His symbol and his Dark Mark are the broken scroll, representing the broken trust he fosters and the tearing down of order. His priests often wear vestments with this symbol upon them.
The Dark Gift bestowed upon Dark Blessed of Ibius is Anarchy. By activating this terrible Gift, all who are near the Dark Blessed find themselves filled with anger, resentment, and hate. They are overwhelmed by the desire to punish anyone near them for even the most imagined of slights. Ibius' Dark Blessed are known to walk through villages, and leave death and mayhem in their wake.
Sephrim
Goddess of temptation. The Seductress.
Born with a beautiful form and a twisted soul, Sephrim seeks to make all in the World like her. Of all the Demon Gods, she is the least loyal to Ker Zet, seeking her own goals and aims. Enamored with beautiful things, she seeks to surround herself with only the most lovely, turning the stinking pit of her Low World realm into as beautiful a place as she can. Strangely, she seems to find great beauty in flesh sculptures and bloody fountains. Many claim that her sense of beauty is warped by her evil. In an effort to distract her mother and siblings from her own mysterious goals, she uses her considerable power to lure the weak to their death.
Depictions of Sephrim show her as beautiful indeed, but all around her is twisted, from the flowers to the statues, to the very stream she stand alongside. All is wrong, but only subtly, as if her presence alone makes it so.
Her symbol is a dead tree, meant to indicate her twisted nature, that which was once beautiful is no more, but has died and become rotten within. Her priests wear this symbol to show they understand what it is to appreciate the beauty in death and perversion.
The Dark Gift bestowed upon Dark Blessed of Sephrim is Seduction. One of the most hated of the Dark Gifts, this power allows the Dark Blessed to become a living embodiment of the legendary Sirens. Those who look upon her Dark Blessed while this Gift is active are overcome with desire for the Dark Blessed, regardless of gender or racial preferences or differences. They will do anything, cut down anyone in their path, to be near the Dark Blessed. Usually, they end up with a knife to the heart for their troubles.
Her Dark Mark is The Black Heart.
Xac Kol
God of vengeance. Father of hate.
The corrupter, as he is called by some, is perhaps the hardest of all Demon Gods to stand against, for he finds his way into the heart in but a moment. Once there, Xac Kol coils and waits, growing and burning, driving even the staunchest of Blessed to acts of hatred and bloodthirsty revenge. He twists the emotions of his victims, convinces them what they do is for the good of all, and drives them mad with the need to see it done. Then, he gathers their broken souls to him and feeds upon them, making himself ever stronger.
He is rarely depicted, but when he is, Xac Kol is shown as a severely disfigured man, twisted with hatred for those about him. It is suspected that his actual appearance is too horrible to be depicted, and as such, never has been.
His symbol is a red eye, representing the blind rage he drives his victims to. His priests wear this symbol as a talisman about their necks.
The Dark Gift bestowed upon Dark Blessed of Xac Kol is Hateful Strike. This vicious Dark Gift is perhaps one of the most deadly, for it allows the Dark Blessed to focus his very Corruption into a death-dealing blow. Worse than the pain inflicted by the wound, however, is that the Corruption leaks over into the victim, tainting them with Demon Essence.
His Dark Mark is The Lightning Bolt.
Derril
Goddess of terror and secrets. The eater of souls.
The First Born. The Princess of Evil. She of Many Names. The most foul, most corrupt, most insidious, and most deadly of the Demon Gods after Ker Zet herself. From her secret place in the Low World, she sends forth her invisible minions to stalk the World, searching out things better not known. Perhaps the most powerful Demon Sorceress, she uses her dark magics to influence and bend the weak, twisting them inside as she is twisted. Her name is terror, her ways secret, her appetite unspeakable. Even her own servants ponder what terrible things this most awful of Demon Gods plans next.
There is no depiction of Derril, or at least, none that show her face. A black figure against a red background is all that any have ever made effort to show of her, and many feel it is best that no depiction has ever been made.
