Faith of the Ancients

The Faith of the Ancients, known more commonly as the Faith, is the chief religion in western and central Antagarich, with large groups of followers in the north (in the Sacred Kingdom of Fabiola) and the east (in recently incorporated provinces of the Lanthyrian Empire). The Faith is mostly non-existent in the Dragon Kingdom of Sicair and dwarven enclaves such as Mondantur or Mahaham, and the marshes of Tatalia. It plays a small role in Ard'oril, where the elves recognise a select number of the Faith's deities and elements of its theology, and also exists on some level in remote communities in the foothills of the Amel, Alder and Blue mountains.

## Three Aspects of Founding

### Toruvel, Aspect of Balance

Toruvel, the aspect of Balance, known also as the Gamemaster or the Creator, is one of three aspects that existed since forever and is most credited with the creation of the universe and the world during the Dawn Era.

### Minerva, Aspect of Chaos

Minerva, the aspect of Chaos, is the opposite but equal aspect to Magna El. Prior to her imprisonment in the sun by Toruvel and Veles, she created and gave birth to many aspects and forces, such as happiness, hatred and passion, and is also responsible for having created the planets - although she did not give them an orbit.

### Magna El, Aspect of Order

Magna El, the aspect of Order, is the opposite but equal aspect to Minerva. Prior to his imprisonment in the sun by Toruvel and Veles, he created many aspects and forces, such as misery, compassion and aversion, and is also responsible for having given the planets orbit around the sun - but he did not create them.

## Chief Deities

### Veles

Veles, the Sole Son of Toruvel, is the God of death, passing and arbiter of souls, the chief divine.

### Alana

Alana, formerly the aspect of Lust, is the Goddess of love, beauty, romance and procreation.

### Derwana

Derwana, formerly the aspect Kindness, is the Goddess of the natural world.

### Azirafel

Azirafel, formerly the aspects of Light and Dark, is the God of dusk and dawn, and overseer of transition between day and night.

### Lucius

Lucius, formerly the aspect of Hatred and known today as the Lord of Darkness, is the God of defiance, resentment and hatred, the only malevolent and evil-doing deity of the pantheon to be seen as a chief divine. He was the husband of Misery and is the father of the Nine Children prior to his wife's death and his children's' expulsion by Toruvel. In true fashion, it is said that Lucius resents his role and desires nothing but to slay Toruvel, free his children and bring back his wife, Misery.

Because of his evil nature, Lucius has no organised following or temple dedicated to him, but a strong cult-following exists and acts in his name - the Cult of Lucius has a presence across western and central Antagarich, as well as parts of the north and east. The Cult dedicated to the worship of hatred is shrouded in mystery but is known for having perpetrated many crimes in the past, ranging from assassinating religious figures in service to other deities to massacring villages and settlements. It is believed that the cult works closely in tandem with the worshippers of the Nine Children.

## Lesser Deities

### Melisandre

Melisandre, formerly the aspect of Passion, is the Goddess of fire, warmth and light.

### Dark Mother

The Dark Mother, formerly the aspect of Misery which died of heartache during the Dawn Era, is the ever-present force responsible for spreading misery and despair. In life, she was the wife of Hatred and the mother of the Nine Children.

### Chernobog

Chernobog, formerly the two aspects of Fortune and Misfortune, is the God of good and bad fortune.

### Zorys

Zorys, formerly the aspect of Happiness, is the God of joy and rest.

### Faenya

Faenya, formerly the aspect of Bravery, is the Goddess of war, heroism and courage.

### Tasmir

Tasmir, formerly the aspects of Torment and Cruelty, is the spirit of torture and pain.

### Korath

Korath, formerly the aspect of Ravenous Hunger, sometimes referred to simply as Starvation, is the God-Creator of vampires and blood-beasts, the patron of cannibals and murderers and the Prince of Starvation.

### Nine Children

The Nine Children, better known as the Nine Lords of Hell, are the children of Hatred and Misery and the rulers of the Nine Hells. Today they are largely referred to as Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Vainglory and Melancholy, but their true names are Astarion, Dis, Minauros, Shand, Stygia, Malave, Maladomini, Cania and Karlach.

* **Astarion**, known otherwise as **Pride**, is the firstborn son of Hatred and Misery, the Lord of Astaria - the first hell.
* **Dis**, otherwise known as **Envy**, is the second of the twins born to Hatred and Misery, he is the Lord of the third hell and the younger brother to Wrath.
* **Minauros**, otherwise known as **Wrath**, is the first of the twins born to Hatred and Misery, she is the Lady of the second hell and the elder sister to Envy.
* **Shand**, otherwise known as **Sloth**, is the third-born to Hatred and Misery, she is the Lady of the fourth hell.
* **Stygia**, otherwise known as **Greed**, is the fifth child and third daughter of Hatred and Misery, she is the Lady of the fifth hell.
* **Malave**, otherwise known as **Gluttony**, is the sixth child and fourth daughter of Hatred and Misery, she is the Lady of the sixth hell.
* **Maladomini**, otherwise known as **Lust** or the Whore of Hell, is the seventh child and third son of Hatred and Misery, he is the Lord of the seventh hell.
* **Cania**, otherwise known as **Vainglory**, is the eighth child and fifth daughter of Hatred and Misery, she is the Lady of the eighth hell.
* **Karlach**, otherwise known as **Melancholy**, is the ninth and youngest of children born to Hatred and Misery, he is the Lord of the ninth hell.

## Celebrations

* **Last Day**, 28th of Vigles - consist of celebrations on the last day of the year, honouring the Gods and thanking them for a successful year.