Divines or Gods
While the different races of Abithar recognize different Divines (or Gods) in their different pantheons, many often choose their belief by their way of life. There are 12 recorded Divines within the histories of Abithar that are recognized as gods. The different races call them by different names but will almost always refer to them with devotion, love, and awe.
Nordic Pantheon and Religion in Terra
The Nords at times may considered barbarians and Warriors... but Nords are also considered to be some of the most devout races in all the known provinces. Most Nords fight.... to worship their Gods. Many Nords worship the 9 of the 12 Divines. Worship of these 9 Divines is to be considered a blessed thing and respected through all Holds. Temples towards the Divines are respected by the Nordic people, to the point in which they are considered neutral and war-free territory during times of war. To draw blood on such holy ground as a temple, is to damn themselves among the living.
It should be noted that Demonic worship of any kind is scorned and attacked by all of the Major Holds. It is hated and scorned by the Nordic people as a whole. The basics of the 9 Divines and thoughts on life and death are listed bellow.
It should be noted that Demonic worship of any kind is scorned and attacked by all of the Major Holds. It is hated and scorned by the Nordic people as a whole. The basics of the 9 Divines and thoughts on life and death are listed bellow.
Nordic Divines
The Divines:
(in no particular order besides Akotash)
Akotosh: Dragon God of Time and Chief Deity of the Adrea, Akotosh is considered to the the Father of man kind as well the father of Dragons. Chief deity and protector of many empires, the Nords worship Akatosh with undying loyalty and respect. Akatosh represents and created the time, duty, honor, and ever lasting legitimacy. Akotosh tells us, "Respect the Law, Honor the Divines, Protect your home. Fear not the Deadra and Demons of Oblivion for Akotosh watches his children."
Stendarr: Stendarr, is the god of mercy and justice. He's the patron of legions and armies and is also the patron of the lawful citizen. Stendarr is the bane of the Deadra worship and there are some orders of heroes and warrior/armies that prey to Stendarr for guidance and protection from unearthly powers. He is also the god of mercy and forgiveness. This is ironic in the sense that many of the followers of Stendarr have gotten into the habit of the statement, "Stendarr have mercy on you... for i have none to spare". It's ironic because they are serving the god of mercy.
Stendarr tells us, "Be merciful, and you will be shown mercy. Be truthful, and you will be forgiven. Be weary of the dark and let light shine upon you so you become a beacon of hope for others."
Talos: Talos is known by many names and titles. Some are: The First Emperor, King of Kings, Guardian of the realm, Slayer of the dishonored, and Dragonborn. Tibers Septime (as he was known on earth) was an amazing man. His deeds and actions were so noble, so amazing, so powerful and legendary that upon his death he ascended to God-hood. Talos is the god of war, the patron of adventurers, protector of kingdoms, defender of the weak, and patron to warriors and kings/queens. It is important to note that in Terra and several other provinces, Talos is worship heavily and is truly considered a Divine. However, some nations and kingdoms (mainly Orcs and elves) still argue his ascension (or cant accept the fact that a human can become a Divine). Talos tells us, "Be strong for war, cherish peace, and defend your home and your people above all else."
Mara: Mara (mar-rah) is the Divine and Goddess of love, compassion, and family. It is through here love that mortals learn to love one another. Mara loves here children unconditionally and often advocated the world in their protection. Temples of Mara are often called benevolences or chapels. In Terra, marriages are always performed at the temple of Mara by a priest or priestess. Followers of Mara often make it their mission to unite everyone as children of Mara and share compassion and forgiveness. Followers of Mara hate only those who hate. They are ignorant only to those who show ignorance. Mara is also said to be the wife of Akotosh. Finally, Mara and priests of Mara have been the most successful with fighting Deadra and Demonic influences and holds... for Mara's love for her children is unmatched and nothing in recorded history has gone beyond it. Mara tells us, "Love one another as I love you. Be kind and gentle. Care for the sick and needy. And respect the values of home and family."
