CharlName: Charl / Shaal, "The Destroyer"
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of the Sea
Relations: Father of Niima
Rival: None known
Shrine: Coastal Cliffs, Ice Mule Trace Temple
Symbol: An emerald trident on a field of blue / a silver dolphin on a field of blue
Sphere: Oceans, Storms, and Revolution
Manner: Stern, angry, and quick-tempered
Appearance: A towering man with a beard of seaweed and algae, blue and grey robes, and wielding a trident. Charl rarely appears except in the sea or the heart of a storm, and only his lower half is a fish's tail.
Epitome
God of the sea, father to Niima, he is sometimes called "The Destroyer" because his anger is like the worst sea storms. He doesn't care much for creatures on land, and is rarely seen in his human form - preferring to take the form of a Merman, whale or great dolphin, and when he does appear it is usually in the sea or in the heart of a storm. In human form, he's a burly man with blue-white hair and beard of seaweed and algae, pale skin and blue eyes, which reflect his moody demeanor. He wields a great trident of greenish alloy set with emerald points. His shrine is located along the Coastal Cliffs.
Living apart from his brethren, he dwells constantly in the seas of Elanthia, joining the other Gods only when Koar commands. Legend holds that Koar once had to send for Charl six times before he appeared. When Koar demanded to know why he was so disobedient, Charl replied that he was always the most obedient of Koar's servants, but that the waters of the six oceans of the world flowed through his veins, and none could come without the others.
Charl is a dark and violent god, and is renowned for his drastic mood swings. He cares little for the land dwelling races on Elanthia, and is as likely to swat a nearby ship with a storm as he is to let it pass untouched. Because of this, seamen fear him, and few pray to him for fear they might attract his attention. For the same reason clerics serving Charl, although seldom welcome, rarely come to harm in any place frequented by seamen. He is also the god of storms of all sorts, and more than one despotic tyrant, overthrown by an angry mob marching under a stormy sky, has sworn that it was Charl's hand that laid him low.
Some clergy contend that Charl is at heart a God of Darkness. Still, there is little doubt that he swears fealty to Koar, and for that reason, if for no other, he is numbered with the Gods of Light.
Cholen
Name: Cholen / Keiron "The Bard"
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of humor, festivals and performing arts
Relations: Son of Imaera and Eonak, twin of Jastev
Rival: None known
Shrine: Hall of Arts - IceMule Trace Temple
Symbol: A crimson lute on a field of gold
Sphere: Festivals, Performing Arts, and Humor
Manner: Playful, Mocking
Appearance: Arrayed in fine but exaggerated clothing, Cholen's favors a great cloak with patches of every color and shape imaginable. He appears as a tall, slight young man with blue eyes and flowing dark brown hair pulled back into a ponytail.
Epitome
Cholen is the God of festivals and the performing arts. The offspring of Imaera and Eonak, he is the twin brother of Jastev. "The Bard". He has a beautiful singing voice and is said to play various musical instruments. He's the opposite of his twin brother, Jastev, God of visual arts and magic. Cheerful and mischievous, he's called upon to bless wine and aid with recovery from hangovers. He's been known to seduce mortals, sometimes in the form of a woman just for fun. He sometimes appears in mortal form as a young man with summer-sun gold hairother times flowing brown hair, but always blue eyes and a slight build.
Patron of celebrations and all that goes with them, Cholen is renowned for his bright demeanor, his mastery of music, song, and dance, and of his mischievous nature. All performing skills commonly seen at festivals fall within his domain, and muttered prayers to Cholen are not uncommon among jugglers, actors, and bards who frequently perform at them. The many comedies whose plots revolve around mistaken identity and cross-gender disguises owe their basis, at least in part, to Cholen's penchant for cross-gender pranks, although his disguises are generally acknowledged as being more complete than most acting troupes could ever manage.
Eonak
Name: Eonak / Iorake
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of craftsmanship and labor. Smith of the Gods
Relations: Husband to Imaera
Rival: None known
Shrine: Hall of Arts - IceMule Trace, Lake Eonak, and Workshop in the Catacombs, Temple in Solhaven
Symbol: A golden anvil on a field of brown.
Sphere: Craftsmanship, Labor, and Triumph over Adversity
Manner: Impatient, surly, and distracted
Appearance: Eonak is heavily muscled, either a short thirty-something Man or large Dwarf, and wears the leather garments of a blacksmith. His left arm is missing, replaced by a veil iron prosthetic and has black hair and deep brown eyes
Epitome
Eonak is the artificer of the gods. He is also the consort of Imaera. After the Ur-Daemon War, he took the people that worked in the stone under his wing and taught them. Thus, he is considered the patron of the dwarves.
Maker of all of the fantastic items used by the gods, Eonak spends most of his time at his forge. He is more at home there than anywhere else, and at times only a decree from Koar or the soft words of Imaera can separate him from it.
Often considered a strange pairing, Imaera and Eonak are each masters of crafting, although their choices of substances are vastly different. Imaera's crafting is of living things, of cycles and seasons and balance. Eonak's crafting is of inanimate things, yet even as Imaera's, his creations must fulfill their purposes, achieve a balance of beauty and utility, and all, even as Imaera's do, contain some part of him that marks them as creations of Eonak's hand.
Eonak personifies success won by hard work rather than natural gifts alone. Legends differ as to how Eonak lost his arm, but all agree that the veil iron arm he spent lifetimes crafting is the greatest piece of craftsmanship ever under taken and serves him better than the original.
Eonak's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a heavily muscled person, either a short man or a large dwarf, who wears the leather garments of a blacksmith. His left arm is missing, replaced by a veil iron prosthetic. In manner, he is impatient, surly and distracted. His symbol is a golden anvil on a field of brown.
