The pantheon of Liabo is
considered "good" or "light" and consists almost exclusively of Arkati
that work towards the betterment of the lesser races. Those Arkati
considered "of Liabo" viewed the other races as a trust given to them, and
appointed themselves the caretakers of Elanthia.
There are a few Arkati
who do not fit into either Liabo or Lornon. They instead remain a relative
neutral, working towards their own designs with varying regard for the
lesser races.
The pantheon of Lornon is
considered "evil" or "dark" and consists almost exclusively of Arkati that
work towards the betterment of themselves. Those Arkati considered "of
Lornon" viewed the other races as playthings, food, or worse, and
considered Elanthia a stage for their own desires.
There are a number of
beings that, while they are not Arkati or are not Arkati of the main
pantheons, are worshipped all the same. Their motivations and stories vary
wildly, as do their allegiances to good or evil.
Aeia, The Mother Patroness of the
Earth and Gardens (Lesser Spirit)
Aeia is a local goddess in
the River’s Rest area. She is quite popular with the locals, but her
worship does not expand far past the surrounding area. Local tradition
dictates that Aeia is the earth mother; the world that the mortal races
dwell on. She also seems to enjoy gardens, and such plots that contain
statues of Aeia seem to do unnaturally well.
Aeia’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a beautiful human female with kind eyes.
In manner, she is quiet and gentle.
Her symbol is a white lily on a field of
green.
Amasalen, The Executioner Patron of Sacrifice (Lesser Spirit)
Once a Faendryl elf before
the exile of the House, Amasalen’s immortal origins are not known. He is
the patron of sacrifice, and delights in the painful offering up of
victims as gifts to a greater cause. He is considered a servant of
Luukos, which is borne out by his faintly reptilian features and craving
for human blood. However, he has frequent dealings with Mularos, and many
rumors state that his true master is Marlu. What is known for certain is
that he is energized by bloody, frenzied religious celebrations.
Amasalen’s form is that of
a white-haired, lean, muscular man with bronzed skin, snake- like eyes and
a long reptilian tongue.
He wears only flowing white silk pants.
In manner, he is zealous and sadistic.
His symbol is a purple two-headed serpent twined about a
crimson hand.
Andelas, The Cat God of
Felines and Hunting (Pantheon of Lornon)
Andelas is the lord of
cats, and so is different to some degree from the rest of the dark gods.
In fact, were it not for his decidedly sadistic nature, it could be argued
that Andelas is not really ‘evil’. Followers of Andelas form cat
cults, and idolize felines to the point of reenacting the stalk, the hunt,
and the kill (complete with costuming, fangs, and claws). Andelas’
influence is revealed in that the quarry in the reenactments are most
often members of one of the humanoid races. Unfortunately, they are rarely
as enthused about their own participation as the members of the cult
are.
It is rumored that Andelas
has an avatar that walks the land known as The Claw of
Andelas.
Andelas generally appears as a great cat.
In human form, however, he retains his catlike quality,
from his eyes to his unusually sharp fingernails.
In manner he is much like a cat, either playful, sadistic
or completely indifferent.
His symbol is a black cat’s head on a field of
red.
Arachne, The Betrayer Patroness of Spiders and Betrayal (Lesser Spirit)
Arachne is the patroness of
spiders and betrayal. She is the dire enemy of the Huntress, who she
betrayed while both were still mortal. Arachne was once the bodyguard
of a great queen who became jealous at her husband’s bodyguard’s beauty.
The queen enlisted Arachne’s help to bring the Huntress. Arachne slipped a
sleeping potion into the Huntress’ drink then, when the Huntress had
fallen asleep, planted a dagger in her hand and claimed that the Huntress
had come to kill the king.
When the Huntress was exiled, Arachne
was thrown into the dungeons for her knowledge of the queen’s treachery.
When the Huntress returned to exact her revenge, Arachne fell to her knees
and begged forgiveness, although she was hardly sorry. She was jealous of
the Huntress’ new status as an immortal, and wished some of this power for
herself.
This became obvious when, as the Huntress struck the queen
dead, Arachne in turn murdered the Huntress. As Arachne bent to drink of
the immortal blood, a black widow spider bit her on the lip and mixed with
that power to create a spider-faced creature that would become a
cult-worshipped goddess.
Arachne’s preferred
humanoid manifestation is that of a woman with the frame of a fighter
dressed in blood-stained leather armor, although most often she appears as
a giant spider.
In manner, she is cocky and condescending.
Her symbol is a black widow spider on a field of
red.
Charl, Lord of the
Seas God of the Oceans, Storms and
Revolution (Pantheon of
Liabo)
Charl is the God of the
Sea. Living apart from his brethren, he dwells constantly in the seas of
Elanthia, joining the other Gods only when Koar commands. Legend holds
that Koar once had to send for Charl six times before he appeared. When
Koar demanded to know why he was so disobedient, Charl replied that he was
always the most obedient of Koar’s servants, but that the waters of the
six oceans of the world flowed through his veins, and none could come
without the others. Charl is a dark and violent god, and is renowned
for his drastic mood swings. He cares little for the land dwelling races
on Elanthia, and is as likely to swat a nearby ship with a storm as he is
to let it pass untouched. Because of this he is feared by seamen, and few
pray to him for fear they might attract his attention. For the same reason
clerics serving Charl, although seldom welcome, rarely come to harm in any
place frequented by seamen.
He is also the god of storms of all
sorts, and more than one despotic tyrant, overthrown by an angry mob
marching under a stormy sky, has sworn that it was Charl’s hand that laid
him low.
