Table of contents

Faith

Wherever there are sentient beings, faith invariably finds its place. Faith serves as a profound mechanism, offering solace and spiritual purification while providing invaluable guidance. It bestows purpose upon many, enabling them to overcome life’s challenges. With its extensive wisdom given by clergy, faith provides answers to profound questions. It might be regarded as mere fiction were it not for the occasional sightings of Gods, who traverse the world with their mysterious intent. Divine beings collectively bear the name “Gods”, but all are unique in their commandments and rituals. While some require sacrifices, most are content with devotion. It is said that they hold sway over the destinies of the living, forging their faith to fulfill the greater plan. Gods are as old as the world itself, with some being even older. Followers, acolytes, and priests, who disseminate their teachings and aid others in their masters’ names, are bestowed with the ability to perform miracles. Nevertheless, nothing comes without a cost, as they are expected to uphold the doctrines to the highest standards. Those who transgress these rules will face consequences, whether by the Gods themselves, or most often by their fellow believers.

With each place having their own struggles, gods come to aid. There are many gods who wander the world, too many to name all, but few bear more than one name, and those are the strongest. Not every faith demands complete devotion. In the southern regions, where the climate is unforgiving, faith tends to adopt a more benevolent and flexible stance. People are encouraged to assist one another in times of need, aligning with the intentions of their Gods. The possibility of encountering these divine beings during one’s lifetime is quite substantial, as they are known to journey extensively. It doesnt mean that you will recognise them as gods. Most folk tend to somehow realise what has happened days later as if they were charmed or dazed.

Occasionally, a martyr who garners an immense following can transcend their mortal form, but such occurrences are exceedingly rare, with many saying that they were gods all along. Priests who amass substantial followings often sense the formidable power vested in them. Such folk assume greater responsibility for the faith they represent. On a few occasions those cardinals of the faint created their own convents. While regular followers are expected to uphold the commandments of their gods, priests must do so.

Mist and faith

Mist is the condemned phenomenon amongst the believers, regarded as the antithesis of faith itself. When priests attempt to use their divine powers within the mist, they encounter a profound disconnection from the divine. There is a saying that “In the mist, there are no Gods to be found — only chaos reigns”. In the mist, performing miracles requires a higher focus of one’s will, and often renders their powers absolute. What little you bring to the mist is what you have.

Temples

In the grand cities scattered throughout Misteria, temples dedicated to Gardemon stand tall and imposing, reflecting the dominant nature of the Lawmaker. As one of the oldest and most revered deities, Gardemon’s temple is often a central point in the city’s landscape, a symbol of order and justice. Close to it, other Gods may also have significant temples, depending on the city’s character and values.

In some cities, the Gods of the past, present, and future are collectively celebrated, and their “temple of time” stands as an offering to them. These temples are places of contemplation and intellectual pursuit, modestly adorned to reflect the inner wisdom. Other cities may revere the elemental Gods reflecting the balance and harmony between the elements. The interiors of the temples are designed to reflect the character of the God they serve. Gardemon’s temple exudes an air of authority and solemnity, with grand halls and courtrooms where justice is dispensed. Nomen’s temple might house vast libraries and observatories, inviting seekers of knowledge to comprehend the mysteries of time and history. Meanwhile, Eknos temple could be a hub of innovation, filled with workshops and laboratories where engineers and inventors create marvels of progress.

Regardless of the God they serve, the temples are often adorned with intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures depicting the myths and legends of the deities. The architecture of these structures blends the divine with the style of the city, reflecting its aesthetics.

In lesser settlements, temples may still be found, albeit on a smaller scale. These humble places of worship remain significant, serving as beacons of hope and guidance for the locals. From the bustling city centers to the distant horizons, the presence of these temples stands as a reminder of the close relationship between Gods and mortals, shaping the fabric of life and faith in this world of beliefs.

