Mannaret
"One is not a warrior because he can move mountains. He is a warrior because, to protect those who need him, he will."Mannaretic maxim
Mannaret is the god of defense, just war, and glory in combat. From the start, Mannaret trained hard, knowing the likelihood that one of his brothers or sisters would endanger the world with the great power they wielded, and understanding that he had to be prepared. He traversed the world, studying the strengths of the different races and peoples and training them to use them effectively, and from this he learned himself as well. He is said to have killed the first Tarrasque and taken its tooth as a sword, which he called Sjaksvent, or Shadow Killer. Though all Meydra had powerful regenerative abilities, he is one of only a few with a story of coming close to true death, when he defeated Lunagi at the height of her power, though he was healed by Perennitus. Mannaret was also called to arms when the reign of terror of Damakos began, and he took up a position of leadership to combat him, in the end using his resources, alliances, and tremendous strength to drive Damakos back into the darkness.
The great secret of Mannaret, which was discovered only after many years, was that, with the solitary exception the brief time of innocence shortly after he had awakened alongside his brethren, he had not known a single day he walked Ekaia that he was not weary. He lived voluntarily in the service of all other creatures and could find no rest as long as those creatures remained in need.
When interacting with mortals, Mannaret took special interest in the dragonborn—finding them particularly impressive, so the legends say—and as such is portrayed as a dragonborn himself: silver, wearing white armor edged with gold and wielding Shadow Killer.
Relationships
Mannaret's courtship of Wulozha was long and difficult, but they were ever devoted to one another, and eventually married and had two daughters, Arielis and Miranelle. Many of the good-aligned Meydra were his friends and allies.
Followers
Clerics and followers of Mannaret affirm that the only glory that exists in combat is that which comes from the honor of defending those who cannot defend themselves, and ridding the world of darkness one victory at a time. They warn against becoming too impassioned by the fire of battle, as it can distract one from the true purpose of combat. They believe in the existence of just war but assert that war in general should be avoided if possible for the protection of the innocent who may be caught in the crossfire.
Associated Customs
"To a world we shall not know": A toast referring both to a peaceful world, free of all conflict, and the peace that currently exists, which the warriors in question have chosen to deny themselves.
Symbol of vigilance: This symbol, resembling a sideways view of an eye with an arrow pointing inward, is found as an architectural and artistic motif on many temples, weapons, tools, and armors made by devotees of Mannaret. It is to serve as a reminder never to falter in the fight or the preparation for it, including keeping an eye on one's own faults and weaknesses, lest evil rise from within.
Feast of the General: Mannaret's triumph over Damakos and the end of the Battle for Talazic is celebrated on February 8th of each year. It is the most important holiday of the year for Mannaretic devotees, marked by tournaments, banquets, music, and drinking.
Temples and Relics
A scale that is said to be Mannaret’s resides at the headquarters of the Shields of Mannaret in Bhren, where Mannaret has many followers, and a claw thought to be his is kept at the Temple of Mount Ovana in eastern Jeltir. The location of Shadow Killer is unknown, but it is whispered to have been hidden somewhere in the Tors many ages ago.
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