Some clergy contend that Charl is at heart a God of
Darkness. Still, there is little doubt that he swears fealty to Koar, and
for that reason, if for no other, he is numbered with the Gods of
Light.
Charl’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a towering man with a beard of seaweed and algae,
blue and grey robes, wielding a trident. Charl rarely appears except in
the sea or the heart of a storm. His lower half is a fish’s tail.
In manner, he is stern, angry and quick-tempered.
His symbol is an emerald trident on a field of
blue.
Cholen is the God of
festivals and the performing arts. The offspring of Imaera and Eonak, he
is the twin brother of Jastev. Patron of celebrations and all that
goes with them, Cholen is renowned for his bright demeanor, his mastery of
music, song, and dance, and of his mischievous nature. All performing
skills commonly seen at festivals fall within his domain, and muttered
prayers to Cholen are not uncommon among jugglers, actors, and bards who
frequently perform at them.
The many comedies whose plots revolve
around mistaken identity and cross-gender disguises owe their basis, at
least in part, to Cholen’s penchant for cross-gender pranks, although his
disguises are generally acknowledged as being more complete than most
acting troupes could ever manage.
Cholen's preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a young man with summer-sun gold hair, blue eyes
and a slight build.
He is arrayed in fine but exaggerated clothing, and he
favors a great cloak with patches of every color and shape imaginable.
In manner, he is playful and mocking.
His symbol is a crimson lute on a field of
gold.
Eonak, Master of the Forge God of Craftsmanship, Labor and Triumph Over Adversity
(Pantheon of Liabo)
Eonak is the artificer of
the gods. He is also the consort of Imaera. After the Ur-Daemon War, he
took the people who worked in the stone under his wing and taught them.
Thus, he is considered the patron of the dwarves. Maker of all of the
fantastic items used by the gods, Eonak spends most of his time at his
forge. He is more at home there than anywhere else, and at times only a
decree from Koar or the soft words of Imaera can separate him from
it.
Often considered a strange pairing, Imaera and Eonak are each
masters of crafting, although their choices of substances is vastly
different. Imaera’s crafting is of living things, of cycles and seasons
and balance. Eonak’s crafting is of inanimate things, yet even as
Imaera’s, his creations must fulfill their purposes, achieve a balance of
beauty and utility, and all, even as Imaera’s do, contain some part of him
that marks them as creations of Eonak’s hand.
Eonak personifies
success won by hard work rather than natural gifts alone. Legends differ
as to how Eonak lost his arm, but all agree that the veil iron arm he
spent lifetimes crafting is the greatest piece of craftsmanship ever under
taken and serves him better than the original.
Eonak’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a heavily muscled person, either a short man or a
large dwarf, who wears the leather garments of a blacksmith.
His left arm is missing, replaced by a veil iron
prosthetic.
In manner, he is impatient, surly and distracted.
His symbol is a golden anvil on a field of
brown.
Eorgina, Queen of the Dark
Goddess of Darkness Domination and Tyranny (Pantheon of Lornon)
Eorgina is the Goddess of
darkness and ruler of the dark gods. She bestows upon herself the title of
Queen of the Gods and works toward the end of taking the places of Koar
and Lumnis, or at the least replacing Lumnis at Koar’s side. It is
incomprehensible to her that Lumnis does not claim the title of Queen of
the Gods, as the thought of not taking power where it is offered is beyond
Eorgina’s understanding. The Queen of Darkness personifies the
unrestrained power of tyranny and draws strength wherever one being
dominates another, be it a despot with no regard for justice or a
stepmother with no love for her husband’s children. Ironically, her
worshippers often include those who have been wronged by tyranny and seek
the revenge of returning the favor.
Eorgina’s preferred
humanoid manifestation is that of a beautiful queen wearing the richest
and most beautiful of velvet robes and weighed down with lavish jewelry.
In manner, she is cruel and destructive with a veneer of
royal bearing.
Her symbol is red, stylized flames on a field of
grey.
Fash’lo’nae, the Grandfather God of Magic, Forbidden Knowledge and Libraries (Pantheon of
Lornon)
Fash’lo’nae, is the master
of magic and arcane knowledge for its own sake. He regards the pursuit of
esoteric knowledge as an end in itself, and the societal or other impacts
of that pursuit are of no consequence. Even the gaining of knowledge for
personal gain is not a goal, other than as it may make further inquiries,
investigations, and experiments possible. Theft, dishonesty, and even
murder are acceptable if they further the acquiring of knowledge,
particularly arcane or mystical knowledge. While Fash’lo’nae is
certainly frowned upon by many, most do not consider him strictly "evil."
In fact, he is credited in several legends with spreading beneficial
knowledge that others (such as the Drakes and the other Arkati) would have
suppressed. It is generally agreed that Fash’lo’nae brought fire to the
mortal races, suffering the wrath of the Great Drakes, although there is
dispute as to his motive in doing so. Many call Fash’lo’nae "The
Grandfather," and his followers contend that he is the eldest of the
Arkati, even older than Koar himself.
Followers of Fash’lo’nae are
a hazard to all about them, since they consider the risks of demon
summoning as a paltry price to pay for the potential of increased
knowledge.
Fash’lo’nae’s preferred
humanoid manifestation is that of an ancient man or woman of scholarly
bent.
In manner, he is cool and calculating.
His symbol is yellow, slit-pupiled eye on a field of
grey.
