Tyen's Beast

Son if you ever get lost, or feel alone just look for the bleeding star in the North. Once you do pray to the Tyen's beast and you will be guided home, for the beast protects Tyen's children

— A Thaumen father to his young son

The Constellation

Tyen's Beast or the North Lion is one of the 14 major protector signs. In particular Tyen's Beast is the protector of Thaumens, Law, and Holy Vows. In the Thessian Calendar Tyen's Beast becomes active during the months of () and (), and then becomes dormant during the months of () and (). Tyen's Beast is considered an omen of good luck and fortune, with this being even more pronounced due to the constellation being ignited, meaning it can be seen year round without issue even during its dormant months.

Cultural Practices and Importance

Mark of Tyen

On rare occasions during the constellations active period Tyen's Beast will become Ablazed for a few days, making its influence even more prominent. If a Thaumen is born during this period, they will have a mark of Vlaburn. This normally manifests in a fiery red birthmark around the neck. Those born during a particularly strong blaze have been known to manifest powers similar to those of sorcerers.

Rituals

The constellation plays an important part in rituals particularly those in the city states of Alvania where the majority of Thaumens live. Most often these rituals are based around bringing good fortune or warding off evils that seek to destroy and corrupt.

Tyen's Embrace

Once every generation the red star of Tyen will 'weep' for one night during which strong divine energy radiate out from the constellation forming red rivers of light in the sky. On these nights the citizens of Last Harbour hold a great offering to Tyen. Every citizen makes a small cut in their palm and drops blood onto a statue of Tyen. The belief being that doing so will revitalise the North Lion allowing it to continue protecting them for another generation to come. While the practice is only common place in Last Harbour, use of the ritual is found across Alvania however this is normally done by those who have ties to Last Harbour in some way.

The Great Shadow

One of the most important events in relation to Tyen's Beast is the annual event of the Great Shadow. This occurs at the end of the constellation's dormant period when the constellation goes dark for one night. The ritual of the great shadow, which is sometimes referred to as the 'Mortal Glow' involves the lighting of hundreds of special candles that give of the same red glow as the constellation. This is believed to help the constellation reignite the next night.

History

Like many of the protector Constellation in Thessia, Tyen's Beast was raised into the sky to join the other constellations after a momentous event in the past. The story of the constellation is connected to the ascension story of Tyen himself.

ascension of Tyen

After Tyen had subdued the Great Beast of Maloth, it made a vow to never attack Tyen or any of its kin again. However the beast lied and when Tyen turned to leave the beast lair to return home the beast attacked. Slashing at his neck leaving a deep and soon to be fatal wound. Enraged at the beast deceit Tyen plunged the Valburn deep into the stomach of the beast, a wound given by the blade long ago that refused to heal. As Tyen laid dying next the the beast he remembered the promise he made to his son to return home.
In order to keep the promise he made his son, Tyen began to consume the blood that had pooled around the beast. The blood of the beast did indeed stop Tyen from bleeding out. However it also placed a terrible curse on him. Tyen quickly made his way down the mountain desperately fighting for control as the essence of the beast tried to corrupt his soul and mutate his form.
Tyen made it home to his son however he knew he did not have long before he would become the thing he swore to defeat. So he told his son he loved him, told the local lord that the payment he desired was for his son and his descendants to be taken care of and then he left, never to be seen again.
So impressed by the feats shown and the dedication to his path, the Great Cosmos (name up for change) decided to spare Tyen his fate and immortalised him in the sky like other heroes of old. The reason the constellation takes the form of the beast is because at the point of ascension Tyens body that taken on the form of the beast but luckily his mind had remained intact.

Deification and Ignition

It was long after Tyen had been raised to the sky. His son descendants had spread far and wide and had become what is now known as the Thaumens. The story of Tyen's deeds was told to each new generation and soon people began to pray to the constellation in hopes they too will be taken care of as was promised by the lord o so long ago. With so much prayer the spirit of Tyen grew stronger and stronger soon reaching the strength needed to grant Sainthoods at which point he gained godhood and his constellation ignited. With this Tyen's powerful only grew quickly as soon he gained power over all Thaumens, contracts and vows. Tyen is one of the few gods to achieve rank this way with most being either born a good or having divine blood in some way. He is the constellation to become a god though.

Type

Constellation

Role

Protector

Protections

Thaumen
Law
Holy Vows

State

Ignited

Alternative Name(s)

The North Lion
The Royal Star