Spurcus, God Of Beasts
"In the shadows of the ancient forest, where the whispers of beasts and the rustle of leaves become one, Spurcus walks. He is the antlered guardian, the primal truth, the wild’s eternal roar. To honor him is to honor life itself, in all its untamed splendor."Spurcus, God Of Beasts, reigns as the eternal guardian of the animal kingdom and the balance of nature. Born from the noble sacrifice of and Mircea, Goddess of Forest Plants Animals, and Gozdnih, God of the Forest, Spurcus embodies their legacy, carrying their essence within his primal being. He is a towering figure of raw, untamed power, blending the traits of predator and prey, with golden eyes that reflect the wisdom and ferocity of the wild. Spurcus is both protector and arbiter, ensuring the harmony of life and death that sustains the natural world. His presence is felt in the roar of a lion, the whisper of a forest breeze, and the resolute instincts of all living creatures. Although venerated widely by elves, Spurcus’ influence transcends race and creed, inspiring fervent worship by druids, rangers, and tribes who revere the wild. Spurcus inspires a faith centered on respect for the interconnectedness of all life. His followers, united by their devotion, celebrate his influence through sacred rituals, legendary artifacts, and fierce defense of the untamed lands. Yet Spurcus is not without his mysteries. Whispers of his secret goals, restoring his creators, waging an eternal hunt, or unleashing wrath upon those who desecrate the wild, linger in the minds of even his most devout. To know Spurcus is to embrace the primal instincts within, to stand as both ally and guardian of the wild, and to seek harmony within the fierce beauty of the natural order.
Realm
Spurcus resides in The Eternal Wilds, a sprawling, untamed divine realm that mirrors the raw and unyielding beauty of nature. The Eternal Wilds is a boundless expanse of ancient forests, rolling savannas, jagged mountains, and deep, shadowed caves. Every environment thrives with vibrant, otherworldly life, from luminescent plants to colossal mythical beasts. The air hums with the sounds of nature, roaring predators, rustling leaves, and the distant calls of birds and beasts. Time flows differently here, cycling through endless seasons that embody the full spectrum of life, growth, decay, death, and renewal. The very fabric of the realm is alive, with rivers coursing like veins and trees whispering the wisdom of eons. At the heart of The Eternal Wilds lies The Primordial Grove, a sacred, glowing glade where Spurcus manifests most frequently. Here, the spirits of animals, both ancient and newly departed, gather, and it is said this grove is where new life in the mortal realm is envisioned and sent forth.Divine Domains
Spurcus, as the God Of Beasts, wields influence over a range of divine domains. These domains reflect his power over animals, the balance of life and death, wild instincts, and the relationships between mortals and animals.
Major Domains:
Beasts And Animals: Spurcus holds absolute dominion over all creatures, from the smallest insects to the mightiest predators. He governs their instincts, behaviors, and the delicate balance between predator and prey. This domain also extends to the spirits of animals, ensuring their place in the eternal cycle of life and death.
Life And Death (In The Natural Order): Spurcus governs the cycles of birth, growth, decay, and renewal in the wild. He ensures the balance of life and death among creatures, rejecting any attempts to unnaturally disrupt this harmony, such as necromancy or destructive exploitation.
Wild Instincts And Primal Strength: Spurcus influences the raw, unrefined instincts present in all living beings, including mortals. He grants strength and clarity to those who embrace their primal nature, whether in battle, survival, or moments of pure, unrestrained emotion.
Minor Domains:
Hunting And Survival: Spurcus guides those who hunt with respect and need rather than greed. His blessings favor hunters and foragers who uphold the natural balance and show reverence to the creatures they rely on for sustenance.
Animal Communication And Kinship: Spurcus fosters the bonds between mortals and animals, granting insight to those who seek understanding with beasts. Rangers, druids, and shamans who seek his favor often find themselves able to form deeper connections with their animal companions.
Harmony Of Ecosystems: While his focus lies heavily on the fierce aspects of nature, Spurcus also oversees the subtle interplay of ecosystems, ensuring that even the smallest creatures have their place in the grand design of the natural world.
Holy Books & Codes
The Primal Codex: Written by Ospurcallan Wildstand, the elven druidic elder. This is a foundational scripture detailing the teachings, tenets, and rituals of Spurcus’s faith. It is divided into three sections: The Way of the Wild, outlining the philosophy of harmony and balance, The Beast’s Blessings, listing rituals and prayers to honor animals, and The Keeper’s Path, guidance for followers in protecting the wilds. The codex is considered a sacred text, often transcribed onto bark or vellum.
