Gods
Contents
The Gods
The Gods of Elpida are the most powerful entities known to man. They are a representation of our lives, and watch over all who dwell within their domain and guidance. Those of whom follow these Gods know of their history, their patronage, and their values. It is a common sight to see many worship their Gods, whether it be in their temples or by prayer. No matter how one may dedicate themselves, the Gods will be forever watching.
Origins of Elpida
In the beginning, the world was empty and desolate. No creature, mortal or immortal, walked the earth, swam the seas, or flew the skies. This state persisted for untold aeons, and the surface of the world remained unchanged. Far above the earth, however, the realm known as the Aether was forming. The Aether, the blue region of the sky beyond the sun and stars, is the home of the divine and the birthplace of all life.
From the Aether emerged the six gods. Having been born fully developed into an unfamiliar realm, the gods were disoriented at first. The fiery spirit of Ignarus was the first to recover. He saw before him a vast realm to claim as his own and immediately seized control over the Aether, casting his siblings down to the surface of the world. Slowly, the other gods gained awareness and learned of their brother’s treachery. Enraged, they flew to Ignarus’s kingdom and warred with him for domination of the skies. Ignarus was powerful, but his five brothers and sisters combined were able to wrestle the Aether from his incendiary grip.
The victors collectively banished Ignarus to the nether and divided the skies amongst themselves. Aestheria was granted the subtle and beautiful moon, Marventa the guiding stars, Metus the bounty of the sun, Phaedron the concealing shadow of the clouds, and Legaros the Protector guardianship of the Aether itself. For a time, the gods lived in relative peace, cultivating new life on the earth and sharing ownership of the skies. However, Phaedron soon grew discontented with his share, believing that he had played a larger role in Ignarus’s defeat than the other gods. As a consequence, Phaedron thought, he deserved a larger portion of the sky than he had been given. He declared war upon the other gods and, once again, war began in the skies.
Phaedron, hidden behind the clouds, sneaks up on the other gods and assaults their aerial territories. The embattled gods use their great powers on one another, producing flashes of light and roars of sound hidden in the clouds. These battles, known as storms, continue to this very day, and it seems as though the War of the Skies may never end.
Origins of Humans
The Story of Phoebe and Alexander
Our Holy Patrons
| Aestheria:Goddess of beauty, learning, the arts, and the moon. Patron of artists, musicians, and philosophers. | Ignarus:God of fire and war. Patron of warriors, guards and gladiators. | Legaros:God of cities, protection, law, and the aether. Patron of leaders, legislators, and the just. |
| Marventa:Goddess of the ocean, the wind, and the stars. Patron of explorers, fishermen, sailors, and travelers. | Metus:God of wealth, prosperity, the harvest, and the sun. Patron of merchants and farmers. | Phaedron:God of darkness, shadows, and clouds. Patron of thieves and assassins. |
Grounds of Worship
The Hollowed grounds of Elpida, for each God has a divine right to their own Temple. It is here that the people of Elpida pray for forgiveness and for health, for long lives, and for prosperity. It is a true place of worship.
-=-Temples-=-
The Aether's Bounty
This is the Gods' place of refuge when they reach their divine houses. It holds the throne of each god, along with Legaros and his chambers of Law where the Gods commence their judgement of the mortal world.
| The House of Aestheria | The House of Ignarus | The House of Legaros |
| The House of Marventa | The House of Metus | The House of Phaedron |
Titans, Godlings and Demigods
Metus and Marventa have long since been considered lovers. As he is God of land, sun, and animal, and Marventa is Goddess of sea, stars and fish/bird. They are irrevocably linked together, both physically (sea is connected to land, land is connected to air, etc), and metaphorically.
Legaros and Aestheria are also seen as lovers, probably due to Aestheria being seen as the mother of mankind and Legaros being seen as the father. This is further support through the story of Phoebe and Alexander (the first man and woman). Phoebe was created in Aestheria’s image, and Alexander in Legaros’s image. This means that when Phoebe and Alexander fell in love, became married and had children, their love was a reflection of Legaros’s and Aestheria’s.
Holidays
These are the festive days within the year dedicated to the Gods. There are some days dedicated to a singular God, others dedicated to multiple. Holidays have been celebrated since the dawn of time, and will forever be done so out of respect for the Gods. Therefore, these specific days have much meaning, and often bring everyone closer together.
- Birth of the World (January 1st)
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- Aestheria's Maiden (February 14th)
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- Mother's Day" (March 22nd)
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- Jester's Peril (April 1st)
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- Legaros' Reign (Last Sunday of April)
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- Marventa's Bounty (April 22nd)
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- Summer Solstice (June 20th)
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- Founder's Day (August 5th)
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- Festival of Light (October 4th)
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- Phaedron's Curse (October 31st)
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- Feast of Ignarus (November 28th)
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- Aether's Moon (December 25th)
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- Aether’s Moon: a celebration of Legaros’ reclaimed domain
- Metus’ Bounty: Those who follow Metus exchange gifts of personal worth
- Birth of the World: celebrating how the world was created and celebrating the birth of the Gods
- Phaedron’s Curse: everyone dresses up as monsters and celebrate, symbolizes blending in with the creatures in the shadows.
- The Feast of Ignarus: Where boar and other animals are roasted over a spit to symbolize his descent into the Nether
- Astheria’s Maiden: Where couples celebrate by enjoying a romantic day with each other. Gifts are often exchanged.
- Marventa’s Bounty: A day where one celebrates the gifts of life, and often eat fish or other oceanic animals
- Legaros’ Reign: the day that Legaros rose into consciousness. Celebrated with eggs to symbolize his birth.
