#bara?

In the far North-East of Creation, two nations are embroiled in a conflict that lasted generations, and most likely will continue to boil until time itself comes to cease. The reason? In times ancient, two deities got in an argument. Nobody is truly sure what was the true reason for the disagreement, but a minor kerkuffle spiralled steadily out of control. What was animosity turned into hate, and soon first blood spilt upon the future battlefields.

These two nations are the treetop-spanning Halta, beholden to the Eternal Huntress Caltia, goddess of prey, hunt, archery and traversal. The other, river-faring Linowan, venerates the Golden-Eyed Jorst, god of groves and forests, harvests, hospitality and revel.

Yet, the nation of rivers and boats does not limit itself to praising but one patron. Another goddess claims chief spot in their prayer. The goddess of the Silver River itself, the great stretch of water Linowan calls home. Sudale, the Flowing Grasp, rules over fish, the waters themselves, fertility and good bounty.

And yet, there is another god that Linowan worships. Poorly. Few dare to spend much time over the waters of the Silver Lake, the bed from which the great River stems - ever since the days of yore, Halta was just round the corner from the great lake. Only soldiers and warriors dare now to spend time in these areas.

And thus, we meet Merdalam, the Whorl's Cup. God of... water, fish, good bounty and fertility to a small part. Sounds familiar? Despite appearing as a towering merfolk, imposing and easily twice the size of the other deity of Linowan waters, Merdalam is, in fact, Sudale's younger and inferior brother. Bereft of worship and his own prestiege, he occupies the low-strung ranks of the Heavenly hierarchies.

This, naturally, is a sore spot for the godling.

Yet, rumours have it that the fish-god has grown more fierce in recent years. That he whispers to Linowan braves, heading off to the battlefield, that a word of prayer will ensure their good luck in the upcoming conflict. Rumours, of course, that might one day reach Heaven itself. It remains to be seen, thus, if masquarading as a god of war is a gamble worth taking for the upstart lake god.