Cyric

Cyric

Cyric, also known as The Prince of Lies, The Dark Sun, and The Mad God, is one of the most infamous deities in the Eldurean pantheon. As a chaotic evil god, he embodies deceit, murder, and ambition, often sowing chaos and destruction for his own gain. Cyric's influence is feared across the realms, and his followers are notorious for their treachery and zeal.

Domains and Portfolios

Portfolio: Lies, deception, murder, intrigue, and strife.
Alignment: Chaotic Evil.
Domains: Trickery, Death, and sometimes Chaos.

Depiction

Cyric’s form often reflects his deceptive and dangerous nature. He is usually depicted as:
A pale, gaunt man with sharp features, dark eyes filled with madness, and an unsettling smile that suggests he knows every secret. His attire is lavish but dark, adorned with silver and black, symbolizing his cunning and power. Cyric is often portrayed wielding Godsbane, a black-bladed sword, which he once used to kill other deities during his rise to power. In some interpretations, Cyric’s madness and instability are reflected in his ever-shifting appearance, making it impossible to discern his true form.

Symbol

Cyric’s symbol is a white jawless skull on a black or purple sunburst, representing death, chaos, and deceit hidden under a guise of allure.

Personality and Ethos

Cyric is the embodiment of chaotic evil, reveling in lies, betrayal, and destruction. He thrives on manipulation, turning allies against each other and inciting violence wherever he can. His ambition is boundless, and his paranoia even greater, often driving him to destroy anything or anyone he perceives as a threat.
Despite his madness, Cyric is cunning and charismatic, capable of persuading mortals and even other deities to serve his ends. He views life as a grand game of manipulation, with himself as the ultimate victor.
Cyric’s philosophy centers on power at all costs, achieved through treachery, ambition, and disregard for moral constraints. His followers embrace this ethos, often spreading lies and committing murder in his name.

History and Rise to Power

Cyric was once a mortal, a rogue and adventurer who ascended to godhood during the Time of Troubles, a cataclysmic event that saw gods walking the mortal world. He achieved divinity by:
Claiming the powers of Bhaal (god of murder), Myrkul (god of death), and Leira (goddess of illusions) after their deaths. Acquiring the artifact Godsbane, which he used to consolidate his power. Succeeding in manipulating and betraying both mortals and deities to cement his rise. Though powerful, Cyric’s ascension was marked by growing madness. His own paranoia and megalomania often undermine his schemes, making him as self-destructive as he is dangerous.

Clergy and Worship

Clerics and Cultists

Cyric’s worshippers are a dangerous mix of fanatics, assassins, and liars. They thrive in secrecy, operating as spies, manipulators, and killers. His clerics wear black and purple robes adorned with Cyric’s skull-and-sunburst symbol. They preach his doctrine of ambition and treachery, encouraging followers to seek power at any cost.

Temples

Temples to Cyric are hidden or fortified, often appearing as unassuming structures. Inside, they are lavishly adorned in dark hues, with altars dedicated to murder and deception. Sacrificial rituals, involving lies and murder, are common in Cyric’s worship.

Rituals

Worshippers honor Cyric by committing acts of betrayal, spreading chaos, or executing intricate schemes that destroy their enemies. They frequently invoke his name before assassinations or pivotal acts of treachery.

Relationships

Allies

Cyric has few true allies due to his treacherous nature. Even those who align with him temporarily, such as chaotic evil deities, do so out of necessity or shared goals.

Enemies

Cyric’s betrayal of other gods during his rise to power earned him many divine enemies:
Mystra: Cyric despises Mystra for her association with order and the Weave, which limits his ability to cause chaos.
Kelemvor: A former friend turned bitter enemy, Kelemvor opposes Cyric’s disregard for the balance of death.
Torm: The god of duty and justice stands as a moral opposite to Cyric’s chaos and treachery.

Rivals

Shar: As the goddess of darkness and loss, Shar competes with Cyric for influence over the shadowy and deceitful aspects of the multiverse.
Bane: The god of tyranny clashes with Cyric over control of mortals through fear and manipulation.

Legends and Myths

The Death of Leira

Cyric slew Leira, the goddess of illusions, solidifying his control over deceit and trickery. Her death also contributed to his growing madness, as he took on aspects of her portfolio.

The Madness of Cyric

After gaining power, Cyric wrote the Cyrinishad, a book filled with lies so potent that reading it drove mortals and gods alike insane. Even Cyric fell victim to its effects, deepening his paranoia and madness.

The Betrayal of Kelemvor

Cyric and Kelemvor were once close allies as mortals. After ascending to godhood, Cyric betrayed Kelemvor, leading to a bitter rivalry. Kelemvor now presides over death as Cyric schemes to reclaim his influence.

Followers

Common Worshippers: Spies, assassins, power-hungry nobles, and zealots drawn to chaos and ambition. Champions and Agents: Cyric often chooses mortals who excel in manipulation and treachery as his agents, granting them powers to further his chaotic goals.

Quotes & Catchphrases

''If I can destroy the love of gods, then I can certainly fill the lives of Elduran's mortals with strife and discord.''