The Lumeni

Pantheon of the Gods of Light

The Lumeni are the seven gods of light who, according to legend, created the mortal races, established civilisation, and watch over Caelwhyn as we know it today. The Lumeni are distinct from the ancient Spirits from beyond the Myst, these deities are of a unique divine lineage with varied origins - some from distant realms, others born of the very essence of the land itself. They are worshipped as a unified pantheon, primarily through the organized Church of Light. Most major cities throughout Caelwhyn will have a Temple of Light dedicated to worship of the Lumeni.

History

According to legend, long long ago there existed a realm of divine light. This radiant city eventually fell as Skathfada, a demon of pure darkness waged a relentless war againt its inhabitants. As the city fell to shadow, only one escaped - Eranis, who fled clutching the last ember of the dying realm.

For millenia she travelled the endless Myst until at last she found rest in a quiet place in the chaos, a barren world that would become what we now know as Caelwhyn. Here, exhausted beyond measure, she finally allowed herself to rest. As she did so, the light she carried merged with the Myst itself, and took the form of a man, who called himself Anwyr.

Together, Eranis and Anwyr discovered that the mixing of their divine light with the Myst created something new - the power of creation itself. Through this power, they brought forth five more divine beings: Teriesh, Vimyar, Braethorn, Qi, and Aagronak. United as the seven Lumeni, they shaped the barren expanse of Caelwhyn into a realm that could sustain life. They began to work the Myst and light themselves, creating mortal life and establishing the civilizations that would form the foundation of Caelwhyn.

While Eranis and Anwyr took their places in the Firmament as the Moon and Sun respectively, each of the remaining five Lumeni spread out across the realm to live amongst their creations, teaching, guiding them and performing miracles on their behalf. In time, the Lumeni decided to move on from the realm they created, in search of a new domain of light to rule over. Today, the Lumeni remain in this newer realm of Solas.

For many centuries, the Lumeni were worshipped separately by their created peoples. It was during the Shadow Plague that this changed. When Skathfada blocked Anwyr's light, mortals learned they needed the strength of all seven Lumeni to survive. The Church of the Lumeni was founded, unifying the worship of all seven gods under the one institution.

Type

Religious, Pantheon

Alternative Names

The Pantheon of Light

Related Myths

• Light Meets Myst

The Pantheon

Eranis to light your path, Anwyr to warm your days, Teriesh to guide your journey, Vimyar to strengthen your hands, Braethorn to grant you wisdom, Qii to lift your spirit, Aagronak to watch your shadows. By the Seven that light our world, be blessed and guarded from this dawn to the next.

— Traditional Lumeni blessing

Anwyr

Anwyr is the God of the Sun. Along with Eranis, he is considered to be one of two of the most important deities in the Lumeni Pantheon, and the most powerful. His clerics are the high priests in the Temples of Light. Anwyr represents order, civilization, and the power of creation itself. Each day he travels across the firmament, bringing warmth and life to the world below. His temporary defeat during the Shadow Plague, when Skathfada blocked his light for a hundred years, remains one of the darkest periods in Caelwhyn's history.

Eranis

The Goddess of the Moon, Eranis is known for her discovery and brining of light to Caelwhyn, but also her connection to other worlds beyond the Myst. She is a mysterious deity, whose will is rarely made to known to mortals. While the Church of the Lumeni maintains formal temples in her honor, her worshippers often seek her guidance in natural shrines and wild places, believing she maintains a deeper connection to the spaces between realms than the other Lumeni.

Teriesh

Also known as the Lord of the Plains, Teriesh was the first of the Lumeni to create mortal life - the humans. He is also often credited as creating halflings, minotaur and tabaxi. He is asscoiated with nature, resilience and travel.

Vimyar

Most at home in the mountains, Vimyar forged his creations in the fires of Mount Bezmat in what is now Avokorhim, bringing rise to the species of dwarves, goliaths, gnomes and firbolg. He is also revered in the realms of craftmanship and the forge.

Braethorn

After she created the elves, Braethorn stayed longer than other gods to help establish the ancient elven courts that still stand today - The Courts of Vine & Root (wood elves), Wind & Legend (high elves), Tide & Coral (sea elves) and Gem & Shadow (drow)

Qii

Legend has it that Qii was inspired by the ancient dragons that travelled through the Myst to create what became the Dragonborn species. Qii also went on to bring the birdfolk (Aaracokra / Kenku) and lizardlike (Tortles / Kobolds / Lizardfolk) to life.

Aagronak

The last Lumeni to take part in mortal creation, Aagronak saw the need for defence against those that might invade from beyond the Myst. He created warrior races such as orcs, bugbears and goblins / hobgoblins to be able to stand up against threats.

Relationships

With Mortals

In the earliest days of Caelwhyn, the Lumeni walked amongst the mortals, but today they interact with mortals primarily through their clergy and the Church. Divine magic is granted to faithful clerics, who are instructed to use it for the guidance and betterment of the mortal races. The religion that is the Church of the Lumeni has become a major influence in Caelwhyn. Their services at dawn and dusk each day are staples of daily life for many people.

With Great Spirits

The Lumeni neither encourage nor forbid interaction with Great Spirits, though the Church generally advises caution in dealing with these beings.