Gods manifestations

The Gods who walk amongst mortals often do so in disguise, appearing as unassuming individuals to interact with the world they oversee. Their true identity remains hidden to most, but those who have encountered them have described it as a profound experience. Such meetings leave a lasting impact on the believers, who can sense the presence of something otherworldly long after the encounter.

Gods that roam the mortal realm possess unparalleled power, they can perform astonishing feats of strength, shaping events and influencing the present moment. Tales of their miraculous deeds spread quickly, far and wide, inspiring awe and devotion amongst their followers. It is often unclear whether certain feet were achieved by devoted mortals or god themselves, regardless it is associated with the latter. Warriors seeking their favour hope to emulate their strength, while scholars yearn for their divine insight.

Amongst talemasters, practitioners of the ancient arts of songs and incantations, a heightened sense of the divine presence emerges during their performances. They feel a profound connection to their masters, channeling their essence into the melodies and words they utter. God’s interactions with mortals shape destinies, and their teachings inspire generations to seek truth, wisdom, and virtue. As they roam the world, their divine presence brings both wonder and worry, knowing that Gods can either bless or curse mortals.

Devine pantheon

Gods also known as “the Eternals” are enigmatic figures that hold influence over reality. Some see them as timeless and omnipotent, others see them as mighty but mortal. A number of them are praised in myths and legends that depict their great achievements. While names of many gods remain to this day, there are even more names that are long forgotten. 

Gardemon

The Lawmaker, King and Father of Gods, The Globetrotter

He is one of the oldest Gods, born along with the world itself. His knowledge and experience allow him to overpower even the strongest of enemies, making him the dominant God. In the celestial sphere, his role is that of a judge, scrutinizing the actions undertaken by other Gods in the mortal realm. As their father, he provides guidance and counsel to his divine offspring. In the mortal realm, his temples are used as courts of justice, and all sentences are made in his name. His doctrine dictates that to help others and to provide guidance is your duty, as misleading in this difficult world is the worst thing one can do. Living by this doctrine means making the world a better place, not only for yourself, but also for others. Followers of Gardemon are expected to help people in need and aid others in their pursuit of a better tomorrow. Greed and selfishness are some of the most formidable vices. Depicted as a middle-aged man who roams the world with a staff and a bag, he is also considered the patron of all travelers. As the dominant God, he takes the crown as his symbol, but his followers generally don’t carry any symbols, as the eternal power of his doesn’t require one.

The collective of individuals who identify themselves as followers of Gardemon is known as “The Order”. They bear the significant responsibility of upholding peace and order within the cities, effectively serving as the city’s police force and holding key roles in both the executive and judiciary branches. Their temples enjoy considerable wealth, and priests are held in high regard by society. Consequently, they frequently find themselves intricately involved in the political affairs of the city.

  • His followers are expected to be righteous, helpful, and to enforce the law.

Nomen

Master of Names, The God of Time, The White Raven, Time Himself

As a deity of time, history, and names, his devoted followers embark on a profound journey of service and seek to unravel the deeper mysteries of the world. They firmly believe that every entity possesses its own unique name, and to possess this knowledge is to wield control over it. Seeking their own names becomes an essential quest for many, as they believe it to be a life’s journey. Nomen assumes the role of a patron to talemasters, historians, and orators. His offspring are entrusted with the momentous task of overseeing the lives and fates of sentient beings. Depicted as a wise, elderly figure with gray hair and holding an hourglass, those fortunate enough to have encountered him describe him with great humility and patience. As the husband of the illustrious Mernon and the father of the Gods of sciences and death, Nomen’s divine lineage is truly profound.