The Howl Eternal: Written by an unknown hand and claimed to be channeled directly from Spurcus by The Howling Choir. This is a collection of hymns, chants, and poetic verses meant to evoke the primal spirit within all living beings. It emphasizes emotional connection with nature and animals, often used in ceremonial gatherings. The Howl Eternal is believed to hold passages that contain hidden meanings only understood through trance or vision.
The Cycle Of Claw And Root: Collected by Bearox Mossbone, the half-orc Warden of The Wildkin Circle. This is a practical guide to survival, hunting, and coexisting with the natural world, written with reverence for Spurcus. It includes instructions for sustainable living, crafting animal-safe traps, and performing rites of gratitude after hunts. This book is highly valued by rangers and wilderness dwellers.
The Beastseer’s Testament: Composed by Cassilindra Faunwatch, the Beastwardens seer. This is an enigmatic text contains prophecies and visions purportedly granted by Spurcus, detailing a future where the natural balance is threatened by mortal hubris. The text is cryptic, with vivid descriptions of apocalyptic battles between beasts and corrupted forces. Many followers interpret it as a warning to remain vigilant against threats to the wild.
The Branching Path: Penned by the centaur philosopher, Gallanor Forestpride. This is a philosophical exploration of the bond between mortals and animals, arguing for the spiritual equality of all living beings. It is often cited during theological debates and by Spurcus’s clergy to emphasize the importance of unity between species.
Each of these works reflects different facets of Spurcus’s faith, providing followers with both practical and spiritual guidance. They are revered as sacred artifacts, often stored in hidden sanctuaries or passed down through oral tradition in wild regions.
Tenets of Faith
These tenets guide Spurcus’s followers, inspiring them to uphold the harmony of the natural world while embracing their own primal nature.
Honor The Balance: Recognize and respect the natural cycles of life, death, and renewal. Take only what you need, and give back to the land and its creatures.
Revere All Beasts: Every animal, from the smallest insect to the greatest predator, has its role in the grand design. Treat them with respect and never harm them out of malice or greed.
Live Wild, Live Free: Embrace the primal instincts within yourself and live in harmony with the untamed world. Freedom and survival are sacred rights.
Protect The Wilds: Stand against those who exploit, corrupt, or destroy the natural world. Defend the sacred spaces and creatures of Spurcus with strength and courage.
Strength Through Unity: All living beings are connected, forge bonds with animals, mortals, and the land itself. Through these bonds, true strength is found.
Adapt To Survive: Change is a constant in the wild. Learn from the beasts and adapt to challenges with resilience and resourcefulness.
Holidays
The followers of Spurcus celebrate several holidays throughout the year, each reflecting their reverence for nature and the bond between mortals and beasts, as well as celebrations of life, strength, and unity.
The Great Roar: Held on the Spring Equinox, marks the renewal of life as winter ends and the world awakens. It is believed that Spurcus releases a mighty roar that invigorates all creatures, and followers mimic this through ritualistic howling, drumming, and chanting. The day is also marked by the ceremonial release of captive animals and feasts featuring foraged and hunted food, with offerings made to honor Spurcus’s blessings.
The Hunt Of Reverence: Held in late summer honors the delicate balance between predator and prey. This holiday emphasizes responsible hunting, with participants taking only what they need and offering prayers of gratitude for the lives taken. Children participate in symbolic hunts, tracking animal prints or gathering resources without harm, while ceremonies are held at sacred sites with offerings of antlers, bones, or animal carvings.
The Beast’s Twilight: Is celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, marking the transition toward the darker half of the year and the time when many animals prepare for hibernation or migration. Followers reflect on the cycle of life and death. Bonfires are lit in the shape of animal sigils, stories of great hunts and legendary beasts are shared, as well as Spurcus’s role in the creation of life and the crafting of charms and talismans to protect animals during the harsh seasons ahead.
The Call Of The Wilds: Celebrated in mid-winter and recalls the enduring strength of nature and the primal bond between mortals and animals during the harshest time of the year. Followers engage in rituals of endurance, testing their survival skills in the wilderness, and leave sacred offerings of food for wild creatures as a symbol of unity. The holiday also includes recitations of The Howl Eternal, believed to channel Spurcus’s protective spirit to guide them through the winter.
