Gods, The Planes, The Beginning of the World, Time & Seasons

Deities remaining after the Godswar "When the Gods wage war, forevermore will nothing remain the same." - Anulil, looking over the great army gathered against Tiamat During the great war that changed the Realm between the forces of Anulil and his mother Tiamat, the very order of the world was changed. During this time god killed god and many gods from outside the Realms came across the great void to help one side or the other in any way they could. By the time the war was over only Anulil remained undiminished in his power and without peer in the Realms to the present day. During the of the Godswar the races and their allies called out across the planes of existence and rallied aspects of every god, godling, demon and devil to swell their armies and win the war. In the end, those aspects of these beings that were not destroyed utterly through battle or lost a midst the passing of time and loss of worshipers, remain. Throughout the realms can still be found ancient temples and lost alters to forgotten beings that may one day return or forever be forgotten. The current hierarchy of gods has Anulil at it's pinnacle, followed by the remaining powers of his pantheon and those he directly ascended into portfolios following his victory in the Godswar. The remaining powers that retain worship within the Realms all fit in a ordered bureaucracy based off of similar Portfolios and Domains. In this way Nergal of Anulil's Court oversees the actions of the other pantheon powers such as Kelemvor, Azuth and Wee Jas who in turn answer to Nergal. The Outer Planes are the home to the powers, each holding a primal aspect that influences and is influenced by the prime plane; the Realms. In the Realms however the powers make their presence felt through the domains and their portfolio. A list of the Heirarchy follows along with the non-native deities associated with each major Realms power in the hierarchy. Realms Deities Non-Native Aspects Apsu Boccob, Azuth, Mystra, Savras, Velsharoon, Imhotep, Ptah, Thoth, Lirr, Procan, Cyndor, Delleb, Urbanus, Zagyg Ishtaranna Ehlonna, Mielikki, Kikanuti, Solanil, Isis, Geshtai, Osprem, Valarian Asdrodeus Erythnul, Cyric. Garagos, Malar, Set, Dahak, Levistus, Iuz Nirsag Fharlanghn, Selune, Shaundakul, Aurifar, Hathor, Utu, Lastai, Celestian, Maruuk Heironeous, Torm, Tyr, Tem-Et-Nu, Re-Horakhty, Girru, Aengrist, Altua, Halmyr, Syreth, Trithereon, Valkar Tiamat Hextor, Bane, Loviatar, Al-Ishtus, Azul, Joramy, Phieran, Scahrossar, Beltar, Chaav, Sulerain Pazzu Kord, Lathander, Tempus, Uthgar, Haku, Zoser, Bast, Sobek, Iborighu, Vatun, Typhos Beshia Nerull, Cyric, Malar, Talona, Druaga, Auril, Konkreth, Llerg, Pyremius, Rallaster, Cas, Incabulos, Karaan, Umberlee, Yeathan Esalia Obid-Hai, Silvanus, Ki, Telchur, Rao, Bralm, Estanna, Zuoken Tymira Olidammara, Oghma, Sune, Tymora, The Mockery, Mougol, Istus, Lyris Anulil Pelor, Ilmater, Lathander, Torm, Osiris, Hleid, Pholtus, Ayailla Asuranoar St. Cuthbert, Helm, Hoar, Tyr, Ulutiu, Zarus Anshar Vecna, Shar, Velsharoon, Apep, Nadirech, Doresain, Tharizdun, The Xammux, Xan Yae Nergal Wee Jas, Azuth, Kelemvor, Anubis, Nephthys, Thrym, Afflux, Kyuss, Selen, Evening Glory Non-Human Pantheons Corellon Lerethian (Elf) Lolth (Elf, Drow) The Seldarine; Alobal Lorfiril, Aedrie Faenya, Deep Sashelas, Elebrin Liothiel, Erevan Ilesere, Fenmarel Mestarine, Hanali Celanil, Labelas Enoreth, Rillifane Rallathil, Sehanine Moonbow, Shevarash, Solonor Thelandira, Vandria Gilmadrith The Dark Seldarine; Eilistraee, Kiaransalee, Vhaeraun, Zinzerena Garl Glittergold (Gnome) Baervan Wildwanderer, Baravar Cloakshadow, Callarduran Smoothhands, Flandal Steelskin, Gaerdal Ironhand, Gelf Darkhearth, The Glutton, Nebelun, Ril Cleverthrush, Segojan Earthcaller, Sheyanna Flaxenstrand, Urdlen Gruumsh (Orc) Bahgtru, Ilneval, Luthic, Shargaas, Yurtrus Moradin (Dwarf) Abbathor, Berronar Truesilver, Clanggedin Silverbeard, Deep Durra, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Dumathoin, Gorm Gulthyn, Haela Brightaxe, Hanseath, Laduguer, Marthammor Duin, Muamman Duathal, Mya, Roknar, Sharindlar, Thard Harr, Tharmekhul, Thautam, Ulaa, Valkauna, Vergadain Yondalla (Halfling) Arvoreen, Brandobaris, Cyrrollalee, Sheela Peryroyl, Urogalan Io (Dragon) Aasterinian, Astilabor, Bahamut, Chronepsis, Falzure, Garyx, Hlal Lendys, Sardior, Tamara, Tiamat Maglubiyet (Goblin) Bargivyek, Khugorbaeyag, Nomag-Geaya, Stalker Titania (Fey) The Seelie Court; Caoimhin, Damh, Eachthighern, Emmantiensien, Fionnghuala, Nathair Sgiathach, Oberon, Queen of Air and Darkness, Skerrit, Squelaiche, Verenestra Annam (Giant) Diancastra, Grolantor, Hiatea, Iallanis, Karontor, Memnor, Othea, Skoraeus Stonebones, Stronmaus, Surtr, Thrym, Vaprak Kavaki (Goliath) Kuliak, Manethak, Naki-Uthai, Theleya, Vanua Illuman Deities Alausha, Glautru, Soorinek, Sveret, Tarmuid, Wathaku Tuilviel Glithien (Raptoran) Duthila, Kithin, Llendil, Nilthina, Ventila Monstrous Deities Aventernus (Aventi), Baphomet (Minotaurs), Blibdoolpoolp (Kua-toa), Cegilune (Hags), Diinkarazan (Derro), Diirinka (Derro), Doresain (Ghouls), Eadro (Merfolk & Locthah), Gaknulak (Kobold), Kurtulmak (Kobolds), Ghaunadaur (Slimes, Ooozes, Molds, and Renegade Drow), Gorellik (Gnolls), Grankhul (Bugbears), Hruggek (Bugbears), Skiggaret (Bugbear), Great Mother (Beholders), Gzemnid (Beholders), Ilsensine (Illithids), Maanzecorian (Illithid), Jazirian (Couatls), Kaelthiere (Salamanders, Azers and Efreet), Kanchelsis (Vampires), Kikanuti (Bhukas), Koriel (Ki-rin), Kuraulyek (Urds), Laogzed (Troglodytes), Mak Thuum Ngatha (Tsochari, Psurlons and Nilshai), Mellifleur (Liches), Meriadar (Mongrelfolk), Merrshaulk (Yuan-ti), The Patient One (Aberrations), Panzuriel (Evil Aquatic Creatures), Parrafaire (Naga), Sess’Innek (Dark Nagas & Lizard Kings), Shekinester (Nagas), Persana (Tritons), Primus (Modrons), Psilofyr (Myconids), Quorlinn (Kenku), Ramenos (Bullywugs), Ravanna (Rakshasas), Remnis (Giant Eagles), Sekolah (Sahuagin), Semuanya (Lizardfolk), Surminare (Selkies), Syranita (Aarakocra), Trishina (Dolphins), Vaprak (Ogres & Trolls), Wastri (Amphibians), Whale Mother (Darfellan), Yeenoghu (Gnolls), Balador (Werebears), Daragor (Werewolves), Eshebala (Werefoxes & Foxwomen), Ferrix (Weretigers), Squerrik (Wererats) Demon Lords of The Abyss Baphomet, Dagon, Demogorgon, Eltab, Fraz-Urb’luu, Graz’zt, Jubilex, Kostchtchie, Lolth, Malcanthet, Obox-ob, Orcus, Pale Night, Pazuzu, Sess’Innek, Vaprak, Yeenoghu, Zuggtmoy, Numerous others… Arch-Devils of The Hells Tiamat, Bel, Dispater, Mammon, Belial, Fierna, Levistus, Glasya, Baalzebul, Mephistopheles, Asmodeus and others vying for position… Zaphkiel (Celestial Paragons) Morwel (Eladrin Paragons) Talsid (Guardinal Paragons) Celestial Hbdomad; Barachiel, Domiel, Erathaol, Pistis Sophia, Raziel, Sealtiel, Zaphkiel Court of Stars; Faerinaal, Gwynharwyf, Morwel Leonals: Talisid and the Five Companions; Bharrai, Kharash, Manath, Sathia, Talsid, Vhara Archomentals Princes of Elemental Evil; Cryonax, Imix, Ogremoch, Olhydra, Yan-C-Bin Elemental Princes of Good; Ben-hadar, Chan, Entemoch, Sunnis, Zaaman Rul Lesser Archomentals; Bwimb, Chlimbia, Ehkahk Slaad Lords Chourst, Rennbuu, Ssendam, Wartle, Ygorl Vestiges Acerak, Agares, Amon, Altar, Andras, Andromalius, Aym, Balam, Buer, Chupoclops, Dahlyer-Nar, Dantalion, Eligor, Eurynome, Focalor, Geryon, Haagenti, Halphax, Haures, Ipos, Leraje, Malphas, Marchosias, Orthos, Otiax, Paimon, Ronove, Savnok, Shax, Tenebrous, Zagan, Ashardalon, Vanus, Astaroth, Desharis, Arete, Rujsha-Mintar, Abism, Zceryll Three " Alternative Faiths " were described in the third edition Deities and Demigods book: The Faith of the Sun A monotheistic religion of only one deity (though said deity is described as having two aspects; a creator one and a destroyer one): - Taiia, greater goddess of creation, destruction, mortal life and death. Following the Light A dualistic religion consisting of two, polar-opposite deities: - Elishar, intermediate deity (sexless) of positive energy, light and prophecy. - Toldoth, intermediate deity (sexless) of negative energy, darkness and destruction. The faith of Dennari is a mystery cult that worships a single deity of the same name: - Dennari, lesser goddess of earth, liberation and suffering. Recently new churches have been started in The Heartlands and are gaining popularity with their openness to worship the entire pantheon. It is said the clerics of these churches are the only ones with access to new domains not seen before in the realms; *The Sovereign Host Arawai, Aureon, Balinor, Boldrei, Dol Arrah, Dol Dorn, Kol Korran, Olladra, Onatar *The Dark Six The Devourer, The Fury, The Keeper, The Mockery, The Shadow, The Traveler *A cleric can be devoted to the entire Sovereign Host / The Dark Six pantheon rather than choosing a single deity from the group. The Blood of Vol The Cults of the Dragon Below The Path of Light The Undying Court

