Deities and Devils of Felarya

Now, I might hear you ask, what do the beliefs of the denizens of Felarya have to do with angels and succubi or other demons? Well, the answer is that Felaryan angels and demons attempt to base their social structure on the 'mortal's' various religious view. As the archmage Talbeln Veridimus theorized,

Talbeln Veridimus wrote:

Both Angels and Demons are strangely fascinated by souls. In fact, they model large parts of their societies after mortal cultures and mythologies, which is why the realms of Heaven and Hell are so familiar to people from different cultures. Angels and Demons "collect" the souls of the dead (it could even be called stealing) and bring them to their native realms. The primary reason for this is due to their fascination with mortal cultures, but also because when mortal souls resonate in a particular fashion, they give off energy that is very pleasant to Angels and Demons, and contributes to the overall stability of their realms.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Because they style themselves after elements from mortal cultures, it is possible to find a wide variety of familiar places and personalities in both Heaven and Hell; there is a Valhalla in Heaven, for example. In fact, you can even meet "Thor" there; however, it is not the actual Norse God Thor, but a powerful warrior angel who styles himself after the mythlogical figure. Hell is full of demons, both minor and major, who take on the roles of gods of the Underworld and Darkness. The most powerful of them carve out niches among the nobility of Hell, and create their own sub-regions that they rule over... beneath the watchful eyes of the true rulers of Hell, of course. Sometimes, a demon pretending to be a "Dark God" is destroyed, and another demon will take the identity for themselves; this can lead to some fierce rivalries, when inheriting a cult of worship. There have been several Hecates, for example, leading to much infighting both in Hell and among sects of mortal followers.

Demons and Angels will take the roles of the various Gods of Heaven or Hell. To hold such a title is to be in a position of great power. And so such titles are highly contested and battled for. As Talbeln said:

Talbeln Veridimus wrote:

Someone who rules a Hell plane may even be able to change the laws of the plane to their whims. Thus challenging Queen Faldhatée in Erebus or Queen Arsinoë in Acheron is typically suicide.

Many conflicts in Hell involve a lot of politicking, backstabbing, and trying to make yourself look better while making your rivals look bad. Trading favors is a common practice, and only those who have built a massive power base even dare to challenge one of the rulers; this process usually takes millennia, although some "rising stars" have been known to shoot towards the top of Hell's hierarchy in mere centuries. Unfortunately, you can fall just as quickly as you rise, and when you're on the top everybody wants to drag you down.

In contrast, Heaven is much more orderly and less cutthroat than Hell. There are some angels however, who are downright ruthless and merciless, particularly among the Warrior Angel classes, and the opposite is also true for Demons. Feeding on good or evil energies doesn't necessarily mean that you will become any more ruthless or orderly than you were before.

So the angels and demons fight for political power. That is something to keep in mind. Of course, not all demons or angels do so. While Arale is trying to reach the coveted title of 'God', Menyssan doesn't care, although she's likely smart enough to reach that position. Also, to have the title of God is to be able to shape the area of Heaven or Hell itself. THIS MEANS, MUCH LIKE FELARYA, IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE A LASTING MAP OF HELL. While Felarya constantly has sections of itself switched with pieces of another dimension, Heaven and Hell has areas being reshaped every time the Title of 'God' changes hands. Or just because the current God feels like that mountain should be a lake of fire.



Alright, so the point is made I believe. We can all agree on the facts above. After all, I'm sure Talbeln didn't just make all this stuff up. He knows more about these things than you. Are you an archmage? Huh? Are you? Didn't think so. Shut up Bael, I wasn't talking about you.

But what is the point of this thread I hear you asking. If you already analyzed the writings of Talbeln in the wiki, what is there to talk about? Well my friends, I ask you. What are the Gods and Devils of Felaryan lore? What pantheons do the elves worship? The nekos? Negavians? Miritans? Akaraptor? The old denizens of Ur Sagol? And what about the giant predators? Surely the dridders and the nagas have gods that battle each other as part of their religion.

