Sovereigns & Aspects

Note: What follows is not known or well understood by the people who live in E'ahna. It encompasses true machinations of this world's creation and divinities, which are generally unknowable to their worshipers.
Summary: Originally there was one god per cleric domain, all created by The Stars of Creation. They were called Sovereigns. As civilization advanced they split themselves into smaller deities with more specific interests to manage things better. The smaller pieces of these original gods were called Aspects of them. They tend to have an "archetype" name among theologists ie "The Soldier" or "The Charlatan". Many cultures have their own versions of gods that fit into these archetypes. Some Sovereigns never split themselves and so are whole and most powerful of the Divinities.
Entities who became extremely powerful on their own- powerful enough to rival the gods- are called Demigods. Certain exceptional divinely chosen mortals in history have died and been "ascended" by their patron to a minor deity status called an Exarch- this is especially common among elves and halflings who tend to worship their heroes. Though some are worshiped as gods, they serve their divine patrons (they are more akin to saints from Catholicism). There are some deities from the beginning of the worlds creation that were too dangerous and so they were locked away by the benevolent gods. These alive, prisoned, forgotten powers are known as The Old Gods.

The Sovereigns & The Old Gods

The Birth of the Gods
Though the world of E'ahna boasts hundreds of deities and myths belonging to them, in truth there are only a handful. These divine beings have no true name, no gender, and no history of manifesting physically within the prime material plane- at least not beyond the eras at the beginning of the world's formation. In truth, at the beginning of all things there were only 16 original divinities which were called The Sovereign Divinities. Each was given a Domain to govern. These Sovereigns were (in order of their creation and level of divine power) Order, Chaos, Arcana, Destiny, the Twin Sovereigns of Nature, Vitality, Knowledge, Motivation, Duty, Conflict, Iniquity, Fortune, Purpose, Radiance, and Shadow. They were created by the overgod only known as The Stars of Creation, and they were created to fight against the forces of The Calling Void, an entity in opposition to existence. They succeeded and contained the heart of this void in a hidden new plane of existence. This being is now known as The Dark Heart and is what is known as one of the Old Forgotten Gods. It wasn't the only one from in this early era either.


The Old Gods
Unfortunately, the unending wars of simultaneous creation & destruction between the Stars & Void in the times before the Sovereigns had resulted in an unfortunate byproduct, a horror bred of their conflict, a mad thing that had fled this war to the furthest reaches of the cosmos- The Mad God. Once the dust had settled and existence was on course, it crawled in from the far reaches and managed to corrupt one of the Sovereigns of Nature, twisting them into the entity now known as The Beast. The Beast had to be subdued and locked away, and the remaining Sovereign of Nature took hold of their sibling's former Domain. The Mad God was pushed back to the far reaches and a barrier was erected to keep it out (for the most part). The Sovereign of Nature, overwhelmed by juggling both domains of nature, split their own being in two to make it easier, accepting that the individual parts would never equal the power of the original but that it must be done to govern efficiently. Other Sovereigns would follow suit.

The Creation of the Aspects
As intelligent life took hold on the world of E'ahna and populations grew, the Domains these Sovereigns governed became increasingly complex. As a result several of these Sovereigns split themselves apart so each of their Aspects could focus on specific needs. These Aspects are what most people call The Gods. The few erudite theologians actually on the right track have come to call them Archetypes and have given them titles. These philosophers have organized all the known gods across cultures under these umbrella identities which give an idea of their area of governance. For example, the various deities of plant-life are organized under the "Gardener" Archetype, which is indeed an Aspect of the Sovereign of Nature. Not understanding that Aspects are just a portion of a larger entity, they have also ascribed Archetype Names to the Sovereigns that never divvied themselves up.

