Zshatlalote ((/zʃɑː.tlɑːl.oʊteɪ/, or /zʃæt.lɑːloʊt/))

Zshatlalote, usually known by the euphemism Hamartia, and the epithets Eight-Fingered-Fish, Firstborn Error, and Slithering Miscarriage, is one of the Preh'n, born of Lothracha and Lailah after the creation of the world. He was cast out along with his mother, and has only hatred for the other Preh'n and Khthon. His actions throughout history have been focused on causing chaos. Hamartia led Lothracha to create the Saura, and masterminded the drowning of Beorn, and the Serpent's Oath. He subsequently created the Ntefi and aided Hashmada in the creation of the Nadorost to trick Lothracha into breaking his oath; thereby killing the Serpent. Hamartia then orchestrated the birth of Tita, and her children Daystar Surya and Nightstar Mona, before arranging her death at the hands of Hashmada all to prevent the collapse of the universe. He was banished to Outnadir by the Yavar following the First Zenith War, and remains there to the present. Though physically outside Khthon, his influence remains strong, and he continues to spread chaos, decay, and corruption throughout the world.

Despite his central role in the preservation of the Beornic races and the world after the death of Beorn, and his killing of the Serpent, Hamartia is universally considered the most evil creature in existence, whose very essence is corruption and decay. The Aldjangita and Doruzangita recount that he saved the world only to prolong and increase the sufferings of its inhabitants.

Species

Preh'n