Keros - Revision history

Lycanthropy at 16:06, 17 January 2025

2025-01-17T16:06:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:06, 17 January 2025
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	A lone druid villager was on a hunting trip when the Cytherian soldiers attacked his village. He returned to find his village razed, the menfolk slain, and the women and children gone. This druid, named Resh-Nar, then received a vision from Keros. The Lord of the Fittest, weakened by the loss of his followers, bid Resh-Nar to wander Tyedu, converting other tribes to worship him. For twenty years he crisscrossed the tundra, telling all who would listen his story. Many tribes near Tyedu’s southern border were fueled by anti-Kurathene sentiment, and willingly converted. Other tribes had similar spirit-gods, or had worshipped a spirit-god that had died, and were also easily swayed to pray to Keros. In this way Keros gained enough followers to attain demigod status.		A lone druid villager was on a hunting trip when the Cytherian soldiers attacked his village. He returned to find his village razed, the menfolk slain, and the women and children gone. This druid, named Resh-Nar, then received a vision from Keros. The Lord of the Fittest, weakened by the loss of his followers, bid Resh-Nar to wander Tyedu, converting other tribes to worship him. For twenty years he crisscrossed the tundra, telling all who would listen his story. Many tribes near Tyedu’s southern border were fueled by anti-Kurathene sentiment, and willingly converted. Other tribes had similar spirit-gods, or had worshipped a spirit-god that had died, and were also easily swayed to pray to Keros. In this way Keros gained enough followers to attain demigod status.

	Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe ~~are~~ ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly ~~perish~~, but a lucky few ~~manage~~ to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups ~~worship~~ Keros, depending upon his druids, shamans and rangers to teach them survival techniques.		Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe were ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perished, but a lucky few managed to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worshiped Keros, depending upon his druids, shamans and rangers to teach them survival techniques.

	Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continued to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen, until [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=137388 another vision] led him to establish a shrine at the east coast of [[M'Chek]].		Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continued to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen, until [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=137388 another vision] led him to establish a shrine at the east coast of [[M'Chek]].

Lycanthropy: Updated to put Keros in the past tense, added link to IC narrative, provided brief background.

2025-01-17T16:05:43Z

Updated to put Keros in the past tense, added link to IC narrative, provided brief background.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 17 January 2025
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	'''Clerical Domains:''' [[Magic:Level#Animal\|Animal]], [[Magic:Level#Plant\|Plant]], [[Magic:Level#Strength\|Strength]], [[Magic:Level#Travel\|Travel]]		'''Clerical Domains:''' [[Magic:Level#Animal\|Animal]], [[Magic:Level#Plant\|Plant]], [[Magic:Level#Strength\|Strength]], [[Magic:Level#Travel\|Travel]]

			'''Status:''' Deceased, killed by Aarilax

	The word “survive” literally means “to live longer than others.” “Survival” is the word often used to describe the set of skills needed in harsh, wilderness climates, where successful employment of such skills can indeed allow one to live longer than one’s peers. It is in such harsh climes, be it the tundra of [[Tyedu]], the steaming jungles of [[Jechran]], the unforgiving [[The_Wastelands\|Wastelands]], or elsewhere in [[Negaria]], that one may encounter followers of Keros.

	~~Keros is one of those deities, like [[Verossa]] and [[Ingoren]], who~~ is often ~~prayed to when people want them~~ to ~~refrain from acting. Just as sailors may beseech Ingoren or Verossa to not cause a tidal wave or a storm, Kerosians beseech~~ the ~~Lord~~ of ~~the Fittest to not subject them to a~~ harsh ~~test~~ of ~~survival~~. ~~Keros~~ is ~~a god who delights~~ in ~~testing and judging his worshippers; those who pass are rewarded with survival and perhaps a boon; those who fail are punished~~, ~~commonly with death. Those unfamiliar with surviving in~~ the ~~wilderness think~~ of ~~it as a combination of skill and luck. Kerosians pride themselves on mastering the former, because for them~~, the ~~latter is not a roll~~ of ~~chance~~, ~~but~~ the ~~hand~~ of Keros~~, and his hand can be fickle~~.		The word “survive” literally means “to live longer than others.” “Survival” is the word often used to describe the set of skills needed in harsh, wilderness climates, where successful employment of such skills can indeed allow one to live longer than one’s peers. It is in such harsh climes, be it the tundra of [[Tyedu]], the steaming jungles of [[Jechran]], the unforgiving [[The_Wastelands\|Wastelands]], or elsewhere in [[Negaria]], that one once encountered followers of Keros.

