The Ebon Reckoner
Kel'Nixian the Ebon Reckoner is the formidable deity of death, retribution, and righteous war
feared and respected throughout the realms by soldiers, judges, and those who seek justice for
the fallen. Known as the stern judge of souls, guardian of the afterlife, and arbiter of
divine retribution, Kel'Nixian guides the departed to their eternal rest while ensuring
that transgressors face the consequences of their actions. Her blessing is sought by
warriors and executioners alike.
Death & The Afterlife - Kel'Nixian embodies the natural transition from life to death,
guiding souls through their final journey and ensuring each finds their proper eternal rest.
Retribution & Divine Justice - As the arbiter of cosmic consequences, Kel'Nixian ensures
that those who transgress against the natural order face appropriate punishment for their crimes.
Righteous War - The goddess sanctions warfare that serves justice while
condemning those who wage war for selfish gain or cruel pleasure.
Final Judgment - Kel'Nixian teaches that all actions have consequences that echo beyond death,
and that true justice may be delayed but never denied.
Kel'Nixian is depicted as a tall, imposing figure draped in flowing black robes that seem
to absorb light, often shown holding the Scales of Final Judgment while ravens perch upon
her shoulders. Her eyes burn with the cold fire of absolute justice.
Kel'Nixian is often depicted with an expression of stern impartiality and unwavering resolve,
embodying the inexorable justice and final peace she offers to all who pass through death's door.
Holy Symbols:
- The Obsidian Scales (black scales weighing souls and deeds)
- The Raven's Quill (feather that records final judgments)
- The Ebon Sword (blade that severs the thread between life and death)
- The Closed Eye (symbol of eternal rest and final peace)
Kel'Nixian's temples are built of black stone and adorned with solemn carvings,
designed to promote reflection on mortality and justice. The largest temple, the
Obsidian Citadel of Valenhall in the capital, features the Chamber of Final Rest
said to be directly connected to Ebonreach itself. Worship involves offerings of
weapons from fallen enemies, funeral rites for the dead, and oaths of vengeance for the wronged.
Major Holy Days:
- The Night of Reckoning (Winter Solstice) - Most solemn festival honoring the dead and seeking justice
- The Warrior's Rest (Autumn Equinox) - Celebrating fallen heroes and righteous battles
- The Final Judgment - Annual ceremony blessing executioners and their sacred duty
Location: Obsidian Citadel Cathedral, Blackport
Ancient human necromancer who has served Kel'Nixian for over 120 years
Soul Wardens - Elite warrior-priests who hunt those who cheat death and corrupt the natural order
Raven Speakers - Traveling priests who perform last rites and deliver divine retribution
The Death Speaker - The High Priest who speaks for Kel'Nixian in matters of life and death
Shadow Keepers - Apprentice priests learning the sacred mysteries of death and judgment
It is said that when the first mortal died, their soul wandered lost in the void until
Kel'Nixian carved out Ebonreach from the shadows between worlds. She built the Obsidian
Citadel as a waystation where souls could be judged fairly before continuing to their
eternal destinations, establishing the natural cycle of life, death, and consequences.
During the Age of Tyrants, Kel'Nixian herself is said to have manifested on the mortal
plane to personally execute the most corrupt rulers whose crimes had grown too great
for mortal justice. The Obsidian Thrones that mark these sites still inspire fear
in would-be tyrants across the realms.
Ancient texts speak of a time when Kel'Nixian will lead an army of the righteous dead
in a final battle against those who would corrupt the natural order of life and death.
Some believe this refers to an invasion from the undead, while others think it speaks
of a reckoning for all who have escaped justice in life.
With the recent increase in banditry along trade routes and rumors of corrupt officials
in several border territories - unpunished crimes, escaped criminals, and the discovery
of mass graves from past atrocities - many faithful believe Kel'Nixian is preparing
to deliver long-overdue justice. Prayers for her retribution have increased, and several
priests claim to have received visions of a coming reckoning for the wicked.