Vayne
"I am the apex, for none but me can achieve the pinnacle of divinity"
The Golden God
Vayne is the Ventara of pride, ambition, and selfishness. The primary goals of Vayne are unknown to mortals and some even believe that Vayne is too focused on themself to formulate any meaningful scheme, but those that believe this would be fools.
Vayne values beauty, perfection, and the pursuit of one's desires.
As one might expect Vayne is described as arrogant, self absorbed, and uncaring of few things outside of themself. It is said they portray themself in an aloof manner, hiding their true aptitude behind an elaborate façade.
Vayne is one of the few Ventara that chooses to manifest themself in both genders, as a result different cultures view Vayne in several unique ways. They are also said to frequently change their form, more so than the majority of their kin.
Religion and Culture
Vayne is well known across Iskara, with only the Sarkosh not recognizing them within their pantheon. Commonly seen as corrupt as most Ventara are, Vayne isn't considered much of an immediate threat as very few tales speak of him directly or indirectly attacking the mortal realm.
For the Madurans Vayne is known as Venuku, a female Ventara of ambition, pride, and drive. Vayne is one of the Ventara in the Clan of Twilight, a collection of "good" Ventara in Maduran society. The Madurans see Vayne's spheres of influence as a sort of motivation to better oneself. They value their domains to take pride in ones work, to have the drive and ambition to pursue want one desires and to better themselves. Worship of Vayne is permitted in most providences of Madura, so long as it isn't taken too far and their ambition begins to harm those around them.
To the Sareni Vayne manifests as a male and retains his original name. He also retains his primary domains of pride, selfishness, and ambition. As such Vayne is still seen in a negative light and a primary culprit behind the disastrous actions of petty kings and rulers. Many members of royal or powerful families are taught of the dangers of unchecked ambition, in the hopes of ensuring a lineage of more humble rulers.
Much like the god themself the peoples of the Vidithari Dominion, excluding the Sylvithar, mask themselves behind a façade. Outwardly they deny worshipping Vayne but most know that some practice ritual and worship in secret. Those who do worship Vayne in private tend to be those of noble birth or those seeking to climb their way up the social hierarchies. Additionally, the Vidithari Dominion recognizes Vayne as a female Ventara, Vanen Elbasar.
To the Felvithar Vayne appears male and retains his name. Given the Felvithar's more humble nature, Vayne is very much seen as an antagonistic force to their culture and any worship of him is strictly forbidden. Given their very humble nature, Vayne has a particular distaste of the Snow Elves and on several occasions he has attempted to sow dissent among their people.
Among the Arikiri Vayne is a male Ventara known as "The Self Consumed/Consuming". The Arikiri value their communities and work towards the benefit of the clans, as such the worship of Vayne is taboo and is an antithesis to their core values.
To the Avar they are known as Vanir, a male Ventara of pride, ego, and ambition. Much like the Arikiri the Avar forbid the worship of Vanir, believing him a threat to the strength of their clans. While the Avar are certainly boastful, they frown upon unearned and unending arrogance.
Far to the east, The Ankari know Vayne, as the male Ventara Vep, The Father of Lions. Ancient Ankari tales speak of how Vep created the lions as his servants to harass and antagonize the early Ankari people. However, these tales speak of the bravery of the lions and how they rebelled against their creator, earing the respect of the Ankari and these stories have led to groups of lions being known as prides. In Ankari society worship of Vayne, while not outlawed, is rarely, if ever, practiced.
In Osteron culture Vayne is known as Veata. Veata manifests as a male Ventara of ego, pride, narcissism, and ambition. Given the Osterons more creative nature and artistic expressions it is only natural for them to have pride in their numerous works. As such Veata isn't as reviled as other Ventara in Osteron society but they do have an aversion to his more ambitious domains.
Worship
The cults and worshippers are rather diverse when compared to other Ventara. Of the more benevolent cults, reside those that focus on the pursuit of perfection whether it be physically, artistically, mentally, etc. and they extend this pursuit to other as well. They seek to provide the avenues to perfection for others through charity, sponsorships, etc. However the more malevolent cults take this to an extreme. Reports tell of individuals being abducted from their homes and operated on in the pursuit of "excellence", but the true result is that of a malformed beast.
It is said that Vayne pays little attention to those that worship them as most of their time is spent admiring themself but there are those that peak their interest. Those of such beauty, grace, and drive can garner Vayne's attention and many believe these individuals are granted great boons that enthrall those around them. These individuals, known as the Precious Ones, are often targeted by more aggressive cults for sacrifice, induction, and/or worship.
