Eros
"I'll never understand the need for peace, especially when disorder is so... insatiable"
The Bedlam Lord
The anarchic lord of chaos and disarray, Eros stands as one of the most notorious and powerful among the Ventara.
Religion and Culture
Unfortunately, Eros is among the more "active" Ventara and has continuously assaulted the material realm. As one might expect this has led to various cultural interpretations across Iskara.
To the Sareni Eros is reviled as one of the greatest threats to their people. They value honor, unity, and progress, all of which Eros seeks to upend and ravage. Throughout their history Eros has dispatched his countless hordes to weaken their two great nations. Centuries ago Eros even managed to cross the Veil onto Iskara but was fortunately foiled by the Hero of Silvermere, who would later become a Paragon for their actions. Any and all worship of Eros is strictly forbidden and any found practicing in his rituals will be swiftly executed.
Known as the Strife Sower, Eros is a metaphorical tipping point, especially to the Camurai. The Camurai face many hardships in their travels and grow wary of gaining Eros' ire. Some attempt to appease him in secret to prevent a cascade of misfortunes. The Kyr'tol hold similar views to that of the Sareni. He is a threat to the nation they helped create and mold.
Ekal, the Ice Bane, is the female Felvithar interpretation of Eros. Given their rather humble and peaceful demeanor it is to be expected that most, if not all, Snow Elves have a deep hatred of Eros and their desire for wanton chaos. Many ballads and stories speak of Eros' treachery and heinous acts against the Felvithar of old. Any and all forms of worship are harshly punished, making these elves a prime target for Eros.
For the Avar tribes Elki is the Ventara goddess of chaos and trickery. Interestingly the Avar have a "unique" relationship with Eros. Through the centuries the Avar have garnered a strange respect from Eros through their strength and more chaotic proclivities. It is even believed among those outside the clans, that the Avar hold contests to see who can cause the most pandemonium to honor the Ventara, which has only served to further strain foreign relations.
Eshrael, the Mistress of Havoc, is how Eros is known to the Sun, Moon, and Wood Elves. In the Ballads of Frenzy Eros is described to appear more feminine, typically taking the form of a beautiful Elf to infiltrate the more matriarchal society to sow dissent. The Wood Elves have a slightly different interpretation, believing Eros deity of chaos and change; some even consider Eros to be an agent of seasonal changes.
In Ankari culture Eros is known as To'whacca. Typically manifesting as male, Eros is believed to be the first being to come into existence, the first being to disrupt the primordial order. Some among the Orans worship Eros in secret seeing the chaos he commands as an opportunity to advance in power, wealth, and influence; to the Orans chaos is a ladder. To the Dakarans Eros is a detested god, plain and simple. Fortunately for the Dakarans Eros directs most of their attention to the west. Among the Isagani Eros is among the most hated reviled. The Isagani are a peaceful and hardworking people, who seek balance with their marshland home. This harmony is exactly what Eros seeks to ruin. The Isagani despise the lord of chaos as a one mishap can reverberate amidst their communities.
The Osteron people have a unique interpretation of Eros; he is known as Erakar, the Lord of Mad Creation. The Osterons are a creative and expressive people but sometimes their imagination is too mundane, too safe. Those seeking a more chaotic well of creativity will seek out Eros in the hopes of advancing their position in society and their collectives.
The Sarkosh interpret Eros as Erzamna, the Dark Flame. To the Sarkosh Eros is normally feminine and is an antagonistic force against their prime deities, Sar and Ira Regem. Among the Sarkosh Eros is viewed as the untamed, feral aspect of fire. Eros is but one agent of chaos in the Sarkosh pantheon and given their infrequent dealings with the Sarkosh, remains a rather unheeded deity.
Usually Madurans categorize the Ventara under the Clan of Twilight or the Clan of Dusk, each representing the "good" or "evil" aspects of the Ventara. However, Eros is in an unusual spot; many Madurans recognize that chaos is a necessity of life, it brings beginnings, creativity, and some even believe life itself, but it also brings suffering, conflict, and strife. This has earned Eros to be classified under the Clan of Eventide, to symbolize the transitions between new beginnings and chaotic ends.
Worship
Worshippers of Eros typically come in two variations: those that seek to reek havoc across Iskara and those who simply wish to add variety and spontaneity to their lives. The former, as one might expect, are seen as a plague to be wiped from the world. These groups are notorious for rising to great power and then succumbing to infighting or to rivaling cults only to rise again. Fortunately for the average citizen these cults are typically mired in internal conflicts to pose a major threat but if one day these cults were to unify under one banner, a great reckoning would come. The latter are an unexpected pleasantry, many who seek out these groups are those who are bored with the mundane routines of life and seek adrenaline rush after rush. The risk to be involved in such groups is quite high. It is said that Eros may smite his worshippers for no discernable reason and they are just as likely to empower them.
Artifacts
The Shiftland Hammer
The Shiftland Hammer is the artifact most commonly associated with Eros. It is believed the hammer was forged to be Eros' personal weapon but for some unknown reason Eros has mostly kept it within the Material Realm. Regardless, throughout the centuries the hammer has been wielded by both heroes and corrupted alike.
