Old Ones
The Old Ones is the colloquial name for the deities worshiped by humans prior to the Elven Conquest. The exact makeup and relationship between the Old Ones is not well known, with further research being conducted by archaeologists and clerics across Khalon.
Mythology & Lore
Origins
Pre-conquest humans believed humanity originated on Wiveria, a frigid continent to the north of Khalon. Called the progenitors, these humans contended with difficult weather, a short growing season, and dangerous wildlife, eking out a meager existence. During a particularly harsh winter, in what many thought would be the end, a mysterious figure appeared out of a blizzard. She raised her hands high into the sky and the blizzard had ceased. As the sun rose the following morning, food had miraculously appeared. This woman was celebrated, with offerings being left for her the following spring and summer. In time, she became worshiped as Eltertiel the Mother. The ancestors lived off the land as hunter-gatherers. With Eltertiel watching over them, these ancient humans flourished. In time, Eltertiel had three children: Geset, Edite, and Brandobar, all of whom became revered as she was. Each developed their own following, with elders practicing rituals to honor each of the gods.The Everlasting War
This golden age of the ancestors ended in a time before written history when giants descended from the peaks of their mountains. Hunted down like animals, the progenitors' entire way of life was shattered. In time, they found a way to fight back, but for every giant brought down, twenty to thirty humans died. During this Everlasting War, the gods had various children which assisted humanity in its fight for survival. Thumjir and Rast were born during this war, each assisting humanity in its fight with the giants. The Everlasting War was nearly lost for the ancestors when Edite gave birth to Viesa. Viesa was gifted with prophesy, and saw visions guiding humanity to Khalon. Building canoes and dugouts, the remnants of humanity fled their homeland to Khalon, settling throughout the northern and central parts of the continent. In time, Siedel, Steinheim, and Betre joined the Old Ones pantheon.Cosmological Views
The Dreipalast
The gods of the Old Ones are believed to live in another plane known as the Dreipalast. Here, the Old Ones feast together in a large palace, celebrating life with their most devoted followers. It is here where the most righteous and devout go when they die.Walking among Man
An important concept in the Old Ones religion is the idea that the gods can choose to reincarnate and walk among humanity. Dubbed to 'walk among man,' many of the most ancient stories dating back to Wiveria speak of the gods visiting and assisting humanity.Priesthood
Among pre-conquest humans on Khalon, each of the Old Ones had dedicated oracles who practiced traditional rites and communed with the gods.
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