Imaera
Name: Imaera / Illoura
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: Goddess of autumn, plants, animals and earth
Relations: Wife of Eonak
Rival: None known
Shrine: Silver Lake, Hall of Seasons - IceMule Trace Temple, Temple in Solhaven
Symbol: A golden sheaf of grain on a field of green / a brown doe on a field of green
Sphere: autumn, Harvest, Healing, Plants and Animals
Manner: Exuberant
Appearance: A young hazel eyed, auburn haired woman, often elven, dressed in robes of green and brown with leaves and flowers.
Epitome
Imaera is the Goddess of the Nature and autumn. She is also often considered the patron of the sylvan elves. While Oleani's realm is cultivation and the fertility of mortals, Imaera's realm is the wilds and unfettered nature. Her consort is Eonak, without whose rocky soil, no plant could grow.
As the Goddess of life and growing things, hers are the plants and animals native to the land. Credited with the re-creation of most of the species on Elanthia, and with several of the human-like races, she is the mistress of shaping flesh, bone, and plant to suit any need. As such, those who practice the healing arts often seek her blessings.
Imaera is also the Goddess of the harvest and of the bounty, which the land produces in its cycle of life. While Oleani oversees cultivation and agriculture, the final blessing of Imaera is needed for the spark of life. Because of this she is often honored in autumn festivals.
All of the aspects of Imaera are in direct opposition to the twisting and deformation of life forms practiced by some of the Dark Gods, and of the senseless destruction of life and land that most of their minions undertake as a matter of course.
Imaera's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a young woman, often sylvan, dressed in robes of leaves and flowers, and adorns her auburn hair with flowers and leaves - when she isn't in deer form. Her eyes are wide and hazel colored, framed by soft features. Gentle goddess of plants, animals and the earth, she is honored at harvest festivals for her bountiful contributions of our land. Her husband is Eonak the Smith. In manner, she is exuberant. Her symbol is a golden sheaf of grain on a field of green when farmers worship her. The sylvan elves ascribe to her a brown doe on a field of green
Jastev
Name: Jastev / Jaysek
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of prophecy, visual arts and magicks
Relations: Son of Imeara and Eonak, twin brother of Cholen
Rival: None known
Shrine: Hall of the Arts - IceMule Trace Temple, Solhaven temple
Symbol: A black artist's brush on a field of grey / a silver crystal ball on a field of grey
Sphere: Visual Art, Prophecy
Manner: Most often Sad, with fits of Inspiration and Joy
Appearance: A pale man dressed in drab colors. His age varies from the youngest of boys to the oldest of greybeards, but usually seen with sensual hazel eyes and dark brown hair.
Epitome
Jastev is the God of Visual Art and Prophecy, and is the offspring of Imaera and Eonak and twin to Cholen. He is the only God of Light whose company Charl regularly keeps, and the only Arkati who will speak to Gosaena at all. He rivals Kai's good looks with his own sensual hazel eyes, dark brown hair, fair skin and lean, handsome frame. He is very serious, sometimes sullen and morbid and wears black or dark grey garments. He is said to have originated many of Elanthia's alphabets and runes.
Given to a somber demeanor and periods of depression, Jastev's knowledge of the future is a double-edged sword, giving him warning of the consequences of the actions of the Dark Gods and their followers, yet also showing him more than any being would wish to know. It is said that having foreseen the end of the world and of all that he loves causes his darker moods. It is this kinship in prophecy with Gosaena that gives him the tolerance to discourse with her.
His patronization of the visual arts is also attributed to his knowledge of the future, since he encourages the preservation of each moment of beauty, emotion, or tragedy for those who will come after. Jastev is the patron of mystics and seers, and practitioners of the arts of foretelling often invoke his blessing. While Lumnis will provide her followers with knowledge of the skills of fishing, Jastev is not averse to giving the location of the nearest fish.
Jastev's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a pale man dressed in drab colors. His age varies from the youngest of boys to the oldest of greybeards. In manner, he is most often sad, with fits of inspiration and joy. His symbol is a black artist's brush on a field of grey, alternately it is a silver crystal ball on a field of grey.
Jaston
"Follower of the Four Winds"
Name: Jaston
Ancient Name: Jaynor
Epithet: "Follower of the Four Winds"
Pantheon: Liabo
Tier: Greater God
Realm: God of air, birds, and seasons, follower of the Four Winds.
Dominion: Air, birds, seasons, the winds.
Relations: None
Rivals: None
Symbol: A soaring hawk on a field of blue.
Shrine: None
Appearance: Jaston is a slender young man appearing to be in his late teen years, handsome, with long brown hair, and hazel eyes. He wears bands of many colored feathers around his head, wrists, and arms, and is clad in green breeches.
Demeanor: Lighthearted, playful, reflective, and boyish.
Kai
Name: Kai / Cay
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of strength, prowess and athletics
Relations: Father of Leya
Rival: V'Tull
Shrine: Hall of the Body - IceMule Trace Temple, Velnalin shrine, Solhaven Temple
Symbol: A silver arm with fist clenched on a field of crimson
Sphere: Strength, Athletic Prowess, and Skill at Arms
Manner: Carefree, brave, and aggressive
Appearance: A young man of epic build, with strong and carefree features. Kai is always dressed in light armor and is never without a weapon of some sort. He appears to be a lean muscular young man with azure eyes and brown curly hair.
Epitome
Kai is the God of Physical Strength and Athletic Prowess. He has been beaten once in armed combat by Koar, and fought once to a standstill against V'tull. Beyond these two instances every opponent Kai has faced has fallen before him. Legend holds that in the Ur-Daemon War, Kai slew more of the enemy than any Drake did, despite their awesome might, and is the only Arkati who participated in that war to have survived. Kai's joy of physical combat is such that only Koar's injunctions keep him from constant battle with the Gods of Darkness. As an alternative he often roams Elanthia looking for unsuspecting mortals to toy with in physical "contests" of one sort or another.
Considered by many to be the most handsome of the gods, he's a known seducer and has fathered many mortal children, and is the father of Leya. He appears to be a lean muscular young man with azure eyes and brown curly hair. He wears only a short blue tunic off one shoulder, his favorite weapon, a spear.