Gosaena, Mistress of Eternity Goddess of Death (Pantheon of Neutrality)
Despite resurrections,
deeds, and other ways to return to existence, death is an ultimately final
thing. When the bridge between life and death is crossed for the final
time, and a soul is allowed through the Ebon Gates, Gosaena is there
waiting on the other side. She is the goddess of death. Unlike Lorminstra,
when a spirit comes to Gosaena, it will not be returning to the mortal
realm. Gosaena is a pariah among the other Arkati. She is gifted with
foresight, most specifically, knowledge of when everyone and everything
will die. The Arkati, now gods to the mortal races, had no desire to
recall their own mortality and so outcast her. Neither pantheon will claim
her, and no one will speak to her save Jastev, whose own talent for
foresight makes him sympathetic to her plight.
Gosaena never
speaks, except on very rare occasions to Jastev. She is as silent as the
grave, and takes the souls due her without regret, compassion or malice,
only impartiality.
Gosaena’s preferred
humanoid manifestation is that of a beautiful woman with pale skin, long
silver hair, and ice blue eyes.
She wears grey robes and a large grey cloak that covers
brilliant white feathered wings.
In manner, she is silent and impartial.
Her symbol is a silver or grey sickle on a field of
green.
The Huntress Patroness of
Vengeance and The Hunt (Lesser Spirit)
The Huntress is the
patroness of vengeance and the hunt. She is the dire enemy of Arachne, and
often comes into conflict with Eorgina. She is not an Arkati, but an
immortal spirit. Once mortal, the Huntress was granted her immortality
by an unknown deity, be it Arkati or other. She once was the bodyguard of
a great king, but ran afoul of the king’s wife. The queen was jealous of
the Huntress’ beauty, and enlisted the aid of the Huntress’ second
Arachne, the bodyguard of the queen, to bring the Huntress down.
In
a vile plot, the Huntress was convicted and exiled to death in the
deserts. But the Huntress survived, if only barely, and under the
influence of arachnid poison experienced a religious epiphany which made
her immortal. Swearing revenge upon the queen, she returned to the city
from which she had been exiled to make things right.
She found
Arachne in the dungeons, and reconciled with her. Together, they moved to
the bedchambers to slay the queen. But when the Huntress struck the
killing blow, Arachne in turn betrayed the Huntress by killing her, and
bent to drink the immortal blood. A black widow spider bit Arachne upon
the lip, turning her into a horrid spider- faced creature.
The Huntress’ preferred
humanoid manifestation is that of a woman of surpassing beauty dressed in
silver chainmail. Her face is always a mask of carefully-controlled anger,
and she always holds a scythe at the ready.
In manner, she is quiet and angry.
Her symbol is a silver eight-pointed star on a field of
black.
The second son of Meyno,
Illoke was full of hate and evil. He was the figurehead of a faction that
staged a coup against the ruling matriarch of the stone giant tribes and
thus took them over as his own. Illoke is said to have turned the
stone giants and other creatures of Stone Valley hostile and warlike. His
shamans are quite powerful, and fanatically devoted to him. His hostility
often ranges out of his traditional holdings.
Illoke’s form is that of a
large stone giant.
In manner, he is violent and hostile.
He has no symbol.
Imaera, Lady of the Green Goddess of Nature, Harvest, Plants, Animals, Healing &
Autumn (Pantheon of Liabo)
Imaera is the Goddess of
the Nature and Autumn. She is also often considered the patron of the
sylvan elves. While Oleani’s realm is cultivation and the fertility of
mortals, Imaera’s realm is the wilds and unfettered nature. Her consort is
Eonak, without whose rocky soil, no plant could grow.
As the Goddess of life and growing things, hers are the
plants and animals native to the land. Credited with the re-creation of
most of the species on Elanthia, and with several of the human-like races,
she is the mistress of shaping flesh, bone, and plant to suit any need. As
such her blessing is often sought by those who practice the healing arts.
Imaera is also the Goddess of the harvest and so of the
bounty which the land produces in its cycle of life. While Oleani oversees
cultivation and agriculture, the final blessing of Imaera is needed for
the spark of life. Because of this she is often honored in autumn
festivals.
All of the aspects of Imaera are in direct opposition to
the twisting and deformation of life forms practiced by some of the Dark
Gods, and of the senseless destruction of life and land that most of their
minions undertake as a matter of course.
Imaera’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a young woman, often sylvan, dressed in robes of
leaves and flowers.
In manner, she is exuberant.
Her symbol is a golden sheaf of grain on a field of green
when she is worshipped by farmers.
The sylvan elves ascribe to her a brown doe on a field of
green.
Ivas, the Seductress Goddess of
Desire, Lust and Passion (Pantheon of Lornon)
Ivas is the Goddess of
seduction. Possessing a pair of tentacles where most humanoid beings have
arms, and with full, sensuous lips hiding a maw filled with shark’s teeth,
Ivas cloaks herself in illusion. She appears to the unwary as a woman of
unearthly beauty.
Preying on those willing to be seduced, Ivas thrives on
the jealousy, distrust, and hatred that results. Often times marked by
rotting diseases that defy all cures, her adherents form cults which revel
in perverted carnal pleasures. However, their primary goal is the
seduction of unwary outsiders.
Ivas’ preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a beautiful woman with tentacles in place of
arms.
In manner, she is sensual and insatiable.
Her symbol is a stylized, green wisp of smoke on a field
of red.
Jastev, the Soothsayer God of
Visual Arts and Prophecy (Pantheon of Liabo)
Jastev is the God of Visual
Art and Prophecy, and is the offspring of Imaera and Eonak. He is the only
God of Light whose company Charl regularly keeps, and the only Arkati who
will speak to Gosaena at all.
Given to a somber demeanor and periods of depression,
Jastev’s knowledge of the future is a double-edged sword, giving him
warning of the consequences of the actions of the Dark Gods and their
followers, yet also showing him more than any being would wish to know. It
is said that having foreseen the end of the world and of all that he loves
causes his darker moods. It is this kinship in prophecy with Gosaena that
gives him the tolerance to discourse with her.
