Tahos
Tahos is the legendary figure who united the human tribes of Tansia and established the Tahosian Dynasty, which would become the oldest and most powerful empire in the known world. His journey from a mortal warrior-king to a god is a tale of triumph, sacrifice, and justice. Born in an era of strife, when humanity was fragmented and preyed upon by the reptilian Saurask, Tahos emerged as a charismatic leader. He called for the unification of the human tribes to stand against the looming saurask threat. With the guidance of Takanda, Queen of Beasts, Tahos tamed the wild creatures of the land, including his loyal jaguar companion, Chotl'Mirr, and led humanity to victory in the Saurask Wars. This decade-long campaign saw Tahos leading a united human army and Takanda's beasts against the saurask. The decisive battle at Ak'tuin's Pass, where Tahos personally slew the saurask Warchief Sorsok, marked the end of the saurask's dominance and laid the foundations for the Tahosian Dynasty.
Following his victory, Tahos was coronated as the first Emperor of the newly established empire. In full view of the tribal elders and his followers, he knelt before the Golden Table, a council of kings, queens, and elders, pledging his service to the people of Tansia. The Mantle of Chotl'Mirr, the hide of his loyal jaguar, was placed upon his shoulders, forever marking his bond with the beast that had fought by his side. Alongside Takanda, who became his wife and co-ruler, Tahos established the principles of the Dynasty: justice, honor, and sacrifice. His first decree as emperor was the abolition of the title of 'chief' and the establishment of the Kings and Queens of the Dynasty, ensuring a balance of power within the empire. His reign ushered in an era of peace and growth, as he restored ancient temples and helped establish the Kingdoms of Zicotl, K'jatar, and Ban'zol, each ruled by kings and queens loyal to the Dynasty.
Fifty years into his reign, Tahos abdicated the throne, placing the Mantle of Chotl'Mirr on the Golden Table and walking into the jungles alone. His departure marked the beginning of his ascension to godhood. Legends say he joined the spirits in the afterlife, becoming the Spirit of Kings and the first god-king of the emerging Tahosian pantheon.
As a Living God, Tahos continues to watch over the Dynasty, guiding its rulers and ensuring they uphold the values he instilled: justice, sacrifice, and protection of the realm. His divine influence is most strongly felt during royal successions, where he personally oversees the Ritual of Crowning, ensuring that each new ruler is worthy of the throne. Tahos embodies kingship and justice. He is the eternal protector of the Dynasty’s rulers, ensuring that the throne is occupied by those who lead with honor. While Tahos is revered in Tansia as a god of law and order, his legacy also lives in his military prowess. He is not a god of conquest, but of defense—his teachings emphasize that war should only be waged in defense of the realm and its people. Tahos continues to intervene in moments of great crisis, appearing through visions to guide rulers and warriors in their time of need.