The Planes of Existence There are five (5) basic groupings of the Planes of Existence: The Prime Material, The Ethereal, The Inner, The Astral, and The Outer. The Prime Material: This is the one most familiar to PCs as it is the world that mortals live and die in. Although The Realms is on the Prime Material Plane it is thought that there may be many Realm-like worlds that exist within the Prime Material Plane and that, given the right circumstances one could visit and these alternate worlds. The Ethereal: A place of misty proto-matter where nothing is solid and material objects like swords and armor simply pass through one another though living things do not. Scattered here and there are islands of finite material called demi-planes. The Ethereal runs adjacent to the Prime Material and allows travel between the Realms and the Inner Planes. The Inner Planes: Also called the Elemental Planes, is a region of primary forces including that of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, Positive and Negative Material Planes and mixed elemental forces known as Quasi-Elemental Planes. These are all hostile to non-elemental life and not recommended to travel to unless you come prepared. Unlike the Outer Planes the Inner Planes are not aligned in the same manner and are indifferent to the affairs of other sentient beings. The Astral Plane: Much like the Ethereal Plane is the link to the Inner Planes the Astral is generally a barren place like a large vault with occasional bits of matter, gateways, and silver cords of travelers moving through it to gain access to the Outer Planes. The Outer Planes: Also known as the planes of power, they are realms with terrain both like and unlike that of the Prime Material. These planes are reached by gateways and powerful spells. The various powerful beings that call this place home include those that call themselves gods, goddesses, demi-gods, Demon Lords, Devilish Princes, as well as a full spectrum of other life seen nowhere else in existence. The Basic Arrangement can be seen here: The Characteristics of the Outer Planes Name Alignment Layers Description Nirvana Lawful Neutrals 1 the clockwork plane, dominated by interlocking disks Arcadia Neutral Good Lawfuls 3 the orchard plane of bountiful harvests Seven Heavens Good Lawfuls 7 the ever rising mountain of brightness Twin Paradises Neutral Good Lawfuls 2 the mirrored planes of sky-earth and earth-sky Elysium Neutral Goods 4 the heroes domain and their blessed rest Happy Hunting Grounds Neutral Good Chaotics 3 also called the Beastlands Olympus Good Chaotics 3 the dreamer's plane, home of the Greek and Elvish pantheon Gladsheim Chaotic Good Neutrals 3 the adventurer's plane, home to the Norse mythos Limbo Chaotic Neutrals 5 the ever shifting chaos plane Pandemonium Chaotic Evil Neutrals 4 with iron-shod planes and booming thunders Abyss Chaotic Evils 666* the many layered plane Tarterus Evil Chaotic Neutrals 6 the cheerless plane of exile Hades Neutral Evils 3 with the three glooms Gehenna Lawful Evil Neutrals 4 with white-hot furnaces and infinite citadels Nine Hells Lawful Evils 9 the ever-deepening pit of despair Archeron Lawful Evil Neutrals 4 with battle-planes and eternal warriors Concordant Opposition True Neutrality 1** with ever-changing order and balance * Best Estimate ** Called the Outlands or Godsland as all forms of races go here from the other Outer Planes

From The Beginning of the World until Time began. When above the heavens did not yet exist nor the earth below, Apsu the freshwater ocean was there, the first, the begetter, and Tiamat, the saltwater sea, she who bore them all; they were still mixing their waters, and no pasture land had yet been formed, nor even a reed marsh…or the great cataclysm that foretold of the coming of the great Doombringer Assuranoar. As it was written on the Tablets from ages long ago; “When the sky above was not named, And the earth beneath did not yet bear a name, And the primevalApsû, who begat them, And chaos,Tiamat, the mother of them both, Their waters were mingled together, And no field was formed, no marsh was to be seen: When of the gods none had been called into being.” In the beginning, out of the primordial wasteland, the great waters of life flowed from Apsu freely. Then, presenting the gifts of the Tablets of Creation, of Tiamat’s waters mingled with them to create all things. At first only the void of Anshar appeared to have manifested and she was pleased to be the only child with a whole universe to play in. Then after nine months Nirsag revealed herself. Although conceived at the same moment of creation as her twin sister Anshar she recognized that all things have their ways and cycles. While Anshur had frolicked among the void Nirsag had been crafting the whole of the world and the rules that it obeyed. Although unhappy to no longer have her mother and father’s sole attention Anshur continued to bask in the all of creation; still a void of frigid darkness. All seemed peaceful and still except the sounds of Tiamat swimming in The Waters of Life crafting the Tablets of Destiny. Suddenly there was a great illumination that pushed back the darkness and revealed much of the void. Nirsag had created the Sun to shed light and warmth upon the Earth she had created in the darkness about her feet. Anshar screamed and Tiamat, leaving her Tablets of Destiny within the waters of Apsau, consoled her dark daughter. For the first time Nirsag felt whole, illuminated, and free. The whole of the realms could now be seen by the rays of the sun, and what she had made she would keep from harm. The rage built up in Anshar and she tore away from the arms of Tiamat, in humiliation, and away from her sister’s searing hot flames. It was then that Anulil made his arrival. He filled the world up with the sky and lit the great pinpoints of light so that as he stood on the world he could see familiar constellations. He outlined the Waters of Life in the heavens. Tiamat, who now made her way back to the waters of Apsu, pleasantly looked at her husband’s new adornments from their firstborn son. As she was leaping back into the nourishing waters Anulil outlined her in stars as well, though he found it much more difficult as she would eat nearly as many as he could create, but he was able to create enough to show her great shape before she splashed back into the arms of her beloved. In the distance all of this light drove Anshar to the brink of madness. The void was still vast as vast could be but she could not take the searing light from the Sun and all these other stars and cursed out at her twin sister to put out the great flame. When Nirsag refused Anshar’s scream, which could now be heard, was like a shudder echoing throughout all of creation. She let loose with all of her power and struck her sister so hard it flung her from the sun to the very center of the world. From the great abyss that was formed in the world Nirsag lashed back with a nearly equal strike of her own but her dark sister was ready and stronger than she was and she split the massive bolt of flame into a trillion