	There is no formal, organized Church of Keros, because in the places where most of his worshippers ~~can~~ be found people ~~are~~ too busy trying to eke out a living day to day to concern themselves with such things as titles and hierarchies. Keros ~~has~~ no ~~bibles~~ or scriptures; his teachings which ~~are~~ handed down ~~are~~ the skills and information needed to survive in the places where his worshippers live. Keros's [[druid]]s ~~are~~ just as, if not more common, than priests or shamans. Those who ~~are~~ granted divine power by Keros ~~are~~ often the advisor to a tribal chieftain; in some cases they ~~lead~~ the tribe themselves. Kerosians ~~are~~ practical; they ~~look~~ out for themselves first, their followers/parishioners second (for Keros ~~seeks~~ to have as many followers as he ~~can~~, the more he ~~can~~ judge for fitness), and others third. There ~~are~~ typically few power struggles among the priests and druids of Keros, for in the end, Keros himself ~~will weed~~ out those who ~~are~~ unworthy to lead. Most would not ~~describe~~ Kerosians as generous – if withholding information will lead to one surviving over one’s rivals and possibly receiving Keros’ favor, then a Kerosian ~~will~~ keep that information to ~~himself~~.		Keros was one of those deities, like [[Verossa]] and [[Ingoren]], who was often prayed to when people wanted them to refrain from acting. Just as sailors may beseech Ingoren or Verossa to not cause a tidal wave or a storm, Kerosians beseeched the Lord of the Fittest to not subject them to a harsh test of survival. Keros was a god who delighted in testing and judging his worshippers; those who passed were rewarded with survival and perhaps a boon; those who failed were punished, commonly with death. Those unfamiliar with surviving in the wilderness thought of it as a combination of skill and luck. Kerosians once prided themselves on mastering the former, because for them, the latter was not a roll of chance, but the hand of Keros, and his hand could be fickle.

			There was no formal, organized Church of Keros, because in the places where most of his worshippers could be found people were too busy trying to eke out a living day to day to concern themselves with such things as titles and hierarchies. Keros had no holy texts or scriptures; his teachings which were handed down were the skills and information needed to survive in the places where his worshippers live. Keros's [[druid]]s were just as, if not more common, than priests or shamans. Those who were granted divine power by Keros were often the advisor to a tribal chieftain; in some cases they led the tribe themselves. Kerosians were practical; they looked out for themselves first, their followers/parishioners second (for Keros sought to have as many followers as he could, the more he could judge for fitness), and others third. There were typically few power struggles among the priests and druids of Keros, for in the end, Keros himself weeded out those who were unworthy to lead. Most would not have described Kerosians as generous – if withholding information will lead to one surviving over one’s rivals and possibly receiving Keros’ favor, then a Kerosian would keep that information to themselves.