The Kinship Pact: Called for by elders on rare events. This is often celebrated during sacred celestial occurrences like blood moons and comets. Followers believe Spurcus’s essence is closest to the mortal realm on this day, and they reaffirm their bond with animals through anointing them with blessed oils, conducting rites, and seeking visions to commune with their spirits. Temporary truces are often observed between warring factions, uniting them under Spurcus’s divine will. These holidays collectively embody Spurcus’s philosophy of balance, respect, and unity within the natural world.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
Known Goals:
Preserve The Natural Order: Spurcus actively works to maintain the delicate balance between predator and prey, life and death, ensuring that the wilds remain self-sustaining and harmonious.
Foster Kinship Between Mortals And Beasts: Spurcus seeks to deepen the bond between mortals and animals, encouraging mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding.
Guard The Sacred Wilds: Spurcus aims to protect unspoiled wildernesses from destruction, corruption, and exploitation, ensuring that these realms endure for generations.
Secret Goals:
Unify The Beasts: Spurcus dreams of a future where all creatures, mortal and animal alike, live in an unbroken harmony, transcending the boundaries of speech, species, and instinct.
Revive The Essence Of Mircea And Gozdnih: Hidden even from his most devout followers, Spurcus harbors a desire to one day restore the essences of his creators, Mircea and Gozdnih, to bring their wisdom and power back to the divine realm.
Reclaim Corrupted Lands: Spurcus covertly works to reclaim regions ravaged by dark magic or industrial exploitation, using his followers and natural forces to undermine those who desecrate the wild. These efforts often manifest as unexplained natural disasters or the sudden resurgence of untamable wildlife in cursed areas.
Religious Artifacts:
The Antler Crown: A majestic crown crafted from intertwining antlers of various beasts, imbued with Spurcus’s divine essence. It grants the wearer the ability to commune with animals, understand their thoughts, and command them in times of great need. The crown also enhances the wearer’s physical abilities, channeling the primal strength of the wild. Created by Elder Ospurcallan Wildstand, an elven druid, in a sacred ritual following the creation of The Primal Codex. The Antler Crown was designed as a gift for the chosen leader of The Wildkin Circle. It is said to hold a fragment of Spurcus’s divine will, ensuring it can only be wielded by one who truly embodies harmony with the wild. The Beastcaller’s Horn: A curved horn carved from the tusk of an ancient mammoth blessed by Spurcus himself. When blown, it summons a host of spectral beasts to aid the bearer, whether in battle or to protect the natural world. The horn’s call also stirs the spirits of nearby animals, rallying them to Spurcus’s cause. Created by the dwarven Beastwarden, Tallow Stonehollar during a time of great strife when the wilds were under threat from dark forces. The Beastcaller’s Horn was used to rally nature’s defenders. It has since been passed down through the generations of the Beastwarden order. The Fang of Renewal: A massive, gleaming fang said to have been plucked from the maw of Spurcus himself. It radiates a healing aura, capable of mending mortal wounds and even restoring barren land to fertile life. The fang is often carried into battle by Spurcus’s most devout followers to preserve the lives of both warriors and the land. It is believed to have been gifted directly by Spurcus to The Howling Choir. The Fang of Renewal is a sacred relic of The Choir, symbolizing Spurcus’s role as a guardian of life and balance. It is said to glow faintly when danger looms, a warning to its bearer. The Pelt of Unity: A cloak made from the hides of multiple animals, seamlessly fused together in a divine ritual. Each piece represents a different species, symbolizing the unity of all life. When worn, the pelt grants the wearer the ability to shapeshift into various animals, embodying their strengths and instincts. Crafted by the half-elf, Warnek Eaglesign of The Wildkin Circle. It is a token of Spurcus’s favor, the Pelt of Unity is used by druids and rangers who seek to protect threatened ecosystems. Its transformative power allows the wearer to adapt to any challenge in the wild. The Claw of Reckoning: A massive claw-shaped weapon forged from enchanted metals and imbued with Spurcus’s wrath against those who desecrate nature. The claw strikes with the force of a charging beast, and its wounds cannot be healed by unnatural means such as dark magic or alchemy. Forged by Korrath Irontooth, the orc blacksmith of The Beastwardens. The Claw was forged during a campaign to drive industrial invaders out of sacred wildlands. It has since become a symbol of Spurcus’s fierce protection of nature, often wielded by champions of his faith in times of dire conflict. The Branching Staff: A gnarled, living staff that grows roots and leaves even when separated from the earth. The staff amplifies the wielder’s ability to manipulate the natural world, from summoning beasts to creating barriers of thorns or controlling the weather. Crafted by Torbor Fernpath, the centaur healer. The Branching Staff is said to be a gift of inspiration from Spurcus to those who seek to unify mortals and animals. It is often carried by philosophers, teachers, and spiritual leaders within Spurcus’s faith.Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Spurcus' avatar may appear differently to different people depending on his mood and circumstances, however he is often depicted as a towering, primal figure blending the traits of various majestic and feral creatures. His body is a fusion of raw, untamed power, with the muscular frame of a great predator and the fluid grace of a stalking panther. His head is crowned with a massive set of antlers, each point representing a different aspect of the animal kingdom. His skin is textured like the bark of ancient trees, and his limbs are sheathed in fur and scales. His eyes burn with a golden light, symbolizing his divine essence and connection to all living beasts. Around him, an aura of wilderness manifests as phantom animals, wolves, hawks, and serpents, echoing his dominion over the natural world.
