Pantheon
Overview
The gods and goddesses inhabit the Beyond but exert their influence on the planes of existence through the subtle manipulation of—-and, rarely, direct intervention in—mortal affairs. The true form of these deities is an enigma, but when they manifest in the mortal realms, they often assume avatars that reflect the aesthetic and cultural values of their followers.
Most deities consider the planes their sandbox and mortals their playthings, and their interactions are often motivated by self-interest as they jostle for power and seek to best one another in a cosmic game of strategy. However, some of the more benevolent deities aspire to nurture and protect the mortal realms, guiding their inhabitants toward prosperity and enlightenment.
In these realms, practitioners of magic are able to channel raw mana to cast spells or combine it with the elements to increase its potential. In the Beyond, however, mana and the elements are more than just constituents of magic; they are the very lifeblood that courses through the gods and goddesses themselves. Most deities are aligned with an element that corresponds to their own elemental composition, while those that are made of mana but lack an element comprise the minor gods. Similarly, each holds dominion over specific spheres of influence either within an element’s domain or—as with the minor gods—distinct from the elements. It is through these spheres of influence that they manipulate the mortal realms, advancing their agendas and counteracting those of their rivals in a complex interplay of divine wills.
Consequently, in the Splinterlands—as in many of the other realms throughout the planes of existence—religion plays an integral role in daily life. Through ritual, prayer, and offerings, the faithful call upon their deity’s favor to cast spells or seek divine aid. Elaborate churches and temples are built in their honor. Festivals and seasonal holidays celebrate them. Sacrifices are made, souls are given, and wars are fought in their name.
However, not all mortals venerate these deities. Some blame misfortune and prayers unanswered on the whims of the divine, lending to animosity of their machinations. Others believe the gods and goddesses to be allegorical—parables to explain the unexplainable or justify cruelty both experienced and dealt. The controversy surrounding the true nature of divinity often leads to tensions and, sometimes, as with religion, to war.
All the while, the deities watch on from their domains in the Beyond. Some weep. Some laugh. For they are divine and eternal, regardless of the beliefs of mortals.
Gods and Goddesses
Primordials
The primordials are the first generation of gods and goddesses and have existed since the dawn of creation. They are the primary sources of the elements and magic that suffuse the planes of existence.
Mitreyya, Goddess of Might
Ugnash, God of Earth
Xelia, Goddess of Seas and Storms
Khymia, Goddess of Justice
Yzaos, God of Death
Brood Mother Yrsiss, Goddess of Sovereignty
Major Deities
The major deities are the offspring of the primordials.
Fire
The Fire Deities are the offspring of Mitreyya.
Lareus, God of Love
Votix, Goddess of War
Earth
The Earth Deities are the offspring of Ugnash.
Lygash, God of Wood
Serathera, Goddess of the Wilderness
Thedan, God of Crafting
Zotash, God of Stone
Water
The Water Deities are the offspring of Xelia.
Ulum, God of Destiny
Gryyja, Goddess of Protection
Life
The Life Deities are the Offspring of Khymia.
Solaki, the Brother Sun God
Phylos, God of Time
Death
The Death Deities are the Offspring of Yzaos.
Nestal, Goddess of Sorrow and Despair
Lunaki, the Sister Moon Goddess
Dragon
Helios, God of Magic, is the offspring of Brood Mother Yrsiss.
Minor Deities
The minor deities are the offspring of major deities.
Mnephrea, Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom, is the offspring of Helios
Gemasis, God of Peace, is the offspring of Solaki
Albiana, Goddess of the Arts, is the offspring of Thedan
Falenora, Goddess of Wealth and Trade, is the offspring of Lareus
Lesser Deities
Lesser deities were once mortal beings who were elevated to godhood through worship, sacred or sacrilegious power, or some other form of ascension. They are typically referred to as dark, light, and gray gods and goddesses.
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