Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Marilith

The Marilith stands out from most demons in the game in several ways.

First of all, the aesthetic—while most demons in the books tend to borrow from tolkienean and Christian (with the latter totally not being a subset of the former) sources, the marilith is decidedly Hindu in origin.

Secondly, while other high-level demons such as balors might also serve as generals in demonic armies, they are implied to do so through brute force and power, whereas the Mariliths are explicitly tacticians and strategists of their kind, said to understand the flow of chaos in a way very few other beings of the multiverse can.

In combat, a marilith is a true powerhouse. Able to deliver a staggering six attacks of opportunity per round, or decide to instead use any of those sword-wielding hands for incrementally better defense, all the while under the constant effect of fly? This monster will absolutely hurt you. It's demonic weakness fits the theme pretty well, though I fear it will very rarely come into actual play—should the demon try hurting someone on their turn, and fail at it (mind you, it would have to fail every single attack and/or spell in that turn) they take mental damage, as their massive ego is hurt by their perceived incompetence.

- Nemanja 

Hook 1 (Max) - For I Am The Light

Duma was a devout priest of the Sungod. For many years, he fought in his deity's name, felling countless opponents while remaining undefeated through his life. When one is heralded as the "God of Fighters", hubris is sure to follow.

That was the case with Duma. He eventually fought for the sport of it, not for the cause of his god. And as years went on, the inevitable happened, and he was slain. Alas, by that time he was no longer chosen of the Sungod and his soul was forfeit.

The forces of chaos took him in, feeding his ego over hundreds of years, convincing him that it was he, Duma, who was the real Sungod. After all this time, he is ready to claim his divinity and regain the title of the greatest fighter to walk the world.

Hook 2 (Nemanja) - Bristewald The Blade

As a young lad, Bristewald of Balhemia witnessed a battle that was over in seconds—a flash of light, and then blood and gore over the entire field. Despite being on the winning side, Bristewald was chilled to his bone, though he also saw something tragic yet romantic in how his enemies fell.

This inspired him to take up the fiddle when he returned home from the war; his songs, always tragic and melancholic, launched his career as a minstrel.

Despite his success, having seen what he had seen, Bristewald never stopped practicing with his sword either. Eventually, his exploits as a mercenary with a heart of gold also brought him fame and gold. And yet, a part of him never felt complete, as whenever he thought of that fateful battle, he felt dread. He knew not what it was that slaughtered his enemies, and feared that it could take him out one day just as easily. He would spend fortunes and do wild things just to get him closer to any small lead or bit of information about that day.

After twenty long years, found it he has—the shadow over his life is the Marilith Avasarala, a dread tactician of the underworld's armies. Fearing he can not be truly happy as long as the demon looms over the world, he now rides out with his companions to meet her on the battlefield. The Fates watch, as beating a marilith is a sure way to set one on the path to becoming one of Heaven's own enforcers...

Hook 3 (Reece) - The Vile Veil

Far to the northeast lies Utvash Veil, what many consider to be the most dangerous place in the world. When one first lands upon The Veil, the striking black-red beaches of its shores are both stunning and dangerous, as they are ridden with all manner of venomous creatures and corrupted elementals.

Should one be foolish enough to venture inland, The Cult of Many Blades has built a semblance of a society. While not overtly hostile, as they must trade with outsiders to sustain their living upon the island, the cult does very little to protect visitors to The Red Temple. This city of worship is entirely dedicated to worshipping The Great Mother, though one would have to be greatly dedicated to the cult to know exactly WHO The Great Mother is and why they worship her.

Though there are rumors about it, it is said that deep within the volcano, the cult's terrible goddess resides, birthing forth every manner of monster and demon upon the world. Should one choose to pursue answers or seek a boon from the Mother of Monsters, the trials to seek her out are incredibly difficult. The volcano from which the isle gets its name, Utvash, is adorned with a great obsidian tower that reaches far out of sight into the dark, swirling clouds above. While many horrors reside within, Degara Sindrinker—the Chosen Champion of The Mother—is perhaps the worst. As queen of the tower and a powerful pride demon, she will try the will of any parishioner, demanding total supplication of one's pride to The Great Mother...

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