Riox

Riox is a satellite that rotates Iphars. This satellite can only be seen during Penthas and Topthas when it passes in front of Gaes, the rest of the year it is almost invisible as it does not reflex enough light to be seen with naked eye. Some people think that this is a god that watches over them, not any god though, but the god that gifted them with magic.

Geography

Riox was originally a comet from another solar system that when it got near Iphars (about 50 years ago), Iphars' gravity captured it and kept it as a satellite. Its surface, is mainly ice and rock, with some pieces of metals that make parts of the asteroid shine brighter than others. It is a small body, smaller than the moons, aprox about 100km wide with very low albedo.

Myth, or not? The watching god

People believe that Riox is the body of a god that watches over them. They do not know if that god has bad or good intentions but every time of the year when Riox is visible, the people that believe it is a god pray to it and try to be as good and generous as they can. Some cults even sacrifice people to this god so its wrath does not fall over them in case they did something that the "god" considered it bad.

Lots of religious festivities are celebrated when Riox is visible, to appease the god. And a lot of hidden rituals are also performed, be them for good or bad, as it is also considered that magic is greatly increased when Riox is visible.

This myth started as Riox first appeared just before the magic began to appear in Iphars, so they believe that it is the god that gave them the magic. The truth is that it is only a myth, no god habits or is this comet.

The eye of Riox

Item | Jun 5, 2024

A necklace that shows the person follows Riox

A god, a religion

With people believing that Riox is a god, it is no surprise that there are religions and cults for it. Lars Sik is the founder of Church of the Hidden One, one of the main religions based on Riox.

There are other religions and cults, of course, but most of them hide in the shadows or are depicted as evil. They are persecuted by the Church of the Hidden One or by the law of Branul as not every cult is legal.

Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2020

Answering: "Decribe an important celestial body or constellation in your world."

Visit Catoblepon's Competition Page Check all other answers to this prompt Competition Homepage

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Geographic Location

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Iphars

Comments

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Councilor of the Inner Sanctum Serukis

Jul 4, 2020 12:09 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

I love that you did an asteroid!

Emy x
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Sage Catoblepon

Jul 4, 2020 12:40 by Catoblepon

Thanks! Asteroids are soo interesting :D

Visit Iphars & Shattered
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Eternal Grandmaster SanctifiedSavage

Jul 7, 2020 16:01

I like the myth bit. People have been praying to the stars for forever, so it was neat to see that reflected here.

What would an ocean be without a monster lurking in the dark?

Grandmaster Make lore, not war

Jun 18, 2025 22:53 by Imagica

I find it extremely intriguing that Riox appeared before magic reached Iphars. This alone gives an excellent reason for all these cults, traditions and relegions centered around it to appear. I liked the implications of this article a lot <3

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Come visit my world of Kena'an for tales of fantasy and magic! Or, if you want something darker, Crux Umbra awaits.

Sage Catoblepon

Jun 19, 2025 10:11 by Catoblepon

Thank you! :D I had fun with it and I'm so happy it gives me so many option to work with whenever I do stuff related to it :D