Stygian Empire - Setting

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A "brief" history of the empire and the setting in general. This is mostly background information, and it is not necessary for you to read anything that does not pertain to your character.

• Terul – Conquered ~100 Years Ago ^Expand 
  • This desert region has always lied to the west of a major power on the continent. Most recently, it was the Kingdom of Pyr, who unsuccessfully attempted to conquer and convert the land for decades before at long last giving up on the merchant sovereignty like so many before it.
  • About a century ago, Emperor Xerdalic entered this plane through a portal he opened in this region, likely in the northern barrens. Bringing with him a small army of around a hundred demons, he set his sights on Terul to establish a base of power upon which he would build his glorious empire. However, such a small force could hardly take the lands that had stood independent for so long, especially when he was under near-constant threat from the native manscorpion raiders.
  • Those raiders would become the key, he realized, as their numbers and ferocity, as well as an age-old grudge against the Terulic people made them able and willing soldiers. Dozens of tribes were united under the banner of the black scorpion, and within the year, the capitol was taken. The manscorpions were satisfied as they looted some of the wealthiest cities on the continent, and while many returned to the barrens peacefully, the same number would join the newfound Stygian Empire in the wars to come.

• Pyria – Conquered 20 Years Ago ^Expand 
  • The Kingdom of Pyr offered no help to their struggling desert neighbors, seeing their suffering as divine punishment for their insolence. Of course, when the demonic emperor laid claim to the land, the holy kingdom immediately went on the offensive. Despite beating back the initial assault, Stygia simply did not have the numbers, and over the next few decades they would be fighting a losing battle in a war of attrition.
  • That is, until a combination of events would gain them the upper hand. Emperor Xerdalic finally reached out to the dark elves, against the advice of most of his human advisors who knew them to be self-seeking and treacherous allies. Nonetheless, the compact with Tor'koril proved initially fruitful, and the tide began to turn. Pyr had one more trick up his sleeve, however.
  • It turned out the worship of the God of Fire and Light was more than ceremony and tradition. From the heavens, archons with wings of holy flame descended. The original hundred demons Xerdalic brought alongside him from hell were their primary targets, and these divine warriors would devastate their numbers. The Stygian army, even bolstered as it was, became demoralized by this show of godly authority, and they were driven back yet again.
  • It is unclear what happened next, but the emperor was said to have met with a being that had insight into the worship of Pyr, secret knowledge that undermined the Kingdom completely. Incidentally, the first of the empire's most fearsome soldiers, the Stygian Knights, were created around this time; imposing, hollow suits of black armor. Armed with weapons too large for a normal man to wield and with no flesh to part with sword or spear, they were implacable golems said to be possessed with the souls of the empire's greatest fallen warriors.
  • Finally, the Pyrian Fortress was stormed, and King Tyrictus, as well as the last remaining archons were slain. Stygia claimed a hard-fought victory, but it would not be allowed rest just yet.

• Tor'koril - Conquered 19 Years Ago ^Expand 
  • Formerly Tor'aeleth and Tor'koril were one kingdom, but unceasing human incursions drove a wedge through the middle of the territory millennia ago, leaving the eastern half without its trade lifeline to the lush lands of the west. Necessity has since driven the eastern elves to their current culture of selfishness and greed.
  • Then Stygia came onto the scene, and upon coming under attack by the Kingdom of Pyr, Emperor Xerdalic reached out to these elves who had always hated the self-righteous, human fanatics. An unsteady alliance formed, and with the help of the dark elves, the empire was able to conquer the Pyrians. But it wasn't long before the coalition broke down: barely a month after the victory, a great betrayal, ostensibly on the part of the dark elven royalty, led to a fury in the emperor that they had not expected. The particulars of the treachery are known to but a few; Xerdalic has never offered adequate justification for what followed.
  • In a short, but brutal conflict known as The Widowmaking, the Stygian army swept through Tor'koril, violently taking its major cities and massacring the royal family. This brief war alone caused as many casualties than the two previous, and to this day gives Stygia a fearsome reputation.
  • Declaring it another conquest, the emperor appointed several elven governors to replace the monarchy, on the wisdom that they might respond better to their own kind. However, the traditional practice of slavery was almost immediately outlawed by the emperor, stating it was "An unstable foundation for an empire." This understandably shook up the ancient civilization more than it already was.

Stygia suffered terrible losses during the war with Tor'koril, and has not engaged in any major conflicts in nearly two decades. However, the empire's army is returning to its former glory, and neighboring kingdoms are on their guard.

