Foreword

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There are a multitude of gods that watch over Andlosheim. Their existence has been proven, as even a novice mage is capable of establishing communication with them—if the god chooses to hear them, at least. The power of the gods is frightening, as a skilled mage with an attentive and generous patron deity is capable of awesome thing, often overwhelming independent mages. However, it is believed that gods are not omnipotent—the different in strength between some is obvious, while others have been killed or otherwise erased from existence. Indeed, a god with too few followers is believed to steadily fade into oblivion, while we know of several gods that were slain in battle during the Godswar.

It is consequently theorized that most gods require worship—or at least confirmation—in order to survive. Mare Proda, an Elder God of law and justice, has grown significantly weaker since Tyrus's rise to prominence. Similarly, Kenlinkusdom, a minor god of arrogance and rage, is believed to have faded into oblivion—not only does he fail to respond to hails but the star previously associated with him is no longer distinguishable in the heavens. More obvious evidence of the gods' mortality lies with Hordim—the Elder god of Winter—who was killed during the Godswar. At his death, the magical power of his believers waned significantly.

The gods are believed to reside in the heavens directly above the World, where they are protected—or perhaps kept at bay—by the Kïsyr dragons. No mortal man has been known to step there—instead repelled by the Kïsyr which patrol the skies. Indeed, the Kïsyr were first discovered when Archmage Aris Kornim attempted to penetrate the heavens within a metal box; she was shot down by a magnificent, golden beast she could barely discern. However, a consequent study into their species revealed that they are far ancienter; the earliest sighting of them was soon after the god's expulsion from the World.

Within the Heavens, the gods are further divided by pantheons, the most popular of which are:

• The Valhalnir, headed by Tyrus
• The Allanians, headed by Zypher
• The Segnir, headed by Seglari
• The Rannava, headed by Raas
• The Hainu, headed Shavin, Vishta, and Shinne
• The Hallava, headed by Natesiel and Ferluciel
• The Kammin
• The Galenne

Of course, most gods are not worshiped in all locations. For example, the primary deities of Sidgard and the surrounding region are the Valhalnir, which are rarer in other parts of Andlosheim. Additionally, there are a multitude of independent yet widely-worshiped (and consequently fairly powerful) deities—such as Baphometh and Deus.

It should be noted that while a multitude of different pantheons exist, many gods born through the faith of Man, there are a few gods that are known to predate Man itself. These gods are known as Primordial Gods, or Elohim, and are believed to be powerful even without followers. Indeed, it is the Elohim that participated in the Godswar—which occurred before many of today's gods existed. These gods are believed to be unchanging, even before the pressure of their followers. The Elohim are the only gods believed to be fully universal—found throughout the World, perhaps under different names and faces. Lesser gods, the Ishim, which were born through Man's faith, are more dependent on their followers, and tend to be limited to their original region.

The gods can be divided along many lines. The primary camps are the Elohim and Ishim mentioned above. Some gods are also considered "Elder Gods", while not all Lesser Gods are Ishim. There are also Malakim, which some believe are not gods at all! These terms will be explored further in the tome.


Gods and Man

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Let us first establish the difference between the gods and Man. Or rather, between the Ayohim and Aralim. "Aralim" (plural!) refers to the inhabitants of the World—the Lower Realm of Andlosheim, in which Mankind live alongside the other Races. On the other hand are the gods, or the "Ayohim", who reside in the Heavens: the Upper Realm.

As the Aralim have their different Races, the Ayohim too have their different groups—though perhaps the differences aren't as superficial as among the Aralim.

The most distinct among the Ayohim are perhaps the Elohim and the Ishim: the Primordial Gods and the Aralim's Gods. While the Elohim existed before even the World itself, the Ishim were created by the Aralim and their yearns for higher, guiding powers.

But what makes a Ayoh a Ayoh and an Aral an Aral?

To put it simply, while a Ayoh can easily interact with the inherit magic in the world, it's nearly impossible for an Aral to, without use of a medium, a ritual, or by invoking an Ayoh. It is largely because of this chief difference that the disparity of strength is so great. Indeed, even between an Eloh and an Ish is there a difference in strength—often as glaring as between iron and clay.

Another large difference between Elohim and Ishim is their relationships. While many Ishim have established pantheons composed of families, friends, and lovers, the Elohim are predominantly independent of one another, instead associating and cooperating based on whatever beliefs they happen to share. Further, while Ishim are and have been Aral-like in appearance, Elohim were originally without embodiment, later taking on humanoid forms to appear before and appeal to Aralim.