Primer: Tavadira
What should I know about Tavadira?
Tavadira is an ancient and confused world that has undergone cataclysmic change multiple times over its history. It is unfathomably ancient and bursting with wonder. Continent-wide freezing spells, mass volcanic eruptions, and the death of gods are only the first few items on the list of apocalypses Tavadira has endured. The last cataclysm, known across the world as The Godrending , saw the literal death from the primary pantheon of gods that guard Tavadira from the corruption that comes from beyond the stars. Without the watchful eyes of all 9 of the divine guardians, the mortals of Tavadira were left vulnerable to the otherworldly darkness that seeps in from The Beyond. The death of the god Eorlo: God of Sacrifice has left the defense of the realm to the Elderguard ,a group of elite agents that snuff out corruption and blasphemy wherever they may hide. The Elderguard are commissioned jointly by the churches, and as such have very different philosophies of how best to weed out this darkness and stomp it out before it can spread. The gods, and their Elderguard, are the last thing that stands between the mortals of Tavadira and the otherworldly hosts from The Beyond.
Tavadira's history is muddled and contradictory. Anything I've found past the fifth era is in languages that died out long ago. What I have read from before the seventh era leaves me more confused than when I started. There are no answers. There are no solutions. The only thing I have gained from the past is a greater understanding that no one will ever know our entire history.
So who are these gods and what are they like?
The remaining eight gods are commonly known as "The Eight Divines". Though all nine are worshipped, most across Tavadira know that Eorlo is dead. Each deities church varies greatly, but Eorlo's followers are welcomed by all. The gods are far from silent, though they are strained by the constant defense from those things from The Beyond. Follower's of any given deity can expect their prayers to be heard, though they may not receive an answer right away. Eorlo's followers honor his sacrifice and mourn the loss of such a valiant being. The remaining eight divines ensure that Eorlo's church receives answers to their supplications as well, paying tribute to the God-King's martyrdom. Each god has their own individual sect of followers that often form churches. These examples should help illustrate what each is like:
Artelesia, goddess of birth, life, freedom, nature, and farming (CG)
The mother of the 8 Divines, Artelesia’s followers embrace the natural way of the world. They believe that constant social expansion into the wild places of the world will disrupt the natural order and bring about a new cataclysm. Their prayers implore Artelesia for the warmth of the sun, the blessing of rain, and the promise of new growth. Her clerics are called upon for issues with fertility, barren fields, or poor hunting. Her champions are expected to defend the wilds of Tavadira, and ensure that poachers and exploiters are rightfully tried for their crimes against nature. Her symbols include a bow with three arrows, an oak tree, and a plow.Cirwa, goddess of tricks, subterfuge, thieves, and the night (NE)
The youngest of the eight, and the least understood, Cirwa expects her followers to take risks on her behalf. Embracing the cover of night as their greatest ally, her followers fearlessly strike out to force coin to change hands. Cirwa teaches a fairness that the rich and politically mighty have come to fear. Though they all too often face the gallows for their faith, thieves and vagabonds rely on her to stay safe. Her clerics work under cover to bleed treasuries and punish the rich. Her paladins use their prowess and might to secure their own social position, and keep the world fair for all, burglars included. Her symbols include a twisted dagger, a crescent moon, and a black-gloved hand.Eorlo, god of sacrifice, martyrdom, and service (LG)
Once the King of all the divines, Eorlo's remains are now found in the mountains above Titansgrave. Even though Eorlo himself may have died on behalf of all, the other gods still respect his followers and grant answers to their prayers. Followers of Eorlo are often looked up to for their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. His priests work diligently to support rightfully appointed leadership and strengthen people's trust in their leaders. His clerics work to master the grave in hopes of someday restoring him to life once more. His paladins follow his example as the King of the divines, striving to serve their fellows as he once did. His symbols include an upright sword, pierced heart, and a starry crown.Faenox, god of triumph, valor, victory, discipline, and order (LE)
As the god of battle, Faenox demands much of his followers. He expects them to bear arms as soldiers, guards, or mercenaries. His priests offer blessings of courage and might to those in need. His clerics bless weapons and administer last rites before battle. His paladins lead the charge with holy fury. During peacetime, his followers are expected to train and prepare for the next conflict. Every major nation found in Tavadira has a chaplain of Faenox in their military leadership. His symbols include a greataxe, plumed helmet, and dented shield.Kafraign, god of seas, storms, spritis, and the arcane (CN)