	=== History ===		=== History ===
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	=== Keros, the [[Avariel]], and the [[Drangonari]] ===		=== Keros, the [[Avariel]], and the [[Drangonari]] ===
	Though Keros is not well-known in southern Negaria, some of his actions have had a profound effect on races living in the region. When Keros was first elevated to demigodhood, [[Angadar]] approached him and took him under his wing. He told Keros that if he wanted to make an impression upon the mortals of Negaria, not to mention the other gods and goddesses, he needed to do something impressive, a feat that would display his newfound godly powers to all. Angadar pointed out the avariel race; their home city of [[Toostan-of-the-Clouds]] had just been annihilated by Angadar’s drangonari elves. Angadar argued that this was proof that the few avariel who remained did not deserve to survive. Keros agreed, and laid down a strict judgement, doubly cursing the avariel; not only did he weaken their bodies so that they could no longer fly, he also took from them their fertility, so that they could no longer reproduce.		Though Keros was not well-known in southern Negaria, some of his actions have had a profound effect on races living in the region. When Keros was first elevated to demigodhood, [[Angadar]] approached him and took him under his wing. He told Keros that if he wanted to make an impression upon the mortals of Negaria, not to mention the other gods and goddesses, he needed to do something impressive, a feat that would display his newfound godly powers to all. Angadar pointed out the avariel race; their home city of [[Toostan-of-the-Clouds]] had just been annihilated by Angadar’s drangonari elves. Angadar argued that this was proof that the few avariel who remained did not deserve to survive. Keros agreed, and laid down a strict judgement, doubly cursing the avariel; not only did he weaken their bodies so that they could no longer fly, he also took from them their fertility, so that they could no longer reproduce.

	The avariel did not know how or why they had been cursed. [[NPC:Queen_Adathi\|Queen Adathi]] and the few remaining avariel tried to lift the curse without success. They appealed to the [[Guild:Healers_of_Cha'reth\|Healers of Cha’reth]] for help. Two high priestesses of [[Cha'reth]], [[PCs:Eldraea\|Eldraea]] and [[PCs:Vandor,_Rika\|Rika Vandor]], came upon the wandering Resh-Nar one day. Through speaking with him they realized that it had been Keros who had bestowed the curse. They were able to convince Resh-Nar that Angadar had tricked Keros into cursing the avariel. The two priestesses told Resh-Nar that they were willing to sacrifice their own fertility, in return for Keros lifting the curse.		The avariel did not know how or why they had been cursed. [[NPC:Queen_Adathi\|Queen Adathi]] and the few remaining avariel tried to lift the curse without success. They appealed to the [[Guild:Healers_of_Cha'reth\|Healers of Cha’reth]] for help. Two high priestesses of [[Cha'reth]], [[PCs:Eldraea\|Eldraea]] and [[PCs:Vandor,_Rika\|Rika Vandor]], came upon the wandering Resh-Nar one day. Through speaking with him they realized that it had been Keros who had bestowed the curse. They were able to convince Resh-Nar that Angadar had tricked Keros into cursing the avariel. The two priestesses told Resh-Nar that they were willing to sacrifice their own fertility, in return for Keros lifting the curse.
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	=== Other ===		=== Other ===
	Many people ~~assume~~ that the bow in Keros’ holy symbol is the kind used to shoot arrows, for hunting. Newer, more stylized versions of the symbol ~~depict~~ it as such, especially the further south one goes in Negaria. However, the bow was originally the kind used in a bow drill to start fires.		Many people assumed that the bow in Keros’ holy symbol is the kind used to shoot arrows, for hunting. Newer, more stylized versions of the symbol depicted it as such, especially the further south one goes in Negaria. However, the bow was originally the kind used in a bow drill to start fires.

			It is thought that Keros lived in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Plane#Gray_Waste Gray Waste]. He did not have a home there, but endlessly wandered the plane, preying on newly arrived souls, similar to the way his nomadic followers on Negaria followed herds of prey animals.

			=== The Murder of Keros ===
			In the year 7 AR, Keros was tracked, defeated, and destroyed by the Greater God Aarilax. A group of champions, appointed by Aarilax to do the Murderlord's bidding, tracked the fugitive Resh-Nar through the Gray Waste of Hades. After several adventures, they cornered Resh-Nar and slew him. The death of his proxy drew Keros out of hiding, leaving him vulnerable to Aarilax's attack.

			Shortly after the act, [https://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=145617&p=1497842 an account of the death of Keros was spread far and wide].

	It is ~~thought that Keros lives in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Plane#Gray_Waste Gray Waste]. He does not have~~ a ~~home there~~, ~~but endlessly wanders the plane~~, ~~preying on newly arrived souls~~, ~~similar to the way his nomadic followers on Negaria follow herds of prey animals~~.		Keros is now considered a deceased god, with his mantle of Survival stolen by Aarilax. Keros no longer empowers worshippers, priests, or druids.

