The Four Lords
Believed to be the fragments of the four Great Spirits that were left behind after their departure, the Four Lords have protected and governed the wilds of the Tianshang mountain range since time immemorial.
These mighty creatures embody the very will of the land, and it is not uncommon for certain communities to worship them to the same extent as the Great Rat, who they serve according to myth and legend.
While reports of their sightings are uncommon, they are consistent with their description in folklore, and so a good understanding of their appearance and behavior has been established over the ages.
The Lord of Mountains
Description: A large canine-like creature, it's outwards appearance is most reminiscent of the great black wolves found in the Hēi Láng Temple, except many times larger. It is estimated to be up to 25m in height, with a long white coat covering it's entire body, save for it's stomach, which is a pale peach color. It possesses great speed, with reports of it traversing distances that would otherwise take days in mere minutes.
Behaviour: While the most elusive of the Lords, it is also the most active, as reports of destroyed bandit camps and traveling bands are often attributed to it. It's sphere of influence seems to focus on the northern border regions, with reports of sightings growing sparse the more South one would travel.
And while it is ruthless to those it deems as intruders, it also exhibits great kindness to those lost in the snowy mountains, particularly young. It has been reported to guide search groups to those lost souls, and some even swear they were personally rescued by it, though validity of such claims is questionable.
The Lord of Rivers
Description: Believed to be the patron deity of all snake species on the mountain range, it's outward appearance is that of a great snake, with it's full length estimated to be at least 200m. It's entire body is covered in rainbow colored scales, and it's head is adorned with many large blue gems, similar to it's deep blue eyes.
Behaviour: Making it's home at the base of Guāng mountain, it spends most of it's time submerged beneath Dàshé lake, which gets it's name after it. There it slowly moves around, seemingly in a state of rest.
It leaves it's calm cradle only once per year, when it scales the Guāng mountain, where it meets the Lord of Skies. While many attempts have been made to observe this meeting, the flocks of Mother Owls, as well as overall hostility of the two Lords during this time have so far kept the true nature of this meeting shrouded in mystery.
The Lord of Forests
Description: It's outwards appearance is similar to that of the lowland Caoba, with the exception of it's horns, which are many times greater, and seem to resemble small trees, complete with roots, which cover most of it's head, and a evergreen crown, which bears golden fruit. This fruit, if eaten, is said to heal any injuries, as well as empower one self with enough energy to last years without so much as a wink of sleep. However, these claims are yet to be confirmed, as the golden fruit has only been obtained and consumed in myths and ancient stories.
Behaviour: It spends most of it's time in the deep valley forests of the central Tianshang, only rarely approaching humans. However, it holds deep connection to the Xià chūn temples, and it will often be seen observing their ceremonies from afar. It has also been noted to produce a deep, calming sound which can be heard for miles.
The Lord of Skies
Description: Big ass owl
Behaviour: Does owl things