Vlandaren Pantheon

The explosive release of Light and Dark energies that formed the world of Vlandaren did not merely create mundane forms of mortal life. Large collections of energy pooled together into the forms of Deities that felt deeper connections to their paradigm of choice. These gods in the beginning would walk amongst mortal kind, providing blessings and shaping the world as they saw fit. However, the gods found that their unending power would often attract the worst in mortals; the greedy, the desperate, and the depraved all would flock to their dwellings in hopes of generous donations of power and, failing that, stealing this power for themselves. Thus, the gods pooled their combined might to create the elevated plane of Hillana, where they now reside and influence the world of mortals to their desires.

There are nine gods in the Vlandaren pantheon, and they are oft categorized by the energy that comprises most of their being. The vastness of Hillana allows the gods as much space as they would need from each other, which is of great benefit to those of the pantheon that are at odds with one another on occasion.

The Light Gods

These are the Deities whom are filled with the Light of creation, and thus have brighter appearances and personalities. Their influence on mortals is often charitable and overabundant, and their followers find that a blessing from a Light God, while potent and plentiful, has many consequences of its own.

Cosman, God of the Sun

Cosman, God of the Sun, Brilliance Unending, is considered to be the most prominent of the Light Gods, as it is his influence that brought upon the coming of Day. When he first walked the land, his followers would describe him as charming and charismatic, as brilliant as the sunlight he uses to bless the world with a warm glow. He is also, however, easily angered, and will burn literal and metaphorical bridges if provoked.

Herval, Goddess of Nature

The Eternal Seasons, the Wild Mother, and the Green are all used by followers of Herval to describe the nature goddess. It is said that all beasts of the world are all fragments of Herval, and that the changing of the seasons is due to changes in the Wild Mother's mood. Docile and gentle, she grants a helping hand to any and all who would promote the growth of her kingdoms, but this gentleness oft results in Herval taking a passive approach to dealing with threats.

Oshana, Goddess of the Sea

Oshana, the Living Tide, the Wavebringer, is the smallest of her Light God kin, making up for her stature with the force of the mighty typhoons and tidal waves that is her domain. This does not mean that she is fearsome, however, as she often blesses those that brave and respect her oceans, rivers, and lakes with bounties of fish and smooth sailing. Legend has it that those close to the Sea Goddess have even been granted the ability to permanently live in her domain, and that such beings were the ancestors of the merfolk and sirens seen today.

The Dark Gods

Though they are made of the darkness of Hoff, the Dark Gods do not indulge in darker tendencies. Rather, the trio tend to approach their divinity with a more grounded approach, asking for equal offerings in exchange for their blessings. Followers of the Dark Gods find that these Deities are harsh, almost uncaring, but underneath the masks they wear are gods that seek to guide their mortal followers by helping them guide themselves.

Lunelle, Goddess of the Moon

Lunelle, Night's Shimmer, Moon Incarnate, is considered by many to be the most generous of the Dark Gods. Her radiance blesses the lands of Vlandaren each night, with those worshiping her and following her rituals noting heightened senses and strength under her watchful eyes. Calm and serene, Lunelle wishes for her gifts to be used as all light should be used: To guide the way, and allow its wielders to decide their own fates. Thus, Lunelle very rarely gives direct answers to the pleas of her mortal flock.

Gryphen, God of Monsters

Legend has it that the Great Monstrosity was once a fragment of Herval's own might, one that steadily grew out of her control until it formed its own domain and its own legion. In truth, Gryphen is the most vicious of the Dark Gods, meddling with the affairs of the living in the form of the many monsters that threaten the land. This is not done out of hate for mortal kind; In truth, those that follow the teachings of Gryphen know that mortal kind grows stronger by facing greater challenges, and thus will pray for greater foes and greater might in pursuit of their goals.

Trephend, God of Death

Among all living things in all domains, one factor remains a constant, ticking away at their lifeforce: Death. Trephend, The Void, The Inevitable, rules over this domain with a generous caress and an envious heart. Those that worship him in life often feel comfort in their final moments, as it is in this time that Trephend visits them to carry their souls into his realm. He does this not out of any sense of duty, but for a lust for the warmth of life he can never have. He chases mortal beings in their dying moments, particularly those who have a stronger connection to him, in hopes of one day reuniting with Fernus, the God of Fire and Life.

The Twilight Gods

There are some gods that are not entirely Light and not entirely Dark either. In the creation of everything, mixtures of Light and Dark also congealed into divine powers, which gave birth to the Twilight Gods. These Deities do not have common characteristics among them, as the mixture of energies have caused differing personalities among them, and have also caused different cultures and practices among them.

Stahk, God of Commerce

Trades, dealings, and exchanges fall within the realm of Stahk, the Golden Father, God of Wealth, Commerce, and Business. Coin and its uses are the interest of his domain, no matter how unfair or illegitimate the dealings might be. In his formation, Stahk had gained Light's capacity for greed, and thus him and his followers are interested in accumulating more wealth, whether by fair trade or through extortion. If it grows your coin purse, you have an ally in Stahk.

Fernus, God of Fire

The Flame of Life, the Hearth, Fernus provides the warmth that provides the lifeblood of all living beings in addition to the fires that keep them warm. Fire, however, is uncaring, and the same fires that warm the mortal soul are also used in burning down villages. This indifference makes Fernus a master very difficult to please, especially for Trephend who continues to pursue the warmth of life so fiercely. Once, these gods might have been lovers, but any connection they might have had is lost to time.

Kriegel, Goddess of War

Spilled blood in the name of a king. Rebellion against tyranny through violence. All conflict, war, pain, and suffering can be traced back to Kriegel, The Butcher, The Angel of Blood. Fiery and passionate, she watches over battles with intense hunger, forever wanting to prolong conflicts to the bitter end to soothe her bloodlust. Many of history's greatest warriors are often described as blessed by Kriegel, though whether her influence is a blessing or a possession is up to interpretation.