Artifacts
The Staff of Vanity
The Staff of Vanity is the primary artifact associated with Vayne. What makes this staff unique is its primary enchantment, which compels its wielder to focus entirely on themselves to a near fatal extent. At first glance this effect may seem counterproductive and more of a hindrance rather than an all powerful artifact. However, for those that truly understand it capabilities they are granted an opportunity to sow immense chaos. For example, on several occasions the staff has been gifted to influential rulers and the staff twisted their desires and goals. This ultimately drove the ruler to be extremely ineffectual, crippling their holdings and creating further opportunities for those that would exploit them. To ensure such devious actions the staff is said to alter in appearance roughly every decade.
The Gilded Bands
The Gilded Bands are a collection of rather unknown silver rings with gold accents. The exact origin of the rings is unknown but many suspect Vayne themself crafted them during their pursuit of mastering jewelry crafting. The enchantments on the rings allow the wearer to manipulate the ambitions/will of themself and those of weaker willpower, this enchantment however, does increase in power with every ring equipped. While a relatively unknown artifact, the Bands are highly sought after by those aware of their existence.
Realm
The Mirrored Rooms
The Mirrored Rooms, also known as the Realm of Glass, is the plane created and "ruled" over by Vayne. Befitting of their domain, the Mirrored Rooms embody pride and selfishness. The realm is split into two distinct regions, The Alluring Halls and the Shattered Plains. The Alluring Halls serve as Vayne's seat of power and is best described as an intricate mosaic of reflective crystals and shimmering mirrors and at its center lies the Prismatic Palace. The Palace is where Vayne is said to primarily reside and is a massive construct so magnificent in its design that is can blind the unprepared. The Shattered Plains encompass the Halls, constituting the majority of the realm. The Plains serve as a rather visually appealing deterrent for those seeking to enter the Halls. The Plains are described as an endless sea of glass and everything, from creatures to blades of grass, are made of razor sharp crystalline materials.
Servants
The Mirrored Rooms are one of the few Ventara realms mostly devoid of life, with only a handful of distinct Isventyr species residing within.
Patrolling the the Shattered Plains are the Glinthawks, Lucerians, and the Hauteur Hounds. Glinthawks serve as the scouts and scavengers of the Rooms. Nothing enters Vayne's domain without a flock quickly descending upon it and warning the inhabitants deeper within the Rooms. Anything that fails to fend off these aggressive crystalline avians are quickly consumed and nothing is left behind. Lucerians, or Lucent Knights, are a race of Isventyr exclusively loyal to Vayne and serve as the primary defenders of the realm. The Lucerians are described as tall, well built humanoids with white-gold skin. They are adorned with gilded armor and weapons and are believed to have rare minerals embroidered into their skin. Finally, are the Hauteur Hounds, the loyal beasts and servants of the realm. The Hauteur Hounds are a disturbing blend of demonic and majestic, preferring to lull their prey in with their warm appearance before striking with unmatched ferocity, leaving only scraps for the Glinthawks.
Within the Halls there is only one species of Isventyr, the Faceless. Their original names remain a mystery, with some scholars doubting they ever had one. The Faceless are the personal guards and servants to Vayne and as their name suggests, have no facial features. Each is adorned with a golden mask, each with their own slight variations. These Faceless come in two variants, the Prismere and the Radiant. The Prismere are comparable to the Lucerians, but with a much larger build and taller stature. They protect the Prismatic Palace from intruders who managed to endure the Plains and do so with a cold efficiency. The Radiant are the personal servants to Vayne. They have a more slender build and their skin is a pearly white. Majestic in their golden white robes, they tend to Vayne's ever need and it is said that the slightest imperfection in appearance or action results in a hasty end.
Divine Domains
Ambition, Selfishness, and Pride
Holy Books & Codes
The Unending Decrees of Excellence as the name suggests is a near infinite "guide" to obtain perfection in the eyes of Vayne. Those of the more devout in their faith spend lifetimes in the pursuit of completing these decrees but none have succeeded. As a result, many devotees believe that mortals who manage to complete every decree are chosen to ascend and become a Faceless, an eternal guard/servant of Vayne. Some believe that those that even attempt the Decrees are more favored by Vayne in the afterlife.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Vayne's emblem is that of lion's head roaring or a demonic eye with a silver-gold iris.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Vayne's ultimate goal is to reach divine perfection; to ascend even godhood to become something so flawless in design to transcend the comprehendible. While working towards this goal Vayne seeks to perfect everything, from the arts to philosophical thought.
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