with due diligence, the realisation that billions of mortal souls were being extinguished to keep the gods alive came to trouble her. In time, she came to believe that their sacrifice was so wrong, that it would be better for the world to die than to continue the cycle.
Walking amongst the people, she established a cult to herself and herself only, one that spoke of liberation and freedom from tyranny. Manuia neglected to tell them that the world would end as a consequence, knowing many would rather keep the world intact than see all men free.
At first, Tlanextli cared little, thinking that his sister had simply gone mad. It was only after Manuia engineered the assassination of several of their siblings that Tlanextli finally roused himself to action. By then, it was too late. No matter what he threw at Manuia, she countered with the power derived from billions of zealous worshipers . Meteors were made pebbles. Tidal waves reduced to ponds and great armies turned into blades of grass.
In time, Tlanextli saw his whole work come to ruin. The great cities were now Manuia's and even now, the temples burnt and broke. Atop his last temple, surrounded by his faithful, he came to a final and life-changing decision. Taking the last five million of his loyal souls, he consumed them all. With the burst of power, he ripped a portal in reality, in direct contradiction with the laws of the Old Sun. Though knowing his father's rage, he knew no other option but to flee.
Where he would turn up, Tlanextli knew not himself. Through the nebulous rifts between realities, he found himself in the demonic city of Bloom. Unfamiliar territory, it took him some time to come to terms with his new home. When he did however, he found it little different from the ways of his family; keep to the 'law', obey the elders and strengthen your own position. Over the span of millenniums, Tlanextli eventually secured for himself a powerbase, after millenniums under Soulrot's employment. With his forces and new appointment, he believes he can finally begin his long-due vengeance on Manuia. Even now, he thinks on the eternity-long torture the traitor sibling would endure.
Affiliations
-Soulrot, Master of Servants: Tlanextli had seen in Soulrot a godlike soul; he too preferred to keep mortals around, willing ones at that. He had been Tlanextli's first major employer and and an almost father-like mentor. Soulrot, in turn, has always liked how Tlanextli dealt with the help, ensuring that they served willingly. Though not strictly Tlanextli's master (not since Tlanextli decision to work for himself some time ago), Soulrot does have a great influence on the former god's decisions.
-Telu and Mar, Masters of Souls: Tlanextli has had a long professional relationship with the sisters, turning over treasonous subordinates and enemies to the forge. A millennium into this relationship, the trio got amazingly drunk and awoke surrounded by angels in another realm entirely. Their fireforged friendship, though a rarity in Bloom, has survived the political upheaval of the city.
Contacts
- Orjoz, Bound Phantom Menace. A shade of his former self, Orjoz is a ghost of an obese orc. Somewhat tall, he floats with what seems with a waddle and can usually be seen to be wearing thick velvet robes. Officially serving as Orjoz' administrator and magical advisor, he also keeps tabs on the politics and economy of Bloom. Prior to his death Orjoz had been a prominent scholar of his world, but had always sought power. A Faustian deal with a few 'minor' demons soon saw him lay waste to his home continent and the beginnings of a new conquest on a great land across the seas. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Orjoz missed the microscopic 65th clause of his agreement with the demons; the orc's soul was to be brought to Asudarai once he crowned himself emperor. A few centuries of service to Asundarai saw Orjoz become involved in minor intrigue within the Empress' court. After a failed plot to be seated next to the Empress, Orjoz was slain by a fellow slave. Soulrot, seeing an opportunity, ordered Tlanextli to acquire the new soul. With a few favours, the soul was given new sapience and has served Soulrot faithfully ever since. With Tlanextli's departure to the mortal realm, Orjoz has been assigned to advise him as well as keep Soulrot informed on the Ebon City. More importantly, he ensures Tlanextli feels Soulrot's influence in every decision.
- Anne Marie, Harlequin of Bloom. A demonic humanoid, the being known as Anne Marie is of reddish complexion and bears four ramlike horns. Anne Marie is fully dressed in harlequin's gear, completely covering her slender frame. Bearing a black masque of permanent glee, Anne Marie's true feelings are rarely known, although she seems to speak in a singsong jovial tone. Though to many 'new' residents of Bloom Anne Marie's dress is peculiar, older residents remember the days when the Circus was a major player in Bloom. Lead by the Six Head Honchos (and worshipers of the Ringmaster), the Circus held a near monopoly on assassination, entertainment and mortal slaves. In hushed rumours, it used to be said that they could order the deaths of nearly a quarter of Bloom's notables and succeed on the same day. Of course, such monopolies of power are rarely tolerated for long and the Circus was soon forced to move elsewhere by a coalition of the strongest surviving demons. Anne Marie, for whatever reason, decided to stay when the rest of her guild left and has thrived in Bloom ever since, some would say even better now that she's gone solo. Though she is officially a simple entertainer, only an idiot would not know that she also maintains an impressive spy network both in Bloom and the mortal world...although it is of course quite pricy. How Tlanextli ever earned the honour of her 'signfiicant discounts' is a riddle to the ages.
- Ehecatl, Mesenger of the Winds. A green-scaled and blue-red feathered serpent, Ehecatl is a cherished ally of Tlanextli. One of the few denizens of Tlanextli's own world, it took him four centuries to track down the elusive wind serpent and convince him to aid his ambitions. Ehecatl, through his own adventures through reality, had accrued himself a brood of followers throughout reality, all who think him a god. A such, he has been able to acquire a hoard of items items and a band of 'heroes' . Like Tianextli, Ehecatl is also gathering his forces to retake the Homeworld. He is willing to aid Tlanextli, as long his deals are honoured, he is paid kindly, and what he requires is not too demonically sinister.
Author
Topic: The Ebon Pact [Intro: Entrenched] (Read 17900 times)