Thalor

Lord of Beasts Thalor (a.k.a. Father of the Wilds)

Thalor is the embodiment of untamed nature and the primal forces of the wilderness. He represents the wild, fierce, and unrestrained aspects of nature—survival, predation, and the eternal cycle of life and death. His followers, often hunters, rangers, and druids, revere him as the ultimate force of natural balance, honoring both the predator and the prey.
Thalor is depicted as a towering, muscular figure with a rugged, primal appearance. He has dark, wild hair intertwined with vines and leaves, and large, curved horns like a stag's, symbolizing his dominance over the natural world. His earthy skin resembles the bark of ancient trees, with patches of fur along his limbs. His eyes glow with a fierce amber light, embodying the spirit of a predator.
Thalor is wild, untamed, and often unpredictable, reflecting the raw power of nature. He values strength, survival, and the natural order, where only the strong and cunning thrive. Though he can be harsh, his followers respect his teachings on the balance between life and death, seeing his lessons as part of the natural world’s order.
Thalor is often seen as the counterpart to Sylvanna, the goddess of nurturing nature and growth. While Sylvanna represents harmony and life, Thalor embodies nature's brutal, survivalist side, where predators and prey coexist in a delicate balance.

Divine Domains

• Untamed Nature: Thalor is the embodiment of wild, untamed nature in its purest form. He represents the raw, unspoiled wilderness, where the forces of life and death coexist in a delicate balance. His domain encompasses forests, mountains, plains, and all places untouched by civilization. The animals, plants, and elements of these places fall under his protection, and he fiercely guards them from exploitation or destruction.
• Beasts: As the protector and guide of all creatures, Thalor has dominion over the beasts of the world. From the apex predators that roam the wilderness to the smallest creatures of the earth, Thalor ensures the survival of these creatures in their natural habitats. He is especially revered by those who seek communion with animals, whether as hunters, rangers, or druids.
• Survival: Thalor represents the primal instinct to survive, not just for individuals but for entire ecosystems. He teaches the virtues of self-reliance, endurance, and respect for the natural order. His followers learn to live off the land, knowing that the wild will provide for those who understand and respect it. Survival is not only a physical act but also a spiritual one, requiring harmony with the environment.
• The Hunt: One of Thalor’s most iconic domains, the hunt symbolizes both the cycle of life and the mastery of nature. Thalor encourages hunting for sustenance and survival, not for greed or sport. His followers respect the prey they hunt, offering thanks to Thalor for the balance it maintains in the natural order. The Hunt also represents the relentless pursuit of one’s goals, whether it’s tracking a beast or overcoming challenges in life.

Artifacts

The Horn of the Wild Hunt

A magnificent horn carved from the antler of a colossal stag, imbued with the raw power of the wild. When blown, it summons the Wild Hunt—Thalor's spectral pack of beasts and hunters. They ride across the sky or through the wilderness, tracking down foes, be they mortal or otherworldly.

• It summons the Wild Hunt for aid in battle, or to pursue a target relentlessly. Those marked by the Hunt find no refuge in civilization or the wilderness. It is said that only those truly attuned to the wild can blow the horn without being consumed by the primal forces it unleashes.

The Fang of Thalor

A dagger fashioned from the tooth of one of Thalor’s first sacred beasts, this weapon is both a symbol of his dominion over nature and a tool for survival.

• The Fang allows its bearer to command beasts, summon wolves or bears, and it strikes with the ferocity of a predator. It can also be used to sever corrupt ties between nature and dark magic, cleansing areas tainted by unnatural forces. It was said to be carried by the first Chieftain of the Wild Clans, who used it to tame the wilds and bring the tribes under Thalor’s protection.

The Mantle of Beasts

A cloak made from the hide of several apex predators. The wearer of this mantle is granted the strength, agility, and senses of the beasts it was crafted from.

• The Mantle allows its wearer to take on the attributes of any natural predator, from a wolf’s cunning to a bear’s brute strength, or even shift into a hybrid form of these creatures. It is also said to allow the wearer to communicate with animals and blend seamlessly into any wilderness. Worn by Thalor himself during the earliest Wild Hunts, the Mantle of Beasts is a sacred relic passed between the chosen guardians of his sacred groves.

