Deities

Zesky

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

***

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

– Karnid Maslun, The Bitter.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

“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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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

– Aindor Rumusvig, Story Teller

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

The Shark King

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 13, 2026.

***

“How do you know that he will help me?” – Man.

“He has not eaten you. This is a very good sign.” – Crab.

***

The Shark King appears as an enormous shark of no particular type. With skin covered in coral, the Shark King is indeed a fearsome sight. Few, however, have witnessed this creature and lived to tell the tale, as he is quick to eat most living things that fall within the reach of his great jaws.

When on land, the Shark King takes the form of a great and powerful man. Whether on land or in the sea, this creature is exceptionally quick and powerful. The Shark King may devour prey in human form just as he would in the form of a shark. He has no use for weapons.

It is not malice that leads the shark king to consume humans or other sentient creatures, but rather a sense that eating them is as natural to his appetite as other meats would be to humans. The Shark King will not hesitate to consume anyone who comes within his reach. Yet, the Shark King may be approached in times of great need. He has even been known to aid those with a worthy cause or to protect those who pay their proper respects. Surviving the first few moments of an encounter with the Shark King is always the most difficult task in gaining his aid.

***

Religion: The Shark King does not have an organized Priesthood, but he is a prominent figure in the world of the Coral Isles. Those whose lives bring them close to the waters pay homage to the Shark King on a regular basis. Offerings may be made when fishing or swimming, even when setting to sea on a long trip. His favor may well be the difference between a successful catch for a fisherman and the loss of life or limb.

***

Domains: Fishing, Ocean Depths.

Symbol: The Holy Symbol of the Shark King is a representation of a shark, whether it be a tooth or a fin, or even a pictorial representation of a whole shark.

Favored Offerings: The Shark King is most pleased with meat thrown to the waters in his honor.

Ululutek

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 12, 2026.

***

“Ululutek does not favor those who keep the dead under their own power. The Lord of Death does not look kindly upon those who steal from his own domain.”

– Book of the Necromant

***

Ululutek appears to be a tall slender human male with the face of an owl. His skin is jet black and he is entirely devoid of body hair. He carries a bronze scimitar and a spell pouch.

Ululutek has dominion over all the dead, a power he seems to regard as a great responsibility. It does not appear that Ululutek seeks to cause death, at least not by any direct means, but those who die are immediately delivered into his care.

The Lord of Death appears to regard intelligent undead with a degree of patience. He regards the reluctance of ghosts and similar creatures to pass on with grace much as a father might look upon the behavior of a prodigal child. In time, they will all come to him. He knows this. Ululutek seems to regard Royal Mummies with a degree of blessing, however, but this is only when they are interred with substantial offerings in his honor. Ululutek will happily keep a Royal Mummy safe in their tombs, but the Lord of Death waits patiently for all other undead to accept their lot and grant him control over their fate.

***

Religion: The Priesthood of Ululutek is large and well organized. It is centered in a desert kingdom within the Sunrise Islands, butits priests may be found in both the Sunset Islands and the Wisdom Islands. Followers of Ululutek seek always to promote respect and reverence for their lord and his domain, often creating great temples in his honor. Wherever the cult of Ululutek is strong, the rituals of burial are sure to be elaborate, expensive, and terribly solemn.

Gossip and fear mongering aside, the cult of Death is not is not particularly malevolent, but its members can be rather cold.

***

Domains: Death.

Symbol: An Owl.

Favored Offerings: Anything of value. This does not include living creatures (as the moment of death is his decision). Ululutek is particularly interested in offerings made on behalf of those who have recently died, or for whom death is imminent.

 

Taiyo

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 12, 2026.

***

“The sun does not rise of its own accord. Rather it is carried into the sky by an able warrior, one who is charged with the responsibility to ensure the daylight returns each morning.”

– Rabbit Sage

***

Taiyo appears as a strong samurai warrior, one who is always bathed in the brightest of sunlight. In the darkest of night, he reflects light as though the sun shone directly upon his body.

Taiyo is responsible for launching the sun into the sky every morning, a feat he carries out without fail. Taiyo loses responsibility for the sun at about midday when it passes into the charge of Kotoya. This is usually a peaceful transfer, but sometimes the two of them fight over their charge.

Taiyo is also patron to some of the great kingdoms of the eastern world. An accomplished warrior himself, Taiyo inspires great courage among his followers. He is thought to reward the greatest and most honorable with success in battle.

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Religion: Taiyo has a well-established Priesthood in the Wisdom Islands. Wherever possible his priests will forge bonds with the ruling class, serving as advisers and spokesmen for any kingdom willing to claim their god as its own.

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Domains: The East, Morning, The Sun.

Symbol: A sun with rays emanating outward.

Favored Offerings: Any plunder acquired through conquest.

