Goddesses of Arkanis
Summary
The early humans of Arkanis, upon discovering the power of the nexus crystals, developed a cosmology surrounding the origin of their power. The crystals contained a particular "magic" quality, a property that allowed those exposed to the crystals to wield elemental power beyond compare. The creator god Axys created five goddesses to watch over the crystal's power, ensuring it was used responsibly on the mortal plane.
The goddesses and their corresponding powers are as follows:
- Xiso, goddess of water (associated with the Glys Crista) power = Aquarys
- Zodoni, goddess of earth (associated with the Ede Crista) power = Terrys
- Ekra, goddess of fire (associated with the Nys Crista) power = Ignys
- Ophion, goddess of light (associated with the Lys Crista) power = Lumys
- Merloh, goddess of darkness (associated with the Vode Crista) power = Umbrys
Origin Story
In ancient times, five nexus crystals grew from the earth of Arkanis. Each crystal embodies one of the five elements of Arkanis: water, earth, fire, light, or darkness. Thus, each of the goddesses was gifted with the elemental power of the crystals. To protect early humanity from harming themselves with the divine elemental power they did not yet have the intelligence to wield, the goddesses came together to seal the nexus crystals underground at the center of the continent, with their networks expanding across in vast crystal networks - like a heart with its many veins, it became the life center of Arkanis's magical power.Interactions with Humanity
When humanity began developing their own civilizations and industry and a terrible drought struck the land, a select few Chosen stumbled upon the nexus crystal cave. With their pleas to the goddesses for aid, the humans were blessed with the power of the crystals. With the crystal network's influence, the people of Arkanis inherited the elemental abilities, becoming "Chosen" by the goddesses to wield the power for the good of their village. After the discovery of the nexus crystal cluster, the leaders of each village/clan argued over who would watch over the power at the center. To ensure no clan had too much power over another, they decided to separate their nexus crystal from the primary cluster and bring it back to the heart of their homeland. They created a map of the nexus location, Axys Well, and each of the clan leaders took a piece of the map with them so no single one of them could find their way back alone. There are five pieces in all. This separation of the crystals severed any connection to the previously established crystal networks snaking across the continent and geographically isolated the power that would manifest in each region. Thus, the goddesses also grew apart, becoming isolated from one another and losing their collective power and influence over humanity in the process. Now, with the crystals independent of one another and the goddesses' power weakened, Arkanis entered a new state of industry and science, disconnecting almost completely from their indigenous spiritual beginnings, opting instead for the practical and scientific uses of their power. Still, there is a strong network of priestesses that worships the goddesses and begs their mercy and protection, a network that is protected by the Empire and with far-reaching roots.Historical Basis
In ancient times, the goddesses were prayed to for good fortune in times of need; now, a thousand years later, the goddesses are still worshiped but are primarily figureheads of power more than actually thought of as influencing the land itself (government taking a more secular view on the power of the land with the advent of scientific discovery).
Spread
The cosmology of Arkanis is widely known, with religious practices active in each queendom for their respective goddess. However, the government of the queendoms themselves seldom see the goddesses as having influence over their ruling affairs as much as they had thousands of years ago, turning instead to scientific discoveries of how Chosen power is bestowed.
Cultural Reception
Each queendom has their specific stories associated with their patron goddess, and thus has their own unique relationship with their goddess and Chosen power. Some religious offshoots are more strict and rule-oriented than others (depending on the goddess being worshipped), which leads to much variation both in how the queendoms are governed and the moral backbone of their people.
In Art
The five goddesses are popular muses in the arts and literature. Stories of brave heroes facing terrible odds are usually accompanied by a goddess offering her patronage or one of her followers providing guidance to the hero along the way. Sculpture, dance, music, writing, painting - the cosmology of Arkanis is widespread and common knowledge.
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