Religion
The people of Dark Isles worship many different divine beings, and in different ways. Despite the vast number of traditions, it can be said that nearly any divine being is one of the Eight known gods of Aagos who possess vast power to create, maintain, and destroy.
The Eight Gods have made themselves known quite vividly to the cultures of Aagos throughout history. Historically, they walked among the land like mortals, guiding and teaching. In these dark days, however, the Gods are all but silent to the pains of their children, and many wonder why they do not simply strike down the Darkness which plagues the land.
The Seven:
Cymur
The Golden Dragon, the Fiery Protector, the Lord of Flame.
One of the original two deities, Cymur is immensely powerful even by divine standards. He is constantly at odds with Balor, his brother and rival, and this conflict follows down even unto their followers. It is part of their divine making not to agree, as they must always be pushing and pulling against one another. The last time the two Elder Gods came to agreement, the world was bathed in fire and made anew during the Apocalypse of the Eye. Cymur is especially associated with protection, justice and Fire.
Balor
The Father of War, Patron of Battle and Bringer of Strength.
He is the other of the original two deities, and directly opposes Cymur in nearly everything. Where Cymur is protection and defence, Balor is aggression and conflict. Balor is also known for having a hand in Fate and the primordial element of Air, in addition to his obvious domain of Battle.
Morhiag
The Queen of Death, Ruler of Annwn.
She is third among the gods, made to begin a cycle for the mortal spirits- a cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. Though many think Morhiag a cold, merciless deity, she is simply the Goddess in charge of overseeing both death and judement, and as such rules from her dead city of Annwn, where some mortal souls go upon death and await judgement on where they will spend their after-life. She is the Goddess of Death, Dark Prophecy, the Night and Vengeance. She is aligned with The Eighth and as such, it is forbidden to worship her.
Ylessa
The All-Mother, the Maiden, Lady of the Sea.
Fourth is she, but in the hearts of many mortals she plays the key role, for she is the Goddess over Love, Birth, Water and Healing. Those who cherish life and seek to better it for all often pray to Ylessa, and those who wish to use the water around them, whether it be for travel, drinking or cleaning, know it is She who makes those things possible.
Sykala
The Grove Guardian, the One-Eyed Hunter and the Keeper of the Balance.
He is the driving force of nature, and the sole divine being who enforces a balance between the many elements of it and the societies that flourish on Dark Isles. Those that are in touch with the wild are his favored, and those who wastefully destroy it are his bitter enemies. The animals and the weather both heed his divine mandate, and the oldest hunters will tell you that when the wolf’s eye gleams at you from the distant thicket, it is no mortal wolf watching you…
Melchior
The Sage, Primus Magi and Holder of Knowledge.
He is one of the two gods at the bottom of the ’standard’ divine totem pole. Born to Ylessa and a mortal man of lost origins, Melchior brings to the sentient races that which they crave most: knowledge. It is said he knows all, or the secrets to knowing that which he does not yet know. Everyone from master craftsmen to apprentice bards turn to him for inspiration, guidance and wisdom, and he is said to come in dreams to those worthy, to provide key information that will benefit them.
Elbahn
The Lucky, Bringer of Change and Master of Fortune.
Melchior’s half-brother, similarly born to Ylessa, though by a different mortal man. His divine influence extends deep into the ‘random chance’ many feel they have. He has powers over luck, fate, fortune and the very elements of change and chaos. The wealthy know he is pleased with them by their growing hoard, and the poor beg to him for an ounce of mercy.
The Eighth
The Forbidden God.
This God’s name is verbalised only by the very daring and those who want their tongues removed. Likewise not even whispered in dark alleyways, most using the term ‘Eighth’ to refer to him. Though mortals in this age are uncertain of what transpired, this God is the key element of evil in the world and the direct enemy of the Seven. His children (the Vek’pem Ahyre and their followers) are plagues to mortals, and his whispers are hideous and tainted, tempting and yet vile at the same time. Even those of little faith in the Gods avoid this one, and only the most hardened criminals are involved with the Forbidden God.
