Riven Black
Current of the Wind
Name: Nephatyx, Goddess of LifeAliases: Guide of the Afterlife | Force Preistess
Loyalties: Cernun (Mainly) | Caprine Women
Role: A being said to guide those taken by Yama, The Sacrificial God of the Netherworld. Nephatyx is said to be a Godess (Or even a Force Priestess). Her main role is to mark children with the “Solstice of the Winter Arrow.” A mark that prevents Yama from taking children to his den, in the next festive year.
Development Threads: N/A
Species: Cernun
Gender: Female
Height: 5'9 | 175cm
Weight: 110lbs | 49kg
Age: Known as a Cernun Spirit, the folktales speak of a young spirit, no older than 300 Cernun Years.
Holiday Age: 1,500 Years.
Nemesis: Yama, The Sacrificial God of the Netherworld.
Other Species that Celebrate the Festive Day: Caprine
Theme Song: Nephatyx's Theme Song
Delineation:
Nephatyx is a nimble spirit, garnering antlers at the top of her head. The antlers are a sign of the Vadum subspecies of the Cernun. She is known to be a Goddess. Some who have adopted the force, believe she is a force priestess. Her skin is fair, with little to no wrinkles in her endless beauty. Her youth is unmatched, even in death. The goddess has blonde locks of hair, long and delicate like the unwavering moonlight. If you are graced with her presence and you look close enough, you’ll find tiny, white flowers resting in the sides of her hair. Another prominent distinction is Nephatyx’s small red hairs close to her ears. Many say the small, red, braided hair is a sign of changing seasons.
Nephatyx has dazzling, auburn eyes. Her neck is presented with a silver necklace, ancient in its craft. The diamond jewel that rests on it is in the shape of an arrow head. A symbol that represents the “Solstice of the Winter Arrow.” On her biceps bangles of gold and white shine everlasting into the distance. She harbors masterfully crafted vambraces to protect her from the grip of the Chaos Realm. Legends say that these simple additions have granted her passage into the six impenetrable gates of Chaos, only for a short time.
The goddess rarely searches for a fight, but when needed, her ‘Bow of Life’ is used to banish dark malevolent spirits back to the Realm of Chaos. The bow is also used to perform the “Solstice of the Winter Arrow,” an unknown phenomenon. The bow is always a glistening white, made from rare, white, pine wood. Nephatyx’s outfit while revealing, is a ravishing sight. The tight attire, isn’t cloth or apparel, rather a coat of snow that clings to her body. The snow is said to be magical and no other explanation has ever been given. At her waist sits the same unnatural blanket of snow, but in the form of skirt, capable of flowing in the wind like silk. At the seams of her waist line is a long firm vine of holly plants with red drupes appearing in a meticulous pattern.
The Goddess of Life, Nephatyx, is said to harbor a small anklet. The anklet is made from forged steel that is gifted to her every year during the Festival of Life. The anklet stretches from the top of her foot to her ankle. Wrapped around her delicate feet are snow covered. Leaf Shoes The shoes allow Nephatyx to find interesting ways into homes to take the offered blades forged by the Cernun society. In exchange, she gifts the home with a child’s first masterwork blade, along with gifts of ale and new tools for forging.
Personality:
Nephatyx is warm, kind, loving, forgiving, and joyful. Her protective instincts are one of her many fantastic traits. She tends to be shy, fleeing once spotted making many seem crazy after telling tales of her appearance. She likes to laugh and smile. As a Cernun she likes to watch over the living when parties are thrown, enjoying the exuberance herself in secret. Loves children. Cares for those in need and helps them without second thought. She loves to conjure gifts for her believers and those in need, during the Festival of Life.Nephatyx appreciates kind actions. Children that remain good-natured are said to receive special gifts from the Goddess of Life. While she isn’t one for pictures; many of her believers draw her. Which she tends to laugh at and admire. Playful when the time comes and even lazy after a hard day’s work. When threatened Nephatyx becomes courageous. When she gets serious, her tone changes to a confident chill. Some say it’s the voice of winter. When she is hurt, or exhausted she tends to lie down on the roofs of her people and sing. The song sometimes brings snowfall, per the tales.
Winter is her favorite time of year, mainly due to the beauty of falling snow. Nephatyx tends to embrace the parents that end up losing their children to Yama, The Sacrificial God of the Netherworld. Comforting the parents of the lost is one of her main duties as a Goddess of Afterlife. Taking the parents sadness as her own, her resolve is never broken. Even with all the tears spilt from her people, she continues to see the joy in life and death. Both, to her, are considered a necessary balance to the galaxy, without one, the other could not exist. Much like the prophesied Lightside and Darkside of the Force.
Force Sensitivity:
Yes | Master Level.
Weapon of Choice:
An ancient White Pine Bow, capable of vanquishing evil spirits and keeping Yama at bay.
