Xylarus, The Deceiver

Domain:

• Deception, Lies, Manipulation, Illusions, Betrayal

Symbol:

• A Mask with a Forked Tongue
  • Xylarus is often represented by a mask, half smiling and half frowning, with a forked tongue slipping out from one side, symbolizing the dual nature of truth and lies.

Appearance:

• Form 1: Xylarus appears as a tall, slender figure draped in a robe that shimmers with ever-changing patterns and colors, never settling on a single hue. His face is covered by a silver mask that reflects the faces of those who gaze upon it, altering subtly to resemble their own visage twisted in a deceitful grin. His eyes are hidden, but they are said to burn with an inner fire, revealing glimpses of the truth behind every lie.
• Form 2: When he wishes to sow discord or corruption, Xylarus transforms into a shadowy figure with elongated limbs and fingers that stretch out like tendrils, whispering temptations and lies into the ears of those around him. His voice in this form is a blend of many voices, speaking in unison and contradiction, making it difficult to discern truth from falsehood.

Personality:

• Cunning and Charismatic: Xylarus is known for his silver tongue and unmatched skill in manipulation. He takes pleasure in twisting words and situations to his advantage, enjoying the confusion and chaos that follows.
• Mischievous and Malevolent: While Xylarus enjoys playing tricks and games, his true nature is one of malice. He thrives on betrayal and takes satisfaction in seeing the downfall of those who trust too easily.
• Paradoxical: Xylarus embodies the ultimate paradox—he is both a truth-teller and a liar, revealing the most profound truths through deception and the most destructive lies through sincerity.

Worshipers:

• Rogues, Assassins, Con Artists: Those who live by their wits and skill in deception revere Xylarus, seeing him as a patron of their craft.
• Politicians and Diplomats: Those who navigate the murky waters of politics often offer prayers to Xylarus, seeking his guidance in the art of persuasion and manipulation.
• Betrayers and Oathbreakers: Those who have committed acts of treachery, whether for personal gain or as part of a greater plan, find solace in the embrace of The Deceiver.

Temples and Worship:

• Hidden Shrines: Temples dedicated to Xylarus are often hidden in plain sight, disguised as ordinary buildings or even as temples to other gods. Only the initiated know the true nature of these places.
• Rituals: Worshipers of Xylarus perform rituals that involve the weaving of illusions, the telling of elaborate lies, and the breaking of oaths. These rituals are often conducted in secret, with only the most trusted members of the cult present.
• Symbols of Betrayal: Worshipers often carry small, easily concealed items like lockets, rings, or pendants that contain a hidden compartment, symbolizing the secrets they keep and the lies they tell.

Myths and Legends:

• The Web of Lies: One of the most well-known myths surrounding Xylarus is the story of how he deceived a pantheon of gods into turning against one another, leading to a great war that nearly destroyed an entire realm. It is said that Xylarus spun a web of lies so intricate that even the wisest gods could not see through it until it was too late.
• The Mirror of Truth: Another legend tells of a mortal who sought to expose the lies of a powerful king. This mortal prayed to Xylarus for help, and in response, Xylarus created a mirror that would show the truth behind every lie. However, when the mortal presented the mirror to the king, it revealed not only the king’s lies but also the deceitful nature of the mortal, leading to their downfall.

Role in Nathakra:

• Sower of Discord: Xylarus plays a key role in the conflicts and power struggles within Nathakra. His influence can be seen in every betrayal, every broken alliance, and every act of deception that tears at the fabric of society.
• Manipulator of Fate: While he does not control fate directly, Xylarus has been known to manipulate the threads of destiny, subtly altering outcomes to favor those who serve his interests or to punish those who defy him.
• Enemy of Truth: Xylarus is the eternal adversary of gods and mortals who value truth and integrity. He takes delight in corrupting the righteous and turning the virtuous into instruments of deceit.

Allies and Enemies:

• Allies: Xylarus often aligns himself with other gods and beings who thrive on chaos and destruction. He has a tenuous alliance with Noxarion, the Shadowlord, as both share a love for subverting the natural order, though they do so for different reasons.
• Enemies: Xylarus is opposed by gods who embody truth, justice, and order. His most notable enemy is Hieros, the god of light and truth, who seeks to expose Xylarus’ lies and bring his manipulations to light.

Artifacts:

• The Mask of Deceit: A powerful artifact said to be the very mask Xylarus wears. Those who don it gain the ability to deceive even the most discerning minds, though they risk losing their true identity in the process.
• The Forked Tongue Dagger: This cursed blade, said to have been forged from the essence of Xylarus’ own forked tongue, delivers a wound that festers with lies, causing those struck by it to become paranoid and distrustful of everyone around them.