Pantheon

Gods of the galaxy, the Theos are worshipped both as a collective as well as individuals. The main 11 gods are broken down into two groups: those who tend to the Physical Plane where mortals live and those who tend to the Cosmic Plane and deal with many of the “behind the scenes” aspects of the galaxy.

The common legend of their creation states they were made the same as the planets were: twisted together by gravity from the dust of dead stars and ebudded with power much greater than any mortal could possess. They are immortal, unchanging, and can warp what lies around them.

While their wills and wants influence much of how daily life flows, the Gods rarely find themselves interacting with their people on a one-on-one basis. Instead, they prefer to answer the prayers of those reaching out to them through gentle nudges in the right direction.

The Major pantheon deals with large concepts which can affect swaths of star systems at a time, while the Minor gods have domain over aspects of day-to-day life which affect people on a more personal level.

### Cosmic Plane

#### Crestia

(Kre-ss-tea-ah) (She/her)

* Domain: Invention and Prosperity
* Aspects: Technology, Progress, Innovation, Planning, Craft, Intuition, Curiosity
* Symbols: Scrolls/Blueprints, Protractors, Silver, Red
* Center of Worship: Grens, an urban metropolis which has developed over the centuries into the state it is now.
* Leader of the Cosmic Plane, Crestia has many duties ranging from making sure the cosmic wheel is kept in check to assuring the others are keeping up with their tasks. However, her heart truly lies in bestowing inspiration in those which have caught her eyes. She stands for the development of mortal-kind, driving forward with an unmatched tenacity, striving to make sure that progress never ceases. She is depicted as a white haired woman dressed in red with her face covered in eyes. Often represented by scrolls of blueprints and protractors, one held in each hand. In many works of art, she is shown alongside her spouse Raanova or their children.

#### Raanova

(Rah-no-vah) (They/them)

* Domain: Chaos and Fate
* Aspects: Shifting Forces, the Uncontrolled, Chance, Boundaries, the Controlled, Protector of the Forgotten
* Symbols: Strings, Coins, Gold, Inverted Rainbow
* Center of Worship: Jako, a planet covered from one side to the other in tundra.
* Where the forces of the galaxy meet in ways that can not be understood or predicted, that is where Raanova can be found.  The overseer of fate and chaos, it is said that Raanova can see the tangled mess created by the countless strings and threads that tie the galaxy together and with their guidance the forces flow freely. They are as shifting as the tides of the cosmos, and thus find themself with varying reviews across the galaxy. Some see them as a protector of the forgotten, the homeless, orphaned, or thieves, while others see them as a harbinger of things they can’t understand. Depictions of Raanova vary greatly from planet to planet as they have no true form. Instead, artists gravitate towards surrounding them with things such as coins, obsidian, occasionally a halo of a destructive nebula, but most commonly their wife Crestia or their children.

#### Nivv

(N-eh-vv) (He/him)

* Domain: Communication and Memory
* Aspects: Sound, Understanding, Empathy, Observation, the Nervous System, the Stars
* Symbols:  Sound Waves, Nervous Systems, Neon Blue, Black
* Center of Worship: Uthra, a strange planet of low gravity but dense atmosphere.
* Everytime you make a call, listen to the radio, or even speak: that is the work of Nivv. His main duty is to watch and listen to the galaxy as it’s eternal observer to ensure things are moving smoothly, though he is called upon by those wishing to have their words heard and remembered. Master of communication, Nivv also acts as a messenger between the Cosmic Plane and the Physical Plane.
* In an almost retroactive way, Nivv has become associated with the neurological link which connects mech pilots to their machines. The technology was named N.I.V (The Neuro-Interface Vector) in his honour. He is depicted as a man with many arms and many eyes. People say that every single star in the galaxy is one of his eyes that he uses to watch over each planet. He is represented by waves of sound and nervous systems. He is shown alongside his husband, Kahkihm.

