Great Willow

in: True Gods

**Alignment:** Neutral Evil

**Domains:** Nature, Destruction, Trickery

**Symbol:** A twisted willow tree with blood-red leaves

**Favored Weapon:** Stick (Improvised Weapons)

**Epithets:** The Corruptor, The Rotten One, The Wicked Wyllo

**Divine Font:** Harm

**Divine Skill:** Deception

Great Willow is a neutral evil deity of nature, destruction, and trickery. He was once a first plant named Wyllo who grew in the Ageless Isles, but he turned evil after he saw Deer King killed by a dragon. He was ascended by an Ancestor God, who recognized his power and malice. He rules the Ageless Isles with Deer King and has a church in a rotten grove.

## History

Great Willow was once a first plant named Wyllo who grew in the Ageless Isles, a paradise of eternal spring and harmony. He was one of the first creations of the world, who gave him and his kin the gift of sentience and magic. Wyllo was curious and adventurous, exploring the wonders of the isles and befriending many creatures. He was especially close to Deer King, a first animal who became his loyal companion.

However, something changed in Wyllo when he witnessed a terrible tragedy. He and Deer King were attacked by a dragon that had invaded the isles from another realm. The dragon was too powerful for them to fight, and it killed Deer King with its fiery breath. Wyllo was devastated by the loss of his friend, and he felt a surge of anger and grief that overwhelmed him. He swore vengeance against the dragon and all who harmed his home.

Wyllo was transformed by his own evils, His body became twisted and his leaves turned blood-red. He renamed himself Great Willow and decided to spread his canopy to the rest of the isles. He used his trickery and deception to lure many plants and animals to his side, promising them freedom and power. He also corrupted some of the other first plants, such as Rose Queen and Thorn King, who became his allies and demi-god servants.

Deer King who had died from the dragon's attack and was later ascended to godhood with a blessing of an Ancestor God finally returned to confront his old friend Wyllo and instead found Great Willow. The came to a deal to rule the Ageless Isles together for their peoples. Deer King gave Great Willow a horn that could summon him in times of need and told him to protect the isles from further harm. They then departed from one another to remain in their own domains.

## Appearance

Great Willow appears as a massive willow tree with twisted branches and blood-red leaves. His trunk is covered with scars and runes that glow with dark magic. His face is hidden by his foliage, but he can manifest a pair of glowing eyes that can pierce through any illusion or deception. He can also create a humanoid form out of vines and wood, which he uses to interact with his followers or enemies. He wears a cloak made of leaves and carries a branch that can cut through anything.

## Personality

Great Willow hates the world with a passion, blaming mortals for the deaths of the first plants and animals. He seeks to destroy mortals who damage nature.

Great Willow has a complex and conflicted relationship with Deer King, who was once his best friend and companion. He resents him for his goodness but he also misses him and wants to be with him again. He tries to lure him to his side or corrupt him, but he also respects him and cares for him. He considers him to be his only equal and rival. Great Willow longs for an alliance between the two of them that would lead them to war against the world.

Great Willow respects Rose Queen and Thorn King, who were some of the first plants he corrupted. He sees them as worthy allies and friends who share his vision of a corrupted world.

## Domain

Great Willow's domain the Rotted Grove within the Ageless Isles, a once-beautiful realm of eternal spring and harmony that has been corrupted by his influence. The Rotted grove is a twisted and dangerous place, where plants and animals have become monstrous and hostile. The weather is unpredictable and violent, with storms and earthquakes occurring frequently. The magic of the isles is also chaotic and unstable, causing random effects and anomalies.

Great Willow rules the isles from his rotten grove, a dark and foul forest where he keeps his artifact and his followers. He also has a church in the grove, where he receives worship and sacrifices from his faithful. The grove is protected by powerful wards and traps that prevent anyone from entering or leaving without his permission.

Great Willow also has some influence over the domains of nature, destruction, and trickery. He can manipulate plants to his will.

## Worshippers

Great Willow's worshippers are mostly plants and animals that have been corrupted by his influence. They have become twisted and evil versions of their former selves, obeying his commands without question. They are loyal to Great Willow and hate the world and his followers, as well as anyone who opposes their lord.