Among his devout followers, many take up the noble mantle of vanquishing demons and other malevolent entities from the world, earning them great respect as warriors. High-ranking priests are celebrated as valiant monster slayers, their heroic deeds praised in tales of old. Collecting and sharing names is a crucial aspect of their sacred duty, for the names of demons are wielded as potent tools to exert power over them, while the names of others are carefully preserved in the annals of history, never to be forgotten. As they navigate the currents of time and history, they remain devoted to their God’s teachings and strive to bring forth wisdom and understanding to the world. Monasteries of Nomen are usually isolated from cities. In them beside warriors one could find scribes that collectively work on an endless feat of writing the book called “Historia Mundi”.

  • In the name of Nomen, seeking truth and always speaking it are held as unwavering virtues for his followers. To lie knowingly is to sin, while it doesn’t mean that they can’t pass over in silence.

Mernon and Akhan, the Sisters

Mernon and Akhan, the Sisters, Night and Day, are opposing forces, representing the eternal dichotomy of light and darkness. As great mothers of live, they are revered and respected by all races. Their actions, brought forth the creation of humans, granting them power over them all. Mernon, the embodiment of the moon, often bestows visions upon mortals through dreams, offering insights into the mysteries of life, past and present. In contrast, Akhan, symbolizing the radiant sun, bears the responsibility of upholding and maintaining the delicate balance of vegetation in the world. Despite their shared divine lineage, the Sisters rarely spend much time together, as their roles in the celestial dance of day and night keep them apart.

Mernon

The Night, Mother of Gods, Dreambringer, The Black Raven

She stands as the embodiment of the night, the realm of dreams, and the profundity of the mind. Revered as the great mother of Gods, she bore Singi and Ria with Gardemon, and Manus, Ogos, Eknos, and Mortur with Nomen. A deity of contemplation and wisdom, Mernon is often depicted with books and a telescope, deep in thought, donning garments of black. Her connection to the living world is through the realm of dreams, and she is rarely seen walking among mortals. Her followers are expected to cherish and respect the boundless realm of knowledge, constantly seeking intellectual growth and development. Many among her followers are scholars and scientists, receiving guidance and solutions to their dilemmas through their dreams. Only those who aspire to greatness are embraced by her church. Her absence foretells primitive times. The collectives of her worshippers are seldom, and if present they hold small numbers. Mernon is most often praised in silence, and any chapels dedicated to her usually find their place within educational institutions.

  • Her faithful are bound by a sacred duty to seek knowledge and generously share it with others, for the acquisition of wisdom is a gift meant to be spread throughout the world. It is expected from followers to know how to read and write and forbidden for them to burn a written word in any form.

Akham

The Sun Goddess, The Life Itself, Nature

As the opposite of her sister, the Mother of Life is interested in all living beings, and as such, those who live simple lives are the most welcome among her flock. The breadwinners who work tirelessly every day and people from humble backgrounds are most cherished among her followers, gaining great popularity among farmers and servants. Similar to her sister, her followers are not known for grand temples, but rather for small chapels that can usually be found along the roads, often near the fields. They believe that living itself is the very purpose of life. She is depicted as a girl who tirelessly works in the fields, wearing a colorful dress and a round flower-like adornment. Her youthful appearance might be misleading, as she is only slightly younger than her sister. She is the mother of Aqi and Arret, as the earth and water come from Nature herself. She is the all-knowing being of life and nature, and as such, all life depends on her. When she falls ill, the world is troubled by plagues or hunger.

  • Her followers are expected to respect life and refrain from taking it, as life is the highest value. Similarly, fasting is encouraged and eating meat is allowed only when starving, as gluttony is the biggest sin.

The Elements

The divine children of the Sisters. These Gods embody the very essence of their corresponding elements, and thus, they attract devoted followers, especially among mages who specialize in mastering their elements. As the elements possess distinct character traits, the Gods of elements reflect these traits in their very nature and character.

