Deities

Raven

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 14, 2026.

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“Yes, The Raven is ever the benefactor of mankind, but Raven does not always choose for men what men would choose for themselves.”

– Agnor, The One Eyed

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This deity appears to be an exceptionally large raven. He is an accomplished trickster whose skills have often benefited mankind. Raven is also greatly feared as his blessings are almost always mixed with some cause of misfortune.

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Religion: The cult of the Raven is strong in the outermost regions of the Turtle Islands as well as the Sunset Islands. He has few priests, or even dedicated followers, but in the more remote lands it is common to find that a shaman or a healer who sing his praises on a regular basis. Whatever their own deity, hunters and travelers will commonly pay tribute to Raven, hoping that he will show them the way to their game or to their home.

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Domains: Fire, Birds, Trickery.

Symbol: Raven

Favored Offerings: Food. Offerings to Raven are customarily tossed outside a campsite or home-site

Gern

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

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“A Child does not cry for no reason.”

– Old Wives Wisdom.

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Rumor has it that Gern has always been old, that he never experienced the pleasures of childhood. It is no rumor, however, that Gern does not dream. He sleeps to be sure, but Gern never awakens refreshed from his sleep. Driven mad by the desire to experience just a taste of dreams, especially those of childhood, Gern plagues children all about the world in an effort to steal their dreams. Gern’s efforts always prove fruitless, however, insofar as his presence in the dreams of a child are always sufficient to frighten the poor creature, leaving both Gern and his victim to suffer the horrors of a nightmare. And still, that brief taste of a dream, particularly the dream of a child is enough to keep Gern trying.

Gern is an accomplished spell caster, but his body is quite weak and fragile. He will never subject himself to an encounter without ensuring his own physical safety. But of course, Gern need not confront anyone directly as he has the power to invade the dreams of anyone who does not take adequate steps to protect themselves.

Although Gern is always interested in adding to his own knowledge, and he is happy to share the fruits of his labor, his studies (and experiments) always seem to cost more than the benefits they deliver.

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Religion: Although Gern himself has no desire to spread evil, his lack of compassion for those subjected to his power is a great inspiration to malicious souls everywhere. Gern is accordingly blessed with a great Priesthood known for its evil. Priests of Gern might wish themselves to be thought patrons of science and keepers of knowledge, they are alwayss regarded by others with great suspicion. Rightly so!

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Domains: Nightmares, Old Age.

Symbol: A Tear Drop.

Favored Offerings: Gern’s favorite offering is of course a small child. Such children will always survive the experience, but the horrors of Gern’s powers will inevitably leave scars few could forget.

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

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“Tis not the object of faith that redeems the faithful. Tis her faith itself that proves her heart, its object being of lesser importance.”

– Scea Klare, Priest of Eleenian.

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Eleenian appears as a woman of great beauty, always clad in a long shimmering white dress. There is some disagreement over the details of her physical appearance, as those fortunate enough to meet Eleenian often describe her features in vastly different ways. Her most devoted worshippers say that it is the power of faith which enables those who look upon Eleenian to see what they most admire in a woman.

Of all the gods, Eleenian is the most devoted to the power of faith itself, seeking to reward this virtue even when it is directed to other gods. She is friend to any mortal recognizing his own limitations, and Eleenian smiles upon all who seek divine aid in a time of need.

It is said that Eleenian may turn the power of faith to her own ends, regardless of its intended recipient. And herein lays a source of great tension between her and other gods. For, even as Eleenian aids the faithful of any and all deities, she does so for the clear purpose of promoting goodness and helping those in need. To those with less generous designs, her aid may be viewed as meddling, and indeed many an evil sect has found itself guided by her hand to victories which were non-violent and unsatisfactory. Where Eleenian may find common cause with another deity and its worshippers her aid is more likely to be welcome, but only the most foolish would think her (or her followers) simple. As with faith itself, the purposes of this powerful deity remain a mystery. But she always has designs of her own.

Eleenian is essentially non-violent. She carries no weapons of any kind, and she has never been known to physically attack anyone. The goddess relies instead on her beauty and persuasiveness to prevent others from attacking her. When necessary, she will use her Mind Affecting magic to cause confusion amongst her enemies and enlist the aid of weaker willed opponents in fighting on her behalf. Pressed into battle herself, Eleenian will most certainly seek to escape as she has little to gain and everything to lose from such conflict.