Kai's blessing is often invoked at contests of physical.
Kai's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a young man of epic build with strong and carefree features. Kai is always dressed in light armor and is never without a weapon of some sort. In manner, he is carefree, brave and aggressive. His symbol is a silver arm with fist clenched, on a field of crimson. His clerics name their maces, cast in the same shape, the Fists of Kai.
Facts & Rumors
One of the rituals of The Order of Voln is to fight Kai so that one can show prowess, dedication and endurance.
It is rumored that the statues are found about the lands that when rubbed, casts a Powerful spell upon you, are statues created in the likeness of Kai. Examine or look at your statue next time and see what you think.
Statue of Kai
A warrior of magnificent size and strength stands proudly in the center of the room.
The heroic figure, carved from a single block of pale grey granite, towers to a height of nearly twenty breathtaking feet. Though his face is youthful, his gaze is that of one who has unflinchingly confronted even the mightiest of foes. One mighty hand clutches a Dir-wood spear tipped with gleaming adamantine, raised warily against some unseen foe.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this granite god is his left hand. Clenched in a tight fist that betrays both stern inner resolve as well as intense ferocity, you can almost imagine it crushing the last breath out of any enemy.
The Talisman
~D E S P A I R~
Despair is our constant companion, sorrow our shadow, as we walk these mortal plains in search of truth. Our packs are heavy, but our bodies are strong, and we welcome these burdens, for they serve to strengthen our resolve. Only the strongest shall persevere in this quest, and so we, the Children of Kai, embrace the burdens which others cannot endure.
-=-
~S T R E N G T H~
All the lightning and thunder of the heavens cast from the palm of a wizard can never equal the poetry of a beautiful blade in the hands of a skilled swordsman. Magic
may be the lifeblood of these lands, but it shall never replace the glory of magnificent bodies sculpted into the finest weapons ever known.
-=-
~D E F E A T~
Defeat cannot be measured by blood spilled on the battlefield, nor by an empty purse.
To know the pain of loss is to prepare oneself for the joy of victory. We cherish our failures as much as our successes, for the bitter taste of defeat only makes triumph that much sweeter.
-=-
~H O N O R~
Without honor in his heart, the mightiest of warriors is but a mewling kitten when the world stands at the brink of disaster. Honor, above all, do we cherish. It is the glue that binds mortals to one another. Without it we are merely frightened voices crying out in the darkness.
-=-
~V A L O R~
Ours is not an easy path to follow, yet we follow willingly, for in truth we did not choose this road so much as the road chose us. We are the Sons and Daughters of Kai, and no mortal soul shall despair of life in our presence. We are the champions of the innocent, the protectors of the weak, the gladiators of your heart.
-=-
~F A I T H~
Purity of spirit cannot be measured by mortals, for that which they behold is truly only what their minds allow them to comprehend. We are firm in our resolve, and do not fret over the judgements of those who cannot fathom worlds beyond this. Souls cannot be placed into boxes and marked with labels for the world to see. Only she who possesses the spirit within herself shall ever know the truth.
-=-
~H O P E~
If we are allowed to take one treasure from this place, it is hope. We may rail against the present when the world seems to mock us, but our hearts will always beat so long as hope graces each breath. Defeat, sorrow, despair - these are but milestones by which to measure our lives. One flicker of light burning at the end of a dark road shall guide us through even the darkest of times. We are the Daughters and Sons of Kai, and we shall not waiver.
-=-
~F R I E N D S H I P~
The passage of time cannot fade the memories of those who have travelled at our sides. Engraved on our hearts are the names of comrades, friends, brothers, sisters, mates, with whom we have shared our lives.
-=-
Koar
Name: Koar / Kuor
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: King of the Gods
Relations: Husband of Lumnis, father of Lorminstra and twins Ronan and Phoen
Rival: N/A
Shrine: Hall of the King - IceMule Trace Temple, Solhaven Temple
Symbol: A golden crown, often set on a circle of white.
Sphere: Justice, Loyalty, and Law
Manner: Commanding, detached, and weary
Appearance: A huge man upon a throne, contemplating fate of all things. Flowing grey hair and beard, shaggy brows, a deeply creased forehead, and weary grey eyes. Koar wears a golden crown and is usually seen in a flowing toga-like garment.
Epitome
King of the Gods, Ruler of Liabo, husband to Lumnis, Goddess of wisdom and learning. Almost never intervenes in the affairs of mortals but keeps the other gods, of Liabo at least, more or less in line. He never interferes with Lorminstra, however. He appears as a muscular man of middle years, and has a thick mane of flowing snow-white hair. His eyes are greyish, skin ruddy, and is usually seen in a flowing toga-like garment.
Koar is the King of the Gods. Once, he ruled all the Arkati and he is still the titular head of both the Light and Dark Gods. In practice, however, his direct control is only over the Gods of Light. Not since the fall of the Drakes in the Ur-Daemon War has Koar rallied all the gods to him, and none knows for sure if he could unify the Arkati no, no matter the cause. Still, it is said that as long as Koar lives, the Gods of Light and Dark will never face each other in open war.
Legend holds that Koar sits on a great throne carved from the stone heart of the world extending up through the tallest mountain in Elanthia. He rarely leaves his throne, and spends most of his time slumbering or brooding. Even when he sleeps, one eye is always slightly open, and while Koar may not intervene in the affairs of gods or mortals often, there is little that escapes his notice.
The sages say that the mountains of Elanthia rise and fall as Koar's brow furrows. One day, it is said, when the Gods of Darkness no longer vex their king, and when mortals no longer wage petty wars, the mountains will sink back into the ground and all the world will be a fertile plain. Earthquakes are attributed to Koar shifting restlessly, and before Koar's brow is smoothed, legend holds he will rise from his throne in wrath, shaking the greatest fortresses to rubble. The prophecy is silent as to who or what will be the object of his ire.
