Nereus

In the post Lost-Light world of Hora Lucerna, Nereus, known as the God of the Sea, is a powerful and enigmatic Arcana. Nereus embodies the vastness and mystery of the ocean, granting his followers the ability to manipulate water and communicate with marine life. His gifts come with the binding condition of lifelong service, ensuring unwavering loyalty from his followers. His influence is felt throughout the watery realms, affecting the Arcana, the Possessed, and the mortal world with his deep and commanding presence.

Nereus as an Arcana

Domain and Abilities

• Domain: Sea, water, marine life, and the ocean's depths.
• Powers: Nereus grants his followers control over water and the ability to communicate with marine creatures. His gifts come at the cost of a lifelong commitment to serve him, dedicating their lives to his will.

Gifts and Pacts

• Control over Water: Followers gain the ability to manipulate water, creating waves, currents, and even whirlpools. They can use water as a weapon or a tool for defense and navigation.
• Communication with Marine Life: Nereus’s followers can communicate with and command marine creatures, forming alliances with sea life ranging from fish to colossal sea monsters.
• Lifelong Service: His gifts require absolute loyalty and lifelong service, binding followers to serve Nereus and carry out his commands in perpetuity.

Influence on the Possessed

Partially Possessed by Nereus

• Wavecallers: Partially possessed individuals who channel Nereus’s control over water. They can create and manipulate water currents, but they must swear eternal loyalty to Nereus and live by the sea, dedicating their lives to his service.
• Seaspeakers: Those who gain the ability to communicate with marine life. They form strong bonds with sea creatures and use them for various purposes, but they are bound to follow Nereus’s commands for life.

Fully Possessed by Nereus

• Ocean Guardians: Fully possessed followers who act as Nereus’s agents of the sea. They wield powerful control over water and marine life, often serving as protectors of oceanic realms and enforcers of Nereus’s will.
• Lords/Ladies of the Deep: Elite followers who have fully embraced Nereus’s gifts, becoming his most trusted and powerful servants. They have near-absolute control over water and marine creatures, leading groups of lesser possessed in maintaining and defending the balance of the ocean.

Nereus’s Role in the World

God of the Sea Nereus’s presence in Hora Lucerna is a constant and powerful force, embodying the might and mystery of the ocean. His followers perform sacred rituals and live by the sea, seeking to harness his power and protect the marine world. Nereus represents the vast and commanding nature of the sea, demanding loyalty and service from those who seek his favor.

Catalyst for Oceanic Balance Nereus acts as a catalyst for the preservation and protection of the marine environment in the post-Godfall world. His influence leads to the formation of oceanic sanctuaries and marine alliances dedicated to safeguarding the seas. He seeks to create a world where the ocean is revered and protected, and his followers play a crucial role in maintaining this balance.

Opposition to Marine Exploitation Nereus stands in direct opposition to those who seek to exploit and harm the ocean. His followers often clash with factions that promote overfishing, pollution, and other forms of marine exploitation, using their powers to defend the seas and restore balance.

Nereus’s Impact

Cultural Influence Nereus’s legend and influence permeate the culture of Hora Lucerna. Stories of his power over the sea and his demands for loyalty are told with awe and respect. Many are drawn to his promise of control over water and marine life, despite the lifelong service required. He represents the ultimate challenge to those who seek to live in harmony with the ocean.

Strategic Alliances Nereus forms strategic alliances with other Arcana and powerful entities to further his goals. These alliances are often based on shared interests in protecting and preserving the marine environment but are also marked by a strict adherence to his demands for loyalty and service. Despite this, they significantly impact the power dynamics in the world.