I am the consequences!
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Tamaroth, also known as The Man with the Beard or the Bearded Leader, is a Dead God. He is/was the God of Leaders and Rulers.
Appearance[]
He always has a beard, and a face that makes him resemble Abraham Lincoln, while his entire presence also suggests a timelessness and prominence that let Erin also compare him to a persona like Teddy Roosevelt. Tamaroth stood taller than any man that Erin had ever seen, making it seem as if he looked down upon everyone and everything. It is clear that "standing tall" was figuratively speaking because his less noteworthy companion was actually the tallest in their group of three.[1] His gaze was described to be able to command legions and use lives.[2]
Personality[]
Essentially, Tamaroth has a god complex (pun fully intended). Arrogant and egocentric, he perceives himself to be superior to others; as a result, he has a tendency to be condescending and is angered when defied. Tamaroth is also opportunistic, evident by how he tricked Laken into taking his hand, thus allowing him to establish an unknown pact/connection with the [Emperor].[2] While Tamaroth is usually calm-natured, he can be caught off-guard by something unexpected, such as when Sserys managed to land a blow on him, or when Erin summoned his previous gift of the umbrella from memory.[3] Additionally, he is somewhat insecure of being ignored, presumably stemming from millenia of being forgotten and starving from lack of worship and remembrance.[4] Tamaroth is very proud of his beard and affronted when it is insulted.[3]
Background[]
Tens of thousands of years ago, during a time when the Gods lived and had millions of followers, Tamaroth was the head of his pantheon. At some point, the gods implemented the grand design, which the Elves, Gnomes, and other species objected to. This led to a war involving the races, immortal and mortal, against the gods and their followers. Eventually the gods were defeated and forgotten by the inhabitants of Innworld, thus cementing their "death".[5]
Chronology[]
Volume 3[]
During the Winter Solstice, Tamaroth and two other mysterious men, would visit Erin, while she is alone in her inn, to seek hospitality from the storm outside. After Erin lets them in and feed them, only Tamaroth would tell her his name upon asked and upon hearing hers, he and the other two men each offered her a gift, on the condition that she only accept one, and in exchange of her soul. Tamaroth would offer Erin an umbrella like the sun, that burned away fear, darkness and untruths. However, Erin would ultimately declined what the strangers offered her, believing that she was not worthy of them.
Despite not taking one of their gifts, he and the other two thank her for her hospitality and tell her that one day they may meet again. Before leaving he tells her to keep the fire lit as the night is not over. Tamaroth would also leave her a bright coin.[1]
It would be revealed later on that after his visit to Erin, he would visit Laken and trick him into taking his hand, thus sealing some unknown pact with him. Tamaroth also gave him some needed advice on what an [Emperor] is all about, and to make festivities in his name.
Volume 7[]
Months later Erin has Pelt restore the inscription on the Mithril Coin, which reads, "Tamaroth, Who Leads. The G— of Rulers. Protect Us in Our Weakness," which hints to Tamaroth's true identity.[6]
During the Summer Solstice, Tamaroth appeared before Laken.[2] Later, he and three of the other Dead Gods showed up to the party's guests and Fae, trying to be invited and remembered. While initially driven back by the other fae, they are empowered by Aaron Vanwell, who under the influence of Emerrhain, sends a text message to every phone across the world stating "The Gods are Alive."[7] As such, the fae are forced to retreat, as they became potential weapons for the dead gods to use.
Volume 8[]
Tamaroth and the other dead gods began consuming the ghosts in the land of the dead. While they try to consume Erin, following her and other ghosts all the way to Chandrar, they are stopped by Khelt's rulers, who are able to defy them. They are further forced away by Erin, who is able to summon Tamaroth's gift of the umbrella made of sunlight, and King Arthur's sword.[3]
During the double full moon, Tamaroth appears before Laken again, eating food given (unwillingly) by him. He advises Laken on how to help Lady Rie, who was suffering in pain from trying to defy the Circle of Thorns' summoning.
While talking with the other Dead Gods, they are all caught off guard by Norechl's return, who is being followed by the things from beyond the edge of the world.[8]
Powers and Abilities[]
As a god, Tamaroth's power derives from belief and worship. It is implied that he and the other gods were able to return (albeit weakened, starving, and trapped in the land of the dead) thanks to the arrival of Earthers who acknowledge the existence of deities, as opposed to the inhabitants of Innworld who consciously acknowledge that the gods are dead. As the God of Rulers, he holds dominion over leaders and rulers and is able to exert some control over ghosts who ruled in life. Tamaroth is more powerful than Laedonius Deviy and Cauwine, thanks to his connection with Laken. He is also able to gain power by consuming souls en masse.[4]
Weaknesses[]
"Dead State" from Lack of Worship[]
While Tamaroth is able to gain power from people remembering even gods, the reverse holds true. As such, he is trapped in the land of the dead, unable to travel to the living world except during auspicious events such as solstices or a double full moon. He is unable to exert any influence over anyone except those who take his hand.
Umbrella made from the Sun's Light[]
While in the land of the dead, he is vulnerable to the sunlight emitting from the umbrella, ironically offered by him in the first place, which reveals his rotting corpse.[3]
King Arthur's Sword[]
The dead gods fear King Arthur's sword, suggesting it can hurt and damage them.[3]
Weapons of Faith[]
He can also be hurt by weapons which hold faith amongst people, such as Avel's sacred bow, though not permanently.[9]
Trivia[]
- While he was mentioned for the first time in Chapter 2.17, his official appearance was in Interlude - 4.
- Teriarch has been shown to use his name as an exclamation: "Tamaroth’s beard!"[10] However, he stopped from doing so upon finding out from Ryoka that the gods had returned.[11]