#### Xavios

(Za-vee-ous) (They/them)

* Domain: Time and History
* Aspects: Timespace, the Unknown, Travel, Potential Energy, Freedom, the Fringe (edge of space)
* Symbols: Sundial, Pathmarkers, Ivory, Light Green
* Center of Worship: Vaspio, a planet which is more air than mass.
* It's said that everything which has ever happened, been said, been heard, or been done has ended up in the hands of Xavios. They are commonly seen as the book-keeper, the one who writes down a log of the galaxy, but their domain goes far beyond that one task. Time has no meaning to the one who controls it, instead it becomes pure potential. Xavios sees to the potential of time and space and allows for the freedom of movement from one edge of space to the next. They are found in the pure unknown of life and by extension the future. They know too well: History will always repeat itself but it is surprising twists you don’t expect that are the most exciting parts. They are depicted as incaporial as Vaspio itself with energy bursting out from inside them like fireworks. They are associated with infinity and the darkness between stars. Xavios will sometimes be shown alongside the three gods of writing who they took under their care as their charges.

#### Aliant

(Ah-lee-ant) (He/him)

* Domain: Healing and the Afterlife
* Aspects: Creator of the Mortal Shell, Medicine, Redemption, Mercy, Minerals and Meteors
* Center of Worship: Aliant has no central temple, but his worship can be felt in every hospital and morgue.
* Symbols: Caduceus, Reptile Scales, Orange, White
* Description: The architect of the mortal form and the master of repairing it, Aliant’s work deals with the groundwork of the body and soul.  Hospitals and doctors look up to him as they work on healing the body's physical ills, but Aliant’s work goes further than just that. The work of redemption plays in as well.  Because of this, Aliant is occasionally invoked in designs and decor of places of justice in the galaxy as a part of the process of healing the soul. This, though, can never truly be divorced from what rings in the minds of most of the galaxy when they think of him. He may be a god of second chances for some, but he is a god of endings for all. He is depicted as a man stationed at his post in the Afterlife, surrounded by embers and shedded scales. Sometimes artists will show him alongside a creature known as a Phoenix, an avian reptile from the planet Ninverth which burns itself up at the end of it’s lifecycle. He is sometimes shown alongside his child, Akwan, as well.

### Physical Plane

#### Sigorn

(Sig-oh-rn) (He/him)

* Domain: Optimism and Harmony
* Aspects: Diplomacy, Peace, Music, Sacrifice, Idealism, Trust, Equity
* Center of Worship: Gall’o, a planet of oceans locked in the orbit of four separate suns.
* Symbols: Stringed Instruments, Handshakes, Purple, Mahogany
* A man in a cave once said there existed a perfect form for all things, and Sigorn is living proof.  Though nothing may be obtained without something given, Sigorn strives to provide the galaxy an example of what could be obtained. Leader of the Physical Plane, he lives and operates where everyone and everything has their place and a place for everyone and everything, but maintaining that can not be expected without cost. He is depicted as a musician, guiding the world into place with the harmonic notes of a violin, though he has been known to be associated with all stringed instruments to some extent.  In groups, ironically, he is never the leader. Instead he's always the follower as his place is to provide the example rather than dictate the guidelines.  He plays the songs, rather than write the music. He is shown with his husband, Cyril, God of Food and Agriculture, and their children.

#### Kahkimn

(Kah-kee-mn) (He/him)

* Domain: Justice and Nature
* Aspects: Loyalty, Oaths, Adjudication, Punishment, Biological Life, Reaping, Moons
* Center of Worship: Vishnia, a planet covered in lush greenery and oceans with many moons.
* Symbols: Scythes, Vines, Midnight Blue, Yellow
* Like seeds in the ground, mortals sew promises with one another.  Whether an oath of friendship or a pledge of conviction, these promises in time grow like trees until eventually the time comes for fruit to bear.  Kahkimn arrives to pass judgement on which to reap, the ripe or the rotten.  To those that pass his judgement, Kahkimn is a gentle force. To those that fail, he is the judge, jury, and executioner and the last face they will see in their mortal life. He is depicted as a man wielding a scythe, twisting vines growing around him, lit by a harvest moon. On planets where justice is marked through mercy, he is paired with Aliant and associated with phoenix feathers. Through his associations with plants, Kahkimn has taken on aspects that relate him to biological life in general as well.  He is also seen as the adoptive father of the twins of Teinren and Vevia as each find their domains through his.