His patronization of the visual arts is also attributed to
his knowledge of the future, since he encourages the preservation of each
moment of beauty, emotion, or tragedy for those who will come after.
Jastev is the patron of mystics and seers, and his
blessing is often invoked by practitioners of the arts of foretelling.
While Lumnis will provide her followers with knowledge of the skills of
fishing, Jastev is not averse to giving the location of the nearest fish.
Jastev’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a pale man dressed in drab colors. His age varies
from the youngest of boys to the oldest of greybeards.
In manner, he is most often sad, with fits of inspiration
and joy.
His symbol is a black artist’s brush on a field of grey,
or alternately, a silver crystal ball on a field of grey.
Jaston, the Windrunner Spirit
of the Air, Patron of the Four Winds and Birds (Lesser Spirit)
Called "The Windrunner,"
Jaston is the Patron of the Four Winds. Once a sylvan elf, Jaston was one
of Imaera’s first experiments into the recreation of life upon Elanthia.
After the Ur-Daemon War, Imaera sought to rebuild life
upon the planet. Using the body of a fallen sylvan elf, she extended
muscles and bones from his shoulder blades, creating three wings off each
side of the sylvan’s back. She then covered them in soft white feathers.
It was Imaera’s hope that she could turn her beloved tree
elves into true tree-dwellers, complete with wings and other birdlike
attributes. But looking down upon her beautiful creation, she realized it
could never be, for all other mortal races would envy this creature’s
attributes. Thus, she begged Lorminstra for one of the souls she would
ordinarily allow through the Ebon Gates. Using this soul, she re-animated
the fallen sylvan, and charged him with the care of birds, and made him
caretaker of the Four Winds.
Jaston’s form is that of a
sylvan elf with long brown hair, hazel eyes, a slender build and six
white-feathered wings growing from his back.
He dons green breeches and many- colored feathered bands
about his head, arms and wrists.
In manner, he is lighthearted and playful.
His symbol is a white feather on a field of green and
white.
Kai, Master of Battle God of
Strength, Athletic Prowess, and Skill at Arms (Pantheon of
Liabo)
Kai is the God of Physical
Strength and Athletic Prowess. He has been beaten once in armed combat by
Koar, and fought once to a standstill against V’tull. Beyond these two
instances, every opponent Kai has faced has fallen before him. Legend
holds that in the Ur-Daemon War, Kai slew more of the enemy than any Drake
did, despite their awesome might, and is the only Arkati who participated
in that war to have survived.
Kai’s joy of physical combat is such that only Koar’s
injunctions keep him from constant battle with the Gods of Darkness. As an
alternative he often roams Elanthia looking for unsuspecting mortals to
toy with in physical "contests" of one sort or another.
Kai’s blessing is often invoked at contests of physical
prowess.
Kai’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a young man of epic build with strong and
carefree features.
Kai is always dressed in light armor and is never without
a weapon of some sort.
In manner, he is carefree, brave and aggressive.
His symbol is a silver arm with fist clenched, on a field
of crimson. His clerics name their maces, cast in the same shape, the
Fists of Kai.
Khaarne, the First Son Son of
Meyno (Lesser Spirit)
The eldest son of Meyno,
Khaarne was the most neutral of her two offspring.
It is said that Khaarne fled when his brother Illoke
staged a coup of sorts that saw his mother entombed in the ground. Little
has been seen of him since.
Khaarne’s form is that of a
large stone giant.
In manner, he is neutral.
He has no symbol.
Koar, King of the Gods God of
Justice, Loyalty and Law (Pantheon of Liabo)
Koar is the King of the
Gods. Once, he ruled all the Arkati and he is still the titular head of
both the Light and Dark Gods. In practice, however, his direct control is
only over the Gods of Light. Not since the fall of the Drakes in the
Ur-Daemon War has Koar rallied all the gods to him, and none knows for
sure if he could unify the Arkati now, no matter the cause. Still, it is
said that as long as Koar lives, the Gods of Light and Dark will never
face each other in open war.
Legend holds that Koar sits on a great throne carved from
the stone heart of the world extending up through the tallest mountain in
Elanthia. He rarely leaves his throne, and spends most of his time
slumbering or brooding. Even when he sleeps, one eye is always slightly
open, and while Koar may not intervene in the affairs of gods or mortals
often, there is little that escapes his notice.
The sages say that the mountains of Elanthia rise and fall
as Koar’s brow furrows. One day, it is said, when the Gods of Darkness no
longer vex their king, and when mortals no longer wage petty wars, the
mountains will sink back into the ground and all the world will be a
fertile plain. Earthquakes are attributed to Koar shifting restlessly, and
before Koar’s brow is smoothed, legend holds he will rise from his throne
in wrath, shaking the greatest fortresses to rubble. The prophecy is
silent as to who or what will be the object of his ire.
Some common folk believe that Koar is not an Arkati, but
actually the last of the Great Drakes. No one living can confirm this
notion, however.
Koar’s blessing is often invoked during coronation
ceremonies, and it is not uncommon for rulers to claim that their
particular right to reign bears Koar’s approval.
Koar’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a huge man upon a throne, wearing a gold crown,
contemplating the fate of all things.
In manner, he is commanding, detached, or weary.
His symbol is a golden crown, often set on a circle of
white.
Kuon, the Green Patron of Herbs
and Flowers (Lesser Spirit)
Kuon is the patron of herbs
and flowers, which many consider odd for a former giantman. In the days
following the Ur-Daemon War, he unabashedly knelt beside Imaera, working
to heal the green growing things of Elanthia. It was at his suggestion
that Imaera gave certain herbs healing properties, for Kuon felt that,
while the help of the Arkati was well and good, the lesser beings should
have a way to help themselves.
