This is the first of three posts presenting some of the mythology of the Alesian culture. It isn't really related to any ongoing plots except perhaps tangentially. It adds some color and depth to the setting world, but you probably won't be any worse off if you decide to skip it. This post contains a glossary of known Alesian gods, as well as the first half of the Alesian creation story. The violence is minimal and so is the language. The most offensive thing about this post is its length. ;) If you do decide to take the time to read it, I hope you enjoy it. :)
--Dan ---- Glossary of Alesian Deities: Arkala the Poisoned Seductress, the Perverse One, Queen of Whores. (Disease, Decay, Deception, Poison, Assassination, Seduction, Manipulation) Patroness of corruption in all its forms, Arkala is Orglok's lover and the mother of demons. Azaera Windwalker, Bringer of the Rains. (Sky, wind, rain, travellers). Portrayed as free-spirited (and at times flighty), depicted as a winged maiden with a spear, or as snow-white hawk. Delanis the Matron, patroness of the family.(Love, Birth, Children, Marriage.) While Jornos and Filandria represent the epitome of Alesian aristocracy, Delanis and Grenadias represent the epitome of common Alesian family life. Their worship is extremely popular among the Alesian peasantry, particularly among farmers. Filandria the Celestial Emperess, the matriarch of the gods.(Regality, aristocracy.) Grenadias the Tiller, patron of farmers and those who deal in agriculture.(Farmers, butchers, caravaners) Grenadias is the embodinment of the yeoman farmer - quiet and humble of heart, devoted to his family. He is one of the most benevolent of the Alesian deities. Almost all farms have a shrine to Grenadias (a small stone or wooden structure with a statue or mosaic of Grenadias inside), and farmers offer the first fruits of their harvest to the Tiller each year. Hepheran the Eternal Warrior, patron of the legions. (War, Duty, Courage) Originally a dwarven deity, adopted into the Alesian pantheon after Orglok's rebellion. Each Falvarniok (legion) of the Alesian army adopts an aspect of Hepheran as their sacred totem. Jornos the Starfire, birther of the world.(head of the pantheon, father of the gods) Llarm the Greeter of the Dead, steward of the Celestial Palace.(Death, judgement, closure.) Orglok, the King of Pain and Lord of Traitors. (Chaos, Destruction, Lawlessness, Suffering, Torture, Necromancy.) Also the chief god of the Orcish pantheon. Worshipped by the enemies of the state and those who live by violence. The original Alesian war god, but was expelled from the pantheon for attempting to usurp Jornos' throne. Serathe (think of titles later). Daughter of Grenadias. Represents wild nature, as opposed to her agriculturally inclined father. Depicted as either a child or a young maiden, barefoot, and with leaves or flowers in her hair. Theorus, the God-Emperor. (public servants, law) Took on the form of a human to teach mankind and prepare them for the future conflict with the orcs. Founder of Charnath and first Emperor, from whom all subsequent emperors have claimed descent. Theorus is the Emperor's official title. Ultros the Stone One, patron of the artisan and the architect. (Workers, artists) Vashra, She Who Sees All. Wife of Hepheran, Mistress of Magic, the Divine Oracle. (magic, knowledge, prophecy) Vashra's Songs hold together the four basic elements of creation. Alesian wizards cast spells by adding lyrics to Vashra's melodies. Yilvor the Thunderer, render of the land, flooder of the rivers. (Storms, natural disasters, the ocean) ---- Theogony/Cosmology: For untold ages, Jornos sat alone in his halls upon his throne, contemplating in silence. None save the Great Emperor himself knows for how long, for how can time be measured before the sun and moon marked the days and years? And noone save the Starfire himself knows whence he came, or whence his halls. Some say that he always was as he is now. Some say that another had created him. Others believe that he simply willed himself into being. Such a secret is not for mortal minds to know. When at last Jornos roused himself from his musings, he stretched forth his hands, flooding his halls with the fullness of his power and majesty. Even the vast corridors and chambers of the Celestial Palace could not contain his splendor, and his supremacy spilled forth into the darkness beyond the shining walls. Thus it was that the cosmos came into being. Even after the glory of Jornos had receded an echo remained, though it did not have any form yet. Jornos lowered his hands even as the energy still vibrated at the tips of his fingers. He lifted his head and opened his eyes, and was astounded by what he saw. Filandria, unmatched in stately beauty and graceful bearing, stood before him, clothed in the shining light of Jornos' very splendor. Though he had not intended to make another, he rejoiced for he had grown weary of his solitude. And Jornos loved Filandria, and from his love Delanis came into being. Jornos took Filandria for his wife and crowned her as his Celestial Empress, fashioning for her a crown resplendent with innumerable glittering gems such as the mortal world has never seen. Filandria bore Jornos many children, the first of whom was Orglok, then Llarm. Vashra, Ultros, Yilvor, Azaera, Grenadias, Theorus, and all the others followed afterward. Delanis served as midwife to Filandria, and afterward as nurse to the children of Jornos. When the sons and daughters of Jornos had grown, the Starfire called them before his golden throne. He unfolded before them the idea he had conceived in his aeons of contemplation, and bid his children to carry out his designs. He assured them that each would have their part, though he did not make all his plans