The Thralls of Tumb represent the highest order of Earth-Rifting sages among the Tumb people, devout worshippers of the primordial titan **Tum**, who resides within the great stone mesa of The Barren Badlands. These sages are responsible for conducting the sacred Earth-Rifting rituals that involve shaping stone and earth in their efforts to restore Tum to his former titanic glory.
The Titanic Tumb
At the head of the Thralls of Tumb is a figure known as the Titanic Tumb, the leader chosen not by birthright, but through a test of endurance and power. The Thrall who can accumulate the most mass—gathering stone and earth to expand their physical form—without succumbing to the weight and shattering themselves, is selected as the Titanic Tumb. This leader, having proven their strength and mastery over the earth, is entrusted with leading the rituals designed to rebuild Tum's body.
The Titanic Tumb must maintain balance in their mass and their magical control over the earth. The process of accumulating and maintaining their size is seen as both a physical and spiritual challenge, reflecting their dedication to restoring Tum. The more mass they gather without breaking, the closer they believe they come to channeling Tum's immense strength.
Earth-Rifting Rituals
The Earth-Rifting rituals performed by the Thralls of Tumb are the core of their worship. These rites involve the manipulation of the earth and the use of ancient rune magic to rebuild Tum's fractured body. The Thralls use their abilities to shape stone, minerals, and sandy-dirt from the Badlands, fusing these elements into Tum's form in hopes of restoring the titan to his original might.
These rituals are performed atop the Temple of Tumb, the colossal stone mesa that forms the head-like structure of Tum. The arcane runestones embedded within the Thralls' stone bodies glow during these ceremonies, reflecting their deep connection to the earth and the power that flows from their god.
Devotion and Duty
The Thralls of Tumb are deeply devoted to their sacred mission. They see themselves as the keepers of Tum's legacy and the leaders of the Tumb people’s efforts to restore their god. Their lives are dedicated to perfecting their Earth-Rifting abilities and offering their strength to rebuild Tum, stone by stone.
For the Tumb people, the Thralls of Tumb embody their faith, and the Titanic Tumb, in particular, represents the pinnacle of their devotion and strength. These powerful sages continue to uphold their ancient duty, with the hope that one day, their titanic god will rise again.