Of course, this is not to say that all nekos worship the same deity. But there can be some common ones. So this thread is for everyone to come up with the Gods and Devils that the many races and groups in Felarya worship or fear. When coming up with an idea, keep what we've discussed earlier in mind. You must not only describe the deity and who invented/worships it, but detail whether it is an angel or devil who takes the title and detail the power of that deity in Heaven and Hell. Remember after all,

Talbeln Veridimus wrote:

because they are a source of such energies themselves, the most powerful Angels and Demons can be used as a source of power by the magic of their followers. In effect, higher-level Angels and Demons can grant the prayers of, and bestow blessings or spells upon, their followers. Thaumaturgy often relies heavily upon contracts with angelic or demonic creatures, but is very risky and those who deal with Holy or Unholy beings often find themselves being altered to suit that entity's purposes.

We already have several deities detailed on the wiki. From the Sun God Oth, a rising religious cult in Human and Neko communities, to Calvabrina, Mhorn, and Luban; The Predator Trinity worshiped by centaurs, giant elves, and some fairies.



Also, one last question to keep in mind? Why would there be a Valhalla or a Thor exactly? Are there Norsemen that worship them, just as we on Earth once did? Remember after all,

Talbeln Veridimus wrote:

Heaven and Hell are realms that exist within the same universal array as Felarya.

So why would they emulate the religions of anyone but denizens of Felarya? Of course, Felarya connects to all dimensions. So if someone sets up a civilization, and brings their religion, eventually it will be made into a Title in Heaven or Hell. So be original for the most part.

Won't this be fun?

I came up with an interesting religious group to contribute known as the Arborian Laborists.

They worship the great Tree as the creator of all life in Felarya and believe it to be the oldest thing to exist. They even dubbed it Mother Fel, the great barky creator. They believe it is so sacred, infact, that they theorize that it brought the naga Crisis to life to ensure nobody would cause damage to it. And considering her eating sprees, it's not hard to wonder why they believe that.

Also of note is the fact that they believe all of nature to serve the great tree one way or another. The trees and forest serve as her heavenly abode while the dryads within the forest are considered her seraphims and angels who've rooted themselves to further help the great tree.

All of the arborists live in Negav because they don't think they are worthy enough to reside near the great tree or it's trees. Most people they see wander into the forest are considered heretics to them and they feel no remorse if they don't return. However, high priests in the arborists' organization are considered worthy enough to head into the forest and leave blessings at the tree's base. Most don't return however, due to naga interference.

When they die, and if they're good, they go to Arbor Heaven, where an Angel poses as "Mother Fel", dressed in a garb of leaves and taking the form of a flying dryad. She sits on her knees and mingles with her "subjects" as she pours sap from her hands into an ever flowing lake. If her subjects drink it, it tastes like Cherry Cola. ^w^

Also, Arbor Day is the equivalent to Christmas.

(I don't know if such people already exist, and sorry if they do)

A really interesting thread here !
I like how you deduce things from the Veridimus theory ^_^
And I think it's specially interesting because it allows a take on religion that is very different from our ( on earth ), and so won't hurt the feelings of some people ... yet it's coherent as well


Pendragon : haha this is a great idea ! I love it

Eric, once again you have shown your awesomeness.
I think this is a great idea.
It also conveniently solves some other issues, like mapping, non-human species in heaven/hell and some other things I've probably forgot to mention.

Well, the point of this thread is not the awesome in depth analysis I did, but the creation of deities.


Holl'onnianya
Goddess of Might and Magic, Guardian of the Old Ways, The Fiery Maiden

Domains: Might, Magic, Ancient Lore, Historical Inertia, Erotic Love, Summer, Fire, The Sun

Holl'onnianya is regarded by the Elves as the most beautiful Elven female ever and as such her appearance is up to the eye of the beholder. However when she is usually depicted for religious reasons it is usually as a red haired, green eyed, fair skinned, graceful and busty elven female dressed in silk that is not really concealing at all carrying a Magic Staff. Outside of a religious setting she can usually be identified by the tiara she is wearing, which is made of gold with with a red jewel inset in the front and arcane carvings along the band which also include her name in them. All incantations for sorcery done in an Elven language involve her name. She is also celebrated at the beginning of the Summer in a festival known as Klo'Hollon. Her name is also invoked when discussing ancient secrets and things of that nature, and when Elves make love (which happens almost as often as the discussion of ancient secrets).