known at this time so that his children might not leave their first works poorly wrought in haste to begin work on greater splendors. He chose Orglok, Ultros, Yilvor, and Azaera to be the first to venture beyond the walls of the Celestial Palace and shape the universe as their father had instructed them. The four went forth into the formless abyss and brought order, sculpting it according to the will of Jornos. Orglok was given dominion over fire, for he was headstrong and impetuous. To Ultros went dominion over earth, for he was himself steadfast and unmovable as a mountain. To Yilvor went water, for though he was slow to anger, his wrath was terrible when roused. And to Azaera, the ever free-spirited dancer, dominion over wind was granted. It was in this first ordering of creation that Orglok first became jealous of his father's power. He resented that he and his siblings toiled while their father merely watched from his throne. This bitterness grew because Jornos had forbidden them to do either more or less than he commanded. Orglok wished to do as he pleased, and shape creation according to his whim. As the firstborn of Jornos' children, he felt slighted in the dominion granted to him by his father. It seemed to him that fire had a smaller role in their labors than the others, for he did not know all that his father intended. But he hid his jealousy, and said nothing of his thoughts to anyone. The fire burned in his belly, and his anger simmered in secret. Thus it was that sea, land, and sky were separated from one another. The mountains were raised up and the valleys carved out, and the courses of the rivers were plotted as Jornos intended. The boundaries of lakes and seas were marked off, and the earth was filled with metals and gems. Still, save for the rushing of the waters and the whisper of the winds, all was silent and lifeless. Their tasks completed, the four returned to their father's palace and presented themselves before him. Jornos was greatly pleased and gave his approval, commending his children for all they had done. At that time he sent Vashra forth into the silent world to bind the work of the four together with her Songs, and she wove her potent melodies throughout all of creation. Orglok's resentment was mollified by his father's praise, and for a time seemed to forget his grudge. This did not to last long, for he soon discovered that Jornos had made his brother Llarm steward of the Celestial Palace while he was absent. He was stirred to anger and sought out his brother, accusing Llarm of trying to steal his place as firstborn. "What cause have you for jealousy, brother? Were you not the first of those chosen by our father to go beyond the walls of the Palace?" Llarm questioned his elder brother, tilting his head to the side. "And were you not given dominion to shape the world, while I remained here within these walls? You say you envy me, but my duties keep me as a prisoner here. I do not know whether I shall ever set foot into the world beyond, so do not be so rash to accuse me. Because you are my brother, I shall forgive this slight, but it shall not be so if you dare to call me thief again." Orglok, silenced by Llarm's words, left his brother's presence. But ever after there was enmity between them, and they were never fully reconciled. Now Orglok had greatly desired Delanis, though he had told no one of his feelings. During his toils, his thoughts often turned toward her, and had resolved to claim her hand after returning to the Palace. And so, still stinging from his brother's rebuke, he sought her out. When he came to her chamber, however, he found her playing with two small children, twin girls. Thinking them Filandria's children, he said, "Well, I see that my father has not been idle while I labored! Who are my new sisters?" "Nay, my Lord," she replied, "These are not your mother's children, but mine. Their names are Arkala and Serathe." He was filled with rage upon hearing that Delanis had born children to another, but concealed it with a false smile. He complimented Delanis on the beauty of her daughters and asked who their father was, expecting to hear that Llarm had usurped him a second time. He was much surprised to hear that it was Grenadias, for he was quiet and humble of heart, and plain in appearance in comparison to his siblings. But it seemed now to Orglok that Grenadias had deceived him, and had been waiting for an opportunity to steal his heart's desire from him. And then, still smiling and speaking sweet words, he inquired about his brother's whereabouts, saying that he wanted to congratulate him. While the four were about their business, Jornos had summoned Grenadias and unfolded more of his plan to his son. Grenadias was so overjoyed by what he heard that he pleaded with his father to begin his work early to add to the beauty of the Celestial Palace. The Starfire consented, and Grenadias labored long and hard to create the famous Celestial Gardens, whose beauty is unmatched in the mortal realms. It was in these gardens that Orglok found his brother. He was not yet so hard of heart that he was unmoved by its beauty, and indeed, Orglok forgot his anger for a moment and marveled at his brother's work. He wandered amongst the first trees and flowers, until he found Grenadias tending to a seedling. At once the anger returned and he berated his brother sharply, hurling many curses and vile insults at the Tiller. Grenadias was at first greatly troubled and confused by his brother's anger, though he would not be goaded into a fight. Orglok's heart was not yet so blackened that he could strike down his brother, who would make no move to defend himself, nor even return the harsh words. Therefore he stormed away in anger, and left Grenadias alone in his garden again. Grenadias