Deign

God of Metal and Craftsmanship

"Creation is a skill that all can learn with no need for Magick. Any of us can call upon our latent powers and will something into existence; but to pull materials from our surroundings, to shape them, mold them into that picture in your mind's eye, now that is something to be truly proud of." - Deign, addressing dissenters to his methods.

Deign, also known as the Lord of All Forges and the Godsmith, was the first god to emerge in the second wave of gods from Nora's blood. With his fellow gods Orloch and Seigna, they went forth and met the other three and embraced the three of them as family. The Godsmith had a kind and smiling demeanor since his very birth and brought great warmth to the group. Seigna and Orloch were much slower to welcome their predecessors and instead rejected them at the offset with Orloch challenging Artur to a duel over the leadership. Deign disagreed with his new brother's actions but did not interfere in the struggle here. As he watched them fight one another, he began to think of crafting tools to aid them in this combat, both for protection as well as an offensive front.
Artur was victorious and announced himself as their leader once again before proclaiming Stirna's Decree to the new gods. Deign accepted this heartily and was set to begin his Divine Creation of Risen, but wanted to put his desires to create the tools he dreamed of in the previous conflict. The god now found himself tunneling deep underneath the mountains of the Worldspine into a large cavern that would later be known as Tor Karrick. At this time in the early ages, the walls shimmered with raw ores and crystal in the dim light of the magma that flowed through this underground passage. It was here that he created his first forge and began sculpting the first sets of weapons and armor. The first creation that he was truly proud of would be his hammer, the Worldshaper, which he would use to create the rest of the legendary armaments of the gods.
Satisfied now with his craft, Deign set forth to gain inspiration for creating his own variety of Risen. He followed closely in the footsteps of Seigna, whom he adored like a true sister, and grew particularly enamored with the animals and Magickal Beasts that she spread throughout the world. The ones that possessed natural armor intrigued him the most as he experimented with advanced forms of lizards, crocodilians, and turtles that would become the Hidefolk and Shellfolk throughout the world. He knew that he might have been getting ahead of himself and kept these groups in small numbers so that they would not overshadow his siblings. Deign's true favorite amongst the beasts he found to be the pangolins, he saw them to be all manners of both adorable with their small stature and powerful with their digging claws and protective scales. It was these that he raised into the Dwehrlen and brought back to live in the Worldspine where he had made his first forge and creations. The Dwehrlen would come to be known as both a gentle race as well as the greatest crafters found throughout all of Nora.
The Godsmith found himself satisfied with his creations thus far and set to travel the world both to check on the progress of his kin as well as gain further inspiration from their own creations. It was while he was visiting Orloch in Tamaha and observing the Ohrlen that he discovered Beirn. The Ohrlen were a warlike people, taking much after their own creator, but Beirn was different. He was a pacifist amongst a race of warriors and chose to devote his life to helping the injured rather than hurting others. His unique compassion and care moved Deign during a time when the injured were often left to heal naturally or die. Deign found himself growing closer and more fond of this particular Ohrlen and wished to help him in his quest for medicines and treatments. As Beirn returned his affections with both gratitude and affections of his own, Deign now found himself wishing for this Risen to stand beside him.
Deign petitioned the Council of the Gods for a process that would allow Beirn to become a god. While Artur was originally against the idea in fear of the precedent it might send, he eventually relented to Deign's fervent passion. This led to the creation of the Rite of Ascension and Beirn was ascended into godhood. Now the God of Medicine, he was able to stand next to Deign as an equal and they could properly share their physical affections that had been delayed for this long. The two of them were soon married under Elanaah's guidance, marking the second pair of gods to do so. From that point on, Deign and Beirn ruled their domains together with support from one another. The young Dwehrlen quickly found themselves worshipping Beirn as well and treated him as another sacred father as the husband to their beloved creator.