The Lesser Gods: Aspects, Demigods, & Exarchs

The "Archetypes" theory is not something that has ever been proven in any way and a fully accurate model of the gods has never been proposed by mortals. There's actually great variations among the gods in power. The first created were the strongest and those who did not divide themselves are also now much stronger than those who did. The most powerful (and whole) divinities are Destiny (The Weaver), Vitality (The Shepherd), Knowledge (The Archivist), Radiance (The Rebel), Fortune (The Reveler), Duty (The Soldier), and Shadow (The Charlatan). The others split up and their Aspects are known as the following Archetypes (in parentheses): Order (The Warden & The Judge), Chaos (The Mariner & The Destroyer), Arcana (The Arcanist & The Warlock), Nature (The Gardener & The Ranger), Motivation (The Tradesman & The Muse), Conflict (The General & The Conqueror), Iniquity (The Tyrant & The Assassin), & Purpose (The Mother, The Paramour, & The Wanderer). Purpose is the only Sovereign whose domain was so complex they split themselves three ways. Though now one of the most versatile gods, their power was greatly weakened, putting these aspects more on par with demi-gods. The Aspects would be called by many names across many cultures, most of which have no idea they are sharing this deity or that so many gods that exist are one and the same being.
Throughout history, many divinely chosen champions of these gods have been mistaken for actual deities and worshiped as such- especially within the elvish pantheon. These legendary heroes in real life die and then suddenly show up as celestial beings, gifting boons and blessings. Its easy to understand why the elves would see them as fully fledged divinities. They in fact have a minor god status just below demigod and are called Exarchs. They serve the deity who granted them their divinity, though they retain the goals and personalities they had in life. Though not generally as powerful as the higher divinities, it may still be within their purview to bestow powers of their own upon their mortal worshipers or worshipers of their patrons. Some exarchs, like the elvish Shathar, are incredibly powerful- fueled by the massive force of faith given to them in the material plane. There have also been some cases of powerful beings reaching divine levels of power on their own without the assistance of patron gods to Ascend them- these include Lolth and Eresh. They are referred to as Demigods.

Gods Across Cultures

Deities in E'ahna do not generally speak to their worshipers (though Exarchs are more likely to), and their intents are never fully understood so it is likely mortals will never fully understand the real pecking order of the gods or their true natures. Characteristics like appearance or morality are attributed to the gods by individuals and are based on faith alone and the visions given to them. These divinities may choose certain champions to bestow power upon, and they may give guidance in the form of divine manifestations, and they may even send physical guides, but this communication is between them and a specific worshiper (whom no one tends to believe unless they hold a very high station within a clergy). They rarely give details and tend to be vague in their meanings or intents.
The Sovereigns, Aspects, Demigods and Exarchs that make up "The Gods" are worshiped differently depending on the culture that has adapted them into their local pantheon. Across history many deities have been "borrowed" from other cultures and molded to fit in a given society. You see it often with the elves re-adapting draconic deities and humans adapting elvish ones. This results in deities in different racial pantheons with strikingly familiar mythologies and personas. A good example is Danha, worshiped across the entire world by innumerable people of different cultures. The dragons see this deity as the father of all metallic dragons and a paragon of wisdom. The elves adapted this deity into an elvish god of peace and diplomacy. The humans later adapted this god into their own pantheon as a champion of civilization and kings. These variations of Danha have differing origin stories, racial appearances, and may stand for slightly different things, but they all come from the same source of divine power. Danha is an Exarch of The Warden, and was a mortal dragon who became the champion of order and peace in a chaotic new world. Though only an exarch, this divinity has such widespread worship that his power can equal other proper divinities at this point in time. Sometimes cultural variations of a single god are accepted as such by both culture groups, as is the case of the elvish Mythelea and halfling Pelenei. Both are the divine patron of Wanderers and both groups of worshipers fully understand and accept that these goddesses are one in the same power going by a different name. Others would consider it blasphemy to suggest that their god is the same god of another pantheon, as is the case with the dwarvish deity Oroh and draconic deity Torav, both of whom are gods of craft.

The Divinities

What follows are the Sovereigns & their Aspects, their Archetype Titles, and a list of cultural identities all shared by that power.

