World Eater

While learning of Azara and their creations, I stumbled upon another tale. This one was darker and appeared to be an omen of misfortune. There wasn't as much information readily available, but I managed to piece things together with time.

— Alfie Kerr, history student.

This is a myth found within some human cultures. It has similar legends found in other groups as well. It's seen as a counterpart to the garden tender creation myth surrounding the deity Azara.
This tale focuses on Vortax, a destruction deity and unintended "child" of Azara.

Vortax

After creating the universe and its planets, Azara would spawn numerous beings separate from any of the species they made in the past. Azara considered them their children. These beings would go on to be revered as other deities.
One day, during a period of unstable emotions and energy, Azara created a final child. Something went wrong along the way, but they did not realize the consequences at the time. Azara named him Vortax.

There's plenty of imagery of Azara and even a handful of their deity children. Vortax, however, was a mystery for some time. I only managed to find a couple prints depicting him after months of searching.

— Alfie Kerr.

A Growing Hunger

In the beginning Vortax looked and acted like his other celestial siblings. He had a humanoid appearance similar to Azara. Vortax was energetic and always getting into things. His parent had a hard time keeping up with his energy and eventual appetite.
It started small. Vortax would always ask for seconds or extra treats in the evening. Azara chalked it up to his activity levels. He was also hungry for more than just food.
Vortax was a competitive boy who adored winning. He was always in search of games to play and challenges to overcome. A sore loser, Vortax would throw fits if he lost to anyone and often claimed them as cheaters.

It appeared Vortax developed quite the temper as he grew older. Which would explain the outcome of this tale, I suppose. At least partially.

— Alfie Kerr

Engulfing Darkness

One day something changed in Vortax. Azara didn't know what came over him. They tried talking and reasoning with him, but couldn't make any positive progress with their child.
A dark force of unknown origin overtook him. Vortax lashed out more and even destroyed some of Azara's projects. It broke their heart to watch.
His physical appearance would morph over time due to the influence of the forces consuming him.

From Son to Monster

Before long Azara couldn't recognize Vortax. The darkness changed him metaphorically and physically. He no longer had a humanoid form.
One night Azara awoke early to the sound of movement from their garden. They left their cottage to investigate only to stop mid stride, mouth agape at the sight before them.
Vortax's new form rampaged amongst the plants. He was transformed into an elongated beast covered in black scales, dark energy seeping from between the cracks. Along his body were five pairs of legs that ended in large, sharp claws.
Hearing Azara, Vortax turned to face them. His eyes were no longer a pale green, but a piercing deep purple that emitted a faint glow.

I couldn't begin to imagine how heartbreaking it'd be to see your own child go through such an ordeal. I know I'd feel powerless after trying to help them to no avail.

— Alfie Kerr

Banishment

Azara tried once more to free their son of the darkness. Nothing worked.
Vortax continued his rampage and threatened the stability of Azara's current realm. Something had to be done. They gathered as much energy as they could and lunged at Vortax.
The two struggled as Azara tried to keep hold. Their skin was burned by the dark energy escaping Vortax's scales. Azara produced a crystal of their concentrated energy and pulled themselves up Vortax's length.
With a great effort, they pried open his snout and forced the crystal down his throat. While Vortax reeled, Azara took the opportunity to teleport them both as far away as they could manage.
As a final precaution, Azara cut Vortax's eyes with great sorrow in their heart. The energy from their crystal started taking hold and subdued him to some extent. They held his head in their hands and placed a parting kiss on his forehead before teleporting back home.

Vortax was left to float through space, now blind and alone. It appears the crystal kept his rage at bay so long as it remained lodged in his body. Sounds painful for sure. After combing more texts I couldn't find any happier resolutions to this tale. All we were left with was the following omen.

— Alfie Kerr

Destruction Awaits

So long as Vortax remains lost in his space prison, the universe can continue. Azara feared the day their crystal's energy would fade, it broke, or was removed from Vortax in any way. They sent word to the many planets they created over the years.

Dear children, please heed this warning. I have made several grave mistakes and did the best I could to mend them, but I fear they may not be enough. Vortax is a shell of what he used to be. I banished him to the outermost expanse of the cosmos. He now floats aimlessly, but with a deeper seated rage for me, I am sure.
Do not go looking for him. Do not seek to summon him into your realms for any means. I am afraid there is no cure for him. If his rage were to reawaken, a most certain doom will overtake us all.

— Azara.

Legend has it that the day Vortax reawakens will be the end of the universe. His rage will return ten fold and fuel him to seek out the destruction of all of Azara's creations.

Cultures

wip

Regions

Worldwide

Connected Deities

Azara
Vortax