trillion trillion pieces. Of course this is what the Goddess of birth expected and throughout the void the countless shards of their first conflict shone nearly as bright as the ones Anulil had gifted their mother and father with. Anshar was weakened by such illumination to the point where she now knew that the younger twin’s power was a match for her own. Undaunted she created the Moon and raised it over her head smashing it down upon the True and Great Lady of Heaven just as her sister had finished climbing out of the great pit. Back down in the pit the Twin of Light pushed out with all her might and her dark twin was pinned to the moon straight towards the sun. Anulil commanded for Nirsag to stop the fighting before the entire world was destroyed. He went up and slapped her so hard she fell back to the earth next to the great crater that had been made. He told her to look into that abyss and realize the world burned nearly as hot as the sun from all melted rock in the center of the world. If they continued to fight like this then who would truly be the victor he asked her and she knew the answer. Reluctantly she reached out and pull back the Moon in order to fill the great whole in the earth, but her dark twin was not ready to stop fighting yet. Anshar had been hurt badly and wanted nothing more to do with her sister and all this light but there was no way she would let her take something she had created so she pulled as hard as she could. Both sisters struggled with the Moon, one pulling, one pushing until both were exhausted. Anshar had just enough strength left to move the prettiest side of the planet and hide it from her sister and the light from the sun, this is why those in the realms can only see the lighted side of the moon to this day. Nirsag fell to her knees and began to weep. This time Tiamat came to comfort her younger daughter as she had her older and joined in her cries. Everywhere tears fell from Nirsag a creature formed but did not move since as the Mother Goddess she could give seed but not life. Tiamat, still wet and dripping from leaving Apsu and the Tablets of Destiny deep beneath his waves, had the waters of life falling in great torrents to the earth below her, giving life to the forms from her daughter’s tears and pooling up to fill the seas. That is why, to some, Tiamat of old was known as the Creatrix, the Goddess of the Ocean. So it came to pass that these first animals, beasts, insects, bees and birds of every kind, size, and shape began to appear in the world, as did all the forests, faunas, flowers and living things until the two had consoled each other. Then, turning from her daughter Tiamat looked upon the great salt waters of the sea that had been formed and dove in, loosing herself to the beauty of this paradise and the charms of it’s inhabitants for many eons. Nirsag decided to wash her sullen face and bathe her dirty body in the newly formed seas made of her tears, the water of Apsu and the waters of Tiamat. This was at a time before they fully mixed to become the seas we know of today. She submerged herself and the salt stung her eyes and was bitter on her lips. She swam until she could taste only pure fresh water and relaxed under a large waterfall that thundered with the force of the amount of water that fell from it’s heights. There she bathed and relaxed in the chaotic mix of life giving waters oblivious to the world around her until she awoke, realised with a start that swimming through the pure waters of Apsu she had conceived. She fled in fear and panic into the forest. After having a talk with some of the children of the forest and the trees themselves, she decided it was best to go to her sister, make amends, and tell her what had happened. Anshar, who had just awakened from her own slumber, told her sister that what she was bearing was the Gigi; the seeds of all races. She must take each seed from within her and bury them and then find their brother Anulil and tell him what you had sown as the Mother Goddess of Birth so as not to incite the ire of Tiamat when she returned. The sisters shared a tender embrace and Nirsag thanked and kissed her sister and wasted no time returning to the world. Unknown to her naïve sister the Dark Twin had siphoned away as much of the noble essence of the seeds within her Light Twin as her form could stand and quickly departed to the world as well to find her brother. It was at this time that Anulil began to feel lonely for companionship himself. He began to wonder if he should create a mate for him to break up the monotony of his work for he had been toiling at the land and mining materials to build a grand city. It was at that moment where his older sister found him and brought him fresh apples to eat from the garden. She used honeyed words and the ways of young goddesses to wile the tired and lonely god and they laid together for the night. By the first rays of the sun she was gone. Alone again Anulil continued at his work until twilight arrived and he could see the stars again. He made a constellation of the most divinely beautiful woman in all the worlds and all the planes of existence. He used his power to blow strong winds over Apsu and the mist it carried landed on the new constellation he called firstly Nanna, as she was as beautiful as the full moon that made him feel so alone at that precise moment, but then decided that Ishtar would befit better after the brightest star in the night sky. He had used Ishtar as the finding star of her constellation this night. He called out to her and she came from that point in the sky that carried her name growing larger and brighter. Then she was there, first as a glorious lion walking towards him then as the beautiful Ishtaranna for she truly more splendid up close than either body was apart or combined. They talked and travelled the world, falling deeper in love and enjoying all the bounty that had been created. During their travels they found a perfect location to settle in as she was already with child and after a short period they had a son. In this way Maruuk was brought into the world. Anulil was grateful to his consort for bearing him such a fine young god as he hurriedly began his work, a force that the Twins both heavy with seed could not resist. “Maruuk then creates the calendar, organizes the planets and stars, and regulates the moon, the sun, and weather.” He worked hard and by the time they had bathed and were called in to the feast hall it still appeared as if there would be much work ahead of him. As the final rays of sunlight faded from the world a sharp scream was heard by all. Grabbing their weapons Anulil and Maruuk headed into the wilderness to find out what was causing it. Again and again there was the sharp scream and then it would stop. A score of times this happened and then for a long while they could not make any progress for it had stopped. Then another score times it happened and on the last they arrived at the edge of the great abyss to see Anshar surrounded by the giant children of Anulil’s coupling and the divine essence of the waters of Apsu. These were the Annki; Princely offspring borne of noble blood, and the first and most terrifying amongst these great gods was Asdrodeus. Anulil carried the exhausted Anshar back to his home where Ishtaranna is waiting as Maruuk commands Asdrodeus to lead his kin back to the gardens and there create a council of his peers to lead the Annki as there was much that they needed to learn. It is early morning when they arrive and Ishtaranna, realising what has happened leaves as Maruuk’s Vizier to teach the Annki how to craft, write and build things leaving her consort to tend his former lover. In gratitude, the Annki, built Esalia, the splendid: "They raised high the head of Esalia, equaling Apsu. Having built a stage-tower as high as Apsu, They set up in it an abode for Maruuk, Anulil, Ishtaranna. Then they built their own shrines.” After tending Anshar all day and all night Anulil finds that before the next rays of sun hit the