Some common folk believe that Koar is not an Arkati, but actually the last of the Great Drakes. No one living can confirm this notion, however.
Koar's blessing is often invoked during coronation ceremonies, and it is not uncommon for rulers to claim that their particular right to reign bears Koar's approval.
Koar's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a huge man upon a throne, wearing a gold crown, contemplating the fate of all things. In manner, he is commanding, detached, or weary. His symbol is a golden crown, often set on a circle of white.
Kuon
Name: Kuon
Ancient Name: Quen
Epithet: None known
Pantheon: Liabo
Tier: Lesser God
Realm: Patron of herbs and flowers.
Dominion: Herbs and flowers.
Relations: None
Rivals: None
Symbol: A gold leaf on a field of brown.
Shrine: Hearthstone Manor Herb Garden, statue dedicated to Kuon.
Appearance: Kuon is a large, hulking presence with massive shoulders, hazel eyes, and light brown hair. He appears to be in his twenties and wears robes of shimmering green and amber.
Demeanor: Relaxed, nurturing, gentle, kind.
Flowers grow spontaneously in the wake of Kuon, and go uncrushed beneath his steps. Although relaxed, gentle and kind, if pushed far enough his temper will show.
Leya
The Warrior Goddess
Name: Leya
Ancient Name: Laia
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: Liabo
Tier: Lesser Goddess
Realm: Patroness of Amazon warriors, martial arts.
Dominion: Master of martial arts
Relations: Daughter of Kai.
Rivals: None
Symbol: A shining dagger.
Shrine: The Wilds.
Appearance: Leya is strong and slender beautiful young woman in her twenties with wavy mahogany hair and sparkling azure eyes. Athletic and slender of build, she wears a belted tunic, and laced up sandals.
Demeanor: Confident.
Leya is skilled in the use of many weapons, a master of martial arts, and a superior warrior, with a cool, confident manner.
Lorminstra
Name: Lorminstra / Eissa
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: Goddess of winter, death and rebirth
Relations: Daughter of Koar and Lumnis, sister to twins Ronan and Phoen
Rival: Luukos, Amasalen, Gosaena, and Shar
Shrine: Town Temple, Hall of Seasons - IceMule Trace Temple, Solhaven temple
Symbol: A golden key, or a golden key set upon a gate of black.
Sphere: Death, Rebirth, and winter, Deliverance
Manner: Somber, caring
Appearance: A blonde, woman with grey-blue eyes and of slight build and pale alabaster skin She wears two layers of robes, black over white. At her side dangles a ring of keys, one for every soul.
Epitome
Lorminstra is the Goddess of Death and Rebirth. She is the eldest offspring of Koar and Lumnis, sister to Ronan and Phoen. Lorminstra is the Goddess of winter, that annual "death" of nature, which parallels the death and rebirth of souls.
Lorminstra is also the Keeper of the Ebon Gate. It is her decision whether a soul is allowed to return to Elanthia each time an appeal is made via a ritual of resurrection, and even Koar will not gainsay her decision.
Lorminstra regards Luukos' enslavement of souls to animate his undead as abominable. She supports her brother, Ronan, in his struggle against Luukos' minions, and also petitions Koar frequently to take direct measures to curb Luukos' activities.
Lorminstra's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a thin woman with black hair and pale alabaster skin. She wears two layers of robes, black over white at her side dangles a ring of keys, one for every soul, and carries a staff of crystal. She's blonde, with grey-blue eyes and of slight build. Her pale skin reflects her somber, pensive demeanor. Her shrine is located in the town Temple, where one can make an offering of gems or silver in an attempt to win her favor. Her symbol is a golden key, or a golden key set upon a gate of black.
Lumnis
Name: Lumnis / Valris, "The Wise"
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: Goddess of learning and wisdom
Relations: Wife of Koar, mother of Lorminstra and twins Ronan and Phoen
Rival: Fash'lo'nae
Shrine: Hall of the Mind - IceMule Trace Temple
Symbol: A golden scroll overlaying five conjoined circles, the circles being red, blue, black, green, and white
Sphere: Learning and wisdom - Knowledge
Manner: Serene
Appearance: A mature woman in a gossamer robe of light grey so long that her feet are never seen and the hem is lost in distant mists. Her hair is black with a single shock of gray at her forehead. She is tall and slender with ivory skin, pale grey eyes, and full red lips
Epitome
Lumnis is the Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge, patron to the scholars and masters of thought, and the wife of Koar. She is not considered the "Queen" of the Gods, however. She gives counsel willingly, even to the Dark Gods, but never commands.
Lumnis' power lies in her understanding of the interrelationships of the Spheres of Knowledge (Elemental, Spiritual, Chaos, Order and Planar) and her intuitive grasp of their intricacies. Able to accomplish feats that leave even Koar amazed, she wields her knowledge with the style of an artist.
She is worshipped by scholars and practitioners of the arcane arts who explore the boundaries of their knowledge with a wonder and respect of the powers they discover. Fortune-tellers, and all in need of guidance also seek her wisdom. Lumnis will never give an answer outright, however. She would rather advise and guide, allowing those who seek aid to find the answer on their own.
She regards Fash'lo'nae's approach to knowledge as ultimately self-destructive and unconscionable. Her disapproval of knowledge for personal gain or power is such that she has been attributed with the sudden disappearance of several notably power-hungry magic users over the centuries.
Lumnis' preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a mature woman in gossamer robes of light grey, so long that her feet are never seen and the hem is lost in distant mists. Her hair is black with a single shock of grey at her forehead. In manner she is serene, and even in anger she is more a disappointed mother than a raging goddess. Her symbol is a golden scroll overlaying five conjoined circles, the circles being red (Planar), blue (Spiritual), black (Chaos), green (Elemental), and white (Order) - symbolizing her mastery of the Spheres of Knowledge.