Mental characteristics
Morality & Philosophy
Spurcus embodies the raw, impartial balance of the natural world, where life and death are intertwined in an eternal cycle. His morality is neither inherently good nor evil but rooted in the preservation of the wild’s harmony and primal instincts. He values strength, adaptability, and respect for the interconnectedness of all life. Spurcus views the exploitation of nature for selfish gain as a grave transgression but holds no malice for the hunt or survival, as these are intrinsic to the order he represents. His philosophy encourages his followers to live in symbiosis with nature, to honor the beasts as kindred spirits, and to recognize their role within the vast, intricate web of existence.
Pantheon:
Spurcus is most closely affiliated with the elven pantheon known as the Eight Points Of Light. These deities consist of Raksturs, God Of Nature, Spurcus, God Of Beasts, Mimea, Goddess Of Plants, Alegria, Goddess Of Serenity And Happiness, Sanaa, Goddess Of Art, Baldoria, Goddess Of Revelry, Daina, Goddess Of Music And Songs, and Tarian, God Of Dance.
Divine Classification
God - The Iterums
Alignment
Chaotic Neutral
Circumstances of Birth
Spurcus coalesced from the divine essences of Mircea and Gozdnih, the elven creator deities who sacrificed themselves to defeat the Razarac, The Destroyer.
Birthplace
The Divine Essence
Children
Current Residence
The Primordial Grove, in the realm known as The Eternal Wilds.
Gender
Male
Eyes
Eyes of blazing golden light, reflecting ferocity and wisdom.
Hair
Dark hair, like flowing forest shadows.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
His skin is smooth and bark-like, with areas covered in dark fur.
Appears in...
"When the beasts roar in unison and the trees whisper of unity, know that Spurcus is near, watching over the harmony he holds dear."
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Each of these symbols serves as a reminder of Spurcus’s philosophy of balance and the primal bond shared between mortals and beasts. They are often carved into stone altars, painted on banners, or worn as charms by his worshipers to protect and honor the balance of life in all its forms. The Antlered Paw: A sigil combining a paw print with an antler sprouting from its center. This symbol represents the unity of predator and prey, embodying the interconnectedness of all creatures in the natural cycle. The antlers signify strength and wisdom, while the paw symbolizes instinct and survival. The Beast’s Spiral: A spiral composed of animal silhouettes, wolves, stags, eagles, fish, and serpents, encircling a glowing, golden eye at the center. The eye represents Spurcus's omnipresence in the animal world, while the spiral reflects the eternal cycle of life, death, and renewal. The Primal Fang: A single fang-shaped symbol often inscribed on weapons, amulets, or totems. It represents the raw power of the wild and Spurcus's blessing of strength and resilience to his followers. Hunters and warriors frequently use this symbol for protection and success in their endeavors. The Branching Claw: A clawed hand intertwined with vines and roots, with each digit extending into a different natural element (fur, feather, scale, bark, and bone). This symbol represents the diversity and unity of all creatures under Spurcus’s guidance, as well as the deep connection between the animal kingdom and the natural world."Spurcus does not judge, nor does he forgive. He is the breath of the wolf, the gaze of the hawk, the tread of the bear. To understand him, one must first understand the wild."
