Udes (Oo-dess)
The God of War, Honor, and Glory Udes
Udes is a powerful deity revered as the God of War, Honor, and Glory, embodying the noble aspects of combat and the pursuit of victory through strength and tactics. He stands as a symbol of discipline, strategy, and personal valor, serving as the ultimate patron for warriors who seek to prove themselves in battle. Udes commands respect for his belief in the honorable path of warfare, where glory is earned, not just through brute force, but through precise and calculated combat.
From his parents, Udes inherited both his father's strength and his mother's tactical brilliance. Unlike them, however, Udes focuses on the nobility of combat, prioritizing honor and the glory that comes with fighting for a just cause.
Udes has a twin brother, Urther, the God of Revenge, who represents the darker side of warfare, driven by vengeance and retribution. While Udes fights for glory and honor, Urther seeks retribution for wrongs committed, and their relationship is marked by this fundamental difference.
Divine Domains
- War: Udes is deeply connected to war and combat. However, his domain emphasizes noble warfare, focusing on tactics, strategy, and the importance of honor in battle. Followers of Udes view combat as a means to attain personal and societal glory, with a strong emphasis on discipline and valor.
- Honor: Udes governs the moral code of combat, teaching that warriors must fight with honor, respect their enemies, and uphold a sense of dignity even in the face of defeat. Honor is central to his teachings, as it is believed that true glory can only be attained through actions that align with this principle.
- Glory: The pursuit of glory through warfare is Udes’ ultimate promise. His followers believe that those who fight in his name and uphold his principles will achieve not only victory in battle but also immortality through glory. Udes ensures that the names of his champions live on, engraved into the sacred Hall of Heroes within his temple.
Artifacts
The power and influence of Udes, the God of War, Honor, and Glory, are immortalized in several legendary artifacts. These items, created by divine hands or bestowed upon his most trusted followers, serve as symbols of Udes’ values and a source of immense power. Each artifact is linked to a significant event in Udes’ mythology, particularly from the War of the Twin Suns, and reflects his domains of war, honor, and glory.
Salkir, The Divine Battle Axe
Udes’ personal weapon, Salkir, is a golden battle axe said to have been forged in the celestial fires at the dawn of war itself. Its blade is engraved with divine runes of victory, and it radiates an aura of unstoppable power. Legend has it that the axe grows sharper with every honorable strike it lands. Salkir has the ability to increase in strength with each victorious battle, growing stronger in the hands of those who fight with honor. The weapon also absorbs the essence of fallen foes, storing their glory and transferring it to the wielder. In the hands of Udes, it can cleave through both mortal and divine foes with ease. It was with Salkir that Udes fought his legendary battle with Urther, his twin brother, in the War of the Twin Suns. The axe is said to still bear the scars from that fateful duel, making it a revered symbol of Udes’ victory.The Crest of Eternal Valor
A golden shield that bears Udes’ sacred tiger emblem, the Crest of Eternal Valor is a divine artifact gifted to the most honorable champions of Udes. Its surface gleams with a celestial light, and it is said that the shield is indestructible, capable of withstanding any attack from mortal or divine beings. The Crest provides its bearer with unbreakable protection, shielding them from both physical and magical attacks. In addition, the shield radiates an aura of valor, inspiring nearby allies and granting them the courage to fight without fear, increasing their combat abilities. The first Golden Vanguard, the elite warriors of Necai, were gifted replicas of the Crest of Eternal Valor by Udes himself. The original Crest is said to reside in the Varkol'Kharaz, the sacred temple, where only the greatest warriors are allowed to bear it in times of war.The Helm of the Glorious Sun
This helm, forged from sunstone, is an artifact worn by the high priests of Udes. Its design mimics the radiant golden mane of a tiger, and it is believed to channel the power of the sun, a celestial symbol of Udes’ authority. When worn, the helm grants the bearer enhanced strategic insight, allowing them to foresee the movements of their enemies. It also provides protection from darkness and evil, shielding the wearer from curses or enchantments of revenge. The helm's brilliance blinds enemies during combat, giving the wearer a distinct advantage. The Helm of the Glorious Sun was worn by Udes during the final battle of the War of the Twin Suns. After his victory, he gave the helm to his high priests as a token of his eternal guidance in matters of strategy and war.Tenets of Faith
Followers of Udes adhere to a strict code of honor and warfare, guided by the tenets passed down through his priests and champions. These principles form the foundation of their faith, shaping the values and conduct of warriors, leaders, and civilians alike. The teachings of Udes emphasize the importance of glory in battle, honor in all actions, and strength as a pathway to divinity.