Niima
The Sea Sprite
Name: Niima
Ancient Name: Neela
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: Liabo
Tier: Lesser Goddess
Realm: Mistress of waters and sea life, patroness of sailors.
Dominion: Waters, sea life, and sailors.
Relations: Daughter of Charl.
Rivals: None
Symbol: A grey dolphin on a field of blue.
Shrine: Charl's shrine, the Coastal Cliffs.
Appearance: Niima has blue eyes, reflective of the seas over which her father reigns. She has pale, blond hair, and is a very youthful, lithe, sprightly woman, clad in a clinging blue-green gown. Often, she appears as a dolphin.
Demeanor: Playful, flirtatious.
Niima acts as the conscience of Charl, and moderates his raging, stormy temper. Rescuer of sailors, those that are blessed with youth and handsome features will find her more quickly coming to their aid.
Oleani
Name: Oleani / Oriana
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: Goddess of spring, love and fertility, femininity
Relations: Consort of Phoen, mother of Tonis
Rival: Ivas
Shrine: Hall of Seasons - IceMule Trace Temple, Solhaven Temple
Symbol: A red heart with a budding flower growing from it
Sphere: Love, Fertility, Spring
Manner: Armorus, nurturing
Appearance: Oleani appears in many forms, but always as a woman of maddening beauty with violet, gold-flecked eyes and long golden blonde hair, very feminine and voluptuous with lightly tanned skin.
Epitome
Oleani is the Goddess of Love, Fertility, Spring and all things feminine. To many, she is also considered the patroness of halflings. Her consort is Phoen, the Sun God, and the most beautiful of all the goddesses of Liabo with violet, gold-flecked eyes and long golden blonde hair. She is very feminine and voluptuous with lightly tanned skin. She wears a tunic or gown of shimmering white trimmed with gold. Sometimes her tunic is a sheer, revealing garment, showing her playful, lusty side.
Called upon to bless weddings and birthings, Oleani represents the many aspects of love. Her interests range from the romantic aspects of a "respectable and proper courtship" to the sensual magnetism which may spark an illicit love affair - from the tragedy of a lover's untimely death to the joy of a new birth.
In most lands she is honored in the early spring when a celebration of new love and a ritual requesting her blessing on the fields are combined into a single holiday.
Oleani's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a woman of maddening beauty, of any race or color. In manner, she is amorous and nurturing. Her symbol is a red heart with a budding flower growing from it.
Phoen
Name: Phoen / Phaon
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of the sun and summer, things masculine
Relations: Consort of Oleani, father of Tonis, son of Koar and Lumnis, brother of Lorminstra, twin of Ronan
Rival: Zelia
Shrine: Hall of Seasons - IceMule Trace Temple
Symbol: A golden sunburst on a field of blue
Sphere: Sun, summer, Fatherhood
Manner: Confident, to the point of egotism
Appearance: Phoen's features are almost identical to Ronan's, but his hair is a flowing golden, shining so brightly as to blind mortals. His eyes are deep amber and his clothes are golden.
Epitome
Phoen is the God of the Sun and summer and things masculine. He is consort to Oleani. Father of Tonis.
He is often considered the god of fatherhood, given his relationship with Oleani (the goddess of fertility), and as God of the Sun he represents the masculine side of fertility. The Sun God personifies manly power, to the point that he is often egotistical. There is more than one fable of Phoen causing harm rather than good through careless use of his great power.
The warmth and light associated with the sun, as well as the fact that they are life nurturing qualities place Phoen in direct opposition to the Dark Gods. However, more often it is the Dark Gods regarding him as such that leads to conflict, rather than his desire to oppose them. He may also face them simply as a staunch ally of Oleani's.
Phoen's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a man nearly identical to Ronan, but with golden hair that shines so brightly as to blind mortals. The clothes he wears are golden as well. In manner he is confident, even to the point of egotism. Representing the masculine side of fertility, he sires numberless children of Elanthia. His symbol is a golden sunburst on a field of blue.
Ronan
Name: Ronan / Reann
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of the night, sleep, dreams and visions
Relations: Brother of Lorminstra, twin of Phoen, son of Koar and Lumnis
Rival: Sheru, any associated with undead
Shrine: Hall of the Mind - IceMule Trace Temple, Shore of Dreams, and Solhaven Temple
Symbol: A black sword with a silver edge on a field of black
Sphere: Night, Dreams
Manner: Sleepy, sardonic
Appearance: A gaunt man with heavy-lidded hypnotic eyes and a mysterious smile. His eyes are without whites, being entirely black save a faint grey swirl. He is tall and slender with fair skin and dresses only in black - even the steel of his weapons are black.
Epitome
Ronan is the God of Night, master of dreams and visions. Ronan is the guardian against those who would violate the peaceful respite of that other world. Ronan is perhaps the most active foe of the Dark Gods. Ronan is the darker twin of Phoen, and it is said that the two, being night and day, cannot come together in the same place. Also the brother of Lorminstra.
Given their avoidance of light and their use of darkness as a cloak to cover their activities, “Dream-master” Ronan finds the Dark Gods trespassing in his realm quite regularly. Ronan and Sheru are in constant conflict since they both regard the night and sleep as their rightful territories. Luukos also mounts a constant assault on Ronan's realm with those who have failed to die cleanly and are now subject to his curse. Though weary, he's alert and has a sardonic, wry sense of humor, and can sometimes be seen with Jastev.
Ronan's preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a gaunt man with heavy-lidded eyes and a mysterious smile. His eyes are without whites, leaving deep black pools broken only by a faint grey swirl. He dresses only in black, and even the steel of his weapons is black. In manner, he is sleepy and sardonic. His symbol is a black sword with a silver edge on a field of black.
Tilamaire
The Musician
Name: Tilamaire
Ancient Name: Talaraine
Epithet: None
Pantheon: Liabo
Tier: Lesser God
Realm: Patron of Music and dance.
Dominion: Music, movement, dance.
Relations: Servant of Cholen.