Depiction of Tahos
Tahos is often depicted as a towering figure, a regal warrior-king clad in radiant golden armor. His most distinctive feature is the Mantle of Chotl'Mirr, the hide of his legendary jaguar companion, draped over his shoulders. This mantle is more than just a symbol—it is said to carry the spirit of his jaguar companion, protecting its wearer and granting divine combat insight. Tahos is often shown wielding Vercaltor, the Sword of Kings, a massive obsidian-tipped blade that symbolizes his ability to defend the realm and uphold justice. The sword gleams with a light said to be infused with the essence of past kings, connecting all rulers of the Dynasty to Tahos’s legacy. In many depictions, Tahos is portrayed riding a golden tyrannosaur, a gift from Takanda, symbolizing his mastery over nature and his strength as a warrior. In most images he is also seen riding atop Chotl'Mirr. His eyes are often depicted as glowing with divine fire, reflecting his role as a god who sees into the hearts of mortal leaders and warriors, judging them worthy or unworthy. Artistic renditions of Tahos frequently include symbols of justice and war, such as scales, flames, spears and blades, signifying his unwavering commitment to law, order, and righteous leadership.Three Tenets of Faith
Rule with justice and honor. Leadership is a sacred duty, not a privilege. Rulers must govern with fairness, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of their people. Tahos teaches that justice is the foundation of governance, and those who lead must uphold laws that are fair. Corruption and tyranny are seen as direct affronts to Tahos, and rulers who betray this principle risk losing his favor. Sacrifice for the greater good. True leadership requires selflessness. Rulers must put the needs of their people before their own, making personal sacrifices for the prosperity and safety of the realm. Whether it means giving up wealth, comfort, or even life, the greatest rulers are those who understand the burden of leadership and act for the greater good. Wage war in defense of the realm. Tahos abhors wars of conquest and greed. His followers believe that war is sacred only when it is fought to defend the people and uphold justice. Those who take up arms in defense of the realm are guided by Tahos’s hand, but those who seek power through war are forsaken by him.Followers of Tahos
Tahos’s followers include the nobility, warrior caste, and ruling class of the Tahosian Dynasty. His teachings form the moral backbone of the empire’s governance, with kings, emperors and other male leaders expected to embody his virtues. The high priesthood of Tahos, known as Warpriests, serve as spiritual guides to the royal families and the Golden Table. These priests ensure that rulers remain in Tahos’s favor and that their reign aligns with his teachings of justice and self-sacrifice. Tahos is also revered by the Ocelomazz, an elite warrior group modeled after his jaguar companion, Chotl’Mirr. These warriors are the most skilled and loyal defenders of the Dynasty, tasked with protecting the rulers and upholding Tahos’s laws on the battlefield. Their armor is crafted to resemble jaguar fur, and they are known for their fierce combat skills and unbreakable loyalty to the throne.Temples of Tahos
Temples dedicated to Tahos are grand, towering structures that reflect the god’s status as the protector of kingship and law. These temples are built in the shape of ziggurats, symbolizing the ascent of rulers toward divine wisdom. The most renowned of these temples is the Throne of Tahos, located deep within the Tahosian Jungle surrounding the capital city of Tec'Tahos. This temple is the spiritual heart of Tahosian worship, where the Ritual of Crowning is performed upon an elected Emperor of the Dynasty, and where emperors and empresses receive Tahos’s divine blessing. Inside the temples, the Warpriests of Tahos conduct rituals that bless the royal family, sanctify laws, and prepare the Dynasty’s armies for battle. These temples also serve as centers for law and governance, where rulers come to seek guidance from the god and ensure that their decisions align with his teachings. The Golden Table, the council of kings and queens, often convenes in these sacred spaces to discuss matters of state under the watchful eye of Tahos.Warriors and Priests of Tahos
The Warpriests of Tahos are both spiritual leaders and warriors, trained in the sacred rites of kingship and combat. They advise the royal family on matters of governance, ensuring that their rule aligns with Tahos’s teachings. The Warpriests are also responsible for blessing the armies of the Dynasty before battle, ensuring that Tahos’s divine favor is with them.The Ocelomazz
The Ocelomazz, or Claws of the Jaguar, are the elite warriors of Tahos. Named after Chotl’Mirr, Tahos’s loyal jaguar companion, these warriors are handpicked for their combat prowess, loyalty, and adherence to Tahos’s principles. Clad in jaguar-patterned armor and wielding weapons blessed by the Warpriests, the Ocelomazz serve as the personal protectors of the empire’s rulers and are often at the forefront of battle. They fight with the ferocity of wild beasts, embodying Tahos’s ideals of strength, sacrifice, and justice. Their loyalty to the Dynasty and Tahos is absolute, and they are revered by the people as the defenders of the realm.
Portfolio
Noble sacrifices, Justice, Kings, Law, Just wars
Noble sacrifices, Justice, Kings, Law, Just wars
Divine Classification
Spirit
Religions
Realm
Children
Founded Settlements
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