Deimos is one of the most enigmatic and revered deities in the Unknown. He is the god of death whom carefully looks over the Plane of Oblivion, where the souls of the departed are guided and judged. Formed from the merged essence of Unknown and Unknown, Deimos is the twin of Unknown, representing the moon, while Helios represents the sun. Together, they embody the natural cycle of life and death, illustrating the balance between beginnings and endings, light and darkness, and the inevitable transition between the two.
Appearance
Deimos is often depicted as a tall, ethereal figure draped in shadowy robes that seem to blend with the very essence of the night sky. His eyes are said to glow faintly, like two distant stars, reflecting the souls he watches over. In his hand, he carries a lantern of the dead, which burns with the soft, pale light of the souls he guides through the Plane of Oblivion. His presence, though somber, is not one of fear or dread but of understanding and acceptance.
Origins and Purpose
Born from the union of Ael, the divine creator, and Thanatos, the primal force of death, Deimos came into existence as the divine embodiment of death, tasked with overseeing the final fate of all mortal souls. He was created alongside his brother Helios, who presides over life, and together, they symbolize the cosmic forces of birth and death, day and night, and the eternal cycle of existence.
Deimos is not a god who seeks death or destruction but instead represents the natural order of life’s end. Unlike other deities associated with death, Deimos holds no malice toward the living. He does not wish for premature death or the extinguishing of life, but rather sees his role as a caretaker of souls, ensuring that each mortal's journey through life reaches its rightful conclusion. He has a deep disdain for those who wish to bring untimely death or disrupt the balance of life and death, and views such acts as an affront to the natural cycle.
Gardener of Death
Unlike other Unknown gods whom reside in Unknown on the Unknown, Deimos remains within the Plane of Oblivion by choice, tending to the souls of the deceased. His role as the keeper of the afterlife is vital to the cosmic balance, as he ensures that each soul is judged fairly and either sent to eternal rest or consigned to other planes according to their deeds.
Within the Plane of Oblivion, Deimos is symbolically represented as a gardener tending to a field of lilies. The red lilies signify souls in waiting, those who have not yet been judged, while the white lilies represent those who have found peace and moved on to their eternal rest. This gentle, nurturing imagery contrasts with his formidable role as the god of death, showing his belief that death is not to be feared, but is part of the natural order of the universe.
Though Deimos is confined to the Plane of Oblivion, he is not banished. He is able to make appearances in the Celestial Citadel when called upon by other deities or in matters of great importance. His wisdom, gained through ages of tending to the departed, makes him a crucial figure in the divine order, and his presence is revered by those who understand the necessity of his role.
Mortal Worship
Deimos is venerated by many across Tolria, with a particularly devoted following among The Ebon Creed, a religious sect that venerates death as a sacred part of life’s cycle. The Ebon Creed view Deimos not as a grim reaper, but as a just and impartial guide, ensuring that every soul reaches its proper place in the afterlife. The Creed’s followers practice rituals meant to honor the dead and prepare their souls for the journey to Deimos’ realm, accepting death as a natural and inevitable conclusion to life.
Despite his somber domain, Deimos is often regarded with respect, if not affection, by his followers. He is seen as a compassionate and wise god who does not take life lightly and understands the sorrows and struggles of mortals. His worshippers believe that through him, they will find peace and solace after death, and that their souls will be guided with care to their final resting place.
Bonds of The Divine
Though Deimos resides in the Plane of Oblivion, his connection with the Pantheon of Primus remains strong. He is frequently called upon in matters of judgment, especially when the gods must deal with issues relating to life, death, and the souls of the deceased. Despite the distance between him and his celestial counterparts, Deimos is viewed with great reverence by gods such as Helios, Talos, and Mystera, who recognize his essential role in maintaining the balance of life and death across the cosmos.
In times of great turmoil, when the balance between life and death is threatened, Deimos has been known to intervene. Though he does not enjoy leaving his realm, his wisdom is often crucial in determining the fates of both mortals and deities alike. As the natural opposite of his brother Helios, Deimos completes the cosmic balance, ensuring that life and death remain in harmony.
Legacy and Legends
Despite his association with death, Deimos is a god of profound wisdom and compassion. He understands that death is an essential part of existence and that every soul, no matter how great or small, deserves to be treated with care and respect. To mortals, he is a reminder that life’s journey does not end in darkness but in the eternal peace that follows.
In the grand tapestry of the universe, Deimos stands as the final guide for all souls, a keeper of balance and a guardian of the eternal cycle.