The Divine Pantheon of Raethíl
Origins of the Gods: Miracles Embodied
The gods of Raethíl are not eternal, but born from the lingering divine energy of the Progenitors’ miracles. Each act of immense power by a Progenitor leaves a fragment of their essence behind, seeking a host. When an individual aligns perfectly with the Progenitor’s ideology and domain—through their deeds, beliefs, or sheer happenstance—they ascend, transforming into a god.
This process is voluntary yet profound, reshaping the individual into a divine embodiment of their Progenitor’s domains. Ascension may strip them of their humanity, reshaping their form to better reflect their divine nature. A humble healer could become a radiant figure of light, while a determined warrior might transform into a living storm of metal and fury. Though divine, gods remain tethered to the mortal and Progenitor-driven aspects of their creation, defining their purpose and limitations.
The Role of Gods in Raethíl
Gods are immensely powerful beings, their influence spanning the mortal and divine realms. They serve as the focal points of worship, guiding and empowering their followers while embodying the principles of their domains. Mortals seek their favour for protection, wisdom, and miracles, while also fearing their wrath. However, gods are far from omnipotent and operate within strict limitations:
- Bound by Domains: Gods cannot act outside their domains and aspects. A god of fire may not bring healing rains, and a god of mercy cannot condone acts of cruelty, no matter the justification. These boundaries ensure they remain focused and predictable, but also make them reliant on alliances and followers to extend their influence.
- Divine Vulnerability: Gods are not invincible. Their power, while immense, can be contested or eroded through lack of worship, conflicts with other gods, or outright opposition by the Progenitors. They are immortal in the sense of lifespan but can be weakened or even dissolved under extreme circumstances.
The Check of the Progenitors
The Progenitors, while largely removed from mortal affairs, remain the ultimate guardians of Raethíl’s balance. Gods are acutely aware of the Progenitors’ oversight, knowing that excessive ambition or all-consuming destruction risks drawing their wrath. This creates a tense equilibrium, where gods vie for influence within the boundaries of their domains and the implicit rules set by their progenitors.
For all their power, gods are players in a larger game, one governed by the Progenitors’ will, the mortal realm’s resilience, and the ever-present threat of dissolution for those who upset the fragile balance of creation.
Abyssal Taint and Corrupted Gods
Corrupted Gods are tragic and terrifying manifestations of divine potential twisted by the Abyss. Once ordinary gods who served their domains with purpose and grace, they were irreversibly altered by prolonged exposure to the Abyss’ malevolent influence. Whether through their own hubris, misguided curiosity, or targeted manipulation by Abyssal agents, these beings were transformed into monstrous parodies of their former selves.
The corruption process begins subtly—whispers in dreams, an unnatural pull toward shadowed places, or an inexplicable need to delve into forbidden knowledge. Over time, the god’s essence becomes stained, their thoughts clouded by the Abyss’ malice. Eventually, their divine form and purpose warp, aligning with the dark desires of the Abyss. No longer constrained by balance or morality, Corrupted Gods embody the worst extremes of their domains, wreaking havoc upon mortals and the natural order.
Origins of Corruption
- Prolonged Exposure: Gods who wander too close to Abyssal rifts or dwell in regions tainted by the Abyss risk corruption. The Abyss slowly seeps into their essence, amplifying their flaws and dark impulses.
- Interaction with Abyssal Forces: Direct dealings with Abyssal creatures or artefacts can accelerate the process. A well-meaning attempt to protect the mortal realm from Abyssal threats might backfire, leaving the god tainted.
- Malicious Influence: Agents of the Abyss actively seek to corrupt gods, exploiting their weaknesses or tempting them with power. A moment of vulnerability—a desire for revenge, desperation to save followers, or envy of another god—can open the door to corruption.
Once corrupted, a god is consumed by the Abyss’ influence, losing any semblance of their original purpose. Their domains twist into dark, destructive versions, and their actions bring chaos and suffering.
The Nature of Corrupted Gods
- Manifestations of Evil: Corrupted Gods are explicitly evil, driven by the Abyss’ hunger for destruction and domination. They spread despair, fear, and chaos, often targeting the very followers they once protected.
- Twisted Domains: A Corrupted God’s domains become warped reflections of their original purpose. A god of healing might become a purveyor of plague and suffering, while a protector of nature might transform into a harbinger of decay and abomination.
- Rogue Divinity: Unlike their untainted counterparts, Corrupted Gods no longer adhere to divine constraints or balance. Their actions are unpredictable and entirely self-serving, making them dangerous to mortals, other gods, and even the Progenitors.
Role in Raethíl
Corrupted Gods are among the greatest threats to the balance of Raethíl. Their actions often draw the ire of the Progenitors, who see them as abominations requiring dissolution. However, the Progenitors’ intervention is rare and slow, leaving mortals and uncorrupted gods to battle the growing influence of their fallen kin. For adventurers, Corrupted Gods represent not only a physical threat but a test of resolve, as their influence often sows doubt, division, and despair long before direct confrontation.
Corrupted Gods stand as a testament to the Abyss’ power to twist even the most divine into agents of destruction, and their presence adds an ever-present tension to the divine and mortal realms alike.
Progenitor Oversight
"The Progenitor’s Wrath"
- Dissolution: What happens when a god oversteps their bounds?
Gods who upset the balance (e.g., unchecked destruction, mass corruption) risk being dissolved by their Progenitor. Dissolution is rare but swift, leaving behind remnants of divine energy that mortals often mistake for artefacts. - Example:
“When Varnyx razed three kingdoms in a single season, Balric struck him down with a single word. No god, no matter their strength, can withstand the Progenitor’s wrath.”
Corrupted Gods’ Titles
"What Do Mortals Call Them?"
Corrupted Gods often earn grim or fearful epithets over time.
- Kaerilith: "The Mother of Blight"
- Tenebris: "The Abyssal Whisper"
- Velthar: "The Frosted Wound"
These titles carry warnings, passed through generations to deter mortals from falling into their influence.
The Cycle of Faith
"What Happens When Worship Ceases?"
Gods require mortal belief to sustain their power. When their followers dwindle, their influence wanes, and they risk fading into obscurity.
- Example: The god Arvios, once worshipped as a protector of trade routes, vanished entirely after highways replaced caravans.
Divine Relics
"Remnants of the Divine"
The dissolution of a god often leaves behind artefacts imbued with divine energy. These relics are highly sought after by adventurers, scholars, and cults.
Examples:
- Arvios' Chariot: A gilded cart that drives itself, including through the air.
- Varnyx's Flail: A flaming flail that can demolish entire castles in a single swing.
The Abyss' Role in Corruption
"Why Gods Fall"
The Abyss preys on gods by exploiting their vulnerabilities:
- Curiosity: Gods driven to protect mortals may delve too deeply into forbidden realms.
- Pride: A god’s belief in their infallibility may lead them to ignore warnings.
- Envy: Rivalries among gods create openings for Abyssal agents to sow discord.