Imaera was impressed with this gentle giant, and at the
end of his allotted span of life, she gave him the gift of immortality. It
is said that as long as there is a single green leaf upon the planet, Kuon
will be there, nurturing it back into health. Flowers grow spontaneously
in his wake, and go uncrushed beneath his steps.
Kuon’s form is that of an
immense giantman in his thirties with hazel eyes, light brown hair and a
hulking presence.
His shimmering green, amber and brown robes are unable to
hide his massive shoulders.
In manner he is gentle and kind, but has a bad temper once
pushed far enough.
His symbol is a gold leaf on a field of
brown.
Laethe, the Lovelorn Patron of
Young Love and Lost Love (Lesser Spirit)
Laethe, patron of young
love and especially lost love, is the twin brother of Voaris. Where his
brother watches over those whose love is forbidden, Laethe watches over
those whose love is lost.
While Voaris took his parents’ passing with a calm
acceptance, Laethe never truly learned to cope with their death. Thus, he
has an intimate understanding of the pain associated with a loved one gone
from one’s life. He works to aid them in whatever way he can, even if it
is only to put them at peace with their loss.
Traditionally, worshippers leave notes with their prayers
for the hopeful return of their loves in the shrines dedicated to Laethe.
Laethe’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a young man with black hair, fair skin and
sorrowful blue eyes.
He most often dresses in plain black attire, unadorned by
any jewelry or decoration.
In manner, he is compassionate, caring and sad.
His symbol is a black rose on a field of
purple.
Leya, Master of Martial Arts Patroness of Amazons and Martial Arts (Lesser Spirit)
Leya's skills as a Master
of Martial Arts was often demonstrated by her winning matches in many a
tournament held by the Elven Houses. She is also skilled with many
weapons. Daughter of the God Kai, and the elf Learya, Leya was blessed
with talents from both spheres.
The tomes record that Leya wielded the sword Soulingen in
one of the many battles staged during the Undead Wars, accidentally
killing her lover, Egan. Soulingen's blade holds the souls of those it
kills, evil and good alike. It was after this mournful accident, staged by
Luukos, that Leya built the tomb for her lover, which is now her shrine.
Taking up a simple dagger, Leya wandered the lands, retiring among the
elves that cared for her during childhood.
Leya's blessing often takes the form of a dagger-shaped
mark.
Leya's preferred form is
that of a woman who appears to be in her twenties with azure eyes and wavy
mahogany hair.
She wears a belted tunic over her athletic form and laced
up sandals upon her feet.
In manner, she is cool and confident.
Her symbol is an ivory- hilted dagger on a field of deep
blue.
Lorminstra, the Gatekeeper Goddess of Death and Rebirth, Winter and Deliverance (Pantheon
of Liabo)
Lorminstra is the Goddess
of Death and Rebirth. She is the eldest offspring of Koar and Lumnis.
Lorminstra is also the Goddess of Winter, that annual "death" of nature
which parallels the death and rebirth of souls.
Lorminstra is also the Keeper of the Ebon Gate. It is her
decision whether a soul is allowed to return to Elanthia each time an
appeal is made via a ritual of resurrection, and even Koar will not
gainsay her decision.
Lorminstra regards Luukos’ enslavement of souls to animate
his undead as abominable. She supports her brother, Ronan, in his struggle
against Luukos’ minions, and also petitions Koar frequently to take direct
measures to curb Luukos’ activities.
Lorminstra’s preferred
humanoid manifestation is that of a thin woman with black hair and pale
alabaster skin.
She wears two layers of robes, black over white, and at
her side dangles a ring of keys, one for every soul.
In manner, she is somber yet caring.
Her symbol is a golden key, or a golden key set upon a
gate of black.
Lumnis, Queen of Enlightenment Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge (Pantheon of Liabo)
Lumnis is the Goddess of
Wisdom and Knowledge, and the wife of Koar. She is not considered the
"Queen" of the Gods, however. She gives counsel willingly, even to the
Dark Gods, but never commands.
Lumnis’ power lies in her understanding of the
interrelationships of the Spheres of Knowledge (Elemental, Spiritual,
Chaos, Order and Planar) and her intuitive grasp of their intricacies.
Able to accomplish feats that leave even Koar amazed, she wields her
knowledge with the style of an artist.
She is worshipped by scholars and practitioners of the
arcane arts who explore the boundaries of their knowledge with a wonder
and respect of the powers they discover. Her wisdom is also sought by
fortune-tellers and all in need of guidance. Lumnis will never give an
answer outright, however. She would rather advise and guide, allowing
those who seek aid to find the answer on their own.
She regards Fash’lo’nae’s approach to knowledge as
ultimately self-destructive and unconscionable. Her disapproval of
knowledge for personal gain or power is such that she has been attributed
with the sudden disappearance of several notably power-hungry magic users
over the centuries.
Lumnis’ preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a mature woman in gossamer robes of light grey,
so long that her feet are never seen and the hem is lost in distant mists.
Her hair is black with a single shock of grey at her forehead.
In manner she is serene, and even in anger she is more a
disappointed mother than a raging goddess.
Her symbol is a golden scroll overlaying five conjoined
circles, the circles being red (Planar), blue (Spiritual), black (Chaos),
green (Elemental), and white (Order) - symbolizing her mastery of the
Spheres of Knowledge.