world she had gone again. Jealousy at Anulil for his actions, Ishtaranna began to cavort with these new Annki gods in their temples and get into all manner of mischief, causing jealousy herself and awakening desires with many of the courtiers. In one of the ravels in the shrine of Pazzu, after a night of reverie that not even she can remember Ishtaranna gave birth to Gad, the God of Luck. Although confused for an Annki for centuries, Gad would be torn in two aeons later by Pazzu himself as a sacrifice made by mortals and rise soon after he departed into two female deities; as Tymira Lady Luck, Goddess of Good Luck, Victory and Skill and her sister Beshia Maid of Misfortune, Lady Doom, Goddess of Ill-Luck, Accidents and Misfortune. A few days later Asdrodeus put an end to this before things again escalated into complete chaos. He looked around and announced to all; he would now announce who was on the Council. He had chosen representatives to become empowered along with himself as the Great Gods of the Council as Maruuk had asked him to. It would be their job to act as judges and come up with ways to resolve problems faced in the world. He gathered the whole of the host in the fields of the garden and announced the names of twelve others. These he took and sat at a great table in the largest room of his great temple. Corellon Lerinthian, Moradin, Garl Glittergold, Yondella, and Io-Asgorath on one side and Annam, The Great Mother, Pazzu, Maglubiyet, Insensyne, Shekinester and Gruumsh on the other. It was then that Nirsag returned with news of her own. She had done what Anshar suggested and came to Anulil after planting her seeds as the crops were ready to be sewn. He goes with her to the fertile fields and begins to hoe her lands. With each pass another face can be seen and for every one Anulil revealed, Nirsag unburied with her bare hands, washed in the waters of the sea and suckled at her breast. She had borne the Igigi and nurtured each one as her own. Fifteen two score in number they were and if the Annki are called Greater the Igigi are the Lesser, still holding on to the divine heritage in spite of the treachery of the Dark Twin. In this way was born the other races of the world. As the city walls began to bulge with prosperity food became of short supply rather quickly. So it was decided that the paradise of the gardens of Arahasis was to be worked by the Igigi, since they were the lesser, put to work by the Annki in Esaglia to feed the rest and allow the greater ones to spend time in other pursuits. For eons they farmed the fields, tend the herds and mined the minerals. As the old tablets decreed; “When the gods, man-like, Bore the labour, carried the load, The gods' load was great, The toil grievous, the trouble excessive. The great Annki, the Seven, Were making the Igigi undertake the toil.” But this was hard work, man-like as they called it, and so it came to be that a group of Igigi asked Asdrodeus and the council to petition Anulil for a better way. Instead of lessening the load a new grand project was instead added to their labours. Under the strictest of orders from Anulil on threat of long and severe punishments at the hands of Asdrodeus’s Annki, the lesser races started the creation of great canals and opulent aqueducts from the great fresh water lakes to the shores of the seas. As they strained to continue to farm the fields and build such a great work fatigue set in and many were punished by the cruel Asdrodeus and those of like mind who shared his ways on the council. Then the Igigi led by the Eight strongest among them, Iallanus and his fellow giant-kin Thrym and Surtr, the Laogzed, Vaprak, Semuanya, Sekolah and the centaur Skerrit rebelled against the dictatorship of Anulil. They set fire to their tools, froze the fresh water rivers and surrounded Anulil's great house in Esaglia. On hearing that toil on the irrigation channel was the reason for the disquiet, the Annki council decided to create man to carry out agricultural labour. This pleased the Igigi, at least they would no longer be required to do man-work. To do this however they would need the power of Apsu. He refused their demand. Undaunted they turned to Anulil and said that his father said he would not to be commanded by his offspring for he still held the Tablets of Creation and it was his right to give life as he saw fit so why should he send more of the great waters to this small part of creation while so much more remained as yet untouched? It was agreed that Anulil would make him understand. After asking his father to reconsider, Apsu turned away from Anulil as he viewed this as none of his concern. Challenging the primordial father Anulil began to arm himself for the fight. He produced a bow, a spear, and a club; he filled his body full of fire and set the lightning before him. He took in his hands a net wherewith to catch Apsu, and he placed the four winds near it, to prevent him from escaping from it when he had snared him. He created mighty winds and tempests to assist him, and grasped the thunderbolt in his hand; and then, mounting upon the Storm, which was drawn by four horses, he went out to meet and defeat Apsu. His father flew into a rage and attempted to overthrow him by reciting an incantation, thinking that his words of power would destroy the strength of his son. But Anulil was ready for this and as the possessor of the "pure white holy incantation" he overcame Apsû and his spell had no effect on the god, who at once cast his net over him. At the same moment he made a gale of foul wind to blow on his face, and entering through his mouth it filled his body; whilst his body was distended he drove his spear into her, and Apsu split asunder, and from the great waters his true form fell out from it. Anulil leaped upon his body and looked on as the waters began to escape through all of creation. But the Four Winds which he had stationed round about Apsu collected and kept the waters from flooding out. He then caught all of the waters up in his net, and took the Tablets of Destinies from the fallen form of Apsu’s breast, and sealed it with his seal and placed it over the waters and under his great temple. In this way the life giving waters that remained were his to give to living things and for as long as the waters remained sealed by the tablets they would be as a barrier against the reforming of primordial forces. Empowered by the Tablets of Destinies, the symbol of the true leader of all deities, he was hailed as King of the Gods. “Anulil raised the Tablets of Destinies over Apsû, the confused and boundless mass of primeval water, and they represented the setting of impassable boundaries to all things on and under the earth.” Then the time of men began, which Anulil had promised his people. He would never be the same again for though he was now King of the Gods, the guilt of his actions would forever haunt Anulil to this day. Even the wiles of his lover Ishtaranna could not distract him from his remorse. He tried to be rid of his shame at first by retrieving the form that had fallen out of Apsu. When he found it, in the constellation of Tiamat it had transformed into a great Wyrm the likes of which he had never seen. He knew within the breast of this creature were the Tablets of Destiny crafted by his mother Tiamat and he pitied it. So when it’s eyes opened he compassionately nursed him along until it could be free to live among the stars of it’s birth and was thereafter known only as Father Life. For years afterwards the Ingini, Annki and the Noble gods enjoyed the benefits of the long labours of man. More cities were built by all the races and the garden of paradise for a long period. Civilization spread throughout the garden and all lived contentedly while Apsu held the Tablets of Destiny beneath the greatest temple of Arahasis. It was then that Tiamat emerged from exploring and populating much of the waters bellow. She had slept within the tranquility and when she had awoken heard stories from the creatures of the sea of the