Imperial Pantheon

“The Sacred Seven as illustrated in Imperial legend is a fallacy. There are not only seven gods that are considered sacred, as there are many. Without Vekril, travelers and fishermen alike would be lost and without resource. Without Zenith, the empire and its people would have no fortunes. Without Celest, there would be no song or stories. Without Zepha, there would be no future. None are less important to the empire; none are without respect. Only degrees of praise.” – Adrien Lorax, Understanding Dawnstar

Creation of the Imperial Pantheon:

The pantheon of the Thirewynian Empire is a staple of its very culture. Without the gods, and their guidance to turn to in times of need or personal crisis, chaos would have destroyed the fledgling empire long ago. Regional cultures have always dictated their gods by different names and understood them in their own ways; When the Thirewynian Empire expanded into the Edington Confederation during the reign of Ander Forwith, first Emperor of the Thirewynian Empire, one of the early discussions revolved around creating a culture. While the previous power had control over the territory surrounding Dawnstar, if this new Empire was to survive and thrive it would require a binding of cultural aspects from traditions that were already established at home and abroad.
Thus, the Elder Council was tasked with seeking out religious authorities not only within their own land, but those around them. Stories say that clerics were send as far as the settlement of Plainview in the great plains, the underground Gnome settlement in the Highridge Mountains to the treacherous South; Even enemy territory was not prohibited as the High Cleric of the Empire himself traveled North to Morinbourn, still deep within Edington Confederation territory. Each of these missions with one objective: Learn, observe, and understand the teachings and religious impacts of their people. After years of study, each member returned to Dawnstar to provide their insights. The Gnomes told of their gods such as Stunder, god of mining and stonework. The people of the great plains told of the goddess of life, Ilinir, said to resemble the form of a sprouting flower when she appears. The large elven populations of Morinbourn provided knowledge of the Elven Pantheon from the Elven ancestorial lands. Each aspect brought insight into how gods are promoted and worshipped in other lands where the Empire would one day expand, allowing the Empire to craft an official, but familiar, pantheon. The days of divine powers being recognized locally through all manner of tongues and traditions would end as a new pantheon was ushered in by a ceremony in the Garden of Kings in Dawnstar. From that point on, as far as the Empire was concerned, there would only be 14 recognized gods of man.
The 'Sacred Seven' were deemed the most revered in many of the cultures and traditions studied, as well as being the most prominently necessary within the Empire, and thus would be considered the pillars of faith. Deities such as Zenith, the god of trade and fortune, would have a growing importance as the Empire expanded, but in the time of war and uncertainty gods of War, Arcane Knowledge, and Law seemed more befitting the new power to keep the peace. This has not stopped the creation of dedicated places of worship for individual deities, or entire organizations of clerics and religious followers from placing the foundation of their practice into a single deity.

Divine Creation Stories:

To understand each deity as known in the Imperial Pantheon, it is important to note that there are no recorded events in known history, backed with verified sources, to indicate what they look like, their true personalities, or in the case of some critics, if they even exist. While clerics perform miracles, and warriors win battles after tributes to their gods, there is no single source in our known history that can point to the representation of the gods being accurate in any culture, including the Empire. While many civilizations have risen and fell over the many years since recorded history, it is less simple to document the effect divine powers have in Alanor. However, we can delve deeper into the provided attributes of them in terms of Imperial understanding and religious structure.

Ellinor, the Goddess of Life:

Where can one begin if not birth itself? Ellinor is often referred to as “The Mother”, both for her domain of birth and life, but of life itself. Creation myths often point to Alanor being created when a force of life collided with a force of magical energy. Together, they created the world in its most primitive form. Each took the form of a name, Ellinor and Volaris, and tasked themselves with creating aspects of the wider universe. Volaris used his power to form transferable energy into matter, to craft the world; Ellinor using her power to sprout seeds to begin giving the world life.
Ellinor is most commonly attributed to Life, Hunting, Farming, Birth, and Healing. Ellinor is a common choice for clerics who are called to serve not in a martial matter but a tender one, seeking to tend to the wounded or protect the vulnerable. Ellinorian Clerics are also considered good-natured souls who would only use violence as an absolute last resort, and thus may initially seem naive when faced with dangerous situations. Nonetheless, like a true mother Ellinor is said to welcome the sick, the wicked, and the lost under her banner to recraft and provide new life for her faithful.