Luukos, Eater of Souls God of
Death, Lies and Undeath (Pantheon of Lornon)
Luukos is the god of
unending death. Unlike Lorminstra, Luukos shows no reverence for the souls
of those who have died. To him they have two uses, either to animate one
of his undead minions in his efforts to extend his power, or as sustenance
for himself. Luukos’ primary foods are the blood of the dead and the souls
of the recently fallen.
Luukos’ form of choice is that of a large green serpent.
It is not unusual for survivors of a large battle to report the sighting
of such a creature slithering from corpse to corpse on the recently
abandoned field of combat.
Luukos is able to claim the souls not only of those he
takes by force through his undead minions, but also of those who have
sullied themselves in life. Thus, Luukos is also the Lord of Lies, and his
minions always seek to spread misinformation among mortals. Legend holds
that Luukos can snatch the soul of one who has died with a lie on their
lips even from Lorminstra, and that the only way to be free from his
hideous jaws is to renounce the lie.
Luukos’ preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a dark-complected man with faintly reptilian
features and a forked tongue.
In manner, he is persuasive, treacherous and sadistic.
His symbol is a green serpent on a brown
field.
Marlu, the Destroyer God of
Demonic Summoning, Destruction and Power (Pantheon of Lornon)
Often mistaken for one of
the greater demons and frequently called the Demon Lord, Marlu delights in
death, destruction, and the devouring of still-living prey. Tales tell of
Marlu being seen around ancient ruins, prying open old chambers and
delving into all manner of spaces. Common legend has it that he seeks
others of his kind to loose upon the innocents of Elanthia.
Just as some believe Koar is actually the last Drake,
there are those who hold that Marlu is a true Ur-Daemon who sought asylum
with the Arkati when the rest of his kind were killed or driven out of
this realm of existence.
Marlu derives power from the summoning of demons, one
reason that such practices are frowned upon by many worshippers of the
Light Gods. Whether his power comes in the same manner as other Arkati, or
from the loosening of the portals between dimensions, is unknown. Marlu is
also drawn to all manners of destruction. More than any other of the Dark
Gods, Marlu seems bent on destruction of a scale so massive that it might
actually eliminate the world and all his worshippers with it. While
Eorgina personifies power over others, Marlu is the embodiment of personal
destructive power.
Marlu’s preferred
manifestation is that of a gruesome creature with glistening black skin,
leathery wings and barbed tentacles.
In manner, he is demonic.
His symbol is a black six tentacled "star" on a field of
grey.
Meyno, the Matriarch Matriarch
of the Stone Giant Tribes (Lesser Spirit)
Meyno is said to be the
oldest living stone giantess, although no sign of her has been seen for
some time. She was the matriarch of the giant tribes of Stone Valley, and
had twin sons called Khaarne and Illoke. Where Khaarne was neutral, Illoke
was hateful and evil.
The giants had a matriarchal society, worshipping and
venerating the chief matriarch as a goddess. The valley flourished under
Meyno’s hand, becoming lush and green. She was a kind and generous
matriarch, and well-loved by all save the faction who was tired of female
rule. This faction raised a shaman to their ends, then sought Meyno’s
darker son for assistance.
The shaman went into the tribes to kill Meyno and place
Illoke in the seat of power. Meyno’s faithful priestess battled this
shaman, and in the force of their dueling, the ground cracked open. Upon
the Priestess’ defeat, the shaman cast Meyno into the crack in the ground,
entombing her forever.
Meyno’s form is that of a
large stone giantess.
In manner, she is powerful, kind, generous and primitive.
She has no known symbol, as the giants are a simple people
who do not hold with this kind of symbolism.
Mularos, the Suffering God of
Suffering and Torture (Pantheon of Lornon)
Known as "He who is the
Sorrow of the World," Mularos is the god of suffering, both physical and
emotional. He draws the most strength from pain inflicted by others.
While Mularos is not worshipped by any formal church,
cults to him have surfaced from time to time. These are most often
collections of sadomasochists, often led by a charismatic but twisted
leader. These cults seduce young followers with a decadent and reassuring
lifestyle, then bend their minds to dependent love and strict obedience.
While the usual end result is mass suicide, it is rumored that such cults
have lasted for centuries.
At times Mularos seems to revel in causing pain, but he
feels the pain of mortals at the same time as he draws strength from it.
In a sense, he is a victim of mortals as much as they are victims of him.
Mularos’ preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a young man of delicate features dressed in
simple silk robes. Often a glimpse of the scars left by manacles can be
seen at the hem and sleeves of his robe, or the bloody mark of a lash
below the collar.
In manner, he is charming, alternately dominant and
submissive, sadomasochistic and sad.
His symbol is a heart with a dagger piercing it on a field
of white.
Niima, the Wavedancer Patroness
of the Water, Sailors and Sea Life (Lesser Spirit)
Niima is the mistress of
the water and the patroness of sailors. Daughter of Charl and one of the
Arkati lost in the Ur-Daemon War, she acts as her father's conscience and
moderates his temper.
She rescues shipwrecked sailors, but tends to save the
young and handsome ones first. There are a number of sea tales of a
beautiful young woman, likely in her teens, pulling waterlogged and
hopeless sailors from the seas. There are an equal number of unfaithful
sailors who use the excuse that Niima saved their lives and required their
company to stave off their unhappy wives.
Niima is a favorite for the subject of sea chanties and
pirate songs. She is also popular as a figurehead for ships.
Niima’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a spritely young woman, no older than sixteen,
with very pale skin, blue eyes, and pale blonde hair.
A blue-green gown clings to her slender form.
In manner, she is playful and flirtatious.
Her symbol is a grey or silver dolphin on a field of
blue.
