Gods and Deities

Perlin's deities are divided into two distinct classes - lesser deities and greater deities. Both types of deities gain power from their reputation or worship, which is generally what separates them from other magical beings.

Lesser deities:

Lesser deities are similar to nymphs or dryads. Unlike nymphs or dryads, lesser deities are generally mortals who somehow forge a strong connection with an area, such as a pond, city, forest, or valley, which becomes their domain. They do not age as long as their domain survives, but can still be killed by normal means. A lesser deity of a lake may be able to attack intruders with large waves, the weather, or coordinated groups of animals, but beyond her domain she is likely indistinguishable from any other mage.

Some lesser deities are known to their domain's inhabitants, expecting offerings and reverence. Others may live anonymously, using their powers discreetly and only revealing themselves in times of crisis. A lesser deity with a small or uninhabited domain may leave it, searching for new experiences and adventure, returning only if their domain is endangered or if they make friends who want to move in with them.

Although lesser deities are far more common than greater deities, they are still relatively rare. Most forests, lakes, and valleys do not have a lesser deity; although many druids dream of becoming the deity of their forest, very few ever manage this. Furthermore, when a lesser deity dies, there is no guarantee that somebody else will ever take their place.

Greater deities:

Greater deities are far more powerful than lesser deities, often embodying major aspects of life. The letters of the Elvish alphabet_are named after some of the more influential of the greater deities. These deities are usually widely known and typically have churches and organized religion dedicated to them. Greater deities are far more distant than lesser ones. They mostly influence the world indirectly, by empowering champions, sending messages to their followers, and with the occasional gift of a holy artifact, although these gods sometimes perform miracles in times of great need.

The term "god" is typically reserved for greater deities.

Note that lesser deities can be adventurers.
Greater deities are like a cleric's dude.