Gargoth

The Lord Who Watches, The Souldrinker, The Deceiver Beyond Veils, The Architect of Political Discord

Gargoth, the Geldoraian demigod of betrayal and political corruption, is a being of sinister and formidable presence. In his natural form, he appears as an 8-foot tall, mustached figure with a handsome and noble visage, his age indeterminable but his maturity evident. Despite his outward charm, Gargoth's true nature is revealed over time, as his physical appearance warps into a clawed and fanged monster with jagged shards and horns protruding from his face and back. His flesh takes on a rotten and warped quality, mirroring the corruption he embodies.
While in his more benign guise, Gargoth is known for his personable, reasonable, and sagacious demeanor. He is a master strategist, rivaling even Asmodeus in wiliness and guile. Gargoth possesses a keen sense of humor, which, coupled with his self-control, allows him to manipulate others with an even temper, even in the face of rage. His ability to feign certain beliefs and emotions adds to his manipulative prowess, making him a master of intrigue.
Gargoth's powers include an enspelling aura that works like a permanent mass charm spell, making it difficult to resist and impossible to dispel. He is immune to enchantments, sleeping and holding spells, poisons, and various forms of magical and mundane fire. Additionally, Gargoth has the ability to transmute nearly any metal into gold by touch, though he has a notable weakness to silver.
Despite his charming façade and intellectual sophistication, Gargoth is a thoroughly wicked and dangerous being, dedicated to spreading corruption and cruelty throughout the realms. His true malevolent nature is carefully concealed behind a mask of civility and charm.

Divine Domains

Gargoth is a Lawful Evil deity, known as the Lord Who Watches. His domains include Avarice, Charm, Corruption, Envy, Evil, Law, Pride, Sloth, and Trickery.

Artifacts

Create powerful 3 Artifacts that of Gargoth that are spread out over the continent of Midvar
Gargoth's Infernal Sigilblade This obsidian-bladed, wickedly-curved sword bears Gargoth's infernal sigil on its hilt. The blade is infused with malevolent energy, capable of corrupting and enslaving the souls of those it strikes.
Gargoth's Veil of Shadows This flowing, pitch-black cloak seems to absorb light. It's adorned with the eyes of those who have fallen under Gargoth's influence, forever watching the world.
Gargoth's Crown of Dominion This dark, imposing crown is adorned with infernal runes and spikes. It channels Gargoth's dominion over corruption and control.
These artifacts, spread across Midvar, hold immense power and dark influence. Seekers who aim to collect or destroy them must face the dangers of aligning with or opposing Gargoth's malevolent forces.

Holy Books & Codes

"Gargoth's Unveiling Darkness" Author: Malachar the Shadowscribe Description: A tattered, ancient manuscript revealing the long-lost insights into Gargoth's nature, considered by many to be a relic of the primordial era when the Lord Who Watches first cast his shadow upon the mortal realms.
"Infernal Insights: Messages of the Malevolent" Author: High Cultist Valeria Nightshade Description: An archaic tome containing cryptic messages and visions believed to have been granted by Gargoth during the distant epochs when the veil between the infernal realms and the material plane was thinner.
"Dominion's Embrace: Embodying Gargoth's Will" Author: Archfiend Asmoran the Enslaver Description: A weathered grimoire, its pages filled with faded sigils and infernal instructions, passed down through generations of cultists who sought to harness Gargoth's power during the ancient epochs of darkness.
"The Tyranny of Shadows: Gargoth's Rise to Power" Author: Historian Lysandra Blackthorn Description: An ancient chronicle, its ink made from rare substances long forgotten, recounting the shadowy ascent of Gargoth and the upheavals caused by his return to the mortal realm over twenty millennia ago.
"Echoes of the Maimed God" Author: Orin the Silent Wing Description: A relic of poetic mysticism, this aged collection of verses and riddles carries the whispers of a bygone era, containing the enigmatic echoes of truths about Gargoth's timeless existence and the cyclical nature of his malevolent influence.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Gargoth, the Archdevil and Malevolent Watcher, is symbolized by several potent and ominous symbols that convey his dominion over darkness, tyranny, and the manipulation of mortal affairs. Here are three primary divine symbols associated with Gargoth:
The Fiery Eye within an Unbroken Circle: This symbol represents Gargoth's ever-watchful eye, surveying the realms from the shadows. The unbroken circle signifies the eternal nature of his influence and the binding nature of his malevolent schemes.
The Twisted Serpent Coil: A depiction of a serpentine form coiled in a complex, twisted pattern. This symbolizes Gargoth's insidious nature, entwining itself around the threads of mortal destinies, gradually tightening its grip as it influences the course of events.
The Shattered Lock: A broken and mangled lock, symbolizing the gates that once barred Gargoth from the material plane. The shattered state indicates his relentless pursuit of freedom and the impending doom that accompanies the weakening of the barriers between the infernal realms and the mortal world. These symbols are often etched into dark altars, worn as amulets by cultists, and displayed in hidden places where the followers of Gargoth gather to conduct their clandestine rites. Each carries a weight of foreboding, serving as a stark reminder of the impending chaos that may be unleashed upon the material plane.