Oleani, Mistress of Adoration Goddess of Love, Spring and Fertility (Pantheon of
Liabo)
Oleani is the Goddess of
Love, Fertility and Spring. To many, she is also considered the patroness
of halflings. Her consort is Phoen, the Sun God.
Called upon to bless weddings and birthings, Oleani
represents the many aspects of love. Her interests range from the romantic
aspects of a "respectable and proper courtship" to the sensual magnetism
which may spark an illicit love affair - from the tragedy of a lover’s
untimely death to the joy of a new birth.
In most lands she is honored in the early spring when a
celebration of new love and a ritual requesting her blessing on the fields
are combined into a single holiday.
Oleani’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a woman of maddening beauty, of any race or
color.
In manner, she is amorous and nurturing.
Her symbol is a red heart with a budding flower growing
from it.
Onar, the Assassin Patron of
Homicide (Lesser Spirit)
Onar is known as the
Assassin of the Gods. Most often working at the behest of Eorgina, Onar is
professionally cold and calculating. He never chooses a target without a
reason. His services are used whenever a single death will achieve
Eorgina's ends.
Onar also serves the other Gods, but always at a price.
What coin can pay a God is not for mortals to guess at, but the Dark Gods
seem to use his services regularly against mortals who cross them. In many
courts of law, possession by Onar is a defense to a charge of murder. Such
possession can usually be detected by the presence of a skull marking
somewhere on the body of the one possessed.
Onar's true form is
unknown, as he acts almost exclusively through the hands of others.
In manner, he is cold-blooded and emotionless.
His symbol is a broken white skull on a field of
black.
Phoen, the Sun God God of the
Sun, Summer and Fatherhood (Pantheon of Liabo)
Phoen is the God of the Sun
and Summer. He is consort to Oleani.
He is often considered the god of fatherhood, given his
relationship with Oleani (the goddess of fertility), and as God of the Sun
he represents the masculine side of fertility. The Sun God personifies
manly power, to the point that he is often egotistical. There is more than
one fable of Phoen causing harm rather than good through careless use of
his great power.
The warmth and light associated with the sun, as well as
the fact that they are life- nurturing qualities place Phoen in direct
opposition to the Dark Gods. However, more often it is the Dark Gods
regarding him as such that leads to conflict, rather than his desire to
oppose them. He may also face them simply as a staunch ally of Oleani’s.
Phoen’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a man nearly identical to Ronan, but with golden
hair that shines so brightly as to blind mortals.
The clothes he wears are golden as well.
In manner he is confidant, even to the point of egotism.
His symbol is a golden sunburst on a field of
blue.
Ronan, Lord of Dreams God of
Night and Dreams (Pantheon of Liabo)
Ronan is the God of Night.
He is master of sleep and dreams, and guardian against those who would
violate the peaceful respite of that other world. Ronan is perhaps the
most active foe of the Dark Gods.
Ronan is the darker twin of Phoen, and it is said that the
two, being night and day, cannot come together in the same place.
Given their avoidance of light and their use of darkness
as a cloak to cover their activities, Ronan finds the Dark Gods
trespassing in his realm quite regularly. Ronan and Sheru are in constant
conflict since they both regard the night and sleep as their rightful
territories. Luukos also mounts a constant assault on Ronan’s realm with
those who have failed to die cleanly and are now subject to his curse.
Ronan’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a gaunt man with heavy-lidded eyes and a
mysterious smile. His eyes are without whites, leaving deep black pools
broken only by a faint grey swirl.
He dresses only in black, and even the steel of his
weapons is black.
In manner, he is sleepy and sardonic.
His symbol is a black sword with a silver edge on a field
of black.
Sheru, Bringer of Terror God of
Night, Nightmares, Insanity and Terror (Pantheon of Lornon)
Sheru is the god of night
and nightmares. Truly the god of terror, and of unbridled fear, Sheru
thrives on these emotions in lesser creatures. Only experiencing
satisfaction when his efforts unseat a being’s sanity, Sheru will use any
means to achieve this end.
Because Luukos’ undead minions tend to cause more terror
than most of the other creatures of darkness, Sheru and Luukos are allied
more often than any of the other Dark Gods.
The insane are often said to have received Sheru’s Gift.
Strangely, Sheru and Zelia cannot stand each other, despite serving each
other’s ends quite nicely.
Sheru’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a large man with a black furred jackal’s head.
In manner, he is cold, emotionless, and cruel.
His symbol is a black jackal’s head on a field of gold, or
alternately, a black jackal’s head on a field of crimson and
gold.
Tilamaire, the Lithe Patron
of Music and Dance (Lesser Spirit)
Tilamaire is the patron of
music and dance. The servant of Cholen, it is said that he gained his
position by singing a song so full of joy and laughter that Cholen knew
this mortal must work to further his immortal designs.
Tilamaire frequently travels in the guise of a wandering
minstrel to seek out new musical talents. Upon finding one worthy of his
time, he offers to stay and tutor them, greatly increasing their skill and
often bestowing magical abilities.
Tilamaire’s form is that of
a young man with tawny hair, wide eyes, and full lips.
He often dons a cloak like that of his master, and is
seldom without several musical instruments on his person.
In manner, he is carefree and exuberant.
His symbol is a yellow note on a field of
blue.
Tonis, the Fleetfooted, King of
Thieves God of Speed, Travel and Thieves
(Pantheon of Liabo)
Tonis is the messenger of
the gods. He is the only offspring of Phoen and Oleani.
He is renowned for his speed, and for the shape he
commonly chooses when on an errand. Even more frequently than his humanoid
form, Tonis takes on the form of a golden pegasus whose hooves strike
flames from the sky.