Rivals: Ivas
Symbol: A black music note on a field of grey.
Shrine: None
Appearance: Tilamaire is youthful, with wide eyes, full lips and tawny hair.
Demeanor: Carefree, and exuberant.
Tilamaire often travels the lands as a wandering minstrel, seeking new musical talents. Upon finding one worthy of his time, he offers to stay and teach them, greatly increasing their skill and often bestowing magical abilities. Carefree, exuberant and light-hearted in nature, Tilamaire is a deadly foe when confronted by his enemy, Ivas.
Tonis
Name: Tonis / Teris "The Messenger"
Pantheon: Liabo
Title: God of speed, travel, thieves. Messenger of the Gods
Relations: Son of Phoen and Oleani, servant of Koar
Rival: N/A
Shrine: Hall of the Body - IceMule Trace Temple
Symbol: A golden Pegasus on a field of blue.
Sphere: Speed, Travel, and Thieves
Manner: Hyperactive, childlike
Appearance: A lithe young man dressed in a simple tunic and carrying a messenger's pouch across one shoulder. Often seen as a beautiful youth.
Epitome
Tonis is the messenger of the gods. He is the only offspring of Phoen and Oleani.
He is renowned for his speed, and for the shape he commonly chooses when on an errand. Even more frequently than his humanoid form, Tonis takes on the form of a golden Pegasus whose hooves strike flames from the sky.
Tonis is also worshipped by thieves. Myths of his speed and daring spur his worshippers on to perform similar feats, and it is the skill and daring of their acts that motivates them more than the trinkets they take. In battle, Tonis can slay an army in a few moments by rushing among them and snatching the breath from their mouths.
Tonis' preferred humanoid manifestation is that of a beautiful androgynous youth in his middle teens, dressed in a simple tunic carrying a messenger's pouch across one shoulder, and always barefoot. Tonis is can run faster than any living creature. He carries a short staff, which records the messages to be delivered and occasionally rides upon his magical shield (like a skateboard). In manner, he is hyperactive and childlike. His symbol is a golden Pegasus on a field of blue.
Voaris
Patron of Young Love
Name: Voaris
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: None
Pantheon: Liabo
Tier: Lesser God
Realm: Patron of Young Love.
Dominion: Young love.
Relations: None
Rivals: None
Symbol: None
Shrine: None
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Unknown.
Voln
"The Liberator"
Name: Voln
Ancient Name: Vult
Epithet: "The Liberator" (freer of the undead)
Pantheon: Liabo
Tier: Lesser God
Realm: Battle against Undead.
Dominion: The liberation of the undead from their curse.
Relations: Follower of Lorminstra, believed to be a son of Lorminstra.
Rivals: Shar, Luukos.
Symbol: A white shield on a field of black.
Shrine: Voln Monastery, IceMule Trace Temple - Hall of the Holy Struggle.
Appearance: Handsome with striking blue eyes and flowing sable hair, but grim and unapproachable, Voln appears to be about 25 years old. He appears ever ready for battle, wearing a white surcoat over full armor of black chainmail, and carrying a white shield.
Demeanor: Grim, sometimes snide.
Voln, "The Liberator", freer of the undead, has pledged his immortal life to the release of every soul enslaved by Luukos, and wanders the lands slaying creatures of the undead, breaking the curse that keeps them from Lorminstra. He owes much to Lorminstra, and while not being her servant directly, Voln owes much to her and shares her bitter hatred of Luukos. Legends and tales imply that
the very existence of Voln is a result of Lorminstra's unending pleas to Koar for his intervention to halt the spreading curse of Luukos' undead. Tales tell us that Voln is perhaps the son of Koar, born of mortal woman. Brought up in a land with the haunting vision of loved ones lost forever to Luukos' curse ever before him, he has an undying hatred of the undead, their liberation his lifelong mission.
The lesser Gods
Aeia
The Earth Spirit
Name: Aeia
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: Local Goddess.
Realm: Patron of the Earth.
Dominion: Rumored to be the "mother" of the earth mortals dwell on.
Relations: N/A
Rivals: N/A
Symbol: N/A
Shrine: Rivers, Citadel Gardens
The size of a human female, the statue of Aeia graces the center of the pool with both beauty and substance. Beauty of form, line and texture, lovingly crafted by the gifted hands of a master whose art is bringing life to cold stone. Substance being the pure water that bubbles up from beneath her, filling the pool and giving life to the surrounding garden.
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Unknown.
Aquayl
The Water Spirit
Name: Aquayl
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: Water Spirit
Realm: The Waterways
Dominion: Manipulates the waters to do its bidding.
Relations: N/A
Rivals: N/A
Symbol: N/A
Shrine: N/A
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Unknown.
The Water and Ice Spirits
Aquayl and Iquaine
by Truekillr Strikulus
Many of us know of the tales and history surrounding Meyno and her sons. Less of us know the tales and such of Cingh the Fire elemental spirit. This is an attempt to pen scrolls that I read in passing when I visited the Great Library in Biblia. These are general, but I feel quite detailed. This is not an entire history, nor should it be considered one. I am sure there are many tales and interactions with these spirits...
The Water and Ice spirits:
Yes there are two, but are quite close...as you shall see.
Aeons ago when the Drakes were scared into hiding, and after the Great Ur-Daemon war, the Arkati began to nurture the land and take certain spheres of power. As is known, Charl controls the seas. His malevolence is well known though he is under the Pantheon of the Liabo moon. The tale begins with him and his daughter Niima.
One day when Charl was speaking with Niima she seemed sad and lonely. He offered to create a being so intelligent and so beautiful that Niima would never feel lonely or want of anything again. She naturally declined this offer and went on her way. However, it has been said that Charl liked this idea so much that he continued thinking about it, not for Niima any longer, but for himself. He would not mind having a helper in the seas to take certain chores and leadership responsibilities. He searched far and wide and gathered a large number of his sea mammals and animals to him. He then took the strongest traits of each and placed them into an orb. For a few examples, he took the intelligence of a dolphin, the strength of a whale, the patience of a terrapin, the instinct of a shark and so on. When all of these traits were in the orb he placed it into a large oyster under the sea to nurture and grow much like an egg.