Holl'onnianya is legendary for her epic libido (even for an Elf) and her abilities in the in such indeavors. While she is married to Orl'llln, she has had numerous erotic encounters with other immortals and mortals (most of which are recorded by the Elves either for religious reasons or entertainment reasons if you know what I mean). Since pure red hair among most Elven races is rather unheard of it is said that a Elven child with red hair is likely a child of Holl'onnianya. Also it is considered an extreme compliment among Elves to compare their beauty (both male and female) to Holl'onnianya or to claim that they are one of her children (this has been noted as a good way to get Elven females/males to get with you).

Orl'llln
The Warrior-Philosopher, Marshall of 1000 Armies, The Stallion, The Lore-Giver

Domains: War, History and Lore, Music, Earth, Autumn, Horses, Reading and Writing

Orl'llln is usually depicted as a handsome, buff (i.e. very pronounced musculature for an Elf) Elf with dark blonde hair and deep brown eyes wearing battle armor with a scholar's cap carrying a sword in one hand and a book in the other. Orl'llln is credited with the gift of Lore to the Elves, including reading and writing. He also granted then a great ability to sing and write epic songs, to ride horses, and to engage in battle. Orl'llln himself is associated with horses and it is rumored that he is in fact Billy, Mardrangion's might steed (Remember him?). It is also this association with horses that is noted as the reason for his marriage to Holl'onnianya, if you know what I mean (this innuendo is explored to no end in Elven religious lore).

A prayer to Orl'llln is written at the beginning of all Elven texts. A short prayer to him is also at the beginning or end of most Elven tales and songs. At the beginning of battles a libation is poured to Orl'llln, and in Elven battlecraft training the warrior in training undergoes a ceremony that consecrates him in the name of Orl'llln. A festival dedicated to Orl'llln named Klo'Orlon is held at the beginning of Autumn.

LL'Chomber
Lord of the Elves, King of the Elf Pantheon, The Craftsman, Sultan of Spring, The Creator, Lord-King

Domains: Elves, Royalty, Spring, Creation and Craftsmanship, Items, Air

LL'Chomber is depicted as a handsome Elf male, with brown eyes wearing dark green robes and a silver circlet, usually sitting on a throne of wood. He is the twin brother of Orl'llln and is married to Merri'llmnbar. LL'Chomber created the Elves from the jungles when Felarya was young using Deep Elemental Magic which he learned from Holl'onnianya. He now reigns as the King of the Elf Pantheon, which consists of his brother, his wife and his sister-in-law.

LL'Chomber is invoked in any official action of the Elves and at coronations. At the crafting of any elven item a libation is poured out to him as well as his name is engraved into the item as well. At the beginning of Spring a festival is held in his honor called Klo'LLon.

Merri'llmnbar
Matron of Ice, Queen of the Elf Pantheon, Lady of the Dance, The Frigid Maiden

Domains: Dance, Ice, Winter, Romantic Love, The Hidden Moon, Formal Parties

Merri'llmnbar is usually depicted as a tall, beautiful, slim Elf with piercing blue eyes and light blonde almost white hair dressed in blue silk with a crown of crystal on her head. Merri'llmnbar gifted the Elves with the ability to be unparalleled in the realm of graceful movement, from dance to stealthily moving through the jungle. She is also the counter to her sister's rampant libido, championing Courtly/Romantic Love rather than Erotic Love. This has partially lead to her being portrayed as frigid to others. However according to the relevant Lore it is shown that beneath the frosty, austere exterior is a warm and caring heart who loves her husband. Holl'onnianya and Merri'llmnbar regularly get into scuffles over how love should be portrayed and the proper place of Romantic and Erotic love usually using their husbands for demonstrations (which usually turns out sexily for everyone involved in the Elven myths).