Tonis is also worshipped by thieves. Myths of his speed
and daring spur his worshippers on to perform similar feats, and it is the
skill and daring of their acts that motivates them more than the trinkets
they take. In battle, Tonis can slay an army in a few moments by rushing
among them and snatching the breath from their mouths.
Tonis’ preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a lithe young man dressed in a simple tunic
carrying a messenger’s pouch across one shoulder.
In manner, he is hyperactive and childlike.
His symbol is a golden Pegasus on a field of
blue.
Voaris, the Charming Patron of
Young Love and Forbidden Love (Lesser Spirit)
Voaris, patron of young
love and especially forbidden love, is the twin brother of Laethe. He and
his brother are the youngest of the Arkati, still considered young by
their racial standards, orphaned by the Ur-Daemon War. His powers have not
grown great enough to be counted among the other Arkati of Liabo, and he
is watched over by Oleani.
Voaris is the ally of those who would love beyond what is
allowed them by racial, social or age standards. Young lovers forbidden to
wed by their parents, couples unable to marry because of differences in
social standing, and others denied romance by circumstance often seek his
aid.
Clerics of Voaris will wed anyone, so long as love is
present. They will also aid lovers by giving sanctuary and often
transportation to other places where the forbidden union will be allowed.
Voaris’ preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a young man with golden hair, fair skin and merry
blue eyes.
He most often dresses in courting clothes traditional to
the area in which he is manifesting.
In manner, he is clever and mischievous.
His symbol is a yellow rose on a field of
red.
Voln, the Paladin Destroyer of
the Undead (Lesser Spirit)
While not directly a
servant of Lorminstra, Voln does owe much to her and shares her hatred of
Luukos.
Thought to be the son of Lord Koar and a mortal woman, this lesser god
of Liabo shares Lorminstra's hatred towards Luukos and his undead minions.
For as Lorminstra helps and cares for the unfortunate souls that have been
slain, Luukos uses them to either feed upon, or to animate another of his
undead minions.
Growing up in world consumed by these undead horrors, and having to
watch his family and friends murdered by the vicious undead, shaped Lord
Voln into the undying symbol of hatred towards the undead. Now fully
cognizant of his own immortal nature, Voln has pledged himself to the
release of every soul enslaved by Luukos.
Some legends state that Lady Lorminstra, firstborn to Lord Koar and
Lady Lumnis, and Keeper of the Ebon Gate, had pleaded to her father on
many occasions for direct action against Luukos' vile creations. Many
believe that Lord Voln is the personification of this wish.
With the help of the Lords and Ladies of Liabo,
Voln's societyhas taught many adventurers great skills and powers in their battle
against the undead. But these powers do not come easily.
Voln's form is that of a
man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and
carrying a white shield.
In manner, he is grim and sometimes snide.
His symbol is a white shield on a field of black.
Thought to be the son of Lord Koar and a mortal woman,
this lesser god of Liabo shares Lorminstra's hatred towards Luukos and his
undead minions. For as Lorminstra helps and cares for the unfortunate
souls that have been slain, Luukos uses them to either feed upon, or to
animate another of his undead minions.
Some legends state that Lady
Lorminstra, firstborn to Lord Koar and Lady Lumnis, and Keeper of the Ebon
Gate, had pleaded to her father on many occasions for direct action
against Luukos' vile creations. Many believe that Lord Voln is the
personification of this wish.
V’tull, the Berserker God of
Combat and Bloodlust (Pantheon of Lornon)
V’tull is the champion of
the dark gods Almost single-minded in his goal of bloodletting for its own
sake, the sight of the life’s blood of any creature seems to fill V’tull
with ecstasy. Given his nature, he has spent all of his efforts in
perfecting his fighting abilities and in using them at every opportunity.
While all of the gods rarely manifest themselves among
mortals, V’tull does so more often than most. He regularly enters into the
bodies of warriors, whose eyes are said to turn black as night when this
happens, and turns them into killing machines. His willingness to divinely
inspire assures that his devotees among the martial classes are many, even
where his worship is prohibited by those who fear their warriors will turn
against them.
V’tull’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a man with marble white skin and coal black eyes
who towers over everyone he meets.
He is always dressed in armor so stained with blood that
its true color cannot be known.
In manner, he is determined, righteous, obsessive and
vengeful.
His symbol is a black scimitar on a field of
red.
Zelia, Keeper of the Moons Goddess of the Moons and Insanity (Pantheon of
Lornon)
Zelia is a lunatic in the
purest sense of the word. Goddess of the moons and of insanity, the only
thing consistent about her is that she is inconsistent, and is completely
out of her mind. Zelia may be chaos personified.
Once a great lover of solitude, it is said that the
Arkatis’ move to the moons at the Drakes’ behest was her undoing. It is
not known, however, if it was the invasion of her privacy or the
loneliness that may have ensued after her peers left for Elanthia that
unseated her sanity. Whatever the case, she now takes a personal hand in
the affairs of the mortal world, just as the other Arkati, blessing her
followers with what she considers the greatest freedom of all: freedom
from lucidity.
Zelia has a great dislike for Sheru. She feels that his
tactic of scaring a person into madness is classless and brute-like,
lacking a great deal in finesse and understanding of mortal mentality.
There are much better ways to drive someone over the edge. She drives a
misty chariot pulled by grey stallions, looking for people in need of her
gift.
Zelia’s preferred humanoid
manifestation is that of a woman with large green eyes and silver hair
that always seems to be blowing wildly about her face. There is no trace
of sanity anywhere in her expression, and she wears a silver breastplate
and grey tunic.
In manner, she is unpredictable and insane.
Her symbol is a silver crescent moon on a field of
black.
