Epithet, the Fleet
Ohdaufehl to Aufalten
Like most Ohdaufehl, Epithet entered Laminarum during The Empyrean Cascade, sent as part of the gods' arsenal to help end the dark age. Each Ohdaufehl was designated with a domain and oath; Epithet was ordained with war and vengeance. Epithet assumed the form of a dragon during his crusade, where he assisted humanity by gathering its remnants around the eastern mountains of Eldurgrund. Assuming the role of Baron, his reign was marked by the founding of Euvurcrest, construction of Muren's Mantle, and the destruction of Eldurgrund's enemies (namely the Verivem's cult). Before the dark age's end, Epithet would fall from grace and join the ranks of the Snowhammer raiders. The cause of his corruption is unknown; one theory alleges that Epithet heard the Rhythm and Vile's discordant melody, stripping his divinity and poisoning his mind. In his duplicity, the Snowhammers nearly destroyed the young city of Euvurcrest, along with its residents. Thanks to collaborative work between humanity and the newly awakened Icelend Dwarves, the Snowhammers were defeated and Epithet was frozen in captivity. His captivity would continue until The Rembrandtic Wars, where he escaped during the sacking of Eldurgrund. His current status (ca. 1947 NG) is unknown, though evidence of his presence remains through Aufehl brood across the land.Baron of Eldurgrund
While settlements were present around both Elduri mountain ranges for centuries, it wasn't until Epithet's arrival that a true capital was erected. Desiring a defensible city, Epithet ordered a fort to be carved from the mountain, accompanied by a monument to the god Muren. Both of these constructions persist today as the city of Euvurcrest is held in the palm of Muren's Mantle. It's said that Epithet assisted in the construction and its completion was inconceivable without divine assistance; still, as the first baron of Eldurgrund in a new age of civilization, Epithet is hardly remembered fondly. Due to his deception and betrayal, Epithet is tantamount to a demon in the eyes of Eldurgrund, and several holidays see statues of Epithet desecrated by the commonfolk. Epithet's deceit goes beyond the Elduri people. Attacking Euvurcrest and damaging Muren's Mantle is considered heretical, given Muren serves as the nation's cultural cornerstone. Accompanying the rejection of Muren was the alignment with Milin Orphi: an entity despised by most human cultures. In the time before his fall, information about his contributions to Eldurgrund are limited, as are most documents from Ettermiddag. It's well known that he traveled the land to gather settlers and slew those who threatened the capital. After his capture, questioning was an impossibility. Any information Epithet recalls is now lost with him.Personality
Arguably more is known about Epithet's personality than his accomplishments, as most verbal traditions and written tales depict him similarly. Even the limited number of his known Aufehl offspring reinforce the claims of their master's abrasion. Often described as brash, prideful, and self-important, Epithet lacked the qualities associated with a humble leader, even before his fall from grace. His tactics to corral humans included flattery, manipulation, and grandiose tales of divine protection. He was demanding of laborers and enthusiastic to build a monument to the gods (perhaps more than creating a haven for humanity). In battle, he was cruel and unyielding, often taking pleasure in believing himself undefeatable. While Aufalten are stuck in a permanent form, reduced to biological creatures, the Ohdaufehl can choose their depiction. For example, Onothis chose that of a mammoth while Erengel took the form of a sea beast. Draconic forms are common among the Ohdaufehl, but Epithet selected his to resemble Vestergil: another of his kind sent to assist humanity. The reason for mimicking Vestergil is unknown, but some claim he intended to make a mockery of his reserved predecessor.
Divine Classification
Aufalten
Church/Cult
Children
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