The Five Divines

The Divines are a group of powerful deities that have existed for as long as time itself. They are the most influential beings in the universe, shaping the fate of mortals and the course of the world. Each of the Divines represents a different aspect of the universe, and they each have areas of influence. Together they shape the course of the mortal world and the afterlife.
== The Divines ==
=== Nymeriand ===
Nymeriand is the King of the Gods, and is married to Silvania, the God Queen of Time. However, Mortimus separated the two in a cruel trick by Mortimus. Now Nymeriand rules over the day, while his wife rules over the night. The two can only glance at each other at Sunset and Sunrise. Nymeriand is associated with the power of the sun and the day and is a protector of humankind. Nymeriand is a wise and just ruler who guides and supports his followers in their endeavors.
=== Silvania ===
Silvania is the God Queen of Time and the wife of Nymeriand. She holds the power of the moon and time and is responsible for ensuring that night ends and the day is allowed to rise. Silvania is a benevolent and protective figure who helps to guide and protect her followers through the unceasing passage of time. Silvania is also a sister to Havestian, and the two were very close until his betrayal and subsequent banishment.
=== Havestian ===
Havestian is a deity banished to the underworld for committing open treason against Nymeriand. This was not always the case and long ago Havestian would walk amongst mortals as a revered figure. Because of his intimate connection with mortals he is still widely worshipped, despite his banishment. In the afterlife, he is responsible for judging the souls of the deceased and determining if they are worthy of returning to the world above or being sent to a hell worse than the Nether for eternity. Havestian is a fair but stern judge committed to upholding justice and righteousness in the afterlife.
=== Devistaria ===
Devistaria is the God of War and is associated with devastation and chaos. He created the Nether in his image and desires to turn the entire world into a place of death and destruction. He thrives in war and the chaos created by it. All forms of natural disasters and lava are extensions of his power. Devistaria is a brutal and ruthless deity who revels in the bloodshed and destruction of war.
=== Mortimus ===
Mortimus is the God of Tricks and is known for causing chaos and mischief in the world of mortals. He is said to have tricked Nymeriand and Silvania into signing a deal that separated them from each other. This trick granted Mortimus free reign on the planet, where he blends in to cause chaos and encourage others to do so. Mortimus also takes advantage of other deities such as Havestian and Devistaria to achieve his goals. Mortimus is a cunning and unpredictable deity who delights in causing confusion and disorder.
== The Hands of the Divine ==
Many of The Divines are unable to visit the mortal plane themselves. Because of this they have lesser beings that serve as emissaries, referred to as Hands, and whom The Divines use to enact their will.
=== Hand of Nymeriand ===
The White Stag is the Hand of Nymeriand responsible for delivering fates and messages. It is a mysterious figure capable of guiding people to their destinies and revealing important truths to those worthy of Nymeriand's light.
=== Hand of Silvania ===
Nyx is the Herald of Night and is Hand of Silvania. She is responsible for lighting the way for mortals during the night and protecting those who travel in the darkness. Nyx is a graceful and elegant figure who brings comfort and safety to those who seek her guidance.
=== Hand of Havestian ===
Arch Angel Michael is the Hand of Havestian and associated with protection and defense. He is the patron of the military and is responsible for guiding soldiers as they defend the innocent. He helps to bring swift justice to oppressors and prevents followers of Mortimus from wreaking havoc. Arch Angel Michael is a courageous warrior who inspires his followers to carry out justice and helps protect the weak and vulnerable.
=== Hand of Devistaria ===
Once an agent of Mortimus, the Queen of Shadows is an ancient figure whom many scholars believe has been around since gods walked amongst mortals. She currently serves as the Hand of Devistaria. As a master of deception and manipulation she uses her talents to steer nations towards war. Despite her allegiance to Devistaria, The Queen of Shadows is a devoted to Havestian's judgement and is often seen prowling battlefields collecting souls for him to judge. The Queen of Shadows is a formidable figure feared by both gods and mortals. Those who cross her path do so at their own peril, for she will stop at nothing to achieve Devistaria's goals.
=== Hand of Mortimus ===
The Dark Serpent is a fearsome creature, revered by the followers of Mortimus. It is capable of devouring entire stars, and battles with both Nymeriand and Silvania for dominance of the sky. It is often seen slithering through the darkness, its shadowy form barely visible to mortal eyes. 
The Dark Serpent is a creature of chaos and destruction is a pet of Mortimus, and keeps Nymeriand and Silvania occupied so that Mortimus can carry out his mischievous plans on the mortal plane. Those who dare to defy Mortimus risk drawing the wrath of the Dark Serpent, which will stop at nothing to protect its master.
== Expanded Lore ==
=== The Great Tricks of Mortimus ===
When the God of Tricks gives someone a blessing, it curses them to live an unfair life; most of their loved ones grow to either hate them or die, and the region of Savernia is foretold to become unstable. It is prophesied that one day, Mortimus will trick a King into accepting his gift, and it will be the end of days for Savernia as the other Four lose their blessing, and everything will crumble into "glorious" chaos. 
