Padovese Mythology: Goldly Origins

## The Gods

Solara - Goddess of the sun

Luna - Goddess of the moon

Bellator - God of war

Serenus - God of calmness and tranquility

Fulgora - Goddess of lightning and thunder

Noctiluca - Goddess of bioluminescence and nocturnal creatures

Messor - God of harvest and reaping

Vespera - Goddess of the evening and nightfall

Pulvis - God of dust and sandstorms

Luminar - God of light and illumination

Aquilon - God of the North wind and winter storms

Armissa - Goddess of the forest and wilderness

## Origin Stories:

#### **Solara:**

Solara was born in the fiery heart of a great star, before she was cast out and sent hurtling through the cosmos. Her journey through the void was long and treacherous, and she emerged from it a changed being.

As the goddess of the sun, Solara had immense power and influence over the land of Padavium. She was worshipped by the people as a bringer of warmth and light, but as time passed, she began to grow restless and bored with her role.

Solara began to experiment with her powers, using them to manipulate the weather and the seasons in ways that pleased her. Sometimes she would bless the land with bountiful harvests and beautiful sunsets, but other times she would scorch the earth with droughts and heatwaves, or unleash devastating storms upon the land.

The people of Padavium grew increasingly fearful of Solara, and began to question whether she was truly benevolent. Some whispered that she was a capricious and fickle goddess, who cared little for the mortal lives she held in her hands.

Solara herself was conflicted. On one hand, she enjoyed the power and adoration that came with being a deity. On the other hand, she felt a growing sense of guilt and shame for the harm she had caused.

In her heart, Solara knew that she could no longer continue down this path. She knew that she had to change her ways and find a way to make amends for the damage she had done.

And so, Solara began to work with the other gods of Padavium, using her powers to bring balance and harmony to the land. She worked to heal the scars of the past and bring new life to the people of Padavium, earning their trust and respect once more.

But even as Solara sought to redeem herself, there were those who still questioned her motives. Some believed that she was merely biding her time, waiting for an opportunity to strike and assert her dominance once again.

Solara knew that she would never be able to fully shake off her reputation as a morally grey deity. But she also knew that she could use her powers for good, and that through her actions, she could prove to the people of Padavium that she was worthy of their trust and worship.

#### **Luna:**

Luna was born from the chaos that existed before the creation of the world. She emerged fully formed from the darkness, her skin as pale as the moon that would one day bear her name.

As the goddess of the moon, Luna had the power to control the tides and the cycles of nature. She was worshipped by the people of Padavium as a bringer of light and guidance, but as time passed, Luna began to feel a growing sense of emptiness within her.

She longed for something more, something that would fill the void in her heart. And so, Luna began to experiment with her powers, using them to manipulate the emotions and desires of the mortals who worshipped her.

Sometimes she would bless them with visions of beauty and wonder, but other times she would torment them with nightmares and fears. Luna reveled in the power she held over the minds of the people, and soon became known as a fickle and capricious deity.

As time passed, Luna grew increasingly isolated and lonely. She began to question the morality of her actions, and the toll that her manipulation had taken on the people of Padavium.

In her heart, Luna knew that she could no longer continue down this path. She knew that she had to find a way to make amends for the harm she had caused, and to earn the trust and respect of the mortals once more.

And so, Luna began to work with the other gods of Padavium, using her powers to bring balance and harmony to the land. She worked to heal the scars of the past and bring new life to the people of Padavium, earning their trust and respect once more.

But even as Luna sought to redeem herself, there were those who still questioned her motives. Some believed that she was merely biding her time, waiting for an opportunity to strike and assert her dominance once again.

Luna knew that she would never be able to fully shake off her reputation as a morally grey deity. But she also knew that she could use her powers for good, and that through her actions, she could prove to the people of Padavium that she was worthy of their trust and worship.

#### **Bellator:**

Bellator was once a mortal warrior who lived in the land of Padavium, a world torn apart by conflict. As a child, he witnessed firsthand the horrors of war, as his village was sacked and burned by an invading army. He was forced to flee, wandering alone and afraid for years before he was finally taken in by a band of mercenaries.

Under their tutelage, Bellator honed his skills as a warrior and learned the art of strategy and tactics. He became known as a thoughtful and careful fighter, always considering the consequences of his actions before engaging in battle.