was again summoned before Jornos, and was commanded to begin his work as he had been instructed. He returned to his wife and daughters, and bid them farewell. Now, Serathe was greatly attached to her father, and could not bear to be separated from him for long. When she learned that he would be leaving, she wept and begged to go with him. At length, Grenadias gave in and brought his daughter before Jornos to ask the Starfire's permission to bring his daughter with him. Jornos consented, and father and daughter went forth together. Grenadias labored for a long time to bring forth every plant that grows upon the earth, though they would not grow as they had in the Celestial Palace despite his efforts. The Tiller returned to his father and explained his difficulty. Jornos had foreseen this problem, and gave Grenadias one of the torches from his throne room to bring the divine light of the Celestial Palace to the world. However, even this small portion of the light was too powerful for mortal world, and thus Jornos made it to rise and to set at intervals so that the whole of the world was not scorched beneath the power of its rays. And ever afterward, Jornos would cast forth the torch of the sun across the sky each morning, and take it back into his throne room at night. So the world would not be devoid of his light while the sun was within the Celestial Palace, Jornos pried two great pearls from his throne and set them in the sky. They illuminated the earth with their pale glow, for they shone just from having been in contact with Jornos' throne. Greenery sprouted from the earth and blossomed, and Grenadias was pleased until he saw that plants would only grow near streams and rivers, for they needed water. Grenadias went before his father once more to explain his difficulty. Jornos summoned Yilvor and Azaera, and bid them to assist their brother. Thus it was that clouds were formed and carried across the skies by Azaera's winds to bring forth water in all parts of the world. While the first rains were gentle, Yilvor was much intrigued by their potential. He realized that they could be much more potent, but kept his own counsel and let his sister have dominion over the rains until he should have need for them. Azaera was no gardener, and soon found the job of bringing rains tedious. And owing to her capricious nature, some places received too much water, and others not enough. Grenadias was not angry with his sister, for she did him a great service even though she was inconsistent, and the whole world blossomed and grew. All was lush and green, and Grenadias rejoiced. Having accomplished his first task, he rested from his labors, playing upon the whole of earth with Serathe, whose laughter filled the air. Together, they created all the living beasts that walk, run, or crawl, both wild and tame. In gratitude to Azaera and Yilvor, they made the birds of the air and all the sea creatures. Serathe greatly loved all the new animals, and often had ideas for more. She would often hasten back to her Grandfather and sit on his lap to tell him of her thoughts. Sometimes he would grant her permission to create the animal she imagined, and other times he would refuse her. the whole world abounded with life and beauty. While Grenadias tilled and planted and raised the beasts, Orglok brooded secretly and grew in hatred. After he had accosted Grenadias in the garden, he was summoned before his father's throne to give account of himself. He abased himself before Jornos and pretended to repent of his jealousy and malice, begging the forgiveness of his brothers and sisters. He was granted forgiveness and afterward seemed changed, but his fair countenance and words were as new fallen snow over a heap of rotting carrion, and as quick to fade. He plotted revenge in secret, and nurtured the blackness in his heart. Orglok saw all the works Grenadias wrought, and a great desire to possess all the splendors of the world stirred within him. Moreover, he resolved that if he could not have them, he would destroy them. He resented Serathe too, for she was allowed to bring some of her own designs to life, rather than strictly obeying Jornos' commands. It had never occurred to him to go to his father and ask permission, and the Starfire may well have consented if he had. Mortal men will never know the truth of the matter. Orglok sought revenge on Grenadias and his family, and saw his opportunity with Arkala. He used play with her often, and would speak to her at length in her father's gardens in the Celestial Palace. She delighted in all the secrets Orglok told her, being a curious child, though much of what he told her were falsehoods meant to poison her mind. The seeds he planted indeed bore fruit as she grew, and Orglok filled her heart with blackness while her father was away. Curiosity gave way to desire, and desire to lust, and Orglok took her innocence one day in secret upon the flowerbeds in her father's gardens. Delanis noted the change in her daughter as she grew, but it had been so slow as to be nearly imperceptible, and she mistook it for the normal changes that occurred as a child grew into maturity. None knew what Orglok had done, and although Vashra was suspicious of Orglok, she could not see his misdeeds clearly. When Grenadias and Serathe returned, Jornos declared a great celebration, for all was in readiness for the culmination of his plans. There was feasting and rejoicing in the Celestial Palace, and all the gods made merry. ---- "Where have you ever seen or heard that a knight-errant was brought before a judge, no matter how many homicides he may have committed?" -- Don Quixote (Pt. 1, Ch. X) -- To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives & Other DMI Lists: http://www.dragonmyst.f2s.com/lists.php3
