TSU – Master of the Sea (aka Daunam)

Status:  1st Generation Elder God

Level:  6000

Avatar:  Barint

Tsu is the deity of the seas and oceans, controller of the tides and currents.  He is as unpredictable and changeable as the sea itself.  Tsu is visualised as a bearded, bare chested man who rides the wave-tops in a fantastic sea chariot, pulled by his foam headed seahorses. To the non-oriental cultures he is known as Daunam and is depicted as an ancient being with hair resembling the white tops of the waves.

He is worshiped by all those who make their living from the sea, sailors, pirates, dockworkers and aquatic creatures alike.  Even unbelievers are wise to offer a sacrifice to Tsu before a sea trip, as he is a very jealous deity who guards his realm well and without compassion. It is common for even the lowly fisherman to make a small prayer to Tsu before landing their catches to ensure appeasing Tsu and ensuring safe passage back to land.

Tsu was amongst the pantheon gathered by Marnarka to visit the halls of the Dwarves. After the visit he was amongst those Gods excited about creation, and with Lorinthiel’s help he created the Aquine or Sea Elves. Following this successful creation Tsu turned to his own thoughts of creatures more suited to his underwater world.

There are many tales of the ferocious beasts that Tsu created to keep his realm safe and it is said that he created the dolphins and Oceghyll for this sole purpose.  It is also rumoured in the most ancient of texts that it was he who created the evil Kraken.

Tsu has a half brother, Poseidon; it is he who represents the evil and turbulent sea.  When both brothers were young Ome-te Llest gave unto them the oceans, and they entered into its depths in harmony and peace.   Soon Poseidon became jealous of his brother, noticing the way he was able to make the most intriguing of creatures and all the sea creatures held him in awe. This petty jealousy was eventually twisted into total hatred by the subtle words of Pharastus.  With help from the Darklord Poseidon drew up plans to rule the seas totally without Tsu’s intervention.

His plans came to fruition at the first Spring tide of summer and timed with Pharastus’ great assault on Bifrost. He poured into Tsu’s great palace with his army of undead sailors, awoken from the sea bottom.  Winning this battle by sheer weight of numbers and surprise he was able to drive Tsu into the Great Deeps of the ocean and rule in his stead.   While Tsu was in exile Poseidon was able to corrupt most of the sea fearing creatures and races.  It is said that it was Poseidon who introduced the Oceghyll to the taste of rotting human flesh.

Tsu consulted with Marnarka, during his long exile in darkness, and together they came up with a plan to remove Poseidon from the Coral Throne. Tsu told Marnarka of the legend of the “Eye of the Storm”. A mighty sceptre that was fabled to control the great winds that tear across the oceans an asset beyond value for any sea lord. Marnarka spoke to Dauthrman and allowed this information to be “accidentally” made known to Pharastus who told Poseidon that the “Eye” could be found in Ae.  It was Pharastus’ plan to take the “Eye” for himself when Poseidon returned, instead while Poseidon was away Tsu was able retake his throne and unite the Oceghyll under his banner.

Upon Poseidon’s return many great battles ensued which finally resulted in Poseidon’s defeat and the loss of the “Eye” at the battle of the Jagged Plains.  This famous battle resulted in Poseidon being banished to the Great Deeps and the “Eye” being thrown to the winds and lost (this sea was to become known by man as the Inner sea or the Wizard’s hat).  Despite his banishment it is aid that Poseidon can still come to the surface on the most terrible of stormy nights and excerpt his will, but he normally prefers the solitude of the deeps to plan and scheme his revenge.

The centre of Tsu’s worship base is a huge underwater city called Rastegar, which every 3000 years, rises to the surface to allow his most loyal of mortal followers to join him in his underwater paradise.

SYMBOL

WORSHIP

Tsu’s cult is not a widespread one upon dry land.  There are still cults who follow the god of the sea, but these are situated in ports and are frequented by sailors, pirates, wreckers and fisherman alike.  

Nearly every ship will have a small shrine or makeshift altar to Tsu, and of all catches from the sea (be it dredged, salvaged or fished) it is expected that a small sacrifice should be made to Tsu (See sacrificing in the main rules)

TEMPLES

There are few large temples to Tsu, those that there are being situated on huge rocks that jut into the sea, or in massive natural underwater caverns.  The Largest temples are situated in the great underwater city of Tchou, which has never been seen by mortal eyes.

HOLY DAYS

The first day of the new moon is sacred to followers of Tsu as it represents the forces of the tides, and great sacrifices are normally made along with feasting and giving thanks to ensure the next seasons’ catch.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

The Cult maintains a fairly neutral stance towards all other religions, except those of Poseidon and Pharastus, whose follows are tracked down without remorse.  Followers of Marnarka are treated as friends but there is seldom any contact between the two cults.

CULT REQUIREMENTS

Anyone who makes his or her living from the sea is welcome to join the cult.

STRICTURES

• Always make a sacrifice when something is taken from Tsu’s depths.
• Never to wear metal armour, as this interferes with movement within Tsu’s realm.
• Never set to sea without a sacrifice to Tsu.
• Never suffer a follower of Poseidon to live.