When he was mortally wounded in a particularly brutal fight, Bellator prayed to the gods for the strength to continue fighting. His prayers were answered, and he was transformed into a god of war, revered by the people of Padavium as a fierce and powerful deity capable of leading armies to victory and protecting his followers from harm.

As a god, Bellator remained true to his morality. He was careful about when wars started and who won, and he only lent his support to those who met his strict conditions for victory. He believed that wars should only be fought for just causes, and that they should be waged with the utmost care and consideration for all involved.

To win Bellator's favor, one must offer unique offerings that showcase their dedication and commitment to the cause. The offerings may include rare weapons, armor, or other items of great value. However, Bellator places great emphasis on the quality of the offerings, not the quantity.

Despite his reputation as a god of war, Bellator was known for his compassion and empathy. He understood the horrors of war better than anyone, and he was always willing to lend his aid to those who suffered as a result of it.

However, Bellator had a deep-seated hatred for the race of the Soles, as they had been responsible for the destruction of his village and the deaths of his family. While he remained morally upright in all other aspects, this hatred clouded his judgment when it came to the Soles, making him more willing to support their enemies in battle.

Throughout his reign as a god, Bellator remained a symbol of hope and justice, a deity who stood for the protection of the innocent and the defeat of evil in the land of Padavium. Though his past was filled with tragedy and violence, he remained true to his morality and his commitment to justice. And through his actions, he proved that even in the darkest of times, there was always a glimmer of hope for a brighter future in the land of Padavium.

#### **Serenus:**

Serenus was once a mortal woman who lived in the land of Padavium. She was known for her love of silence and stillness, often retreating to the quiet of the forest to meditate and contemplate the mysteries of the universe.

Despite her love for stillness, Serenus was not always tranquil. In her youth, she was prone to fits of anger and frustration, lashing out at those around her and causing chaos wherever she went.

But one day, while meditating beneath a tree in the forest, Serenus experienced a profound spiritual awakening. She felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility wash over her, and she knew that she had found her true calling in life.

From that day forward, Serenus dedicated herself to a life of inner peace and tranquility. She studied the teachings of the great spiritual masters, honing her skills in meditation and mindfulness until she became a true master of the art.

When she was finally transformed into a god of calmness and tranquility, Serenus brought her teachings to the people of Padavium. She urged them to seek inner peace and to value stillness and silence in a world that was often chaotic and noisy.

To win Serenus's favor, one must offer items that symbolize serenity and tranquility. An example of a past offering that Serenus accepted was a small, intricately carved statue of a meditating figure, made from the rarest and most precious of woods. This offering demonstrated the depth of the giver's commitment to stillness and inner peace.

As a god, Serenus remained steadfast in her commitment to calmness and tranquility. She believed that the quiet of the forest and the stillness of the mind were the keys to inner peace, and she urged her followers to seek out these things whenever they could.

However, Serenus was not afraid to use her powers to quell violence and restore order when necessary. She was known to intervene in conflicts and to use her powers to calm even the most violent of individuals, bringing an end to conflicts that might otherwise have spiraled out of control.

Throughout her reign as a god, Serenus remained a symbol of serenity and inner peace, a deity who stood for the protection of the innocent and the promotion of harmony in the land of Padavium. Though her past was filled with turmoil and chaos, she had found her way to a life of tranquility, and she urged others to do the same. And through her example, she proved that even the most tumultuous of lives could be transformed into one of stillness and serenity.

#### **Fulgora:**

Fulgora was born in the midst of a raging thunderstorm, in a flash of lightning that illuminated the night sky. From that moment on, she was destined to become the God of Lightning, feared and respected by all who witnessed her power.

Growing up, Fulgora was known for her quick wit and her cunning nature. She was always one step ahead of her peers, able to outsmart them with ease and earn their respect through her sheer force of will.

As she matured, Fulgora's powers grew stronger. She learned to control the lightning that arced across the sky, bending it to her will and using it to strike down those who dared to oppose her.

To win Fulgora's favor, one must offer offerings that symbolize their respect for her power and their willingness to serve her. An example of a past offering that Fulgora accepted was a statue of a bolt of lightning, made from the finest metals and imbued with the power of the storm.