• Sel'esha and the Cult of Parlat - the Blight War ^Expand 
  • Several decades ago, Sel'esha, ancestral home of the wood elves, came under dire threat. An incursion of humanity forced the nomadic, disparate people to unite once again to defend the ancient forests.
  • This was no simple raid or territory dispute; this aggressor was unlike anything the wood elves had ever faced. With them they brought pestilence and disease which spread through the forest like wildfire. Even the elves' time-tested and magically-infused herbal remedies were ineffective, and the unfamiliar vulnerability shook their faith.
  • What's worse, the flora and fauna, too, became infected. Trees turned black with rot, and animals became frenzied and turned on those with which they had so peacefully coexisted. This corruption in their midst shook the foundation of the wood elves' resistance, and for the first time in centuries, they were being driven back in their own homeland.
  • A ranger by the name of Tuldor Da'na, motivated by the loss of much of his family, plunged into the depths of Sel'esha for an answer. With the aid of the gods, he found it - an artifact of utter putrescence: the Bolt of Parlat.
  • The cult of Parlat has never been known as an army - historically their revolts have been small and short-lived. But this relic had somehow called out to all of their number. From the rotten depths of kingdoms across Dysia his faithful were drawn. They advanced through the forests without mercy, even managing to kill the commander of the resistance. Without a means to destroy the source of the Blight, the elves seemed doomed to fall under the unceasing tide of human invaders.
  • Tuldor took charge of the elven army, changing their tactics to revolve around the accursed Bolt. Rather than fighting the enemy every step of the way, he waited until the artifact was nearly in their grasp. The cultists, convinced of their victory, became overconfident and dropped their guard as they convened at the site of their divine relic. Then the elves struck, letting loose countless arrows and following up with a war-dance of blade and spear; a massacre made enthralling with its graceful beauty.
  • Neither the plague cult nor the elves of Sel'esha have quite yet been able to recover, though with the aid of the fickle satyrs, the Bolt of Parlat was eventually destroyed. The forests are healing, but the effects of the Blight are still being felt to this day.

• Among most races, magic is little more than folklore and legend. Arcane knowledge is particularly rare among humans, and those that hold it are not liable to share, or even reveal themselves as sorcerers for fear of either witch hunts or jealous rivals.
• The elves of Tor'aeleth are an exception; their society is based around learning skills and sharing knowledge for the common good, and thus many high elves know at least a few utilitarian cantrips. This is true for the other two major elven kingdoms to a lesser extent, though powerful sorcerers are not common anywhere.
• Divine magic, or "miracles," are equally infrequent. When the gods deign to choose a mortal to carry out their will, it is something of a gamble for both parties. Such a blessing is usually a lifelong burden for the cleric or priest to stay within the god's fickle favor; else they risk severe punishment for the misuse of power.
• Occasionally, some are born with innate, or inherited power. This seems more prevalent among the demon spawn of Stygia, though the descendants of powerful sorcerers of any race may display such gifts.

edited 30th Nov '14 4:50:17 AM by StygianEmperor

Races of Dysia and Beyond

Tier 1 - Represents the two major races in Stygia and the surrounding lands. There must be at least two of these in the party, up to six.

• Humans ^Expand 
  • Humanity outnumbers nearly every other race. They vary considerably by region, but compared to the other races, humanity is seen to have dull senses and short lives. However, they prove expansionistic and industrious, building populous cities across Dysia.
    