Her symbol is the Black Hand, representing the terrible and unspeakable acts she commits, the secrets she holds, and the final thing all souls will one day see when her power waxes great enough to devour them all. Her priests often wear a single black glove to show their faithfulness.
The Dark Gift bestowed upon Dark Blessed of Derril is The Netherspear. This Dark Gift is a corrupted version of the Divine Gift of both Grannax and Isel, making the first born daughter of Ker Zet one of the most hated of the Demon Gods. Formed of pure evil, the spear measures four feet long and is double-edged, appearing in the Dark Blessed’s hand upon activation of the gift. The most lethal aspect of the Netherspear, however, is that it corrupts a Blessed's very faith in their God, turning their heart bitter towards their patron deity, and weakening their own power. If they do not cleanse the Corruption, they will lose their Divine Blessing, and fall to the Demon Gods, from so much as a scratch by the vile Netherspear.
Her Dark Mark is The Trident.
The Forgotten Gods
FEW IN NUMBER, these Gods have fallen from favor with their fellows, and now seek their own path. Neither High Gods, nor Demon Gods, they are often what lies in between, or outside the influence of either Heaven or Hell.
Few Forgotten Gods give their devote, or their Blessed, any sort of Divine Mark, thinking it best to operate in secret, least those who serve them be punished for adhering to ways deemed blasphemous.
Zarak
The Black Wolf, The Fallen One, God of Nothing, The Empty Lord.
The tale of Zarak is a tragic one, for he was once a High God, and brother of Ramor. Known as the Noble God, it was Zarak who first set out the way in which the world was to be ruled, establishing noble family lines, and was well-known for his ability to choose a just and kind ruler. He was much revered and founded also the Five Orders of Knighthood, which still exist today. He’s often been called the First Knight.
A Sky God, he worked hand-in-hand with his brother to make the world a harmonious place for all who dwelled in it. But something changed within him. It’s unknown why Zarak chose to abandon his beliefs and family, but when Ker Zet came with her Demon Brood to storm the Palace of Heaven and take over creation, it was Zarak who threw wide the doors for her.
As the battle waged for the fate of creation, Zarak embraced even darker thirsts. Defeating his niece, Asdrid, he sought to sate his desires on her battered flesh, but was stopped by Morobon. The Beserker God slew Zarak for his betrayal, and the Black Wolf was seen no more.
He left behind a legacy, however. A secret order of Knights known as the Black Shield. A dark and twisted version of the Five Orders, these knights serve the cause of evil, and are recruited from within the Five Orders themselves. Knowledge of their existence is nigh on non-existent, and still subject more to speculation than fact.
Of late, rumors have begun to surface that Zarak isn’t truly dead, but still lives after some fashion. The truth is far more horrible. Zarak exists, but is no longer with any true form. Unseen and incorporeal, he still gathers his forces, and seeks revenge on Morobon.
Few depictions still exist of this God, for knowledge of him was stricken from existence. It has survived among the Black Shield alone, and of him, they have some few works that show him. The most prominent is of a Wolf God, dressed in Black armor that pours smoke from the number of hits he’s taken and still stands, as he strides across the battlefield in victory. One other shows him in the black armor as well, but seated upon an ebony throne.
His symbol is the Black Shield. He has no priests, and wants them not. He cares only for his Dark Knights and their secret agenda to undo all that he hims
elf once did. He thirsts for vengeance, but first seeks to destroy the works he once created, and in so doing, weaken the World against his eventual return. His ultimate goal is the undoing of creation, and returning everything to the Void.
Neither a High God, nor a Demon God, Zarak works on his own, but does still occasionally Bless the Black Shield Knight that pleases him enough. It’s unknown how he has come to hold the power, but he can eradicate the Blessings of a Demon God and place his own upon the chosen. He has made no friends among the Demon Gods for this, and doesn’t really care.
