The Dominion of Valaxar
The Dominion is a faith based predominately in northern Letzel, that preaches that the Eight Guardians lack the power to protect Kholatz and that new gods led by the powerful Valaxar should rule. Faith in the Dominion is largely found among Tieflings and Dragonborn. The religion is decentralized, with the faithful acting mostly independently or united based on the desires of their specific Dominion Lord.
The origins of worship of the Dominion is tied with the first arrival of Tieflings to Kriadar in northern Letzel, in the region now known as the Desert Coast. Believing they were the Vanguard to the larger forces of the Dominion, the newly arrived Tieflings embarked on a holy crusade to conquer much of Kriadar. While the initial invasion largely failed, they were able to form a short-lived empire in Northern Letzel, from which many of the nations of the Desert Coast League of today descend.
Versions of the Dominion's worship can be found on many other planes, and a trip through the Seams can often lead one to a Dominion-ruled plane.
Theology
Mythology
Tree and Vine
In the darkness before existence, Ulam, grasped the primal magics, shaping a portion of it into a tree, Kholaz. This tree was not safe, however, for the rampant energies of the primal magic wished to reclaim the tree and bring it back into chaos. Thus, Ulam grasped more of the primal magics and shaped into a thorned vine, Geholm. Whilst the spirits of Kolhaz lived idyllic peaceful lives in Nirvana, the spirits of Geholm were hardened warriors who fought back against the forces of chaos.Dvoran's Tryst
Ulam fell in love with one of the spirits of Kholaz, a spirit named Celeta. Celeta found Geholm to be unsightly next to the glory of Kholaz, and beseeched her lover to lessen the strength of the vine. Ulam could not deny her, and Geholm was cut into small pieces, weakened and separated. The weakened state of Geholm allowed the trickster chaos lord Dvoran to come upon the tree. There he took on a beautiful form, and enjoyed all the pleasures of life, becoming the father of the fey. However, the tree was not enough for him, for he sought to overtake Ulam. He wooed Celeta, and lay with her, fathering the goddess Aruvia. Ulam came upon Dvoran and Celeta, and in a rage slew Dvoran before flying off into the primordial chaos. With Ulam gone, a weakened Geholm was all that was left to defend Kholaz.Return and Betrayal
Whilst the gods of Kholaz cowered in fear, Valaxar, first leaf of Geholm, and his warriors fought on against the forces of chaos. They knew that the war would not last long without the return of Ulam, and thus Valaxar approached the first fruit of Kholaz, La'aber. Together, the two sought out Ulam in the primordial chaos, and beseeched him return to defend his love, Celeta. Ulam, wishing to be reunited with his children and Celeta, agreed. Upon returning, Valaxar went to Geholm to tell his people that the war would be won and to prepare them for the final battle. Yet, in Kholaz, the goddess Aruvia had convinced the other gods of Kholaz to join her in overthrowing Ulam and taking his power for themselves. By the time the forces of Geholm were gathered from the disparate parts of the vine, Ulam was slain. It was only through the ingenuity of La'aber that Aruvia had not gained all his power. Yet, when Valaxar demanded that the Lords of Geholm be given a portion of Ulam's power, La'aber stood against them, lying and saying that they were servants of Chaos.The War for Kholaz
After the Betrayal of Ulam, the forces of Geholm attacked, but the Lying Gods took refuge behind a web that was woven by the goddess Aruvia, Kriadar. With the protection of Kriadar and the power of Ulam, the forces of Geholm were unable to destroy the Lying Gods of Kholaz. With the forces of chaos now taking advantage of Ulam's death, Valaxar retreated so that he may defend the universe against them. Whilst the two sides have at times joined in battle against the forces of chaos, Valaxar recognizes that the Lying Gods are too weak to truly defend Kholaz, and has sworn to destroy them and claim the power of Ulam for himself so that he may strengthen Kholaz and Geholm. Since that first battle, his forces have claimed much of the tree, creating an empire known as the Dominion. The forces of the Dominion have even set foot in Kriadar, where they hope that by subjecting the entire web to their Dominion the Lying Gods will be weakened enough for them to finally be defeated.Lords of the Dominion