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Religion: The cult of Eleenian is comprised of wandering followers, the majority of whom are female. Like their benefactor, followers of Eleenian are prone to help those in need, even those who may not have been kind themselves in past times. And as with their benefactor, the priests of Eleenian are always intent on some greater good, even if that good isn’t readily understood by others. A priest of Eleenian may well be found protecting an orc village from would-be heroes intent on destroying them. And she may well be found in that same village many years later, teaching the virtues of kindness and compassion to those same brutish creatures.

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Domains: Compassion and Faith

Symbol: An Outstretched Hand under a Kind Eye.

Favored Offerings: Eleenian favors all offerings made in good faith to her.

The Hellion

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

***

“Dearest Lord Kearadin,

“I am filled with joy to know that you have interested yourself with the safety of the city of Crarlione. I am told you have addressed a number of questions about the Order of Twilight, a number of whom have recently arrived in your city. I appreciate your concerns. As a friend to the knights of this order, and a Priest sharing their devotion to Great Eye in the heavens, I can assure you that these devoted men pose no danger to the lawful citizens of our great community. Indeed, their only concern the defense of this city and its laws, and interest that you and I no doubt share with them. If you would but meet with him, I am quite sure the Captain of the mission to your city will be happy to explain the cause for each and every one of the executions carried out within your beloved city. I am equally confident that he will answer any questions you may have about the manner of questioning given to certain parties.

“I understand that Lady Kearadin has been most fretful of recent days, and I would like to take this opportunity to suggest a means of settling her fears. Rumors of indiscrete relationships mean nothing to me, not even those pertaining to your close friend, Lord Baltic. I am quite certain that their meetings in the south garden are entirely innocent, and that she has her own reasons for keeping them to herself. Neither should your lovely wife waste any worries on allegations of bribery and corruption, particularly those alleging that a certain shortfall in payments to the architects building our city’s defenses. As I hold you and your lady in the highest of esteem, and as I know that her husband holds the health and safety of the city close to his heart at all times, no such proof could ever be forthcoming, not even in a letter from a certain ambassador to your lovely home. You can rely on the Order of Twilight to reveal the truth of any such matters and to stand in favor of that truth, which of course we both know will be in your favor. Please tell your dear lady, it is quite certain that she need not fear for her husband on account of such petty gossip. Neither do you, I am sure.

“May the sun greet you and yours with warmth and a smile. I am quite certain that you have all earned at least one more beautiful day in this lovely city of ours.”

– Skirna Shé, High Priest of the Hellion.

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The Hellion appears as an unblinking eye. Its gaze is always described as disconcerting. Even those who worship the Hellion have been known to experience fear at the sight of it. It is said that the Hellion floats high above the world and all its inhabitants, watching every action and peering into the lives and even the thoughts of all living things. The Hellion acknowledges no domains of privacy and no limits to its own interests. It seeks to know the heart of all living things, and to judge the same.

The Hellion is a powerful force for justice and order, but it is a force utterly without any sense of mercy or compassion. The Hellion would have all sentient creatures obey the laws of their own land. If there is any exception to this quest for law and order, it is only to be found in restraints upon those charged with executing the law. The Hellion and His follower have been known to bend or even break any rules calling for such restraint. This Hellion acknowledges no reasonable grounds for deviation from the official rules of any land, insisting on obedience to rules long since abandoned in practice. Selective Enforcement is to the Hellion nothing but corruption, and those rulers foolish enough to show mercy are unworthy of the powers granted to them.

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Religion: Th cult of the Hellion is strongest in the Sunset Islands. Followers of the Hellion are unremitting proponents of law and order. They will support the laws of whatever land they find themselves in, often acting as self-appointed investigators of others’ wrongdoing. Given time, followers of the Hellion will try to insert themselves into the official authority structures of the land. If successful, they will quickly become ruthless enforcers of the law.

It would be foolish to think of followers of the Hellion as caricatures. They are well aware of the limits of their own power, and they can be quite shrewd when picking their battles. It is always the goal of the Hellion and His followers to attain perfect enforcement of the laws and perfect compliance from those subject to it. Laws deemed unwise are to be repealed, not merely allowed to lapse into non-enforcement. And indeed, the followers of this powerful deity can be very discerning with regards to the wisdom of many laws. They will however seek to minimize the rights of citizens against those in power, and they recognize no rights of privacy against the authority of law.