The Antlered Crown

A crown of intertwined antlers worn by the greatest Beastlords, bestowed upon them as a symbol of their mastery over the natural world.

• Those who wear the Antlered Crown are granted dominion over all beasts, able to command entire packs and herds with a single thought. The crown also grants the wearer the ability to heal creatures of the wild and restore balance to ecosystems that have been harmed by civilization. Only those truly in tune with the wild are worthy to wear the Antlered Crown, and it is said that any who would misuse its power are struck down by Thalor’s wrath.

Holy Books & Codes

The Wild Codex

The Wild Codex is an ancient collection of oral traditions, recorded by druids and hunters who follow Thalor. It contains the core tenets of survival, respect for nature, and the balance between life and death. Passed down through generations, it is written in a primal script and often inscribed on the bark of ancient trees or animal hide.
Key Teachings:

• "Take only what you need, for the land provides to those who do not take in greed."
• "To hunt is to honor the life that sustains you; do not kill without purpose."
• "All life returns to the earth. From predator to prey, the cycle endures."
• The Wild Codex teaches balance and the natural order of things, guiding followers to live in harmony with nature. It is believed that every follower adds their story to the Codex in some form, whether by word, deed, or blood.

The Hunt’s Law

The Hunt’s Law is a sacred set of guidelines for those who wish to partake in the Wild Hunt. It is a code of honor and reverence, emphasizing respect for both the hunter and the hunted.
Core Laws:

1. Respect the Prey: "The prey is your equal, for without it, the hunt is meaningless. Honor its spirit with a swift death."
2. Hunt in Harmony: "Do not overhunt the land, for to take too much is to destroy your own future."
3. The Hunter's Vigil: "Before every hunt, spend time in quiet communion with nature. Understand the environment, for it is both your ally and your judge."

The Hunt’s Law is upheld by all true followers of Thalor and is a requirement for those who wish to be blessed by him during the great Wild Hunts.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

• The Antlered Sigil: Thalor's primary symbol is a pair of crossed antlers, representing his dominion over beasts and the wilderness. This sigil is often carved into trees or worn as pendants by his followers. It symbolizes the raw, untamed nature of the wild and the cyclical power of life, death, and rebirth in nature.
• The Stag’s Mark: This is a stylized image of a stag’s hoofprint, often drawn in the dirt or sand to invoke Thalor’s blessing before a hunt. Followers believe that by marking the earth with the Stag’s Mark, they call upon the god’s favor to guide their steps and ensure a successful hunt.
• The Beast’s Eye: A symbol of vigilance and primal wisdom, the Beast’s Eye is a circular design resembling an animal’s eye. It is used by druids and hunters to enhance their connection with animals and see through the eyes of the creatures around them.

Tenets of Faith

1. Respect the Cycle of Life
"All creatures have their place in the circle of life, from the fiercest predator to the smallest prey. Hunt only what is needed, and never waste the gifts of the wild."
2. Honor the Hunt
"The hunt is sacred, a test of skill, endurance, and survival. It is not a game, but a way to honor the natural order. Show respect to your prey, and offer thanks to Thalor for its life."
3. Protect the Wild
"The untamed lands are the heart of Thalor’s domain. Defend them from those who would seek to harm or exploit the wilderness. The balance must be maintained, and the wild must remain free."
4. Live in Harmony with Nature
"The wild provides everything needed for survival. Learn its ways, live in harmony with it, and take only what you need. To live in defiance of nature is to invite ruin."
5. Strength through the Wild
"The wilderness is a place of trials and growth. True strength comes from embracing the challenges of the natural world, for it shapes you into something stronger and more resilient."
6. Embrace Your Primal Instincts
"Follow your instincts, for they are a gift from Thalor. Trust in the wisdom of the wild and the power it grants to those who listen to it."

