Kothir

## Origin Story

"Before the Gods there was a great mountain in the heavens by the name of Kothir, that bridged this world to the one above. Kothir, ten times larger than the largest mountain in the realm of mortals. Entombed at the bottom of Kothir is a Beast, more horrible than imagining, but that is not what I will explain today. All life came from this grand mountain. In time, Kothir swelled and bloated. Ryla was being formed under the crust. The surface of the mountain cracked, and Kothir birthed Ryla, the first woman, the Goddess. Her beauty was unrivaled, being the only  in existence at the time. Ryla looked off Kothir and saw the world, far, far below. She saw people, feral, almost naked, and savage. They killed others with clubs and spears, they raped and robbed each other, the strong and brutal thrived, the weak were killed off. These people were not better than the animals they hunted and killed. They were scared and weak, bullied and eaten by great demons and monsters. Ryla knew she was not enough to lead these deluded people into light. Ryla needed siblings. She asked the Beings of the mountain to assist her. In other circumstances, the Beings of the mountain would not be concerned, too busy and too far removed from the plight of the people to assist. But these were not normal circumstances. Pure and noble Ryla was pleading with them to aid in her desire to help the manlings. Some Beings agreed. The Fwtyr Den, wise Bird Men of the world above, decided to help Ryla. With ancient ritual and Ryla’s divinity, and the last God was born directly from Kothir. Fodes emerged fully grown from the summit of Kothir, holding his mace upwards towards the sky. Order would be brought upon the humans. As Fodes stood, brushing off the dirt from his shoulders, he heard footsteps from behind him. Another God, Lihnbrell. Fodes and Ryla asked the Beings of Kothir who sired him into the world. All were silent. Ryla suspected the Ilnog, but the Goddess said nothing. Lihbrell said he did not know where he came from, he simply was there. Commerce and language would be brought upon the humans. Later, there was pounding on the side of the mountains. The Giants were coming. The Giant Queen, Brehenes Cewi carefully held a small bundle, smaller than her pinky nail. In the bundle was a sleeping baby. The Giantess claimed that someone had placed the mortal child alongside the giant infants. The other Gods thought it was a sign of blessing. The baby was strong and hale, and did not cry. The Beings took this both good and bad. The Fwtyr Den accepted it, but the Gwyllion did not want a filthy and vulgar mortal to be raised upon the mountain, and retreated deeper into the caves of Kothir. Ryla took the baby in her arms and the Gods took turns blessing him This was the last of the brothers, Kiens, was raised by both Giants and Gods. When the time came that Keins was a fully grown God, the Gods shared their gifts with the mortals. Fodes gave them order, law, and rule. They stopped their petty and futile squabbling, and banded together to build walls and write codes of law. Lihnbrell gave them language and currency. They spoke a strong tongue, and minted coins in Lihnbrell’s image. Most importantly Lihnbrell gave them honesty. Mortals would not cheat each other or trick each other, unless it was in good taste and it was harmless. Mortals would not swindle and exploit each other for a few shiny rocks. Lihnbrell made sure that they understood. Keins gave them courage and strength. No longer would they hide and cower in the face of Daemons or creatures of evil. They learned to fight with valor. They left the light of the campfire, and explored. Keins gave them resolute hearts and tenacious souls. Finally, Ryla. She gave mortals endearment  and compassion. She taught them to love because it was good and right. But not all mortals listened to the gods. Some were malicious and coy. Some were thieves, gamblers, murderers, and highwaymen. Not all mortals were strong of heart like Keins or virtuous like Ryla. This still stands today. Our Church has the duty to educate people and to spread the truth of the Gods of Kothr."

Father Manning, Prior of Three Walls Church