Tathos
God of the Cycle of Life and Death
"It seems you have met a terrible end."
Life and Death
While mortals may differ in race, religion, wealth, and status, what unites them all is that they are born and that they die. Tathos is the God of the Cycle of Life and Death. He decides the time of birth and death of all mortals. He is called the Saint of Sorrow, for he takes no pleasure in the ending of mortal life. Tathos is a compassionate entity, taking great care to make the passage of souls from this life to the next as soothing as possible, even to those mortals he considers evil. He watches mortals as they are born and embraces them as they die, therefore his awareness of mortality is more intimate than any other god. For this reason, he is sometimes called the Mortal's God. Tathos is one of the more popular gods of the Celestial Order, being invoked in many rituals concerning birth, the healing of the sick, and funerary rites. In artwork, he is most often depicted as either a skeletal figure or an elderly man with a long beard and mendicant robes.The Afterlands
Many mortals are bonded to a particular deity, either by worship or by circumstance of the life they led. However, for those who follow Tathos or go through life without tying themselves to any particular god, their place of rest after death is the Afterlands. This celestial realm is a realm of tranquility, quiet, and peace, where the dead may find comfort in the embrace of the Saint of Sorrow. Tathos himself ferries the newly dead to the Afterlands through the River of Souls.Turn Undead
While Tathos is often thought of as compassionate, empathetic, and only a source of kindness, there are things that earn his ire — namely, the undead and those who summon them. Vampires, necromancers, liches, undead hordes, the list goes on. Life and death are the domain of Tathos. As such, he considers these forms of unlife and those like them to be mockeries of his domains. Tathos gives no quarter in this respect. Those who follow him are tasked with putting an end to any form of unlife that exists upon the continent, whether they cause havoc or not. It is the view of the Saint of Sorrow that all life must be allowed to pass on peacefully, whether through natural death or otherwise.Divine Domains
Life, Grave
Artifacts
Lux Brumalis
The only known artifact of Tathos, Lux Brumalis, also called Dawn's Kiss, is a magical mace. Unassuming in its make, it appears as a simple, refined silver mace with ornate, careful carvings of flowers blooming and withering up the weapon's handle. Lux Brumalis deals devastating damage to any undead creature and can attack from a distance by calling upon a vortex of pure radiance to engulf an area from afar, using the command word. If misused, Dawn's Kiss may recall itself back to its master. The mace often finds itself in ancient tombs, frequently forgotten.
Holy Books & Codes
Among devotees of Tathism, the monolatric religion observed by some desert elves and peaceful giant tribes venerating only the God of Life and Death to the exclusion of all other gods, there are three sacred scriptures. It should be noted most devotees of Tathos belong to the Celestial Order faith and do not recognize these texts as binding.
Book of Rites
The Book of Rites is a sacred text within Tathism, containing detailed rituals and ceremonies associated with various stages of life and the transition into death. It provides guidance on birth ceremonies, marriage rituals, funerary rites, and other significant life milestones. The Book of Rites serves as a practical guide for adherents to honor the sacredness of each phase of existence.Book of Philosophy
The Book of Philosophy delves into the ethical and moral teachings of Tathism. It explores concepts such as compassion, empathy, respect for all living beings, and the acceptance of the natural cycle of life and death. This scripture encourages followers to lead lives of kindness, to nurture relationships, and to find solace in the understanding of the transient nature of existence.Book of Tradition
The Book of Tradition provides a historical and cultural account of the devotees of Tathism. It narrates the origins of the religion, its development over time, and the practices and customs that have become integral to the followers' way of life. This scripture serves as a reminder of the rich heritage and shared experiences that bind the community together.Divine Symbols & Sigils
A skeletal embrace over a grave, an anatomical heart, a scythe
Tenets of Faith
Compassion. Have pity and understanding for your fellow mortal.
Peace. Do what you are able to uphold harmony.
Patience. Take life slow, good things are coming.
Forgiveness. Do not hold grudges before you leave this world.
Humility. Remember your place and act accordingly.
Holidays
Day of Remembrance
This solemn holiday is reserved to pay respect and keep alive the memories of the dead. Deceased family members, loved ones, honored community members, the victims of last season's plague, all of these and more are given honor and respect during the Day of Remembrance. Also called the Night of Memories, observers will get together and visit graves, swapping stories and kind memories of the deceased, leaving offerings of lilac, white lilies, hyacinth, and wine. It is said that on this day, the dead loom over their graves to enjoy the presence of the living.Soulfast
Soulfast is a four-day long time of fasting and reflection observed by devotees of Tathos. On this day, individuals voluntarily abstain from food and drink during daytime hours as an act of realigning themselves spiritually. During night hours, ideally, one consumes simply and minimally. As Soulfast is observed, believers often reflect on their life, privileges, and struggles, and gather strength for the road ahead.
Divine Classification
God
Religions
Alignment
Good
Realm
Church/Cult
Children
Eyes
Amber
Hair
Long, flowing, white
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Tanned
Ruled Locations