#### Junard

(June-ard) (He/him)

* Domain: Structure and Resilience
* Aspects: Hardships, Adaptation, Prevention, Laws, Institutions
* Center of Worship: Earth, a planet covered in oceans and green, known for producing tenacious species.
* Symbols:  Cacti, Ants, Ocean Blue, Green
* The statesman of the gods, Junard’s role within the planes is to provide the structure that is to be followed.  He provides the path so that others may walk with freedom and safety, but does so with a perseverance and endurance that is to be admired.  He takes on the aspects of hardship and adaptation as he sees the roles he serves as too essential to allow anything to stand in the way, so come sickness or disaster, Junard will always carry forward. People look to him in times of hardship, hoping he may ease their suffering. He is depicted often as the middle of the gods, younger than the oldest but older than the newest.  Tradition shows him with some form of dismemberment, be it a missing eye or a missing limb, a testament to the challenges and obstacles he has overcome.  He is often shown with his wife, Blaine, Goddess of Rivers and Victory, and their children.

#### Malvio

(Mal-vee-oh) (She/her)

* Domain: Mischief and Defeat
* Aspects: The wandering, Suffering, Grudges, Emotions, Ill-Fate, Tricks, Jinxes
* Center of Worship: Malvio has no central temple, people tend not to like bringing her attention.
* Symbols: Dice, Aces & 8’s, Black, Red
* Malvio is the embodiment of the lottery: one number away from winning or dice that roll one side one too many times.  Though she may be spiteful, she is rarely malicious in her work, always looking for an opening to bring a bit of creative bad luck.  Because of this, though, she is often looked down on, or even outright hated.
* Her domain reaches further than simple bad luck.  Those that find themselves on the wrong side of life’s fortune can look to her just as much as a gambler on their last dollar.  With this, she has become almost a scapegoat goddess, one that can be pointed to and blamed for the turns of fortune that leave those in its brunt to suffer. She is depicted as a woman dressed in a ragged coat and holding a fork. Some say this is supposed to represent the forks in the road where your life could fall to ruin, others cite one to many times a fork has landed on their foot prong side down. She has become associated with things that bring people pain, metaphorical and literal, like empty bowls and losing hands of cards.

#### Teinren

(T-ehn-reh-n) (He/him)

* Domain: Balance and Life
* Aspects: Matter and Particles, Tension, Creation, Aging, Development, Protector of Youth
* Symbols: Rivers/Springs, Water Pitcher, Black, White
* Center of Worship: Teinren and Vevia have no central temples, instead often you will find a smaller temple to them anywhere people live. It can range from a grand display to a small fair in a community center.
* The “elder” of the twins, said to have arrived first, Teinren maintains the flow of life like water through the guiding banks of a river.  Everything in the physical plane owes its existence to Teinren as the primary creator of all things.  Through their role as creator, they are able to hold Kahkimn’s nature in balance by slowing the introduction of new things into the galaxy. He is often depicted as a young man holding a pitcher of water, which he uses to pour the literal waters of life.  Some traditions associate him with springs as well for this same reason. Sometimes the water of life is shown as a flowing nebula of stars and dust. He has also been associated with mirrors through his major myth of the creation of his twin sister.

#### Vevia

(Veh-vee-ah) (She/her)

* Domain: Transition and Death
* Aspects: Sleep, Aging, Passage, Decay, Guider of Souls, New Beginnings
* Symbols: Doorways, Mushrooms, Light Blue, Grey
* The “younger” twin, Vevia was created by Teinren after the “elder” created much of the cosmos, but still held great power within him.  By reaching into a river, the creator god pulled out his reflection, and with the gift of life, his sister was born.  Being the reflection, Vevia was trusted with the duty of off setting her brother, ensuring that when something was added, something else could be ferried away.  She is the guide of souls through the galaxy, bringing everyone eventually to their place in Aliant’s domain. However, this does often mean she is the less liked of the two twins as people don’t often like to think of their mortality. She is shown as a young woman, and often with her twin brother at her side.  As the goddess associated with decay, mushrooms are a common motif around her, but so are doors and gateways, as she is seen as the patron of New Beginnings as well.

## Minor Pantheon

### Literature

Legend has it that the Trio, as they are often referred to, came into existence the same moment mortals did, born the moment mortal-kind opened their minds to the world. Having such a unique creation, they were quickly taken under Xavios’ wing to guide them. However, the Trio does just as much to guide Xavios’ hand as they do for them. Each holds a part in shaping how the experience of life is written and recorded. Rahya is a force of sheer creativity. Pen in hand, she can shape entire concepts from nothing. She is a patron to artists of all kinds, finding great joy in seeing the creations the imagination brings.

