The Gods of Enkratis

The Gods of Enkratis deities are archetypal, each representing a virtue to aspire to, except the last, the Unknown. Temples to all the gods are present in every city and most towns, even if it is merely a statue or alcove. Becoming a priest, priestess, monk or nun, is dependent upon the High Priests or Priestesses of the region. Some worship differs from region to region.

### **Justice**

* An older agender person, with a calm, easy smile, and consciously listening pose.
* *Symbol* - a flaming circle.

The god of Justice governs over ethics, rationality, law, equity, and government.  Temples of Justice are found in every town, usually acting as City or Town halls.   Priests are usually town or city leaders.

### **Mercy**

* An attractive young woman, holding a flower in one hand and a broken sword in the other.  She smiles fiercely.
* *Symbol* - a broken sword with a flower growing from its hilt.

The god of Mercy governs over benevolence, compassion, forgiveness and kindness.  Temples of Mercy are places where the homeless and lowest of society are welcomed, as are those who have done villainous deeds who wish to reform.  Priests are often reformed criminals and/or those who rose from the darker parts of society through the benevolence of others.

### **Purity**

* An androgynous child, with a shy smile upon their face, holding a white lily.
* *Symbol* - a white lily.

The god of Purity governs over youth, innocence, and the freeing of things from corruption.  Temples of Purity are often schools, playgrounds and hospitals.  Priests are often healers or caregivers.

### **Wisdom**

* An older man, weathered skin, holding a scythe in one hand and wheat in the other.  His face shows deep lines but a kind expression.
* *Symbol* - A scythe crossed with wheat.

The god of Wisdom governs over knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight, as well as the connection to the ancestors and their combined wisdom.  Temples of Wisdom are often constructed as libraries, so they  are found in most major cities and large towns.

### **Strength**

* An older woman, forging chains at an anvil.  Her gaze focused upon the chains.
* *Symbol* - An unbroken circle of chain.

The god of Strength governs over physical strength and endurance, as well as virtue, courage, willpower and perseverance.  Temples of Strength are often forges and arenas dedicated to testing and maintaining these traits.

### **Creation**

* A young man pouring a pitcher of water onto the ground.  Where the water flows across his feet, a river grows and flowers flare to life.  His gaze is sincere and kind.
* *Symbol* - A pitcher pouring out water.

The god of Creation governs over the ability to Make, whether that be a new person, place, thing or phenomenon.  Temples of Creation can be many things; a plant nursery, a pottery, a hospital dedicated to maternity, a workshop of a tinkerer or a mage.  Priests are often artisans, mages or healers.

### **The Unknown**

* An amorphous figure, draped in black cloth, hands, feet and face all in shadow.
* *Symbol* - a dark figure in black.

The god of the Unknown governs over death, chaos, the unknowable, the void.  Temples of the Unknown are the morgues and cemeteries.  Priests are end-of-life caregivers and gravediggers.