The Great Callers

The Legend of the First Call

Long ago, when the seas were young and untamed, a great darkness crept into the depths. It was said that the oceans roared with chaos and that creatures of the deep turned savage. In this time of upheaval, The Great Callers emerged, born from the heart of the ocean itself. With a song that echoed through every trench and reef, they calmed the waters, binding the chaos with their harmonious calls. This first call, known as The Ocean’s Promise, is thought to be an eternal bond with the sea, ensuring that The Great Callers will protect Caemothas in times of dire need.

Legend of The Calling of the Lost

It’s said that The Great Callers can summon lost souls or vessels to safety by a haunting melody carried on the currents. Many sailors who have found themselves stranded in the vast Huntdowns Ocean tell tales of a mysterious, comforting song that guides them back to safe waters. In these stories, the whales are said to appear as great shadows beneath the waves, unseen yet unmistakable. The Narwhalfolk and Sea Elves hold ceremonies to honor this legend, thanking The Great Callers for their protective guidance over travelers.

Legend of The Guardian’s Oath

It's believed that each of The Great Callers blessed a particular kind of oceanic life with unique abilities tied to their essence. Those touched by Thaloros (whales and wise marine creatures) are said to possess an affinity for memory and wisdom, often recalling events from centuries past. Maranyr’s blessing on kelp and reef-dwellers brings resilience and a heightened connection to underwater flora. Naquoris' influence grants the creatures of the storms and deep sea (like squidkin and octokin) mysterious abilities and a natural resistance to magic. This legend explains why the ocean’s creatures are fiercely protective of the whales, and why they, in turn, help to safeguard The Great Callers from harm.

The Prophecy of the Three Tides

This ancient prophecy, passed down by the Whalefolk and Merfolk, speaks of a time when three distinct tides will sweep across the ocean  

The Tide of Wisdom

A sign that Thaloros will awaken the minds of the worthy, bestowing ancient knowledge on those prepared to wield it responsibly.  

The Tide of Blooming

When Maranyr’s influence brings an extraordinary burst of life to the seas, healing barren waters and restoring life in desolate areas.  

The Tide of Tempests

When Naquoris’ storms will rage, revealing hidden depths and buried secrets to those who dare venture forth. This tide will herald great change, for better or worse.  

Interpretation

Some oceanic cultures believe that when all three tides rise in succession, it signals a test for the denizens of Caemothas—a challenge they must face together. If they succeed, the seas will flourish; if they fail, the ocean could fall under shadow once more.  

Prophecy of The Dusk of the Oceans

In times of great strife, when the waters are polluted by magic and blood, it is said that The Great Callers will fall silent. This event, known as The Dusk of the Oceans, will be a time of great sorrow and turmoil, when the harmony of the seas is lost. The legend foretells that the only way to restore balance is to complete three tasks:  

Seek the Pearl of the Abyss

a mythical gem hidden in the deepest trench, said to contain the essence of calm and clarity.  

Banish the Corrupt Tide

an entity of chaos that opposes the will of The Great Callers.  

Unleash the Song of Reunion

a hymn that can only be sung by a gathering of all the oceanic kin (Whalefolk, Merfolk, Sea Elves, and others).   The threat of The Dusk of the Oceans has led many communities to hold annual rituals, praying to The Great Callers and cleansing their waters to prevent such a fate.  

Prophecy of The Herald of the Last Wave

In the distant future, when the oceans face their greatest peril, The Great Callers will give rise to a single, unique creature known as The Herald of the Last Wave. This creature, born of all three whales’ powers, will act as a bridge between the ocean and the surface world, and will have the power to rally allies from both realms. It’s said that The Herald will be the only one able to quell the danger and restore balance, marking a new age for Caemothas’ underwater civilization. Many Mermaids and Sharkkin see this as their ultimate purpose, aspiring to become protectors worthy of aiding The Herald if it should arise.  

