Nicolaus is the collective term given to the many various generous individuals who appear throughout many cultures' folklore. Each culture has their own name for their version of this person, however in recent decades many cultures have adopted the name Nicolaus, either in conjunction with or as a modernization of the cultural name. It's unclear whether this individual is of divine or infernal origin, or if multiple cultures have simply experienced like-minded individuals hoping to spread kindness and joy during the darker points of history.
Stories
To aid in academic research or personal interests, each of the stories of a Nicolaus in a culture are compiled here, though those interested in the subject are encouraged to speak with those who have firsthand knowledge and experiences of the cultures, as no academic retelling could properly capture the emotions evoked by those who were raised with these stories.
The Story of Nykolo
In the druidic tribes of northern Causholi, there are many tales involving an elderly druid named Nykolo. Roughly meaning "One of Bounty" in Druidic, Nykolo's appearance during the winter months is usually associated with a particularly bountiful growth season in early spring. Records of the individual date back to the early Third Era, and depictions of them have remained continuously inconsistent, leading some to believe the individual is actually a group of druids who live separate from any of the known tribes, or potentially a group of nomads.
Near the end of the year, there is a ritual to encourage the arrival of Nykolo and receive their blessings for the coming spring. To begin, the tribal elders prepare an altar to Nykolo, often including a small wood carving that depicts their version of the wandering druid. The altar is then adorned with offerings by the rest of the tribe the night before they are expected to arrive. These offerings can take many shapes, from hand-made trinkets and leather garments to seasonal berries and prepared meals. According to legend, if their offerings are sufficient the tribe will be visited by Nykolo the following morning.
The Story of Nekel the Kind
In Bramnian culture, the story of Nekel tells of a young hobgoblin who was raised during the Dark River Crisis of the late First Era. Raised in such an environment, it was expected that they would become heartless and detached, desensitized to the atrocities that only seem to double as the weeks progress. Many of the other Bretian Saints recognized from this era were recognized for their ruthlessness and brutality against their enslavers. Nekel, in contrast, spent much of their life trying to help those impacted by the crisis, providing them with food and shelter when possible.
Nekel did not survive the crisis, having been slain by a group of marauders who were tired of their efforts. When the dust settled on the Crisis, and the survivors began the arduous task of rebuilding, those touched by the spirit of compassion that Nekel had worked to maintain inspired their fellow survivors to celebrate their generosity and kindness, earning them a place amongst their most revered dead.
