The Nine Divines
Information on the gods
While commonly referred to as the Nine Divines, there are in fact ten. Only nine receive worship.
The Pantheon
- Sifae the Serene, Keeper of Knowledge and Wisdom
- Artuin the Blacksmith, Forger of Strength and Will
- Most Blessed Asmiel, Patron of Bards and Singer to the Ender
- Tul the Archer, Sentinel of the Hunt and Beasts
- Kranoc the Warrior, God of Soldiers and Strategy
- Bilenthia the Maiden, Guardian of the Hearth and Tender of the Fields
- Gauthen, Master of Magic and Weather
- Valatru the Courageous, God of Chance and Children
- Eiska the Balance, Minter of Coin and Goddess of Merchants
The One Who Stands Alone
Mahajit's name is quietly spoken only as an absolution to ward off death. It is his role to collect the souls of the dead.Mythology & Lore
The Dance
The universe was created by the Nine in an elaborate dance through the Void where form was given when once there was none. Stars lit the expanse and the planets grew warm. Great bodies of water grew life and trees reached towards the heavens. The Tenth Divine, who's domain is the Void, beheld it all and asked, "Why have you destroyed my serenity?" and swatted towards the newborn sky. Together all of the Nine staid his hand yet the planets and stars themselves began to spin. "Brother, we have been lonely together for so long. Let us have warmth and find new stories to tell." It was then he saw the sadness within his family and relented. As the planets moved light gave way to darkness and the Tenth looked upon the land and nodded. Some time had passed and as the Tenth glared with tired eyes at the light around him his sister came to him."Brother! Look at my Creation," Sifae exclaimed to the Tenth. Elves walked the land and softly sung her name.
Not longer after as the Tenth sighed with ringing ears at the constant noise his brother came to him.
"Brother! I made some as well," Artuin said to the Tenth. Dwarves burrowed under the mountains and carved great statues of his likeness. On and on his family went and as the others showed off their creations he looked down to the last and witnessed the first passing. He said to his family, "Twilight approaches all things and I shall patiently await to take them to rest. With this you may continue to dance."
Cosmological Views
The universe and all of its rules were set down by the Divines at its creation. These rules keep the balance of nature and promote the flourishing of life. At its basest level all things are made of magic, though magically inert they may be. Trained mages harnessing their inner power may exert their will upon creation to slightly alter it for a time.
Magic itself is simply another tool, and like any tool it may be used for good or evil. The Divines remain unphased by mages bringing rain during a drought or burning the fields of their foe. Only the perversion of the tool through necromancy catches their attention.
Worship
Throughout the lands many temples exist which glorify all of the Divines. In large temples it is common to have nine alcoves where each have a depiction of the deity and an altar devoted to them. Smaller churches and shrines are more routinely found in towns and villages. These are usually devoted to a single Divine whose purview matches the needs and desires of the nearby community.
A supplicant wishing a blessing may pray for anything they wish. A farmer may pray to Bilenthia for help in warding off insects and convincing Gauthen to bring gentle rain for his crops. An assassin may ask Tul to ensure that he goes undiscovered as he slips into a noble's villa. At the end of the day some Divine will hear their prayer and may choose to grant them a small boon, they don't pass judgement on squabbles.
The Divines demand little from mortals; however, most people feel the need to give offerings of money or service to their local temple or shrine as well as a sacrifice of a symbolic item to their preferred god. If one chooses not to worship them they are more than content with ignoring a mortal.
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