Alamarri Pantheon
Prior to Ferelden's unification and the introduction of the Chantry by King Calenhad, the Alamarri people devoutly believed in a pantheon of gods that helped explain the natural world around them.
As the Chantry gained a foothold in the fledgling nation, the ways of these "old gods" have started to be forgotten by most. Though some Ferelden citizens still pray to this group of gods, it is considered heretical in the eyes of the Chantry. The most common believers are those Chasind Wilders and Avvar tribesfolk.
This is primarily an oral tradition with little bits written down and those few things written down being heavily protected.
Beliefs
Every region of Ferelden has its own minor gods that find themselves in this pantheon, but there are a select few that can be found amongst every Alamarri culture. The belief these people hold is that faith is the vibrant cornerstone of existence, and that the gods live in all things. Spirtualists, shamans, and augurs who partake in this faith believe that spirits are manifestations of their gods. Thus, they treat them as patrons to be lulled and wooed. Particularly out in the edges of civilization, such spirits have lived with their believers. Templars and the Chantry would claim that this is but the workings of a manipulative demon. The Alamarri gods are more capricious than cruel, demanding appeasement for perceived sleights rather than wantonly casting misfortune on their people from lofty heights. When believers suffer, it seldom occurs to them to blame ill luck, but instead, to wonder which of the gods they have offended. If a warrior suffers a wound, he is concerned that he may have slighted the god of battle. If a hunting party returns empty-handed, their only thought is to placate the the god of the mountain; indeed, they will not go forth hunting once more until they have decided on how to mollify him - there would be no point in it, as they would surely fail again. Some Alamarri believe in a hazily defined afterlife governed by the the god of death where the dead are reunited with their kin. They also believe some of their people are destined to be reborn with their essence returning clothed in new flesh upon death.Gods
Korth the Mountain-Father
Main article: Korth the Mountain Father Korth is the eldest and strongest god, and everything found in the mountains stems from him. It is through his watchful gaze that the Alamarri people receive everything they need, be it prey for hunters or green fields for shepherds. According to Alamarri legend, Korth kept his throne at the peak of the mountain Belenas, which lay at the center of the world. From there, he could see all the corners of the earth and sky. Over time, young Avvar would challenge each other to scale the mountain. At first, Korth found this amusing and he delighted in the valor of their failed attempts to enter his hold. Eventually one known as Sky-Breaker, boldest of his kind, scaled the summit and stood in Korth's hall. What happened there was unknown, but as word spread more and more continued to try. Korth grew weary of more attempting to enter his domain and thus spoke to the Lady of the Skies, who lifted Belenas from the earth into her realm. There, he dwells in peace.Lady of the Skies
Main article: Lady of the Skies The Lady is goddess of all above Korth's domain: of birds who sing and the wind that rolls over his land. She also presides over the dead. Rather than cremating bodies like many Andrastians do, traditional Alamarri dismember their dead and offer them to the Lady through her messengers, the birds. As can only be assumed, this practice came to be due to the existence of Ceaseless. Ritual priests who worship the Lady are known as Sky Watchers. Their duties primarily consist of reading the portents of the Lady of the Skies, interpreting her will and presenting the bones of the deceased as offerings.Hakkon Wintersbreath
Main article: Hakkon Wintersbreath Hakkon is Korth's son, and the Lord of War and Winter. He is master of the two bitter colds of frost and steel. Respect for him and his raw power has lead many Alamarri to follow him in battle. Many train in the martial arts in order to be found worthy by Hakkon and Hakkon in turn was said to grant such warriors who earned his favor with a natural intuition or a second wind during battle. Some warriors who prove their vigilance, wisdom, or valor are granted special weapons to perform his will.Vitiris Elkhorn
Main article: Vitiris Elkhorn It is said that as Hakkon walked the lowlands of what is now known as Ferelden, he stumbled upon the Korcari Wilds which he planned to bring into his domain. As he walked, he disturbed a faun from his eternal slumber. Not realizing that in fact this immortal had been cursed long ago, Korth continued to talk to him until eventually learning that he was the caretaker of all that was the wilds. The mountain-father named him Vitiris Elkhorn, likely due to the brilliant horns he had, and gave him power over all that was wild.Gatekeeper of Twilight
Main article: Gatekeeper of Twilight As many would agree, the Fade is a strange place that is often visited in dreams. Little is understood, but the Alamarri vehemently believe that the Gatekeeper of Twilight is the one who controls such a strange domain. Little is known about such a being, but their power cannot be denied and thus the Alamarri pray to them for protection from corrupted spirits and demons. Alamarri traditionalists believe that all necromantic magic somehow connect to this being.Relation to the Chantry
According to Chantry scriptures, it is claimed that Andraste originally prayed to Korth the Mountain-Father as well as the Lady of the Skies. Her prayers went unanswered, however. Eventually the Maker, the god the Chantry believes to exist, came to her instead.
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