Dibella: Dibella has nearly 11 different cults of worship. Some are devoted to artist. Some are devoted to music. Some are devoted to writing. And some are even devoted to... erotic instruction. Dibella is the goddess of love and art. She is different from Mara in the sense that her love is for life and its pleasures. Worship of Dibella is often times seen as more "personal" and it is she who brought about art, music, joy and entertainment to mortals. She is seen as more beautiful than Aphrodite (Greek goddess). Some other cultures see her as a goddess of lust and indulgence but they forget that she is also the goddess of humility and temperance. Dibella says, "Live life. Enjoy in moderation. Be Outgoing yet Smart. And always seek the knowledge that lies in truth in love."
Juleonos: Juleonos is the Divine and god of knowledge, understanding, and contradiction. It is through him that all races were given the prized gift of communication and the power/ability to interact with others. His is the patron of many scholars and mages for their wish for knowledge and understanding. Juleonos tells us, "Always seek truth. Always seek understanding. True knowledge is found by self seeking truth."
Zenethar: Zenethar is the Divine of work and commerce. It is his teachings and way that prove that through hard work, not war and theft, that one can build themselves a wealth of lifetimes. He is worship by many business men and traders and to a devoted follower, Zenethar will give a most prized weapon... a silver tongue. Zenethar tells us, "Work hard, and you will be rewarded. Spend wisely, and you will live comfortably. Never steal, you shall be punished."
Arkay: Arkay is the God of cycle of life and death. It is through his grace that life enters the world and when HE deems the time is right, he ends that cycle of life. Unlike Hades or Set who are considered evil, Arkay is known to be compassionate and has dawned the task of guiding souls to their final resting place, while protecting the dead and lost. Arkay is also the Divine of fertility and birth. Many parents pray to Arkay for children (and Nords pray for lost of them). Arkay tells us, "Be faithful, be compassionate, and never defil or disrespect the memory of the fallen. Life is a cycle and I am the wheel."
Kyne: Kyne (K-eye-n) is the Goddess of nature and weather. She is the patron of sailors and farmers, hunters and gatherers. She is the protector and queen and mother of all forest spirits and those creatures of nature. She is the source of growth in the world and lies in the very air we breathe. Many followers pray to Kyne for safe journey, great harvest, and animal interaction. It is also important to note that in the early years of Terra and the Dragons slaughtered the Nords in great wars of dominance, it was Kyne that took pity upon man kind and blessed them with the power of "the Voice" and granted them the ability to shout like dragons do. Kyne tells us, "Respect nature, Protect the land, and fear her fury."
(continuing work in future)
(in no particular order besides Akotash)
- Akotosh
Stendar
Mara
Dibella
Juleonos
Zenethar
Arkay
Talos
Kyne
Akotosh: Dragon God of Time and Chief Deity of the Adrea, Akotosh is considered to the the Father of man kind as well the father of Dragons. Chief deity and protector of many empires, the Nords worship Akatosh with undying loyalty and respect. Akatosh represents and created the time, duty, honor, and ever lasting legitimacy. Akotosh tells us, "Respect the Law, Honor the Divines, Protect your home. Fear not the Deadra and Demons of Oblivion for Akotosh watches his children."
Stendarr: Stendarr, is the god of mercy and justice. He's the patron of legions and armies and is also the patron of the lawful citizen. Stendarr is the bane of the Deadra worship and there are some orders of heroes and warrior/armies that prey to Stendarr for guidance and protection from unearthly powers. He is also the god of mercy and forgiveness. This is ironic in the sense that many of the followers of Stendarr have gotten into the habit of the statement, "Stendarr have mercy on you... for i have none to spare". It's ironic because they are serving the god of mercy.
Stendarr tells us, "Be merciful, and you will be shown mercy. Be truthful, and you will be forgiven. Be weary of the dark and let light shine upon you so you become a beacon of hope for others."
Talos: Talos is known by many names and titles. Some are: The First Emperor, King of Kings, Guardian of the realm, Slayer of the dishonored, and Dragonborn. Tibers Septime (as he was known on earth) was an amazing man. His deeds and actions were so noble, so amazing, so powerful and legendary that upon his death he ascended to God-hood. Talos is the god of war, the patron of adventurers, protector of kingdoms, defender of the weak, and patron to warriors and kings/queens. It is important to note that in Terra and several other provinces, Talos is worship heavily and is truly considered a Divine. However, some nations and kingdoms (mainly Orcs and elves) still argue his ascension (or cant accept the fact that a human can become a Divine). Talos tells us, "Be strong for war, cherish peace, and defend your home and your people above all else."
