Gods

As with all societies, the peoples of Aagos worship many different divine beings, and in different ways. Despite the vast number of traditions though, it can be said that nearly any divine being is one of the Eight known gods of Aagos. These entities are beings with vast power to create, maintain, and destroy, and have made themselves known quite vividly to the cultures of Aagos throughout history. In ages past, 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 eight known gods are:


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 (if Cymur can truly be called a he, being above genders,) 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 these days think Morhiag a cold, merciless deity, she is simply the goddess in charge of overseeing both death and rebirth, and as such rules from her dead city of Annwn, where mortal souls go upon death and await judgement before being reborn. She is the Goddess of Death, Dark Prophecy, the Night and Vengeance.

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 Aagos. Those that better nature 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 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 is Melchior's 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... This God's name is known only to those who want their tongues removed, and likewise not even whispered in dark alleyways. 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 (the seven non-forbidden deities.) His children 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 the most hardened criminals are still loathe to be involved with the Forbidden God.

Sayaki - Religion

In order to understand the Sayaki mindset regarding the Gods, one must first come to the conclusion that Sayaki culture groups all things into cycles. The weather, the seasons, life... All follow rotating patterns of some sort, and the Sayaki extend this to be true of everything.

This is especially true with the Gods. The Gods are each believed to have cycles of high and low power, by the Sayaki, influenced by their divine 'rank' compared to their other deities, and by how faithful the Sayaki (who consider themselves THE children of the Gods,) are.

While the virtues and characteristics the Sayaki associate with the gods may, in some cases, conflict with the traditional human worship, it is important to note that the Gods themselves are the same, even if their mortal followers have a different understanding of them.

Each of the four major gods represent a major direction, a major element, a greater and lesser virtue, and a vice.

Cymur, referred to as the Draken by the Sayaki, is associated with the East, Fire, Loyalty and Valour, and finally Pride as a vice.

Balor, known as the Rajim (a ferocious and powerful species of large cat,) is associated with the West, Air, Strength and Confidence, and Wrath as a vice.

Morhiag, the Raven, is associated with the North, Earth, Patience and Wisdom, and Jealousy.

Ylessa, the Dri'iv (dolphin,) is associated with the South, Water, Benevolence and Mercy, and Cowardice. (slight irony here: one is expected to be merciful, but not TOO merciful, or they are considered craven.)

The three 'lesser' gods, as they are understood by the Sayaki, represent smaller aspects, though just as important.

Melchior, represented by the Gull, is the divine expression of one's inner spirit, calm, inspiration and, ultimately, potential. Everything about one's inner self is explained as being that which Melchior is. Dreams, Goals, Memories, and Experiences.

Elbahn, the Hare, is change, luck, and the random probability of anything that happens to oneself. These events are uncontrollable by oneself, and thus is a different aspect from that of Melchior.

Sykala, the Wolf, is the nature around oneself, surrounding oneself in every way. The spirits of every animal, the lie energies found in a strong, thriving tree, and the inevitable way everything must pass on: these are all Sykala. The transient phase between birth and death is life, and life belongs to neither the beginning nor end.

Aartiran Religion

Aartiran faith is another crucial division between class stature. It is interesting to note that certain people are almost 'expected' to follow certain Gods, and looked down upon for going against that. 

While everyone has their preference, Ylessa and Elbahn as a whole are the preferred patrons of Seahaven, for the wealth the ocean brings, and for protection against its wrath. Cymur and Balor are respected as appropriate for their Elder God type position amongst the heavens, but overall the beliefs between the Aartiran and Telanthans is pretty different. Cymur and Sykala don't receive as much patronage for their agriculture related aspects, due to a more sea-provided life, and Elbahn is prized much more for the wealth aspect rather than his sexual one: That, of course, is not missed by those who take extensive pleasure from such worship. 

Of other deities, it is interesting to note that the more liberal worshippers of Morhiag find the Watch Commander against them. He has banned sacrificial slaying of any kind, and has backed this up with the arrest and execution of one loud-mouthed Merchant Lord, which earned him both disgruntlement from the other merchant lords, and favour with the King. It is rumoured in some circles that Jarel Armanis is targeted by those following the Queen, for his actions. 

Major groups: 

Cymur
The Golden Shield is the largest church in Seahaven and the surrounding area, for followers of the Great Dragon. It has never enjoyed heavy popularity or large numbers of followers, but it is a humble group, served chiefly by elderly priests, farmers, and devout protectors amongst various martial groups. (will elaborate later) 

Balor
There is no chief church for Balor specifically for Heas, as the temple on Balinand tends to serve these devotees as well. 

Morhiag
There are two groups of Morhiag followers, actually, though neither are 'large', per se. The Order of Night's Embrace is a relatively peaceful group, especially with the Watch Commander out for their blood. Or rather, out to keep them from spilling it. They focus heavily on dark prophecy, the night, and the fate of all things to die, eventually. Many of them appear as 'fortune-tellers' or 'fate-readers', and are sometimes scarily accurate. 

The other group of Morhiag followers is somewhat... less appreciated. The Scarlet Touch is a group of Queen followers with a fairly cliche name, but few seem concerned with that, really. As the Watch Commander put in strict punishments against anyone caught sacrificing or killing people, whether for the Gods or not, the Touch has been making a point to cause trouble for Jarel Armanis wherever possible. They're thugs, mercenaries, bandits, and most importantly murderers. They strike where least expected, and they leave a bloody path behind them. They've a dangerous feud with the Watch, and suspicion of being among their ranks is enough to earn one a stay in the cells, even. Invitation to their ranks are a thing of mystery: They don't exactly broadcast their presence, or recruit openly. (will write more later on these, as I will with all groups if wished.) 

Ylessa
The Tranquil Tide governs most Ylessa worship here, which is heavily focused upon those aspects most relating to the sea. The church's worship differs fairly widely between men and women, though, as might be expected. Men in this group often merely want protection from the sea, and thus devote themselves to such worship, while women might follow the more 'creator' and 'life' aspects of Ylessa. 

Sykala
Keepers of the Glade are what the largest Sykala church names themselves. Comprised of rickety old men who read the weather, young hotshots trying to prove themselves in the wilderness, and casual commoners who simply hope for a good bounty and protection from the dangers of the wilds, the Keepers are an oddly assorted group. They're also fairly territorial, and rival churches typically end up 'deciding' to merge into this church, instead. 

Melchior
The Spirit Sanctuary is a sophisticated group of monks and priests who uphold the ways of Melchior. The church as a whole welcomes any who follow the Sage's aspects, but they primarily focus on the knowledge and inspiration aspects of Him. They operate out of Milford, and the shrines there. 

Elbahn
The Children of Elbahn (a very dedicated and exclusive group of followers that tend to focus their worship through sexual activities) still exists, but often times limited to those amongst wealthy positions, positions of influence, and so forth. 

There are also the group known as the Three Sided Coin, a collection of those who hail the Lord of Wealth as their patron deity. They believe themselves to be fortune-tellers, and have shown some ability in this, in fact. They often argue with the Order of Night's Embrace, because... ironically, each groups' 'predictions' tend to conflict with one another, on certain occasions.