Cornutus, The Horned God
(a.k.a. The Lord Of Labyrinths)
"Cornutus is the shadow in the maze, the fury in the storm, and the strength in our blood. He teaches us that life is a labyrinth of chaos, and only those who wield confusion as a weapon shall emerge triumphant. In his horns lies our salvation, and in his vengeance, our purpose."Cornutus, The Horned God, is a vengeful and enigmatic deity whose name is whispered with equal parts fear and reverence. The malevolent deity of mazes, confusion, and the minotaur race was once the revered god of travel, direction, and maps, until these domains were stolen by treacherous gods, casting him into his own creation, The Endless Labyrinth. From this twisted realm of shifting walls and eternal darkness, he broods and schemes, embodying the primal power of confusion, survival, and domination. The Lord of Labyrinths is the creator of the minotaur race, who serve as both his chosen vessels of chaos and symbols of his indomitable will. His form reflects his nature, a towering, scarred figure with massive black horns, bare-chested and wielding a double-bladed greataxe forged from the essence of his rage, or a blood-red bull with an aura of primal menace. His followers embrace his philosophy of strength through struggle, spreading his chaotic influence through labyrinthine shrines, deadly trials, and acts of misdirection. Though imprisoned in his maze, consumed by vengeance and chaos, Cornutus remains a potent force in the world, his influence rippling through cults, warriors, and sorcerers who carry out his will. His ultimate goal is clear, to reclaim his stolen domains, bring the gods to their knees, and crown himself the supreme arbiter of chaos and power.
Realm
Cornutus resides in The Endless Labyrinth, a nightmarish realm of twisting corridors, shifting walls, and perpetual darkness. This plane is a manifestation of his bitter philosophy, embodying confusion, disorientation, and the struggle for survival. The labyrinth is infinite in scale, with no fixed boundaries or center. Its pathways constantly change, making navigation nearly impossible without Cornutus’s will or favor. The realm is filled with oppressive shadows, the air thick with the distant echoes of anguished roars, clashing steel, and the heavy thuds of unseen footsteps. Throughout the labyrinth, traps, illusions, and monstrous guardians lurk, ensuring that only the strongest and most cunning can traverse it, and even they rarely emerge unscathed. At the heart of The Endless Labyrinth lies The Bloodstone Bastion, a colossal fortress built of black, jagged stone veined with molten red light. This is Cornutus’s seat of power, where he broods upon his stolen domains and revels in the despair of those trapped in his realm. The Bastion’s throne room is dominated by a massive horned skull, believed to belong to the first of the titans Cornutus slew to cement his godhood. The Endless Labyrinth serves as both his dominion and his prison, a paradoxical reflection of his fall and his ongoing quest for revenge and power. Those who worship Cornutus believe that dying in his service grants them the chance to wander his labyrinth for eternity, earning his favor, or being consumed by it.Divine Domains
Cornutus holds dominion over several divine domains, each reflecting his multifaceted nature as the God of mazes, deception, and Minotaurs. These domains reflect his twisted nature, driving his philosophy of chaos, domination, and perpetual struggle.
Major Domains:
Mazes And Confusion: Cornutus rules over the concept of labyrinths, both physical and metaphorical. He governs the twisting paths that disorient and confound, embodying the challenges of navigation and the struggles of survival in the face of chaos. Minotaurs: As the creator of the minotaur race, Cornutus holds absolute dominion over their existence, culture, and purpose. He values their strength, cunning, and ferocity, viewing them as reflections of his own primal nature. Deception And Misdirection: Cornutus thrives in the realm of lies, illusions, and false paths. He manipulates perceptions, ensuring that clarity and truth remain elusive.Minor Domains:
Strength And Survival: While no longer his primary focus, Cornutus holds sway over the raw strength and endurance needed to survive the harsh trials of life, particularly for those lost or trapped. Revenge: As a deity wronged by other gods, Cornutus embodies the relentless pursuit of vengeance, particularly against those who rob or betray. Cursed And Forbidden Knowledge: Cornutus has a connection to ancient, forbidden maps and knowledge of pathways and places long forgotten or hidden. This minor domain ties into his stolen dominion over travel and direction, reflecting his ongoing bitterness and thirst for reclamation."What is a maze but life made manifest? It is chaos and choice, fear and determination, and in the end, Cornutus is its king."