VoidHamlet at 01:01, 22 February 2023

2023-02-22T01:01:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:01, 22 February 2023
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	Keros is one of those deities, like [[Verossa]] and [[Ingoren]], who is often prayed to when people want them to refrain from acting. Just as sailors may beseech Ingoren or Verossa to not cause a tidal wave or a storm, Kerosians beseech the Lord of the Fittest to not subject them to a harsh test of survival. Keros is a god who delights in testing and judging his worshippers; those who pass are rewarded with survival and perhaps a boon; those who fail are punished, commonly with death. Those unfamiliar with surviving in the wilderness think of it as a combination of skill and luck. Kerosians pride themselves on mastering the former, because for them, the latter is not a roll of chance, but the hand of Keros, and his hand can be fickle.		Keros is one of those deities, like [[Verossa]] and [[Ingoren]], who is often prayed to when people want them to refrain from acting. Just as sailors may beseech Ingoren or Verossa to not cause a tidal wave or a storm, Kerosians beseech the Lord of the Fittest to not subject them to a harsh test of survival. Keros is a god who delights in testing and judging his worshippers; those who pass are rewarded with survival and perhaps a boon; those who fail are punished, commonly with death. Those unfamiliar with surviving in the wilderness think of it as a combination of skill and luck. Kerosians pride themselves on mastering the former, because for them, the latter is not a roll of chance, but the hand of Keros, and his hand can be fickle.

	There is no formal, organized Church of Keros, because in the places where most of his worshippers can be found people are too busy trying to eke out a living day to day to concern themselves with such things as titles and hierarchies. Keros has no bibles or scriptures; his teachings which are handed down are the skills and information needed to survive in the places where his worshippers live. Keros ~~allows~~ [[druid]]s ~~and [[ranger]]s, and they~~ are just as, if not more common, than priests or shamans. Those who are granted divine power by Keros are often the advisor to a tribal chieftain; in some cases they lead the tribe themselves. Kerosians are practical; they look out for themselves first, their followers/parishioners second (for Keros seeks to have as many followers as he can, the more he can judge for fitness), and others third. There are typically few power struggles among the priests~~, rangers,~~ and druids of Keros, for in the end, Keros himself will weed out those who are unworthy to lead. Most would not describe Kerosians as generous – if withholding information will lead to one surviving over one’s rivals and possibly receiving Keros’ favor, then a Kerosian will keep that information to himself.		There is no formal, organized Church of Keros, because in the places where most of his worshippers can be found people are too busy trying to eke out a living day to day to concern themselves with such things as titles and hierarchies. Keros has no bibles or scriptures; his teachings which are handed down are the skills and information needed to survive in the places where his worshippers live. Keros's [[druid]]s are just as, if not more common, than priests or shamans. Those who are granted divine power by Keros are often the advisor to a tribal chieftain; in some cases they lead the tribe themselves. Kerosians are practical; they look out for themselves first, their followers/parishioners second (for Keros seeks to have as many followers as he can, the more he can judge for fitness), and others third. There are typically few power struggles among the priests and druids of Keros, for in the end, Keros himself will weed out those who are unworthy to lead. Most would not describe Kerosians as generous – if withholding information will lead to one surviving over one’s rivals and possibly receiving Keros’ favor, then a Kerosian will keep that information to himself.

