Baralla, The Whisperer

Baralla, also known as the Whisperer in secretive circles, is the Demon Lord of Envy and Serpents. It is her who stokes hatred of others' success in the hearts of mortals, her insidious voice coiling around ambition and poisoning with bitterness. A soft voice and whispered words drift throughout the world of Varda, across courts, guilds and dynasties wherever envy festers.

Domain and Influence

Baralla's influence is a subtle one; a burning, gnawing envy that twists thoughts to loathing. Whenever a mortal covets what another possesses, the touch of Baralla can be felt. Be it for beauty, power, talent or love, the essence of the Whisperer can be found to influence souls down a darker path. Once a soul has been touched by the envy inspired by Baralla, she only then has to wait for it to find its way to The Weave, where the Demon will ensnare it for eternity.

It is not just in envy that Baralla manifests. Serpents of all types have long been associated with the Demon Lord. Long thought as symbols of secrecy and corruption, those under Baralla's influence may encounter them in dreams, in their homes or even the features of the one they are envious of. Baralla's presence is a venom to all those that fall under her power.

Appearance and Depictions

Baralla is said to manifest in the form of an elven female, both beautiful and cruel. Sharply angled features and skin as pale as bone are highlighted by obsidian-black lips and eyes that are slitted like a snakes. Atop her head is not the typical strands of hair found on the mortals of the world, but instead a twisted nest of living, venomous snakes.

Below the waist, Baralla's form takes a monstrous turn; a massive tail of a serpent in the place of legs. Thick with muscle and covered in shimmering green-black scales, she moves with a grace and speed that is truly terrifying, every motion a threat and a promise.

Myths and Legends

One of the great tragedies of the world is known as the The Sundering of Auraiddmir, when the ancient Elven empire faced a great cataclysm. This was bought about by the opening of portals to the Weave and a great host of Demons being unleashed upon the world. Such devastation and corruption of souls birthed several Demon Lords, Baralla included.

One such Elven magister is said to have given in to her envy, seeing the power her peers had found from within the Weave. A pact was made with a voice from the other side, and through manipulation and the betrayal of her rivals, her soul was corrupted. Such acts aided in the shattering of the Elven Empire, and such suffering cause by a mere mortal only deepened the rot. When the magister died, envy consuming her soul, her soul did not find rest within the Weave, and instead was reborn as Baralla.

There have been many legends and myths across Varda that have tied the sightings of snakes to envy, and it is thought those that hear hissing in their dreams are marked by Baralla. Another tale warns of a sacred elven blade, once wielded by a mighty warrior who always held envy against those he thought better than him. Known as Serpent's Lie, this sword cannot be drawn unless the owner harbours envy within their heart.