Merri'llmnbar's name is invoked at the beginning of any courtship with Elves. A libation is also poured to her at the beginning of any dance or formal occassion. She is honored at the beginning of the Winter with the festival of Klo'Merrion. Interestingly she is not worshiped only by Elves but by some Ice mages as well. The main reason is because there is no Elven Deity corresponding to Water but there are Deities for the other 3 Primary Elements and the Ice Mages treat this as another reason why Ice is superior to Water. Elf priestesses have made no formal statement on this topic, likely considering such things too stupid to be within their notice.

Wow great work here ! I really love how detailled your ideas are
You feel you can easily build on these to expand the lore, there is many possiblities. Great job !

I think it's about time we look into the Felaryan religions seriously ^_^

*shuts up* D:

but I am an Arch-*shuts up again*

hehe XD

Tiamat
Empress of Dimensions, Will of the Endless, Mother of Mythical Beasts, The Void Between Realms

Domains: Snakes, Infinity, Dimensions, Legendary Monsters

Tiamat is usually depicted as a naga with long, messy white hair, a dark blue tail and a cold, distant attitude towards te affairs of mortals. Not much is known of her, save her association with the naga species and with space and time. Some suspect she may have created the naga species in her own image. Tiamat is usually associated with infinity, and depictions of her commonly show her tail curled into the shape of an infinity symbol. Her understanding of the infinite has also given her limited control over dimensions; she may even be partially responsible for the dimensional instability of Felarya, but no one knows for sure...

According to legend, Tiamat obtained the power to create life from nothing by mimicking the acts of a greater diety that spawned entire civilizations. She is said to show interest in creating powerful monsters, and according to legend, her domain is filled with creatures that have only ever been dreamed of in the minds of others. Though she normally has no interest in mortal affairs, she is said to be very coldhearted and cruel, and the Guardians of Felarya do not seem to trust her...

(Based on the depiction of Tiamat in La-Mulana)

itsmeyouidiot wrote:

Some suspect she may have created the naga species in her own image.
Her understanding of the infinite has also given her limited control over dimensions; she may even be partially responsible for the dimensional instability of Felarya, but no one knows for sure...

I suggest you read the criteria for making the deities.

Anime-Junkie wrote:

itsmeyouidiot wrote:

Some suspect she may have created the naga species in her own image.
Her understanding of the infinite has also given her limited control over dimensions; she may even be partially responsible for the dimensional instability of Felarya, but no one knows for sure...

I suggest you read the criteria for making the deities.

Well, the thing is, according to the theory posited by me and the Archmage Whatsisname, there are no Gods. Or rather, there is no Gods in Felaryan heaven except for angels who take the name of a God. But they are not gods themselves. The most the 'Gods' involve themselves with Felarya itself is by occasionally using some of their energy to cast blessings and beneficial spells on the faithful.

For instance, if a human follower of Oth prayed for deliverance from the naga about to eat him, the angel with the name of Oth in Heaven might hear him, and might help him. This wouldn't be by coming down to Felarya and punching the naga in the face or anything, but the sun may suddenly get in the predator's eye, distracting her long enough for the Othemite to escape. In doing so, the angel reinforces the faith of the man, ensuring that he will go to her domain after death to feed her with positive energy.

'Gods' and 'Devils' do not in involve themselves with Guardians in any significant way.

sounds like the angel's saving him for a meal

Archmage_Bael wrote:

sounds like the angel's saving him for a meal

I believe he meant more like the 'positive energy radiation' that angels keep souls around for for the most part, instead of actually eating.

Silent_eric wrote:

Anime-Junkie wrote:

itsmeyouidiot wrote:

Some suspect she may have created the naga species in her own image.
Her understanding of the infinite has also given her limited control over dimensions; she may even be partially responsible for the dimensional instability of Felarya, but no one knows for sure...