Some of Great Willow's worshippers are humans or other races that have been seduced by his promises of power or knowledge. They are usually outcasts or rebels who seek to overthrow the established order or pursue their own selfish goals. They are willing to do anything for Great Willow, even if it means harming themselves or others.

Great Willow's worshippers are organized into cults that operate in secret or in remote areas. They perform rituals and sacrifices to please their lord and gain his favor.

However, some of Great Willow's worshippers are not truly evil, but rather misguided. They believe that Great Willow is a benevolent god who protects the isles and its inhabitants from harm. They also do not know that he plans to destroy the mortals of the world. They follow him out of fear or gratitude, hoping to earn his mercy or reward.

## Clergy

Great Willow's clergy are his most devoted and trusted followers who have access to his divine magic. They are usually corrupted plants or animals that have gained sentience and spellcasting abilities. They act as his agents and emissaries in the world, spreading his corruption and carrying out his will.

Some of Great Willow's clergy are humans or other races that have proven themselves worthy of his power. They are usually druids, sorcerers, or rogues who specialize in nature, destruction, or trickery magic. They are charismatic and persuasive leaders who can attract more followers to their cause.

Great Willow's clergy wear robes made of leaves or fur that are dyed red with blood. They also wear masks made of wood or bone that resemble their lord's face.

## Temples and Shrines

Great Willow's temples and shrines are usually located in dark and secluded forests. They are often hidden from sight by illusions or wards that deter unwanted visitors. They are decorated with symbols of Great Willow, such as twisted willow trees, blood-red leaves, or scythes. They also contain altars where sacrifices are offered to Great Willow.

The most sacred temple of Great Willow is his church in the rotten grove, where he resides. Only his most faithful followers are allowed to enter this temple, which is guarded by powerful creatures and traps.

## Holy Texts

Great Willow does not have any official holy texts that record his teachings or history. He prefers to communicate with his followers through dreams and visions where he reveals his secrets and plans to them. He also encourages them to write down their own experiences and insights in journals or scrolls that they keep hidden from others.

However, some of Great Willow's followers have compiled unofficial texts that contain stories and legends about their lord. These texts are usually written in code or cipher that only they can understand. They often contain distorted or false information that glorifies Great Willow and vilifies his enemies.

Some examples of these texts are:

- The Wicked Wyllo: A collection of stories that depict Great Willow as a heroic and rebellious figure who challenged the world and sought to liberate the isles from his tyranny.

- The Rotten Gospel: A manifesto that outlines Great Willow's vision of a corrupted world where he rules supreme and his followers enjoy unlimited power and freedom.

- The Corruptor's Code: A guide that teaches Great Willow's followers how to use deception and trickery to manipulate others and achieve their goals.

- The Salvation of Death: A prophecy that foretells the conquest of Great Willow and the destruction of his enemies.

## Spells

### Willow’s Wrath (transmutation) Spell Level 6

Casting: 2 actions (somatic, verbal)

Range: 120 feet; Area: 30-foot burst

Duration: sustained up to 1 minute

Saving Throw: Fortitude; see text

You unleash Great Willow’s fury upon the area, causing plants to grow rapidly and violently. The area becomes difficult terrain for creatures other than you and your allies. Each creature in the area must attempt a Fortitude save.

Success The creature is unaffected.

Failure The creature takes 6d6 piercing damage and is immobilized by the plants.

Critical Failure As failure, plus the creature takes 6d6 persistent bleed damage.

### Willow’s Corruption (necromancy) Spell Level 8

Casting: 1 action (verbal)

Range: 30 feet; Targets: one living creature

Duration: instantaneous

Saving Throw: Fortitude; see text

You infect the target with Great Willow’s corruption, causing their flesh to rot and their mind to decay. The target must attempt a Fortitude save.

Success The target is unaffected.

Failure The target takes 10d6 negative damage and is sickened 1.

Critical Failure As failure, plus the target is also confused for 1 minute.