	=== History ===		=== History ===
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	A lone druid villager was on a hunting trip when the Cytherian soldiers attacked his village. He returned to find his village razed, the menfolk slain, and the women and children gone. This druid, named Resh-Nar, then received a vision from Keros. The Lord of the Fittest, weakened by the loss of his followers, bid Resh-Nar to wander Tyedu, converting other tribes to worship him. For twenty years he crisscrossed the tundra, telling all who would listen his story. Many tribes near Tyedu’s southern border were fueled by anti-Kurathene sentiment, and willingly converted. Other tribes had similar spirit-gods, or had worshipped a spirit-god that had died, and were also easily swayed to pray to Keros. In this way Keros gained enough followers to attain demigod status.		A lone druid villager was on a hunting trip when the Cytherian soldiers attacked his village. He returned to find his village razed, the menfolk slain, and the women and children gone. This druid, named Resh-Nar, then received a vision from Keros. The Lord of the Fittest, weakened by the loss of his followers, bid Resh-Nar to wander Tyedu, converting other tribes to worship him. For twenty years he crisscrossed the tundra, telling all who would listen his story. Many tribes near Tyedu’s southern border were fueled by anti-Kurathene sentiment, and willingly converted. Other tribes had similar spirit-gods, or had worshipped a spirit-god that had died, and were also easily swayed to pray to Keros. In this way Keros gained enough followers to attain demigod status.

	Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe are ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perish, but a lucky few manage to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worship Keros, depending upon his druids, rangers~~, and shamans~~ to teach them survival techniques.		Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe are ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perish, but a lucky few manage to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worship Keros, depending upon his druids, shamans and rangers to teach them survival techniques.

	Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continued to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen, until [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=137388 another vision] led him to establish a shrine at the east coast of [[M'Chek]].		Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continued to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen, until [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=137388 another vision] led him to establish a shrine at the east coast of [[M'Chek]].

Darkfire at 19:45, 28 September 2022

2022-09-28T19:45:58Z

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			<div style='text-align: center;'>https://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?p=1470066#p1470066</div>

	[[Category:Demigods]]		[[Category:Demigods]]
	{{Deities}}		{{Deities}}

Darkfire: flagged for needing updates

2022-09-28T19:43:21Z

flagged for needing updates

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VoidHamlet: Wiki-fied M'Chek mention.

2019-01-07T00:33:23Z

Wiki-fied M'Chek mention.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:33, 7 January 2019
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	Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe are ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perish, but a lucky few manage to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worship Keros, depending upon his druids, rangers, and shamans to teach them survival techniques.		Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe are ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perish, but a lucky few manage to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worship Keros, depending upon his druids, rangers, and shamans to teach them survival techniques.

	Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continued to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen, until [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=137388 another vision] led him to establish a shrine at the east coast of M'Chek.		Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continued to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen, until [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=137388 another vision] led him to establish a shrine at the east coast of [[M'Chek]].

	=== Keros, the [[Avariel]], and the [[Drangonari]] ===		=== Keros, the [[Avariel]], and the [[Drangonari]] ===

Novatorium at 03:41, 26 December 2018

2018-12-26T03:41:58Z

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	{{Deities}}		{{Deities}}
	----		----
	[[Image:~~Kelvos_small~~.jpg\|150px\|right]]		[[Image:Keros.jpg\|150px\|right]]
	'''Symbol:''' Knife and Bow.		'''Symbol:''' Knife and Bow.

VoidHamlet: Added new shrine.

2018-11-06T13:57:27Z

Added new shrine.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:57, 6 November 2018
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	Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe are ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perish, but a lucky few manage to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worship Keros, depending upon his druids, rangers, and shamans to teach them survival techniques.		Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe are ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perish, but a lucky few manage to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worship Keros, depending upon his druids, rangers, and shamans to teach them survival techniques.

	Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar ~~continues~~ to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen.		Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continued to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen, until [http://www.avlis.org/viewtopic.php?f=138&t=137388 another vision] led him to establish a shrine at the east coast of M'Chek.

	=== Keros, the [[Avariel]], and the [[Drangonari]] ===		=== Keros, the [[Avariel]], and the [[Drangonari]] ===
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	It is thought that Keros lives in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Plane#Gray_Waste Gray Waste]. He does not have a home there, but endlessly wanders the plane, preying on newly arrived souls, similar to the way his nomadic followers on Negaria follow herds of prey animals.		It is thought that Keros lives in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Plane#Gray_Waste Gray Waste]. He does not have a home there, but endlessly wanders the plane, preying on newly arrived souls, similar to the way his nomadic followers on Negaria follow herds of prey animals.

	~~Currently there are no temples or shrines to Keros in southern Negaria.~~

Deider: Created page with "Category:Demigods {{Deities}} ---- right '''Symbol:''' Knife and Bow. '''Colors:''' Red and Brown. '''Alignment''': Alignment#Neutral_..."

