Legal Gods

Gods of Shresta

There are two categories of legal gods in Shresta: mandatory and tolerated. Among those gods that are mandatory to worship are Pholtus and Hieroneous. Of the tolerated gods there are those that are simply viewed with neutrality and those that are cautiously observed.

Pholtus - God of Law and Light

Pholtus is the primary deity brought to Shresta by the elves. Pholtus primarily oversees the practice of lawmaking and is known historically as the god of order, inflexibility, and the sun and moon. Every city and village in Shresta has a temple dedicated to Pholtus by Origin Federation Law. Worship of Pholtus is mandatory. Any citizens of Shresta who oppose Pholtus are to be arrested.

Heironeous - God of Chivalry and Valor

Honored by knights and soldiers, Heironeous is often considered the younger sibling of Pholtus. Where Pholtus may write the laws, Heironeous enforces them. Worship of Heironeous was introduced to Shresta with the dwarves and is still considered to be a "dwarves god" today. Worship of Heironeous is mandatory. Any citizens of Shresta who oppose Heironeous are to be arrested.

Beory - God of Hunting and Nature

Beloved by hunters, foragers, animal trainers and people that live close to nature, Beory embodies nature and all living things. It is said that Beory does not reach out to her subjects the way other gods do, instead revealing herself among the natural world rather than in dreams or visions. Worship of Beory in Shresta is permitted.

Cuthbert - God of Common Sense

Also considered the god of zeal, wisdom, and dedication, worship of Cuthbert is common among lawmakers, judges, inquisitors, and craftsmen. It is commonly known that Cuthbert once rivaled Pholtus for leadership among the gods, but lost to him in battle. Nobly, Cuthbert stepped down from the challenge and Pholtus ascended to his position. Worship of Cuthbert is permitted in Shresta.

Ehlonna - God of Sacred Lands and Shrines

Similarly to Beory, Ehlonna is connected to the natural world. Considered the protector of sacred places, many druids and paladins have sworn oaths in her name to shield the natural world from harm. She is a favorite of clerics and monks who live in sacred shrines, temples, and other places around Shresta. Worship of Ehlonna is permitted in Shresta.

Fharlanghn - God of Horizons and Travel

Often depicted as an old traveler with a walking staff, Fharlaghn is the god most revered by travelers and merchants. Sometimes considered the god of good weather, Fharlanghn is said to protect travelers who journey in search of goodness or with good intentions. Conversly, Fharlaghn is feared by bandits and other miscreants who travel the roads said to be under this god's protection. Worship of Fharlanghn is permitted in Shresta.

Kord - God of Athletics and Sport

This god is a favorite among workers and most common folk. Kord watches over all who engage in good-mannered sport. It is said that Kord punishes cheaters and sore losers with injury or failure. Kord is also credited with inventing wrestling, horse racing, dart throwing, and lifting stones. Kord is often depicted as a musclebound female dwarf lifting a large boulder. Worship of Kord is permitted in Shresta.

Istus - God of Fate and Destiny

Istus is known for being a god most embraced by young people. Young lovers and hopeful students are often known for giving small tokens of tribute to Istus in the hopes she will sway their futures positively. Less is known about Istus than any other god. Her followers are few and rarely known to commune with her. Worship of Istus is permitted in Shresta.

Pelor - God of Sun and Healing

Sometimes considered the god of time, Pelor is a favorite of clerics, doctors, priests, nurses, and many animal caretakers. Pelor is one of the only gods with a series of edicts for his followers, the first and foremost being "Alleviate suffering wherever you find it". Pelor is considered the most selfless god and often reaches out to his followers to provide good dreams. Worship of Pelor is permitted in Shresta.

Rao - God of Peace and Reason

Rao is most well known for his legendary staff, The Serene Staff, which is said to have the power to calm any being or beast, even other gods. Rao is commonly worshiped by farmers and other common folk. Many new parents receive blankets or other items for their children embroidered with the symbol of Rao for peaceful nights and calm emotions. Worship of Rao is permitted in Shresta.

Celestian - God of Stars and Wanderers

Also called "The Far Wanderer", Celestian is known for being a god that moves silently across the world helping those who are finding their way literally and metaphorically. Unlike Fharlanghn, Celestian encourages journeys across the world not just small travels across the nation. Shrestian's suspicious nature makes them wary of strangers from other lands and thus Celestian is often considered untrustworthy by the people of Shresta. Worship of Celestian in Shresta is tolerated but not encouraged.

Olidammara - God of Revelry

Historically, Olidammara was once one of the main gods that people worshipped. Her place in the pantheon diminished after the founding of Shresta when the Church of Pholtus and Origin Federation made stricter laws in place against gambling, drinking, and other "immoral acts". Olidammara asks nothing from her followers except song, drink, and dance. Worship of Olidammara in Shresta is tolerated but not encouraged.

Ralishaz - God of Mental Well-Being

Poor luck, misfortune, chance, and insanity; all fall within the domain of Ralishaz, though she is best known for watching over those with mental illnesses. The people of Shresta have strong negative feelings towards those who are perceived as "insane" and thus this god is seen as pitiful and weaker than other gods. Despite this, there is still strong support for Ralishaz, though worshipers will often hide their allegiance to this god out of fear of social stigmatization. Worship of Ralishaz in Shresta is tolerated but not encouraged.

Ulaa - God of Luck

A favorite of gamblers, bandits, thieves, and other ne'er-do-wells, Ulaa has gained a bad reputation among the people of Shresta. Ulaa is a god of grey nature but they have yet to be outlawed. Many preists and politicians have brought forth the idea to the Origin Federation but because Ulaa is also beloved by many workers and other craftsmen, the law has never been seriously considered. Worship of Ulaa in Shresta is tolerated but not encouraged.