Zjar-Tovan

Zjar-Tovan

(Deity)

Titles

The Bladesoul

Areas of Concern

Armaments
Motivation
Self-expression

Edicts

Aid those who cannot freely live as they would choose to, do not allow your purpose to be overly guided by another's will, inspire others with your personal convictions

Anathema

Belittle an ally (or someone you respect) when they express their beliefs, serve a cause you do not truly believe in

Sanctification (2E)

Can choose holy or unholy

Domains (2E)

Metal, Might, Introspection, Zeal
Alternate: Change, Creation

Favored Weapon

Greatsword

Symbol

Half-finished sword resting on an anvil

Sacred Animal

None

Sacred Colors

Blue, gray, silver

Images of Zjar-Tovan

Source: Divine Mysteries, pg(s). 162

Zjar-Tovan is a deity of armaments born in the heart of a star when their creator failed to contain the power of the starforge and died, imparting their power into the sword they were crafting.

Appearance

The Bladesoul appears as a beautiful greatsword with chains around the hilt to ward off any unworthy wielders. The blade is composed of a blend of skymetals, as is apparent in its shimmering colors. Zjar-Tovan reshapes their form into other weapons when the situation calls for it.

History

The celestial fires of a starforge can produce weapons of the highest quality, but these fires are dangerous when used recklessly, as Zjar-Tovan's accidental creation demonstrates. An overconfident demigod failed to safely harness one such starforge's power, and their divine blood mixed with metal to form a new being: Zjar-Tovan. They shaped their form into that of a massive claymore, and the metals of other unfinished weapons and tools lost in the tragedy became the spiked chains around their hilt.

Accidentally created for a conflict that may never exist, Zjar-Tovan is still seeking the purpose of their existence. Zjar-Tovan sometimes temporarily lends themself to other deities or powerful mortals if they can move the Bladesoul by presenting importance of their cause, a task only slightly easier than swaying an inanimate hunk of steel.

Worshippers

The Bladesoul blesses those who use tools with conviction, regardless of their cause or the results of their actions. Though this includes warriors seeking to improve their martial prowess, it extends to anyone with strong convictions to impart their will on the world, such as a bard using their words to instigate an uprising.

Worshippers of Zjar-Tovan are frequently mistaken for followers of other forge or military gods, such as Torag or Iomedae.

Relationships

Many are disturbed by Zjar-Tovan's neutrality and disregard for the results or morality of the causes he supports. The Bladesoul has a reputation for approving of violence and killing, though this is a misconception as the deific weapon only cares about individuals' passion and intent. Other deities have occasionally been able to wield Zjar-Tovan after swaying them with the importance of their cause, though these unions are temporary.

After the death of Gorum, Zjar-Tovan was one of the deities some of Gorum's followers turned to.

Communication

Zjar-Tovan either cannot speak or chooses not to. To communicate with others, Zjar-Tovan uses a variety of unconventional methods, taking pride in their creativity. The chains around their hilt are sometimes used to create letters or gestures, and their entire form can be changed into other weapons. They sometimes go as far as offering themself to others to communicate thoughts.