Gods of the Archipelago

Polytheistic
Lead Deity: Hersinos, The Lady of the Land, Mother to all the gods & her husband Pathon, The God of Time
State Religion of: Slintan Kingdoms  

Notable Gods

Dezyn "The Okapi": God of the animals which dwell in the subcontinent of Hersinos
Florys: God of the flow of nature, and the natural cycle of death
Herana: Goddess of the winds and the nature of the sky
Iaphys: Goddess of medicine
Mantua "The Island Hopper": God of the tides and erosion
Potamis: God of the grown foods
Torgyth: God of shipbuilding
Ygranik: God of the mountains and the mines, as well as judgement  

Beliefs

The Gods of the Archipelago watch over their humble basin in the world and those that dwell within it. It this basin, the subcontinent of Hersinos, that is regarded as the absolute paradise, and must be defended at all costs. The gods are seen as benevolent so long as the people respect their presence and the land they live in. A level of karma exists, but not for how one treats his fellow man, but instead the land around him. Thus, conflicts are common, but disrespect to nature and others' creations are not.   As opposed to sacrifice, the gods are worshipped by doing good deeds. Certain acts, like helping animals or construction of monuments and ships benefit certain gods over others. This kind of good faith karma is believed to help one in key moments of need, as troubles occur every day due to the gods' benevolent gift of free will.

Founding

The Gods of the Archipelago has its basis in local folklore and traditions from the original natives of the land of Hersinos. There is no singular point of origin, but rather a conglomeration of stories and traditions which have shaped how the common perception of the Gods arose by the time of the kingdoms of Slint and Tyros.

History

The Gods of the Archipelago shares its history alongside the legendary kingdoms of the likes of Slint, Tyros, Avolita, and Pemalia. Throughout these kingdoms' conflicts, the only constant was the unwavering support for this sole religion.   Later, during the dominion of the Makan Empire over the Subcontinent of Hersinos, there was initial oppression to the point that the Gods of the Archipelago lost significant numbers in followers. However, due to the various rebellions resulting from Makan oppression, their policies were curbed back in the later centuries of their dominion. It was during this time that the Gods of the Archipelago slowly reestablished itself, but it still has not fully recovered to this day.

Enforcement

Originating as a religion of the land, there is very little proselytizing outside of Hersinos. People who end up in the subcontinent tend to naturally convert, or otherwise stick to their original religion. Overall, enforcement is very relaxed and the need only arises when it comes to state politics. Perhaps the only time The Gods of the Archipelago was enforced on inhabitants was during the Slinto-Makan wars when the Makan Empire attempted to impose its own forceful policies on the lands it conquered.