The Origin Story

"The story of creation tells us how the universe was create and its purpose, our purpose. Never forget why we are here, young one. If we forget why we were put here in the begining we have no reason to go on, no reason to live. What would we be then? Animals waiting to die? No, we each have our own place in this world, in this universe. Our goal is to find what we can do to further this world towards its destiny, towards our destiny."
"That's cool grandfather but all I asked for was a bedtime story..."
"..."
"..."
*sigh* "Maybe when you're older you'll understand."

Summary

At the begining of time, Ao pushed back the Chaos to make a home for his children, the 10 Upper gods. 5 brothers and 5 sisters were born each with their own knowledge, personality, powers, wants, needs, and thoughts. (This home was known as the Materium and acted as a barricade between the demons of chaos and the order of the gods and goddesses.)

Chauntea (goddess of agriculture)
Umberlee (goddess of the sea)
Mystra (goddess of magic)
Selûne (goddess of the moon)
Shar (goddess of darkness and loss)
Cyric (god of lies)
Tyr (god of justice)
Lathander (god of birth and renewal)
Myrkul (god of death)
Silvanus (god of wild nature)

From these gods and goddesses the world named Ümbria was born. Each god and goddess had a part in this birth by using their specific powers and influence to each create a special piece of the world.

"Chauntea made the land and Umberlee let the waters flow. Selûne gave us the moon while Shar made the shadows. Lathander made the living beings of our world and Myrkul is there when we die. Silvanus gave us nature and Mystra, magic. Cyric lies to us while Tyr brings justice."

The gods and goddesses have contol over their domains and soon they would have children together and from these unions come the lesser pantheon of gods and goddesses. This lower pantheon have less power than their parents but they still hold a great deal of contol within their domains. Ao watches from beyond to make sure his children keep control of their domains, don't fight (too much), pay attention to their worshipers, and generally stay in line.

Spread

Worldwide

Variations & Mutation

Some stories promote a specific god or goddess to Ao's position of Alfather/mother (usually these stories spread through the corresponding church / cult of the god / goddess).

Date of Setting

Begining of time