pantheon

**The Pantheon**

The pantheon of this region is very involved in the events of the world.  They can often be found taking human form, claiming mortals as their champions, and otherwise influencing the goings-on of the mortal plane.  As such, religious orders are quite common and take many forms, from traditional churches to organized crime to bands of pirates.  Essentially all of the world's beliefs fall into the domains of one of these gods.

**Morne:**  God of Justice.  Morne is often depicted as a man in a long, kingly robe, and with a tall crown, but entirely gray (clothes, skin, crown, etc).  Also known as the Ashen Lord, he is the king of the gods and the victor of the Great War.  His followers are often quite fanatical and known to take extreme measures in their political endeavors, as Morne himself believes the ends justify the means.  Morne's symbol is a trident (shown below this post).  His elemental domain is the Storm.

**Uknalaq:**  Aspect of Conquest.  Uknalaq, often depicted as a hulking figure in metal armor, was formerly Morne's lieutenant, but rebelled against his master's extreme methods, thus beginning the Great War.  Uknalaq believes in the strength and resolve of mankind and wants to overthrow Morne's regime, which has gained him the respect and adoration of many of the common people.  However, the majority still view him and his followers as power-hungry revolutionaries.  Uknalaq has been in exile since losing the Great War, but his followers see him as a martyr.  His elemental domain is Iron, and his holy animal is the Stag.

**Tugog:**  Aspect of War.  Tugog, often depicted as an orc with beaded hair and the trident of Morne branded into his forehead, is the god of the primal aspects of war.  Strength, bloodlust, and other such things fall into his domain.  However, he also represents the strength of a pack or tribe, and as such most tribal societies worship him.  The orcs of O'rir almost universally worship Tugog above all else, and it is hard to find followers of Tugog elsewhere in the region.  Tugog sided with Uknalaq in the Great War and has since laid low outside of his good works in O'rir.  His elemental domain is Earth, and his holy animal is the Boar.

**Metia:**  Aspect of Rebirth.  Metia, often depicted as a woman with fiery-red hair or a phoenix, is a goddess of fire who also represents cleansing and rebirth.  She sided with Uknalaq in the Great War, but was slain, thus ending the conflict.  Her followers are extremely fanatical, known for burning people at the stake and setting cities on fire, although this is mostly confined to the island of Athor and the surrounding waters.  The sick and dying as well as healers also pray to Metia, as she still represents cleansing and the eternally-burning spirit despite her fanatical cult following.  Her elemental domain is Fire, and her holy animal is the Phoenix.

**Aerene:**  Goddess of Peace and Prosperity.  Aerene, often depicted as a blonde woman in a simple sky-blue dress, is the goddess of peace and harmony.  She remained neutral in the Great War and instead came to comfort those whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed.  She is represented by many priests and priestesses who strive to balance out the heavily warlike influence of Morne and the Aspects.  Temples of Aerene are well-known safehouses and refuges for anyone who might need it.  Her elemental domain is Water, and her holy animal is the Seagull.

**Ynera:**  Goddess of Death.  Ynera is the equivalent of the Grim Reaper in the region.  It is believed that when your time comes, she will come to slay your soul and guide it to the afterlife.  Ynera is worshipped in different ways throughout the region; some believe she should receive a willing soul, thus accepting death peacefully; while others believe they must give her a worthy fight, thus struggling to their last breath.  Depending on your belief, she may appear as a young woman with white hair, or a hungry beast.  Her elemental domain is Light and Darkness, and her holy animal is the Raven.

**Iona:**  Goddess of Freedom and Victory.  Iona, often depicted as a brunette woman in Greek-style armor, is the goddess of freedom, victory, independence, and other such ideals.  She was at odds with Uknalaq as they essentially represent two sides of the same coin, although she desired less power than he did, simply content with the thrill of victory.  Many mercenaries, pirates, and sportsmen therefore worship her, hoping she will bring them good fortune.  Her elemental domain is Wind, and her holy animal is the Wolf.

**Quros:**  God of Fortune and Chaos.  Quros, often depicted as a man in a player's mask (the happy/sad ones), is the god of fortune, chaos, chance, and trickery.  He represents the whims of Fate and is almost always the last resort for anyone who believes their god has forsaken them.  Quros is worshipped by gamblers and swindlers, but also by risk-takers, the lucky, and those who need his assistance (sailors praying for good waters, soldiers praying to survive the chaos of combat, etc).  His elemental domain is the Stars, and his holy animal is the rabbit.