Saavolus
The Icon of Resilience
Saavolus, also known as the Hellwalker, is an average height human that is depicted as both old and youthful depending on the worship being performed on His behalf. He has been shown wearing worn and battered platemail in both ages, but His short black hair remains with His stern gaze. Saavolus is known for overcoming any and all obstacles that are put in His path. That traversing the layers of the Hells was His price to pay if He truly wanted to live. Anyone can fall into the reaches of the Hells, even angels. That you do not need any greater reason to fight out of a tough situation than just “I want to live,” and that is only held through dedication and grit. For those that are experiencing difficult times, they will often find peace within the presence of the elderly Saavolus as He is wise with age and experience. For those that have overcome their obstacles and trials, they will often find solace within the presence of the young Saavolus as He will guide them out of their Hell and onto a favorable path. His mount is recognized as being an Abyssal Warhorse.
Dogma
Saavolus is a confident Icon. To be able to endure hardship is common for soldiers, but to remain a gentle soul at the end of it is harder still to accomplish. He is often viewed as incredibly stubborn to the point that even death couldn’t stop him. Saavolus takes great care in providing comfort to soldiers enduring the war around them, and the war within themselves. However rare it may be in the flames of war, Saavolus will do His damnedest to ensure that those that worship Him have a home to go back to.
Gaining Favor or Redemption
Saavolus’s favor is gained through dedication and endurance. This is typically interpreted as surviving the ordeals the worshipper faces, though many have viewed this interpretation as a bastardization of Saavolus’s teachings as survival is only part of “traversing to the other side.” Loss of favor is not done through failure, but through lack of trying. From giving up. And redemption can be found through pushing through one’s failures and only changing for the better without losing who you really are.
Interactions with the world
Saavolus is one of the guiding forces for human resolve and combat. This is a common experience for soldiers and guards that find themselves in an insurmountable situation and only need a push towards changing a potential loss into a resounding victory. Withstanding blow after blow, staying conscious against all odds, and even mustering the strength to stand your ground are all examples of the resilience that Saavolus inspires in His worshippers. Priests of Saavolus are typically those that have gone into war and emerged on the other side changed spiritually. These priests encourage withstanding what life brings, and teaching an appreciation for life and the stubbornness needed to seize life. Thus, many humans find themselves at some point in their lives worshipping Saavolus when they have been weathered to near collapse.
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