The Seven Sovereigns

The Sovereign of Destiny (Twilight Domain)
The Weaver Acceptable Cleric Domains: Twilight, Knowledge, Life, Grave, (Moon)

• Ceralae (Elves / Humans)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Selûne, Sehanine Moonbow, Savras
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Istus
• Note: Sometimes Mistaken for The Stars of Creation

The Sovereign of Vitality (Grave Domain)
The Shepherd* Acceptable Cleric Domains: Grave, Life, Light, Twilight, (Blood)

• Helora (Humans)
• Sinarah (Elves)
• Demelza (Gnomes)
• Tashuk (Orcs)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Ilmater, Segojan Earthcaller, Urogalan
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Mishakal, Mina
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Katay, Zodal

*between the worlds of the living and the dead


The Sovereign of Knowledge (Knowledge Domain)
The Archivist Acceptable Cleric Domains: Knowledge, Order, & Arcana

• Izumir (Dragons / Elves / Humans)
• Cyreda (Gnomes)
• Dolbrek (Dwarves)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Oghma, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Deneir
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Gilean
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Delleb, Tsolorandril
• Eberron Equivalents: Aureon

The Sovereign of Duty (Protection Domain)
The Soldier Acceptable Cleric Domains: Protection, Light, War, & Peace

• Kishar (Dragons)
• Tirias (Humans)
• Khagarr (Orcs)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Helm, Torm, Gorm Gulthyn, Gaerdal Ironhand, Arvoreen
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Kiri-jolith
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Heironeous, Kord, Pelor
• Eberron Equivalents: Dol Arrah, The Silver Flame
• Exarchs: Shathar (elves)

The Sovereign of Fortune (Peace Domain)
The Reveler Acceptable Cleric Domains: Trickery, Peace, Life, & Twilight

• Oranah (Humans)
• Shemara (Gnomes)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Tymora, Lliira, Beshaba,
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Olidammara
• Eberron Equivalents: Olladra
• Exarchs: Rhalla (elves)

The Sovereign of Radiance (Light Domain)
The Rebel Acceptable Cleric Domains: Trickery, Twilight, Arcana, & War

• Thodar (Dwarves)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Fenmarel Mestarine, Hoar, Shevarash
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Thithereon
• Eberron Equivalents: Dol Dorn
• Exarchs: Elthran (elves) & Kalar (drow)

The Sovereign of Shadow (Trickery Domain)
The Charlatan Acceptable Cleric Domains: Trickery, Arcana, & Twilight, (Moon)

• Eilann: Exarch (Elves)
• Arloh (Halflings)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Mask, Vergadain, Erevan Ilesere, Baravar Cloakshadow, Brandobaris, Leira
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Keptolo, Kuroth, Syrul, Xan Yae
• Eberron Equivalents: The Traveler

The Aspects

The Sovereign of Nature (Nature Domain)

The Aspect of Herbivores, Daytime, Domestication
The Gardener Acceptable Cleric Domains: Nature, Life, Tempest

• E'ah (Dragons)
• Hallar (Humans)
• Fion (Halflings)
• Gwandela (Dwarves)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Chauntea, Sheela Peryroyl, Eldath
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Beory, Ulaa
• Eberron Equivalents: Arawai

The Aspect of Predators, Night, Wilderness
The Ranger Acceptable Cleric Domains: Nature, Life, Light & Twilight, (Moon)

• Zhella (Dragons / Humans)
• Elyra (Elves)
• Baerna (Gnomes)
• Nerys (Halflings)
• Ulskari (Orcs)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Mielikki, Silvanus, Rillifane Rallathil, Baervan Wildwanderer, Malar
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Habbakuk, Chislev
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Ehlonna, Obad-Hai
• Eberron Equivalents: Balinor

The Sovereign of Order (Order Domain)

The Aspect of Natural Laws, Time, And Planar Order
The Warden Acceptable Cleric Domains: Order, Peace, Life & Light

• Faerûnian Equivalents: Bahamut
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Paladine, Zivilyn
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Rao, St. Cuthbert
• Exarchs: Danha (humans, dragons, elves)