Skills:
· Can travel through the impenetrable gates of Chaos to save children taken by Yama. This is incredibly dangerous for the Force Priestess to do, as such this occurrence only happens if a child has a chance to come back from the Realm of Chaos in the Netherworld. Sometimes the Goddess of Life, Nephatyx, may fail.
· Can use the force to conjure gifts of steel and consumables.
· While it may be unrelated to the force, snow never stops falling around Nephatyx, almost as if the winter itself is always within her presence.
· Can imbue her arrows with the force to vanquishing evil spirits, sending them back to the Realm of Chaos.
Wealth:
Nephatyx has no need for wealth, only the loving warmth of those seeking her guidance.
Combat Function:
Nephatyx is capable of many lightside force abilities ranging from the following,
· Force Heal
· Force Light
· Revitalize
· Cure Poison
· Cure Disease
· Shatterpoint
· Protection Bubble
Even with all these powers in her grasp she rarely uses them for her own survival, unless necessary. Most of these powers can only be used on the living and herself. Also, many of the powers here are defensive and situational at best. This can cause prolonged fights with her nemesis Yama. Being strong and capable in the force doesn’t mean that she isn’t capable of being banished herself.
Here are several ways for either living or spirits to rid the joyful Nephatyx from gracing their homes.
· Iron can be used to ward off the harmless spirit. Steel and other alloys will not work.
· Salt is said to keep the spirit at bay, including other forms of ghosts and malevolent paranormal beings.
· Over straining her powers can cause her to become drained and unable to fight for a semi-lengthy time. (Roughly ten minutes)
· Summon the spirit to a location provided with the right incantation. This will force the spirit to abandon her current position and answer the summoning call. This of course is at risk of the practitioners becoming puppets of the spirit summoned.
Other Weaknesses
· Being a spirit means it’s difficult to communicate with the living. Forcing Nephatyx to solidify her intangible body. This can exhaust any spirit that preforms such action.· Only armed with a bow means little else in melee combat. Her defensive powers can only be used so much, making it a highly weak spot for the force priestess to put up a good fight.
Notable Possessions:
The Bow of Life | Anklet of Steel | Necklace representing the ‘Solstice of the Winter Arrow’
History:
The Sage Before Death.
Nephatyx was born on the eve of what many Cernun call the Festival of Life. Before the holiday became what, it is today, Nephatyx had her own life until illness took her from the new world of Roon. At a young age, Nephatyx was gifted in the force. Being born on her home planet of Cernunnos within the clan of Vadum, she too was presented with a blood sword at birth. Although the concept never took water with her, she abandoned the average Cernun life for the greater good. Seeking help with her gifts during her teenage years the Jedi Academy had found her. Refusing to leave her people behind she stayed, forcing her new assigned master to stay on Cernunnos and teach her the ways of the lightside of the force. Having natural talent in mending wounds she began to solely focus on the healing aspects of the force.
By the time her Vadum antlers had grown to that of an adult, she began to become a saving grace of her society. Capable of protecting people from dangerous animals, healing wounds, curing diseases and poisonous afflictions. After a few long years, she had become a master herself. The force had embraced her kind heart and warmth with another gift, the gift to change the events of time with a rare and rigorous ability called,Shatterpoint. While Nephatyx used the ability a few times she very rarely toyed with fate unless necessary.
With her remaining years, she taught other force sensitives her gifts. The only one she could never teach was Shatterpoint. She became a hero among the people and was gifted the name ‘Sage of the Cernun.’ After she realized that her people had prospered from her involvement she went on to find other worlds with a small band of other Cernun who wished to take to the stars. Finding the planet Roon, they quickly established themselves. However, the travel was a perilous one and even though in hindsight Nephatyx saw her illness coming, she refused to change the outcome with her magnificent powers. Upon arrival, she had heard tales of a dangerous beast stalking the children of her new home. With her last breath, her only thought was a terrible one. Nepahtyx couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her people behind with such tales being true.
Her death was a surprising one for her Cernun people. All remaining travelers preformed the ceremonial rite by placing her blood sword in a steel made coffin with a little bit of their blood on it. The Cernun couldn’t mourn their Sage for long. Construction and demand for steel was a serious problem.
Upon death, Nephatyx begged, asking for a chance to restore balance to the force.
The Festival of Life.
Many Cernun can remember the Festival of Life being a tradition among their societies across the galaxy. On their home planet, Cernunnos, many of them would drink, party, play music, and release large animals throughout their cities to celebrate. Although the Cernun originated from Cernunnos, few and far between, slipped away from the normalcy of their own society and built on other worlds. Which brings us to the world of Roon. Having established a life on the planet of Roon the Cernun began to make a life for themselves. Building towns and cities during the Rise of the Forge. The Rise of the Forge was a time that took place during the settlement of the Cernun people on Roon. After a sudden demand for steel. They immediately knew how to deal with the situation. Coming from a strong line of smiths and forgers they began to mold their society into what their capital city had taught them. Thus, the tradition of blood swords was also passed on.