With few exceptions, Priests of the Hellion will take up the Divination School of magic and use that to learn any number of secrets which they will share with others only when it suits them to do so.

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Domains: Punishment, Spying.

Symbol: The Symbol of the Hellion is a menacing eye.

Favored Offerings: The Hellion is most pleased with human sacrifices involving the execution of guilty parties. The Hellion is not pleased with any sacrifice that is not carried out as punishment for someone properly sentenced to death for their own guilt.

 

Hare

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

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“Catching Hare”

– An expression for epic failure.

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Hare appears to be extraordinarily large in comparison to others of his kind. He is usually described as grey in color. More interesting still, he is able to use his paws with considerable dexterity. Although he lacks opposable thumbs, Hare is somehow quite capable of gripping items and using tools.

Hare is also fond of wearing selected items of human-like clothing such as a hat or a coat.

When threatened, Hare uses his agility and his wit to out-maneuver and trick opponents into harming themselves or their allies.

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Religion: Hare does not have an organized church, but he is a common character in many people’s stories. Those facing long odds against dangerous enemies have often been known to pay tribute to Hare.

Domains: Cunning, Lost Causes, Rodents.

Symbol: A Jumping Hare (often wearing a hat or comparable headdress).

Favored Offerings: Fruit and Vegetables left outside.

Zesky

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

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“Whoever it was that said that childhood is innocence does not remember the games of youth.”

– Karnid Maslun, The Bitter.

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Zesky appears to be a beautiful girl of about 8 years in age.  No matter how beautiful Zesky appears, however, or how enchanting her smile, most can see a trace of malice in her eyes. Zesky is a child in possession of far more power than the greatest of mortals. To describe her as spoiled would be the saddest of understatements. …it would also be a very dangerous thing to say in her presence.

Zesky loves to play games and pull pranks on others. If her chosen playmates are cooperative, Zesky will prove an entertaining if also domineering companion. Although Zesky may be quite rough on any children she plays with, she is highly unlikely to cause them any lasting harm. The same cannot be said of adults unfortunate enough to anger her. Zesky must have things her own way, and she will not accept refusal from anyone or anything she invites into her activities. If cross with a companion, Zesky may choose to hurt them in some tangible manner. If extremely angry, she will “wish them into the rye.”

Zesky always carries a small number of toys with her along with her magic flute and her magical blanket. The blanket may double as a weapon, but Zesky is always careful to avoid melee combat. Zesky often misplaces her toys (though not her magic flute or blanket), and she is prone to make off with other children’s toys when they strike her fancy. Folk wisdom would have it that that anyone who discovers a lost toy should take care not to destroy it or throw it away. It may belong to Zesky.

Zesky also carries a Dream Catcher which serves as a Protection from Bad Dreams. Most fail to understand the significance of this item which she acquired in a strange land, but she will never go to sleep without it.

Zesky is often hungry, and she will always demand sweets from the adults around her. Those failing to produce candies or cakes on demand can face severe punishment. Zesky has little patience for the time it takes to cook such treats.

It should also be said that Zesky is not entirely immune to the hazards of a diet consisting of little but sweets. She gets a tooth-aches and she often becomes sick to her stomach as a result of her diet. When this happens, any unfortunate enough to be in her presence will likely suffer more than she does. It is of course also difficult and even dangerous to try and get this little girl to eat anything more nutritious than a cake. What to do about Zesky’s diet is a dilemma that has led more than a few unfortunately souls into the rye.

Though far more have suffered from her tantrums than benefitted from her generosity, Zesky is not entirely without a her moments of genuine good will. Those fortunate enough to meet all of her impossible demands, may well be given some tangible reward. In fact, Zesky has been known to show kindness to any that make things that delight small children. Those who invent new toys, special pastries, or any other sort of childish treat may well find themselves the beneficiary of Zesky’s kindness.

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Religion: Zesky has little in the way of an established Priesthood, but she is well known all over the world. Few adults are interested in worshipping her, and fewer still would tolerate such worship from their own children. Children may tell stories of Zesky, and many express great interest in her, but the sheer number of horror stories attributed to this mischievous little girl prevents most youth from taking steps toward worshipping her. Some bands of orphans living in the greater cities have been known to worship Zesky openly, but these individuals too have a tendency to grow out of their interest, if that is, they liv long enough to do so.

Zesky does command a conscious respect from mortals when dealing with children and things relating to children. Parents have been known to make offerings to Zesky when their own children are in danger, and she is believed to have used her powers to save small children in terrible straights.