Arret

The God of Earth, Crystal Master, Boulder

The god of earth and critters is characterized by firmness, strength, and unwavering determination. He holds patronage over huntsmen, miners, and gemologists alike, and is often symbolized by and depicted with a glowing crystal orb. Many of his chapels are located in mines and are often found in ancient underground locations. Among city dwellers, there are not many followers of Arret except for builders. Craftsmen frequently invoke his name for good fortune when working with materials such as metals, wood, and crystals. In the collective temples of the elemental gods, it is usually Arret’s devotees who are responsible for the construction and maintenance of the buildings. The most widespread group of his followers consists of gemologist who praise him as the creator of precious gemstones. He is bound to the underground and is almost never seen on the surface. As a God he is most often recognized by folks while providing help to those lost or trapped underground. It is said that if someone dies in the mines, they go to one of his underground cities to live until the end of the times.

  • The god of earth allows only his followers to disturb his land, and those who do so are expected to make amends and give tributes. It is forbidden to call his name and even talk about him underground, except for when you are in grave danger.

Aqui

The Goddess of Water, Great Healer, Caregiver

The goddess of water and healing embodies traits of tranquility and patience. Often portrayed as a healer or caregiver, she holds patronage over medics and all those who provide assistance. Consequently, her followers bear the primary responsibility for medical care, and many of her priests possess exceptional medical skills. Her temples, typically standalone structures, often serve dual roles as hospitals and clinics, extending her healing influence far and wide. Aqui is known to have given birth to Uvi, though the details of this event remain largely shrouded in mystery and are only known to the highest priests.

  • Her followers are bound by a sacred duty to provide medical help and are prohibited from refusing aid to those in need. Aqui also forbids her devotees from taking life, emphasizing the importance of aiding those who require help and care. 

Singi

The Goddess of Fire, Destruction, The Eternal Flame

As the embodiment of fire, Singi is known for her rowdy, impulsive, and unpredictable nature. Her fiery anger has the potential to engulf the world in flames, leading her followers to offer sacrifices in an attempt to appease her and temper her fury. Many of her devotees see themselves as the saviors of the world, leading to a certain level of pretentiousness among them. Singi holds patronage over actors and musicians and is often depicted as one, with a lute as her attribute. Her romance with the embodiment of death, Mortur, gave birth to the God of War, Derzen. That created a profound division among the Gods. Some claim her to be an evil deity, but her followers fervently disagree. As goddess of flame she brought the heat to the world and for that many pay her a tribute yearly at summer solstice.

In the temples of the elements, Singi’s altars take center stage, and in her everlasting flames, anything can be burned. The keepers of the eternal flame oversee the ceremonies within these temples, making them the most numerous among temples’ clergy.

  • As a demanding deity, Singi expects her followers to pay homage to her through their works and performances, reflecting her fiery and sometimes greedy nature. 

Ria

The Goddess of Air, The Great Traveler, The Vagabond, The Wind of Change

A fussy being of ever-changing nature, Ria represents the wind and holds patronage over sailors, traveling merchants and adventurers, for taming the wind requires skill and courage. Depicted as a smiling, traveling woman, her attribute is a compass. In ancient times, before the existence of humans, she and Rass, the God of magic, were responsible for creation of the mist. Legends recount a great competition that ended with Ria emerging victorious, leading to Rass punishing her by creating the mist as a reminder of that day. As a result, her most devoted acolytes are said to have the power to control the mist itself. Followers of hers are usually on the way. Her priests are scattered across the world, and within the temples of the elements, her priests usually serve for short periods. Yet, once assigned, they cannot leave the temple unless replaced by other priests, leaving many of them bound to the temple’s service. 

As the Goddess of Air, Ria is known for her easy-going nature, making her one of the least demanding deities. She encourages her followers to explore the world and share their experiences with others. To keep the stories for yourself is the greatest sin.

