Zjar-Tovan (The Bladesoul)Source Divine Mysteries pg. 162Zjar-Tovan is a name few are familiar with, as those who worship the Bladesoul are often mistaken for devotees of a god of the forge, such as
Torag, or champions of a mighty military god, such as
Iomedae. But to Zjar-Tovan, a weapon is more than just a tool. It is a statement against restriction or captivity, and a method to impart one’s will against those who would resist embracing freedom of self-expression. To use a weapon is to make a choice, and as a sentient and living apparatus of war, Zjar-Tovan blesses those who use their tools with conviction, no matter their actions or cause.
Zjar-Tovan was not crafted but was born from a smithing accident that occurred at the heart of a starforge, a gathering of celestial fire so intense it can be used to make tools and weapons of unparalleled quality. When an overconfident demigod failed to safely harness the forge’s power, the resulting blast melded divine blood and metal into a single being. The god Zjar- Tovan was produced in that moment and was able to reshape their form into a massive claymore with a blade that shimmers in colors reflecting a blend of skymetals. Their smooth, polished hilt is wrapped in spike-covered chains, preventing any from properly wielding them unless the Bladesoul wills it. These chains are formed from the metal of the incomplete weapons and tools that were lost in the tragedy of the starforge.
If Zjar-Tovan is capable of speaking, they have never done so. Instead, the deific weapon prefers to convey its thoughts through unconventional means, even going so far as to offer themself for use in order to communicate their thoughts. To wield any weapon is to master a great art, and Zjar-Tovan takes pleasure in displaying creativity in these messages. Those blessed to see the Bladesoul in person may witness them unfurl the arsenal of chains across their hilt into curved letters or spiraling gestures. Zjar-Tovan can also modify their entire form in a moment to become a different weapon as the situation demands.
From the moment of their formation, Zjar-Tovan has held a profound understanding of their sentience, but despite their interest in seeing individuals realize their own path in life, the Bladesoul is still seeking their true purpose. They are a weapon that was never meant to be crafted and for a conflict that may never exist. Zjar-Tovan will occasionally lend themself to be wielded by other gods (and even powerful mortals) for brief periods of time, but the would-be wielder must first convince the Bladesoul of the importance of their cause. The Bladesoul is not biased against any particular cause or philosophy, but they do not commit to anything that does not move them—a task that is almost as hard as swaying an unintelligent hunk of steel.
There are many who find Zjar-Tovan’s neutrality unsettling. Though the god bears the form of a weapon, they feel no particular draw to the art of war or the act of killing. Outsiders often carry a misconception that Zjar-Tovan approves of violence or celebrates the lives taken during times of conflict. On the contrary, the Bladesoul focuses on the intent of the individual. They would prefer to see a person grow and become the means their beliefs are enforced or realized. A bard who uses their voice to passionately rouse a people against a tyrannical emperor may ask for Zjar-Tovan’s blessing, so that their words can cut to the heart of others. Warriors seeking to improve their martial prowess might offer a quiet word to the Bladesoul, in hopes that their own tools will be given guidance during a time of personal turmoil. In either case, the results of those actions are rarely Zjar- Tovan’s concern.
Category Other GodsEdicts 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
Areas of Concern armaments, motivation, self-expression
Religious Symbol half-finished sword resting on an anvil
Sacred Animal none
Sacred Color(s) blue, gray, silver
Devotee Benefits
Divine Attribute Strength or Dexterity
Divine Font harmDivine Sanctification can choose holy or unholy
Divine Skill AthleticsFavored Weapon greatswordDomains introspection,
metal,
might,
zealAlternate Domains change,
creation