The Aspect of Law, Morality, & Consequence
The Judge Acceptable Cleric Domains: Order, Grave, Light, & Knowledge, (Blood)

• Ilazran (Dragons / Humans)
• Aberdan (Halflings)
• Balmir (Dwarves)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Tyr, Kelemvor
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Pholtus

The Sovereign of Chaos (Tempest Domain)

The Aspect of Weather, Ocean, Air & Water
The Mariner Acceptable Cleric Domains: Tempest, Nature, Twilight, & War (Moon)

• Arthfael (Elves)
• Tulmar (Humans)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Valkur, Umberlee
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Zeboim

The Aspect of Natural Disasters, Land, Fire & Earth
The Destroyer Acceptable Cleric Domains: Tempest, Nature, & Death

• Zal Trianar (Elves)
• Mohrzak (Humans / Orcs)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Talos, Talona, Auril
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Morgion
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Incabulos
• Eberron Equivalents: The Devourer

The Sovereign of Arcana (Arcana Domain)

The Aspect of Research, Intellect, Curiosity
The Arcanist Acceptable Cleric Domains: Arcana, Knowledge, Order, Forge, (Blood)

• Vundath (Elves / Humans)
• Dahgmer (Gnomes)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Azuth, Mystra
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Solinari, Lunitari
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Boccob

The Aspect of Power, Ambition, Superiority
The Warlock Acceptable Cleric Domains: Death, Arcana, Trickery, & Knowledge, (Blood)

• Vanar (Elves / Humans)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Shar, Velsharoon, Vecna
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Chemosh, Nuitari
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Wee Jas
• Ebberon Equivalents: The Shadow

The Sovereign of Motivation (Forge Domain)

The Aspect of Craft, Coin, Success
The Tradesman Acceptable Cleric Domains: Forge, Life, Peace, & Light

• Oroh (Dwarves)
• Torav (Dragons / Humans)
• Geirr (Gnomes)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Gond, Waukeen, Moradin, Flandal Steelskin
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Reorx, Shinare
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Bleredd, Fortubo, Kundo, Mouqol, Xanag, Xerbo, Zilchus
• Eberron Equivalents: Onatar, Kol Korran

The Aspect of Inspiration, Talent, Fame
The Muse Acceptable Cleric Domains: Light, Forge, Arcana, & Life

• Dathira (Humans)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Milil, Corellon Larethian, Lathander
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Branchala, Sirrion
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Heward, Lirr, Lydia, Ye'Cind
• Exarchs: Emaris (elves)

The Sovereign of Conflict (War Domain)

The Aspect of Contest, Rivalry, Strategy
The General Acceptable Cleric Domains: War, Order, Protection, & Grave, (Blood)

• Ghoeth (Humans)
• Hulthan (Dwarves)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Tempus, Clangeddin Silverbeard
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Daern, Gendwar Argrim, Stratis
• Exarchs: Dalanis (elves)

The Aspect of Battle, Animosity, Bloodlust
The Conqueror Acceptable Cleric Domains: War, Forge, & Death,  (Blood)

• Bhagra (Humans / Orcs)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Gruumsh, Gatagos, Deep Duerra
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Sargonnas
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Hextor
• Exarchs: Nammu (dragons)

The Sovereign of Iniquity (Death Domain)

Aspect of Manipulation, Cruelty, Intolerance, Pain
The Tyrant Acceptable Cleric Domains: Order, Death, Forge & Trickery, (Blood)

• Maluth (Dwarves / Duergar, Humans)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Bane, Tiamat, Loviatar
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Takhisis
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Iuz
• Eberron Equivalent: The Mockery

Aspect of Greed, Tragedy, Apathy, Murder
The Assassin Acceptable Cleric Domains: Death, Trickery, Twilight, & Knowledge, (Blood)

• Aleth (Humans)
• Hisilan (Gnomes)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Cyric, Abbathor, Urdlen
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Hiddukel
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Erythnul
• Eberron Equivalents: The Keeper

The Sovereign of Purpose (Life Domain)