1. Glory Through Strength
"Only through strength in battle and resolve can one achieve true glory." This tenet teaches that strength—both physical and mental—is the key to achieving glory in life and in the afterlife. Followers of Udes believe that the pursuit of strength is a noble path, and they must constantly strive to improve their martial prowess, whether on the battlefield or in the challenges of daily life. 2. Honor Above All
"An honorable foe is more valuable than a thousand cowards." Udes places honor at the heart of all actions. His followers are taught that every battle, every decision, every word must be conducted with honor. Deceit, treachery, and cowardice are despised, and those who act without honor lose Udes’ favor. Victory earned dishonorably is considered a failure in his eyes. 3. War as a Sacred Duty
"War is the crucible through which honor is forged and glory attained." Udes’ followers view war not as a destructive force, but as a sacred duty that refines the soul. Battle is seen as the ultimate test of one's courage, discipline, and honor. To refuse a just battle or to cower from conflict is seen as dishonorable. Combat, in Udes' doctrine, should always be fought with purpose and righteousness, not for needless bloodshed but for the attainment of a higher cause. 4. Victory is Not Always the Goal
"In loss, there can still be honor. In victory, there can be disgrace." This tenet reminds followers that victory is not the only measure of success. To die with honor or to lose while upholding one's principles is still a form of glory. Conversely, winning through treachery, cowardice, or dishonorable means brings only disgrace. Udes values how one fights and leads above the outcome itself. 5. The Strong Lead, the Weak Serve
"Leadership belongs to those who prove their strength in body and spirit." Leadership is earned through strength—not just physical might, but also through strength of character, will, and wisdom. In Udes' faith, those who are strong lead, while the weak must serve until they prove their worth. It is not an innate right, but a privilege that must be continually demonstrated through action. 6. Glory is Eternal
"The glories of the battlefield resonate in the halls of the gods." Followers of Udes believe that their actions in life, particularly in war, echo throughout eternity. Those who achieve great deeds in combat are remembered in the Halls of Glory, an afterlife realm where Udes himself resides. Here, the souls of his greatest champions are granted eternal glory, celebrated for their honorable deeds in life. 7. Revenge is Dishonorable
"Revenge is the tool of the weak; only fools seek its hollow satisfaction." While Udes’ twin, Urther, embodies the concept of revenge, Udes teaches his followers to reject revenge as a dishonorable path. Revenge clouds judgment, turning warriors into beasts driven by emotion rather than honor. A true warrior does not seek vengeance but instead aims to right wrongs with honor and dignity. 8. Death is Not to Be Feared
"Death in honorable battle is a victory of its own." Udes teaches that death in battle, when fought with honor, is the greatest reward. His followers do not fear death, as it is seen as a transition into eternal glory in the afterlife. To die with valor and honor is to ascend to Udes’ side, where the fallen are celebrated and immortalized for eternity.