battle that occurred above. Not wanting to believe it possible she came to Anulil in his temple and saw him standing as King, the Tablets under his feet sealing the fate of her now dead husband. Her appearance turned cold and her eyes burned, her smile turned to a snarl and her true primordial form as the Chromatic Dragon erupted forth from the Dark Lady. She was from that moment on the Nemisis of the Gods, she would avenge the death of her husband and destroy them all. Indeed, in those few moments that followed Anulil tried to conciliate with his mother but she would not listen, flew from the temple, and laid waste the entire garden in her wrath. Anulil again came to calm her but she screamed four angrily tears back at him that each transformed into the head of a dragon as they touched dropped from her cheek and landed upon her body as her own head contorted into the most powerful and largest of them all; Anulil was so appalled at the sight of her that he turned and fled. As she continued her rampage after him she would destroy many of the Annki and the Igigi that did not join with her against her children. The new race of Man as well as the older races of Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Orc, Goblin, Giant, Dragon, Troll, Beholder, Illithid, Halfling, Sahuagan, Lizardfolk, Centaur, Ogre, Demon, Devil and Naga that acted too slowly to join her were destroyed in her rage and the pure power she expunged that day. As the sun set on the most fiery and destructive day the world had ever seen, Tiamat and her horde of followers, finally stopped at the entrance to the great pit. It was there that Anshar came to entreat her mother and advise her that if she wished to destroy Anulil and his court then she must prepare for war as they were no doubt doing the same that very instant. Gaining some of her senses Tiamat, The Chromatic Dragon, agreed with her eldest daughter. Whereupon she brought her allies together from among the Annki and Igigi that had followed her, which were many. But surveying the whole of the assembly it was not enough. In her desire for raw power enough to destroy the gods she was to be known as The Avaricious. She looked over the assembly and found that of the Igigi only Iallanis and Skerrit were absent. Of the Annki only Devils, Demons, Nagas and Goblins following Asdrodeus, Pazzu, Shekinester, and Magubliyet stood before her, their sheer numbers dwarfed the mind. After telling those assembled the great abyss was to be their fortress, they were to fill it, like the whole left in her soul which was full of entropy that could never be filled. After assisting Pazzu and her other generals in fortifying the great abyss she sent the demon to summon Asdrodeus to come to her. He departed to find a place for her to set camp and so followed the river of blood that was formed from the bodies of her destruction that littered her feet. The river left the abyss itself and she followed it to a cluster of tall hills and mountains nearby. Here she crafted a great temple with a gigantic main chamber, baths, courts and chambers complete with all things of beauty until it overflowed. This would be her Lair and there she retired to her bedchambers and overwhelmed by the events she cried herself to sleep. With each tear formed her deepspawn children, mothers of monsters, those that flowed from Tiamat's tormented essence to find their own dominion in the crevices and deep pits of the world. Later, it was not Pazzu but Anshar that brought Asdrodeus to Tiamat’s Lair. Of her children these two had joined her. She took them both into her confidence and shared her plans with them. Anshar would return to the gardens and say that she has rejected her mother when in fact she would be gathering information on her brother’s intent to use against them later. In the meantime, to weaken and distract the forces of Anulil, Tiamat would fashion eleven monsters to battle the deities in order to avenge the death of her beloved Apsu. With that she sent Anshar back to the garden Palace and took Asdrodeus with her to her bed. The next day she laid Eleven eggs. These were her own offspring: Bašmu, Ušumgallu, Mušmaddū, Mušduššu, Ladmu, Ugallu, Uridimmu, Girtablullû, Umū dabrūtu, Kulullû, and Kusarikku. Tiamat gave birth to many dragons, serpents and mer-people as well but these were the most powerful of her children at that time and all were the spawn of Asdrodeus who she had chosen as her lover, the leader of the host, and who was also one of her children. The deities gathered in terror. Many of the people had fled the garden and sought refuge wherever they could find it. Nergal would be scribing the names of the ones passed on for months to come. Anulil, revered by all as King of the Gods had turned solemn and would not try to overcome Tiamat. It was his son Maruuk and consort Ishtaranna that rallied the troops and took up his weapons to raise a force to face Tiamat and her assembly. By the end of the first day their main forces were mustered and their leaders were gathered in the great hall. Of the ones that had not been killed, or defected to the side of the Chromatic Dragon, what remained were standing here. Anulil, Ishtaranna, and Maruuk were here but so to were both twin sisters Anshar and Nirsag. Also a large number of the Annki Council remained though the number of their followers among the Annki were far less than those of Asdrodeus and Pazzu. These included Io-Asgorath, Moradin, Corellon, Garl, Annam, Yondella and a surprise to all assembled Gruumsh. Of the Igigi only Iallanis, though his forces were actually those of Annam, and the centaurs of Skerrit remained. As it stood, even with the many orcs of Gruumsh, they were a smaller force than what the Chromatic Dragon was sure to have. If it was not for the Humans their armies would be sorely outnumbered. Very few of the mortals had gone to serve the Dragon Queen though there were some. And so the two sides schemed against one another for a full year preparing for the eventual battle. For eleven months the full moon would turn black as the spawn of Tiamat were born and the world would shake. The following night as the full moon arose she would send each of her monstrous children against the forces of the King of the Gods. They would thin out many of the front ranks until they would clash with one of the gods. In this way many new powers from among the Annki grew in importance as they dispatched these creatures. In the end the forces would be weakened every month by these attacks and when the beast had fallen Anulil would send it to the heavens as a constellation and they would join those of Tiamat’s points of light this way; This is how the twelve months of the year and the twelve signs of the zodiac both came to be. On the evening before the day that would be called new years the forces would meet on the battlefield in one climactic world shaking battle. The sounds of which reverberate through the realms even to this day. The reason such things are important to those who followed the great Godswar is that during this time and what led up to it, is how mortals and men came to be heroes, immortal legends and gods. From among the mortals, many great heroic and vile champions were made during the time of this struggle. One would save the King of the Gods and his army from the subterfuge of Anshar, another would rise up to lead victory to the avenging Queen of Dragonkind. Assuranoar was the one to fell the first of the great monster children of Tiamat named Bašmu. It was through his indomitable force of will that he would wield the lightning javelin of a fallen Maruuk and would be the first of the anointed, the God of Retribution & Justice, to be raised beyond mortality by Anulil as reward for his actions in those opening days of the war. Though he was not the last. Thus ends The Begining of the World. It is from this moment onward that the recording of the Age of The Realms begins and the stories are as numerous as they are well known, but that is for another scroll to tell....