Aspect of Family, Society, Bonds
The Mother Acceptable Cleric Domains: Life, Peace, Order & Protection

• Medeh (Humans)
• Mavrin (Dwarves)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Cyrrollalee, Berronar Truesilver, Sharindlar, Yondalla
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Berei, Stern Alia
• Eberron Equivalents: Boldrei
• Exarchs: Galatea (halflings)

Aspect of Romance, Lust, Devotion
The Paramour Acceptable Cleric Domains: Life, Peace, Trickery, & Light

• Khalil (Humans)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Sune, Hanali Celanil
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Berna, Myhriss
• Exarchs: Sylanna (elves), Goewyn (halflings)

Aspect of Freedom, Friendship, Trust
The Wanderer Acceptable Cleric Domains: Peace, Nature, Trickery, & Twilight

• Pelenei (Halflings / Humans)
• Mythelea (Elves)
• Bruselle (Dwarves)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Shaundakul, Marthammor Duin, Dumathoin
• Dragonlance Equivalents: Majere
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Celestian, Fharlanghn

List of Other Gods or Exarchs

Over-Gods (Higher than the Sovereigns)

The Stars of Creation: Acceptable Cleric Domains: Twilight, Life, (Moon)

• The Infinite Stars (Dragons)

The Calling Void / The Dark Heart: Acceptable Cleric Domains: Death, (Blood)

• The Spiraling Dark (Dragons / Humans)
• Faerûnian Equivalents: Myrkul, Bhaal,
• Greyhawk Equivalents: Tharizdun, Nerull, Ralishaz
• Eberron Equivalents: The Fury, Cults of The Dragon Below

The Mad God Acceptable Cleric Domains: Death, (Blood)

• Worshiped by Aboleths, Aberrations, & Mad Individuals

Sovereign-Level Entities

The Beast: Acceptable Cleric Domains: Death, Nature, (Blood)

• King of The First Forest (Wild Druids)
• The Gnoll-Father (Gnolls)

Danha (Exarch of The Warden / Sovereign of Order) Acceptable Cleric Domains: Order, Light, Peace

• Worshiped by Dragonkin, Elves, & Humans

Demi-Gods or Demi-God Level Entities

 Lolth: 

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Death, Twilight, Trickery, (Blood)
• Worshiped by the Drow

 Eresh 

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Death, Order, Trickery, (Blood)
• Worshiped by Dragonborn and Chromatic Dragonkin

Shathar (Exarch of The Soldier / Sovereign of Duty)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Protection, Light, Peace, War
• Worshiped by Elves

Galatea (Exarch of The Mother / Sovereign of Purpose)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Life, Light, Peace
• Worshiped by Halflings

Exarchs Worshiped As Gods

Dalanis (Exarch of The General / Sovereign of Conflict)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: War, Order, Protection
• Worshiped by High Elves

Nammu (Exarch of The Conqueror / Sovereign of Conflict)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: War, Death, (Blood)
• Obscure. Worshiped by some Dragonkin

Kalar (Exarch of The Rebel / Sovereign of Radiance)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Light, Twilight, Life
• Worshiped by Twilight Elves & Drow

Elthran (Exarch of The Rebel / Sovereign of Radiance)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Light, Trickery, Peace
• Worshiped by High Elves

Eilann (Exarch of The Charlatan / Sovereign of Shadow)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Trickery, Twilight, Arcana, (Moon)
• Worshiped by Elves

Rhalla (Exarch of The Reveler / Sovereign of Fortune)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Life, Trickery, Light
• Worshiped by Elves & Fey

Emaris (Exarch of The Muse / Sovereign of Purpose)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Light, Life, Arcana
• Worshiped by Elves

Sylanna (Exarch of the Paramour / Sovereign of Purpose)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Life, Light, Peace
• Worshiped by Elves & Fey

Goewyn (Exarch of The Paramour / Sovereign of Purpose)

• Acceptable Cleric Domains: Life, Order, Peace
• Worshiped by Halflings