Holy Books & Codes
The Veins Of The Maze: This tomes author is unknown, but it is said to have been written by Cornutus himself, through divine inspiration. Although its date is lost to history, it is believed to be the oldest holy text of Cornutus. This esoteric tome is written in a maddening, spiral-like script that some claim can drive readers insane if studied for too long. It outlines Cornutus’s philosophy of chaos and dominance, focusing on his hatred for the gods who betrayed him and his ultimate goal of reclaiming his stolen domains. The book also serves as a metaphorical guide to navigating life’s labyrinths, though its contradictory passages make it nearly impossible to follow.
The Labyrinth Codex: Said to have been written aproximately 6,000 years ago by Maltrox the Twisted, a mortal prophet said to have survived 99 days in The Endless Labyrinth. This chaotic scripture is a fragmented collection of visions, prayers, and parables meant to guide followers through both literal and metaphorical mazes. The codex describes Cornutus’s fall from the domains of travel and his creation of the minotaurs, as well as cryptic instructions for constructing labyrinthine shrines. Its passages are deliberately ambiguous, encouraging readers to interpret their own “paths” to power and enlightenment.
The Horned Grimoire: Penned about 4,500 years ago by Dascax Wildblood, a minotaur sorcerer and high priest of Cornutus. This grimoire is a spellbook and ritual manual that contains instructions for summoning Cornutus’s favor, creating magical mazes, and invoking illusions or traps. The book also includes detailed rituals for blood sacrifices and trials of strength, as well as chants said to draw Cornutus’s attention. It is highly sought after by both his followers and opponents for its arcane power.
The Trial Of Horns: Written around 2,800 years ago by Vengral Rathstrike, a legendary champion of Cornutus. Part scripture, part epic, this text recounts the trials faced by Vengral, a mortal warrior who earned Cornutus’s favor by completing a series of deadly challenges. It serves as both inspiration for followers seeking to prove their worth and a detailed guide for constructing trials in Cornutus’s honor. The text emphasizes the importance of strength, cunning, and the relentless pursuit of power.
These holy texts are grim and chaotic works that reflect Cornutus’s philosophy and domains. Written by his followers or inspired by his divine influence, these texts are often cryptic, disjointed, and filled with allegories of mazes and trials. They are held in high regard by Cornutus’s followers, often hidden in labyrinthine shrines or fiercely guarded by his priests. They serve as both sacred guides and tools for spreading his chaotic influence.
Tenets of Faith
The tenets of faith for the followers of Cornutus reflect his philosophy of confusion, domination, and survival. These tenets guide Cornutus’s cultists and worshipers, fostering a religion steeped in chaos, ambition, and unrelenting struggle.
Honor The Minotaur: The minotaur is the divine reflection of Cornutus. Its strength, ferocity, and cunning are sacred. Worshipers must revere the minotaurs as holy beings and emulate their primal power.
Strength Through Struggle: Life is a labyrinth of challenges. Only through enduring hardship and prevailing against confusion can true strength be forged. Weakness is to be despised, and only the cunning and strong deserve to lead.
Embrace The Maze: Confusion and chaos are divine. Do not fear the unknown or the twisting paths of life, instead, embrace them as tools to confound your enemies and assert your dominance.
Dominate Or Be Devoured: Power belongs to those who seize it. Manipulate, deceive, and crush those who stand in your way. Mercy is for the weak, and clarity is for fools.
Seek Revenge Relentlessly: Betrayal and theft of power are sins that must be repaid. Cornutus teaches his followers to never forget a slight or wrong. Vengeance is a holy duty, pursued without hesitation.
Trust In Confusion: Clear paths and straightforward answers are traps set by the unworthy. Followers of Cornutus must rely on their instincts and embrace misdirection, ensuring that they are never predictable.
Holidays
Followers of Cornutus celebrate grim and chaotic holidays that honor their god's philosophy and domains. These occasions often involve rituals of cunning, power, sacrifice, and revenge. These holidays serve to reinforce Cornutus's teachings of strength, survival, and chaos, binding his followers to his labyrinthine philosophy.
The Maze Of Trials: Is the most revered of Cornutus’s holidays. It is an annual event held during the darkest night of the year. Participants must navigate a deadly labyrinth filled with traps, illusions, and monsters, testing their faith and survival skills. Only those who survive and reach the labyrinth’s center are deemed worthy of Cornutus’s blessing. At the center, sacrifices, often in the form of defeated foes or beasts, are offered to honor the god’s dominion over mazes and struggle.