“The one who saw all I will declare to the world. The one who knew all I will tell about. He saw the great Mystery, he knew the Hidden. He recovered the knowledge of all the times before the Flood. He journeyed beyond the distant, he journeyed beyond exhaustion, and then carved his story on stone.” - The Epic The many cultures that rule the Realms have strong ties to their gods. There are innumerable deities, including one for practically everything the people see around them: animals, plants, minerals, and even emotions and operations each have their own divine patron. The ancient people thanked their gods for their prosperity and sought their succor from them when things went bad. They spoke to their gods as if they were friends and relatives. (Some even wrote letters to their gods.) Change occurred only through the actions of gods. In order to achieve success, ancient people believed one had to have the patronage of a god. Much of these traditions still hold true to the common era people throughout the Realms. Each city also has a patron deity and the prosperity of the city is a reflection of that god’s power. Mythologies are not static and details vary greatly over time as power centers rise and fall. The pantheon as presented is based well after the period where the gods created everything and lived among the people, then fought a great war among themselves and left the Realms to their places in the heavens and the Netherworld. Between that time and this one there was also a great Deluge that was sent by the gods and what survives from that time through the epic poems copied and recopied by scribes giving the people their insights into the gods up to the present day. The people of the realms (characters as well) owe their existence to these self same gods, or aspects of them at the very least, for it is they that created the world, moon, stars and all else in the prime that exists for those in The Realms to explore – in essence these gods did create this Prime Material Plane and rule it at their leisure. Apsu, Tiamat, Anulil and the Tablets of Destiny In the primordial chaos, there existed only Tiamat; the sea of salt water and Apsu; the sea of fresh water. The joining of these two gave birth to the gods, until Apsu became annoyed with his children and sought to destroy them. Tiamat spoke against his plan, but Apsu would not be swayed. Anulil learned of the doom that awaited the gods and, taking matters unto his own hands, defeated Apsu. Thus Anulil took over the portfolio of Apsu. Tiamat became enraged by the death of her consort and stands in opposition to the gods. In this mythos, Tiamat is not only the goddess of evil dragons, but also the personification of the salt water ocean that surrounds the land. She does not seek the destruction of the gods, but rather to steal the Tablets of Destiny. The Tablets are a powerful artifact that grants their possessor control over fate. Possession of the Tablets have changed many times throughout the tales. On many occasion Tiamat has sent her draconic and diabolic minions to steal the Tablets of Destiny, but always the gods find a way to thwart them led by the King of the Gods Anulil who himself is the merging of the essence of the gods Anu and Enlil during the transition from the 1st to the 2nd era. When the tablets destiny play a role in the affairs of the Realm it inevitably impacts the power structure of the Pantheon of the Realms which flows strait to the mortals under their sway. There have been a few major events that can be used to identify when the power of the tablets have been used or it has shifted hands of one god to another; The Dawn of Time, The Coming of Gods and Mortals, The War of the Gods, The Cleansing Deluge, The Long Age (Current Era). What follows are the gods and portfolios of those that existed at the dawn of time in the Realms. Adad (The Thunderer, The Violent) Intermediate God (Chaotic Neutral) At the first glimmer of brightening dawn, there rose on the horizon a dark cloud of black, and bellowing within it was Adad the Storm God. The stillness of the Storm God passed over the sky and all that was bright then turned into darkness. He charged the land like a bull on the rampage; he smashed it to pieces like a vessel of clay. For a day the gale winds flattened the countryside, quickly they blew, and then came the Deluge. Like a battle, the cataclysm passed over the people. One man could not discern another, nor could people be recognized amid the destruction. Even the gods took fright at the Deluge, they left and went up to the heavens of Anu, lying like dogs curled up in the open. Adad is the god of weather. He brings life-giving rain to the earth, but he also brings terrible storms and devastating floods. Farmers who rely on his rains venerate Adad for his generosity and pray for his forgiveness during the droughts. Adad is also the patron of barbarians, who worship him as the god of strength. His throne sits upon a great black cloud, allowing him to direct his storms first-hand. Adad’s followers believe he is the source of all strength, but strength that is not tested atrophies. Without his life-giving rain all living things would wither and die. The tree that is hardy weathers the storm but the sickly tree does not. The more ardent followers of Adad face adversioty to prove their strength. Portfolio: rain, storms, strength Domains: Air, Chaos, Strength, Water Cleric Training: many clerics of Adad are recruited for their thunderous voices. All are encouraged to maintain physical fitness by working on farms or training with warriors. Quests: Quests for Adad are usually accomplished through brute strength. Typical quests include destroying a dam that prevents runoff floods, protecting a forest from foreign loggers, and capturing a noble djinni that lives in the center of a lightning storm. Prayers: People pray to Adad for rain, the cessation of storms, or strength in battle. Reguardless of the request, loud drums and thunderous crashes must accompany such prayers to gain the attention of the storm god. Temples: The solidly built temples of Adad are decorated with scenes of storms and human headed bulls (the sacred animal of Adad). Sacred bowls collect rainwater that is made holy by the clerics while other channels funnel rainwater to the main altar in a roaring fall. Rites: Ceremonies worshiping Adad are as inconstant as the god himself. Prayers of thanks are given during periods of prolonged rain, after a successful battle, or while performing a physical endeavor. During droughts or extremely violent storms the clerics lead followers in ceremonies to appease Adad. Herald and Allies: Adad sends a chaotic neutral titan (with spell-like abilities as an evil titan) as his herald. Allies are bralani eldrins and huge air and water elementals. Anu (Sky Father) Greater God (Lawful Neutral) Through tears Ishtar said to her father Anu “Again and again does Gilgamesh scorn me, telling tales of foulest slander against me.” Anu said to Ishtar: “Ah, but was it not you who provoked King Gilgamesh that he spoke slander about you?” Ishtar said to her father; “Give me the Bull of Heaven so in his dwelling I may slay Gilgamesh. If you do not give me the Bull of Heaven I shall smash the gates of the Netherworld and bring the dead up to consume the living.” Anu said to Ishtar: “If you want from me the Bull of Heaven, let the widow of Uruk gather seven years’ chaff, let the farmer of Uruk grow seven years grain.” Ishtar said: “Seven years’ chaff is already stored, seven years’ grain is already grown. With the wrath of the Bull