As a god, Fulgora remained true to her nature as a force of destruction. She believed that power and authority were the keys to success in life, and she urged her followers to strive for these things at all costs.

However, Fulgora was not without her compassion. She understood the struggles of those who lived in fear of the storm, and she was always willing to lend her aid to those who needed it most.

Throughout her reign as a god, Fulgora remained a symbol of power and destruction, a deity who stood for the might of the storm and the strength of lightning. Though her powers were fearsome and her nature was unforgiving, she had found a way to channel her energy into a force for good, using her lightning to strike down those who would do harm to the innocent and protect the people of Padavium from harm. And through her example, she proved that even the most destructive of forces could be harnessed for the greater good.

#### **Noctiluca:**

Noctiluca was born in the darkest depths of the forest, where the moon never shone. From a young age, she was blessed with the ability to shape-shift and take on the form of any living thing when the moon was at a half or quarter phase.

As she grew older, Noctiluca learned to use her powers to blend in with the creatures of the night, stalking her prey with deadly precision. She could take on the form of a bat, a wolf, or a spider, moving through the forest with ease and grace.

Noctiluca was known for her extreme patience, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Her patience was legendary, and it was said that she could wait for an eternity if necessary.

Noctiluca was also known for her love of riddles and puzzles, which she used to manipulate and torment those around her. Her riddles were often impossible to solve, and those who failed to answer them were often subjected to her wrath.

To win Noctiluca's favor, one must offer offerings that symbolize their respect for her power and their willingness to serve her. An example of a past offering that Noctiluca accepted was a small statue of a spider, made from the blood of a victim.

As a goddess, Noctiluca remained true to her nature as a creature of the night. She believed in the power of darkness and the mysteries of the unknown, and she urged her followers to embrace these things and to appreciate the beauty of the nocturnal world.

Noctiluca was not without her cruelty. She enjoyed tormenting those who feared the night, and she was always willing to lend her aid to those who wished to cause harm.

Throughout her reign as a goddess, Noctiluca remained a symbol of the beauty and power of the night, a deity who stood for the mysteries of the unknown and the strength of patience and cunning. Though her powers were fearsome and her nature was enigmatic, she had found a way to channel her energy into a force for evil, using her shape-shifting abilities to stalk and terrorize the innocent and bring chaos to the land of Padavium. And through her example, she proved that even the most mysterious of creatures could be harnessed for the greater evil.

#### **Messor:**

Messor was born in the fields of Padavium, in a time when the land was barren and the people were starving. From a young age, he was blessed with the power to bring forth bountiful harvests and to reap the rewards of hard work and dedication.

As he grew older, Messor learned to use his powers to feed the sincere and humble, those who appreciated the blessings of the land and worked hard to earn their keep. He never let the overindulgent eaters ever get full because they were never grateful for the abundance of food they had.

Messor was a fair god, known for his impartiality and his commitment to justice. He would never let his power be used for personal gain or to favor one person over another. An example of his fairness was when two neighboring farmers had a dispute over a piece of land that both claimed as their own. Messor appeared before them and told them to each plant a seed in the disputed land at the same time and let nature decide which one would grow. The farmer whose seed grew into the strongest plant was declared the rightful owner of the land.

To win Messor's favor, one must offer offerings that symbolize their respect for his power and their willingness to be charitable and help the needy. An example of a past offering that Messor accepted was a basket of freshly harvested crops, which were then distributed among the poor and hungry.

As a god, Messor remained true to his nature as a god of harvest and reaping. He believed in the power of hard work and dedication, and he urged his followers to embrace these values and to appreciate the blessings of the land.

Messor was not without his compassion. He understood the struggles of those who were less fortunate, and he was always willing to lend his aid to those who needed it most. He accepted the offerings of feeding the needy and being charitable as a sign of his followers' dedication to helping others.

Throughout his reign as a god, Messor remained a symbol of the power of hard work and dedication, a deity who stood for the importance of justice and fairness. Though his powers were great and his nature was firm, he had found a way to channel his energy into a force for good, using his abilities to ensure that the land of Padavium remained prosperous and bountiful for all its people. And through his example, he proved that even the simplest of values could be harnessed for the greater good.

