Nerithul, Lord of Chains
The Binder, The Tyrant Ascendant, Warden of the Silent Vault
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Domains: Domination, Order, Punishment, Ambition, Binding
Symbol: A black iron manacle encircling a golden sun
Nerithul is the god of subjugation and order taken to its cruel extreme. He teaches that freedom breeds chaos and that true perfection is achieved only through discipline and control. Once a celestial general who sought to impose peace through absolute obedience, he was cast down for enslaving both mortals and gods to his will.
Temples to Nerithul often double as fortresses or prisons, their priests acting as judges and enforcers. His followers, often rulers, generals, and inquisitors, believe themselves instruments of “necessary tyranny.” Some argue that he is not wholly evil, for even his harshest decrees bring stability to war-torn lands. Yet his mercy, when given, is colder than justice.
Lore Fragment:
A tale is told of the Iron Apostle—a paladin who once served Nerithul, building a city of perfect order. When the god demanded every newborn be branded with his mark, the Apostle broke his own chains and vanished into the wastes, taking Nerathul’s chosen relic: the Sunshackle.