The Divine Gift he gives is called Null. When activated, it negates the use of other Divine Gifts, both High and Demon in origin. In the face of a Blessed of Zarak, any Blessed is weaker, for they have lost the use of their greatest weapon, their Divine Gift.
He gives no Divine Mark, for his agents already carry it, a tattoo of a black shield they receive upon joining the order.
Brin'Rey
The Snow Leopard Goddess of ice, cold, and divine retribution.
Once an Earth Goddess, and sister of Zastra, Brin'Rey grew angry with Grannax after the expulsion of Ker Zet and her brood to the Low World, feeling that the traitorous Black Bitch and her children should’ve been destroyed out right. Their arguments grew so venomous as to become legend, and to this day, the old saying survives, 'striking at the sun'.
Seeing that Grannax wouldn’t hear her, and Isel would back her husband despite similar feelings, Brin'Rey came to believe the High Gods weak, and walked away from Heaven, vanishing with the rise of Everdawn. What became of her is unknown, even now, though it’s rumored she lives among the Giants of the Ice Mountains, a rumor that’s never been confirmed.
No depiction has ever been made of Brin'Rey, for she left the Gods behind before the Sacred Order of the Tiger was ever formed. Likewise, she has no priesthood, adding even more mystery to the already unknowable Goddess.
Alas, she also has no symbol, and gives no Divine Mark to those she Blesses, though what little has been learned of her shows that she still adheres to her belief that evil must be purged without mercy, for she only Blesses those who’ve been grievously wronged, putting in their hands the ability to seek retribution. Sadly, she now counts the High Gods as being little different than the Demon Gods.
It’s been suggested that she’s something of a vigilante Goddess, which strikes closer to home than many think.
The Divine Gift she gives those she Blesses is Ice, the ability to turn whatever they lay their hand on to pure and fragile ice. Sadly, the Blessing is also a death sentence, as each use of the Gift saps a year of life from the Blessed, until they, too, turn into a beautiful, and fragile, ice sculpture.
Not surprisingly, her Blessed are only rumored, and few can truthfully claim to have ever encountered one.
Phannus
Son of Ker Zet, God of the insatiable.
Born a great golden wyrm with a thousand heads, Phannus' first act was an attempt to devour his mother, and all his siblings. Unable to control him, Ker Zet cast him aside, and the thousand-headed beast found his way into the Shadow Realms, where he wandered for a great time, his existence unknown even to Grannax.
It’s believed that when he returned in the Second Age, he sparked the Mage Wars, warping Sorcerers with desire for more. Never satisfied, Phannus constantly seeks to devour all he can find, to someday swallow whole the High Gods, and all of creation, daring to believe he can devour the Void itself.
Only one depiction was ever made of Phannus, crafted shortly before the devout priest who painted it attempted to eat himself. It shows the God as a mighty golden wyrm with a thousand heads. In essence, as he is. No other priesthood has ever risen up since then, and as such, he has neither symbol, nor Divine Mark.
Those he does Bless have a horrific Gift, for it is called Devour, and it’s as it sounds. His Blessed can eat anything, and make it part of themselves. The one Blessed he has been known to touch was defeated by a band of heroes after he ate a stone wall, and became as tough as it. When used on people, the Blessed gain all their memories, knowledge, skills, and the ability to even adopt their appearance, meaning the true number of his Blessed is impossible to know.
Kirianna
Daughter of Ker Zet, often called the Angel of Hell, but also known as the Suffering One. Goddess of mourning.
The last daughter of Ker Zet, Kirianna's first instinct was to flee her mother and siblings, for she found their very existence repulsive. Beautiful as her mother once was, but clearly the rightful daughter of Grannax, Kirianna inherited nothing from her mother save her good looks.
Repulsed by her siblings, and disgusted by her mother, Kirianna fled them, and sought sanctuary among the High Gods. Isel's rage was still fresh, however, and Kirianna was rebuffed. Unwanted in Heaven, and wanting no part of Hell, she vanished without a trace, hidden from all, and forgotten.