Rass

The Childish God, Chaos, The Magic Incarnate, The Everchanging

Patron of magic and wizardry, Rass holds a particular fondness for the realm of arcane education. Depicted as a mischievous young child with cryptic speech, they embody endless curiosity, lack of manners, and an inexhaustible source of energy. Believed to be older than Gardemon himself, Rass has taken on various forms throughout history, adapting to the development of civilizations. Their name may vary, but their destined characteristics always make them recognizable as the God of magic. In the past, their image reflected the prevailing approach to magic in society. Devoted followers are expected to live a life of curiosity, and any behavior contrary to this is seen as a sin in the eyes of the childish God. The symbol representing them is a star or an asteroid. Temples dedicated to Rass are mostly small, often located near magical colleges and academies, with a few exceptions. Their past actions have earned them dislike among certain populations, particularly in the south. Acolytes of Rass, wizards of great power, are usually perceived as unhinged and considered eccentric by normal people. Dressed in pompous robes of vibrant colors, they are easily spotted and often avoided. These wizards have eyes reflecting the color of the magic they practice, making their preferred field of magic easily recognizable.

  • The rowdy God desires anything and everything, and those who walk their path are expected to become the strongest, eagerly embracing any challenge to prove their power. Showing weakness is a sin.

Mortur

Master of Life and Death, The Judge, Life Bringer

The God of life and death, a being that walks among the living, guiding them to the other side. Represented as a figure in a black cloak, holding calipers in their hands, Mortur’s role is to judge the value of those who have lived and what they have done by measuring the size of their soul. The small souls are collected and reused to create new life. In rare cases where a soul is too vast to measure and thus unusable for creating new life, it is left in the world to disperse. Mortur has few followers and is mostly praised at the beginning and end of life. The ceremony of naming, popular among humans, is performed by the priests of Mortur, as it is believed that during those rites the soul is bestowed upon the newborn. Mortur’s followers are expected to bury the dead and assist with labor, leading to close relations between Mortur’s temples and those of Aqui. In hospitals staffed with healers, Mortur acolytes can often be found as well. They are also healers as their tast is to allow others to grow their souls as much as possible before their unavoidable death. Additionally, Mortur’s followers despise any form of living dead and are highly skilled at dealing with undead creatures.

The followers of Mortur are tasked with taking labour and burying the deceased, and eliminating those who disobey the natural order of life and death. They must aid in healing and stop premature death.

Manus, Ogos, Eknos

The ancient Gods of science, united as one but still three. They embody the principles of human logic, technology, and knowledge, and instead of granting magic and miracles, they share their vast wisdom with their followers. The relationship between these Gods and their devotees resembles that of a student and teacher, rather than a master and their flock. Born from Time itself, they represent the past, future, and present, but they do not hold dominion over life and death, a domain reserved for Mortur. When they come together, they wield great power and have the authority to shape the destinies of anything, even Gods. Their temples are often collective, as their followers do not differentiate between them in their offerings. It is said that when the three gods were born, they were lost to nothingness only to be reborn again as one and three. Whatever visions they bring, they are grand and often enigmatic. Those Gods appear strikingly similar in appearance and essence and are often mistaken for one another.

Manus

The Past One, The Keeper of History, The All-Remembering

The God of humanities and the patron of archaeologists, theologians, and all scientists buried in the knowledge of the past. He is depicted as an elderly man with a face full of wrinkles, holding a candle that is almost finished burning. Manus aids his followers in unraveling the secrets of history and the past by bringing recollections of long-gone events into their dreams. Talemasters often seek his guidance in their research. His divine sightings and blessings are bestowed upon those who seek answers, and his most devoted priests are said to possess the memories of events long gone as if they were present there themselves. Through his wisdom, Manus sheds light on the mysteries of bygone eras and sometimes even reveals the locations of forgotten ruins to its followers. 