The blessing is the strongest of the Five Blessings in that it prevents you from death by age but does not prevent any harm. This blessing is a curse as you watch those around you die to leave you until you are truly alone, and even in those darkest hours, death is not your friend. It is said that he lets you die only when Mortimus is done playing with you. 
Some feared this was the case with Logan Ashwood, but it did not come to pass. However, the realm did see much unrest during this time, and some now fear it would be the final days of the followers of the five divines and Savernia itself if it were to happen again.
=== The Fight for Devistaria ===
As the God of war is one for a fight, those chosen by Devistaria aren't guaranteed their Chosen rank. The God of War is one for blood, honor, and competition. So he deems those the most worthy of his gift to be determined by a contest for worship. 
This has always been noted within the religion, and it seems that Devistraria's followers are always much more dedicated to their worship and tend to be some of the strictest when it comes to following their teachings, as one would expect from a God worshiped by an army.
==== The Cult of Devistaria ====
The worship of Devistaria, the God of War, began hundreds of years ago in the region of Savernia during the Rumani civilization. The cult was based in Oea (modern-day Odeila) and gained a significant following among Rumani warriors. However, as the Rumani influence waned, the cult began to shrink and revert to its origins. When the first Savernians arrived in the Ashland and Thunderland regions with their pantheon of gods, they encountered a small but strong cult following of Devistaria in the Thunderland. Early efforts to convert the cult led to violence, and Devistaria's followers fought against those of the divines. 
After years of religious turmoil, the Savernians incorporated Devistaria into their pantheon rather than try to convert his followers. As a result, Devistaria became divine and gained a small but dedicated following among Savernian warriors. The cult's popularity grew significantly with the arrival of the Odeilans in Savernia and the ensuing clan wars. Unknowingly, the Odeilans settled in the heart of Devistaria's worship in the region and became his servants as they fought against the Savernians. Devistaria chose the leader of the Odeilans, Jarl Från "The One-Eyed," as his chief servant and gave him the Sword of Devistaria during the battle in which Från killed the then-King of Savernia, Henry Ashwood. 
Following the battle and the subsequent oppression by Boulderov, worship of Devistaria went underground until Savernia gained independence. Then, Devistaria revealed himself to Från and appointed him as his representative to the world. From then on, the worship of Devistaria has been led by the Knights of Devistaria, an order of holy knights founded by Från to honor and bring glory to the deity.
=== Fifthist views on Boulderism ===
In ancient times, before the existence of Savernia, a group of people lived in the lands now known as Boulderov. They were uncivilized, primitive, and unaware of the truth of the Divines. They were lacking in faith, hope, and wisdom. When the Divines arrived in the region, the people were unwilling to allow them into their hearts. The Divines left these ignorant and violent people to their own devices, except for Mortimus. 
Mortimus, always enjoying a good prank, decided to teach the Boulderists the error of their ways. At this time, he was not yet feared and revered as he is now but was simply a mischievous trickster. First, he came upon a large boulder and placed it in an open space. Then, using his magical powers of illusion and manipulation, he enchanted the rock to warp the minds of anyone who approached it and worshiped it. He then drew the primitive people to the boulder, and they fell under its spell. From their already limited willpower and intelligence, they became even more tragic as Boulderists - their minds warped by Mortimus' machinations. 
Under the influence of Mortimus, the Boulderists founded the Kingdom of Boulderov and established their communal religion. Now, we look upon these barbarians with pity and recognize that Mortimus are still manipulating their minds. We must learn from their mistakes and save those we can from his influence, bringing them into the blessed and purifying embrace of Nymeriand.
=== The Night of the Long Moon ===
After the Great Trickster had divided the Divine King and Queen from each other, they each sought ways to see each other again. Silvania accomplished this as the God-Queen of Time, and now sole inhabitant of the Moon, by slowing down the passage of time during the night on what is now known as the Winter solstice. In doing so she granted more time for the light of the moon to shine through the night and delaying the time for the Sun to rise. This allows Nymeriand to sail his Ship of Starlight from the Sun to the Moon, spend some much needed quality time with his wife and sail back all before the Sun's light can crest over the lowest seas on the furthest horizons.
Savernians celebrate this occasion of victory over the Great Trickster by reveling in shared company: at feasts or great games of valor and skill - such as the Savernian tradition of jousting. These festivities, though violent at times, are not meant to be lethal, nor fatal, as Silvania is not watching over us and we must, therefore, temper our own primal instincts - at least until the Sun rises the morning after. These festivities are then followed by worship of Silvania. Focusing primarily on shared memories and bonds made, whilst also remembering those who have been taken from us and sent to the dreaded End.
Category:Religions
Category:Traveler's Era