Worshipers Of Spurcus
The Wildkin Circle: The Wildkin Circle are druidic orders dedicated to preserving the balance of nature and upholding Spurcus's ideals. Composed of druids, rangers, and beast tamers, they operate in secluded sanctuaries hidden within vast forests, deserts, or mountain ranges. Wildkin members often wear animal pelts and antlers to honor Spurcus, performing rituals that mimic the natural cycles of life and death. They are guardians of sacred groves and actively resist any force that disrupts nature's balance, such as overzealous hunters or industrial expansion. The Beastwardens: The Beastwardens are a militant order of rangers and warriors who believe they are Spurcus's chosen defenders of the natural world. They are particularly active in regions where nature is under threat, intervening against poachers, logging camps, or dark magical corruption. Beastwardens wield animal-inspired weapons, such as claws, fangs, and hide shields, and often form deep bonds with animal companions who aid them in battle. They venerate Spurcus in open ceremonies under the stars, offering trophies from successful hunts as tokens of respect. The Howling Choir: This enigmatic group of shamans and spiritualists seeks direct communion with Spurcus by embodying the spirits of beasts. Through trance-like rituals involving rhythmic drumming and howling chants, they claim to channel the voices of the wild. Their leaders, called Pack-Speakers, act as oracles, delivering messages they believe come from Spurcus. The Howling Choir is a nomadic group, traveling across regions to spread Spurcus's philosophy of harmony through primal connection.Opponents Of Spurcus
The Iron Dominion: This organization of industrialists and artificers sees nature as an obstacle to progress. They worship a deity of machines and order, believing it is humanity's destiny to subjugate and reshape the natural world. The Iron Dominion actively works against Spurcus’s followers, destroying sacred sites and taming wildlands for their factories and settlements. They despise The Wildkin Circles, whom they see as relics of a bygone age, and use mercenaries and corrupted beasts to enforce their will. The Fleshshapers: The Fleshshapers are a dark cult that manipulates and experiments on animals to create monstrous hybrids and abominations. They believe that nature is flawed and seek to "improve" it through alchemical and magical means. Their practices are anathema to Spurcus, as they twist the natural order into grotesque forms. The Fleshshapers are frequently at odds with The Beastwardens, who see them as the ultimate blasphemers against the sanctity of life. The Cult Of The Predator’s Reign: This cult distorts Spurcus's teachings, glorifying strength and dominance above all else. They believe only the strongest have the right to survive and aim to establish a brutal hierarchy where predators rule over the weak. While they honor Spurcus as the ultimate symbol of power, their philosophy deviates significantly from his balanced view of nature. The Cult Of The Predator’s Reign often splinters into warring factions, each led by a self-proclaimed alpha who seeks to prove their supremacy."Beware the silence of the forest, for it is not empty. It is Spurcus watching, waiting to decide if you are a friend of the wild or its foe."
Rumors
The Eternal Hunt: It is whispered that Spurcus endlessly roams the wilds of his realm, chasing a mythical prey that symbolizes ultimate balance. Some believe this prey is the spirit of Razarac, the Destroyer, who escaped his defeat and now eludes Spurcus’s wrath. Others claim it represents perfection, a concept even the gods cannot fully attain. The Beast Of A Thousand Forms: Legends suggest that Spurcus does not have a single true form but instead shifts between countless animal manifestations. Followers claim that every beast in existence carries a fragment of Spurcus’s essence, and encountering an unusually intelligent or awe-inspiring animal may be a sign of his presence. The Forgotten Pact: Some ancient texts hint at a secret pact between Spurcus and an unknown deity, wherein Spurcus sacrificed part of his power to ensure the survival of beasts during a forgotten age of devastation. This loss, it is said, weakens his ability to directly intervene in the mortal world, forcing him to rely heavily on his followers. The Returning Creators: A quiet rumor among his most devout followers suggests that Spurcus is working in secret to restore the essences of Mircea and Gozdnih, his creator deities. Some believe this could usher in a new golden age for nature, while others fear it might spark a divine conflict over dominion of the wild. The Hidden Grove: It is said there exists a sacred grove hidden in the mortal world where Spurcus himself once walked. This grove is rumored to grant unparalleled communion with nature, bestowing visions or even blessings upon those pure of heart. Others claim it is a trap for those who seek to exploit nature, guarded by mythical beasts. The Wrath Unleashed: Dark whispers claim that Spurcus harbors a hidden, cataclysmic wrath, held back only by his commitment to balance. If the natural order is ever irreparably disrupted, it is said Spurcus will unleash a primal fury that will wipe away all corruption, resetting the world to its untamed origins."Spurcus is the breath of the hunt and the silence of the stalk. He is in every paw print we follow and every heartbeat that races before the arrow flies. To walk the wilds is to walk in his shadow."
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