Both gods found themselves needing the support of each other as Sturn was brought to trial in front of the Council of the Gods for giving Magick to the Dahlen. Deign agreed that Sturn was in the wrong as he wilfully broke Artur's laws, whom Deign still loved and respected as a leader. However, he also understood the reasons and merits behind Sturn's actions. Beirn spoke out before him, proclaiming the good that the powers of Magick could do for all Risen, especially in the face of the Fae and whatever unknown foes may lie ahead. Deign agreed vocally this time with his partner and asked that Magick be spread to all Risen. He marveled at the ideas of what his beloved Dwehrlen could accomplish with Magick at their side. Artur finally relented and the rest of the Council rejoiced at his decision.
The Godsmith returned to the Dwehrlen beneath the Worldspine and granted this gift to his people, encouraging them to create glorious wonders to rival his own. They had already been spreading out through great tunnels in search of new materials and sites for burgeoning cities. The construction of the largest forge throughout Nora, formally named Deign's Anvil after its great shape, was becoming a hallmark of Tor Karrick and a monument to the Dwehrlen's love for their creator. He blessed their creation as the first Dwehrlen priests and magi began to permanently alter the flow of the magma around the cave to flow through the anvil and power the forges just like he had done in the beginning. Deign was pleased by their work and went out into the world satisfied with his Dwehrlen creations.
He took time to visit the many pockets of Hidefolk and Shellfolk left scattered throughout Nora to grant them their own Magick as well, not wanting his other children to be left out of these gifts. They lived a more simple, separate life, but he loved them all the same. Deign also made sure that the skills of smithing and craftsmanship were spread throughout all Risen races as he was eager to see how different the products of each culture would ultimately be. The Ehlen took to their silver fineries, the Ehrlen crafted great spears and hunting tools, and the Humans largely took a pragmatic and efficient design to their works. Each individual work made the Godsmith's heart swell with pride as he watched over these fledgling beings.
Deign and Beirn would, during this time, look at the children of the other gods with jealousy. Unable to have children of their own, Deign refused to let this be an obstacle to the two gods. He used his powers of divine creation and took the egg of a Blue Jay, Beirn's favorite bird from his home in Tamaha, and infused it with the blood of both him and his husband. The egg would continue to grow enormous in comparison to others of its kind until it finally hatched to reveal a child with accent feathers denoting the origin of his birth. The two named him Rufio and raised him with all the love they could muster. Rufio would grow to gain power over the weather, establishing his domain as the Tempest God. He was a carefree spirit that would fly where the wind would take him with a personality to match. Deign and Beirn would grow closer than ever with their own child in the world.
Another trial for the Council of the Gods was soon called, this time to judge Sturn once again for his transgressions. It was with a heavy heart that Deign listened to both the allegations as well as the Serpent God's defense. The Godsmith took his side, silent at first though he was. He knew the pains and passions of love all too well as he had pleaded before this same council to change their rules and make his beloved into a god. He held Beirn and Rufio close during the trial, knowing the turmoil each faced in the decision to come. Both of them would visit Sturn in his judgment cell together and offer their sympathies and understanding. Neither believed that they could partake in a civil war between the Council of Gods, but they both promised to fight for a lighter sentence. The two proved to be his most staunch defenders, outside of Firna and Mortair of course, and believed they held a great responsibility in the ultimate decision and the ease of punishment. Sturn was spared his life but banished, never to leave the Realm of the Dead, never to see his beloved Risen or new daughter once again. Deign wept, seeing no victors in a crime of passion such as this.
The Council of the Gods would dissolve after that particular trial as many of them would never see eye to eye again. The gods themselves would soon begin to disappear from the surface of Nora as they left the Risen to continue the divine purpose that had been set up for them. Before his own departure, however, Deign visited the Dwehrlen capital of Tor Karrick once again. Marveling at the wonders his children had created, he believed they would thrive in the future to come. He left them with some parting words and his love before he left, hand in hand with Beirn.

