The gods are forces of nature, embodiments of forces of the world. Some have existed since time immemorial, while other have only appeared along with mortal concepts. Gods like Allumvor and Valorien are ancient, while godesses like Malory are newer.
Since the events of the Godwound, the gods were cut off from the world. With only some beginning to return in recent times. The gods that have returned to the material plane are known as the Awoken. While those who have not are known as the lost gods