"Only through strength in battle and resolve can one achieve true glory." This tenet teaches that strength—both physical and mental—is the key to achieving glory in life and in the afterlife. Followers of Udes believe that the pursuit of strength is a noble path, and they must constantly strive to improve their martial prowess, whether on the battlefield or in the challenges of daily life. 2. Honor Above All
"An honorable foe is more valuable than a thousand cowards." Udes places honor at the heart of all actions. His followers are taught that every battle, every decision, every word must be conducted with honor. Deceit, treachery, and cowardice are despised, and those who act without honor lose Udes’ favor. Victory earned dishonorably is considered a failure in his eyes. 3. War as a Sacred Duty
"War is the crucible through which honor is forged and glory attained." Udes’ followers view war not as a destructive force, but as a sacred duty that refines the soul. Battle is seen as the ultimate test of one's courage, discipline, and honor. To refuse a just battle or to cower from conflict is seen as dishonorable. Combat, in Udes' doctrine, should always be fought with purpose and righteousness, not for needless bloodshed but for the attainment of a higher cause. 4. Victory is Not Always the Goal
"In loss, there can still be honor. In victory, there can be disgrace." This tenet reminds followers that victory is not the only measure of success. To die with honor or to lose while upholding one's principles is still a form of glory. Conversely, winning through treachery, cowardice, or dishonorable means brings only disgrace. Udes values how one fights and leads above the outcome itself. 5. The Strong Lead, the Weak Serve
"Leadership belongs to those who prove their strength in body and spirit." Leadership is earned through strength—not just physical might, but also through strength of character, will, and wisdom. In Udes' faith, those who are strong lead, while the weak must serve until they prove their worth. It is not an innate right, but a privilege that must be continually demonstrated through action. 6. Glory is Eternal
"The glories of the battlefield resonate in the halls of the gods." Followers of Udes believe that their actions in life, particularly in war, echo throughout eternity. Those who achieve great deeds in combat are remembered in the Halls of Glory, an afterlife realm where Udes himself resides. Here, the souls of his greatest champions are granted eternal glory, celebrated for their honorable deeds in life. 7. Revenge is Dishonorable
"Revenge is the tool of the weak; only fools seek its hollow satisfaction." While Udes’ twin, Urther, embodies the concept of revenge, Udes teaches his followers to reject revenge as a dishonorable path. Revenge clouds judgment, turning warriors into beasts driven by emotion rather than honor. A true warrior does not seek vengeance but instead aims to right wrongs with honor and dignity. 8. Death is Not to Be Feared
"Death in honorable battle is a victory of its own." Udes teaches that death in battle, when fought with honor, is the greatest reward. His followers do not fear death, as it is seen as a transition into eternal glory in the afterlife. To die with valor and honor is to ascend to Udes’ side, where the fallen are celebrated and immortalized for eternity.
Holidays
The followers of Udes celebrate several holidays throughout the year, each reflecting different aspects of his divine nature as the God of War, Honor, and Glory. These days are not only times of revelry but also moments of reflection, where warriors, leaders, and civilians alike come together to honor the god and reaffirm their commitment to his teachings.
The Day of Redemption commemorates Udes’ victory in the War of the Twin Suns over his twin, Urther. It is the most sacred holiday for Udes’ followers, symbolizing honor through battle and glory through strength. Traditions:
The Festival of Blades is a celebration of the martial arts and the weapons that bring honor in battle. It is also a day to bless weapons and prepare for war, asking Udes for guidance and protection in upcoming conflicts. Traditions:
This solemn day is a time for reflection on honor, death, and sacrifice. It is a night of silence, where warriors mourn their fallen comrades and pray for Udes’ guidance in the battles to come. Traditions:
This holiday celebrates the ascension of Udes to godhood after his victory in the War of the Twin Suns. It is also a day to honor the warriors who have lived lives of honor and valor, believing that they have ascended to the Halls of Glory to stand beside Udes. Traditions:
The Trial of Honor is a sacred test of strength, strategy, and honor held in the Varkol'Kharaz (Temple of Glory). It is open only to the most devout followers of Udes, with warriors from all over Necai participating. Traditions:
The Day of Redemption (Khol'Zavir)
Date: 10th Day of Fyrden (Mid-Summer)The Day of Redemption commemorates Udes’ victory in the War of the Twin Suns over his twin, Urther. It is the most sacred holiday for Udes’ followers, symbolizing honor through battle and glory through strength. Traditions:
- Grand Tournaments: Warriors across Necai participate in gladiatorial-style tournaments, displaying their combat prowess, tactical skill, and commitment to Udes’ tenets. These tournaments are held in major cities, with the final match taking place before the Golden Vanguard and the high priests of Udes.
- Sacred Duels: Those who have committed wrongs or dishonorable acts are given the chance for redemption by challenging an opponent of equal skill in a ceremonial duel. It is believed that Udes himself watches over these fights, granting the honorable victor divine favor.
- Feasts of Glory: The day concludes with feasts where champions of the tournaments and duels are celebrated. The people share food and drink, with toasts to Udes, thanking him for the strength to endure life’s battles.
The Festival of Blades (Valkor’Din)
Date: 20th Day of VeridomThe Festival of Blades is a celebration of the martial arts and the weapons that bring honor in battle. It is also a day to bless weapons and prepare for war, asking Udes for guidance and protection in upcoming conflicts. Traditions:
- Weapon Blessings: Warriors bring their weapons to the temple to be blessed by the priests of Udes. These blessings are believed to strengthen the weapon’s power and ensure the warrior fights with honor.
- Weaponsmith Competitions: Master weaponsmiths compete to create the finest blades, offering them as gifts to the temples of Udes. The best-crafted weapon is said to receive Udes’ favor, and the smith is honored throughout the kingdom.
