Crossus

Crossus
Basic Information
Title	The Frostbound Avenger, The Warden of the High Peaks
Symbol	Two crossed iron battle axes against a mountain
Level	Intermediate
Alignment	Chaotic Good
Allowed Alignments	NG, CG, CN
Primary Portfolio	Freedom, Mountains, Strength, Vitality
Secondary Portfolio	Cold, Courage, Earth, Endurance, Rage, Survival
Favored Weapon	Battleaxe

Crossus, The Warden of the High Peaks

Crossus, deity of mountains and strength, stands as the epitome of primal strength and indomitable spirit. Known across realms as the strongest entity, his physical might is unparalleled, a testament to the raw power that the natural world embodies. Yet, beneath this formidable strength lies a heart of goodness, untainted by evil. Crossus's essence is a beacon of purity in a cosmos where darkness often seeks to prevail, his intolerance for malevolence a shield against the corruption that threatens the balance of all things.

His temperament mirrors the untamed wilderness; a savage spirit quick to wrath, his anger is a force that can unsettle the very foundations of the multiverse. This rage, though fearsome, is directed at the heart of wickedness, manifesting as a tempest against any who would dare to sow the seeds of evil. Crossus's fury is not mindless destruction but a passionate defense of integrity and virtue, a reminder that even in anger, there can be a righteous cause.

Crossus harbors a deep-seated aversion to the constraints of civilization and the rigidity of rules. He views such constructs as chains that bind the spirit, stifling the strength that comes from freedom and self-reliance. His ethos champions the wild, unbridled expanse of nature as the true crucible of character, where one's inner will is both tested and fortified. This disdain for the civilized world is not born of malice but a profound belief in the sanctity of personal freedom and the inherent value of facing life's challenges unshackled.

To many, Crossus is a figure of solitude, a hermit who finds solace in the lofty peaks and the serene cold of mountainous terrains. Yet, this solitude is not born of isolation but a choice to commune with the elements, to be one with the austere beauty and harsh realities of the natural world. In these remote sanctuaries, Crossus's spirit thrives, untainted and pure. However, to those few who manage to glimpse beyond the veneer of the recluse, Crossus reveals a different facet of his being—a warmth and camaraderie that belies his formidable exterior. His laughter, deep and resonant, echoes through the valleys, a testament to the joy he finds in genuine connection. His fondness for mortal ale, a simple pleasure, becomes a bridge between the divine and the earthly, a symbol of his willingness to embrace the joys of existence in all its forms.

Crossus chooses to manifest as a towering figure of immense physical prowess, embodying the quintessence of strength and resilience. His skin is as pale as the snow-capped peaks he favors, with eyes the color of the deepest oceans, reflecting a clarity and depth that transcends the mundane. His hair and beard, symbols of his wisdom and experience, are meticulously braided, adorned with rings and runestones that whisper of ancient power and deep-rooted connection to the earth. His attire, crafted from the rugged leather of the wilderness, and a cape of bear skin, speaks of his dominion over the cold and harsh realms he protects. Decorated with tokens of the wild—fangs, claws, and other trophies—Crossus embodies the fierce beauty of nature itself. Always by his side, his battle axes serve not just as weapons but as extensions of his will, ready to defend the sanctity of his mountainous realms. This visage of Crossus, both formidable and majestic, serves as a constant reminder of the strength that lies in the untamed wilds and the unbreakable bonds of trust and vitality he champions. His other form is that of a polar bear of might, with feral feral fangs and claws, it's fur adorned in similar fashion as his human form's hair.

Symbol

The holy symbol of Crossus features crossed iron battle axes against a stylized mountain, embodying his connection to strength, mountains, and the wild. It signifies protection, vitality, and the deity's fierce opposition to evil, serving as a guiding emblem for followers who value freedom, resilience, and the raw power of nature. This symbol, blending resilience with divine might, encapsulates Crossus's essence as the guardian of the untamed and the champion of good.

Relations With Other Deities

Crossus stands as a beacon of raw power and untamed spirit. His relationships with other deities are as multifaceted as the rugged landscapes he protects, marked by alliances forged in the fires of battle, shared loves, and ancient rivalries.

At the heart of his divine connections is the bond with Bahamut, the embodiment of justice and honor. Their friendship is a fortress, built on mutual respect and trust, hardened by countless battles against the forces of evil. Together, they represent a bulwark against darkness, their combined might a testament to the power of unity in pursuit of good.

Dunguthar, who's realms are deep within the mountains Crossus has domain over, shares more than just a love for the high peaks. Their camaraderie is kindled by the simple joys of existence, a mutual appreciation for ale's hearty brews, and the solemn beauty of their domains. This bond speaks to the heart of Crossus, a reminder that even gods find solace in the earth's simple pleasures.

Thuzilin, with his quick wit and lighter spirit, is known to be able to bring smile to Crossus's stoic visage. Their friendship is a dance of contrasts, the humor of one meeting the seriousness of the other, proving that even among deities, diversity strengthens the bonds of friendship.

Within the Pantheon of Equilibrium, Crossus finds kinship with Dorgross, deity of war. Their alliance is forged in the respect of warriors, an understanding that strength and Courage are the pillars upon which the balance of the multiverse rests.

Yet, not all divine relationships harbor warmth and camaraderie. In the shadow of Crossus's alliances lurks Tarnull, deity of earthquakes and volcanic fury. Their enmity is as old as the mountains themselves, a battle of ice against fire, stability against destruction. Tarnull's relentless drive to turn the frozen bastions into molten chaos is a constant threat, fueling a rivalry that rages as fiercely as the volcanic infernos he commands.

Dogma

Crossus, in bear form

Crossus dogma is founded upon the following principles:

• Cultivate Your Strength: Followers of Crossus are encouraged to hone their physical prowess as well as their inner resilience, courage, and moral integrity. This dual focus on strength ensures a balance between body and spirit, embodying Crossus's comprehensive definition of power.

• Embrace the Mountains: Hold the mountains as sacred, drawing strength and wisdom from their imposing presence. This tenet symbolizes the reverence for Crossus's domain, urging followers to protect and find inspiration in the mountainous landscapes that mirror the deity's majesty.

• Endure the Cold: Embrace not only the literal cold of Crossus's beloved landscapes but also the metaphorical cold of life's challenges. This principle teaches resilience in the face of adversity, finding strength in hardship, and the importance of perseverance through both environmental and personal trials.

• Rage Against Evil: Channel righteous anger towards combating evil, reflecting Crossus's fierce opposition to malevolence. This tenet encourages followers to confront injustice and darkness with the ferocity of a tempest, embodying the deity's unwavering stand against corruption.

• Live with Unbridled Spirit: Pursue a life of freedom, embracing the wilderness and the lessons it teaches. This tenet champions a lifestyle that values self-discovery, autonomy, and living in accord with one's deepest truths, free from societal chains.

Clergy and Temples

A cleric of Crossus, patrolling the mountain