Oxa, The Frayed Hammer
Since he woke that morning, Oxa's hands trembled with anxiety. He didn't want to be exalted, famous, or powerful. He just wanted to live quietly in the home he built with his wife. But the devils outside his fence called his name and reveled in his glorious victory. "Please... just go away," Oxa whispered to himself. He couldn't muster the energy to frighten them off when he knew he needed to save it for when more Demon Lords would arrive to give him their blessing. Is that all it takes to make you happy, he thought. I only killed some ass who tried to stomp on my house. Anyone would have done the same. I'm not special.
The 70th demon lord in the Hierarchy of Devils
The Life Before
Oxa lived a simple life before his raising. He was born in Valtam and lived with his mother and father. In that city, he met his beloved wife, Lisema, and when they were married, they left for the countryside to build their home together. The two lived happily for three years before Lisema was stricken with illness and passed away suddenly. Oxa stayed alone in the home with the memories of his wife, exasperated with the dreams they had together that they would now never realize. Oxa was reclusive and avoided Valtam whenever possible, only speaking with his family when necessary.Just Protecting What Was His
The envoy's back felt so distant as he watched her close the door and exit his home. She had been Gigaloth's envoy, and though he had just killed her Lord two days prior, she seemed unmoved. Makes sense, Oxa thought to himself. Why would anyone mourn for that moron? Not even his servant. His thoughts turned to the colossal torisare that he murdered. The stony Demon Lord had arrived outside Valtam just as he warned he would do. Gigaloth's roaring voice rang through his mind, "So you yet refuse to bend to me? So be it. To begin your punishment, I'll start with the little farms. Despair as you preview your fate, you wretches." Oxa's hands clenched at the memory of Gigaloth approaching his humble home with deep, malicious laughter. He could still feel the rumble in his feet as he watched in horror at the approaching Lord. His left hand unwound reflexively, and his hammer formed in its place, just as it had that day. Oxa breathed slowly to regain calm and stared at the bone-white hammer. The rage and horrid frenzy that controlled his hand was new to him. The strength to stop a torisare's foot from crushing his home. The prowess to leap into the sky to grab Gigaloth's face and cave it in with his hammer. It's not anything Oxa ever thought he was capable of, but it was what led him to this moment. That was the power the House of Lords wanted among their ranks.
The New Demon Lord
The members of the House of Lords arrived in a small group to review Oxa and the body of Gigaloth a few days after the battle. Interviews with the Valtam people unanimously confirmed that the action had occurred as reported. The House of Lords concluded that Oxa was worthy of raising to replace Gigaloth as the 70th Demon Lord. Though Oxa refused the position, the Demon Lords reminded him it wasn't his decision. The act Oxa performed betrayed his appearance of a humble carpenter, for if he could accomplish the death of a demon lord out of a moment of anger, he could be counted to unleash the same power again in the future. The House of Lords confirmed Oxa's new title to the witnesses of Valtam, and from that day, they revered him as their true Lord.Patrons. Ceaseless and Unending
When news of Oxa's raising reached the other provinces, he began to receive notices of servitude. Against his wishes, many devils arrived in Valtam to vow fealty and awaited his commands. In most instances, Oxa would find some benign chore or labor for them to commit, such as tilling fields, volunteering in the city, etc. In time, Oxa began to receive requests from even Mun'dun supplicants wishing him to become their patron. All the attention annoyed Oxa, but as time passed, he began to enjoy knowing that at least others were doing good in his name. Oxa eventually reunited with Gigaloth's old envoy, and the two began to work together. Tylouse started to organize Oxa's patrons and was officially recorded as Oxa's envoy. Years later, Oxa proposed to Tylouse, and the two were married in Valtam.
Alignment
True Neutral
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Currently Held Titles
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Gender
Male
Eyes
Grey
Hair
Medium, black
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Red and white gradient skin with black fur
Height
6'0"
Aligned Organization
"Lord Oxa, I seek to gain power. What great labor do you require of me to gain your favor?" "What? No, please, I just want, ugh. Okay, whatever, go build a house or something." "I will, your highness! I will name it in your honor." "Please don't."
Very nice article! You made it fit really well with the prompt since I am now curious where he got that power from suddenly :) Also pretty fun that he does not want the adoration and you worded that pretty well in the quote. "Please don't" xp had me chuckle a bit :p