- Sword Dance Rituals: Warriors perform the Sword Dance, an intricate martial art where fighters demonstrate their precision and skill with the blade. This is done in honor of Udes, and it is believed that those who excel in the dance will find glory in battle.
The Night of Silence (Vazrith’Noq)
The Last Night of WinterThis solemn day is a time for reflection on honor, death, and sacrifice. It is a night of silence, where warriors mourn their fallen comrades and pray for Udes’ guidance in the battles to come. Traditions:
- Silent Vigil: At dusk, followers of Udes gather in temples or at battlefields to hold a silent vigil in honor of the fallen. No words are spoken during this time, as it is believed that Udes listens to the hearts of his warriors.
- Offering of Shields: Warriors offer shields marked with the names of the fallen at the temple, symbolizing the protection Udes provides for those who fought honorably. These shields are placed at the feet of Udes' statue as a tribute.
- The Path of Glory: Throughout the night, the Golden Vanguard lead processions through the city, retracing the steps of great battles fought in Udes’ name. It is a time for quiet reflection, where each person remembers the importance of honor, even in defeat.
The Day of Ascension (Valkir’Zar)
Date: 26th Day of the Velnir (Late Spring)This holiday celebrates the ascension of Udes to godhood after his victory in the War of the Twin Suns. It is also a day to honor the warriors who have lived lives of honor and valor, believing that they have ascended to the Halls of Glory to stand beside Udes. Traditions:
- Ascension Ceremonies: Warriors who have died in battle are honored in grand ceremonies, where their names are added to the Scrolls of Glory in the temple of Udes. It is believed that Udes watches over these ceremonies, welcoming these souls to the Halls of Glory.
- The Calling of Heroes: At dawn, the high priests of Udes call out the names of great heroes and warriors who have passed on, echoing their deeds for the next generation to hear and honor.
- The Ritual of Fire: Large bonfires are lit, symbolizing Udes’ divine power. These fires are thought to cleanse the soul and prepare warriors for the battles ahead, burning away weakness and doubt.
The Trial of Honor (Kharith’Nal)
Held every five yearsThe Trial of Honor is a sacred test of strength, strategy, and honor held in the Varkol'Kharaz (Temple of Glory). It is open only to the most devout followers of Udes, with warriors from all over Necai participating. Traditions:
- The Gauntlet of Trials: Competitors must pass through a series of trials testing their combat skill, strategic mind, and dedication to Udes' tenets. The trial is said to be blessed by Udes himself, who watches closely to see who truly embodies his teachings.
- Crowning of the Champion: The warrior who emerges victorious in the trials is crowned the Champion of Udes, a title of great honor. The champion is granted the Crest of Eternal Valor and serves as Udes’ chosen representative in battle for the next five years.
Physical Description
Body Features
Udes takes the form of a humanoid golden tiger, towering and muscular, with fur that gleams like the sun. His glowing eyes reflect the wisdom and honor he carries as a war god, and his armor is sleek, adorned with intricate symbols of glory and victory. He often wields a massive battle axe or divine sword, both enchanted with the essence of battle.
His presence commands both fear and admiration on the battlefield, and his golden fur symbolizes not only his divine nature but the idea of glory earned in battle. Udes is often depicted standing tall, his posture embodying the warrior's ideal, leading armies to victory and ensuring that those who fight under his banner do so with integrity.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Udes, the God of War, Honor, and Glory, was born from two powerful deities, Tharos, the God of Strength and War Strategy, and Valera, the Goddess of Precision and Combat Tactics. From his earliest days, Udes was raised to understand that war is not merely a means of conquest but a path to personal glory and honor. His parents, both fierce and tactical in their own right, imparted two essential lessons to him: the importance of overwhelming strength and the value of precise, calculated combat. Udes inherited these traits, but he was determined to forge his own path.