I suggest you read the criteria for making the deities.

Well, the thing is, according to the theory posited by me and the Archmage Whatsisname, there are no Gods. Or rather, there is no Gods in Felaryan heaven except for angels who take the name of a God. But they are not gods themselves. The most the 'Gods' involve themselves with Felarya itself is by occasionally using some of their energy to cast blessings and beneficial spells on the faithful.

For instance, if a human follower of Oth prayed for deliverance from the naga about to eat him, the angel with the name of Oth in Heaven might hear him, and might help him. This wouldn't be by coming down to Felarya and punching the naga in the face or anything, but the sun may suddenly get in the predator's eye, distracting her long enough for the Othemite to escape. In doing so, the angel reinforces the faith of the man, ensuring that he will go to her domain after death to feed her with positive energy.

'Gods' and 'Devils' do not in involve themselves with Guardians in any significant way.

I realise that. Not sure if itsmeyouidiot does though.

Yeah, I do. Tiamat is mainly just a mythical figure, and if some celestial entity happens to assume her form, it could work out.

Konk, the great god of falling objects.

Konk is worshipped by many prey species as the god of falling objects, rocks, apples, branches, harpies on occasion, etc. They believe that he is the force the keeps everything moving in a general downward direction, essentially creating the force of gravity. He punishes the wicked by dropping things on their heads, and rewards believers by showering them with various objects of wealth.

The worship of Konk began some three thousands years ago when the Great Prophet Isaac was saved from three different predators on the same day, each time by different objects falling on their heads. He went back to his village, and founded the first Church of Konk, and it is said the first copy of the Book of Konk fell from the sky, landing directly on his righteous brow.

Includes some text below

-Yea, and Konk said unto him, "The bigger thine are, the harder thou shalt fall."

-That which goes up must, in time must also come down.

Konkites believe that those who follow the teachins their god most fiercely would be able to walk into the Felaryan forest without any fear, protected by the power of Konk his many falling objects. Of course assuming you would be able to do this of course mean you are too prideful, which explains why everyon who has attempted to prove this has has never returned.

Konk position is currently held by a male angel, he takes the appearance of a mass of unending fallen objects. Those that make it to his realm will find that all their desires will suddenly fall directly into their hands. Or onto their heads sometimes if Konk's aim happens to be off that day.

hahaha very funy one XD

I'm glad of the sucess of this thread, I feel there is lot of things to improve/precise regarding religions in Felarya

Oh duh. Forgot the Devil for the Elves. I just wrote this up real quick, so it may not be as good, or as long, as the Gods.

Logok

Domains: Muck, Mud, Peasants, Short People, Ugliness, Undesirability

Logok is almost never depicted in Elven art. He is rarely mentioned.No Elf will worship him. His name however is used as a rather nasty derogatory term for people that Elves don't like, which is just about every race that isn't elven. It is considered a major insult to be associated with Logok in any way for the Elves.

While Logok isn't explicitly referenced, it is apparent from the few figures that do exist of him that he is just an ordinary looking human. Of course, to elven sensibilities he is a hideous monster, as there are a few elven qualities that make him eerily similar, and yet completely ugly. Logok is the main Devil of the Elven religion, and it is said that elves that don't follow the tenets of their religion are sent to Logok's domain, where they spend eternity as race other than elves, typically humans. To an elf, to be anything else is the most terrible fate imaginable.

Oh, god, when Konk falls...

This is sort of interesting in that I came up with a religion itself a while back. I hope cross posting it isn't too much of a problem...

-----

The Jotun Religion

The Jotun have a rich religion and cultural history. Their religion is not restricted to their homeland, being common in the Cold Zones to the north as well, spread by Jotun Explorers. It can even be found among the many religions that are endemic to Negav City - there has even been a Jotun Temple built there! It is estimated that soon the Jotun may not be the majority practicing their own religion. Followers call it the "Jotun Path".

