Gods

**Gods** are beings from the Human Realm or Midgard with great control over elemental energy and whose lifespans are much longer than that of mortals. Most gods on Athanor are beholden to Celestia, although several gods have displayed wariness or even resentment towards the heavenly citadel.

Before the Archon War, many gods roamed the continent of Athanor. For reasons unknown, seven divine seats opened up in Celestia, causing the continent to descend into a protracted series of conflicts that ended 2000 years ago. Over the course of the war, most gods were slain or sealed until only seven victors remained; each victor became their respective element's Archon and became the rulers of one of the seven nations, using their powers to transform its terrain and governing the land according to their ideals.

## Overview

Very little is currently known about the origins of gods. As evidenced by Schwartz and Rheysus, gods can be elevated from a lower existence and given powers from another god. Ithar, Naxtos, Haoguang, Ereya, Iglios, Jyoti and Belyakov's origins have been left a mystery, and have presently been referred to as gods since the start of their recorded histories.

In the past, gods were expected to have a love for humanity, and use their powers as gods to guide and protect humanity; Rheysus, who held a low opinion of human society, was viewed as an oddity. However, after The Seven were established and its original members passed on, the newer archons no longer upheld the duty of guiding humanity.

## Types of Gods

### Supreme Gods

"Supreme God" appears to be a title given to a deity that is far more powerful than the average. They usually are the leader or the supreme deity of their respective pantheons. Supreme Gods are usually rulers of important regions or realms and because of their position they have multiple benefits alongside heavy responsibilities. When the gods are at war, its their duty to fight at the frontlines and lead their armies. They are also called Chief Gods.

### Primordial Gods

It is unknown what exactly is a Primordial God. However, from their name, it can be assumed that they are Gods that are far older than the average deity.

### Demigods

Demigods are half-God and half-Human deities. The difference between a demigod and a full God is very unclear. Demigods are also not necessarily weaker than full Gods, despite being a demigod. The common characteristic among all demigods and what seems to separate them from the Gods is their inherent deep connection with Humanity.

## Abilities

**Overall Abilities**: Gods are by far the most powerful beings in existence. They were able to defeat all their enemies and assert themselves as the rulers of all the three realms (Heaven, Earth and Hell). It has been stated and shown that they are capable of causing massive destruction and influencing reality to a great extent: Creating life, evolving animals, flooding the Earth, destroying key elements of civilizations, creating an Ice Age and wiping out Humanity are some of the feats that the Gods have claimed to be capable of doing or have done it at some point in history.

**Divine Physiology**: Most Gods have physical abilities far greater than most Humans. They are also immune to all attacks with manmade weapons, which also possibly includes nuclear weapons. However, they can still be harmed by Divine Weapons and by unarmed attacks from individuals with superhuman strength. Some Gods also have supernatural abilities, such as Hao Guang's electrokinesis or Kaijin's misfortune manipulation.

**Semi-Immortality**: The gods appear to be unable to die due to old age. They also appear to be immune to the effects of time, where they stop aging upon reaching a certain age. However, they can still be killed by other means.

**Divine Weapon Creation**: Gods have the ability to forge Divine Weapons. These weapons are superior to all man-made weapons and are one of the main reasons for the Gods' tremendous power over Humanity.

## Story

### Ancient History

Based on current knowledge, most if not all gods came into being after the establishment of the Human Realm and hold the Human Realm's power, making them incompatible with the Light Realm and Void Realm's powers under normal circumstances. Elemental dragons hold power equal to a god's.

### Archon War

The Archon War was a prolonged conflict between gods for supremacy that began several thousand years ago and ended two thousand years ago. It is unclear how long ago the War began or why it did; however, before then, gods were able to live together peacefully.

### Present Day

Among The Seven, each Archon is associated with and worshipped by one of Athanor's seven nations. The nation's elemental environment is based on its Archon's element.