Whist

God of Youth and the Hunt

A lone arrow whistles through the trees, striking home in the breast of the dragon threatening a small farming village. The wielder of this bow, a wiry, lean and tanned androgynous youth with short white hair, lowers their bow and whoops in triumph. Their clothing—chest wrapped in fabric with abs exposed, fur-lined pants and boots—betrays their status as a hunter, and the pack of archers, druids, clerics, wolves, bears, and more that follows them from the trees identifies them as the god of the Wild Hunt.

Domains and Flavor

Whist is most often worshipped as a deity of Nature, though some clerics have applied their blessing of the hunt to War. Rangers almost universally worship Whist in some form, but druids are more divided. Many side with Whist as the patron of the predator pack, but others instead devote themselves to Asra and the protection of the vulnerable aspects of nature. A lesser-known aspect of Whist is their nature as the god of ambition, which leads them to receiving the occasional prayer for success by traveling merchants.

Myths and Relationships

Whist has a running competition with the god of monstrosities, Legaku, in which Legaku creates a horrible monster to ravage the lands and Whist selects a champion from among the mortals to hunt it. It's anyone's guess as to the score at this point, but each god claims they are the one in the lead. Whist also has a contentious sibling relationship with their brother, Asra, who protects the prey and innocence in the world—but beneath it all they share a close bond with each other and their parents, Kenzo and Tizoc.

Religous Influence

Whist is extremely active in the world, often traveling with a personal Wild Hunt comprised of their closest companions among clerics, rangers, druids, and predator animals. They are quick to befriend mortal Astalians and develop friendly rivalries, and have been known to enter archery contests as a form of amusement and to find worthy candidates for the Hunt. As the patron deity of youth, Whist will often answer the prayers of the rebellious teenager or the prodigal son. They are also the patron god of travelers and often receive the offerings of those about to embark on a long journey. Their symbol is an arrow with feathered wings.

Pronouns

they/them