TAOUNE – The God of the Living Dead

Status:  2nd Generation Elder God

Level:  6000

Avatar:  Aarint

The origins of Taoune are lost in the deep mists of time, but it is known that he walked on the earth amongst the elves. It is also known that he envied the elves innocence and was jealous of their ruler ship. It was not long before Taoune desired rulership for himself and to this end he, with the help of his new avatar Balial assassinated the high elvish king Alwine the First and assumed his place through the use of dark and powerful sorcery.

Unfortunately for Taoune, Alwine’s queen Selaire was not at court when the assassination took place so Taoune’s avatar Balial could not take her place.  Taoune was only able to rule for a cycle of Se before the kings body was found by Selaire by the banks of the Great River Ruda, which runs from the wooded hills near Corastahn. The King’s body lay badly covered amoungst the reeds, Balial having animated the King’s corpse and commanded it to bury itself and had not stayed to see how well it had accomplished its task. Taoune, upon hearing this news knew that he would have to hide the evidence from Marnarka, and make sure that Selaire could not reach her son and tell him the news. So he commanded that Balial seek out the king’s body and cut him into sixteen pieces, and scatter them around the Lands of Flataa El-Ir. While he dealt with Selaire.

It is said that Taoune came upon Selaire on the bridge of Sighs located at the midway point on the great north south road that runs between Forinthal and De Fastris. His foetid breath caused her stallion to buckle and collapse throwing Selaire into the river, breaking her leg. The fast flowing river carried Selaire West through the great Forrest where she was able to drag herself out at Te Lleryinn Lathe (Common – The Last Stand). Here Taoune grabbed the badly injured Selaire and took her, before breaking her body with torture and casting it into the river. The screams of her anguish can still be heard to this very day, echoing through the trees in this clearing and no good thing will grow there.    

Taoune was then able to rule the Lands for a while increasing in power all the while replacing key figures in the High elvish council with Changeling undead creatures.

The Elf King Alwine had one child, a son (the scriptures name as Llwelyn Swifteye) who came upon the dreaded site of Te Lleryinn Lathe. He spoke unto the plants there and they recounted the terrible story of the rape and murder of his mother. Much angered Lleryinn rode south to Sel where he raised an army to seek revenge for the murder of his mother and father. Great battles raged across the elf kingdoms in which mighty forces were brought to bear from both sides until Llwelyn called upon the arbitration of the other Gods to resolve the situation (especially Tanarsa and Mirkos). After a great last battle in the mountains to the north of Forthinthal, Taoune was brought before the council of the Elder Gods. Where Marnarka decreed that Taoune be forced to relinquish his rule, but not before being banished to the underworld for the rest of eternity.

Ever since this time Taoune has been working to achieve the power with which he can subjugate all of the Gods to his will. To this aim, he has created the Elated Order of Taoune; an organisation devoted to the worship of him and the eventual unification of the world under one God, Himself.

The membership of the order consists of a central core of sixteen powerful necromancer priests and a sect of the most powerful anti-paladins; the remainder is composed of fanatical initiates and Lay-members.

The members of this order, when not in disguise, are found wearing black. This can range from simple black robes to jet-black plate-mail.

SYMBOL

The symbol of Taoune is that of a stylised scorpion, or the hybrid rune of undeath and mastery.

WORSHIP

The worship of Taoune is full of sacrifices and dark rituals, the sort that would leave the sane mind reeling. It is these hideous rituals which usually result in some form of cannibalism or self-mutilation which grants the cult its terrible oppressive atmosphere of pure evil. Ever since his banishment Taoune has been working to achieve the power with which he can subjugate all of the Gods to his will. To this aim, he has created the Elated Order of Taoune; an organisation devoted to the worship of him and the eventual unification of the world under one God, Himself.

The membership of the order consists of a central core of sixteen powerful necromancer priests and a sect of the most powerful anti-paladins; the remainder is composed of fanatical initiates and Lay-members.

The members of this order, when not in disguise, are found wearing black. This can range from simple black robes to jet-black plate-mail.

TEMPLES

Because of this very strong link with necromancy Taoune's temples are places of darkness and menace, situated in remote places and guarded with great secrecy. Many black statues of terrifying creatures and murals depicting evil rites and the power of the aspect of darkness enhance the terrifying interior of these places of worship and sacrifice

HOLY DAYS

None.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

All other religions (apart from Balial) are considered enemies of Taoune, however the religions of Marnarka, Ishtra, Tanarsa and Mirkos are hated above all others.

CULT REQUIREMENTS

None, except unwavering loyalty to Taoune.

STRICTURES

• If an opportunity to harm the cult of Marnarka, Tanarsa, Ishtra or Mirkos arises, it must be taken.
• Never accept healing from any other person.