Tolaris

The Eternal Foundation, Life in Stone

The Stonebound Sentinel

In the tapestry of legends that veils the world, Tolaris stands as the monolithic god of earth, nature, and the very essence of the planet itself. This deity, unlike others, eschews the caprice of form, often choosing to manifest as a colossal humanoid composed of an array of floating stones, echoing the enduring strength of the mountains. The visage of Tolaris is a testament to the god's grandeur, with each stone seemingly imbued with life, floating in harmony to craft a being of immense power yet serene poise.
Tolaris' existence is a balancing act of majestic tranquility, striving tirelessly to breathe life into every crevice of the world. The gentle touch of Tolaris can be felt in the whisper of the leaves, the caress of the wind, and the sturdy embrace of the earth. In the pantheon, Tolaris is the fulcrum, the unwavering neutral force that maintains equilibrium amidst the often tumultuous dynamics of divine entities.

History

Delving deep into the heart of the planet, Tolaris carved out a sanctum, a workshop nestled within the planet's core. It was here that Tolaris, with hands of soil and will of stone, sculpted children from the mud—beings crafted with no purpose other than to live, to exist, to experience the gift of life. These Children of Tolaris were the god's hope incarnate, a hope that life, once given, would flourish and traverse paths of virtue.
Yet, the tides of time brought with them an era of conflict, a period where the very fabric of existence was marred by war and strife. The heart of Tolaris, ever so nurturing, could not stand idly by while creation was at peril. Thus, from the depths of the earthen forge, Tolaris wrought the Sword of Truth—a weapon that bore the weight of justice, capable only of harming those deemed vile by its wielder. The Seeker, a paragon among the Children of Tolaris, was chosen to bear this blade as Tolaris' champion.
The history of that era bears a tragic chapter. Over the years, the Seeker, once a beacon of Tolaris' teachings, became disenchanted, their once-noble ideals corroding into something unrecognizable. In a fateful confrontation, The Seeker, consumed by a skewed sense of justice, turned against Tolaris. Facing betrayal, Tolaris met the end with a serene resignation, uttering, “If this is your truth, then so be it.” In the wake of these words, Tolaris was struck down, the planet's core cooled, its protective magnetic field diminished, and the shield that once guarded against celestial threats dissipated.
Where Tolaris succumbed, a volcano, Lifemount, emerged, a symbol of loss yet also a beacon of untapped energy. Its fiery heart is a crucible for mages, who draw upon its seemingly inexhaustible power to weave their spells and incantations.
Now, Tolaris is but a whisper in the annals of history, a deity whose presence is unseen yet whose essence is felt in the very pulse of the planet. The faithful and the attuned claim they can sense Tolaris' heartbeat within the earth—a subtle rhythm, perhaps a reminder that even in absence, Tolaris' legacy endures.

Worshipping Tolaris

The worship of Tolaris is an embodiment of harmony and balance, reflecting the deity's nature as the god of earth and life. Devotees of Tolaris do not adhere to rigid rituals or ornate ceremonies, for Tolaris is indifferent to the grandiosity of worship. Instead, they seek to attune themselves to the subtle cadences of the world, the silent symphony that plays beneath the surface of all living things. The worship is rooted in a deep, intrinsic connection to the earth, a silent understanding that to honor Tolaris is to live in synchrony with the natural order.
Followers of Tolaris often practice their devotion through meditation, focusing on the quiet rhythm said to be the heartbeat of Tolaris. These moments of reflection are held in places rich with natural energy—ancient forests, the bases of mountains, or the edges of great rivers—where the pulse of Tolaris is strongest. They believe that through this communion, they can align their spirits with the essence of Tolaris, enhancing their affinity for magic and the world around them.
The magic that Tolaris' followers gain is not a gift in the traditional sense, but rather a consequence of their harmonious existence with nature. By fostering growth, nurturing the land, and preserving the delicate ecosystems, they inadvertently strengthen their bond with Tolaris and, as a result, their magical abilities. This symbiotic relationship is at the heart of their faith—by protecting the earth, they are rewarded with its power.
The rituals, if they can be called that, are acts of preservation and creation. Planting new life in the form of trees and gardens, restoring places that have fallen to desolation, and even the simple act of caring for the creatures of the world are considered sacred. Each action that contributes to the balance of the natural world is a tribute to Tolaris, a quiet prayer that reinforces the connection between the deity and the devotee.
To worship Tolaris, then, is to live with intentionality, to make choices that uphold the delicate equilibrium of the natural world. The followers of Tolaris are often seen as stewards of the earth, their magic a tool not for personal gain but for the continued prosperity of all life. Their worship is a lifelong journey of learning, understanding, and acting in ways that echo the gentle, nurturing ethos of Tolaris.

Loyalties

Life, Children, Tolaris

Pantheon
Greater Gods
Areas of Concern
Air, earth, fire, nature, water, weather
Domains
Air, Earth, Fire, Plant, Strength, Water, Weather
Subdomains
Caves, Growth, Metal, Monsoons, Oceans, Resolve, Rivers, Seasons, Self-Realization, Storms
Favored Weapon
Unarmed strike (formerly longsword)
Symbol
A golden tree
Sacred Animal
Everything except geese and swans
Sacred Colors
Blue, green
Casting Traditions
Rhythm of Tolaris
Trade Traditions
Disciple of Tolaris