Almost every the follower of Kafraign is either a sailor or a scholar. Though these groups have little in common, Kafraign unites them in pursuit of what’s beyond the horizon. His followers are, as a general rule, very superstitious. Seafaring Clerics of Kafraign are sought out to offer blessings on ships before departure. The scholarly clerics search for answers to the mysteries of the universe, seeking knowledge to better defeat the foes of the Eight Divines. The champions of Kafraign set sail to defeat the nightmarish monsters that plague the seas, and direct wayward spirits to their final resting places. His symbols include turbulent seas, lighting storms, and ghostly figures.Moviv, god of commerce, death, stars, cosmic cycles, and balance (LN)
There is an ongoing debate among the cloistered scholars over what exactly is and is not Moviv's domain. His followers are easily the most diversified of any of the Eight Divines. Some dedicate themselves to mastering a craft or trade, others focus on the study of commerce, law, or cosmic cycles. Moviv represents patterns, cycles, and order. Clerics are called on to minister at funerals, christen new business deals, or bless newly forged weapons and armor. Paladins traditionally focus on justice, meeting out punishments for criminals as disruptors of trade and commerce. These paladins act as jury, judge, and executioner as needed. His symbols include a balanced scale, a plump coin purse, and a shifting nebula.Rivinna, goddess of charity, love, personal hardship, and forgiveness (NG)
The wife-queen of the Divines will forever mourn the loss of her husband and king. Her followers are the most forgiving of society, offering charity and second chances to any, deserving or otherwise. Her churches always have foodstuffs ready to distribute to those in need. Her clerics are sought out for relationship advice, and often serve as mediators for political or business disputes. Preaching love and acceptance, her champions represent the finest members of society. Sometimes second chances are ignored or tossed aside; Rivinna’s champions make examples of those who reject love and mercy. Her symbols include an oversized heart, four falling tears, and two figures embracing one another.Ysbidden, goddess of fire, light, knowledge, and the forbidden (CE)
Represented by a burning white flame, Ysbidden’s followers are forever questing to shed light and knowledge and the free peoples of Tavadira. Infamous for seeking forbidden knowledge, Ysbidden demands that her mortal followers know all the mysteries of the universe. Followers of Ysbidden do not value rules or restrictions on learning and are convinced that it is the destiny of mortals to learn all there is and transcend to godhood. Her clerics are expected to offer wisdom, advice, and guidance to wayward souls. Her champions are known for their determined following to her creeds of knowledge and wield her fire against those you stand in the way of their pursuits. Her symbols include a silver candle with a white flame, an open book with black pages, and a single star in a black sky.Though some regions focus on worship of a specific deity, the Eight Divines are recognized across Tavadira. It is interesting to note that each sect acts independently, and there are no current examples of religion organization between nations. Each harbors their own unique churches with curious changes between them. Though these changes are small, they are considerable when you think of each nation in each of the three continents. It is possible a devout follower could be rejected for their beliefs when crossing the wrong border.
Cataclysms & Eras
Tavadira is currently in its seventh era, with each era separated by a cataclysm. These are events of global significance. Each cataclysm triggers a global apocalypse, wiping out nearly every living thing and destroying thousands of years of history each time. Scholars have searched for centuries for answers about why these cataclysm are cyclic and what exactly triggers them. The most knowledgeable individual in cataclysm studies is Guteyas Sanlel, a long-time professor of Primer:oxendour academy . Even Professor Sanlel, gifted with an Elven lifespan, has verified very little about previous eras, and is far from a conclusion of any kind. Something happens in Tavadira, and it triggers apocalyptic events that consume and cleanse the world each time.
Major Geography
Tavadira has seen tumultuous changes over her history. At the present day, there are three massive continents: Nyrheim, Cradaes, and Azuleth. Each of these continents is vast, encompassing multiple empires and billions of humanoids. Between Nyrheim and Azuleth is The Vastness, a confusing sea dotted with thousands of islands. South of Cradaes lies the Twisting Chains. For a better idea of the layout of the world at large, consult the world map below.The Beyond
There are things beyond the stars. Ancient, incomprehensible, and otherworldly. They want Tavadira for some purpose, though none can divine what they may. The gods themselves know nothing about this insatiable hunger that is demonstrated by these "Beyonders". The Elderguard fight valiently to disrupt the cults that appear, openly worshipping these profane things. The gods stand in defense of the mortals below, deflecting the destructive powers unleashed by these abominations and keeping them at bay for now...Myths of tentacled creatures that haunt mortal dreams have surfaced again this era. There are writings of these dreams in what are clearly academic records of the fifth and sixth era. The fact that these repeat through every era gives me cause for grave concern. I know not what this means, but my mind reels at speculating its implications.