Nios

Summary

Nios is one of the older gods of the Progenitor Pantheon, and is considered to be one of the first generational gods. Of all gods he is considered by far one of the most loyal to Sar'aan, second only to Gessar in his loyalty to the first of the gods.
Nios is the god of inspiration, and is seen as a patron to artists, inventors and visionaries alike. He joined Sar'aan soon after Sericil, and seeks to inspire other the same way Sar'aan inspired him to create his own identity. Nioss was one of Sar'aan's most loyal followers, and actively attempted to cause other Titans to join Sar'aan's Pantheon.

Appearance

Nios takes the form of a tall, slim framed Aior Seltien with pastel white skin and hair. His eyes are an intense violet, as are his horns, which raise gently from his temples until they meet to form a sort of half halo. The horns have the same crystalline texture as all Seltien, however they are far more symmetrical and the horns blend together seamlessly. His white hair falls down to his shoulders, and is kept well away from his face.
On occasion he is seen with a silver two-piece helmet, the bulk of which rests over his head and horns and a lower face-plate that is slotted under the horns. The helmet is a metallic white in coloration with a brass trim, similar to his armor. His chestplate bulges forward at the chest in a display of physical prowess, and is bordered on either side by a pair of rounded pauldrons. In addition to these pieces are kneepads, greaves, gauntlets and boot-covers in a similar color pattern. underneath this armor he wears a violet cloth that stretches to the waist, and long leather tassets on either side over a skirt in the same cloth as his shirt.
A long, flowing cape hangs from his shoulders, and is white in coloration. A wavelike pattern of brass stretches from his shoulders to the end, and the center of the cape possesses a symbol representing a halo and a mirrored pair of bugles surrounding it on either side. The symbols are violet, like his shirt, but are bordered by brass.
In his right hand is a white wooden staff that ends in a long brass blade on one side and a pointed brass pommel on the other. The blade is inscribed with a script aglow in violet light and wreathed in an identically colored flame. The flame and script usually appears violet, however the color changes to suit one or more colors representing his followers (i.e if he were to lead a legion of the Sera'daan tribe of Astrals the script and flame may become golden in hue).

Personality

Nios is bold and outspoken, baring all the obvious traits of a leader. He is a public speaker without comparison, befitting his role as the god of inspiration.

Relationships

Nios is close friends with Sar'aan and Gessar, and more than any other god is entrusted with duties by them, particularly in regards to leading their people. Indeed many believe that he helped bring the couple together. However he is not so lucky in his own love life as he has a string of ex-lovers, some of which have met tragic fates. His first lover, his original muse was Andarsha, a match that seemed destined. However for one reason or another they fell out of love with one another and split amicably, with two children, Amella, the low goddess of writing and record keeping, and Karanir, who would ascend to the role of the High god of Perseverance.
Nios is also the lover of several low gods, and even a few mortals. Each of these held his interest for a short time, however one after another they proved incompatible. Some split amicably and others spurned the god. Nios did eventually find his true muse, someone who kept his attention during the early second age. His final lovers name was Laysaira, a Seofarean woman serving as one of the precursors to the Inquisitor Champions. She was a poet and warrior both, and drew the gods attention after leading Seofarean forces into a sea battle against superior Tiorathan forces. Even after her death Nios continues to honor her and has since sworn a vow of chastity, something he has surprisingly managed to maintain despite his history.
Since the death of his lover Nios has grown to despise Endros more than he does the Titan-Minds after the Godcaster slew her. To his dismay retribution is out of his grasp, as the storm god is not only far more powerful than Nios but possesses Laysaira's soul, and would likely cast it into the Titan Realms if he felt his defeat was near. This allows Endros to bully Nios into aiding him in great need. Although Nios has tried to barter for Laysaira's soul Endros has yet to surrender it.

History

Nioss was the second Titan to join Sar'aan and become a god after Sericil. He would also inspire the Titan who would become Gessar to join the gods. He would help train the gods to better lead their legions alongside Gessar, and his people, the Seltien served often as warrior poets during the Astral Crusades. He is often called the Architect of the Realms as he suggested that the gods begin work on their own realms and form a land away from the Titans, and helped inspire the rules of the world.
Of all High gods he has the most children as in his past he was quite promiscuous, however he has sworn a vow of chastity after the death of his true love and muse Laysaira. She was the inspiration for many of his actions, one of which was the only direct interference of a high progenitor god in the Sethiri conflicts. He first noticed Laysaira when she lead Seofarean forces against a Tiorathan fleet that was superior both in number and naval skills. However she was able to tear through the majority of the fleet before her ship was boarded and she was almost executed. However Nios would send a wave to sink her boat, before reaching from the heavens to pluck Laysaira and her crew from the water.
At first she was unreceptive to the gods advances, particularly given Endros's disdain for Nios, however she would slowly draw closer to the god. However after she left Endros's service when he ordered her to raid neutral towns bordering Seofare and Nor'Tirath he would have her brought before him and executed. This not only enraged Nios but brought him a great deal of shame as he had failed to protect the only lover he truly felt connected to, and was powerless to seek retribution as Endros's power had outgrown his. He now tries (and fails) to barter with the Godcaster for the soul of his lover.

Domains:

Inspiration

Pantheon:

Progenitor Pantheon

Parentage:

None

Children:

Amella, Palerian, Nasari

Race created:

Seltien

Titles:

God of Inspiration, Creator of the Seltien, High god of the Progenitor Pantheon, Patron of artists, inventors and visionaries, Architect of the Realms

Monikers:

The great Bard, The Great Poet