the Coming of the Gods
The arrival of the New Gods of Empyrean represents a pivotal event in the cosmological history of Ora, the world of Empyrean. This transformative moment heralded the ascendance of a new pantheon of deities, whose dominion over the realms would forever alter the fate of mortals and extraplanar beings alike.
Origins of the New Gods
Before the reign of the New Gods, Ora was a realm marked by conflict, chaos, and the ever-shifting power dynamics of fiendish beings and celestial forces. The universe was devoid of divine influence prior to their arrival. whatever Demiurge set creation in motion had abandoned its creation for enigmatic reasons no one knows. Mortals, caught in the tumultuous currents of extraplanar intrigue and conflict, longed for a more stable and just order as the Divinity Wars raged about them.
No one knows from whence or how they came, but the New Gods of Empyrean arrived and made their presence known in what would become known as the Reshaping Year of Arrival. These deities, led by the ultimate embodiment of law, Primus and distinguished by their commitment to order, justice, and cosmic balance, are said to have arrived as a response to the profound need for a guiding hand in a world marred by strife.
During this time, these deities assumed their roles as cosmic stewards, dedicating themselves to establishing a world order that transcended the capriciousness of the old gods. Their primary objective was to ensure stability, justice, and prosperity for all sentient beings inhabiting Ora.
The Reshaping
And so it was that the time period known as the Reshaping began. the Reshaping represents a pivotal era in the history of Empyrean, marked by cataclysmic events and profound shifts in the balance of power. This cosmic transformation laid the foundation for the ascendance of the New Gods and the establishment of a new world order. During these transformative years, the New Gods took their place in the cosmos and initiated a sequence of actions that forever changed the destiny of Ora. However, it is important to note that these events did not take place over the course of an actual year despite the naming convention. Some years were much longer than others and some only took a small amount of real time. The term year in this context is figurative and simply refers to a specific era during the Reshaping.
Years of the Reshaping
Year of Arrival
The New Gods arrive, establishing their celestial domains.
Introduction of the New Gods to the mortal world.
Year of Judgment
The New Gods survey their newly claimed realms.
Assessment of the cosmic order.
Year of Blood
Demons' rebellion.
Celestials unite with the New Gods against demonic forces.
Devils join forces with gods and Celestials against the demonic hordes
Year of Ministry
The New Gods send avatars to interact with mortals.
Founding of churches and faiths.
Year of Binding
The Planar Expulsion: Extraplanar creatures are banished.
Land ravaged, divine energy expended.
Year of Learning
The New Gods recuperate, leaving the The Substantial in shambles.
Mortals' prayers and belief empower the New Gods.
Recognition of the symbiotic relationship between gods and mortals.
Year of Healing
The Trial of Asmodeus.
The New Gods return to the mortal world.
Miracles and the foundation of lasting civilizations.
Year of Betrayal
The Betrayal War against Tharizdun and his demonic allies.
Year of Moonfall
The Moonfall: Ishtar crushes Oona, smiting Tharizdun, creating the Slash.
Worldwide cataclysm, massive loss of life, and the birth of Moonfall Gulf.
Creation of the Fateplucked by The Dyad.
Year of Sealing
Tharizdun's judgment and imprisonment.
Creation of the Insensible Cage.
Creation of The Covenant of the gods.
Year of Stars
Ashtar's gift of The Starfield to Ishtar, a symbol of celestial beauty and divine love.
Year of Peace
An era of rest and recovery for gods and mortals.
Flourishing of mortal races under divine influence.
Year of Order
Primus's cosmic adjustments, resetting celestial orbits.
Introduction of The Primean Calendar to the world, securing uniform timekeeping.
The Impact on Mortals
The advent of the New Gods brought profound changes to the lives of mortals on Ora. These deities, guided by principles of justice and fairness, instituted systems of governance, laws, and moral codes that shaped societies and civilizations. Mortals, previously at the mercy of greater powers that saw them at best as tools and at worst as fodder or even food, found solace in the comparative benevolence of the New Gods, who at the very least value their belief and worship.
End of the Divinity Wars
The arrival of the New Gods led to the conclusion of the Divinity Wars, a protracted conflict between celestial and fiendish forces that had ravaged Ora for millennia. Under the New Gods' leadership, these wars were brought to a close, marking the end of an era of celestial and fiendish strife.
The Planar Expulsion
One of the most significant actions undertaken by the New Gods, that had the most impact on mortal lives was the banishment of the various extraplanar beings from Ora, also known as The Planar Expulsion. This included sending the Primordial Elementals to The Abyss and the eventually The Roiling Conflux, taking the Celestials into their service in their Heavens within The Overworld, sending the Archfey to their corresponding homes in the Feywild or The Shadowfell, and banishing the Devils and Demons to The Hells and The Abyss respectively. If not for this crucial step, the mortal races would have been unable to flourish as they have and the New Gods may not have recognized the link between mortal belief and divine power.
Legacy
The legacy of the New Gods of Empyrean endures through the ages, as their commitment to cosmic balance and the well-being of mortals continues to shape the world of Ora. The world, once marked by chaos and uncertainty, now thrives under the guidance of these deities. However, this time of relative peace came at the cost of millions of mortal lives and the destruction or corruption of the land around the world. So scholars and theologians will continue to debate the value of the New Gods and their actions for eternity.
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