Zoli

Zoli's Ehnari interpretation, as drawn by user Grapeio.

**Zoli** (pronounced "ZOH-lee"), usually referred to by the title of the Sun God, is the Senlo Dei creation of a universal deity that embodies the sun, daylight, divine right to rule, power, glory, and gain. He is usually considered the head of the Senlo Dei pantheon and Ember Council, and the patron of kings and rulers. He is seen as the guide for just and honest rule, and favors leaders who rule through kindness and compassion rather than tyranny. Aside from nobility, he also shines favor on those who live lives of generosity and virtue. He is the being responsible for carrying the sun through the sky during the day, atop his dragon companion Siro.

## Description

### Appearance

Zoli has several themes and icons that stick with his various interpretations across the world. He usually appears as a dark-skinned humanoid, wearing clothes and armor made from gold. Found almost everywhere is the iconic sun headdress and mask that Zoli wears, though it is sized differently depending on location. Zoli himself is nearly always portrayed as a muscular, attractive masculine figure. In some localized sects, though, Zoli may appear feminine, but tends to keep the muscular form. Zoli's palette in most iconography consists of different shades of brown and gold, along with white and red, and sometimes black. He'll usually be shown carrying a spear or his bow, Amstora.

### Personality

According to most myths featuring Zoli, the god appears as prideful and narcissistic, though he is also seen as outgoing, kind, and uplifting. He's confident in his position as ruler, and uses his status as head of the pantheon to assist mortals and immortals alike with problems they may have. Overall, he's seen as a kind ruler and paternal figure.

## History

### Deity Inspirations

#### Ferotchil

Ferotchil was the old Lithian god of the sun, who would die each night and be resurrected in the morning by the god(dess) Lithar. He was tasked with carrying the sun (a ball of gold and light) through the sky each day, riding on the back of a massive phoenix that would gradually burn him to death.

#### Korya

Korya was the old Mallesian deity of sun and mortality. According to old Mallesian lore, Korya was unique among the other gods as she was entirely mortal, and able to age. She would often die due to age or complications with other deities, and usually would be reincarnated into a new mortal body, her memories maintained.

#### Paruseichi

Zoli is partially derived from the Malican sun god Paruseichi, the head deity of the pantheon and the god responsible for sunrise, mortal life, healing magic, and resurrection, as well as agriculture and land fertility. However, much of this inspiration instead goes to Parsei, who also took the deity's name.

#### Shivoch

Shivoch is one of the old gods of ruling and divinity in the Sanfathi pantheons. He was known to have heavy associations with the yellow sun, rain, and life, and was worshipped widely in many different Halfling communities, even if they didn't share the same pantheon. Sometimes it's believed one of his alternate faces was Happas, who could possibly represent matriarchy. That, or he acts as a resurrected form of Happas after being killed by the archer Yason.

#### Tae

Tae was the old Pelgan deity of the sun, who later died to give a small group of mortals the power to rule the world.

#### Tei-Raushi

Tei-Raushi was the old Lyrian deity of fire, summer, and vengeance. He was known to be a deity of aggressive defense, and would give harsh punishment to those who harmed the beings under his protection.

#### Zerre

Zerre was the old Gnomish deity of the sun, logic, reason, and rulership. He was the head of the pantheon of logic gods, before later retiring at the end of his life cycle and passing the rulership to his daughter, Moyorre.

#### Zolos

Zolos, the god where Zoli's named is derived from, was the old god of the Halflings of Olsim, who later migrated to the plains of Tel'Ara. This deity is thought to be the primary origin of Zoli as we know of him today, as his primary myths come from the interpretations in this region. Zolos, however, was wed to Zarelos, the goddess of magic and fate.

#### **Zuthos**

Zuthos was the Pelgan deity of the sun, justice, vengeance, and (strangely), law. There is little reference to him historically, and it's generally believed that his personification was later merged with the more popular local deity: Tae.

## Mythology

### Creation of Lai Lioran

Zoli was one of the first beings created by Adina, who needed assistance in the creation of Lai Lioran. In order to give inspiration to the new plane, Zoli created his world of Mahari; a world of light and love. As declared in the First Moot and later executed during the creation of the world, Zoli's light and the inspiration from Mahari would be used to create the sun. Of the First Races, Zoli is usually credited with the creation of the dragons.

### Mythic Wars

Zoli is usually credited as the god who started the First Mythic War by throwing a discus as Zhav's head. The two gods made their alliances and began to war with each other on the battlefield of Donia. Although the first war saw significant back and forth in the conflict, the war ended with a stalemate as the Antilai would intervene and stop deities from physically entering the world of Donia. Zoli, along with a few other deities, would help oversee the reconstruction of the material plane and the rebuilding of civilization. During this period, Zoli grew close to Adina, and the two would become good friends. This friendship was cut short, however, as Zhav and Mazdril would capture the goddess of life, provoking Zoli into starting the Second Mythic War. Due to Mazdril's meddling with the Antilai, Zoli and his forces would be unable to gain an upper hand in the conflict, and Zoli would later be killed by Zhav using Kastarei, draining his blood into the sea and creating Parsei. During the end of the Second Mythic War, Zoli would be resurrected by Parsei. Estaemion's attack on Zoli started the Third Mythic War, though it did not last long.

## Worshippers

Zoli, as the head deity in many different societies, has been primarily worshipped as the patron deity of royalty, nobility, and other such leaders. In addition to these rulers, though, Zoli is also widely loved and worshipped by much of the people, and is usually the subject of celebrations and holidays worldwide. He's often prayed to in order to bring sunlight after rain, or to be asked to hide in order to stop drought or wildfires. He's also typically regarded as a benevolent boon granter and rewards loyal followers with fame and fortune. In addition to Parsei and Bestil, he is prayed to for good health.

### Holy Sites

* Mount Riyora: A large mountain located on the tri-point of the Desert, the Asogak Empire, and Fairine. Usually considered the center of Lerania.
* Peradnon: A peninsula located in the Bay of Amnesty.

### Orders

* Aurigath: A military order closely related to the nobility of Icestead. Their headquarters is the castle of Zaurnac near Darkwell.

### Notable Followers

* Yaisar: A priest of Zoli, and the theoretical ancestor of the now-extinct House Yaison.