The Horned Ascension: Is another significant celebration and is held during the first full moon after the spring equinox. This holiday honors the creation of the minotaurs and their sacred connection to Cornutus. Worshipers don horned masks, reenact the myths of the first minotaurs, and engage in ritual combat to display their strength and cunning. It is a day of reverence for primal power and a reminder of the divine favor Cornutus bestows upon those who embody his ideals.
The Day Of Misdirection: Perhaps the most chaotic of all holidays, is celebrated on a random day each year, its date is revealed only by the high priest of Cornutus. This holiday is dedicated to confusion and deception, with followers competing to sow discord among their communities or enemies. Elaborate pranks, schemes, and acts of misdirection are orchestrated to humiliate or discredit rivals, and the cleverest or most impactful deeds earn the blessings of Cornutus.
The Blood-Ax Feast: Commemorated on the anniversary of Cornutus’s rebellion against the gods who betrayed him. On this day, followers gather to recount tales of vengeance and defiance, holding grand feasts in his honor. Sacrifices, often of defeated foes, traitors, or animals are made at altars shaped like his double-bladed axe, and their blood is used to anoint the worshipers. This holiday reinforces the sacred duty of revenge and serves as a reminder of Cornutus’s eternal struggle to reclaim his stolen domains. Together, these holidays forge a community bound by strength, cunning, and devotion to their god’s labyrinthine teachings.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
Known Goals:
Spreading Chaos And Confusion: Cornutus actively seeks to unravel order and clarity in the mortal and divine realms, promoting disarray through mazes, misdirection, and deception. His followers aim to construct labyrinthine shrines and sow discord among communities. Dominating Through Strength: Cornutus desires his worshipers to rise in power, using their cunning and might to dominate those weaker than themselves. He views this as a reflection of his divine will, ensuring that only the strong thrive in his name. Reverence Of The Minotaurs: He seeks to expand the influence of his minotaur creations, pushing them to become feared symbols of his divine power. He commands his followers to spread tales of their ferocity and establish them as sacred beings.Secret Goals:
Reclaiming His Stolen Domains: Cornutus harbors an eternal grudge against the gods who stole his dominion over travel, direction, and maps. He schemes to reclaim these domains, by usurping the deities who now hold them and through a future divine war that will reshape the pantheon. Escaping The Endless Labyrinth: Though Cornutus rules the labyrinth, it is also his prison, imposed by the gods who betrayed him. Secretly, he seeks to break free and bring his chaos into the mortal and divine realms alike. Becoming A Supreme God Of Chaos: Cornutus’s ultimate ambition is to ascend beyond his current power and become the uncontested deity of chaos and destruction, spreading his labyrinthine influence across all planes of existence."When the horns of the great bull are seen in the sky, know that you are already lost. His labyrinth waits for all."
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Cornutus's avatar may appear differently to different people depending on his mood and circumstances, however he is always a terrifying and awe-inspiring figure. His primary form is that of a towering humanoid with distinctly minotaur-like features. His skin is a deep, reddish-brown hue, giving him the appearance of blood-stained earth. His head is crowned with massive, curling black horns etched with infernal runes that faintly glow with malevolent power. His face is a blend of human and beast, with piercing golden eyes that burn with a baleful light, a flattened nose, and sharp teeth visible in a perpetual sneer or snarl.
He is broad-shouldered and heavily muscled, his physique radiating raw, primal power. His chest is bare, revealing scars from countless battles and faint, glowing runes that seem to shift and writhe across his skin. He wears a scarlet loincloth embroidered with intricate gold patterns, its fine craftsmanship in stark contrast to his brutal and savage aura.
Cornutus wields a massive greataxe with a shaft of blood-red metal and black, jagged blades that seem to absorb light. The weapon hums with dark energy, its edges gleaming as though freshly sharpened. When he moves, the ground beneath him seems to tremble slightly, and his presence exudes an oppressive aura of dread.
In his alternate form, Cornutus appears as a gigantic, blood-red bull. His coat shimmers like liquid fire, and his long, black horns seem impossibly sharp, radiating an aura of menace. This form emphasizes his primal connection to the beasts he created, embodying his unrelenting ferocity and destructive will.
Mental characteristics
Morality & Philosophy
Cornutus, embodies a philosophy of domination through confusion and control. He views life as an endless maze where only the strongest, most cunning, and most ruthless deserve to find their way to power. Deception, manipulation, and the exploitation of weakness are virtues in his eyes, and he teaches his followers that clarity is an illusion meant to comfort the weak. He believes that order and direction are tools of oppression, stolen from him by lesser beings who feared his ability to shape destinies.