A millennia passed before he went back to check upon his creation. As he opened the oyster, out stepped the most beautiful sight he had ever laid eyes upon. A humanoid of unbelieving strength, prowess, intelligence and beauty. An entity so perfect that Charl was impressed with himself. He immediately started setting it to tasks and teaching it the ways he knew. He taught it all of the sea and of the history of the lands to that point. It reveled in this knowledge and sought more and more. Eventually after having learned all of what Charl told it, it asked the simple question, "What of the land dwellers father?"
Charl was reluctant to tell his creation about what lay beyond the shores, so he lied to it. He said that it was a place of desolation and destruction. All that it contained was charred and blackened land upon which the blood of the Ur-Daemons kept it infertile. He never spoke of it again.
It seems that his creation did however, and would ask the dolphins and the whales of the sights they say, of the tales they have heard from other animals in the lands. These tales furthered its curiosity till one day it decided to try and walk the lands. As it cleared itself of the water, it felt such intense and excruciating pain that it could but catch a glimpse of the shore. What it saw was enough to warrant the pain. It saw hills and valleys and forests of such life and beauty. It could not stop thinking of what lay beyond the water.
Charl of course knew of what had transpired and felt such great rage that his perfect creation could feel nothing but wanton for something other than the realm he controlled that he decided to take drastic action.
He went to his creation and with a heavy heart spoke these words, "My creation, let it be known that if my sphere is not what you seek than may that part of you that wants for more have it." He then took his great trident and split his creation into two pieces.
One piece contained all of the previous strengths, but lacked the desire to seek other forms of life. The other was still bound by the dictates of water, yet could not stay in the salty water as if the water was like acid to its form. Thus the spirits were born.
Aquayl
The Water Spirit
by Truekillr Strikulus
Aquayl: The Water Spirit
After Charl split his creation into two pieces he noticed a subtle change in his Water Spirit. It began to form more and more into the shape resembling a male. This creature still kept the allegiance and loyalty to its Father yet began to develop skills in manipulating the water itself. It could form tidal waves and power typhoons from its Air cousin. With this growing power came more responsibility. Charl granted the Spirit these powerful abilities, but the Spirit was constrained to the water. It could take form in either fresh or salt water, but it could never directly touch the rays of the sun. In its stead, it began to manipulate the water to do its bidding. The most powerful of its creations was the Water elemental. This elemental could walk the lands and manipulate its contents, but only for a short period of time. These elementals are said to be quite rare and quite strong. They have the ability to form into a puddle and thus dodge attack, or draw upon any other source of water they can to heal or strengthen themselves. All in all a legendary creature.
Aquayl has not been seen often, but it is said that the Sea Elves of auld have powerful artifacts and scrolls dealing with Aquayl and his legends. Perhaps when we are able to travel to Ruin Creek we will learn more of his powers and legends. There was an artifact recovered by an old empath by the name of Acantha during the battle with Despana long ago that a dying sea elf gave to her. This artifact was a medallion made of pure golden coral. On it was a picture of Charl sitting on his thrown a male figure on his right and a female figure on his left. Under the figure on the right was etched "Aquayl", under the left figure was etched "Iquaine".
Cingh
The Fire Spirit
Name: Cingh
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: N/A
Realm: N/A
Dominion: N/A
Relations: N/A
Rivals: N/A
Symbol: N/A
Shrine: N/A
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Unknown.
Illoke
Name: Illoke
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: N/A
Realm: N/A
Dominion: N/A
Relations: Son of Meyno, twin of Khaarne.
Rivals: Khaarne.
Symbol: A circle, a star and a half-circle surrounding both.
Shrine: Possibly Stone Valley.
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Unknown.
Iquaine
The Ice Spirit
Name: Iquaine
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: Ice Spirit
Realm: The Ice
Dominion: Animates the ice to do her bidding.
Relations: N/A
Rivals: N/A
Symbol: N/A
Shrine: N/A
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Unknown.
The Water and Ice Spirits
Aquayl and Iquaine
by Truekillr Strikulus
Many of us know of the tales and history surrounding Meyno and her sons. Less of us know the tales and such of Cingh the Fire elemental spirit. This is an attempt to pen scrolls that I read in passing when I visited the Great Library in Biblia. These are general, but I feel quite detailed. This is not an entire history, nor should it be considered one. I am sure there are many tales and interactions with these spirits...
The Water and Ice spirits:
Yes there are two, but are quite close...as you shall see.
Aeons ago when the Drakes were scared into hiding, and after the Great Ur-Daemon war, the Arkati began to nurture the land and take certain spheres of power. As is known, Charl controls the seas. His malevolence is well known though he is under the Pantheon of the Liabo moon. The tale begins with him and his daughter Niima.
One day when Charl was speaking with Niima she seemed sad and lonely. He offered to create a being so intelligent and so beautiful that Niima would never feel lonely or want of anything again. She naturally declined this offer and went on her way. However, it has been said that Charl liked this idea so much that he continued thinking about it, not for Niima any longer, but for himself. He would not mind having a helper in the seas to take certain chores and leadership responsibilities. He searched far and wide and gathered a large number of his sea mammals and animals to him. He then took the strongest traits of each and placed them into an orb. For a few examples, he took the intelligence of a dolphin, the strength of a whale, the patience of a terrapin, the instinct of a shark and so on. When all of these traits were in the orb he placed it into a large oyster under the sea to nurture and grow much like an egg.
A millennia passed before he went back to check upon his creation. As he opened the oyster, out stepped the most beautiful sight he had ever laid eyes upon. A humanoid of unbelieving strength, prowess, intelligence and beauty. An entity so perfect that Charl was impressed with himself. He immediately started setting it to tasks and teaching it the ways he knew. He taught it all of the sea and of the history of the lands to that point. It reveled in this knowledge and sought more and more. Eventually after having learned all of what Charl told it, it asked the simple question, "What of the land dwellers father?"
