Tharizdun

"Had Tharizdun never entered our world, I do believe that it would be completely unrecognizable to us today. Think about it. Almost all the gods' efforts go into making sure that thing stays out of our world. Almost all of them work together, and have for over six thousand years with that single goal...
Yet, that seems only just enough to delay his return."

Tharizdun is the god of destruction, entropy, decay and cold. He appeared from outside the universe at some unknown date, but in doing so nearly obliterated the universe. Though the gods worked together to contain him, he was only just barely held off and imprisoned. Since then, he has tried to free himself repeatedly, with each attempt almost destroying reality itself.

History

Around 4,400 A.o.I., Tharizdun entered the material plane. In the process, part of it was totally destroyed. Though the gods initially attempted to cast him back where he came from, this failed, and only resulted in parts of the material plane getting thrusted out into the Far Realms. Eventually, the gods were able to contain him in a plane specially constructed for him. Though initially thought contained, he began to tear through reality in an attempt to reach the gods. To save themselves, the gods began to work on a more permanent solution, and retreated to the Outer Planes where they were safer. As a final act before he was totally isolated in his plane, he created the Abyss to cause endless chaos for him until he freed himself.

Though dormant for a long time, Tharizdun created a new vector for his destruction: The Obsidian Gate. Spreading to every known tangible plane of existence, this series of interplanar tunnels would allow Tharizdun to attack in some unknown way. However, these tunnels were found before they could be fully put to use, and the gods sought to disable them. However, these tunnels still worked as shortcuts through the planes, and could be used by any creatures brave or stupid enough to travel through them at their own risk. It was also around this time that the Theoparts of Tharizdun were made, three incredibly powerful artifacts that each contain the very essence of evil and destruction, acting as a way that mortals could contribute to freeing Tharizdun.

At the end of the Age of Mortals, Tharizdun had gained enough strength to attempt to free himself. Though he failed, this triggered the First Cataclysm, which destroyed nearly all mortal civilization, and forced the gods to remain solely on the Outer Planes until he had once again grown weaker. However, this was not adhered to, and over a thousand years later, the Second Cataclysm occurred. All magic was lost as the gods totally retreated to the Outer Planes for good, establishing that no true god could ever cross over into the material plane if they weren't there already, essentially locking themselves out, but forcing Tharizdun to starve. Finally, after another thousand years, the gods and magic have returned, though Tharizdun is still active.

Capabilities

"They are called the Cataclysms for a reason. There may be a third, but there will not be a fourth - and that's not because we'll have defeated Tharizdun."

Based on myth, Tharizdun is the indisputable strongest being in the known universe. In addition to nearly destroying all of reality, he has remained a threat despite the combined efforts of multiple deities over thousands of years. He is capable of gaining power from immortal creatures he kills, making himself stronger and more capable. Should he consume a true god, it is possible his power will cascade into the unstoppable.

Tharizdun has managed to maintain contact with his followers outside of his prison plane, though based on legend that should be impossible. Tharizdun has also demonstrated an ability to create many powerful artifacts and structures, such as the aforementioned Obsidian Gate or the Theoparts.

Worship

"Are you saying that you wish to trigger another cataclysm?!"
"I'm saying... that death is the first step of resurrection."
-An Exchange between Malik and a priest of Oranos

No pantheon venerates Tharizdun, and worship of him is universally condemned. However, many mortals fall under his insanity and begin to serve him out of delusion or malice. Worshipers of Tharizdun are hunted down and killed upon being discovered.

Many believe that the god Monolith from the Children of the Black Sun's sect of Shroud Worship is actually Tharizdun. Malik has openly stated that he wished to cause the Third Cataclysm by the destruction of the gods. Members of the children have stated that Tharizdun is a creation of Monolith that was designed to force the universe to once again become one. They believe that if mortals shall not allow Monolith to return willingly, Tharizdun will force the universe to be destroyed and made whole anyways.Unsurprisingly, this remark has won the Children of the Black Sun no allies, and has resulted in Shroud Worship as a whole being associated with Tharizdun.

Divine Domains

Trickery

Divine Classification

_God