• • Terul: ^Expand 
    • The first conquest of the Stygian Empire, the former desert sovereignty of Terul lies on the southwestern coast of Dysia. An ideal trade hub, it brings all types to the empire through its harbors, as well as great wealth. Emperor Xerdalic famously conquered this land shortly after his arrival to this plane with a handful of demonic soldiers, bolstered by a surprising alliance with the manscorpion raiders from the northern barrens.
    • Terulic natives comprise around fifty percent of the empire's army; their centuries of defending the highly sought-after land make them steadfast and highly skilled warriors. However, their propensity for greed has shaped the structure of the entire Stygian military into something of a well-equipped, but relatively small force.
  • Pyria: ^Expand 
    • The central plains of the continent were the second major victory for Stygia; a hard-fought, long-term war that could not be avoided. Known by most as the Kingdom of Pyr, the oppressive theocracy did not look kindly upon the hell-spawned emperor and assaulted his newfound empire with great zeal. In the end, Xerdalic's clever strategies and political maneuvering won out, but at the cost of the lives of most of his demonic "brethren."
    • Pyrians make the majority of the population of Stygia. They also make for near-constant dispute. The worship of Pyr has proven difficult to stamp out, and most who still hold to their faith are utterly intolerant of the "Demon Usurper" in their midst. Indeed, the capitol of Stygia was transplanted to these lands in the last two decades, but despite the emperor's presence there is seemingly no end to the people's rebellious tendencies. Still, Pyrian soldiers who have denounced their god make for particularly fervent warriors in battle.
  • Other: ^Expand  Beyond Stygia's borders lie several human kingdoms and principalities, though most look upon the empire with fear, knowing their bordering territory may be its next target. Alliances are slowly being formed between even bitter rivals in response to this growing threat. Varlund, Nalzarr, Ruslav, and Gaios count themselves among the nearest, though some have been quick to renew trade agreements after Terul's conquest in hopes of maintaining peace.
• Elves ^Expand 
  • Slender, beautiful humanoids, the elves enjoy heightened senses and long lifespans, but their low birthrates keep them from ever expanding their ancient kingdoms too far. Most are free-spirited folk, but they're also haughty, xenophobic, cautious individuals, who largely see the other races as pitiably short-lived. With entire centuries to practice the arcane arts, the elves have the most advanced sorcery in the land.
  • Standing about six inches shorter than the average human male, elves of both sexes are typically seen as equal in all things, in war and peace. While to the human perspective they seem too fragile and oversensitive, they have unparalleled grace and resolve, making a dedicated elf more than a match for a human in almost any field.
  • Dedication, however, can be difficult to grasp for a race that often see lifespans of a thousand years. Their long, easy lives lead to a natural frivolity. They tend to be jacks-of-all-trades, spending several years at a time many different walks of life, but mastering none. If and when they find their true calling, though, they can spend centuries honing it as generations of the other races wither and die.
    
• • Tor'aeleth: ^Expand 
    • To the northwest of the Stygian capitol lies one of the oldest civilizations known. The "High Elves" of Tor'aeleth are famous for their beautiful cities and towns that expertly weave nature and masonry, and their tall, fabled castles built from polished white stone. Their armies are considered undefeatable; warriors with centuries of experience have driven back innumerable human and orcish incursions since time immemorial.
    • Fertile soil, ancient wisdom, and careful foresight has lead to lasting prosperity, forging an almost utopian society to the envy of the other races. In addition, their seemingly inherent affinity for magic has led to the human misconception that the elves are supernatural creatures - even fey; though in truth they simply have better access to arcane knowledge, as their sense of generosity sees it freely shared among their kind.
    • The rise of Stygia has been somewhat disconcerting for the elves of Tor'aeleth, who see the demonically-tinged empire as notably different from the threats they've always faced. Cautious as ever, the High Elves have not made any move in response, but have rebuffed Stygia's many attempts at trade.
    • High elves are fair-skinned and are known for particularly bright eyes and hair colors.
  • Tor'koril: ^Expand 
    • In stark contrast to Tor'aeleth, the "Dark Elves" of Tor'koril had an almost human civilization, even before they became another conquest of the Stygian Empire. A hard, barren land made their society comparatively callous, even to the point of engaging in slavery, a practice the elven race generally seems to be above. Indeed, of all elves, their culture was the most similar to that of humanity, with populous, urban sprawls, and a wide divide between the rich and poor.
    • Recently, the dark elves have begun to trickle into the center of the empire, into the human-dominated lands of Pyria. They are a curiosity, as they have seemingly managed to move beyond their characteristic arrogance and mingle with the "lesser race." Among the Stygian military, they make for excellent assassins to kill enemy leaders and cripple armies. And there are no better archers or spear-cavalry in the empire.
    • Dark elves have especially pale skin and dark hair. Their eyes are often shades of gray, blue, or brown, but are sometimes a bright violet.
  • Sel'esha: ^Expand 
    • Hidden among the sprawling Sel'esha forests, the "Wood Elves" are a nomadic people that have barely any contact with the other races. It is unclear whether these elves represent the descendants of those who were unwilling to embrace civilization, or if they are mostly comprised of a more recent migration back to nature; men and women fed up with the haughty and decadent society of the neighboring high elves.
    • They are fiercely independent, but also incredibly xenophobic, even compared to other elves; it is rare for a human to probe very far into their territory without being confronted by a drawn bow and commanded to turn back. Attempts to use the lumber of their ancient forest home are similarly unsuccessful, and even the empire is not so foolish as to challenge these folk on their own turf.
    • Their archery is unparalleled, and it is said their legendary Rangers can only ever be seen if they choose to be. If their enemies manage to get past that first line of defense, the enchanting Blade Dancers will cut them apart with magically augmented grace.
    • Wood elves tend to be slightly tanner than other elves, with muted hair and eye colors compared to their high kin.
  • Other: ^Expand  Elves are less prolific than humans, to be sure, but they have several other kingdoms that culturally vary greatly. The fortress-dwelling "Gray Elves" of the far western mountains are one such, though no human has ever claimed to have actually met one face-to-face. Off the Terulic coast supposedly lays an island populated by carefree elves who welcome the other races rather than shun them, though none have confirmed the existence of this supposed paradise.

