The Alwealda

The Alwealda are the gods of Verrin, who supposedly created the world and everything in it. The Widlast is the name given to the worship of these gods, literally meaning the 'winding path'. To 'walk the path' is a common euphemism for becoming a monk or holy person. The five main gods are as follows, as well as the controversial sixth: Thengalir, the creator, god of strength and wisdom and patron god of Giants. Venerated during times of hardship and asked for protection. Personified as a tall, strong individual, wearing a crown and holding the moon in one hand, with the sun in the other. Usually depicted wearing fine, kingly clothing. He originally created the Eruvan, immortal spirits designed to assist him in his creation. However, they betrayed him and were cast down from godhood, becoming the race of Elves. Hruntir, god of magic and nature, patron god of mankind and priests. Venerated by Men and those who practice the magical arts. Personified as a talking raven, entirely black save for a single white feather on its back. Sometimes depicted as a wise old individual, bearded and wearing tattered grey robes, carrying a gnarled branch as a walking stick. Often in such depictions, the raven will be shown standing on his shoulder or forearm. Hruntir created the Woodwatchers, wise forest spirits to watch over his creations. Faega, goddess of the sea, the weather and the harvest. Venerated during sea voyages as well as at the harvesting season. Personified as a woman with stormclouds swirling about her person protecting her modesty, standing upon a crashing wave. Sometimes shown holding a scythe or sickle to represent harvest, especially in dwarven depictions. Faega created the Eyre, volatile, fickle spirits who dispersed throughout the world and took on various identities and guises. Cwalt, god of death, decay and rebirth. Venerated during funerals and after blood has been spilled, as well as by those seeking to combat the undead. Personified as a skeletal figure, gripping a broken sword and wearing a rusted helm. Often he is shown holding the hilt of the sword in one hand and the shattered blade in the other; dwarves forgo the sword in favour of an axe that has been split in two. In some depictions by Men, he is seen as a hooded figure with a grim aspect who carries an ornate silver dagger, which protects against the undead. Cwalt created nothing of his own in the mortal plane, knowing that all the life in Verrin would one day die and cross into his domain. Eostria, goddess of love and beauty, and patron goddess of Elves. Venerated by craftspeople seeking to create beautiful things, and those seeking love. Personified as a beautiful woman, holding a flower in one hand and a golden amulet in the other. Sometimes depicted as nude, although usually shown wearing fine attire including a cloak of pure white fur held in place by a pair of silver brooches. Eostria took the Eruvan, who had been punished by Thengalir, and turned them into the beautiful race of Elves in her own image. Ylgrim Stormspear, god of mankind, kingship and victory. Venerated only by Men, and highly controversial among the other races. It is believed that Aethelwulf ascended to godhood on account of his tremendous power with the Gift, and became Ylgrim. Depicted as a mighty bearded man clad in mail and a resplendent golden helm, holding a spear and shield. With the obvious exception of Ylgrim, the gods are variously depicted as belonging to any of Verrin's races. For example, Dwarves depict the gods as Dwarves, Men as Men, and Giants as Giants and so on.

Priesthood

There is very little uniformity among the various priests and monks of the Alwealda. Most who dedicate themselves to the gods do so of their own accord, becoming mendicant healers and preachers who live in solitude. There is no restriction by race or gender. Various ancient tomes and documents are used by the priests, such as the Aendún Gesceadneth. Due to the lack of uniformity in worship, some texts considered sacred by one priest will be considered completely and utterly heretical by another. Sometimes, these priests will join together, choosing to travel in a group for safety. Such a band of priests is known as a Widlasteri (literally, path-walkers, or walkers of the winding path). They often travel the countryside, from village to village, spreading their interpretation of the gods' will. They determine the gods' will using divination methods, such as casting runes on the ground, observing omens, and watching the flight paths of birds, especially ravens. It has been known for a Widlasteri to be composed of members of various races, although in these instances gods of a distinct racial character, such as Ylgrim Stormspear or the Dwarves' many minor gods are usually omitted. Some more organised groups exist, such as the famed Raven Wizards of Hruntir. Consisting entirely of Men who are strong with the Gift, they use their tremendous power to worship the gods rather than for any military or alchemical purpose. They live in solitude, in a hidden sanctuary deep in the woods.

Granted Divine Powers

According to legend, the gods sometimes choose an avatar on the mortal plane from among their most fervent followers. The individual chosen becomes the living manifestation of that god - with all the power and responsibility that entails. Cases of an individual being chosen as an avatar are incredibly rare, and often imitated for political or financial gain. During the reign of Aethelstan the Bloody, a small war was fought by two men who both claimed to be avatars of the god Hruntir- in fact, neither were in any way holy and took advantage of the gullible masses for power and fame.

Sects

Whilst the main gods are worshipped universally, there are several exceptions. The Men of Verrin believe that Aethelwulf, the warrior king of the Kingdom of Fyfeldor , ascended to godhood after his death and now reigns alongside the Alwealda. To venerate a man is heresy to the other races, especially Giants. The Dwarves have an extended pantheon of minor gods alongside the Alwealda. For example, they venerate Loknyr, god of the hunt, and Yeln, god of smiths as well as dozens more. Worship of these gods is incredibly rare, but not unheard of within Human, Elf and Giant societies.

Type

Religious, Pantheon

Alternative Names

Since the overlordship of Men in Verrin, the Dwarves and Giants have mostly accepted their names for the gods. Only in traditional contexts are the native words used. Elves, being insular from Verrin as a whole, retain their unique names for each god.

Permeated Organizations