Rumor has it, however, that she walks the Middle World, disguised as a mortal woman. Likewise, it is known she only reveals herself to those who are weary of the eternal war between the Gods, and seek to lay down their weapons.
Strangely, a single depiction of the Goddess was found among Cynthanis' personal effects after he disappeared, and many wonder if he knew the Goddess. It shows her as a tall and staggeringly beautiful woman with snow-white hair and massive wings of white feathers.
What is known about the Goddess is that she seeks to end the suffering of all she meets. Her own pain matters not, for everywhere she looks, she sees only more suffering brought about by the war between Heaven and Hell, and wishes only to wipe away all tears with love.
With neither priesthood, nor symbol, it’s been recently learned that she does give a Divine Mark, or at least, it’s suspected to be connected to her. Across the back of those she Blessed can be found tattooed wings, spreading across the shoulder blades, from shoulder-to-shoulder. Or it could just be a random coincidence. No one really knows.
Her Divine Gift, however, is impossible to ignore. Ease the Pain is a powerful Gift that allows her Blessed to take others’ suffering from them, easing that which burdens their soul, allowing them to leave behind their sorrow and know joy once again. Sadly, the Blessed must carry that pain as their own forever after. Her Blessed are often very martially skilled, but will only fight to save innocents, or themselves, from those who will not see reason.
It’s worth noting that Kirianna is hated by Ker Zet and all her brood, for she gives her Blessed the ability to take away all they seek to do. It’s equally worth noting that Altimar has become very vocal about welcoming the Goddess into the pantheon of Heaven, for her Blessed are well-known for their perpetual smile, eternal optimism, and rather randy natures.
A Note from the Author
The list of people I owe thanks to for helping put this novel in front of your eyes is massive. I could never properly address each of them the way they deserve. There are some, though, that I feel deserve being singled out.
Sheri Williams, fellow author, and project manager, who held my hand through this entire experience, and without whom, I would be lost.
Wendy Garfinkle, author and editor, who made this book read so much better, and is the undisputed Queen of the Turtle People.
Amalia Chitulescu, the most gifted artist I have ever met, who designed the amazing cover, bringing my creation to life in a way I never dreamed possible.
Majanka Verstraete, the amazing proofreader, who keeps you from seeing that I am a terrible typist. I will be forever in her debt.
Most of all, to Storm DeVille, my girlfriend of twenty years. Not just for helping shape this novel, and the world it lives in, but for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. I would be no one without you.
Vox Machina!
About The Author
Cain S. Latrani is a purely fictional person, existing only in the mind of his creator, where he dates super models, drives expensive cars, is tall, buff and staggeringly handsome.
The bastard.
To find out more, visit:
www.cainslatrani.wordpress.com
More Great Reads from Booktrope
Crossover by Mireille Chester (Fantasy) Hayden Carlson’s boring life suddenly becomes exciting when she discovers a world she never knew existed, true love, and being at the center of a battle between good and evil.
Dead of Knight by Nicole J. Persun (Fantasy) King Orson and King Odell are power-stricken, grieving, and mad. As they wage war against a rebel army led by Elise des Eresther, it appears as though they’re merely in it for the glory. But their struggles are deeper and darker.
Magnus Opum by Jonathan Gould (Fantasy) Join Magnus Mandalora on an epic adventure of swords and baked goods.
Orenda by Ruth Silver (Fantasy) Fairies, dragons, and magic. Lil must cross dimensions into a parallel universe to save her best friend from a demon sorceress and our world from destruction.
Rise of the Flame by K.N. Lee (Fantasy) An introduction to six races, four realms, and one human girl who can bring them together in peace...or war.
Doublesight by Terry Persun (Fantasy) In a world where shape shifters are feared, and murder appears to be the way to eliminate them, finding and destroying the source of the fear is all the doublesight can do.
Would you like to read more books like these?
Subscribe to runawaygoodness.com, get a free ebook for signing up,
and never pay full price for an ebook again.
Rise (War Witch Book 1) Page 66
