| Category | Higher Powers |
| Power | Minor |
| World | Gears Infinite (Mechanus) |
| Race | Durkoth (Shade) |
| Gender | male |
| Alignment | chaotic neutral |
| Symbol | shadowy fingers |
| Domain | Artifice, Madness, Shadow |
| Enemies | unknown |
| Born | 9 Temporal 2794 LE |
| Godhood | 16 Artifice 1121 HE |
In the year 862 HE, refugees of the world Osâchar, aboard ancient primordial troop carriers, the Helas Vessels, entered Bal-Kriav's atmosphere. One of these vessels carried the then mortal Neld-Rac, who was among the three Saints of Maen, a former leader of the Horgon Empire.
On Bal-Kriav, the Durkoth warlord Neld-Rac and his minions spread their tyrannical influence over the primitive peoples dwelling in the western territories of the Aerie of Dragons. Unlike most other Durkoth, Neld-Rac was more interested in his experimental pursuits than dominating lesser races during his mortal days. In the Spire, he utilized powerful Durkoth alchemy and magic to create a race of creatures called the Muneyd'vith through the forced breeding of Kriistvrii and ogre-magi. Rumors also suggest that Neld-Rac was responsible for manipulating the behavior and intellect of the Toomrur. His base of influence was the Helas Vessel, which would become widely known as the Spire of Neld-Rac.
In the year 1121 HE, Neld-Rac journeyed through the hallowed Temple of Ascension, attaining the revered status of Cult Power. At that time, the majority of his devoted following resided in the esteemed city of Limac-Nîr.
In the final year of the Durkoth Descent spanning from 995 HE to 1355 HE, a substantial number of Neld-Rac's adherents vanished into their immense hibernation vaults. With his worshipper base significantly diminished, he sought to recruit new followers from among the local populace.
In 1026, two millennia after the Durkoth had abandoned the Spire for the ocean depths, researchers employed by Bralda-Balc ventured into the alien structure. One of their plundered findings was the Lab Journals of Neld-Rac - technical writings in journal form that spoke highly and convincingly of the author, captivating many with a near-religious fascination for Neld-Rac.
From all reports, nine out of ten individuals who peruse these writings become devoted adherents to Neld-Rac. Uncovering the secrets contained within exacts a substantial toll, which may transform one into a zealously loyal spokesperson for the author.
Mordesou, of the Sisters of Kyprix - "Neld-Rac's Journal Curse"
Over time, those who were deceived spread Neld-Rac's gospel to others, often targeting those of similar mindsets, such as academics, practitioners of arcane studies, psionics, and stellar fields. After several decades, this belief system had permeated the farm hands and gained a foothold in Hells Womb. The revival of Neld-Rac worship and the proliferation of information on dark rites and ancient secrets of necromancy stemmed from Neld-Rac's journals. Some claim these journals were a primary factor in the downfall of Kal-Oni. In the years since Kal-Oni's collapse, Neld-Rac worship has spread across Brucrumus and into the jungles of Ma'Ohari.
In the 13th century, Neld-Rac's evangelists commenced infiltrating the settlements of Synnbarri.
In 1529, the Duplicity Period began when Neld-Rac used forbidden tech on the denizens of Bal-Kriav.
Neld-Rac possesses the Divine Domains of Artifice, Madness, and Shadow. Two of these are purposefully interlinked. As a mortal, he reveled in crafting with his own hands, and when this pursuit reached its limits, he turned to necromancy, golem construction techniques, magic, and other means to bring his visions to life. After passing through the Temple of Ascension, his soul-bound Torc of Maen Grirngrim interfered with the Ascension ritual, transforming him into a Higher Power, but also a Shade. Unable to use his hands, he was driven to madness for a time. He then claimed Madness as a divine domain, and after mastering its secrets, he cured his own bouts of insanity.
Some refer to Neld-Rac as the Mad Seer.
| Core Worship | Proselytizers |
|---|---|
| As'lumix | |
| Engineen | Creed of Tech |
| Icyke | Shadow Sect |
| Ink-Shad | |
| Malshirk'iss | |
| Neeth-Theen | |
| Umahanbad |