Cross

Cross, Third Coming of the Sun, formerly Pope Cross I, is the former head of the Holy Empire of Nyasa and soon to be third member of the Lineage of the Sun.

In Mortal Life
Cross was born to an aasimar mother in Nyasa City. His father is not officially recorded, and some theologians argue he is the son of St Cuthbert. He entered the church at a young age as a hymn-paladin, composing songs and singing his way through battles, and gained widespread fame for his unique musical style and captivating voice. He is rumored to have adventured with Leilah Maloch during his youth.

Cross was chosen as pope at the age of thirty-five after the final death of the previous pope. His papacy was noted for his commitment towards the expansion of rights for women and religious and species minorities, and for his support of the development of a new musical tradition in Nyasa. He is credited with a number of recorded miracles as well as actual miracles, such as casting miracle off the paladin list.

During the end of his tenure, those who considered him their patron began to receive spells from him directly, confirming that he was likely to ascend to godhood upon death. During the incursion of the Void in 1450, he was struck down in battle against a void incursion off the coast of Celestalia. Leilah Maloch defeated his killer and retrieved his body.

As a God
Cross currently lies within the Great Church of Cuthbert in Nyasa City, attended constantly by singing mourners and high priests. Despite the lack of magical preservation, his body appears impervious to decay, and he appears to be breathing, though he does not detect as alive. It is widely believed that he is undergoing the hibernation process many gods pass through as they ascend to power, and that he will rise again as the third god in the Sun Lineage following Pelor and St Cuthbert. Some clerics report already receiving spells from Cross. A cathedral dedicated to him in Nyasa City, as well as several churches in other cities, are already under construction.