Tier 2 - A few of the better-known races that aren't commonly seen in Stygia, as well as races almost unique to Stygia. There may be up to three of these in the party.

• Dwarves: ^Expand 
  • Proud, stocky, and stubborn describes this ancient race. Orderly and traditionalistic, it is shameful for a male dwarf to not wear a beard, oaths are never broken, and a strong work ethic permeates their culture. A typical dwarf is under five feet tall, but has dense muscle that makes him dangerous despite his size. Dwarves also have good nightvision and direction-sense, allowing them to function normally in the darkness of a tunnel. They live to be around five hundred years old.
  • Their cities are built primarily below ground, and can be unbelievably vast; it is a common saying that if you see a dwarf structure above ground, there is twice as much hidden beneath. Their mines bring in enough precious metal to make their entire society live like kings, but also bring constant trouble from greedy races that aren’t afraid to fight underground; human, orcish, and even minotaur incursions have lead the dwarves to build defensively by habit.
  • Their smiths put the other races to shame: while elven blacksmiths forge with an artistry unparalleled, dwarves craft simple, utilitarian weapons and armor that seems nearly indestructible, and they do it with efficiency. Their warriors are steadfast, wielding heavy axes and hammers alongside impenetrable shields, and far be it for anyone to move a dwarf once he has set his intent to guard a place.
  • Dwarven kingdoms are far removed from the Stygian Empire, but their culture - particularly their religion - has proliferated across the entirety of Dysia. The empire encourages trade with such skilled craftsmen, and dwarven renegades often find their talents put to use as mercenaries.

• Crossbreeds: ^Expand  Derogatorily referred to as mongrels, the products of mixed-race couplings are often lonely individuals who have no people to call their own. Theoretically, most races can interbreed, but the most common are below:
  
• • Half-Elves: ^Expand 
    • While half-elves are treated fairly well by elven societies, they are looked upon with a certain sadness and pity for their shorter lifespans, which last "merely" around five or six hundred years. Among humans, they are simply beheld with awe or distrust as any other elf.
    • Dark elf slaveholders owned many of these people, for one reason or another, and as slavery was abolished they began to form mini-societies between both races in the empire. Additionally, since the empire became bi-racial, dark elven and human couplings are becoming more common. Far less common are half-elves of high elven descent, though they are not unheard of. Wood elves rarely even meet humans, much less produce children with them.
  • Half-Orcs: ^Expand 
    • Typically the result of slavery and pillaging, half-orc children are generally seen as shameful and as a result are not frequently kept by their human and elven mothers. Some orcs, however, see no difference and gladly raise such children as normal, and as a result most orcish clans have human and elven blood.
    • Though rare, half-orcs are found in the Stygian Empire in small numbers. Small tusks and mottled skin colors deny them most opportunities, but due to their great strength, they can often find a well-paying job as a mercenary.
  • Outsider Spawn: ^Expand 
    • When Xerdalic entered this plane, he brought with him nearly a hundred twisted beings from Hell. A few of these species could interbreed with humanity, and despite almost all of them dying or being banished during the Pyrian War, they left a great number of offspring behind. Another two or three generations later and a surprising percentage of the Stygian population have demon blood coursing through their veins.
    • Most outsider spawn (also known as "Hellspawn" or simply "Spawn") claim either a quarter or an eighth of hellish ancestry, and they tend to have subtle (or not-so subtle) characteristics to prove it. Above-average height, small horns, sharp teeth, skin and eye colors that are slightly off, even vestigial tails may arise. They tend to have supernatural endurance, aggressive personalities, and fairly long lives.
    • Though they inspire a great deal of fear and distrust among humans, Emperor Xerdalic himself claims to be half-demon, and as such they are begrudgingly given respect. There are a disproportionate number of these crossbreeds in the Stygian military, especially among the royal guard.
• Orcs: ^Expand 
  • One of the most notorious races, the orcs seem to bring nothing but chaos. A high birthrate and short life expectancy make these people especially dangerous, and the elves of Tor'aeleth have grown accustomed to their yearly raids. With their numbers, it is a wonder for some how they haven’t managed to take over the entire continent. It is not hard to find the answer, though, as the orcs seem to enjoy fighting amongst one another as much as they do anyone else.
  • Clans come and go, splitting when numbers grow too high and reabsorbing into one another when they kill enough of each other to drop back down. However, a few clans seem to be more stable than others; where strong-willed or intelligent leaders prevail, a real orcish civilization can begin to form. These clans are either the least dangerous, or the most, depending on whom you ask. While they may not be as aggressive, they are prone to use actual strategies and tactics in battle and have the infrastructure required to win wars.
  • Orcs don't often find themselves in Stygia, but when they do, it tends to be in the capacity of mercenary work. Orcish berserkers can be a gamble when it comes to following orders, but there is no soldier more fearsome.
  • Orcs are tall, sometimes up to seven feet. Their skin is thick, giving them a measure of natural armor, and tends to be a mix of green, gray, or brown. They have large tusks that protrude from their lower lips, and brown or black hair. Their eyes are dominantly brown, but can be any human color. They usually don't live as long as humans, though that may be attributed to their savage lifestyle.

