Laaos

Description

Laaos, the Keeper of Order, is revered as the God of Wisdom, Wood, and Spring, and a patron of balance in the natural world. According to legend, he was born from the first tree to sprout from Midora’s earth, though in truth he was created from the flesh of Diion, following Gao’s emergence. His arrival marked the dawn of the Fourth Age, and the world blossomed evergreen to welcome him.

He is often depicted carrying a staff carved from the first cherry blossom tree, representing guidance, balance, and the renewal of life. During spring, Laaos is said to emerge in his dragon form, blessing new growth and fertility across Lunora. His followers see him as a guardian of wisdom and a source of insight for those seeking knowledge, guidance, or harmony with nature.

Dragon Form

Like his siblings, Laaos can assume the form of a majestic oriental dragon, symbolizing nature’s vitality and strength. In this form, his body is long and serpentine, adorned with emerald green scales that gleam like fresh spring foliage. His powerful whiskers are said to stir the wind that carries life-giving rains and pollen, while his body mirrors the winding rivers and streams that flow across the land.

This dragon form embodies the renewal of the earth after winter, bringing life and growth to plants, animals, and humans alike. To his followers, invoking his dragon form is a way to channel wisdom, strength, and the vitality of spring. Across Lunora, dragons are widely associated with power, prosperity, and protection, and Laaos’ dragon form is no exception: a living emblem of balance, growth, and renewal.

History

Laaos was created from the flesh of Diion shortly after Gao, assuming the role of maintaining order and balance in the newly structured world of the Fourth Age. While Gao oversees time and harvest, Laaos focuses on wisdom, growth, and equilibrium.

He has long been associated with the cultivation of knowledge, the guardianship of sacred groves, and the protection of spring’s renewal. Throughout history, sages, herbalists, and druids have credited him with providing guidance in times of uncertainty. His presence in folklore is often tied to stories of forests awakening, rivers flowing with clarity, or leaders gaining wisdom before critical decisions.

Personality

Laaos embodies serenity, patience, and impartial judgment. He values foresight, balance, and harmonious solutions to conflict. He is calm yet observant, intervening only when the natural order is at risk. Mortals view him as a benevolent teacher and guardian, but one whose wisdom cannot be rushed; lessons must be learned with care and reflection.

Views on the Other Four

As judge and keeper of balance, Liao holds nuanced views of his divine siblings:

• Liao (Death & Autumn): Laaos respects Liao’s role in the natural cycle of life and death, carefully monitoring that his influence does not upset the balance of order he strives to maintain.
• Takata (War & Winter): He approaches Takata with caution, valuing endurance and resilience but mindful of the potential for unnecessary suffering or imbalance in the world.
• Nori (Love & Water): Laaos admires Nori’s nurturing influence and sees love and compassion as essential to growth and harmony, though he emphasizes moderation and foresight.
• Gao (Time & Harvest): Laaos respects Gao as a necessary complement, understanding that wisdom and timing must align to ensure prosperity and stability.

Overall, Laaos views his siblings as essential contributors to the natural order, each requiring careful moderation to preserve harmony.

Worshipers

Laaos is a patron of gardeners, herbalists, druids, and scholars. Those who work closely with nature often call upon him for guidance, protection, or insight into the cycles of life and growth. His presence is considered especially near in spring, during the planting season, or when delicate decisions require wisdom.

Avatar

The Legendary Avatars of the Five are revered as living vessels of divine will—champions chosen by the Nagan Pantheon to serve as mortal representatives. Each Avatar demonstrates extraordinary devotion, wisdom, and talent in service of their patron deity, embodying their god’s essence in flesh. Becoming an Avatar is a rare and sacred honor, granted only to those who have performed acts of exceptional piety or heroism.

It is widely believed that each of the Five maintains one Avatar within the world of Midora at any given time, though scholars debate whether multiple Avatars could exist simultaneously. Their presence is seen as both a blessing and an omen, for an Avatar’s emergence often signals great upheaval in the Empire.

Abilities

• Nature’s Guidance: Laaos can enhance the growth of plants, heal wounded ecosystems, and ensure fertile lands.
  
• Wisdom of Ages: Grants insight to mortals, allowing them to make balanced and informed decisions.
  
• Balance Enforcement: Can subtly influence events to maintain equilibrium in the natural and mortal world.
• Dragon Form Empowerment: In his oriental dragon form, he can manipulate wind and weather to protect or nurture life.

Possessions / Relics

• Staff of the First Cherry Blossom: A staff that channels his divine wisdom and maintains natural order.
• Emerald Dragon Amulet: A relic representing his dragon form, often worn by his most devoted followers to channel guidance and insight.

Legacy

Laaos’ legacy endures in both natural and human realms. His teachings influence cultivation, architecture, and governance, and his wisdom guides mortals in creating harmony between their societies and the environment. Through the cyclical blessings of spring, the growth of forests, and the insight granted to seekers, Laaos remains a symbol of balance, wisdom, and the enduring strength of life itself.