Legaku

God of Beasts and Monstrosities

While the Astalian Pantheon is by no means purely benevolent, there are few gods that have gained as much ire and infamy as the one to stake his claim over the domain of monsters. Certainly not responsible for every scary creature that threatens humanoids (dragons and giants even claim they predate Legaku himself), the scale and variety at which monsters roam the uninhabited corners of the world are undoubtedly his work. To that extent, it is often those who have to face the monsters on the regular that are the most likely to offer prayer or sacrifice. Despite most doing so begrudgingly, a small portion have come to respect Legaku's work as a necessary evil in order to prevent civilization from ruling uncontested, growing fat from their strength. Likewise, Legaku has been known to acknowledge humanoids as the dominant creature, despite his best efforts to supplant them.

Domains and Flavor

Legaku is best associated with the War, Death, and Nature Cleric Domains. It could certainly be the case that some Druids include sacrifices to Legaku, acknowledging monsters as part of the natural order, or that Rangers give prayers for a good hunt that hones their skills. While the healing-focused nature of a Celestial Warlock may not be the best fit for Legaku as a Patron, there are all manner of ancient and powerful monsters in the world that may be willing to take on a Pact.

Myths and Relationships

Legaku is believed to be the son of Aconi, the fertility god, as well as the older brother to Serphala, god of civilization and cities. Just as some monsters will always prey upon citizens of a town, the two brothers have been fighting and bickering since anyone could remember. This eventually came to a head during the two gods extended influence over Iltaku during War of Wing and Fang. The remnants of Serphala's Etani Kingdom fought the united Wamiro tribe alongside Legaku's monsters. After a century of fighting, the humanoids united against Legaku's monsters and pushed them back into the Barren Expanse where many of them still reside to this day.

Religious Influence & Contact

Legaku does not have an organized church or definitive scripture, but various forms of worship can be seen in the more wild places of Astalia. Nomadic tribes may have certain rituals meant to appease his wrath, and any sensible caravan company knows to offer a goat or lamb as sacrifice before transporting important goods over long distances. There is rumor of a city beneath the waves of the Ilkatan coastline that is wholly devoted to Legaku's ideals and purpose, but few have been brave enough to try and venture to the depths where the city is said to lie.

Moreover, Legaku seldom appears to humanoids directly given his general disdain for them. Often people associate horrible nightmares of monstrosities as being tormented by Legaku, and some go as far to claim that any monster that acts against people is doing so under the direct will of the god. The few times where people claimed to have seen Legaku tend to describe him as a human of medium build, short hair, and fair complexion. However, there's always a small detail, be it claw-like fingernails, pointed teeth, or vertical-slit pupils, that indicate his truly monstrous nature. Of course, there have been those to also claim this, but they were rendered stark-raving mad, seemingly broken by simply seeing Legaku's true form.

Divine Symbol

Three Hydra heads filled with razor-sharp teeth.