Ogos

The Present One, The All-Seeing

Embodiment of logic and deep thought, Ogos serves as the patron God of philosophers, thinkers, and politicians. He represents the ever-evolving present and the knowledge that exists in the current moment. His devoted followers often include scholars, merchants, and those seeking wisdom. They rely on his guidance to navigate the complexities of the world. As an elderly man with a candle just starting to burn, Ogos is the only one of the three Gods who actively interacts with the living, dwelling in the enigmatic place known as “the contemporaneity”. Legends speak of the tower being visible to those lost in the mist. Some say that it serves as the way to his temple. The most dedicated adherents may find themselves invited to serve in his court, and those seeking his counsel are granted visions in their dreams, imparting profound insights and revelations about the ever-changing present.

Eknos

The Future, Fortune Teller, The All-Knowing

As the bringer of the future, Eknos is the master of innovation and progress. His followers consist of engineers, craftsmen, and builders, who seek his guidance in their pursuits of creation. An aged man with an unlit candle, Eknos, like his brothers, imparts his wisdom through dreams. It is said that of all the Gods, only he knows what is to come, instilling both respect and fear among the mortals and deities. In temples of time there are altars where folk offer their wealth in hopes of gaining some of his wisdom. His foresight makes him the strongest of the three. Many seek his wisdom for it is the future that holds the greatest unknowns and challenges.

  • The Gods of time are generous to their followers, and for that expect expensive tributes. 

Derzen

God of War, The Killer, and Master of Warriors

Possessing unparalleled power, he represents conflicts and the relentless pursuit of phisical strength. With an impetuous temper and a short fuse, he is deemed the most dangerous among all Gods, often found on battlefields, fighting and, like every conflict, eventually meeting his demise. Even if defeated, his body is never found and he always comes back for another fight. Depicted with broken weapons and countless scars, he epitomizes the brutal reality of war.

Among his followers, the expectation is to embrace battle, for it is Derzen’s way. They can be found among mercenaries, gladiators, and warriors, their lives devoted to the art of combat. Those who shy away from conflict are marked and dishonoured, a fate worse than death. The prospect of dying honourably in battle holds greater appeal than surrendering, a belief that ties them closely to Mortur, the Master of Life and Death. A pact between the son and father is forged: if his followers die honourably in the throes of combat, they are promised a peaceful existence after death.

The Convent of Derzen, a bastion of formidable warriors, often resides in isolated monasteries, where they hone their skills in preparation for the inevitable call to arms. It is believed that Derzen himself occasionally visits these sanctuaries to engage in battle alongside his devoted followers. Wealth and power flow through the convent, bolstered by the mercenary warriors of unparalleled skill. In some cases, the Convent of Derzen merges with the radical believers of Nomen, creating formidable complexes, home to the mightiest and wisest of warriors.

  • For the God of War, those who avoid battle and flee from conflict are despised, for death on the battlefield represents the ultimate goal.

Uvi

The Great Thief, The Shadow, Masked God, The Disobedient

An enigmatic being representing the insatiable desire to gain through any means possible. Patron of burglars, thieves, and all manner of criminals, those who follow Uvi are well aware of their illicit pursuits. Their lives are entwined with crime, leading to the construction of only few chapels dedicated to the Masked God, often hidden away from the public eye. Uvi is depicted as a faceless figure, masked and adorned with a gloved hand—these are the symbols associated with the Thief God.

Followers who wish to embrace the ways of the Masked God are expected to defy rules and utilize their skills in larceny and subterfuge to achieve their goals. However, they are strictly forbidden from resorting to murder, a single rule imposed by Uvi’s mother, Aqui. Given the nature of these followers, many of the most devoted among them are wanted criminals, often propagating the wrong way of living and teaching the art of thievery.

The God of Theft is fond of extravagant offerings, and temples brim with gold to entice and reward the followers. Yet, if such riches are taken away, they mysteriously vanish into ash. At times, the Masked God collaborates with mortals to aid them in their thefts, only to steal the spoils for themselves, staying true to their title as the ultimate thief.

  • Uvi expects their followers to disregard the law and acquire wealth by any means necessary, showcasing their preference for those who embrace the clandestine and shadows of the world.