God of Darkness, Shadows, and Death
Bala'Kar
Balakar, the enigmatic deity of darkness, shadows, and death, wields his power over the unseen realms, guiding the balance between life and the inevitable end.
The Divine Origin
The Essence of Balakar
Balakar represents the inevitable end, the unseen, and the unknown. He embodies the mysteries and fears of death, the shadows that creep at the edges of light, and the darkness that lies within every soul.
Domain: Darkness, Shadows and Death
Balakar’s domain is a place of both dread and respect; he is the gatekeeper of the afterlife, the one who guides souls into the eternal night. Followers of Balakar seek to understand and sometimes control the darker aspects of existence, embracing the power of shadows and the finality of death.
Influence on Magic: Balakar’s influence on magic is profound, particularly in the realms of shadow, necromancy, and death magic. His power allows practitioners to tap into the darker aspects of the magical spectrum, manipulating life force, animating the dead, and casting powerful curses.
Effect on the World: Balakar’s influence on the world of Dusk is profound, shaping the way people view death, shadows, and the unknown. His followers walk a fine line between reverence and fear, seeking power in the dark places of the world while remaining ever vigilant of the consequences. Balakar’s presence is a reminder that darkness is not just to be feared, but understood and respected as an integral part of existence.
Phases: the Black Moon
Balakar’s origins trace back to the creation of Dusk itself, born from the primordial chaos that existed before the world was forged by Knul’Vaelrath. As the world took shape and light was brought into existence, Balakar emerged as the counterbalance, the embodiment of the shadows cast by every new creation. His influence has been felt throughout the ages, especially during times of great turmoil, war, and death.
Balakar’s connection to death allows for powerful life-draining spells, curses that bring decay and rot, and rituals that can alter the very essence of life and death. These magics are feared and respected, as they have the power to bring about both profound change and devastating destruction.
Regional Celebrations and Practices
Ostromar, known for its darkness and labyrinthine cities, has a complex relationship with Balakar. The Rites of the Obsidian Blade are performed during the Black Moon’s full phase, where warriors and mages alike invoke Balakar’s power for strength in battle and cunning in strategy. The city’s architecture and culture reflect a reverence for shadows and the unseen, with many shrines dedicated to Balakar in hidden alcoves.
In Fenrath, Balakar is honored through rituals of decay and renewal, where practitioners symbolically bury old talismans and objects, allowing them to rot and then using the remnants to fertilize new growth. The Ceremony of the Waning Moon is an event where offerings are made to Balakar to ensure that the cycle of life continues unbroken.
Meet the Champions
Shadowblade Kael
Leader of the Obsidian Guard, Kael wields the shadows with deadly precision and serves as Balakar’s most devoted champion. He leads the secretive cult with a strict code of loyalty and secrecy.
Nyx
A powerful dwarven sorcerer who manipulates shadows and darkness. Cast out of Drakenskar, Nyx serves as an enforcer and recruiter for the Obsidian Guard, seeking out those with potential to serve Balakar.
Raven U'ahne
A rogue skilled in espionage and assassination, Raven operates in the shadows, eliminating threats to the balance of shadows that Balakar maintains. She is known for her ruthless efficiency and loyalty to the Obsidian Guard.
Love and Hate
Celebrated
Thornwyld embraces Balakar’s duality of death and renewal. The Festival of Shadows is held during the waning crescent phase, where practitioners engage in shadow dances, necromantic rituals, and honoring the natural cycle of life and death. Balakar is seen as a necessary force for balance, and his followers seek to harness his power for growth and regeneration.
Dengrated
Cyndara: The Radiant Order in Cyndara views Balakar’s influence as a corrupting force. They discourage public acknowledgment of the Black Moon and warn against its potential to lead individuals into darkness and shadowy deeds.
Drakenscar: The conservative factions in Drakenskar are wary of Balakar’s influence, fearing the seduction of power that can lead to the disruption of cosmic balance. They discourage the more extreme practices of his followers, warning of the consequences of delving too deep into shadow magic.
Balakar's Influence on Dusk
Balakar is both feared and revered by the people of Dusk. Worshippers of Balakar, known as the Obsidian Guard, believe that by embracing the darkness and understanding death, they can gain power over life and the afterlife. They see Balakar as a protector of secrets, a guide for lost souls, and a source of immense, though dangerous, power.
However, many fear Balakar, associating him with misfortune, despair, and the unknown. Tales of his wrath are used to frighten children and warn against straying into dark places. Despite this fear, Balakar is also respected as an inevitable force of nature; death comes for all, and Balakar is its harbinger.
