Talos, revered as both the Sentinel and the Avenger, is a formidable deity amongst the Unknown. It is believed that Talos arose from the indomitable will of mortal beings and their willingness to not only protect their tribe, but to avenge their deaths as well. His divine essence captures the dual nature of vigilant guardianship and righteous vengeance, embodying the complexities of war, justice, and protection. Commanding the celestial armies from the Unknown, Talos leads the Unknown, upholding the divine order and battling the forces that threaten the cosmic balance.
Central to the worship of Talos is the symbolism of the white and black wolves, representing his dual nature. The white wolf embodies the Sentinel aspect of Talos, showcasing purity, protection, and vigilance. It symbolizes the god's role as a guardian, watching over the realms with a keen and compassionate gaze, ready to defend the innocent and maintain peace.
Conversely, the black wolf represents the Avenger aspect, symbolizing retribution, justice, and the inevitable consequences of one's actions. It reflects Talos's capacity to administer divine justice and to act decisively against those who disrupt the sanctity of law and order. The black wolf is a reminder of the darkness Talos can summon to purge corruption and evil from the realms.
Crows hold significant importance in the worship of Talos, serving as both messengers and prophetic symbols. These birds, often seen circling the skies above temples dedicated to Talos, are believed to carry messages from the god to his mortal followers. The appearance of crows is considered an omen, signifying the god's watchful presence and, at times, forewarning of his judgment.
With its keen sight and intelligence, the crow is also emblematic of Talos's omnipresence and omniscience. It signifies the god's ability to perceive the truth beyond the veil of deception, ensuring that justice is served. The sight of a crow reminds the faithful that Talos's gaze is ever upon them, guiding their path and judging their deeds.
Talos's duality is celebrated and revered by his followers, who understand the necessity of protection and retribution in maintaining cosmic balance. Temples dedicated to Talos are adorned with iconography featuring white and black wolves alongside images of crows, encapsulating the god's complex nature.
In his role as the Sentinel, Talos offers solace and safety, symbolized by the protective embrace of the white wolf. As the Avenger, he embodies the inevitability of justice, with the black wolf as a stark reminder of the consequences of wrongdoing. Together, these symbols illustrate the multifaceted nature of Talos, a deity who embodies both the light and shadow aspects of divine guardianship and retribution.
Talos's followers are reminded through these symbols that their god embodies the full spectrum of justice, from the nurturing protection of the white wolf to the dark resolve of the black wolf. In the grand tapestry of the realms, Talos stands as a testament to the intertwined nature of peace and war, mercy and vengeance, reflecting the eternal dance of light and darkness in the cosmic order.