Tenets of Faith

The followers of Gargoth adhere to a set of dark and malevolent tenets that reflect the Archdevil's influence over betrayal, corruption, and the manipulation of power. These tenets guide the actions and beliefs of those who worship Gargoth:
Embrace Deceit: Followers of Gargoth are encouraged to weave webs of deception, using lies and manipulation to achieve their goals. Betrayal is seen not as a weakness but as a tool to be wielded with precision.
Cultivate Ambition: Ambition is a virtue in the eyes of Gargoth. His followers are urged to strive for power, wealth, and influence, regardless of the cost to others. Ambition fuels the fires of progress in the name of the Archdevil.
Exploit Weakness: Recognize and exploit the vulnerabilities of others. Whether through physical, emotional, or political means, followers of Gargoth are taught to capitalize on the weaknesses of those around them.
Foster Discontent: Encourage discord and dissatisfaction among communities and rulers. The sower of discontent reaps chaos, and chaos is the fertile ground from which Gargoth's influence grows.
Uphold Betrayal: Betrayal is not just a means to an end but a fundamental aspect of the followers' faith. Loyalty is seen as a fleeting sentiment, and turning on allies is considered a demonstration of cunning and strength.
Seek Power Unrelentingly: The pursuit of power is a sacred duty. Gargoth's followers are taught to continuously strive for more influence, more control, and more dominion over the mortal realm.
Sow Corruption in Authority: Those in positions of authority are prime targets for the corrupting touch of Gargoth. His followers work to infiltrate and manipulate governments, religions, and other influential bodies.
Expunge Compassion: Compassion is viewed as a weakness that clouds judgment. Followers of Gargoth are encouraged to rid themselves of such sentiments, as they hinder the ruthless pursuit of their objectives.
Wield Fear as a Weapon: Fear is a potent tool in the arsenal of Gargoth. His followers are taught to instill fear in others, whether through subtle intimidation or overt displays of power.
Prepare for the Return: The ultimate goal is to pave the way for Gargoth's return. The followers are tasked with weakening the barriers between realms, unraveling the fabric of reality to herald the Archdevil's malevolent presence once more.

Holidays

Infernal Ascendance (The 6th day of Frostfall): Description: Infernal Ascendance marks the day when Gargoth is believed to have ascended to godhood. Devotees gather to make offerings of precious metals and perform dark rites to honor their malevolent deity.
Burning Vigil (The 19th day of Highsun): Description: On this day, followers of Gargoth engage in a night-long ritual of burning effigies and symbolic representations of enemies. The flames are believed to appease Gargoth and strengthen his connection to the mortal realm.
Crimson Eclipse (The 27th day of Harrowing): Description: On Crimson Eclipse, followers commemorate a celestial alignment said to be a reflection of Gargoth's cosmic influence. It is a day of fasting, self-flagellation, and reciting passages from ancient texts that glorify the return of their dark lord.
Searing Reckoning (23rd day of Whitewind): Description: Searing Reckoning is a day of prophecy and divination for Gargoth's followers. They believe that on this day, glimpses of the future are revealed, guiding them in their nefarious pursuits. Rituals involve scrying, interpreting signs, and making sacrificial offerings for insight.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Gargoth, the Archdevil and demigod of betrayal and political corruption, harbors dark and ambitious divine goals that shape the actions of his followers and the malevolent nature of his influence. His ultimate aspiration is to return to the Material Plane by breaking the six primordial gates that bar his entry, unleashing his full force upon the world. Gargoth thrives on chaos and discord, seeking to plunge the world into widespread turmoil by exploiting existing tensions and sowing seeds of discontent. To achieve his nefarious aims, he desires to corrupt those in positions of authority, manipulate mortal ambitions toward selfish pursuits, and eliminate the influence of arcane magic. The Archdevil aims to weaken nations and kingdoms through political intrigue, wars, and betrayal, with a particular focus on Mera, Seggath, and Yohir. Additionally, Gargoth seeks to spread corruption in faith, undermine divine barriers, and establish an apocalyptic dominion over the Material Plane. His grand design is to create a world steeped in darkness, fear, and eternal servitude to his malevolent will.

Divine Classification

Archdevil

Alignment

Lawful Evil

Current Location

Malbolge, the Sixth Hell

Conditions

• Banished

Realm

The Nine Hells

Church/Cult

Malevolent Whispers

Current Residence

Palace of Chains

Sex

Male

Presentation

Malevolent grandeur

Eyes

Crimson

Hair

Jet black tangle of dark, oily strands appearing almost like the shadowy tendrils of a malevolent force, enhancing the ominous aura that surrounds him.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pallid and sickly

Height

8'

Weight

300lbs

Ruled Locations

• Palace of Chains