Tier 3 - The most monstrous and uncommon playable races; these are almost never seen in Stygia. The party may have no more than one of these.

• Beastmen: ^Expand  Be they creations of spiteful gods or maddened sorcerers, these races share characteristics of humanoids and usually one animal. They are seen almost exclusively as monsters by humanity, and as a result are usually fled from, or killed on sight. However, Stygia has an ongoing treaty with the terrifying manscorpions of the Terulic barrens, so it is not out of the question that the beast-races would find some measure of hospitality.
  
• • Minotaurs: ^Expand 
    • A proud race of huge bull-people, minotaurs are known for their great strength and their intricate labyrinth dwellings. They live in large clans underground, claiming entire mountains as their territories. Their favored tactic in battle is simply charging on cloven hooves headlong into their foes, goring with fearsome horns. Failing that, a few swift chops of a Labrys axe will doubtless end the battle with haste.
    • Minotaurs are one of the more civilized beast-races, though most humans are unaware of the fact. Regardless, they don't often stray far from their dwellings, and it is a rare minotaur that makes his way to Stygia.
  • Lizardmen: ^Expand 
    • Lizardfolk are a carnivorous race that stand seven feet tall, and have tails about half that length. Their subspecies are specifically adapted to their individual environments, but nearly all live in primitive, savage tribes. They have perfected ambush tactics by blending into their environments, and use traps to great effect in order to bring down wily game – including the odd human. While they mostly use simple spears and axes, they have the speed, strength, and guile to overcome a better-equipped warrior.
    • Lizardmen are often just as monstrous in demeanor as they are in appearance, making them almost non-existent in any other society. Occasionally they may learn a measure of the trade tongue and interact with other races non-violently, though with little to actually trade it hardly matters.
  • Satyrs: ^Expand 
    • Fur-covered goat-men with horns, hooves, and tails; satyrs serve their gods in wild, intoxicated revelries. They are free-spirited, lustful, and musically talented in times of peace. But in times of war they equally stand out, especially with spears and hurled javelins. Their lack of self-control will sometimes lead to outright bloodlust in battle, making them unshakeable and deadly foes.
    • The satyrs have an uneasy coexistence with the wood elves, occasionally interacting, but as with most other races the forest-dwelling elves want little to do with them. They find humans a curiosity, and sometimes even invite them onto satyr lands. Their motives are unpredictable, however, and the results vary. Satyrs tend to find human civilization distasteful, but their inquisitiveness can get the better of them.
  • Other: ^Expand  Many other beastmen exist in varying numbers across the world. In the distant desert-lands of Nalzarr, claims of jackalman, falconmen, and crocodilians are common, and elsewhere, tribes of boarmen and gnolls raid human towns.
  • ^note Due to their size and natural abilities, manscorpions, centaurs, and arachnos are restricted from play.
• Werecreatures: ^Expand 
  • Lycanthropy is a curse that was said to have originated from a wrathful god as punishment. A few, especially wood elves, point to more benevolent nature gods; immortals that may have bestowed it not as a curse, but as a gift upon their faithful. They tend to live and hunt in packs in the northern tundra, isolated from the rest of their race, though occasionally one or more may live among their own race unbeknownst.
  • Shifting between forms is a slow, painful process. Werewolves benefit from enhanced senses and regeneration in both their human and animal forms, though a blow with a silvered weapon will greatly impede their healing. They also suffer from animalistic instincts and can act erratically without a strong will. Though they become significantly stronger and tougher, they have poor manual dexterity in their beast forms, and their speech is often rough and difficult to understand. Werebears, or Arktanthropes share many of the same characteristics, though they usually live alone.
• Other: ^Expand  Trolls lurk in forests and on mountain ranges, hunting humans for sport as often as for food. Gorgons - creatures with the upper body of a scaly humanoid and the lower body of a snake - slither about in caves, worshipping forgotten gods. Harpies terrorize humans in flocks led by storm-calling witches. Certain golems are even said to gain sentience, though who's to say how far they may wander from their master's control.