#### **Vespera:**

In the land of Padova, there was a time when the goddess who would eventually be known as Vespera went by a different name: Seracusa. Seracusa was a name whispered in hushed tones, a name associated with an orphan who found solace in the night, but whose true potential remained hidden.

Born into obscurity, Seracusa endured a lonely existence, devoid of love or guidance. She was shunned by society, her presence a reminder of the unwanted and discarded. Yet, Seracusa possessed an inner strength that refused to be extinguished. Her heart, though scarred, burned with an indomitable spirit.

It was during one fateful night, as Seracusa gazed upon the moon's reflection in a secluded pond, that she witnessed the celestial dance of stars. In that moment, a profound realization washed over her. She understood that her destiny lay beyond the confines of mortal limitations.

With unwavering determination, Seracusa embarked on a journey of self-discovery, delving into the ancient lore and hidden knowledge of the world. She sought the wisdom of sages, communed with mystical creatures, and immersed herself in the secrets of the night. Through her tireless pursuit, Seracusa unraveled the dormant power that flowed through her veins.

In a moment of profound transformation, Seracusa stood at the precipice of ascension. As her mortal form shed its earthly shackles, her essence merged with the boundless energy of the night. In that transcendent instant, she became something greater, something divine.

With her newfound divinity came a rebirth, and with it, a new name: Vespera. The name carried the weight of her celestial transformation, representing her embodiment of the evening and nightfall. Vespera, the Goddess of twilight and darkness, now walked among mortals, radiating an ethereal beauty and power that commanded reverence.

As Vespera, she left behind the pain and rejection of her past. The people of Padova, unaware of her true identity, began to whisper stories of a mysterious goddess who graced the night. They marveled at the way twilight seemed to dance in her presence, and how her touch brought comfort to those who sought solace in the depths of darkness.

Vespera embraced her role as the Goddess of the evening and nightfall, her name becoming synonymous with the magic and allure of twilight. She guided lost souls through the veils of dusk, offering them a glimmer of hope and the courage to face their darkest fears. The transformation from Seracusa to Vespera marked not only her ascension to godhood but also a profound shift in the collective consciousness of Padova—a recognition of the power and beauty that lay within the night.

And so, Vespera, once known as Seracusa, became a symbol of transformation and triumph over adversity. Her name echoed through the land, forever tied to the enchantment of the evening and the splendor of nightfall.

#### **Pulvis:**

In the kingdom of Padova, there was a god known as Pulvis, the God of Dust and Sandstorms. His origin story is one of envy, exile, and a relentless pursuit of power. Let us delve into the tale of Pulvis, shaped by ambition and the unforgiving sands of the "Land of the Ancients."

Pulvis was born into an aristocratic and noble family, destined to forever remain in the shadows of his older siblings. As the fourth child, he yearned for validation and recognition but was met with disappointment and envy. This competitive upbringing fueled a fire within him, driving him to seek power by any means necessary.

However, Pulvis' insatiable hunger for power led him down a treacherous path. His ambition and unforgiving nature soon caught up with him, resulting in his exile to the barren desert known as the "Land of the Ancients." It was in this desolate wasteland that Pulvis witnessed haunting visions of the previous kings who once ruled the lush land. These kings, cursed by their arrogance towards the gods, suffered a fate of eternal torment.

The visions ignited a relentless obsession within Pulvis. He embarked on a perilous journey, scouring the vast desert in search of the powers possessed by the old kings. His quest led him to a fateful discovery—an underground library concealed beneath a tomb hidden in the heart of the desert. Within its ancient walls, Pulvis unearthed forbidden texts and gained access to the secrets of the gods themselves.

Through sheer determination and a willingness to embrace the curse that befell the ancient kings, Pulvis ascended, becoming a deity in his own right. He emerged as Pulvis, the God of Dust and Sandstorms, wielding the powers once held by the rulers of the lush lands.

Pulvis, though possessing immense power, was not a god without a test for those who sought his favor. When mortals called upon him, he granted their wishes, but with the passage of years, dust and decay would befall them. In this trial, Pulvis tested their loyalty and determination, seeking to discern if they would remain steadfast even in the face of hardship.

To appease Pulvis and gain his favor, offerings were required. Ancient tree barks, discovered within the barren desert during the hottest days of the year, were collected and burned. The rising smoke carried the prayers and requests of mortals to the divine realm of Pulvis.

