Taal Ora in Tales of Cevantia | World Anvil

Taal Ora

The Beast Tamer

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man.
Taal Ora, The Master of Beasts and Monsters, is a goddess shrouded in eerie beauty and an air of enigma. Her appearance captivates with fair skin, shoulder-length wavy black and white hair, and piercing black eyes that seem to hold ancient secrets. Despite her association with darkness, Taal Ora carries herself with a calm demeanor, exuding an aura of calculated poise.   One of her defining features is an intricately crafted crown fashioned in the shape of a spider, a symbol of her dominion over creatures both fearsome and enchanting. The crown serves as a testament to her mastery over beasts and monsters, elevating her status as The Master.   Taal Ora is not only associated with her dominion over creatures but also with concepts of betrayal and hatred. In her realm, the monstrous races find solace and devotion, drawn to her power and influence. Her few but dedicated followers can be recognized by the charms they carry, symbols of their connection to the goddess and the secrets they hold.   Throughout myths and legends, Taal Ora's name is intertwined with tales of betrayal, particularly her involvement with the Unnamed One. In these myths, she is said to have forsaken her allegiance to the other gods, including Annasa, in favor of the Unnamed One. This act of betrayal cast her in a negative light, and she became a figure reviled by many gods, especially Annasa, who harbors a deep animosity towards her.   Taal Ora's influence extends to mortal realms as well, where she has been known to hinder epic heroes on their quests. Her enigmatic ways and penchant for manipulation make her a formidable force to be reckoned with, often complicating the journeys and destinies of those who cross her path.   Shrines dedicated to Taal Ora can be found in secluded places, such as caves and swamps, reflecting the mysterious and hidden aspects of her worship. These places serve as sanctuaries for those who seek her favor or seek to understand the darker aspects of existence.   While Taal Ora's actions have brought her both adoration and disdain, her path eventually led her to betray the Unnamed One and rejoin the other gods. However, her past actions continue to haunt her, and she remains a figure of complex emotions and conflicted relationships among the divine pantheon. Her presence in myths and worship serves as a reminder of the intricate and unpredictable nature of gods and the roles they play in shaping the world.  

A Tale of Treachery

   
"Listen, my comrades, and gather close, for I shall recount to you a tale that has haunted my dreams since my youth. It was a time when innocence still clung to our souls, and we traversed the treacherous path of adventure with hearts ablaze. But little did we know that our path would lead us to the very brink of damnation, as we encountered the twisted hand of The Betrayer. We were a band of brothers, bound by blood and forged in the fires of camaraderie. Our blades sang in harmony, and our laughter echoed through the night as we carved our names into the annals of heroism. But fate is a fickle mistress, and even the strongest bonds can crumble beneath the weight of betrayal.     It was a moonless night, shrouded in an eerie silence, when we found ourselves surrounded by the darkness that clung to the tainted heart of our once-trusted comrade. His eyes, once filled with warmth and mirth, now glowed with an unholy fervor, reflecting the malevolence that had ensnared his soul. He had succumbed to the whispers of Taal Ora, her tendrils of darkness weaving their insidious web around his heart.     As the truth unraveled before us, our blood ran cold, and fear gripped our very core. The air grew heavy with an oppressive darkness, suffocating the light of hope that had guided our every step. We were caught in a deadly game, pawns in the hands of a goddess who reveled in chaos and despair.     With each passing moment, the grip of our former friend tightened, and we were driven to the precipice of oblivion. Our weapons clashed, but our hearts faltered, burdened by the weight of our shattered trust. Shadows danced around us, and the very ground seemed to shift beneath our feet, as if the world itself mourned our impending doom.     We fought with all our might, fueled by the fires of righteous fury, but the odds were stacked against us. The corrupted ally, now a puppet of Taal Ora's malevolence, unleashed horrors from the depths of her dark dominion. Monsters snarled and slithered, their eyes gleaming with an insatiable hunger for our demise.     In that dire moment, survival became our sole purpose, and we ran, our pounding footsteps echoing through the labyrinthine corridors of our own shattered trust. Fear fueled our every stride, the specter of death nipping at our heels. The night air carried the echoes of our desperate pleas, lost in the void of Taal Ora's wicked laughter.     We emerged, bloodied and broken, from that accursed encounter, our souls scarred by the searing touch of betrayal. It was a lesson etched into our very being, a reminder that even the purest hearts can be twisted and perverted under the sway of a vengeful deity. The memory of that chilling night forever etched in our minds, a testament to the darkness that lies dormant within us all. So, my comrades, let this tale serve as a solemn warning. Beware the siren call of Taal Ora, for her allure is a treacherous trap that ensnares even the noblest of souls. Trust your instincts, for they are the true compass in a world stained by deceit. And should you ever face the wicked hand of betrayal, may the memory of our harrowing escape guide your steps, and may the light of camaraderie burn bright in the face of the encroaching shadows."
- An old adventurer
 

Tenets of Taal Ora

  • Embrace Betrayal: Taal Ora teaches her followers to value betrayal as a means of gaining power and furthering their own agenda. They are encouraged to embrace cunning and deception, using it to manipulate others to serve their own interests.
  • Unleash the Beast Within: Taal Ora urges her followers to embrace their primal instincts and unleash their inner beast. They are encouraged to tap into their darkest desires and unleash chaos and destruction upon those who stand in their way.
 
  • Worship the Monstrous: Followers of Taal Ora revere monsters and creatures of the darkness. They believe that true power lies in the embrace of the monstrous, and they seek to form alliances with these creatures to bolster their own strength.
 
  • Embody Hatred: Hatred is a central aspect of Taal Ora's teachings. Her followers are encouraged to harbor deep-seated animosity towards their enemies and to use that hatred as a driving force in their actions. They believe that true power can be harnessed from the depths of their resentment.
 
  • Revel in Chaos: Taal Ora's followers revel in the chaos they sow. They find pleasure in disrupting order, causing strife, and watching the world burn. They view chaos as a catalyst for change and as a means to dismantle existing power structures.
 
  • Corrupt the Innocent: The corruption of innocence is a favored tactic of Taal Ora's followers. They take pleasure in tainting the pure and leading others astray. They seek to sow seeds of doubt and darkness, turning the virtuous into pawns in their malevolent game.
 
  • Fear No Boundaries: Followers of Taal Ora are taught to break free from societal norms and expectations. They are urged to challenge boundaries, push limits, and embrace the forbidden. They believe that true power lies in defying convention and embracing the unknown.
 
  • Serve the Goddess: Above all, followers of Taal Ora are expected to serve and appease their deity. They offer their loyalty and devotion, seeking her favor and guidance in their pursuits. They believe that through their dedication, they will be granted the strength and blessings needed to fulfill their darkest desires.

Titles:

 
  • The Beast Tamer
 

Domains:

  • Beasts
  • Monsters
 

Subdomains:

  • Betrayal
  • Hatred
 

Favored Weapon:

  • Spear