Gods and Demons

Gods and Demons are powerful, immortal beings originating from the heavens. Though poorly understood, there is a wealth of tales about gods and demons throughout Velismeret. In general, "god" refers to a powerful spirit which is forthright in its dealings with mortals. "Demon" refers to more capricious spirits, or to the patron gods of hated foes. "Spirit" is a catch-all term for any immortal being which exists beyond regular life, usually used with neutral connotation or in reference to a lesser spirit. Following the Fall of Shinar, many spirits vanished and most of the gods abandoned humanity. The Zaplanyne Empire's god is a notable exception, maintaining patronage towards humanity, while some other gods continue to give favors in exchange for tribute.

It is worth noting that there is no god, demon, or spirit which governs or even engages in enchantment. To spirits, who are otherwise immortal and immutable, enchantment poses an existential threat. For this reason, spirits view enchanters with scorn and fear.

## Examples

It is difficult to make general statements about the gods and demons of Velismeret, as their natures and places in the world follow few consistent patterns. As such, examples are given below to give a rough idea of what these gods and demons are. This section will be expanded in the future.

### Aamon

Alansian tradition states that by casting rubies into the ocean, a seal-like being called Aamon can be called upon. Aamon lends his aid to schemers, from lovestruck youth seeking their beloveds' affections all the way to grand conspirators. It is an open secret that House Kaivos makes frequent deals with Aamon, using its ruby mines to maintain a constant source of tribute to maintain its strong position.

### Halogi

Halogi is an ancient Norður god of flame. It is said that he will appear to travelers and offer the heat of his campfire in exchange for food. In the summer, he gorges himself on the food he received, and if he is still hungry he will start forest fires in anger. Traditionally burnt offerings were made to ward off Halogi's wildfires, but Ozhinshin law bans such wasteful rituals.

### Malroth

There was once a city in western Varhus where a demon known as Malroth was worshipped. Malroth hungered deeply, and to sate him a man was sacrificed each day. The man would be consumed and his possessions melted down. The city continued this way for years until a wandering swordsman came and, hearing the barbaric practice of the city, took up arms against the priesthood. He quickly revealed that the high priest was keeping the stolen possessions for himself, and the people cast out the priests of Malroth. That night, the people celebrated their freedom. The next day, the city was a smoldering crater.

### Marduk

The ancient ruler of Shinar before the rise of the Shinar Empire, Marduk was said to show himself only when a new governor was instated. Each governor was merely a representative of Marduk, growing the city to enable greater tributes to Marduk. Isin claiming the title of Emperor was seen as a betrayal against Marduk, though by all accounts Isin still made the expected sacrifices. Worship of Marduk gave away to dealings with foreign gods with domains far beyond a single city, but even centuries after the Fall of Shinar there is a dedicated cult of Marduk in Shinar City.