If you wish to choose a race or culture mentioned only in passing, I can elaborate on it. If I missed something, you may suggest a race not mentioned here.

edited 21st Aug '17 10:56:19 AM by StygianEmperor

The Dysian Pantheon

The gods are an ever-present aspect of life across the world. Some mortals even speak of direct interaction with them, as pawns in their petty schemes or simply as curiosities, like ants before inquisitive children. The Stygian Empire has amalgamated several distinct cultures, each bringing their own deities to form the diverse cults of a sort of organic pantheon.

• Pyr ^Expand 
  • God of cleansing fire, the sun, order, and life.
  • Though worship of Pyr is technically illegal in the empire, some churches still operate by heavily modifying their teachings regarding Emperor Xerdalic's rule. Still others operate in secret; these underground sects of "Orthodox Pyrianism" fan the flames of rebellion, and are stamped out wherever they are found.
  • Unlike most deities, Pyr does not allow for worship of other gods, and his followers tend to be very hostile to other faiths.
  • Outside of Stygia, Pyrianism remains one of the most widespread religions among humans, though it has become steadily more violent over the last few centuries.
  • Pyr's symbol is a torch.

• Zalduil ^Expand 
  • God of lightning, light, wind, and the "spark" of life.
  • Though most dominant among the high elves of Tor'aeleth, Zalduil has found a remarkable number of human followers across the continent since the defeat of the Kingdom of Pyr.
  • A god known for miraculous healing, the sick and injured are often turned over to the care of his priests. True "miracles" are a rarity, however.
  • A mostly human sect, the Crusaders of Thunder are holy warriors devoted to destroying the undead wherever they may be. Some are even said to harness the powers of divine lightning to smite the abominations.
  • Zalduil's symbol is a lightning bolt.

• Volgossa ^Expand 
  • Goddess of the sea, ships, (mis)fortune, and rain.
  • Popular among the merchants of Terul, Volgossa is seen as a trickster goddess whose favor could turn at any time. Sailors and pirates alike often throw a few coins into the ocean depths to curry the favor of the Turner of the Tides for a little while longer. Farmers, as well, yearly call upon this goddess to bring rain for their crops and end droughts.
  • Some pirate crews sail with those who claim to be holy men and women of the sea goddess, though most priests of Volgossa tend seaside temples.
  • Volgossa's symbol is a ship's wheel.

• Cerkessa ^Expand 
  • Goddess of desolation, famine, survival, and venom.
  • Volgossa's less-favored sister, Cerkessa is nonetheless important in Tarul's mythology. She takes over when Volgossa's rainclouds retreat from the land to bring the drought that tests the people's resolve year after year. Cerkessa's name is rarely invoked for anything other than cursing, save for imploring her to heal the bites and stings of venomous creatures, which she is believed to do on occasion.
  • The manscorpion tribes in the barrens of Tarul are known to worship a version of her as their primary goddess, which leads some to speculate she created the abhuman monstrosities.
  • Cerkessa's symbol is a snake, or sometimes a curled scorpion's tail.

• Mul/Mulineth ^Expand 
  • Goddess of hatred, blood, grudges, and vengeance.
  • The origins of the worship of Mul are unclear, while some attribute the Grudge-Bearer to the dwarves, others see her as "Mulineth," the Vengeance of the Dark Elves. Worshipers often see her as a goddess of righteous justice, though those outside her temples fear the violence she seems to encourage.
  • A few drops of blood into a basin are a common sacrifice for those seeking revenge for wrongs, real or perceived.
  • Mul is thought to also be the patron of vampires, though it is little more than rumor, like the creatures themselves.
  • Mul's symbol is a drop of blood, or a scale.

• Q'lod ^Expand 
  • God of the moon, secrets, dreams, and insanity.
  • The patron of seers, Q'lod is an enigmatic god who seems to delight in confusion. His worship is bogged down in mysticism, though some faithful claim to have learned secrets of the cosmos unimaginable from visions dreamt while under the effects of his potent, mind-altering elixirs.
  • Sorcerers and witches often follow this god in the pursuit of arcane knowledge, and cults that arise under his teachings have supposedly influenced some of the most momentous events in history.
  • Celestial bodies, but particularly the moon, are among Q'lod's many spheres; therefore it is commonly speculated that he has a sect of devout werewolves.
  • Q'lod's symbol is a glowing sphere, typically interpreted as the moon.

