The Earth Fiend Deity is ugly, short, and greedy by nature. Playing to his strengths and avoiding his weakness…
The Earth Fiend Deity is ugly, short, and greedy by nature. Playing to his strengths and avoiding his weaknesses, he mastered a unique tunneling martial art, burrowing and moving through the ground. Because of this, he was taken in by Chieftain Du and made a subordinate leader, spending his days waylaying travelers and robbing them.
But the Earth Fiend Deity's greed knew no bounds, mere roadside robberies could not satisfy him. Having heard countless myths and legends, he grew especially fond of tales about evil deities, believing that those who brought terror to the land were rewarded with offerings of incense and devotion born of fear. Thus, he came to see himself as a "wondrous being descended from the stars," just like the strange heroes and freaks of old storybooks. Thanks to his burrowing abilities, he disguised himself as a local Earth God, took over a village shrine, and forced the nearby villagers to offer sacrifices day and night, all under the pretense of "warding off disasters." Any who refused to pay tribute quickly found calamity striking at their doors, and many were unsuspecting merchants who met misfortune on the road.
Still unsatisfied with daily offerings, the Earth Fiend Deity turned to hosting grand rituals. Such lively gatherings not only showered him with gold, silver, food, and wine, but also fed his pride as he watched the fearful reverence of the people. Today, he has already prepared the second ritual of the month outside the shrine he occupies, eagerly awaiting fresh offerings from passing villagers and travelers alike.