Mara: Mara (mar-rah) is the Divine and Goddess of love, compassion, and family. It is through here love that mortals learn to love one another. Mara loves here children unconditionally and often advocated the world in their protection. Temples of Mara are often called benevolences or chapels. In Terra, marriages are always performed at the temple of Mara by a priest or priestess. Followers of Mara often make it their mission to unite everyone as children of Mara and share compassion and forgiveness. Followers of Mara hate only those who hate. They are ignorant only to those who show ignorance. Mara is also said to be the wife of Akotosh. Finally, Mara and priests of Mara have been the most successful with fighting Deadra and Demonic influences and holds... for Mara's love for her children is unmatched and nothing in recorded history has gone beyond it. Mara tells us, "Love one another as I love you. Be kind and gentle. Care for the sick and needy. And respect the values of home and family."
Dibella: Dibella has nearly 11 different cults of worship. Some are devoted to artist. Some are devoted to music. Some are devoted to writing. And some are even devoted to... erotic instruction. Dibella is the goddess of love and art. She is different from Mara in the sense that her love is for life and its pleasures. Worship of Dibella is often times seen as more "personal" and it is she who brought about art, music, joy and entertainment to mortals. She is seen as more beautiful than Aphrodite (Greek goddess). Some other cultures see her as a goddess of lust and indulgence but they forget that she is also the goddess of humility and temperance. Dibella says, "Live life. Enjoy in moderation. Be Outgoing yet Smart. And always seek the knowledge that lies in truth in love."
Juleonos: Juleonos is the Divine and god of knowledge, understanding, and contradiction. It is through him that all races were given the prized gift of communication and the power/ability to interact with others. His is the patron of many scholars and mages for their wish for knowledge and understanding. Juleonos tells us, "Always seek truth. Always seek understanding. True knowledge is found by self seeking truth."
Zenethar: Zenethar is the Divine of work and commerce. It is his teachings and way that prove that through hard work, not war and theft, that one can build themselves a wealth of lifetimes. He is worship by many business men and traders and to a devoted follower, Zenethar will give a most prized weapon... a silver tongue. Zenethar tells us, "Work hard, and you will be rewarded. Spend wisely, and you will live comfortably. Never steal, you shall be punished."
Arkay: Arkay is the God of cycle of life and death. It is through his grace that life enters the world and when HE deems the time is right, he ends that cycle of life. Unlike Hades or Set who are considered evil, Arkay is known to be compassionate and has dawned the task of guiding souls to their final resting place, while protecting the dead and lost. Arkay is also the Divine of fertility and birth. Many parents pray to Arkay for children (and Nords pray for lost of them). Arkay tells us, "Be faithful, be compassionate, and never defil or disrespect the memory of the fallen. Life is a cycle and I am the wheel."
Kyne: Kyne (K-eye-n) is the Goddess of nature and weather. She is the patron of sailors and farmers, hunters and gatherers. She is the protector and queen and mother of all forest spirits and those creatures of nature. She is the source of growth in the world and lies in the very air we breathe. Many followers pray to Kyne for safe journey, great harvest, and animal interaction. It is also important to note that in the early years of Terra and the Dragons slaughtered the Nords in great wars of dominance, it was Kyne that took pity upon man kind and blessed them with the power of "the Voice" and granted them the ability to shout like dragons do. Kyne tells us, "Respect nature, Protect the land, and fear her fury."
(continuing work in future)
Demonic Influence!:
Basics: Demons and Deadria are two different beings.
Demons are powerful but mortal... corrupted by demonic influence and taken on a new form. They can be killed permanently with mostly no hope of resurrection or survival.
Deadra are another race entirely. They are immortal demons who cannot be killed, only banished... Do not confine with a Deadra... no good will come of it.
(Longer description to come)
Basics: Demons and Deadria are two different beings.
Demons are powerful but mortal... corrupted by demonic influence and taken on a new form. They can be killed permanently with mostly no hope of resurrection or survival.
Deadra are another race entirely. They are immortal demons who cannot be killed, only banished... Do not confine with a Deadra... no good will come of it.
(Longer description to come)