Volaris, the God of Arcane Knowledge:

Volaris, the second creator who created Alanor and provided a space for life to take root. Volaris is often revered and studied by magic users for guidance in how to improve. Mages of all traditions will often carry a totem or symbol in some shape or form as a mark to offer themselves for his teachings. While Ellinor is often considered a symbol of good-natured spirit, Volaris is often depicted as a blunt and calculated teacher. Neither good nor evil as magic is often used for both. Volaris isn’t depicted as sanctioning certain magics or offering a guiding hand for its civilized usage. Some say that the truest example of Volaris’ character is to use magic in all forms, in its most basic form. Mages in apprenticeship are often taught to hold back their raw power as it can not only be corrupting for the user’s mind, but also their body, which must be dutifully trained before taking on more powerful magic. However an argument can be made that preventing an apprentice from attempting to learn a higher level spell goes directly against Volaris’ desires, and that all magic should be free to use and harness by those worthy of being a conduit of it.
Volaris may be known as the god of magic and arcane knowledge, but not only mages study and revere him. Volaris is heavily respected and praised by Elven communities, especially those with direct lineage to the Elven Dominion. Volaris actually shares the same name and attributes between the Thirewynian pantheon and that of the Dominion; At the time of the Empire’s creation it was argued that a god of magic, which was heavily attributed to the enemy of the large Elven populations of the Edington Confederation, should be researched and revered more heavily as to gain his favor, or to avoid his wrath altogether. Thus, Volaris made it to the Sacred Seven at a time when magic was often attributed to divine power bestowed upon the worthy rather than that of an overarching patron of magic itself.

Frey, the Goddess of Love and Passion:

Frey, considered the first child of Ellinor and Volaris, would be ushered in to give the new world a passion that it lacked. Frey would help guide inspiration for species, traditions that would later be known as marriage, as well as love itself.
Traditionally, Frey is associated with love, marriage, sex, and beauty. Thus, she is a common part of vows within wedding ceremonies. Marriages are also often kept humble without much glamor as the natural beauty of the couple should take the center stage over wealth or decorations. A common myth explains that the more beautiful a couple’s soul, and the deeper their love, that Frey will bless the couple from hardship or grief, allowing their natural beauty to blossom over a long and peaceful life.

Auriel, the God of War:

Auriel is considered the second child of Ellinor and Volaris. Despite the primitive and largely desolate world, Ellinor couldn’t bear to watch it be destroyed without a protector. Thus, Auriel was born to defend the world from all threats, and bring peace to the land as life forms were slowly introduced in the coming stages so they may all be provided a chance to find a place in this new world.
Auriel is such often referred to as the ‘protector god’ or ‘god of might’. He is most typically associated with the attributes of war, fitness, and discipline. As a result, was quickly adopted by the Imperial Army as a symbol and many pre and post-battle traditions would be created and carried on through generations in tribute to him. Auriel is rarely ever portrayed with a ranged weapon, instead always opting a shield for protection of threats, and a mighty sword for slaying them.

Zepha, the Goddess of Destiny; Nebula, the Goddess of Stars:

While the first humanoid creatures were born and walking Alanor, it was determined that they were solidary creatures. Despite procreating, they did not spread out or find the desire for adventure, only seeking necessities to survive. Thus, the first pair of twins would be introduced. Zepha, the goddess of fate, destiny, and time; And Nebula, the goddess of the sky, weather, stars, and the space beyond Alanor. Their creation was to inspire and awe the solitary inhabitants of the new world, to give them the inspiration to explore and to alleviate the concern that each day draws on to the next without inspiration. Soon to symbolize the twins, two celestial moons would be created: Hexus and Tranquil.

Zeriah, the Goddess of Death; Aster, the God of Order:

As time passed, the first Domains would be created for each god to reside in and watch their growing creations from afar. However, it became apparent that as intelligence in their new creations grew, and they were inspired for greater heights, so would their potential for destruction and harm. Thus, a third pair of twins would be created by Ellinor and Volaris; Zeriah, the goddess of Death, and Aster, the god of Order.
One may be quick to ask, how can a mother of life be the mother of death? How could the creator of life be forced to bring order to it rather than let it flourish? The Imperial understanding teaches us a different understanding. As tribes began to form, and raw instinct took over for basic necessities, concern set in that without ever looming guidance future societies could become sources of pure force. Thus, the answer was created in Zeriah and Aster.
During this time the expectation became that any followers of the gods may be chosen to enter their Domains upon death if deemed worthy through actions, dedication, or being personally acquired by the god themselves. However, how can one ensure that good is rewarded if ill-deeds are not punished all the same? And so, Zeriah would become the hostess for those recently departed; Either to their new everlasting homes in a divine domain, or to her own as a sort of Limbo, not to be punished or cherished, but to exist. However, those who committed crimes or great acts of evil would be taken by Aster, the god of order, punishment, and justice. Those who end up in his care would receive personalized punishment for the acts they committed either until the punishment is deemed to have fit the crime, or until the end of time.
Neither deity is described as emotional, or particularly devoted to their roles, and perhaps by design. Created out of necessity, they were not born to enjoy their roles, but rather to be the ones to carry out what was necessary. In modern terms, neither god is particularly revered, but are considered an essential part in death and thus ever present. Clerics or direct followers of these deities are very rare, and often take after their emotionless and dutiful patrons.