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Domains: Childhood, Games, and Play.

Symbol: Zesky may be represented by the depiction of any toy in the fashion of a Holy Symbol.

Favored Offerings: Toys and sweets.

Zhidastra

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

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“Were you to burn a man alive in his honor, it will please our lord well enough. It would please him more were you to add yourself to the fire.”

– Pielshte, the Cruel.

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Zhidastra has the shape of a giant ape. His body is covered natural scales much like those of a great dragon. His teeth are as sharp and pointed, and he possesses great canines much like those of a saber toothed tiger. Zhidastras claws are said to be larger than one might expect even for a creature of his great size. His eyes are yellow in color, with reptilian pupils.

Above all else, this creature craves the blood of innocent victims. Zhidastra wants only to see others suffer and die in the most brutal fashion possible. He has no patience for subtleties. He is unimpressed with psychological torment. Zhidastra is pleased only at the sight of physical pain and death, and his pleasure never gives rise to gratitude.

In vain do his priests sacrifice others to this terrible god. Were all of humanity torn apart before his very eyes, Zhidastra would only wish to see more carnage.

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Religion: There are many cults devoted to the worship of Zhidastra. Though one might well ask why? The Devourer is revered all over the world. Though he may be called by different names, cannibals and cults of human sacrifice invariably worship Zhidastra, each trying in its own way to please him with greater and more horrible acts of cruelty, all of it to no avail. He is never impressed with their offerings.

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Domains: Cannibalism, Human Sacrifice.

Symbol: A Gaping Maw.

Favored Offerings: The life of a sentient creature.

Volsh

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

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“Whether Volsh will trade or plunder those he meets, who can say? He does not remember friend from foe.”

– Aindor Rumusvig, Story Teller

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Volsh appears as a large man with a muscular build. With long black hair and a great beard tucked into his belt. Volsh carries a great spear and wears heavy furs. His face bears a great scar, said to have been acquired in a battle with Hval Maluk.

It is said that Volsh owes his lack of memory to Ogassa. Volsh had been imprisoned as a young man, so the story goes, and he cried for aid. Ogassa came to the imprisoned warrior, asking what could possibly cause such a strong young warrior to weep? Volsh begged the Deceiver for a chance to see the world outside his cell. Ogassa simply smiled, and all of Volsh’s chains fell from his body. In time Volsh would see every corner of the world, yet he would remember none of it. Credit for both may be given to Ogassa.

What Volsh lacks in memory, he makes up for in heart, at least according to some story tellers. Faced with a great challenge or a terrible foe, he always rises to the challenge. To some, his great strength and determination makes Volsh a hero, but to those on the other side of his axe, Volsh is a terrible villain who will stop at nothing to take what he wants. The wisest of skalds will tell you that both of these things are true. He has fought for good, and he has been the evil that good must fight back against. What matters to Volsh is the battle itself. Mere mortals can only pray that he will take their own side.

When traveling the roads, Volsh always walks alone or rides a great horse. When sailing the high seas, he takes with him a small crew of the greatest heroes.

Volsh is largely indifferent to the fate of those whom he meets abroad. If he has anything to trade, he will often do just that. If he arrives in a location poor, Volsh will often attack and plunder a new location, taking their stuff with him to trade, often to trade it at the very next town. He has also ben known to accept a ransom from local nobles to leave a region in peace. This suits Volsh quite well. He takes no pleasure in the suffering of others, but he will have what he wants by whatever means seems best.

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Religion: Fittingly enough, worship of Volsh is giuded by a smattering of traveling priests. They create no houses of worship, choosing instead to erect stone alters in honor of Volsh and his exploits.

Because the cult of Volsh lacks any real home, his religion remains quite small, mostly found in the westernmost regions of the Sunset Islands along with some of their colonies. Seldom do priests of the explorer hold any real influence over the affairs of state. Yet, all who travel far from home know themselves to be under his care, so to speak. Few are his actual followers. Yet, any who travel far from home know themselves to be under the care of this powerful god. And thus Volsh gets his due respect from many who would otherwise pray to other gods.

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Domains: Exploration, Sailing, Travel, War.

Symbol: A Ship.

Favored Offerings: Any form of treasure. Volsh is not particularly greedy. Often a coin or two will get as much attention as a small fortune. What matters to him most is that he is remembered by those who would travel.