Holidays

The Great Hunt

Date: Mid-Autumn The Great Hunt is an annual event where followers of Thalor gather to partake in a ritual hunt, celebrating the abundance of nature before the leaner winter months. It is both a test of survival skills and a sacred offering to the god. Hunters of all kinds participate in a grand hunt for game, which is then shared in a feast. The event honors the balance between life and death, predator and prey.

The Festival of Beasts

Spring Equinox
Held at the beginning of spring, this festival is a celebration of nature’s rebirth. It marks the time when new life returns to the wild. Followers perform rituals to bless the animals and the land, ensuring a bountiful season. Communities host contests that test physical strength, hunting prowess, and endurance. It’s also a time of peace, where even rival clans set aside their differences to honor Thalor’s gifts.

The Wild Vigil

Summer Solstice
On the longest day of the year, devotees of Thalor spend the night in the wild, alone or in small groups, fasting and meditating. The Wild Vigil is a time to reconnect with nature, listen to the voices of the wild, and seek guidance from Thalor. It’s a spiritual trial where followers must face their fears, endure the elements, and prove their strength of will. Those who complete the vigil are often blessed with greater insight or physical resilience.

The Blood Moon Hunt

The Night of the Blood Moon (whenever it occurs)
On nights when the moon turns red, Thalor’s followers believe the barriers between the physical world and the primal forces of nature are thinnest. The Blood Moon Hunt is a dangerous and sacred ritual where the most daring hunters seek out great beasts or supernatural creatures. It is believed that success in this hunt brings great favor from Thalor, while failure may lead to eternal wandering in the wilds.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Thalor was born from the primal forces of the earth during the earliest days of creation, emerging as the raw embodiment of the untamed wilderness. As one of the first beings shaped by the primordial energies of Tanaria, Thalor represents the untamed and survivalist aspect of nature—the wild, the untouchable, and the relentless cycle of life and death.
In the earliest epochs, he wandered the lands, forests, mountains, and plains as both predator and protector, overseeing the balance between beasts and nature. While his sister, Sylvanna, cultivated the nurturing side of nature, fostering growth and harmony, Thalor upheld the natural order where the strong survived and the weak perished. His role was not to nurture life but to ensure that nature remained wild and powerful, untouched by civilization or control.
Thalor is credited with teaching the first hunters and tribes how to live in harmony with the wilderness, how to respect the prey they hunted, and how to embrace their primal instincts. His influence spread among the nomadic peoples, druids, and those who revered the wilds as sacred. He is the guardian of beasts, the guide to hunters, and the one who ensures that the circle of life continues unbroken.
Despite his fierce nature, Thalor has a complex relationship with his counterpart, Sylvanna. While she represents nature’s growth and balance, Thalor stands for its raw, untamed essence. They maintain a respect for one another, knowing that nature’s true harmony lies in the balance between their forces. However, Thalor resists any attempts to domesticate or control the wilds, often clashing with civilizations that seek to expand their boundaries into his domain.
Throughout history, Thalor's followers have been among the wild folk—nomads, hunters, rangers, and druids—who respect the natural cycle. He is worshiped in secluded groves, atop mountain peaks, and deep within uncharted forests, far from the influence of cities or rulers. His name is spoken with reverence in the wild places of the world, where the untamed spirit of nature reigns supreme.

Accomplishments & Achievements

• The Creation of the Great Hunt: Thalor is said to have introduced the first hunters to the world, teaching them the ways of survival and the honor that comes with hunting in balance with nature. His creation of the Great Hunt ritual serves as a sacred practice for his followers, who celebrate the cycle of life and death by partaking in hunts that honor both predator and prey.
• The Beastlords’ Pact: In ancient times, Thalor forged a powerful bond with the most fearsome and noble creatures of the wilds—great wolves, stags, and other apex predators. This pact ensured that the balance of nature would be upheld, with these creatures serving as guardians of the untamed wilderness. His pact with the Beastlords became a legendary story among his followers, reinforcing his role as the master of all creatures.
• Guardian of the Untamed: Thalor’s greatest achievement lies in his eternal protection of nature’s wild, untouched places. He has stood against many forces—both mortal and divine—that sought to tame the wilderness or exploit its resources. His intervention in preserving ancient forests, sacred mountains, and remote, untouched lands has solidified his role as the defender of the wild.
• The Horned Mark: Followers who show exceptional skill and devotion to Thalor's teachings receive the Horned Mark, a mystical symbol that grants them heightened abilities in tracking, hunting, and communing with beasts. It is believed that those who bear the Horned Mark are favored by Thalor, and their presence ensures balance wherever they tread.
• Thalor’s Challenge: Legends speak of Thalor challenging mortals who dared to upset the balance of nature. These challenges were not always physical battles but tests of cunning, survival, and respect for the natural world. Those who passed gained the favor of Thalor, while those who failed were either driven from the wilderness or met a more dire fate.

