The Chthonic Gods
The Chthonic Gods are deities that manage ending the lives of mortals, as well as overseeing their souls in the Underworld. They vary from bringers of death, to guides to the Underworld, to divine judges on whether you shall go to the darkest pits of Tartarus, or be granted the eternal rewards of Elysium. They are feared, but their role is necessary.
Structure
The entire Underworld is ruled by Hades, first born of Cronos and God of the Dead. Hades rules fairly, and has even been known to be merciful at times when his brothers would not. Hades rules with his wife, Persephone, the Queen of the Underworld, at his side. Hades and Persephone judge the souls of those who enter their realm, and see to it that they recieve what they deserve based on their actions as living mortals.
Cerberus is the pet of Hades, and guards the Underworld from mortal adventurers who would try to break into the realm of the dead. When not tearing through trespassers, Cerberus sits by his master's side.
Thanatos is Death himself, without him, no being would be capable of dying, no matter what injuries are inflicted upon them. Thanatos claims the souls of mortals who do not die a violent death. Thanatos occasionally acts as a punnisher from Hades or The Olympians, causing instant death to those who commit crimes big enough to warrant the attention of a higher power.
Hypnos is the younger twin brother of Thanatos, but is nowhere near as lethal. Hypnos is Sleep Incarnate, and imitates his older brother. Where Thanatos brings death, Hypnos achieves a strange mockery of this. He takes a third of a mortal's life, and in return he gives them dreams and nightmares. Dreams to inspire and relieve stress, and nightmares so mortals may be aware of their truest fears.
Hermes has many roles, both on Olympus and in the Underworld. He guides the souls of warriors and those who fought in their final moment, and delivers them to the Underworld. Hermes is only sent to recover the soul of a non-combatant if they lived an eventful and impactful life. Most mortals believe that the greatest honour they can possible obtain is being escorted to the Underworld by Hermes. Hermes accompanies Persephone on her journeys to and from the Underworld. Hermes also acts as a messenger for Hades on occasion, particularly when Persephone is away. Hermes also gives sleeping mortals dreams from Hypnos.
Public Agenda
The Chthonic Gods are determined to bring about the deaths of mortals when their time comes, and to see to it that they go to the afterlife that they deserve based on their deeds in life. They do not do this due to a desire to bring about death, but because it is necessary to make room for more life and see to it that mortals receive the punishment or reward they reserve for their actions in life.
History
The Underworld was inherited by Hades upon the defeat of Cronos. As few beings had died, the Underworld was often overlooked by The Olympians. Even after Thanatos was born, the Underworld was of little importance as mortals were still undying. That was, until Prometheus angered Zeus, leading to Pandora unleashing the horrors of her box upon mortalkind, ever since, the Underworld has become the most inhabited place within all of existence.
Hades may be feared by some and denied worship from others, but no matter your feelings about him, he will eventually decide your fate and become your lord.
Ethics
Most of the Chthonic Gods dislike necromancy, as they see it as kidnapping the citizens of the Underworld. It is seen as heretical, cruel and inconceivably selfish. Very few necromancers have ever been granted entry to Elysium, most are doomed to be at the mercy of Tartarus.
The Chthonic Gods ask that mortals wash away their angers and fears about death, as they see their job not as cruel but as a necessary part of life. Trying to cheat death is seen as a very serious crime, and accepting it is commendable.
Worship
Most of the worship received by the Chthonic Gods is from those already residing within the Underworld. The biggest exception to this would be the Church of Hades, who worship him with admiration and devotion.
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