Tus'Alim
"Once, I believed my gravest fear was failing my people, ascending to rule and discovering myself unequal to the task. That notion has been supplanted. To stand before Tus'Alim is to stand in a presence unsuitable for the likes of humans and dwarves. Under the scrutiny of the countless eyes, every facet of myself was laid bare. In that moment, I was reduced to only my failures and my guilt, a mere shepherd with a flock, judged by a celestial gaze.
We must guide our people away from here, away from a system designed for survival but devoid of life. This will not work for us, not here under its sight."
Kra'Heru Tormontear
"A Warning," Matunas Tormontear
Path of the Ancestors
"A Warning," Matunas Tormontear
Path of the Ancestors
Description
Sitting alone in a world of darkness, the massive Upiryrial Tus'Alim lies dormant, encased in stone. A being that was once hailed as the first god by many of the Ancestors, has since faded into obscurity, much of its history eroded by the sands of time. Nonetheless, Tus'Alim once served as a beacon of light and truth on Upir, a protective deity for its inhabitants and a symbol of ceremony, heritage, and ancestry for those who would travel to Dromaria. Belief in Tus'Alim involved following the Codes of the Vayla, a comprehensive set of rules devised for survival on a lightless world. These codes fundamentally influenced Dromaria's early laws and societal structure, a legacy upheld by the family of Sorona and Seveth Van Dem. Tus'Alim's tenets laid the foundation for the Path of the Ancestors and Illumination based religions, ultimately shaping the principles of societal law. Moreover, Tus'Alim was the progenitor of all Upiryrials and their presence on Dromaria.
Modern Depiction
The era of regular Tus'Alim's worship has long passed, leaving behind only ancient relics and art in their honor. These remnants sometimes depict Tus'Alim as a colossal entity composed of angelic wings and a hundred eyes, or simply as a single, large eye.
Tenets of Tus'Alim
Uphold light and justice.
Through tradition and ceremony we foster the discipline needed to withstand the darkness. Conserve resources diligently. Advocate for a system of law that promotes stability. Those in power should possess a divine right. Cultivate strength through unwavering devotion. |
Tus'Alim Worshiping Adventurers
Adventurers who pledge themselves to Tus'Alim often do so out of a desire for ancient truths and wisdom. As the cornerstone of the Path of the Ancestors faith, Tus'Alim draws in those who have an affinity for uncovering the mysteries of the past. They become the torchbearers of ancient traditions, preserving the wisdom of the Ancestors and ensuring their remembrance in the world. For those adventurers who strive to uphold justice and maintain order, Tus'Alim may serve as a guiding foundation. It is important to navigate the complexities of one's journey, balancing the practicalities of adventure with a steadfast commitment to the principles of the rule of law that Tus'Alim symbolizes. These followers find their path challenging but fulfilling, as they work to instill principles in a world that has largely forgotten their god.
God of Ancestry, Ceremony, & History
Why would you choose this faith?
Tus'Alim symbolizes many things, as the god's influence was once vast, and among all of what they symbolize, remembrance is key. You may find Upiryrial's seeking connections to their past, people with a passion for ancient discovery, or perhaps individuals keen to understand the original foundations of their society.Clerics and paladins are the most common among Tus'Alim worshiping adventurers, especially those who hold tradition and ceremony in high regard.
Backgrounds
Characters from many backgrounds may find themselves dedicating their lives to Tus'Alim, but Upiryrials are the most likely.
Holy Symbol
Tus'Alim's symbol, long ago on Upir, was a flat, black and white disc, divided in the center. Over time on Dromaria, this symbol evolved into an eye. Followers of the modern Illumination faith traditionally blind the "heathen eye" upon seeing the symbol.
Courts and other legal institutions display a symbol of three eyes to symbolize the watchful presence of ancestry, ceremony, and history over the court's proceedings. Although this symbol is commonly attributed to Sorona, it is traditionally in honor of Tus'Alim.
Associated Religions
Because of the goddess Sorona's continued devotion, the Illumination based faiths, including Lothoren and Summertide are rooted in Tus'Alim's teachings. Much of the Path of the Ancestors is devoted to the remembrance of the lost god.