His morality is rooted in a perverse sense of justice, revenge against those who seek order, and the promotion of chaos as a natural state. Cornutus values strength, ambition, and survival, but he scorns compassion, fairness, and unity, seeing them as the tools of those who wronged him. He revels in watching his creations struggle through their own labyrinths, seeing it as a reflection of his own lost dominion over the pathways of existence. To him, power is earned through struggle, and mercy is the sign of a weak will.
by by Me with Dall-E
Divine Classification
God - Iterums
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
Circumstances of Birth
After the war amongst the Gods, Cornutus coalesced from some of the various divine essences that were lost from the wounded Gods.
Birthplace
The Divine Essence
Children
Current Residence
The Bloodstone Bastion, in the realm known as The Endless Labyrinth.
Gender
Male
Eyes
His eyes are a menacing golden that burn with a harsh light.
Hair
His hair is a tough, wiry black mane.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
His skin a dark reddish-brown, reminiscent of dried blood.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The divine symbols and sigils of Cornutus reflect his dominion over mazes, confusion, and his primal, feral power. These symbols are carved onto labyrinthine shrines, worn as amulets by his followers, and etched into cursed weapons or traps. They are often associated with trials of strength, rites of revenge, or the worship of chaos. The labyrinth and axe symbolize confusion and destruction, while the bull’s shadow reminds worshipers of Cornutus’s omnipresence and unrelenting power. The Horned Labyrinth: A spiraling, horned maze rendered in dark red and black. The maze’s design resembles the horns of a bull set on circular maze, with no discernible entrance or exit. This symbol represents endless struggle, confusion, and the inescapable grip of Cornutus’s influence. The Bloodstone Axe: A stylized depiction of his double-bladed greataxe, with its blades forming the edges of a fractured labyrinth. This represents Cornutus’s destructive power, his role as a brutal enforcer of chaos, and his drive for vengeance. The Bull’s Shadow: A blood-red bull with deep black horns, its shadow forming a jagged, maze-like pattern. This is a mark of his primal strength and his claim over both physical and metaphysical mazes.Religious Artifacts:
The Axe Of The Labyrinth: A massive double-bladed greataxe with a red metal shaft and black, jagged blades that absorb light. Runes of confusion and chaos writhe across its surface. The axe can create illusory labyrinths around its wielder’s enemies, disorienting and trapping them, and it delivers devastating blows that cause shockwaves. Forged by Cornutus himself in The Endless Labyrinth, during his rebellion against the gods, eons ago. The Axe Of The Labyrinth is Cornutus’s personal weapon, said to embody his hatred for the gods who betrayed him. Worshipers believe it will one day cleave open the prison of The Endless Labyrinth, allowing him to escape and exact his revenge. The Mazeheart Amulet: A pulsating, black gemstone encased in a maze-like gold lattice. It allows the wearer to navigate any labyrinth or maze, physical or magical, with ease. It also grants the power to disorient nearby foes, causing them to become lost even in open spaces. It is believed to have been created by Maltrox the Twisted, the mortal prophet of Cornutus over 6,000 years ago. The Mazeheart Amulet is revered as a sacred tool of Cornutus’s faithful, used in trials of survival or gifted to those embarking on missions to spread his influence. The Horned Crown: A twisted iron circlet adorned with black bull horns and set with glowing crimson gemstones. It grants the wearer the ability to command minotaurs and summon labyrinthine structures or magical barriers. However, prolonged use drives the wearer to madness, as their mind becomes lost in an endless maze. Crafted by Verlax Bloodhorn, a high priest of Cornutus, approximately 4,000 years ago. The Horned Crown is both a symbol of leadership within The Horned Covenant and a dangerous relic. It is often passed down among the cult’s leaders, though many have met their demise from the artifact’s corrupting influence. The Labyrinth Shard: A fragment of obsidian said to have broken off from The Bloodstone Bastion itself, Cornutus’s fortress in The Endless Labyrinth. The shard constantly shifts in shape, and its wielder can use it to create temporary mazes or summon shadowy guardians to trap their enemies. It is said to have been gifted by Cornutus to Vengral Rathstrike, his chosen champion approximately 2,800 years ago. The Labyrinth Shard is a relic of immense power, passed among Cornutus’s most devoted warriors. It is believed to hold a fragment of his divine essence, making it both a powerful tool and a dangerous burden. The Pathbreaker Chain: A black, spiked chain covered in infernal runes. When wielded, it can shatter magical barriers, unravel teleportation spells, and sever connections to divine guidance, leaving its victims lost and vulnerable. Forged by The Maze Weavers, around 2,200 years ago. The Pathbreaker Chain is used by Cornutus’s followers to disrupt and sabotage those who rely on order, travel, or divine intervention, reinforcing his hatred for the gods who stole his domains."He is the horned shadow in every lost wanderer’s terror, the whisper behind every wrong turn. No place is safe from his reach."
