The Winter King

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The Winter King
Titles	The Frozen Lord
Appearance	Ice Elemental
Alignment	Lawful Good
Plane of Existence	Pelagos
Planar Location	The Frost Palace
Domains	Erosion, Good, Sun, Water, Weather
Holy Symbol	A Frozen Sunburst
Avatars	The Flux Court
Cleric Alignments	Lawful Good Neutral Good Lawful Neutral Neutral
Favoured Weapon	Battle Axe
Worshippers	The Heliocrysts
Religion	Aequoru (ee-kwor'-oo)
Holy Book	The Heliocryst Reflection
Commandments	The Aequoru's Edicts
Rank	Lesser Deity
Allies	The Architect The Mechanist The Stormbringer The Everchange
Enemies	The Destroyer The Duke of Hell

Introduction

The Winter King is a god shrouded in paradoxes, his domains are that of Erosion, Good, Sun, Water, and Weather and he is known for looking after a soul’s true resting place. Whilst it might seem obvious, The Winter King is not the deity of a harsh winter alone, but of the constant flow of change that sculpts past, present, and future generations, nourishing life and allowing it to evolve.

The nature of The Winter King is often debated upon as it is believed by some that he is against unlife, but the majority deem this untrue. The Heliocrysts, the name given to the worshippers of The Winter King, believe that it is not unlife he opposes, but the creation of it.

His aim is to give those who pass away an eternal rest where their essence will feed the future generations to come. This process has become known as the “Cold Embrace” and is often believed to be one of the causes of particularly icy weather after large clashes with the undead.

Amongst his followers are those of a profession that relies on the depths of large bodies of water. They include not only those who dwell in icy climes, but also sailors, fishers, and all who navigate the vast depths of water. The Heliocrysts understand the necessity of the Cold Embrace, seeing it as a form of eternal rest that nourishes the future.

The Winter King's relationships with other deities are complex. He finds common ground with The Architect and The Mechanist, who appreciate the transformative power of their creations. However, deities who represent stagnation, defy the natural cycle, or wish to warp souls back to unlife, like The Destroyer and The Duke of Hell, are often considered his adversaries.

Being a Cardinal Deity, The Winter King is seen as a cause for good in the world. Although previously responsible for ice ages past, an act that could be linked to evil intent, his standing in the name of good is firm and true. His methods of ensuring eternal rest rely on the weather and the flow of water, but mostly reside within his origin, and has therefore granted him the title of “The Frozen Lord”.

Symbology

The Winter King's holy symbol, a frozen starburst etched against a vast, starless background, is a paradox as captivating as the deity himself. It embodies the core tension of his domain: the relentless grind of erosion, mirrored by the life-giving warmth of the sun.

The starburst itself is fractured; its points not all perfectly aligned. This could represent the world breaking down under the constant press of erosion, a necessary precursor to renewal. Yet, despite the cracks, the star still radiates a powerful light. This light is the enduring warmth of the sun, a reminder that life persists even in the face of change. The dark canvas surrounding the starburst is vast and cold, hinting at the harsh realities of erosion and the inevitable decay of all things.

Some see the symbol as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death, mirroring the setting and rising sun. The fractured star, beautiful in its imperfection, suggests that even destruction holds a certain beauty. Ultimately, the frozen starburst serves as a constant reminder: change is inevitable. Both the harsh erosion and the life-giving sun are necessary parts of the natural order, two sides of the same coin wielded by The Winter King.

The Heliocrysts display the symbol in various ways. It adorns their temples, decorates their religious garb, and serves as a powerful amulet to ward off the dangers of unlife. The specific depiction of the symbol can vary. Some Heliocrysts might emphasize the fractured nature of the star, reflecting the power of erosion. Others might focus on the radiant light, symbolising the enduring warmth and life-giving power associated with The Winter King.

Manifestation

Unlike some deities who manifest in grand displays of power, The Winter King's influence is as multifaceted as his domains. He doesn't appear in a single, physical form, but rather exerts his will through subtle yet powerful means.

One way he makes his presence known is through the unrelenting whisper of change. It can inspire acceptance of the inevitable flow of time, but for some mortals, it can also bring a sense of dread or urgency.

The Winter King can also visit mortals in their dreams, not with terrifying visions, but with vivid landscapes sculpted by erosion. These dreams might depict majestic glaciers carving valleys, or powerful storms cleansing the earth. The imagery can inspire awe, a sense of renewal, or even a call to action, urging the dreamer to embrace change and contribute to the natural cycle.

While not directly controlling the weather, The Winter King can influence it subtly. Particularly harsh winters or sudden hail downpours can be seen as expressions of his displeasure, perhaps when a society becomes too stagnant or disrespects the natural world. Conversely, periods of gentle snowfall can signify his favour.

The most direct manifestation of The Winter King is the "Cold Embrace". When a follower dies, especially one who has lived a life in harmony with nature, The Winter King's presence can be felt as a comforting wave of cold. This signifies the peaceful transition of their essence back into the earth, nourishing the cycle of life.

The Winter King's influence extends to magic as well. Those attuned to his energy might excel in abjuration magic, using it to protect the natural world from unnatural forces. Additionally, they might have a natural talent for transmutation magic, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the world.

The Winter King's influence is subtle, but pervasive. He nudges the world towards change through evocative dreams, whispers of impermanence, and the awe-inspiring power of nature. His presence is a constant reminder of the delicate balance between erosion and renewal, urging mortals to live in harmony with the ever-flowing cycle of life and death.

Relationships to Elementals

In the vibrant lands of Inventa, elementals exist as a force distinct from the deities who embody aspects of nature.

Unlike mortals who yearn for divine guidance and find solace in worship, elementals are themselves powerful manifestations of the natural world. They are the embodiment of fire's untamed fury, the ceaseless churn of the ocean depths, the whispering caress of the wind through ancient pines, and the unyielding grip of the earth itself.

The Winter King, with his domain encompassing erosion, sun, water, and weather, might appear to hold dominion over these primal forces. However, the elementals of the Multiverse see him as a fellow traveler on the path of change, a powerful entity who shapes the world but does not dictate its every whim. A respect exists between them, an acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of their influences.

The Winter King's subtle nudges might steer Inventa towards a particularly harsh winter, but it's the elemental embodiment of winter who unleashes the icy winds and carves landscapes with snow. Similarly, when the land thaws under the influence of the sun, a different elemental might stir, nourishing the earth with life-giving rain. The Winter King acts as a catalyst for change, but the elementals are the very essence of these natural forces, ever-present and ever-changing, the beating heart of Inventa's untamed wilderness.

Temples and Places of Worship

The Frozen Crypt

Coming Soon

To be confirmed:

Avatars of The Winter King – demi-heroes of the lesser god that rose to power through The Winter King's ingenuity for hierarchy within his domain.

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