• Yondhal & Daeleness ^Expand 
  • Husband and wife gods of nature, entropy, and renewal.
  • Also known as Treefather and Earthmother, respectively, their temples are rarely found among civilization. Elves, especially wood elves, tend to build small shrines to them in places of natural beauty, such as waterfall caves and the hollows of ancient trees.
  • Their priests are known as Druids, and the blessing (or curse) of lycanthropy is said to be ritualistically passed among the most faithful.
  • These gods are called upon at many elven funerals, as they also serve as the guardians of the natural cycle. They demand that what blossoms must also eventually wither.
  • Yondhal's symbol is a tree; Daeleness's symbol is a wreath.

• Velathar ^Expand 
  • Hero-god of the hunt, archery, and courage.
  • Legendarily ascended to godhood from mortality as a reward after saving the world from some great evil. Those same legends make him out to be the first wood elf, stating that he grew fed up with the pretention and hedonism of high society and fled to the forests, inspiring something of a movement.
  • Human and elven hunters alike worship Velathar, as well as some more-temperate satyrs. Notably, he is said to also have a following among vampires and werewolves, two supernatural hunters of men.
  • Velathar's symbol is a drawn bow.

• Maluvain & Illithrion ^Expand 
  • Maluvain; goddess of love, lust, and beauty, and Ilithrion; god of joy, luxury, and excess.
  • Especially admired among the elves of Tor'aeleth and Tor'koril, the Lovers are the patrons of indulgence of every variety. Artists and musicians claim to get their inspiration from them, though more zealous worship of these gods tends to be looked down upon by prudent types. Therefore, special gatherings of their most fervent devotees tend to be masquerades.
  • Satyrs take their worship to another level, with wild, drunken carousals in the forests. Woe to any human who gets caught up in such affairs, as merriment can quickly turn to frenzy as madness wells among the frolicking goatmen.
  • Maluvain's symbol is a stylized heart; Illithrion's is a smiling porcelain mask.

• Braerune ^Expand 
  • Goddess of grief, death, and banshees.
  • Due to their long lifespans, elven funerals are a rare and weighty event. Braerune presides over these endeavors that often attract hundreds of mourners, elves from all stages of the life of the deceased.
  • It is said that elves feel grief more strongly than any human, so special care is taken to console the bereaved that they do not decide to follow their loved ones into the afterlife. For the most sorrowful elves do not simply die, but instead may return to the mortal world as a howling banshee.
  • Braerune's symbol is a blue robe.

• Undin & Grelli ^Expand 
  • Undin; god of the earth, magma, the forge, and family, and Grelli; goddess of luck, charisma, travel, and trade.
  • These husband-and-wife gods constitute the primary focus of worship among dwarves. Community-minded humans have found them to their liking, as well, and smiths and merchants of all races may commit a few pieces of silver back to the earth to stay in their good graces.
  • In legend, Undin is said to have blood of silver, with which he destroys the foul vampires and werewolves that prey upon innocent men and women.
  • Undin's symbol is a hammer and anvil; Grelli's is a compass rose.

• Fiehr ^Expand 
  • Goddess of winter, hunting, and endurance.
  • Somewhat obscured by the better-favored hunter-god Velathar, Fiehr still finds steadfast worshippers among dwarves, as well as hunters of several races who live in colder climes. However, her name is often invoked by more casual believers during the cold winter months, in the hopes that she will protect their young children from the icy clutches of Naghest until spring.
  • In the northern tundra, it is said there yet exist entire isolated tribes of Fiehr's followers - arctic savages, afflicted with lycanthropy.
  • Fiehr's symbol is a white bear, or sometimes a wolf of the same color.

• Halric/Hallow ^Expand 
  • God of death, dignity, sacred ground, and ancestors.
  • Possibly the most solemn of the gods worshipped in Dysia, Halric is thought to be the overseer of the soul's journey into the afterlife. More often called "The Hallower" or even just "Hallow" by his considerable human following, the dwarven deity is invoked to bless cemeteries and crypts, lest the dead begin to stir.
  • Indeed, if there is one god more stalwart against the abomination of the undead than Zalduil, it is Halric, whose Gray Priests tenaciously investigate rumors of necromancy across the continent. On the rare occasion the rumors prove true, the foul creatures and their progenitors alike are dealt with swiftly by means of sigil-inscribed mauls.
  • Halric's symbol is a wrought-iron gate.