The basis of the religion is the Circle. Jotun believe that nothing has an ending or a beginning. There simply is. Thus, whenever a person dies, they are reincarnated, traveling along the circle, their new life reflecting how well they led their last one. All dead souls are judged by the Jotun Gods. A follower who has done something extremely honourable may be allowed in the "Center" of the circle, ensured a paradise.

There are a few things Jotun consider are needed to be in favour with the gods. One must maintain honour, one must be able to fight to defend (wether through strength, trickery or magic), one must reject fear and one must seek the truth. Jotun honour includes a variety of guidelines, on fighting, hunting, helping the less fortunate and other matters.

Eating others is not seen as a crime. The Jotun path states that survival of the fittest is the correct way of the universe - as everyone is reborn, no one should have fear of death or fear of killing and eating is a natural instinct. The prey cannot blame the predator for being hungry, any more than the predator can blame the prey for escaping.

As mentioned, there are followers of the Jotun Path across all of Felarya. Followers from other species sometimes identify themselves with a tattoo of a circle with a raven drawn inside - this is supposed to represent the shield of the primary Jotun Goddess, Idex. There are only a few Jotun gods who are prayed to for various problems, being four major ones known to all followers. It is accepted that they will come to the aid of those they consider worthy.

The encouragement of dispelling of fear or doubt has made this a unique religion in that it is followed by both prey and predator species. Many people admire the religion as a way to cope with the mind-numbing panic that most little people feel when they are wandering in Felarya.

Jotun Deities.

Idex – Idex is the primary Jotun Goddess. She is portrayed as a tall strong Jotun, with ice blue long hair and eyes, carrying her sword and shield, spear and axe and is often depicted using a large raven as her mount, the raven known as Thrum. She is brave and stubborn. She is the goddess of ice, winter, bravery, honour, determination, hunting, survival and battle. She is also the goddess of death, taking honourable Jotun after they have fallen.

Knalid – Knalid is the clever human husband of Idex and is the god of the lakes, rivers and streams. During winter, it is said he lives on the highest peak with Idex. When the spring thaw comes, he leads the melting water through Felarya to the sea. It is said that he often travels among mortals as a mysterious wanderer, bringing changes in fortune. He is the god of water, waterways, the ocean, sailors, merchants, travelers, mages, cunning, artisans and luck.

Egalle – Egalle is the centaur goddess of the forest. She is said to be a pale, beautiful rangitaur that moves quietly through the forest. She keeps watch over all the plants and animals. When winter comes, she leads the animals safely to their burrows to hibernate. It is said she will also appear to guide those lost in the snows back to their home. She is the goddess of the forest, animals, plants, farming, family and the home.

Navala – Navala is the naga godess of fire. She is portrayed as being strong and beautiful, with golden hair and dressed in ornate armour. She is said to have been the daughter of a fire titan who swallowed her at birth, afraid of her future power. She survived, using her hard scales and the heat of his belly to forge a dagger with which she escaped and killed him. She is the silent goddess of fire, revenge, warriors, war, miners, blacksmiths and weaponmakers.

----

Ah’tek – Ah’tek is a feared, devil-like figure in Jotun Mythology. She is a dark elf goddess and half-sister of Idex, often portrayed as being carried by her harpy daughter, Suja, the goddess of cowards, fear and dishonor. Ah’tek is said to create storms in an attempt to break down the mountains and flood the world, but that she is always foiled by Idex. She is the goddess of storms, harsh winds, lightening, thunder, disease, unfortunate death and treachery.

I'll be working more on the religions those days. This thread is really interesting and definitely help fleshing things out ^_^
For now I'm adding the arborists. I like the idea, it's original and it makes sense. After all, the giant tree must be such a awe-striking sight that it could well become the object of a cult I believe. And it's funny how you depict the after-life
Just the classic question : do you agree with the disclaimer ? ^^

i have a religion that involves fairies, can that still be posted here?

Archmage_Bael wrote:

i have a religion that involves fairies, can that still be posted here?

If you mean that the faeries are worshipped, I think not, since they aren't deities or devils. (Although some can be said to be devilish :p)