bestiary
Persian Yazatas: The Fragmented Divine
The benevolent entities of Persian tradition, fragmented by the Broken Sun's shield but still guiding humanity.
The Nature of Fragmentation
Yazatas are divine beings who would possess reality-warping power if fully manifest. But the Broken Sun's shield fragments them, allowing only pieces of their essence to reach Earth. This makes them relatable rather than incomprehensible—guides rather than overlords.
The Eternal Garrison
Rostam - Yazata of Resilient Defense
Domain: Unyielding defense—"not one step back"
Manifestation: Appears in dreams during impossible defensive stands, grants endurance when shields should break, makes walls hold one hour longer.
Personality: Stoic, weary, still dreams of his mortal craft (clockmaking). A god who never wanted divinity but accepted duty.
Leila - Yazata of Far-Sight and Warning
Domain: Prescient awareness, early warning
Manifestation: Prophetic dreams, sudden intuitions, the feeling of being watched that saves your life.
Personality: Anxious, vigilant, eternally young (was only 22 at ascension). Sees every possible catastrophe before it happens—and cannot rest.
Darius - Yazata of Unyielding Structure
Domain: Architecture that outlasts its creators
Manifestation: Bridges that shouldn't hold but do, machines running past their limits, buildings standing for centuries.
Personality: Cynical but precise. Found in godhood the purpose cynicism had hidden in mortality—that hope is a structural problem that can be engineered.
Traditional Persian Yazatas
Mithra - Yazata of Covenant and Sunlight
Domain: Oaths, contracts, promises kept
Manifestation: Sunlight breaking through clouds at crucial moments, warmth when hope seems lost. Works through symbols (cannot physically manifest).
Connection: Resonates with the Broken Sun's vow (the cosmic covenant that holds reality together).
Anahita - Yazata of Waters and Fertility
Domain: Life, growth, feminine power, bonds between women
Manifestation: Springs emerging in desert, rain at needed times, appears as beautiful woman in dreams.
Cultural Significance: Many women are named for her. Water temples throughout Persia honor her.
Atar - Yazata of Fire and Transformation
Domain: Sacred fire, purification, change through burning
Manifestation: Lives in temple fires (cannot leave). Flames that purify without consuming, warmth without harm.
Connection: Closely tied to Taftan's eternal fire—where the Broken Sun walked to ascension.
Rashnu - Yazata of Justice and Judgment
Domain: True judgment, measuring souls, absolute fairness
Manifestation: Scales appearing in visions, truth being weighed. Can only judge—cannot act.
Connection: Embodies Dāvar (Law of Judgment) in its purest form.
Sraosha - Yazata of Obedience and Discipline
Domain: Righteous discipline, following divine order
Manifestation: Voice in conscience, strength to resist temptation. Whispers only, cannot command.
Cultural Significance: Pahlavani brotherhoods honor him as patron of disciplined strength.
Manifestation Rules
Remember: Yazatas in Year 9,200 are fragmented by the Broken Sun's shield. They:
- Cannot physically manifest fully (would require Alignment)
- Work through dreams, visions, and signs (indirect influence only)
- Can empower artifacts (bless items for heroes to use)
- Grant temporary boons (moments of superhuman ability, then fade)
- Provide knowledge (visions of past/future, understanding)
- NEVER solve problems directly (heroes must act; Yazatas guide)
They are not saviors. They are teachers, allies, and witnesses. The struggle is ours. The victory must be ours. They can only light the way.
"We were squad Rostam-7, Wall Section 7, Western Approach. We held for seven hours. We've been holding ever since. Now it's your turn. Hold the line. For home."
— Rostam, heard in the dreams of those who stand watch