Rivalry and Bond with Urther
From birth, Udes was bound to his twin brother, Urther, the God of Revenge. While Udes came to represent the noble aspects of war—strength, glory, and honor—Urther embodied the darker side: vengeance, retribution, and unchecked fury. The two brothers share a complicated bond. While they are bound by blood, their visions for the battlefield often lead to tension. Udes believes in battle for glory, while Urther thrives in destruction born of revenge. The pair were often at odds during the early divine conflicts, with Urther seeking vengeance for slights and insults while Udes maintained that true warriors fought for noble causes, for a higher ideal. However, in the darkest of times, they have been known to fight side by side, bringing both honor and wrath to their enemies.Defining Battle: The Siege of Kaladros
One of the most defining moments in Udes’ history was the Siege of Kaladros, a battle that would mark his place as the true God of Glory and War. When the city of Kaladros was attacked by an overwhelming force of invaders, the people called upon Udes for aid. He appeared on the battlefield, a radiant figure of golden power, armed with his legendary battle axe, Salkir, known to cleave both enemy and deceit in one strike. Udes led the Kaladros warriors into battle, teaching them not just to fight, but to fight with purpose. Under his guidance, they focused on unity, strategy, and honor in their combat, eventually overcoming the invaders despite being outnumbered. His victory in Kaladros is still sung by bards, marking it as one of his most significant moments. From that day forward, his temples have carried the phrase: “Glory through strength, honor through war.” Other gods, particularly those of peace and balance, tend to avoid Udes, seeing him as too consumed by the notion of battle. Yet, in times of need, they call on his strength to defend their realms from outside threats.Accomplishments & Achievements
The Siege of Kaladros
One of Udes’ most celebrated victories is his involvement in the Siege of Kaladros, where his leadership and combat strategy saved the city from overwhelming odds. The people of Kaladros, vastly outnumbered and on the verge of collapse, prayed for divine intervention, and Udes answered. Arriving on the battlefield in his full glory, Udes inspired the defenders to fight not for survival, but for honor and glory. He reorganized their forces, focusing on tactical positioning and efficient use of their limited resources. Under his command, the defenders turned what should have been a devastating loss into a resounding victory, routing the invading forces and earning the eternal gratitude of the Kaladros people. This event became the cornerstone of his legacy, and his followers often invoke his name before battles, hoping to channel his strategic brilliance and martial prowessThe Defeat of the Giant Warlord Ghanok
In a climactic battle that has become legendary among Udes’ followers, the god faced off against Ghanok, a brutal warlord who led an army of giants to ravage the lands of mortals. Ghanok was known for his overwhelming strength, having laid waste to entire kingdoms, and no mortal army could stop his advance. When mortals prayed for salvation, Udes descended from the divine plane to confront the warlord in single combat. The battle between Udes and Ghanok lasted for days, with neither side giving quarter. Udes, however, relied on his tactical brilliance, using the terrain and exploiting Ghanok’s arrogance. In a final, decisive strike, Udes felled the warlord, severing his tyrannical reign and saving the mortal kingdoms from annihilation. The defeat of Ghanok is celebrated annually by his followers, who hold combat tournaments to honor the victory and emulate Udes’ tactical mastery in battle.The War of the Twin Suns
The War of the Twin Suns and the Birth of Necai is one of the most significant battles in Udes' divine career, where he clashed with his twin brother, Urther, over the fate of a mortal kingdom torn apart by civil war. Urther, driven by the desire for revenge, sought to destroy the kingdom, believing that its leaders had dishonored the gods. Udes, however, saw potential for redemption and believed that honor could still be restored. The two brothers led opposing armies in a cataclysmic conflict, with each representing their respective aspects of war—glory and revenge. The war lasted for years, devastating the land and dividing the mortal populations who followed the two gods. Ultimately, Udes’ forces triumphed through a combination of tactical brilliance and a final duel between the brothers, where Udes bested Urther without killing him, forcing his brother to retreat. The war ended in a tenuous peace, and the kingdom was rebuilt, with Udes remembered as the savior who fought for honor rather than destruction. This conflict solidified Udes' place in the pantheon as the embodiment of glorious combat, while Urther remained a shadowy figure tied to revenge.Failures & Embarrassments
Despite his many triumphs, Udes has also faced moments of failure, particularly in his inability to fully reconcile with his twin brother Urther. The tension between them, rooted in their differing approaches to warfare, continues to cause rifts, both divine and mortal. Udes has also faced criticism from gods of peace and balance, who view his constant championing of combat as a threat to harmony.
Religions
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Species
Church/Cult
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Gender
Man
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Golden, piercing and intense, radiating wisdom and the honor of countless battles.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
A gleaming golden hue, reflecting the light like polished metal. His fur is pristine, marking him as a divine being.
Height
6'11'' (2.1 meters)
Aligned Organization
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