• Riksnir ^Expand 
  • God of honor, warfare, protection, and drink.
  • Before every battle, soldiers pray to Riksnir that they are on the correct side. Or, if not, they pray that they will die with honor. Though dwarves claim him as their own, Riksnir now has just as many human worshippers (who portray him quite a bit taller). Civilians too, who find themselves in cities besieged will make offerings that their walls will hold, and that their families will be unhurt.
  • No warrior of Riksnir will fight an enemy with his back turned, or without a weapon. Honor is more important than victory.
  • Perhaps his most popular tenant, however, is that drink must find every man's lips after battle. Indeed, the popularity of dwarven brew has spread just as quickly as the god himself, and humans across the world find themselves knocked off their feet by its potency.
  • Riksnir's symbol is a shield.

• Atheros ^Expand 
  • God of warfare, power, glory, and conquest.
  • A relatively obscure deity, the Horned God is something of a counter perspective to the better-known god of war, Riksnir. While the other war god is one of defense and beating back aggressors, Atheros encourages war as a means to weed out the weak and temper the strong. While any soldier may pray to Riksnir for their safety in a single battle, Atheros's worshipers are dedicated, living in monasteries for much of their lives wherein they constantly train their bodies and minds.
  • Atheros does not allow for frivolity, his monks tend to be serious and to-the-point. Dueling is common with martially minded worshipers, though killing is less important than winning. They also make for sought-after mercenaries, their pay going directly back to their monastery.
  • Some of the more intellectual Atheric monks will become strategists for warring empires, or they may even dedicate their lives to arcane study, if they manage to get hold of such material.
  • Atheros's symbol is a crossed sword and axe.

• Naghest ^Expand 
  • God of ice, death, and undeath.
  • Temples to Naghest are quite rare, for nearly every other god finds his domain abominable. The only cult to endorse the practice of necromancy, Naghest's followers find themselves put to the sword if they ever practice openly.
  • Conversely, Naghest's cult claims no evil purpose, rather that they seek an end to the oppression of death. To them, raising corpses is a small step on the path to unlocking the secret of true resurrection; a power selfishly withheld by the other gods.
  • According to some, the Stygian Empire sought out their faithful during the Pyrian War, as any enemy of their enemy was a friend they direly needed during that period. It is unclear whether or not they received any such dark assistance, though it could explain the turn in the tide they experienced in the conflict.
  • Naghest's symbol is a skeletal hand.

• Parlat ^Expand 
  • God of disease, insects, misfits, and the downtrodden.
  • Something of a pariah among the gods, Parlat has found a small following among dispossessed crossbreeds and the very poor. His priests extol the rise of the oppressed, the upheaval of the lowborn, and the blessedness of the impure. They are said to lie with rats and flies, spreading illness as a means of "bringing the high nobility down to their level."
  • Most communities do not tolerate the worship of Parlat, for obvious reasons. Therefore his cults are hidden from society, practicing in abandoned structures, and even sewers.
  • Parlat's symbol is a crossbow, or sometimes a spider.

• The Silent God ^Expand 
  • God(dess) of assassins, thieves, lies, and betrayal.
  • Known sometimes as "Shh," the Silent God is the patron of shadows. His (or her) worship is a well-kept secret from the general populace. Thieves' and assassins' guilds tend to function simultaneously as temples to this dark god.
  • An intricate sign language is the primary means by which members of this cult communicate, especially in their worship. The saying goes that "Any word audibly spoken by the Silent God's faithful is a lie." Of course, this itself could be another lie – one can never take anything for granted regarding Shh.
  • A rival of Q'lod, the two gods are said to work against one another in all things toward unknown purpose.
  • The Silent God's symbol is a finger held before shushing lips.

• Other Gods ^Expand 
  • Thograll: God of warfare, fury, and chaos. One of the most-worshipped gods among orcs, he has few followers outside the brutish race. Thograll's symbol is a double-ended spear.
  • Wuudarg: God of predators, subjugation, and might. Another major orcish god, he is the patron of the maddened wyvern-riders, and encourages expansionism and taming the land. Wuudarg's symbol is a pair of jaws.
  • Kuloth: God of death, magic, and blood. An obscure orcish god, Kuloth is the patron of shamans and warlocks. Kuloth's symbol is an orcish skull.
  • Auros: God of fertility, family, and protection. A god of minotaur origin, Auros has found a surprising following among the surface races, even those individuals unaware of the fearsome bull-men. Auros's symbol is a maze.
  • Omekles: God of contest, strength, and splendor. A major minotaur god, he is said to hand-pick the bulls that rule their labyrinthine lairs through gladiatorial battle. Omekles' symbol is a pair of horns.

edited 21st Aug '17 10:55:16 AM by StygianEmperor

So what brings this to world building? Did you need some help for ideas or hashing out more details for ideas you already have?

There are large gaps in my knowledge of ancient greek/medieval european society, so I might need help if something specific comes up.