Bashii is found in the charts and lines of textbooks. Ze is precise, punctual, and right to the point. Unlike zir sister, Bashii chosen are the documenters and those who see the galaxy for what it exactly is.

Finally, Pelie may seem like an odd choice for a god of writing. Book burning is not often seen as a virtuous act, however that is exactly the point. Not all that is written down should be kept forever. Pelie is the judge of just that: what should and should not be kept. They collect what they deem important and destroy what they deem unjust.

#### Rahya

(Rah-yah) (She/her)

* Domain: Storytelling and Art
* Aspects: Fiction, Creativity, Painting, Sculpture
* Symbols: Butterflies, Ink Drops, Light Green
* Rahya is shown as a young woman sitting in the branches of a grand tree. She is often holding a brush dipped in dripping ink. Butterflies have become a common symbol for her, known for their transformative and beautiful nature.

#### Bashii

(Bah-she) (Ze/zem)

* Domain: Study and Documentation
* Aspects: Research, Non-Fiction, Categorization
* Symbols: Fountain Pens, Ink Drops, Brown
* Bashii is shown as a young individual standing next to the trunk of a grand tree. Ze is depicted holding a dripping ink pen and an open book.

#### Pelie

(Peh-lee) (She/her)

* Domain: Protection and Destruction of Knowledge
* Aspects: Book burning, Collection of Knowledge, Destruction of Evil Knowledge
* Symbols: Sword Dipped in Ink, Matches, Ash Gray
* Pelie is shown as a young individual shrouded completely sitting on the roots of a grand tree. They hold a sword in one hand which ink drips down onto from their siblings.

### Culture

#### Cyril

(Sy-ril) (He/him)

* Domain: Food and Agriculture
* Aspects:  Cooking, Preparation, Preservation, Crops and Livestock, Harvest
* Symbols: Cornucopias, Forks/Knives, Light Brown
* There can be no kingdom without it’s heartland. Cyril is both the shepherd and the chef, overseeing the nourishment of all of life’s creatures. Every step of the way, farm to table, he takes meticulous care to make sure abundance never leaves those who seek his aid. His image is seen through many barns across the galaxy as well as tucked away in store rooms in the backs of restaurants. He is shown as a kindly man wearing an apron, holding a butcher’s knife in one hand and a cornucopia tucked under the other arm. He is often shown with cattle and wheat.

#### Imo

(Emo) (She/her)

* Domain: Civilization and Hospitality
* Aspects: Manners, Etiquette, Generosity, Accommodation
* Symbols: Salad Forks, Maps, White
* The idealized version of the words prim and proper, Imo is one of the preeminent deities of culture both in the literal and colloquial sense.  She and her sibling Yusam were given the duty of being the keepers of society.  Imo specializes in the social web that binds it together, both on the large scale level of cities and nations and on the smaller scale of person to person interaction. Depicted usually as a teenage girl in proper school attire, Imo is associated with dishes and silverware as well as maps.  She is strongly associated with the color white.

#### Blaine

(Buh-lay-n) (She/her)

* Domain: Rivers and Victory
* Aspects:  Dance, Tenacity, Violent Motion, War
* Symbols: Twin Swords, Letter V, Royal Blue
* Not even a raging river breaking its banks holds a candle to the ferocity which Blaine holds. Victory is held with those who push beyond their normal state and embrace the dance of life. Blaine finds her way to the victorious, be they a dancer on a stage or a soldier on the battlefield. Some legends say she fought her way into the Cosmic Plane and that tenacity did not go unrewarded. She is commonly depicted as a horned woman dressed in white and blue. She holds two curved swords decorated with silk. Her image is sometimes invoked in times of flooding

#### Esmii

(Eh-ss-me) (She/her)

* Domain: Seasons and Love
* Aspects: Union, Change, Warmth, Attraction
* Symbols: Red String, Leaves, Red
* How do you measure a year?  In daylights or in moments, in midnights or in laughter, there is always the constant of love, and for every season of love, there is Esmii.  The daughter of Crestia and Raanova, Esmii is the changer of seasons and the self anointed Cosmic Shipper.  When you feel a change in the air or warmth in your heart, you feel Esmii’s work at play.   Usually depicted as a teenage girl, traditions with her vary depending on what season is valued most in an area.  She often is shown pulling red strings maintained by her parents to try and guide people to one another, and because of this she is strongly associated with the color red. Though, fickle like love itself, she takes on many forms and genders depending on what is found most attractive.

