Once upon a time, long, long ago, there was a tribe of beasts which was ruled by small and stupid gods. Although the gods lacked wit and wisdom they had a certain sort of primitive greed, contending among themselves and striving, in their own way, to increase their numbers and influence. As is the way with gods, their numbers and powers depended upon the well being and numbers of the subjects.
Some gods draw their power from the faith and awe of their devotees.
Nor, it must be said, did the small and stupid gods understand from whence their well being was derived. They gave gifts to their subjects. Being small and stupid, their gifts were usually no gift at all but rather banes, poisonous rather than beneficent. This was of no moment to them. Nor did they care whether the tribe prospered or failed for, being rather small and stupid, they had not the wit to perceive their advantages and disadvantages.