Palyric Pantheon

Overview

The Palyric Pantheon originated in ancient Palyra, and is otherwise commonly referred to as "the old gods". It is a polytheistic religion and mythology, with its current cultural and religious center being located in Ialyri.

Worship is practical rather than devotional, as the gods were not distant creators but more actively involved in the daily lives of people for contracts, meals, journeys, births and deaths. There is no universal hierarchy of the gods, and the importance or reverence of deities varies by location and circumstance.

The Three

While the pantheon itself is broad, three deities are almost universal across Palyra.

Iova Matera

Also referred to as "The Mother" and "The Enduring"
Her Domains are continuity, agriculture, childbirth, maternity, stability.

She is invoked in situations where collapse is imminent, in failing harvests, difficult births, or fragile peace.

Elydon Var

Elydon Var is also referred to as "The Watcher", "The Unblinking" and "The Witness". Elydons Domains are observation, truth, consequence, and inevitability.

Elydon Var does not judge, intervene, or reward. He observes. Elydon is often paired with deities of law, but remains distinct.

Nevaris

Also referred to as "The Wanderer", "The Stranger" or "The Guest", Nevaris' Domains are travel, change, trade and coincidence.
Nevaris embodies movement and instability. Plans fail, and new opportunities arise in his wake.
He is not chaotic in a destructive sense, but represents impernanence.

Other Major Deities

The following deities were widely worshipped across Palyra, though rarely with universal dominance.

Caldrus

Domains: fire, smithing, destructive creation
Worshippers: artisans, soldiers

Thalene

Domains: sea, storms, tides
Worshippers: sailors, fishermen.

Kain

Domains: war, conquest, martial glory
Worshippers: soldiers, generals

Senara

Domains: law, order, civic stability
Worshippers: magistrates, officials

Delys

Domains: wine, celebration, excess, performance
Worshippers: performers, common folk

Orun

Domains: death, burial, remembrance
Worshippers: nearly universal, as is death

Caelir

Domains: hunting, patience, distance
Worshippers: hunters, scouts

Religious Practice

Worship is largely decentralized in practice, though not entirely without structure. There is no single enforced doctrine across all regions, but traditions.

The High Synod

The High Synod of the Pantheon is the exception to this, as they are a governing body of Ialyri composed of priests and keepers of the temples. They administrate places of worship, oversee public rites and festivals as well as accepted ritual standards. The High Synod does not enforce strict orthodoxy, but defines what is considered acceptable practice within Ialyri and its sphere of Influence.

The Oracle

The Oracle is a revered figure believed to speak with divine clarity. The Oracle does not rule or command. The Oracle is consulted and treated as a voice of insight. She is consoluted at times of uncertainty, and the High Synod records, debates and interprets her words. It is not uncommon for the High Synod to disagree with the Oracle's words, particularly when they conflict with political or civic stability.