I shall have vengeance.” Anu heard this and the Bull of Heaven’s nose-rope he placed in her hands. Anu is King of the Heavens and Father of the Gods. He rarely acts directly, using the other gods to enact his will on earth. His children, the gods, often come to Anu for his judgement on an issue, or for assistance with their schemes. Anu is the patron of leaders, from the head of a household to the king of a city-state. Followers of Anu believe that there is a place for everything and everything has its place. A leader should be like a father to his followers, caring but firm. It is the duty of the leader to make sure his followers are productive and happy, and they in turn respect his will. Anu’s followers work against leaders who abuse their positions or workers who shirk their duties. Portfolio: Sky Domains: Law, Magic, Protection, Travel Cleric Training: If not leaders themselves, clerics of Anu act as advisors to those in power. Most clerics of Anu are the sons and daughters of nobles who are not in line for a position of power. These young devotees often take up the cause of Anu to better serve their siblings. Quests: Followers of Anu resolve disagreements between rival patriarchs, depose tyrants who rule without consent of their people and recover artifacts stolen from the gods. Prayers: Prayers to Anu almost never ask for his direct intercession, rather the worshiper asks the sky god to use his influence over one of his divine children. The petitioner might seek the aid of a specific deity or ask Anu to chastise a deity she believes to be working against her. Temples: Temples dedicated to Anu are large structures befitting the father of the gods. They are often the center of temple complexes and connected to temples of other gods. Many government buildings also contain small shrines to Anu for offerings and short prayers. Rites: Clerics of Anu officiate over the installation of leaders and most importantly the coronation of kings. Herald and Allies: Anu’s herald is a solar angel. Allies are hound archons, trumpet archons and planetars. Belet-Ili (Earth Mother, ninhursaga, Aruru, Mammitum) Greater Goddess (Neutral Good) The tyranny of Gilgamesh grew, and the people of Uruk pleaded to Anu for succor. He said, “Let them summon Aruru, she that created mankind so numerous. Let her create an equal of Gilgamesh, one mighty in strength, with a storm in his heart. Let them vie with each other so Uruk may be rested.” The goddess Aruru washed her hands, took a pinch of clay and threw it down into the wild. Thus she created Enkidu, the hero, born of silence, knit strong by Ninurta. Belet-ili is the goddess of the earth, from stoney barrens to verdant fields. She is the goddess of birth and is the spiritual mother of all gods and mortals, but especially heroes. She is known by many names in many regions but she loves and watches over all of her children equally, as only a mother can. Clerics of Belet-ili teach that all living things are her children and deserving of respect. Followers of the Eath Mother try to live in harmony with the natural world. Even when they eat a plant or animal they must give thanks to the spirit of that creature. By treating the spirits around them with kindness they believe they receive kindness from the world in return. Portfolio: earth Domains: Animal, Earth, Good, Healing, Plant Cleric Training: Adherents of Belet-ili all have a great love of nature and her church has as many druids as clerics. Her clerics and druids learn to listen to nature spirits and often advise those seeking the best places to grow crops, build a home, or hunt for game. Quests: Typical quests include: stopping people from over hunting a region, saving villagers from a flood, and preventing the destruction of a great forest threatened by fire. Prayers: Worshipers of Belet-ili pray for fertility for themselves and their animals, abundance for their crops, and good fortune for their children. Temples: Temples of Belet-ili are surrounded by gardens (or built on hanging gardens) and often have wild animals living among the plants. Temples dedicated to the Earth Mother are a good place to find healing for people or animals. Rites: Followers of Belet-ili practice a number of seasonal rites in celebration of planting, growing, and harvesting. They also preside over births and many act as midwives. Herald and Allies: Belet-ili’s herald is a 20th level druid. Allies are huge earth elementals,xorn, and various celestial animals Ea (Enki) Intermediate God (Lawful Good) Humans had become too numerous and the gods agreed to send a deluge to destroy them. They swore an oath that none would intercede to save their own faithful. Ea took his oath and honored it. He wrote all that the gods had spoken that day on a wall, and his faithful, Uta-napishti, read these words. With this knowledge, he built a boat to survive the flood, and loaded it with all his animals, kith and kin. Thus by his own hand did man save himself. Ea is the god of wisdom. It is said he is the master of every craft and he knows the answer to every problem. He helped create the mortal races and gave them the knowledge necessary for civilization. Ea is the patron of all professions from farmers and blacksmiths to healers and seers. Ea is also the god of fresh water, a title he gained by defeating Apsu, the first consort of Tiamat. He is the keeper of the Ocean Below, the source of all fresh water. People are always trying to redirect rivers, but in the end, water cannot be contained. Ea teaches that wisdom is like water – with the proper knowledge you can pass by any obstacle. Followers of Ea are encouraged to learn about all manner of things and to use that knowledge for the common good. Portfolio: Crafts, fresh water, skills, and wisdom Domains: Good, Knowledge, Law, Water Cleric Training: Students who show an interest in learning might be encouraged to become clerics of Ea. Occasionally, a master craftsman retires from his labors to become a cleric of Ea. Quests: Quests from Ea always require clever thinking to accomplish. Typical quests include channeling water to a remote outpost devising a way to defeat an invulnerable monster, and uncovering Tiamat’s latest evil scheme. Prayers: people pray to Ea seeking inspiration from the Lord Below on a problem they face or when searching out fresh water in a barren land. Temples: Temples to Ea are built on or near sources of fresh water. These temples often house a school where one can learn a craft or seek answers to difficult questions. Rites: Followers of Ea celebrate learning. They perform blessings for students when they graduate and journeymen when they become masters. New discoveries in science or magic are considered gifts from Ea and are celebrated with special ceremonies. Herald and Allies: ea’s herald is a 20th elementals, trumpet archons, and planetars. Enlil Intermediate God (Lawful Neutral) Seeker of the timber for the city of Uruk, Gilgamesh and Enkidu went to the Forest of Cedar, which was guarded by the terrible ogre humbaba. They subdued the monster, who offered them all the wood they could take if they would spare his life. Gilgamesh would have spared Humbaba, but Enkidu told him to slay the ogre for although it would displease the gods, it would win fame for Gilgamesh. Humbaba cursed them, and told them that Enlil would punish them if he was slain. Gilgamesh slew the ogre. He gained fame, but Enlil made sure they suffered the consequences. As the god of air, Enlil controls the winds and the mists. He is the master of all that lies between his mother the earth (Belet-ili) and