Charl was reluctant to tell his creation about what lay beyond the shores, so he lied to it. He said that it was a place of desolation and destruction. All that it contained was charred and blackened land upon which the blood of the Ur-Daemons kept it infertile. He never spoke of it again.
It seems that his creation did however, and would ask the dolphins and the whales of the sights they say, of the tales they have heard from other animals in the lands. These tales furthered its curiosity till one day it decided to try and walk the lands. As it cleared itself of the water, it felt such intense and excruciating pain that it could but catch a glimpse of the shore. What it saw was enough to warrant the pain. It saw hills and valleys and forests of such life and beauty. It could not stop thinking of what lay beyond the water.
Charl of course knew of what had transpired and felt such great rage that his perfect creation could feel nothing but wanton for something other than the realm he controlled that he decided to take drastic action.
He went to his creation and with a heavy heart spoke these words, "My creation, let it be known that if my sphere is not what you seek than may that part of you that wants for more have it." He then took his great trident and split his creation into two pieces.
One piece contained all of the previous strengths, but lacked the desire to seek other forms of life. The other was still bound by the dictates of water, yet could not stay in the salty water as if the water was like acid to its form. Thus the spirits were born.
Iquaine
The Ice Spirit
by Truekillr Strikulus
Iquaine: The Ice Spirit
Iquaine's story is a bit different. Though Charl was angry that he had to perform the task he did, he still loved his creations very much. Iquaine was unable to stay in normal salt water for long as she began to lose her form from the corrosiveness. Until Charl figured out how to put her to work she stayed in the northern ice caps and walked the lands freely there. The suns rays had an adverse effect on her, but as long as she could hold a solid ice form she was fine.
Iquaine was lonely and had little to do because Charl had concentrated so much on the sea and river system. He had no idea of the perils and problems the solid form of his water could hold. He was contemplating one day how to properly utilize Iquaine when the Great Drake Koar summoned him. As Charl rode a wave to the north he began to see all the ice and could not fathom the amount of water he still did not control, nor desire to control. As he drew near to the northern edge of the sea, Koar came to him.
He explained to Charl that it was necessary to rest. he assured Charl that he would be always vigilant and "would sit upon his thrown with one eye always open", but that he required someone to protect his slumber. Being Koar, and seeing all, he knew of the dilemma with Iquaine. He asked if Charl would give his creation the leave to travel the ice flows of the north and remain ever vigilant. Charl readily agreed and went back to give the news to Iquaine.
Iquaine was elated that she could perform such an important task and be free to walk the lands as well. She agreed and traveled the ice flows to the Great mountain Aenatumgana. She walks the lands there to this day and has learned to animate the ice to do her bidding, much like how her brother animated the water. She created the strongest and most deadly of her minions, the Ice elemental. They are slow moving, yet are hard as Meyno's servants and have been instilled with a small amount of magic that was taught to Iquaine through Charl.
Nothing else has been heard nor seen of Iquaine in quite a while, but we still have yet to travel past the Shrine of the Drake to the north. Perhaps there we will find more answers...
This is how I remember the tales told and the scrolls read. I have done nothing to the truth of these tales, simply told them in the likeness of an old Bard that has given up on singing and simply tells tales.
~Tk
Khaarne
Name: Khaarne
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: N/A
Realm: N/A
Dominion: N/A
Relations: Son of Meyno, twin of Illoke.
Rivals: Illoke.
Symbol: A circle, a star and a half-circle surrounding both.
Shrine: Possibly Stone Valley.
Appearance: Unknown
Demeanor: Compassionate.
Laethe
Patron of young love
Name: Laethe
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: Liabo (Laethe, the patron of young lovers, can be assumed to be a of the Liabo pantheon due to her sympathetic, compassionate nature.)
Tier: Lesser Goddess
Realm: Patron of young love.
Dominion: Patron of young love.
Relations: N/A
Rivals: N/A
Symbol: N/A
Shrine: IceMule Trace - Niche.
[Tavern Burrow, Pilsner Avenue]
A small niche has been carved into the old stone wall, and is surrounded by dried flowers and small folded notes. A young woman kneels before the wall, a wedding bouquet in one hand, her other hand pressing against the wall so hard that her fingertips have whitened. This appears to be a shrine to Laethe, the patron Arkati of young lovers. Notes left at this type of shrine traditionally contain prayers for the return of lost lovers.
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Compassionate, caring.
Meyno
Goddess of the giant-kin race
Name: Meyno
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: Lesser Goddess.
Realm: Goddess of the giantkin race.
Dominion: Goddess of the giantkin race.
Relations: Mother of twin son rivals Khaarne and Illoke.
Rivals: Meyno was overthrown from her matriarchal position in her clan by a rebel giantman shaman who used Illoke for his own purposes.
Symbol: A circle, a star and a half-circle surrounding both.
Shrine: Possibly Stone Valley.
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Unknown; She is rumored to be in eternal sleep beneath a stone fortress in Stone Valley, a presently uncharted area in Thanatoph.
Shar
Patroness of Undead
Name: Shar
Ancient Name: N/A
Epithet: N/A
Pantheon: N/A
Tier: Patroness of Undead
Realm: Patroness of Undead
Dominion: Patroness of Undead.
Relations: N/A
Rivals: Shar views all beings as rivals.
Symbol: Black ora Shar symbols can sometimes be found in the lands, and when worn, are said to hold off undead invaders.
Shrine: N/A
Appearance: Unknown.
Demeanor: Rumor and lore state that she is somehow connected in a love-triangle with Despana, and has the knowledge and/or is in possession of the Book of Tormtor. She's been the known to have waged numerous undead invasions upon Wehnimer's Landing. She has been also known to deal with those outside of Voln.