The Dominion is led by the Lords of the Dominion, a feudal system in which lords hold fiefdom over different sections of the broken apart Geholm. Whilst followers of the Dominion may be in service to any Dominion Lord, the vast majority of Dominion worshipers are devoted to one of the members of Valaxar's Court.Valaxar
Emperor of the Dominion, King of Geholm. The first spirit to form when Geholm was created, Valaxar embodies Geholm, vicious strength and endless growth. During the reign of Ulam, Valaxar was his general, leading his armies against chaos. With the fall of Ulam and the stealing of his power, Valaxar is on a crusade to defeat the Lying Gods and take Ulam's place. A cunning general, and master of order, he is ruthless and demands obedience.Phenolor
Lord Marshal of the Dominion, Lord of Helinom. Phenolor is a military mastermind, who's cunning tactics were the cause behind many of Valaxar's victories, even when he was Ulam's general. Phenolor was born from a thorn of Geholm, transformed at Valaxar's request by Ulam. As such, Phenolor owes his existence to Valaxar, and is the most loyal of the Lords of the Dominion.Djinedal
High Sorcerer of the Dominion, Lord of Kaseem. Second born spirit of Geholm, Djinedal trained the thorns of Geholm to absorb the energy of the chaos spirits, becoming the first sorcerer. Valaxar watched Djinedal, learning from him in secret and applying order to the chaos magic, thus becoming the first wizard. When Ulam fled, Djinedal rose up against Valaxar, but when Valaxar's magics were revealed he was cowed and in awe of him. It was Djinedal who knew that the Lying Gods had stolen Ulam's power, and it was he who instructed Valaxar that this power must belong to them.Aefeloch
First Builder of the Dominion, Lord of Vinor. A late addition to Valaxar’s court, Aefeloch is the least politically motivated lord of Geholm. Whilst others vie for power in the different courts, Aefeloch obsesses over the construction of great edifices throughout his land. When the Dominion began to grow in power, Valaxar desired a new palace, and sending his minions out identified Aefeloch as the greatest. In awe of Aefeloch’s ability, he appointed him First Builder of the Dominion. Whenever the Dominion conquers a new plane, it is Aefeloch who rebuilds the world according to Valaxar’s desires.Aadeuxun
Chief Slavemaster of the Dominion, Lord of Obilid. Aadeuxun is Valaxar’s greatest rival for the throne of Geholm. Leading hordes of howling slaves from across the universe, Aadeuxun once brought her armies to the gates of Geholm. Valaxar’s troops, led by Phenolor, destroyed Aadeuxun, and forced her to kneel before him. Seeing potential in her skill with slaves, Valaxar appointed her as Chief Slavemaster. With the aid of Djinedal, Aadeuxun designed the Rites of Transformation that created the Tieflings and other servants of the Dominion.Nuidohn
Valaxar's Fool, Nuidohn was the second to last of the beings of Geholm to be created. Opinions vary widely, but some believe that Nuidohn was the consort of La'aber or Ulam, and that she was one of the original 8 Guardians. An early conquest of Valaxar’s, Valaxar spared her life, in exchange that she take the humiliating position of his personal fool. While she hates her position, she is magically bound by Aadeuxun to serve Valaxar, and unable to shirk her duties. Full worship of Nuidohn is generally forbidden, but is commonly held by those who believe the theology of the Dominion but not its methods.Cherch
Valaxar's Consort, Lord of Alonabal. Cherch’s homeplane is not known to others. She came to Valaxar’s court as a slave after one of the Dominion’s many conquests. Unlike many of the slaves brought to Geholm, Cherch quickly assimilated to her new home, even taking on many of the physical traits of its natives. Her assimilation drew the attention of Aadeuxun, who brought her to Valaxar. Valaxar fell for her beauty and took her as his consort. Many believe that Cherch's power is only rivaled by that of Valaxar.Gadkiolar
Valaxar’s Steward, Gadkiolar, is considered a lesser being of Geholm, barely standing out physically from the other residents of the land. However, he was Valaxar’s first servant, and as reward he was blessed with immortality. Gadkiolar looks after the running of Valaxar’s household, and other tasks that Valaxar considers below his attention.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
