Swaffos

Swaffos (also known as Steven or Hoss) is the name given by the habitants to one of the eight adventurers who arrived in Helias during event known as 'The Rebirth'. He is known for living a simple life, seeking smaller and more intimate accomplishments, and is the Lord of Swaffle Hills. As a member of the aforementioned adventurers, he possesses significant abilities relative to the habitants of Helias and is revered by the locals in the religion titled The Paragons.

The Rebirth
Upon arrival onto Helias, Swaffos' initial moves are currently unknown. It is believed he wandered the mainland of Mea for a time, not settling in any singular location. It is, however, known that Swaffos eventually decided to embark westward, towards Swurnia. After a time wandering the Wesral Ocean, Swaffos eventually, much like his western counterpart Aarno, discovered Swurnia.

Arrival on Swurnia
in 3 AR, Swaffos had initially landed on the southern shores of Swurnia, in the mountainous island region that eventually became known as Swaffle Hills. Rather than immediately finding habitants like Aarno did, Swaffos originally found no settlements and believed the lands to be uninhabited. Swaffos did, however, find ruins of an old fortress, presumably a remnant of an outpost ocreated by The Ancients. Swaffos decided to settle on the most southern island of the region, and built a small homestead in this area.

Soon after settling, Swaffos found a peculiar artifact in a nearby cave. A large archway made of obsidian, he found an ancient portal presumably made by The Ancients themself leading to The Nether. Although the Habitants of the world had found many similar portals, this portal is special as it was in far better condition than the many ruined portals across the world.

Discovery of Habitants
After having settled in Swaffle Hills and having established a homestead for himself in the southern regions, Swaffos decided to explore more of the region. In 5 AR, Swaffos embarked to explore the immediate surroundings more. In this exploration, he took a more in-depth trip to the ruins of The Ancients, and was wowed by what must have once been a great structure. He also explored the forests on the north end of Swaffle hills, and was surprised to discover that there were sporadic tribes inhabiting these forests.

Initially he was met with a tense welcome, however Swaffos assured them he wishes them no harm and they allowed him to conduct diplomatic negotiations with them. After weeks of meeting with the various tribes living in Swaffle Hills, it was agreed that Swaffos would continue to remain at his homestead and that neither side would engage in any sort of hostilities. Although he did not integrate as deeply as his counterpart Aarno, he did make positive relations with these tribes before returning home to leave them to their affairs. In the years following, Swaffos would continue to interact with these tribes occasionally, primarily for trade purposes and as a peacekeeper role when tensions between tribes would flare up. His talents as a Paragon served him well in the peacekeeper role due to his ability to intimidate when needed, and his desire to prevent a war from interfering with his peaceful life motivated him to step in when needed.

Meeting with Aarno
Throughout the years living on Swurnia, both Aarno and Swaffos were unaware of the other's presence. This changed in 8 AR when Aarno was on an expedition across the entire isles. Aarno was sailing the southern coasts of Swaffle Hills when he spotted what appeared to be a small fishing dock. Upon arriving at the dock, he found an old friend, Swaffos. Swaffos, equally surprised and stunned by this meeting, quickly welcomed Aarno to his homestead.

The two quickly bonded and caught up with stories of their adventures on Helias over the last 8 years. Swaffos learned of the other settlements across Swurnia and Aarno's attempts to build a safer world for the habitants and Aarno learned of Swaffos' encounters with the local tribes and his time spent perfecting various trades and crafts.

There was underlying tension, however, between the two, as they feared the presence of the other on the isles may cause issues if their ambitions clashed. The topic was eventually brought up and Swaffos insisted he had no interest in lands outside of his homestead and region of Swaffle Hills, and he agreed that as long as he is given control over his lands, he would be willing to serve under Aarno if he ever desired to unite Swurnia.

After a successful visit, Aarno departed and Swaffos went back to his humble life for the coming years.

Lordship over Swaffle Hills
In 18 AR, Aarno summoned Swaffos to visit Castle Muchos and discuss the future of the realms. It was at this meeting that Swurnia united under the banner of the Swurn Isles and Swaffos was granted lordship over the Swaffle Hills province. Although initially reluctant to accept a role of leadership and fearful that the local tribes may not want to be ruled by a lord, he accepted the title.

Having discussed the matter years earlier with Aarno, Swaffos knew this day would come, and as such had prepared a generous gift to Aarno to solidify their relationship. As a master craftsman, Swaffos presented Aarno with The Eternal Throne, an intricate and grand throne made of the finest polished stones, fit only for a king of the highest level. This throne would come to inhabit the throne room of Castle Muchos and be one of the most famous items in Helias.

Upon return to Swaffle Hills, he met with the local tribesmen and revealed the situation to them. They negotiated that they would be willing to accept this arrangement provided they be allowed to self-govern as settlements, be allowed free access to trade with Swaffos as well as other regions of Swurn Isles, and that Swaffos act as protector from the threats that attacked them at night. These terms were agreed to and Swaffos returned to his homestead to rule and continue his life.

Due to the agreement with the common folk, he abided by the terms of leadership and chose to let them primarily self-govern. This fit well with his desires, for he did not wish to interfere with their affairs very often. Only the most important matters would be decided by Swaffos, such as contributing to The Stretch's path through Swaffle Hills to ensure that the various settlements are able to more easily access trade.

Advisor to Aarno
Over the years of initial rule, Aarno came to value Swaffos' sage advice in matters of realm governance. As a result of this, despite the distance between Castle Muchos and Swaffle Hills, Aarno would frequently visit with Swaffos to discuss matters of the realm and many of the more important decisions were made by them both rather than by Aarno directly.

This relationship would lead to the Habitants seeing Swaffos as a truly wise man, and would become an influencing trait of his paragon depiction.

Discovery of The Nether
Swaffos is credited with being the first Paragon to discover the realm of The Nether. In 22 AR, after many years studying the ancient portal and attempting to reactivate it, Swaffos learned that when combined with active fire the portal suddenly reactivated. Unlike the stories of it's activation in the time of the ancients, however, nothing poured out of the portal. It remained completely stable and silent. Swaffos decided to step through the portal and found on the other side a world in ruins, but one that was very far from dead. Horrific monsters of great power roamed this hellscape destroying all they came in contact with. Swaffos quickly used his abilities to create fortifications around his portal within the nether to prevent discovery from the being living there and retreated through the portal back to his home.

Accomplishments
Swaffos has been known to be the first Paragon to have the ability to fell entire trees with a single blow.

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Paragon Status
Throughout the lands of Helias, the adventurers became revered as gods in the religion known as 'The Paragons'. Swaffos is one of eight paragons that make up The Pantheon.

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Status Within Pantheon
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Mythology
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