his father the sky (Anu), including the creatures that live on the earth. Enlil is patron of laws and lawmakers. He maintains order, but often without mercy – Enlil was the main proponent of the Deluge. He also created the monsters guarding forbidden places. Enlil’s consort is Ninlil, goddess of the night. Enlil instructs his followers to maintain the status quo for in this way society runs smoothest when people know their place and work hard at what they do. People who push the boundaries displease the gods and brings trouble for all. Portfolio: Air, law, order. Domains: Air, Animal, Law, Protection. Cleric Training: Most who become clerics of Enlil do so because their fathers and grandfathers were clerics or lawmakers. Quests: Followers of Enlil act to maintain order. Typical quests include resolving a boundary dispute, quashing a rebellion, and protecting a forbidden place from invaders. Prayers: Many pray to Enlil seeking his approval for a new endeavor they plan to initiate, such as a business venture or a new law. Temples: Temples to Enlil are tall structures, as if trying to bridge the gap between earth and the sky. Temples of Enlil are never far from the meeting chambers of city patriarchs. Rites: Clerics of Enlil oversee proposals made into law. They also give blessings to new buildings and farms. Herald and Allies: Enlil’s herald is a 28 hit dice Marut Inevitable. Allies include formian taskmasters, formian myrmarchs, and hound archon heroes. Ershkigal (Irkalla) Intermediate God (Lawful Evil) Gilgamesh asked the ghost of Enkidu what it was like in the Netherworld; “Did you see the man who had fallen in battle?” Enkidu replied, “his father and mother cradle his head, his wife weaps.” “Did you see the shade of him who has no one to make offerings?” Enkidu replied, “he eats scrapings from the pot and crusts of bread thrown away in the street.” “Did you see the little babies who know not names of their own?” Enkidu replied, “they play amid syrup and ghee at tables of silver and gold.” “Did you see the man who was burnt to death?” Enkidu replied, “I did not see him. His ghost was not there. His smoke went up to the heavens.” Ereshkigal sits on the throne of the kingdom of the dead. Her court is made up of several minor gods (including Belet-seri, scribe of the Netherworld, and Nimtar, god of doom) and all the dead kings and nobles since the beginning of time. The spirits of the dead are brought to her court where she assigns them a place in the afterlife based on their deeds in life and the manner of their deaths. Ereshkigal has wings and clawed feet like a raptor and wears regalia of a queen. Ereshkigal teaches that no man can escape his doom. Although death is inevitable, one must live life to the fullest to secure a desirable afterlife. One must always respect one’s ancestors, as their deeds in life and intervention in the spirit realm are cause for one’s own success. Portfolio: The Netherworld, the dead, ancestral wisdom. Domains: Death, Evil, Knowledge, Law Cleric Training: Clerics of Ereshkigal learn to hear the voices of the dead, and speak their will to the living. Although morbid, clerics of Ereshkigal do not divorce themselves from life. Rather, they are taught that success in life is reflected in the afterlife. Quests: Typical quests include recovering the bones of a restless spirit and giving them a proper burial, punishing a person who offends his ancestors, and bringing a wizard who flouts death down to the Netherworld. Prayers: Prayers to Ereshkigal generally concern ancestral spirits. The proprietor prays for the good treatment of his ancestors in the afterlife and hopes this causes the spirit to look favorably on him (especially in areas for which the ancestors are renown.) Temples: Temples of Ereshkigal are somber buildings lined with alcoves where people may place offerings to their ancestral spirits. The clerics sell their services as mediums for those who wish to communicate with the dead. Rites: Funerals are important to worshipers of Ereshkigal, but so are anniversaries that commemorate important heroes and rulers who have passed away. These rites often mimic the form of formal court ceremonies. Herald and Allies: When Ereshkigal wishes to bring someone to her court, she sends a pit fiend devil as he herald. Allies are shadow mastiffs, bone devils and ice devils. Ishtar (Inanna) Intermediate Goddess (Chaotic Neutral) Ishtar had become trapped in the Netherworld after a failed attempt to wrest control of it from her sister Ereshkigal. When after three days and nights, she had not returned, her servants mourned and pleaded with the gods to save her. Only Ea agreed to help, and he sent two golems into the Netherworld to give Ishtar the waters of life. Ishtar was revived, but demons followed her out of the underworld, saying they would hound her until she gave them a replacement. She could not bear to let them take any of her servants, but when she saw that her husband Dumuzi was not mourning her death, she gave him to the demons. Ishtar is the goddess of passion, as epitomized in love and war. She has a fiery temper and a long string of failed relationships. Her ex-lovers have a habit of suffering terrible tragedies. She is the patron of lovers, harlots, marriage, and pregnancy. However, she is also the patron of warlords and conquerors. The central theme of ishtar’s philosophy is the pursuit of one’s passion. Her followers are encouraged to find joy and love in life and to help others find these ideals as well. However, like their goddess, followers of Ishtar have been known to use any means possible to get what they desire, only to cast it away when it no longer suits them. Portfolio: Love, war Domains: Animal, Chaos, trickery, War Cleric Training: Clerics of Ishtar are chosen for their ability to incite passion in others whether on the battlefield or in the boudoir. Many are chosen simply because they are surpassingly beautiful or handsome. Quests: Ishtar involves herself wherever there is passion. Typical quests include recruiting a handsome youth to act as Ishtar’s ceremonial husband, winning a battle against a rival army, and journeying to the Netherworld to reunite a star-crossed couple. Prayers: Ishtar always accepts flattery, but to truly gain the goddess’ attention a worshiper must make an impassioned plea for her aid in gaining something (or someone) greatly desired. Temples: Temples of Ishtar are sprawling buildings with many rooms all lavishly decorated. In addition to standard temple services, worshipers may indulge themselves in a variety of sensual pleasures. One room in the temple is reserved for Ishtar herself, and none may enter without her invitation. Rites: Clerics of Ishtar officiate over rites of marriage and courtship. They also lead ceremonies before battle and celebrations after. Regardless of the occasion, the rites of Ishtar are always boisterous affairs filled with joy and revelry. Herald and Allies: Ishtar’s herald is a 20th level Bard. Allies are succubus demons, ghaele eladrins, and merilith demons. MONTHS OF THE YEAR 1 Year = 365 days spread over 12 equally long months of 30 days each plus 5 Extra Days between December and January called The Days of Aender NoviIsavia - Nov (January) Jenius - Jen (February) Kravshera - Kra (March) Weisse - Wei (April) Minmae - Min (May) Ichiyo - Ich (June) Hayase - Hay (July) Clodia - Clo (August) Fokkius - Fok (September) Fallyna - Fal (October) Bernar - Ber (November) Exsoder - Exs (December) The Celebration of Creation - DOA, The 5 Days of Aender (End of December start of January)