Ravor-Tua, Singer of Fear

Called the Singer of Fear because of the terrifying visions he brings to sleeping mortals, Ravor-Tua acts as a messenger of the gods. His songs bring omens of disasters to come, as well as warnings to those who have strayed from the will of the gods.

Most commonly, Ravor-Tua contacts humans by entering their dreams in the form of a cloaked and hooded figure, the only distinguishing feature being his left hand clad in a scale-mail gauntlet of black metal.

The Cult of Ravor-Tua

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Those who dedicate themselves to Ravor-Tua's cause are known as the Ravortium or, more colloquially, as the Shadow Singers, and they double as messengers and assassins. Upon initiation, a prospective Shadow Singer's right hand is tattooed solid black from palm to elbow. When someone must be made into an example, the Shadow Singers are sent.

The First Stanza is always a warning. It promises that if the offender does not repent and change their ways, they will live to regret it.

The Second Stanza is that of consequences. The offender is marked as having grieved the Church, and their crimes are made known to their loved ones and associates. This also comes with a warning, that if the offender continues their course, death is to follow.

The Third Stanza is punishment. The Shadow Singers are dispatched in full, and the victim's body is found missing its right arm up to the elbow.

Historical Basis

Most accounts of Ravor-Tua interacting with humanity place him in the role of a deliverer of warnings and omens, typically either warning away from a planned course of action or alerting the priesthood to a potential threat. As often as not, these appearances are dismissed as either nightmares or demonic incursions until it is too late to act on them. Much is speculated as to why Ravor-Tua chooses such terrifying means to communicate with the Church, but no solid answers are forthcoming.

In Literature

Representatives of Ravor-Tua often appear in morality tales as a warning to the protagonist that their actions have offended the gods and that they must change their ways if they wish to escape punishment; in most works, his are the only lines spoken in verse (in contrast with all other characters, who speak exclusively in prose). Unfortunately, these representatives are often portrayed as visages of terror and as such are frequently dismissed by the hero as nightmares of no consequence.

In Art

Ravor-Tua, as with all the gods, is never depicted directly in art or literature. Instead, representations of the Singer take the form of a black circle embossed with a silver fist. This emblem is used as a stand-in in visual depictions, typically surrounded by draconic attendants cloaked in black and wearing black gauntlets.

"Even if we had the means to fend off the Shadow Singers, the Church doesn't appreciate people who interfere with their business. And do you know who the Church sends after people who end up on their naughty list?"
"Shadow Singers?"
"Fucking Shadow Singers..."
— Two adventurers, deciding whether to save their companion from Ravor-Tua's assassins

The Sinner is one who does Wrong, when it is in their power to do Right.

The Singer is one who Warns, when it is in their power to Ambush.

We are the Singers, and our eyes see the Wrong.

This is the First Stanza, and it is one of Warning.

Repent, Sinner, for the Second Stanza is that of Consequence.

— A typical First Stanza, discovered in the home of the Shadow Singers' target

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