Upon his return to Padova, Pulvis's wrath knew no bounds. Consumed by vengeance for his exile, he turned his family's estate, once his birthright, into a swirling vortex of dust. The grand halls and opulent rooms crumbled under the weight of his retribution. In a final act of revenge, he pulverized his family, their bodies reduced to particles forever scattered in the wind.

Since that day, Pulvis' powers have been sought after by those who crave revenge or seek unimaginable might. However, only a select few have proven their loyalty through the hardships that befall them. Padova, the kingdom of his origins, stands as a testament to the consequences of betrayal and the power of Pulvis, the God of Dust and Sandstorms.

And so, the tale of Pulvis echoes through the annals of history. His envy and exile, his relentless pursuit of power, and his trials of loyalty shape the narrative of a god who emerged from the barren sands to command the storms of dust and sand.

#### **Luminar:**

In the realm of Padavium, there was a god known as Luminar, the God of Light and Illumination. His origins were born from humble beginnings, as Barii Basiliso, in a peasant family. Unbeknownst to him, destiny had a grand plan in store for his life, one that would forever change his fate and grant him godhood.

Barii Basiliso's life took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into the king's Poor Fucking Infantry (PFI) as a Medic. Reluctant and filled with apprehension, he embarked on a journey that would alter the course of history.

It was on a fateful day, as Barii's ship set sail to confront the rivals to the throne, that the admiral of the vessel, Marianus Polorus, noticed an ominous storm brewing on the turbulent Aerondite Sea. Ignoring the signs of impending danger, the ship pressed on into the heart of the tempest.

Within the storm, chaos reigned as dark and unidentifiable creatures took flight, attacking the ill-fated vessel. In the face of this darkness, fear gripped Barii's heart, and in a moment of desperation, he let out a scream that reverberated through the storm. To everyone's astonishment, the light within his soul erupted, illuminating the entire tempest.

The brilliance of Barii's inner light was blinding, and its power was such that it consumed the ship and all aboard. The darkness was vanquished, but at a great cost. The vessel was lost, its crew perished, save for one missing soul.

When news of the ship's disappearance reached the shores of Padavium, a search team was dispatched. They discovered the wreckage of the ship, remnants of a catastrophic event that claimed many lives. However, amidst the devastation, there was one notable absence—the body of Barii Basiliso.

Unbeknownst to all, Barii had transformed into Luminar, the God of Light and Illumination. In the clearing of the storm, he absorbed the power and light of the souls that perished in the Aerondite Sea. Their essence merged with his, transforming him into a divine being, radiating with an ethereal glow.

To honor Luminar and seek his divine favor, followers offered unique offerings. In a ceremony known as the "Harvest of Radiance," worshippers presented precious gemstones and mirrors, reflecting the brilliance of Luminar's divine light. These offerings symbolized the illumination and enlightenment that his presence brought to their lives.

And so, Luminar, once Barii Basiliso, emerged as a deity of light and illumination, revered throughout Padavium. His origins as a humble peasant and his transformation through the cataclysmic storm became a tale of awe and wonder. From that day forward, Luminar's divine radiance guided and inspired his followers, spreading light and dispelling darkness wherever his presence touched.

In the annals of Padavium's history, the story of Luminar, the God of Light and Illumination, stands as a testament to the transformative power of destiny and the eternal brilliance that can arise from the most unexpected of origins.

#### **Aquilon:**

In the realm of Padavium, there once sailed a man named Quintilius Pellaus, chosen by the king to embark on an expedition to the treacherous North Sea. His mission was to seek new lands, valuable minerals, and establish trade with distant peoples. With a crew of brave sailors, they set sail, unaware of the fate that awaited them.

During a fateful night aboard their ship, a haunting noise emanated from the captain's cabin. Though the crew dismissed it, the rising sun revealed a gruesome sight—the lifeless body of their captain, hanging by a noose, his limbs twisted in a grotesque manner. Panic gripped the crew, and suspicion fell upon Quintilius and his fellow crewmate, Barnabas Lucus, who had been on night patrol.

Despite their protestations of innocence, the crew cast doubt upon Quintilius and Barnabas, locking them in cages that dangled precariously over the ship's edge. In a desperate plea, Quintilius called upon the goddess Noctiluca, who held dominion over the night and mysteries. Noctiluca appeared before him, offering assistance, but at a price—the fulfillment of a future favor.

