Töphim Character in Tellus | World Anvil

Töphim

Gaius Töphim

Töphim is the fanatically loyal and inimitably evil cult leader of the the Church of Umberlee in The Cerulean Empire.

The leader of the Cult of Umberlee within the Cerulean Empire, Töphim is a figure of both deep reverence and great fear. His appetites and brutal proclivities often mirror those of the barbaric goddess, who cares little for the mortal coil. Töphim is the "High Priest of Umberlee" or the "Voice of the Sea Goddess." Herein is a despcription of his role within the cult of the evil sea goddess, Umberlee.


Töphim represents:
   
1. Title and Authority: The High Priest of Umberlee holds the highest spiritual authority within the cult. They are regarded as the direct conduit to Umberlee herself, and wield significant influence over the cult's followers.   2. Appearance: The High Priest typically dresses in elaborate and ornate robes adorned with symbols and motifs associated with the sea and marine life. Their attire reflects their connection to the ocean's depths and the divine.   3. Religious Symbolism: They may wear a headdress or amulets featuring seashells, pearls, and coral, symbolizing Umberlee's dominion over the ocean's treasures. Their attire incorporates the colors associated with Umberlee, such as deep blues and greens.   4. Ceremonial Role: The High Priest leads important rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices dedicated to Umberlee. These events often take place at secretive temples, or sacred sites within the trench. They are responsible for interpreting the signs and omens from the sea and conveying the goddess's will to the cult's members.   5. Guardianship of Sacred Relics: The High Priest is the guardian of sacred relics associated with Umberlee, such as ancient artifacts, seashells, and enchanted items believed to be gifts from the sea goddess.   6. Spiritual Guidance: He provides spiritual guidance and counsel to cult members, helping them navigate the challenges of life beneath the waves. He will offer blessings, perform healing rituals, and mediate disputes within the cult.   7. Interpretation of Umberlee's Will: It is the High Priest's responsibility to interpret the shifting moods and whims of Umberlee, who is both a benevolent protector and a vengeful force of nature. He guides the cult in appeasing the goddess to avoid her wrath.   8. Fear and Respect: The High Priest's authority is rooted in the reverence and fear that Umberlee commands. Töphim is both a source of solace and a harbinger of divine retribution.   9. Secrecy and Loyalty: The cult operates with a certain degree of secrecy and loyalty to its leader. Members of the cult are expected to show unwavering devotion to the High Priest and the sea goddess.   10. Political Influence: The High Priest holds much sway in matters of state, particularly when decisions related to the sea, maritime affairs, or the welfare of the empire's inhabitants are concerned.   The leader of the Cult of Umberlee plays a pivotal role in the merfolk society's spiritual and cultural life. They embody the complex relationship between the merfolk and the sea, and their guidance is crucial in maintaining harmony with the unpredictable forces of the ocean and the enigmatic goddess who rules it.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Töphim is an unnaturally strong and dexterous merman, having been bolstered as such by his patron, Umberlee.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Born to Umberlee cultists from @Cerulo, Töphim wants nothing more than to burn the whole empire down and rebuild it in Umberlee's image. He was raised to believe too much of the drylanders' influence can be seen in the architecture and governmental structures of the empire.

Gender Identity

Töphim sees himself as a conqueror, a taker of his due.

Sexuality

Töphim is a pansexual sadist with a proclivity for helpless people.

Education

Although he is entirely self educated, that education is fanatically thorough when it comes to the worship of Umberlee.

Employment

Tophim is the leader of The Worcesters, and the high priest of Umberlee in The Cerulean Empire

Accomplishments & Achievements

Tophim has, over the course of many horrific acts, caught the attention of Umberlee herself. The jury is still out as to whether or not this is to be considered an accomplishment.

Failures & Embarrassments

Töphim was bullied mercilessly as a child for his parents' religious zealotry, and his ponderous speaches condemning his tormentors only made it worse for him in the long run. 

Mental Trauma

It all peaked when he was run up the flagpole in Cerulo] by his tail. He has never forgiven anyone for it; even folks who had nothing to do with it had something to do with it, even if only peripherally, in his mind. His is truly a fragile ego strained to the breaking point and beyond every single day.

Intellectual Characteristics

Töphim, while ponderously thorough, is very quick on the uptake. Intelectually, he is very fast, but he has no interpersonal skills at all. Anything resembling a caring, sharing relationship is nothing but a clever parody of his observations. 

Morality & Philosophy

The best way to burn it all down is from the very top.
Gaius Töphim
Alignment
Chaotic/Evil
Current Status
Alive and eviling
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Age
88
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Gender
Man
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Brown
Hair
Pale blue
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Blue-tinged aquan
Height
10'4" Long
Weight
610 lbs.
Belief/Deity
Umberlee
Aligned Organization

Articles under Töphim



Cover image: Gaius Töphim

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