Thiru-taya is a deceased Chultan general from ancient Omu, whose tragic love story forms the emotional heart of Nangalore’s history.
Background and Role
Thiru-taya was Omu’s foremost general and the consort of Queen Zalkoré during the city’s golden age. He commissioned the construction of Ka-Nanji (later known as Nangalore), a palatial hanging garden built as a tribute to the queen. When Zalkoré made a dark bargain with an erinyes that transformed her into a medusa, the army forced her into exile at Nangalore. Zalkoré believed Thiru-taya was among the generals who betrayed her, leading her to deface all statues and portraits of him throughout the garden.
The Truth
Thiru-taya never betrayed Zalkoré. He remained loyal to her throughout his life, enduring decades of imprisonment and disgrace in Omu. Only when his ashes were brought to Nangalore for interment according to his dying wish did Zalkoré learn the truth of his faithfulness.
Current State
Thiru-taya exists only as ashes contained in a clay urn resting beneath his statue in the ruined palace (area 4). His 18-foot-tall stone statue depicts him wearing splint armor, a helmet festooned with tyrannosaurus teeth, and bearing a shield of intricately patterned leopard hide. The statue’s face has been completely obliterated by Zalkoré’s gouges, though the words “Forgive me” are carved in Old Omuan across its back.
Legacy
Zalkoré cultivates hallucinogenic plants throughout Nangalore specifically to brew a narcotic tincture that allows her to dream of Thiru-taya’s face—without it, she cannot recall his features. She continually hallucinates his presence, believing he stands at her side. When she is reduced to 63 hit points or fewer, his spirit manifests as a barely visible 10-foot-tall apparition wielding a massive spear of force, protecting her until she dies or regains full health.
A message on the palace dome reads: “True love, faithful general, safe will you rest in Nangalore eternal. None will disturb you while I live. Such is my vow of penance, and for my sins I cannot die.”
Adventure Significance
Disturbing Thiru-taya’s ashes or damaging his statue guarantees Zalkoré will fight to the death. Making disparaging remarks about him or referring to his “betrayal” provokes her fury and likely combat.