Delphine, the Goddess of Balance; Vekril, the God of the Sea:

As life continued to grow and evolve the balance between chaos and order became less distinguished with the new technologies and mindsets being held by societies. Thus, Frey and Auriel would come together to birth a new god to bridge the gap and bring balance. Delphine would be born with the task of guiding law and balance. However, unintentionally another god would be introduced: Vekril. While Delphine would present herself as unimposed and unbiased, often quiet and preferring to watch before speaking, Vekril would prove to be exactly the opposite. Brash, abrasive, and often blunt he would be tasked with the seas where his ferocity could thrive without impacting the larger world directly.
In the modern day, Delphine is often a patron of judges and leadership positions, while not granting direct power, instead offering a guiding hand to ensuring balance in all things and that the law is upheld. Vekril, the god of the seas, would later also take the responsibility of navigation as civilizations grew to yearn for the sea and explore beyond the reaches of their wagons and boots.

Zenith, the God of Trade:

As civilizations began to rise up, so did the desire to trade goods and services amongst the community and other societies as opposed to direct force and conflict. As a result, Zepha desired to create a god that was capable of ensuring safer and more secure bartering, and creating a fair system that would be used to do so. It's said that no god can create such a life on their own, so her twin Nebula helped create the god Zenith, leading to the myth that full moons bring better deals in later years. It's also said that Zenith spent many years among the growing civilizations, instructing them on how to efficiently create and grow commerce, as well as suggesting the system of using a coin-based system, usually circular and either red or silver, similar to the moons themselves.

Celest, the Goddess of Free-Will; Adriel, the Goddess of Trickery:

As civilizations grew, so did the desire for ways to pass the time through entertainment or using certain products to allow one to enjoy the passing time. As such, Ellinor and Volaris would birth their last children, Adriel and Celest. The Imperial pantheon recognizes them as two separate gods, but some speculate that they were initially the same goddess, or perhaps a goddess of dual personality.
The creation myth explains that both Adriel and Celest were born as twins, and at first shared the same ideas on how to bring new life to the world's inhabitants through song and dance and revelry. However, while Celest would use her skills and influence to teach others how to partake in drinking, dancing, and song, Adriel would see these opportunities for deception and thievery. While today they are considered separate deities, it’s unclear if this was always the case or if the idea of two separate deities is only a ploy to distract from Celest introducing revelry as a way to also trick mortals, and that there was only ever one to begin with. In either case, Celest is often celebrated as the “sister of the dance” and symbols of her can often be found at parties where her influence is obvious through song and dance. Less is known about Adriel, but is often speculated to be a patron of thieves, as well as spies.

Ashmar, the God of Disasters:

Ashmar is often considered to be the final deity created by the gods themselves, and often attributed to being born from Zeriah and Aster, the duo who watch over the afterlife for both unclaimed souls and those who are deemed to be punished. Not much is known about Ashmar’s origins, but he is typically explained to be a tracker of souls who have illuded death, particular in part by unnatural or unsanctioned ways. Liches would be an example of a individual Ashmar may be tasked with tracking down and finding a way to end so that they may be claimed by Aster’s justice.
A side effect often attributed to the unfortunate god is that of plagues. When a disaster or great illness befalls Alanor, it is often attributed to Ashmar. As a result, while he is not considered to be hostile or evil to the average citizen, it is hard to deny scapegoating the deity most associated with disaster, even if it is intended for those who have illuded all other means of death.

Permeated Organizations

• Imperial Legion

Divines

• Adriel - Goddess of Deception
• Ashmar - God of Destruction
• Aster - God of Order
• Auriel - God of War
• Celest - Goddess of Free-Will
• Delphine - Goddess of Balance
• Ellinor - Goddess of Life
• Frey - Goddess of Love
• Nebula - Goddess of the Sky
• Vekril - God of the Sea
• Volaris - God of Magic
• Zenith - God of Fortune
• Zepha - Goddess of Fate
• Zeriah - Goddess of Death