Tauqa

The God of the Sea

Water covers most of the world's surface, and those who venture onto it will often seek Tauqa's blessing first, for the seas are a dangerous place, full of storms, high waves, and even the dreaded maelstrom. Tauqa is not the most popular of the Velen, but he is very much respected. His importance is acknowledged even by those who never enter the sea, for he is not just the lord of the seas, but of all water bodies, and even rivers. Everywhere water flows, his influence can be felt.

Temples

All coastal civilizations, especially the island societies, know to build temples in veneration of the god of the seas, for if you wish to trade safely by water, you need his blessing. If your people wish to traverse across the world's water bodies, they need his permission, as without it, he might not think twice before sending any number of aquatic disasters your way. These temples are always built on the coast or a lake or river, and they are always partially built underwater. The main area where priests live may be on dry land, but there is always a section where the floor is under the surface of the water, and on seas, there is always a section that is only submerged during times of high water, and which stands dry for a time. This is all because the worship of the aquatic god isn't done on dry land. Anyone who wishes to say a prayer to Tauqa will have to enter the water, at least with their feet.

Legend

It is said that when Tauqa breathes in, the tides lower, and when he breathes out, they rise again. It is said when a small island disappears beneath the waves, this is because he breathes out so hard that the rise in water level swallows up the whole landmass. He does raise up new landmasses as well, though. Young islands, to make up for what is lost beneath the surface of the water.

Artifacts

The Pronged Spear is a long thin spear, with a unique head. It is very thin and has nine narrow heads, one pointed forward, and the others pointing slightly outward. This makes it ideal for catching fish, since the head requires much less accuracy in order to hit a fish. When thrown, it will move through water as though through the air.
The Atlas Pouch is a small water pouch that will never run dry. However, if more water is taken from it than is needed, it will cause the user to become dehydrated, and possibly even die.

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Personality

Tauqa is everywhere, he stretches far and wide separating landmasses and carving out river beds. He is the guardian of most of the world's surface, which is home to many animals and plants. The reefs and kelp fields are his gardens, and the oceans are his deserts, the trenches his mountains, and the shallow seabed his plains. His personality is one of strength, and resilience, of adventure and travel to new lands never seen before.