Naquoris, the Stormcaller

    Appearance Naquoris is a massive, violet-skinned whale with intricate bioluminescent patterns that pulse along its sides, resembling storm clouds churning under moonlight. Its eyes shine with an eerie blue glow, and its dorsal fin is serrated and tall, often surrounded by a faint, electrical shimmer that crackles in the water. When Naquoris swims, it leaves a trail of shimmering, dark mist in its wake, like the calm before a storm.   Naquoris is the bringer of storms, the great force that stirs the ocean’s depths and unearths hidden secrets. Its power controls the ocean’s violent tempests, and it is revered as the guardian of mysteries, as its storms often reveal ancient relics and sunken ships from the seabed. Followers believe that Naquoris’s tempests carry revelations, visions, and omens to those prepared to brave the chaos.   Worshippers Primarily the Squidkin and Octokin who see Naquoris as the master of deep-sea mysteries, as well as the Sharkkin who value its power and dominance over the ocean’s tempests.   Associated Creatures Deep-sea predators and storm-dwelling creatures are said to have Naquoris’s blessing, making them resilient to harsh environments and powerful magic.   Mythic Connection Naquoris’s storms are believed to test the strength and courage of ocean-dwellers, and those who survive are seen as blessed by the whale’s chaotic wisdom. Legends say that its great storm songs echo through every trench, calling forth allies in times of great need.  

Maranyr, the Lifebringer

    Appearance Maranyr has a deep, emerald-green body with delicate, coral-like fronds along its back and sides, almost like wings. Vibrant tendrils of plant life often grow along its massive frame, some even blooming with bright underwater flowers. Its body is covered with patches of bioluminescent algae, creating a soft glow that attracts all kinds of smaller marine creatures to swim in its presence. Maranyr's eyes are a serene gold, reflecting a gentle and nurturing gaze.   Maranyr is the guardian of growth, renewal, and the lush underwater landscapes. Known as the caretaker of the coral reefs and kelp forests, Maranyr’s presence brings fertility to barren waters and harmony to aquatic ecosystems. Many underwater plants are thought to grow more vibrantly in places where Maranyr has passed, and its blessings protect the ocean’s flora from blight and pollution.   Worshippers The Mermaids and Whalefolk revere Maranyr as a deity of life and harmony, while the Sea Elves also honor it for its nurturing influence on the underwater environment.   Associated Creatures Reef-dwellers, herbivores, and creatures of the kelp forests are seen as Maranyr’s favored children, living peacefully in the ecosystems it nurtures.   Mythic Connection It’s said that Maranyr’s song can revive dying plants and cleanse polluted waters. The whale’s gentle calls can sometimes be heard in shallow reefs, and those who hear it are blessed with increased resilience and healing. According to legend, Maranyr can calm even the most ferocious predators, lulling them into a temporary truce with its soothing melodies.  

Thaloros, the Deep Sage

  Appearance Thaloros is a deep indigo, nearly black whale with markings along its sides and fins that resemble ancient runes glowing faintly in silver. Its enormous eyes are white and piercing, said to see through time and knowledge. Unlike the others, Thaloros has a unique dorsal ridge that resembles a spine of ancient coral, adding to its aged and wise appearance. Thaloros often moves with a slow, deliberate grace, a symbol of deep contemplation.   Thaloros is the keeper of the ocean’s memories, the one who stores the wisdom of ages within its mind. Known as the sage of the deep, Thaloros is believed to hold the history of Caemothas and to pass its knowledge to those deemed worthy. Thaloros’s followers are seekers of truth and protectors of knowledge, and many believe that its calls echo with voices of the past.   Worshippers The Sea Elves and Jellyfishkin often revere Thaloros for its knowledge and wisdom, while Narwhalfolk also hold it in high regard as they navigate the vast, uncharted seas.   Associated Creatures Creatures with long lifespans, such as sea turtles and certain species of jellyfish, are said to be Thaloros’s favored, blessed with long memories and insights.   Mythic Connection Thaloros is believed to have the power to connect with those seeking lost knowledge. In times of crisis, Thaloros may offer guidance through visions or dreams, revealing hidden answers to those who seek wisdom. Legends say that those who listen to Thaloros’s song find clarity and insight, as if the very ocean were sharing its secrets with them.