Noctiluca swiftly transported Quintilius to the northern shores, honoring her end of the bargain. In the years that followed, Quintilius failed to uphold his part of the agreement, unable to solve the riddle Noctiluca had posed. As the contract dictated, Quintilius was returned to the same spot on the northern shores, where Noctiluca awaited.

With a resounding clap, Noctiluca revealed an ancient mosaic beneath Quintilius—a depiction of the moon. True to their agreement, Noctiluca granted Quintilius godhood but in the most malicious form. He was transformed into Aquilon, the God of the Wind and Winter Storms, cursed to forever remain within the confines of the North Sea.

Aquilon, scarred and deformed, now looked after the treacherous waters he once sailed. Consumed by bitterness and vengeance, he conjured powerful cold storms and unleashed relentless gusts of wind to wreck any ship daring to enter his domain. His wrath knew no bounds, sinking vessels and claiming countless lives.

To appease the wrathful Aquilon and seek his favor, the people of Padavium devised a unique offering—a musical performance reminiscent of the kingdom's grandeur. They would gather talented musicians to play haunting melodies and mournful tunes, evoking memories of Quintilius's origins and the betrayal that led to his transformation. It was a somber tribute, a reminder of the price paid for broken promises and the unyielding nature of the wind and winter storms.

Thus, the legend of Aquilon, the God of the Wind and Winter Storms, was born—a tragic figure forever trapped within his icy domain, unleashing his wrath upon those who dared to challenge the might of the tempestuous seas. And his twisted form stood as a reminder of the consequences of unfulfilled vows and the darkness that dwells within the hearts of mortals.

#### **Armissa:**

In the southern reaches of Padavium, a child named Pavetta Hanorius was born into a world that seemed determined to cast her aside. Frail and weak, she was left in the heart of the dense forest, abandoned by those who should have nurtured her. A cruel fate awaited her, or so it seemed.

However, fate works in mysterious ways, and as young Pavetta lay vulnerable among the towering trees, a fox appeared. This was no ordinary fox—it was a spirit, embodying the souls of infants who had perished in the woods, victims of neglect or misfortune. Moved by compassion, the fox took Pavetta under its care, becoming both her guardian and foster parent.

Nourished by the supernatural milk of the spirit fox, Pavetta's skin transformed into a mesmerizing hue of turquoise, a testament to her newfound connection with the mystical forces of the forest. As Pavetta grew, so did her hatred for those who would abandon their own offspring. The love and protection she received from the spirit fox fueled an unwavering determination to defend innocent lives.

Pavetta, now known as Armissa, the Goddess of the Forest and Wilderness, made it her divine mission to punish negligent parents who dared to leave their children in the woods. With her otherworldly powers, she would exact swift justice, taking the lives of those who had forsaken their responsibilities. However, she did not stop at retribution alone. Armissa would then employ her powers to raise the abandoned children as a special kind of dryad priestess, instilling within them a profound connection to the natural world.

News of Armissa's wrath spread through Padavium like wildfire. The citizens, in awe of her powers and grateful for her intervention, began to revere her as a deity. She became a symbol of protection and fertility, for the population of the kingdom had thrived in the generations that followed her acts of divine intervention. In her honor, shrines were erected in the heart of the forest, where the people would leave offerings of food for the dryads, the living embodiments of Armissa's love and care.

But Armissa's role extended beyond retribution and the raising of abandoned children. She also assumed the sacred responsibility of safeguarding the forests and guiding lost souls back to the path of safety. Travelers who ventured through the wilderness found solace in her presence, and lost wanderers were gently nudged back onto the right track. For Armissa understood that her influence over the mortal realm was essential to establishing her divinity. She was determined to prove that she was not a weak god, but rather a powerful force of protection and nurture.

And so, the legend of Armissa, the Goddess of the Forest and Wilderness, grew throughout Padavium. Her turquoise visage became a symbol of hope and her actions a testament to the consequences of neglect and the power of compassion. As long as the people of Padavium honored her with their shrines and offerings, Armissa would continue to watch over the forests, safeguard the vulnerable, and weave her divine presence into the very fabric of their lives.