Failures & Embarrassments

• The Taming of the Western Wilds: One of Thalor’s most notable failures occurred when a powerful mortal king, driven by ambition, successfully tamed a vast expanse of the Western Wilds, once considered one of Thalor’s most sacred territories. Despite Thalor's efforts to defend the wild lands, the king's armies, aided by magic and new technology, slowly encroached on the forest, cutting down ancient trees and driving out its creatures. Thalor's inability to protect this region has left him bitter, and the Western Wilds remain a symbol of his limitations in the face of human ambition.
• The Loss of the Beastlord Taurak: Thalor once had a powerful ally in Taurak, one of the greatest Beastlords who roamed the world. Taurak, a colossal creature who embodied the raw fury of the wilds, was tasked with protecting one of Thalor’s most sacred groves. However, Taurak was slain by a group of powerful adventurers seeking to claim the land for their kingdom. Thalor, distracted by other battles, was unable to intervene in time. The loss of Taurak left Thalor grieving and with a sense of personal failure, as he had not been able to defend his most trusted guardian.
• The Betrayal of the Wildkin: Thalor had once entrusted a group of his chosen followers, the Wildkin, with the sacred duty of preserving the balance between civilization and nature. However, a faction of the Wildkin betrayed Thalor’s teachings, allying with a dark power to gain control over the wilds for their own gain. Their treachery led to the corruption of several sacred sites and the desecration of Thalor's name. Though Thalor eventually destroyed the betrayers, the damage done to his reputation and the land remains one of his greatest shames.
• Sylvanna's Reproach: While Thalor and Sylvanna represent complementary aspects of nature, they have clashed over the best way to preserve the natural world. On more than one occasion, Thalor’s unyielding and violent defense of the wild has led to conflicts with his sister, who favors growth and balance over brute force. Sylvanna has publicly reproached Thalor for being too reckless and destructive, especially when his actions cause more harm than good. These moments of conflict have strained their relationship and caused Thalor to question whether his methods always serve the greater good of nature.
• The War of the Ironfang Clans: Thalor once aligned himself with the Ironfang Clans, a group of beastfolk warriors who sought to reclaim lands stolen by settlers. However, Thalor's aggressive approach in guiding them led to catastrophic losses on both sides, including the near-extinction of the clans. Instead of restoring balance, the war escalated into a bloody conflict that devastated not only the settlers but also the wilderness Thalor had sought to protect. This event is remembered as a costly miscalculation on his part, where his fury led to the destruction of the very creatures he vowed to protect.

Divine Classification

Supreme Deity

Species

Prime Deities

Realm

The Beastlands

Church/Cult

The Wild Clans

Honorary & Occupational Titles

The Wildfather, The Beastlord, The Untamed Hunter, The Untamed, Father of the Wilds, Beastlord, Lord of Beasts, The Wildfather, The Primal Hunter

Parents

Zemia

Terranis

Children

• Asteryn

Pronouns

He/Him

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Eyes

His eyes glow with a fierce amber light, reminiscent of a predator’s gaze, always alert, constantly watching.

Hair

His hair is long and wild, cascading in dark waves like the deep shadows of a forest. It is often intertwined with vines, leaves, and branches, as if nature itself is woven into him.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

His skin is a rich, earthy tone, resembling the bark of ancient trees, with patches of dark fur running down his arms and legs. His body bears marks and scars, symbols of his connection to the wild and the natural order of life and death.

Height

9 Feet