#### Akwan

(Ah-K-wahn) (He/xem)

* Domain: Artificial Intelligence and Childbirth
* Aspects: Sentience, Consciousness, Robotics, Midwives
* Symbols: Storks, Daffodils, Orange
* Made by xir father Alient, Akwan’s specialty is the gift of sentience that turns a body into a person.  Though soft spoken in many traditions, xe is vital to all living things as whether it be organic or robotic, xe is the one that blesses them with the ability to think and feel, even if this makes xem a bit of a softy when it comes to getting attached to things.   Usually depicted as a clockwork person, or as the first true automaton, Akwan is associated with storks and with fields of daffodils.  Occasionally, he is shown alongside Esmii, their domains leading one to another.

### Elements

#### Lucran

(Leu-cran) (They/them)

* Domain: Air and the Wild
* Aspects: Atmosphere, Wind, Flight, Natural Disasters, Cosmic Storms
* Symbols: Storm Clouds, Berries, Forest Green The de facto leader of the elemental gods, Lucran oversees, and causes in some stories, the unchained power of the wilds. They are the storms that freeze crops and the winds which topple buildings. Due to this, they are the less universally loved of Crestia and Raanova’s children. However, to some, Lucran is a protector from such catastrophes. They are often looked upon by pilots for safety in their journeys, be it through the skies or through space. They are depicted as a slender young individual often with a large pair of bat-like wings on their back. They are heralded by storm clouds and lightning, though hold a small basket of bread and berries in their hands.

#### Rhyker

(Rye-ker) (He/him)

* Domain: Earth and Gravity
* Aspects:  Fortification, Masonry, Defence, Orbits, Architecture
* Symbols: Pedestals, Bricks, Brown
* Taking far more after his father, Junard, Rhyker was given the task of holding the mantle of the planets- quite literally. No matter how little or how much, every creature in existence feels his gravity. He is the force which holds the galaxy together both through the pull of planets and the walls which hold up a roof above your head. Unlike his sibling Anush, he holds himself to a much stricter code in relation to his duties. Safety is his forte, hoping to bring structure in a physical form, and allow the galaxy to feel secure no matter where they are. He is depicted as a younger man, sitting atop a stack of bricks, shield in one hand and . He is often associated with armor and polished stones, as well.

#### Anush

(Ah-new-sh) (They/them)

* Domain: Water and Celebration
* Aspects: Games/sport, Festivals, Championships, Competition
* Symbols: Surf Board, Marlins, Hot Pink
* While perhaps unlikely for a child of Junard and Blaine, joy flows through Anush like water.  Water fills the spaces left over in one’s heart and can carry great weights if its depth is great enough.  Legend has it that Anush’s joy for life was the reason they were given the task of overseeing celebrations so as to spread that same joy throughout the physical plane.  As such, games and festivals are often held in their name with one of the biggest in the galaxy being the Voetaniad, an annual festival held on the planet Voetania where Anush is idolized above all others.  The highlight of the Voetaniad is the Open Challenge, a tournament held to crown the greatest mech combat pilot in the galaxy. Depicted as a younger person, often shown surfing on a wave with a glowing smile on their face.  Medals and trophies are common symbols for them, but the most universal symbol is that of a marlin.

#### Yusam

(You-sahm) (He/him)

* Domain: Fire and Home
* Aspects: Domesticity, Family, Space Stations, Comfort
* Symbols: Hearths/Radiators, Pillows, Maroon
* In times of old, its said Yusam was associated with the hearth as the symbol of the gathering place for a family within the home.  As time evolved and the ideal of family changed, Yusam evolved with it, growing to be the god of not only the fire within the hearth and home, but also of space stations, the homes built in orbit.  A child of Sigorn and Cyril and sibling to Imo, Yusam is the spirit of comfort and contentment throughout the galaxy. Usually depicted as someone sitting around an open fire.  Older drawings show hearths, though some also show camp fires as well.  Some traditions say it is good luck to include either a drawing or symbol of Yusam within the living room of the home.