"Do not hate the Dahlen as your Risen kin may start to do. Their father's decision is not their own, his punishment is not theirs to bear. Such a damned decision it is, though, that I myself might have made it the same." - Deign, during his final address to the Dwehrlen.

The Godsmith

Deign possesses the powers of divine creation and used them to create three races of Risen instead of the usual ones like the rest of his godly kin. All three of his Risen were adapted from the beasts created by his beloved sister Seigna. Most notable would be the Dwehrlen, a Risen of ingenuity like no other. These were created from pangolins, and bear the same strong scales and digging claws but at a greater size and strength. The Dwehrlen have become known as the greatest smiths throughout all of Nora and have created wondrous artifacts and armaments from their cities under the Worldspine. The Hidefolk and Shellfolk, small in number as they may be compared to other Risen, can not be overlooked for their wild and indomitable natures. These were created from all manners of reptiles aside from serpents and now fill the cracks of the world in those wild places where most Risen still have not dared to tread.
Aside from the multiple Risen he created, Deign has also created the idea of craftsmanship and the construction of tools and weapons with natural materials found throughout the world. He created the first forge out of a river of magma as he is believed to have full control over the primal material, though he has seldom shown it. He possessed an unparalleled gift of smithing and created the greatest relics to be traced throughout the world. All of the legendary armaments of the gods can be traced to Deign's make and design. Despite his own hesitation to partake in conflict or violence of any kind, he could not help himself but create the most powerful weapons he could imagine, each custom-made to fit the bearer perfectly.
Smiths and craftsmen throughout the world pay patronage to the Godsmith. Each forge can be referred to as an altar to his worship where they pray for the strength and durability of their works. Every time a tool or armament is created successfully, its maker gives thanks; once for their own skill, and twice for Deign smiling down upon them. This has led his worship to not remain exclusive to the Dwehrlen people but also spread to everywhere where they praise crafting skills.
Wherever the gods now roam separate from the prying eye of the Risen, it is said that Deign still swings his hammer at a new great forge, creating items of unbelievable power.

Icons of Deign

Deign bears the appearance of a tall dark-skinned Human. He has a heavy build with powerful arms and legs denoting his godly strength. His face is otherwise gentle, framed by a scraggly beard and a neat arrangement of thick, long dreadlocks that he usually keeps tied behind him. Deign wears a dragon-leather apron accompanied by a set of enchanted greaves and gauntlets that he has crafted. Statues of him will often depict him at a forge with his hammer Worldshaper in hand, crafting some wondrous item, or embracing Beirn and Rufio.
Emblems representing his worship are typical of a flaming hammer and anvil, though the make and coloration vary depending on the culture where they are found and the individual smith who made them. Deign favored individual craftsmanship and ability and encouraged this in altars and emblem-making. Dwehrlen emblems will often be made of strong steel while Ehlen emblems are made out of filigreed silver and Hidefolk will make theirs out of wrought iron. He was usually against temple worship for his favor and preferred people to practice his worship in a forge or studio. Altars can still be found, however, particularly in Dwehrlen temples and the Church of Combined Faiths.

Of Sweat and Blood

Deign preached, both to the Risen as well as his fellow gods, that the greatest things in life were earned and not given to them. This was his natural approach to things after becoming the god of craftsmanship as he encouraged all to make the lives they wanted and the tools to get them there with their own hands. The bond that he had with the Dwehrlen was not one of ingratiated love like the Dahlen had for Sturn, but one earned through the careful nurturing he gave his beloved Risen in the time he spent with them.
The Godsmith taught them the values of hard work and dedication and made these natural habits ingrained into the very being of the Dwehrlen. They became a race of hard workers, taking pleasure in physical labor and the desire to make something truly great of themselves. Almost all of the Dwehrlen tunnels and caverns that make up the underground network of The Stoneroots have been dug manually by hand and claw, believing that it wouldn't be the same if they had used great Magicks to carve the stone for them. This gave the Stoneroots the natural feel that each city possesses, as well as the great sense of pride each Dwehrlen citizen has within them.

And of Tears

Despite his large stature and certainly powerful muscles, Deign was always known to be a gentle god. He treated each one of his godly kin with a great deal of generosity and respect and was slow and seldom to anger. There are no recorded conflicts with Deign having a direct part in the violence, though he has made clear his intentions of protecting those he cares about through whatever means necessary. This has made it difficult to gauge his individual strength as he tends to resolve issues with dialogue instead of violence.
Heavy emotions are freely accepted and welcome under his domain. Deign believes that it takes great strength to express what you are feeling outwards and that bottling emotions can only lead to later pain. He was very open with emotions and cried anytime he felt it appropriate, much to the dismay of his more stern kin such as Orloch and Artur. The Dwehrlen took his teachings on emotions to heart, becoming very open emotionally. They have grown to be a very considerate and empathetic race in their creator's footsteps.