Kotoya

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 12, 2026.

***

“Most times the sun passes peaceably from Taiyo to Kotoya. Sometimes Taiyo is reluctant to part with his charge. If Kotoya must fight with Taiyo for control of the sun, then the sun falters and its light fades. Thankfully, Kotoya has always prevailed, or perhaps Taiyo has always seen wisdom in the cycle of the day. To date, the sun has always regained its strength and finished its course. The wisest among us does not know what would happen if Kotoya should ever fail to take the sun down with him at the end of the day.”

– It is written in the ropes.

***

Kotoya appears to be a handsome and strong man. He carries a Bola and  Great Club. His is otherwise clad in the finest of cloth, spun from the fur of a vacuña. Kotoya often wears gold, and never silver.

As the Lord of the Sunset, Kotoya is charged with bringing about the end of the day, a duty that he performs with pride. He is otherwise keen to protect mortals from terrible monsters.

Kotoya looks after the welfare of a great mountain empire whose rulers are said to be his descendants. The Lord of the Sunset will not abide any threat to this kingdom or its rulers.

***

Religion: Although people all over the world may pay their respects to the Lord of the Sunset, Kotoya enjoys full worship in only the kingdom claiming him as their ancestor and patron. In that kingdom, he is foremost among the gods, and his offerings are gathered from all over the land.

The official cult of Kotoya is very much concerned with support for imperial expansion, and with ensuring that such expansion is done to the honor of their great lord. Priests of Kotoya have been known to make great offerings of gold and jewelry. On occasion they will also demand young women from conquered territories, the majority of which are forced to serve as priestesses. On rare occasions, they will sacrifice one to the sun in a ritual marriage.

The greatest among Kotoya’s followers are always mummified and kept in royal tombs filled with treasure, all given in sacrifice to Kotoya.

***

Domains: Royalty, The Sun, The West

Symbol: An Eye contained in the Sun.

Favored Offerings: Gold and jewelry.

 

EFFINTHISTLE SHIRDESK’NEEN

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© Daniel S. Wall, April 11, 2026.

***

“Humans think themselves privileged, because elves sometimes allow them to pass freely through the forests. They think themselves honored to fell a tree or two and build a house, so long as they pay their respects to the wood. They think the Lady of the Woods a mere mystery, and take her goodwill for granted. Time was when man knew her darkness.

“Time was when men knew of those lost in the woods. She has them all. It is the foolishness of mankind that it forgets the loss of a small child and congratulates itself on obtaining safe passage for the day. The Lady of the Wood may have helped mankind in times past, yet her favor is uncertain. When the final struggle of good against evil breaks upon this land, only a fool would count upon her and her minions to stand with mankind.”

– Kormund Coalspear, Dwarven Bard.

***

Effinthistle was born a little before her brother, Ogath Sjkull-Gritter, God of the orcs. Not long after the birth of her first brother,  a second brother was brought into the world quite dead. The second brother remains ever nameless. There is little doubt but that their deceased brother was killed in the womb. Whether it was Ogath or Effinthistle that killed him remains a topic of great debate within the halls of the Library Philosophic. Elves and orcs fight over the same question all across the forests and the wastelands. It is of course quite possible that the Ogath and Effinthistle together slew their younger brother. Whether the death of their brother was an act of self-defense or outright murder is also a topic of great dispute. In either event, neither Ogath nor Effinthisle have ever spoken a word about it, but their hatred for each other was evident from the moment of their birth, and by all accounts, the demise of their brother is the source of their conflict.

Effinthistle appears as a young elven woman of stunning beauty clad in a green dress. She is actually one of the most ancient beings in all existence. Effinthistle carries a bow and a sword, as well as a great quiver filled with several dozen arrows. She carries another filled simply with 12 more arrows.

Effinthistle and her minions favor wilderness forests and meadows as a home, sleeping under a forest canopy on most occasions. She is said to look after the welfare of the forests, though the boundaries of her anger have never been terribly clear to men. Many a tree has been felled without raising the ire of this goddess, but woe be unto the city that grows too large and clears too much forest. Exactly when this line may be crossed is a question commonly answered in hindsight.

Effinthistle is known for great knowledge, particularly regarding things of a magical nature.

***

Religion: The Priesthood of Effinthistle consists almost exclusively of elven spell casters. Her worshippers include a variety of Sprites in addition to virtually all of elven kind, save for the Dark Elves that live underground. It is rare to see humans or other creatures worship Effinthistle. She and her followers are often regarded with great suspicion by those dwelling in great cities.

***

Domains: Elves and Woodlands

Symbol:  The Symbol of Effinthistle is a Pine Tree.

Favored Offerings: An arrangement of flowers, pine cones, and other plants from the forests.  Each must be gathered in prayer and gathered into an arrangement.