After the early years of their success they had begun a tradition much like that of their ancestors. Keeping the name The Festival of Life, the Cernun added a new tale. The tale spoke of a Goddess, said to bring gifts to the people of Cernun that needed them most. Her name was Nephatyx, a young Vadum Cernun capable of amazing things in honor of Nephatyx the Sage. She was said to bring snowfall, tools for forging, and ale. Other stories that began to spread over the years told of her wielding a Bow of Life. The bow stuck through the ages and while many have no idea how the tales even came to be, Nephatyx is still a festive icon.
Although the young holiday was at first a celebratory advent for the children. The older Cernun began to perceive the stories as truth. They used what they knew of their society by making sure that all their children should be well behaved, given the consequences. Many even went on to write books about the mixed stories. Soon after, decorations came. The most used decoration is a large set of antlers hung from each door, in service to Nephatyx and her Vadum Origin. Holly, cinnamon, white pines, steel, and white flowers are all other decorative choices, while still paying homage to Nephatyx, The Goddess of Life. The Festival of Life is a time for family and helping those in need. A time of mourning those that passed, while celebrating their lives too.
No holiday, per the Cernun is more exhilarating, life changing, or beautiful.
Nephatyx’s Origin and Her rise to Goddess.
Nephatyx, The Goddes of Life was a story told by many Cernun in the early years of their settlement on Roon, but what many don’t know, is she existed. Only she existed on another plane, the plane of the dead. She was a young Cernun sage that had grown extremely ill upon the arrival of Roon. Before she could see what was built by her people she passed, unsure of their efforts to make a great life for themselves. Worried about the Cernun she believed in, may have faltered, she lingered as a spirit watching over them. Unbeknownst to her people or herself the transition from living to spirit caused the force to accept her as a balance to the galaxy. A phenomenon that till this day is still unknown.Before her death her father had crafted her bangles and vambraces. Each of them were gold and white steel specifically fitted to her size. Along with her illness came time to waste and since there was a large quantity of white pine trees in the area, she crafted her own bow, taught from her mother. Of course, once she passed she was buried with such possessions giving her access to them in the afterlife. When Nephatyx was greeted by death, she wept for the safety of her people. The tales of a demonic creature stripping the Cernun’s future from them made her struggle to leave her people behind. She cried out begging for a chance to help the Cernun of Roon and those being hunted by the darkness. Then like a shimmering light of force she was whisked into the air and transformed into a winter beauty.
Nephatyx had been granted her wish, forever burdened with combating the evil Yama. It took years for her to get acquainted with how her astral body worked and before too long, Nephatyx was a hero. She had plunged deep into the darkness, vanquishing spiteful ghosts. Protecting the innocent and even the ungrateful. Her heart, while not pumping, still held warmth in her soul. She was a beacon of hope to kids everywhere and like a sudden surge of holiday spirit, the Cernun had molded her into their lives.
Even with such things attained, Nephatyx still hadn’t been gifted the name Goddess. Mainly because many still refused to believe the tales. So instead, she worked hard learning how to solidify her body and communicate with the living. This is when real stories began to explode throughout the many cities of the Cernun. Many began to speak of a glistening white outfit of snow slipping through the winter breeze. They spoke of unmatched beauty and strength. Some parents who had lost their children to the acts of the dark Yama, said they could hear her warming whispers of assurance. Other parents spoke of their sadness fluttering away after hearing the soft words of a young woman. By this time the tradition was only one-hundred years old.
Fifty Years later…
Nephatyx had been given the name of Goddess of Life. Others that were force sensitive began to make remarks of a potential force priestess. While she was none of these things, she felt the weight of words when she finally met her match. Words had seeped into a far-off cult of Sith, the tales of Nephatyx had piqued such occultists interests. This lead to the final understanding of what Nephatyx's true job was as the Goddess of Life…
Vanquishing evil.
A Light in the Dark.
Her fame had brought her horrors, or a horror rather. In the icy mountains of Roon, Sith Practitioners had formed. Even before the Cernun settlement, the planet was known for its sithly relations. It was fate that had tempted the beast in the darkness. The Caprine that had also established themselves along-side the Cernun had their own tale. A tale of a menacing dark creature who would take their women and the children of the Cernun. Nephatyx knew of the tales upon her death, thinking nothing of it she was finally greeted with the presence of Yama. A tall brooding demon, with eyes like the icy tops of the Roon mountains. He too was a spirit, but not just any spirit, he also had attained the title of God. When the two finally crossed paths the dark dweller tried to rid her. The malicious beast couldn’t expunge the pure beauty that was Nephatyx.They fought for three hundred and sixty-seven days straight until, Nephatyx had learned of his weakness. Yama was a risk taker and a gambler, that much she had learned through their long quarrel. So, she had planned to make a deal with Yama, over a game of his choosing. This event sealed Nephatyx and Yama’s fate for the next thousand or so years. Agreeing to the Goddess of Life’s terms, Yama choose chess. However, this wasn’t normal chess, much like that of Dejarik, instead they played a game Yama thought of during his times of rest.
