Overview
Ilisara was formed from the breath of titans. The titans left ten gods and goddesses in charge of the world. One of them, named Esk, gave his life to infuse the world with magic. The other nine deities remain as Ilisara's pantheon. Each deity is in charge of its own domain, and they are the supreme commanders of their domain's associated powers.
Deities in Ilisara hold unimaginable power. They created all life on Ilisara and are worshipped and well-respected despite their lack of interference with mortal affairs. Deities believe directly contacting mortals restricts their ability to evolve, and strips them of free will. The pantheon typically interacts with mortals by sending signs for mortals to interpret.
List of Gods and Goddesses
Varos (Solar Deity) -- Good. Domains include sun, sky, wind, health, healing, knowledge, life, prosperity, summer
Varos has been portrayed as a god or goddess, depending on the artist. He/she is a benevolent deity, and is worshipped by many humans alongside other deities. Healers, arcanists, and others look to Varos for guidance. The Sun Elves call Varos their patron deity. Members of the Confederacy are the only ones who worship Varos; the Orcish Warlords scorn the sun’s guidance.
Duros (God of Earth) -- Good. Domains include Earth, protection, resilience, fortitude, harmony, architecture and prosperity.
Duros is portrayed as a muscular dwarf with a mighty adamantine hammer. He is a benevolent deity, and is worshipped by many humans alongside other deities. Warriors, blacksmiths, and others look to Duros for guidance. The dwarves call Duros their patron deity.
Selûne (Lunar Goddess) -- Neutral. Domains include night, astrology, stars, solitude, truth, wayfinding
Selune is portrayed as a beautiful woman in flowing white silks. She is quiet and elusive, and her followers are often introspective or spiritual. Monks, druids, wanderers, nomads, and others follow Selune.
Anashta (Water Goddess) -- Neutral. Domains include rivers, the ocean, intimacy, friendship, love, rain, storms, spring
Anashta is portrayed as a young maiden of frolic and fancy. She is friendly, kind, and humorous, but capable of great storms and tsunamis if crossed; she is unforgiving of those who pollute her waters. Sailors pray to Anashta to get home safe.
Remedia (Nature Goddess) -- Neutral. Domains include the forest, hunting, life, animals, harvest, autumn
Remedia is worshipped by druids, farmers, and anyone who spends time in the wilderness. She appears as a tall female dryad with antlers adorned by gold rings. Remedia is strong, solemn, kind, and wise, but has no tolerance for those who would harm nature, pollute, or strike at the weak.
Hejong (God of War) - Neutral. Domains include retribution, honor, duty, diplomacy, conviction, perseverance, bravery, war, and tactics..
Hejong promotes merit within the ranks of the army. His presence on the battlefield is fabled to decide victory alone. Fighters, soldiers, and leaders look to Hejong in times of war for guidance.
Kerrigor (God of Death) -- Neutral. Domains include death, age, ancestry, winter
Kerrigor is an ancient, dark spirit, but he is not evil. Death is inevitable for all living things, and Kerrigor merely lays claim to it. He is not typically worshipped, but he is respected by all for looking after souls that have moved on to the afterlife. People implore Kerrigor to pass along well wishes to their ancestors.
Vandun (God of Shadow) -- Evil. Domains include pestilence, poison, curses, black magic, deceit, destruction, and stealth
Vandun is depicted as a hooded figure, with a cloak of darkness. His goals are always to cause mayhem and destruction, with no concept of the welfare of others. He is unempathetic, ruthless, and often described as insane. He operates with subtlety, preferring to manipulate from the shadows instead of take a direct stance. His followers seek to bring about the end of the world, as it is foretold that when the world ends, the followers of Vandun will be granted unfathomable power. Demons are agents of Vandun.
Arth (Blood God) -- Evil. Domains include the living body, vitality, blood, sacrifice, perseverence, and fitness
Arth is portrayed as an undead humanoid who drains life force from his foes. He cares little for life, and strives to restore his mortal form in the living world. He is known for making deals to extend the lifetime of his worshippers, in exchange for blood offerings. His followers look to him in times of desperation. Some Orcish Warlords and their underlings are the only worshippers of Arth; the Confederacy scorns the Blood God’s teachings.
Esk (God of Magic) -- Good. Domains include arcana, creativity, invention, exploration, freedom, and imagination
Esk is currently deceased and not worshipped by any mortals, as his existence was never revealed to them. However, Esk once sacrificed himself to end an era of war and infuse the world with magic.
Myths, Legends, and Godly Shenanigans
These are stories that illustrate relationships between gods and goddesses in the pantheon, or otherwise describe "unrecorded history" -- things that occur in the godly pantheon that mortals living in the world could never hope to know.
Creation of Ilisara: The story of how Ilisara came to be, including information about Esk's sacrifice -- which caused the world to have arcana.
Creation of the Dark Below: The story of how the Dark Below came to be. The Underworld is the new home for the evil dark dwarves and dark elves.
Esk's Request: A short vignette written for the year 0, when Esk approached Kerrigor about how to get himself killed.
Partners in Crime: Vandun and Arth are particularly evil. Here are a few of the nasty things they've done behind the scenes.