2018-07-10T02:19:32Z

Created page with "Category:Demigods {{Deities}} ---- 150px|right '''Symbol:''' Knife and Bow. '''Colors:''' Red and Brown. '''Alignment''': Alignment#Neutral_..."

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[[Category:Demigods]]
{{Deities}}
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[[Image:Kelvos_small.jpg|150px|right]]
'''Symbol:''' Knife and Bow.

'''Colors:''' Red and Brown.

'''Alignment''': [[Alignment#Neutral_Evil|Neutral Evil]]

'''Worshippers' Alignment''': Any

'''Area of Control''': Survival

'''Clerical Domains:''' [[Magic:Level#Animal|Animal]], [[Magic:Level#Plant|Plant]], [[Magic:Level#Strength|Strength]], [[Magic:Level#Travel|Travel]]

The word “survive” literally means “to live longer than others.” “Survival” is the word often used to describe the set of skills needed in harsh, wilderness climates, where successful employment of such skills can indeed allow one to live longer than one’s peers. It is in such harsh climes, be it the tundra of [[Tyedu]], the steaming jungles of [[Jechran]], the unforgiving [[The_Wastelands|Wastelands]], or elsewhere in [[Negaria]], that one may encounter followers of Keros.

Keros is one of those deities, like [[Verossa]] and [[Ingoren]], who is often prayed to when people want them to refrain from acting. Just as sailors may beseech Ingoren or Verossa to not cause a tidal wave or a storm, Kerosians beseech the Lord of the Fittest to not subject them to a harsh test of survival. Keros is a god who delights in testing and judging his worshippers; those who pass are rewarded with survival and perhaps a boon; those who fail are punished, commonly with death. Those unfamiliar with surviving in the wilderness think of it as a combination of skill and luck. Kerosians pride themselves on mastering the former, because for them, the latter is not a roll of chance, but the hand of Keros, and his hand can be fickle.

There is no formal, organized Church of Keros, because in the places where most of his worshippers can be found people are too busy trying to eke out a living day to day to concern themselves with such things as titles and hierarchies. Keros has no bibles or scriptures; his teachings which are handed down are the skills and information needed to survive in the places where his worshippers live. Keros allows [[druid]]s and [[ranger]]s, and they are just as, if not more common, than priests or shamans. Those who are granted divine power by Keros are often the advisor to a tribal chieftain; in some cases they lead the tribe themselves. Kerosians are practical; they look out for themselves first, their followers/parishioners second (for Keros seeks to have as many followers as he can, the more he can judge for fitness), and others third. There are typically few power struggles among the priests, rangers, and druids of Keros, for in the end, Keros himself will weed out those who are unworthy to lead. Most would not describe Kerosians as generous – if withholding information will lead to one surviving over one’s rivals and possibly receiving Keros’ favor, then a Kerosian will keep that information to himself.

=== History ===
Keros began as a Tyeduan spirit-god who was worshipped in a single village in the southwestern region of that nation. Keros was a harsh spirit-god for a harsh land, and demanded sacrifices to be appeased. Typically, his tribe sacrificed animals they had hunted. But when times were rough, and it was thought that Keros was especially angry, they would sacrifice humans, either captives from other tribes, or in dire circumstances, some of their own people.

One day a band of soldiers from [[Cytheria]] entered Tyedu, scouting the tundra for resources. They happened upon the village. It had been a rough year for the villagers, and to appease Keros they were about to sacrifice some of their children. The soldiers, worshippers of [[O'Ma]], were disgusted by what they saw. They slaughtered all of the men in the tribe, and took the women and children back to Cytheria, where they were placed with [[Kurathene]] families to be integrated into the empire.