The game consisted of a square board with 64 black and white squares laid out in a horizontal manner.
Nephatyx was surprised that the dark beast was capable of such intelligent creations. Much like that of normal chess, there was a king and queen on both sides of the board. One side had all white pieces and the other black, a representation of light vs dark, a fitting layout given the circumstances.The only way to win was to force the other players king into no moves with the other remaining pieces. This was called a ‘Checkmate’ in the usual version. The pieces they played with were souls, turned into puppets for Yama’s pleasure. When a piece would be taken, the soul would break free from the board and sent to the Netherworld. Before Nephatyx started the game, there were specific rules to follow, rules that made history.
Game Rules.
The first rule was made by Yama, stating that force powers were prohibited from being used. This was a clever rule, knowing full well Nephatyx can change certain outcomes.The second rule propositioned by Nephatyx was any soul piece she took would be set free from their fate and brought back to the living. The third rule by Yama, who was excited to recite it, happened to be that both, upon winning, could ask for anything, without interference from the other. The last and final rule was no cheating, to which Nephatyx, ironically asked for, given the future outcome.With the rules set, the game commenced as they leaned over the board locking horns. The intensity of the fateful game was said to cause ripples in the force simply from their concentration. Move after move they continued to display strategic, intelligent placements. What came next surprised even Yama…
A Draw.
Darkness Reigns.
Yama was outraged, the mere thought of being tied with the antlered whelp made him disgusted. Nephatyx had only just learned the game and while she was happy about the draw, she knew the dark beast wouldn’t stop until one of them won. The next game was set to begin, but not before the souls Nephatyx had saved were released. Yama obliged, with a wicked grin. He had created the game, he knew of strategy’s not even Nephatyx could overcome. With a cackle, Yama had begun the next game. They locked horns once more as Yama’s plan was set in motion.Nephatyx fell for it, taking piece after piece she opened herself up to an incredible flank created by Yama’s tactics. She had to act, breaking the number one rule. She mustered all she could and shattered the moments before his flank happened. This gave her time to think but just as she thought she bested the beast and his rule, the board vanished into a smoky haze. Yama was furious at first, until he realized, he had won. Not only did she break his rule, but her own as well.
Nephatyx had lost and what Yama, The Sacrificial God of the Netherworld asked for was sickening. Forced to agree to the terms, Nephatyx left the monsters den. She was bested, but something about the game didn’t seem right. She assumed the dark beast cheated, but she had to make sure. She waited till Yama left the comfort of his den and found a way into his lair. She examined the board, but nothing was found. The board had vanished upon breaking the rules, then it struck her. Yama was cheating, but the deal had already been made. Even more furious than the likes of Yama, she set out to stop the demon from getting what he asked for.
The Day of Death
Yama had played Nephatyx, the chessboard was an illusion. Yama could have changed the pieces to anywhere he wanted without her knowing. It was a treacherous act and even though he cheated, Nephatyx couldn’t undo the deal. Instead, she went back on her word and interfered. Pitting the two against each other for the remainder of history. During their confrontation, after Nephatyx found out she was tricked, was lost to the other side. Some say, only the Caprine know of what transpired. Some Cernun say that the Caprine also know what Yama asked for in his bout against the fair Goddess of Life.
Nephatyx, The Goddess of Life
Still true to her name, even today the bow wielding spirit is a magnificent being. A goddess among men. A true beacon of light in the ever-thick darkness of the galaxy. On the Day of Death, she is said to perform a ritual known as Solstice of the Winter Arrow. This allows her to shoot ethereal arrows into a child’s heart, imprinting a shining arrow head of blindingly bright snow to falter Yama and his inconceivable actions. Nursery Rhyme
In the force that you can't see,
Lies a Goddess like you and me.
Even though you should behave,
She'll save you from Yama's cave.
Throughout the night Nephatyx will vanquish evil,
Marking children with the Winter Arrow.
If the light seems bitter and narrow,
Remember to believe in all that is good.
If you do, you might just see...
The beautiful Goddess that saved you and me.
Intent:
Expand on different historical holiday tales and incorporate it into the Star Wars universe. While also providing two races with interesting counterparts to be celebratory during the winter festivities. Allow people to RP in a new, unique setting.