Worshipers Of Cornutus
The Horned Covenant: The most prominent cult devoted to Cornutus, the Horned Covenant operates in secrecy, constructing hidden labyrinthine temples and shrines to honor their god. Members of the covenant are fanatically loyal, believing that through confusion and chaos, Cornutus will one day reclaim his stolen domains and bring his labyrinthine will to all realms. The covenant is structured in a hierarchical maze of deception, with lower ranking members often unaware of the true identities of their leaders. Rituals include blood sacrifices, trials of survival, and elaborate ceremonies reenacting Cornutus’s battles against the gods. The Labyrinthine Guard: A militant order serving Cornutus, the Labyrinthine Guard is composed of hardened warriors, many of whom are minotaurs or mortals who have proven themselves in deadly trials. They act as enforcers of Cornutus’s will, protecting his shrines, carrying out his vengeance on enemies, and spreading his chaos by disrupting trade routes, desecrating maps, and creating literal and metaphorical confusion in the world. The Maze Weavers: A shadowy sect of sorcerers and illusionists, the Maze Weavers use their mastery of magic to create disorienting illusions, cursed mazes, and magical traps. They believe their craft is divinely inspired by Cornutus, and they often serve as advisors to leaders within his cult. The Maze Weavers are also known to infiltrate enemy organizations, spreading paranoia and chaos from within.Opponents Of Cornutus
The Pathkeepers: A holy order dedicated to opposing Cornutus’s influence, the Pathkeepers revere a rival deity who embodies clarity, order, and the sanctity of travel. They work to preserve sacred routes, protect travelers from Cornutus’s schemes, and destroy his hidden shrines and labyrinths. Their members are skilled cartographers, trackers, and warriors who dedicate their lives to ensuring that no one falls victim to Cornutus’s chaotic grip. The Cartographer’s Guild: This organization of scholars, explorers, and mapmakers indirectly opposes Cornutus by safeguarding the knowledge he despises. Though not religious in nature, the guild views Cornutus as a dire threat to their mission of mapping and understanding the world. They often collaborate with the Pathkeepers to recover sacred maps or artifacts that Cornutus’s followers seek to corrupt or destroy. The Order Of The Unbroken Thread: A mystical group that views life as a divine tapestry of interconnected paths, The Order Of The Unbroken Thread believes Cornutus’s chaos threatens the balance of existence. They use divination, prophecy, and their deep understanding of fate to counteract his schemes. The order is known for unraveling labyrinths, both physical and metaphorical, and rescuing those trapped by Cornutus’s influence.Rumors
The Endless Labyrinth Grows: It is said that Cornutus’s prison, The Endless Labyrinth, is not confined to his realm but slowly spreads into the mortal world. Those who become lost in dense forests, sprawling cities, or desolate canyons might actually be wandering into fragments of his domain. A Map To Freedom: A forbidden artifact known as The Map Of The Broken Horn is rumored to contain the only path out of The Endless Labyrinth. Some claim it is hidden in a forgotten temple, guarded by Cornutus’s most loyal minotaurs. The First Minotaur’s Return: Cultists whisper that Cornutus plans to resurrect the first and most powerful minotaur, a divine champion who will lead his followers to conquer the mortal world in preparation for his escape. Gods Watch In Fear: Despite his imprisonment, some believe that the gods who stole Cornutus’s domains secretly fear him, knowing he still holds power to unravel their influence over travel, direction, and order. The Curse Of The Labyrinth Sigil: A strange mark resembling an intricate maze sometimes appears on people who oppose Cornutus or desecrate his shrines. Those who are cursed by the sigil are said to lose their sense of direction entirely, wandering aimlessly until they perish. The Minotaur King’s Throne: Legend tells of a throne hidden deep in The Endless Labyrinth, forged from the bones of fallen gods. Whoever sits upon it may gain the power to challenge Cornutus himself, but none have returned to confirm its existence."In the labyrinth of life, there is no mercy, no straight path, only the will of Cornutus, who forges us through struggle and shapes us with chaos. To follow him is to embrace strength, to defy the weak, and to carve our fate with his horns as our guide."
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