Tam Tardios, Trickster of the Gods

Myths about Tam Tardios date all the way back to the First Age. Unlike other godlings who have a dearth of legends about them, there is a significant number of stories about the trickster of the gods, many of them contradictory or confusing. Many scholars believe that Tam Tadios himself may have started some of these legends to confuse others or to amuse himself; after all, he is the god of mischief.   There are conflicting myths about his origins. One claims he originally came from another world, another suggests he was born a hyena that learned to shapeshift into a person. One legend even claims that he was a child of Korax and a Giridi shepherdess.   A number of stories exist about Tam's childhood, mainly about exploring the world and getting into all sorts of mischief. The stories credit his good nature and handsome features, and always end with him talking himself out of trouble. The Young Tales, as these legends are categorized by scholars, often will include a hero protagonist who is very serious or thinks a great deal of themselves, only to be embarrassed by Tam Tardios' actions. He is also frequently paired with other godlings, including Kevastos, Capressa, and Azeera. These legends are some of the few remnants still existing of these other godlings.   Regardless of his actual relationship with Korax, Tam Tardios is known to have initially been neutral in the first moves of the war between Korax and Clea, even as others began to take sides. It might be more accurate to say that he was disinterested. Instead, he dallied with a fairy race known as Pucks, with their delight of singing, dance and merriment. When he learned that the Dominator had imprisoned a large group of Pucks, he thought it would be the height of hilarity to free them from under Korax’s thumb. He transformed into a Puck and let himself be captured.   Inside Korax’s citadel, he watched in horror at the terrible transformation wrought upon the Pucks – turning them from beautiful fairy creatures of merriment and magic to green sullen creatures of despair and cruelty Korax called Goblins. However, he remained undaunted and let himself be placed within the magic circle of transformation. As the curse worked upon him, he unleashed his own powers, which mingled with the epic transmutation spell Korax and his wizards had cast. Tam Tardios transformed him into a Goblin like his Puck friends, but also filled the hearts of the transformed Goblins from cruelty to mischief, from despair to optimism. Thus, while he could not stop the transformation of the Pucks into Goblins, he freed the newly created Goblin heritage from falling into evil. Tam Tardios then managed to liberate the Goblins and brought them to Clea’s Army of Light.   Since that time, He continues to cause trouble and make mischief. Stories continue through the Second Age and Time of 1,000 Gods, mainly with Tam Tardios either causing mischief to a hero, or in a support role, guiding and helping a hero to succeed at their quest.   Goblins of all stripes view Tam Tardios as their patron god, based on his liberation of them from Korax's domination.