The hammer is described as being a bit larger than the average hammer and is a dark black with glowing red accents interwoven within and throughout. The hammer's enchantments allow it to shift into several different forms, each allowing for different ability attacks. For example, one form allows the user to smash the earth releasing crimson, corrupted energies from all sides sending out devastating waves of energy.
Obsidia
Obsidia is a magnificent spear of refined power. The gold, intricately engraved shaft is said to be crafted by Eros. The jagged red and black glass like shard that constitutes the head of the spear is speculated to be stolen from a fellow Ventara. When combined the spear is capable of slicing and piercing through most materials from stone to steel. The spear is also able to emit a strong energetic blast after a series of successful attacks.
Due to the artifact being two pieces, it isn't uncommon for both to end up in separate locations. This has resulted in numerous groups and individuals vying for the opportunity to join them. More benevolent groups seek to keep the spear fragmented while more self-serving factions wish to wield the spears power for their own ends.
Realm
Perpetuum
Perpetuum, the Realm of Infinite Change, is the plane within The Void created and ruled by Eros. The realm is described as an ever changing place divided into five rings with a static center. Each ring varies in size and scope and never stays the same for long.
The outermost ring is known as the Ring of Desolation. This ring is characterized by its more barren nature, with craggy spires protruding and shifting across its surface. The purpose of this outer-ring is to instill a false sense of hope among invaders and adventurers. This particular ring has few Isventyr to guard it and changes the least when compared to the inner rings.
The fourth ring is the Ring of Deadlight. While smaller than the previous ring, the Ring of Deadlight quickly rids any false hopes of an "easy" journey. The ring's defining characteristic is its near pitch black lighting. Visibility is almost none existent between the lack of light sources and a strange shadowy fog that crawls through the air. This is all compounded by the changing layout common to all rings. Within the lightless shadows lie the Fog Crawlers, enigmatic Isventyr that stalk the dark corners of the ring.
The third ring is the Scourged Ring. This ring is defined by its everlasting natural disasters. Hundreds of tempests, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and wailing blizzards all clash in a violent rage. The only Isventyr race to exist within this ring are the Morphlings, these beings are capable of quickly adapting to meet the demands of their home ring.
The second ring is the Ring of Bedlam. The Ring of Bedlam is the epicenter of a never ending battle between Isventyr, lost adventurers, and occasionally Eros themself. This great battle has earned the name The War of Pandemonium. The cause of this war, unknown, its purpose, unimportant. Dozens of scholars and warriors have attempted to study this conflict only to trapped on the frontlines for eternity.
The final ring is the Ring of Chimeric Havoc. This ring is the final test, so to speak, for those attempting to reach the realm's center. Upon this ring lies beings of twisted power. Each Isventyr is a corrupted amalgamation of at least two Isventyr races. These wretched things wander the inner ring and serve as the final line of defense before reaching the realm's center.
Finally comes the epicenter of Perpetuum, Caedes. Caedes is a rather small section of the realm but the majority of its territory is dominated by an elaborate, craggy palace, the Black Resonare. This palace serves as Eros' seat of power and is heavily guarded. The primary guardians of the palace are the Resonaries, hulking humanoid-like warriors bred for battle and chaos.
Servants
Eros is among the few Ventara that make use of a vast swath of Isventyr within their realm and when invading others. This includes but is certainly not limited to, Venmora, Venvilai, Venkyn, Urators, Ventyr Behemoths, Venraths, Ogrin, and Dregkin.
The unique Isventyr under Eros' control are the Fog Crawlers, Morphlings, the Chimeras, and the Resonaries.
The Fog Crawlers are small insectoid creatures with with black, spiny exoskeleton. They are extremely nimble, capable of traversing the realm with ease. Their primary mode of attack is with their pair of serrated claws. They are fond of killing their prey with a thousand cuts, taking pleasure in the pain they inflict.
Morphlings are odd creatures with their base state being that of a small, corrupted mammal-like being. This deceptively pitiful appearance is rarely seen however. Morphlings are capable of changing their body to adapt to the various natural disasters that ravage their home ring. For example, they may develop wings and a light, but durable, exoskeleton to ride the turbulent winds or a bulky exterior to withstand volcanic eruptions.
Chimeras are not a unique Isventyr race, rather they are a painful amalgamations of two or more Isventyr. Resonaires stand roughly seven feet tall with large, bulky builds. Despite their large size they are quite agile, easily surpassing that of any mortal. They wear minimal armor, only covering their forearms and lower body. They're masters in several weapons but prefer polearms. Their demeanor is rather calm and straightforward, a stark contrast to their master. Many speculate as to why this is but no concrete answers have been found.
Divine Domains
Chaos and Disarray
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The primary symbol of Eros is a fiery star rising from the horizon with a slit pupil eye at the center
Divine Goals & Aspirations
Eros' primary goal is to merge Illyium, the Material Relam, with their own. For what purpose no one knows for sure, but many suspect it would afford them the power to surpass their fellow gods.
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