gods of the West and North

The western, or Prydein people were a free and proud culture with there own grand legacy and legendary heroes until they were brought under the control of the emperors of old many thousands of years ago.  After that period they were encouraged to emulate imperial culture in every particular so it is very common to see great urban centers that are peopled entirely by those of Prydein descent.  Worship of the southern gods is widespread but the western gods were never completed suppressed and since the fall have enjoyed a great resurgence as they old ways of the tribes are rediscovered and ancient legends are remembered.  Some of the most powerful western gods are detailed below.

• Rhoinn: Rhoinn is the Prydein god of kingship and sovereignty.  He is invoked whenever a new royal is acknowledged and is also considered the protector of the Prydein people in general.  He is also the master of freshwater and in this capacity he is guardian of the well of wisdom.

• Faina: Faina is the untamed western goddess of freedom and the wildness of nature.  She is sometimes depicted as a wild mare and it is known that she holds a special place in her heart for horses of all kinds.  Faina does not generally inspire clerics or holy warriors as her followers do not believe in restricting themselves to such an extent.  Instead many of her priesthood are druids or shamans.

• Farhage: Farhage is the dark and sinister god of seas and winter.  He was originally a significant member of the western pantheon but was confronted by Rhoinn and exiled from into his current watery domain.  Farhage is an cruel and unsavory god who is rarely worshiped but is instead placated by sailors hoping to avoid a wrathful storm or by farmers hoping for an early end to winter.

• Athair: Athair is a great jovial god who is master of the natural order.  He holds sway over life and death in its most fundamental expression.  He is also the mentor of Rhoinn and is master of teaching and magic.  He is depicted as a massive avuncular character with a great club in one hand and a cauldron in the other hand.

Far to the north, cold winds blow all year round and hard men stalk great beasts through the dark bowers of endless evergreen woods.  This land was never fully tamed by the empire and only in the borderlands are there any signs of cities or the comforting familiarity of imperial culture.  Beyond the borderlands lies harsh mountains and boundless forests.  Within these lands roam mighty beings of elemental power and unthinkable abominations that defy description.  Among these live the Harudish peoples of the north.  Never having been subjugated by the old empire, their ancient culture remains untainted and intact.  Imperials will find cold comfort among the windblown savages and the deep north unless they can prove their worth against the worst that the dark hordes can bring.  The Harudish people still pay homage to the gods of their ancestors almost exclusively.

• Stiggan: This is the greatest of the northern gods and he rules of the realms of wisdom, war and death. Wizards look to Stiggan for knowledge, warriors look to him for glory, and the dead look to him for peace.

• Fijand: This is the only son of Stiggan and he is master of the sky and is a protector of the weak.  He blesses weddings and births and is one of the most beloved of the northern gods.

• Malhyus: Malhyus is the northern god of vows, justice, and leadership.  He is also the patron of swords and is invoked by arms makers as they complete their rites and by warriors on the eve of battle.

• Lagjana: Lagjana is the northern earth mother and blesses the harvest of her people.  She is wife to Stiggan and shares his powers of wisdom and prophecy.  She is the guardian of plants and animals and patroness of love.

I will be posting the last part of the background regarding gods and religions later tonight with a little write-up about gnome and halfling beliefs.  After that I will  start writing a little bit about some of the political powers that have emerged in the absence of the old empire, and more about the ultimate menace that is faced by all creatures who would not be slaves to dark powers.