A lone druid villager was on a hunting trip when the Cytherian soldiers attacked his village. He returned to find his village razed, the menfolk slain, and the women and children gone. This druid, named Resh-Nar, then received a vision from Keros. The Lord of the Fittest, weakened by the loss of his followers, bid Resh-Nar to wander Tyedu, converting other tribes to worship him. For twenty years he crisscrossed the tundra, telling all who would listen his story. Many tribes near Tyedu’s southern border were fueled by anti-Kurathene sentiment, and willingly converted. Other tribes had similar spirit-gods, or had worshipped a spirit-god that had died, and were also easily swayed to pray to Keros. In this way Keros gained enough followers to attain demigod status.

Once Keros became a demigod, he sent a vision to Resh-Nar once more. The druid, who by now had become the High Shaman of the religion, was commanded to head south, to gain even more followers. So Resh-Nar hiked southeast, across the mountains and into Jechran. Though unable to supplant [[Yeraiah]] or [[Dre'Ana]], he convinced many of the female-dominated tribes to worship Keros as a secondary or supplemental deity. But another group in Jechran made Keros their patron god – castoff males. In some of the harsher climates in that nation, older males who are no longer considered useful to the tribe are ejected, and sent out into the jungle to fend for themselves. Most quickly perish, but a lucky few manage to band together and eke out a life in the wilderness. These all-male groups worship Keros, depending upon his druids, rangers, and shamans to teach them survival techniques.

Another twenty years passed, and for a third time High Shaman Resh-Nar received a vision from the Lord of the Fittest. This time he was ordered to go even further south, that Keros may have followers across Negaria. It is said that Resh-Nar continues to wander the southern nations, preaching to any and all who will listen.

=== Keros, the [[Avariel]], and the [[Drangonari]] ===
Though Keros is not well-known in southern Negaria, some of his actions have had a profound effect on races living in the region. When Keros was first elevated to demigodhood, [[Angadar]] approached him and took him under his wing. He told Keros that if he wanted to make an impression upon the mortals of Negaria, not to mention the other gods and goddesses, he needed to do something impressive, a feat that would display his newfound godly powers to all. Angadar pointed out the avariel race; their home city of [[Toostan-of-the-Clouds]] had just been annihilated by Angadar’s drangonari elves. Angadar argued that this was proof that the few avariel who remained did not deserve to survive. Keros agreed, and laid down a strict judgement, doubly cursing the avariel; not only did he weaken their bodies so that they could no longer fly, he also took from them their fertility, so that they could no longer reproduce.

The avariel did not know how or why they had been cursed. [[NPC:Queen_Adathi|Queen Adathi]] and the few remaining avariel tried to lift the curse without success. They appealed to the [[Guild:Healers_of_Cha'reth|Healers of Cha’reth]] for help. Two high priestesses of [[Cha'reth]], [[PCs:Eldraea|Eldraea]] and [[PCs:Vandor,_Rika|Rika Vandor]], came upon the wandering Resh-Nar one day. Through speaking with him they realized that it had been Keros who had bestowed the curse. They were able to convince Resh-Nar that Angadar had tricked Keros into cursing the avariel. The two priestesses told Resh-Nar that they were willing to sacrifice their own fertility, in return for Keros lifting the curse.

Resh-Nar beseeched his god. Keros realized that he had been used by Angadar, but he was loath to admit his mistake. So he removed only part of the curse, restoring their strength and allowing the avariel to procreate again. However, as punishment for their loss against the drangonari, avariel still cannot fly to this day.

Keros then turned his eye towards Angadar’s creations. Seeing the avariel and drangonari as two races directly pitted against each other for survival, he thought it only fair to level the playing field. So Keros took the wings from all drangonari elves. Even those drangonari who have been able to regain their wings are unable to fly.

=== Other ===
Many people assume that the bow in Keros’ holy symbol is the kind used to shoot arrows, for hunting. Newer, more stylized versions of the symbol depict it as such, especially the further south one goes in Negaria. However, the bow was originally the kind used in a bow drill to start fires.

It is thought that Keros lives in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Plane#Gray_Waste Gray Waste]. He does not have a home there, but endlessly wanders the plane, preying on newly arrived souls, similar to the way his nomadic followers on Negaria follow herds of prey animals.

Currently there are no temples or shrines to Keros in southern Negaria.