Derizal

**Derizal**, known as **The Founder of Teyra** and **The Liberator**, is a Neutral Good God whose portfolio consists of such concepts as Liberality, Justice, Courage, and Honor. His symbol is a golden sword in front of a blazing sun.

## History

Derizal was born a mortal human male during the last decades of an ancient Lupine empire. He retained his freedom within the empire but lived as a second-class citizen, supporting himself and his family as a farmer.

During a time of stagnation and famine in the empire, tensions rose between Lupine and non-Lupine, which led to many violent conflicts between these two groups. The ruling Lupine enacted harsher laws against the other races in retaliation, and it was not uncommon for non-Lupine citizens to face excessive or violent force from the ruling race. Rebellious groups became prominent in the region Derizal's family resided in, and during a governmental raid to root out non-Lupine rebels in his region, his wife and child were slain. Derizal inevitably joined the growing rebellion, and rose to a leadership position over the course of the insurrection.

Derizal united his own group of rebels with others across the empire, and led them on to dismantle the Lupine empire. Over the several years in which the rebellion took place, Derizal arose possess a near mythic reputation for his ruthless, and his efficacy as a leader in spite of his humble beginnings. After the fall of the empire the rebellion looked to him for leadership, and he founded the kingdom of Teyra on its ruins, naming the nation after his wife. He returned to his home town, renaming it as well in honor of his son, Lyren, and declared it the nation's capital.

Ascendance to godhood is understood by few in the Prime Material, but after decades of ruling over and establishing Teyra, worship by the populace allowed him to arise to the status of a deity. A short time after this occurrence, Derizal announced his coming departure from the mortal plane, and chose a king to take his place, while he and his closest companions left their mortal lives behind to create a heaven for his worshipers.

## Godly Realm

Caleron was the name of the afterlife plane created by Derizal and his Custodians, which is said to be a fruitful land of endless spring, where the dead may find true respite and live without worry. According to the holy folk of Teyra, to be welcomed into this realm requires a certain level of worship to Derizal, and adherence to certain rules and values.

## Worship

Worship of Derizal is widespread across Teyra and exists even among communities in the Murran Plains due to Derizal's mortal accomplishments in the region. Unlike many gods, Derizal does not seem to require much from his followers in the way of rituals or observances, but he does call for certain general tenets to be upheld.

### Tenets

*Liberality* - Be generous and tolerant.

*Justice* - Strive to do what is right, and right what is wrong.

*Courage* - Do what must be done, for the sake of those who cannot.

*Honor* - Be honest and keep promises. Your word is your bond.

### Taboos

Slavery and Necromancy are abhorrent practices in the eyes of Derizal, and Teyra has often experienced tension with nations such as Leveriq for their practice of the former. Aside from this, acting against his tenets is understandably considered taboo, or at least looked on unfavorably by devout worshipers.

### The Custodians of Derizal

The Custodians of Derizal are an order established by Derizal's closest companions during his mortal life, and includes his paladins and clerics. The order typically acts in the interests of the nation, but remains somewhat separated from the government, treating Derizal himself as their highest authority above the reigning king. If the government or the current ruler strays from Derizal's tenets, they are willing to act against them however. The Custodians have done so only a few times throughout the nation's history, one famous example being the War of the Dragon Queen.