Numinis

## Origin

The singular term for this species is Numina, the plural term is Numinis. This species is old, as old as belief itself. It is born from the strong beliefs of many, and the individuals of this species are, in all technicality, created from small fragments of the souls of all those who worship and believe in them.

## History

There have been hundreds of these individuals throughout the history of the world. Organizations of these individuals are known as Pantheons, and each culture generally has one. Egyptians, Nords, Native Americans, all have, and had, their own Pantheons. Also, through history, it was not unknown for these individuals to change, as the beliefs about them changed, as evidence with the Greek Numinis, which changed when they became Roman. They have held great sway in history, with statues and references to them being found throughout the world.

There is a curious bit of conflict that has been discovered between the Numinis and the Creator. Each culture has their own creation stories, which most often include their own Numinis creating the world, rather than the Creator himself. This brings some things into creation, and has served to cause the Angels to hate this species, feeling that they are usurpers in the world. It is a very bad idea to refer to a Numinis as a god within the presence of an Angel.

## Society

The Numinis are split into different groups, known as Pantheons. Each Pantheon has origins in different parts of the world, as well as different rules governing them.

### Olympians

Originating in Europe, the Olympians are an old and powerful Pantheon. They are known to live in a realm known as Olympus.

The afterlife of the Olympians is known as Hades, where a Numina of the same name rules. It is split into three main sections. The Fields of Punishment, where evil individuals go, the Fields of Asphodel, where those of neutral worth go, and Elysium, where especially distinguished souls go for eternal paradise after death.

The Olympians are forbidden from directly participating in the events of the mortal world, and instead work through minor miracles, tragedies, and through their agents on earth. They are only allowed to take part in combat with a mortal if the mortal challenges or provokes them.

### Asgardians

Originating in Nordish lands, these Numinis are known to live in a realm known as Asgard.

Exact information on the realms of the afterlife in the Pantheon of the Asgardians is sketchy, but a general idea has been gleaned from available information. The first, is Helheim, which is said to be ruled by a Numina known as Hel. It is speculated that the souls of the wicked, or perhaps the feeble, go here. It is unclear which is true. The second, is Folkvang. This appears to be the destination for those who were not particular failures, or wicked, but the common folk, those who did not achieve great feats either. It is said to be resided over by Freya. The final realm is known as Valhalla, and it is said that great warriors, chosen by Odin himself, king of the Asgardians, go here to wage endless battles against the evil Frost Giants (perhaps a lesser faction of Giants that only exist in these realms?). This is a great honor among those that worship this Pantheon.

It seems that Asgardians are banned from participating in the events of the mortal realm, yet all the same, it is not unheard of to see them participating in wars in our realm. They are technically forbidden from having children with Humans but, it seems to happen from time to time all the same.

### Egyptians

Lacking a better name, these Numinis originate from Egypt, and the surrounding areas. The name of the realm that they reside in has been lost to time, or perhaps it was never known.

The afterlife of this pantheon is known as Duat, where the souls of those who have perished are judged, and if they are deemed wicked, consumed by some manner of beast.

This Pantheon seems to have attempted to distance itself from the mortal world, with many of its members being in hibernation. The reason for this seems to be unknown, even to them, though it could have to do with the disappearance of Ra, their leader. Occasionally, one may encounter members of this Pantheon, but this is a high rarity. They do not seem to have much in the way of governing rules, as members of this Pantheon participate in events of the mortal realm.

## Appearance

For the most part, Numinis look very similar to Humans. They can vary in size, based upon the power that they possess, though many are known to suppress this power in order to fit in among Humans better. Also, some are known to have animal-like features. A good example of this are the Egyptian Numinis, though they are known to change forms to appear Human at times. Many Numinis are known to be shapeshifters, and have their own symbolic animal, which they are known to turn into.

## Behavior

Numinis tend to vary quite alot in their personalities. More powerful ones do tend to have more aggressive, boisterous personalities. Less powerful individuals tend to be gentler, and/or more stealthy in how they operate.

## Abilities

The abilities of Numinis vary greatly, most often depending upon what they stand for. For instance, Zeus, king of the Greek Numinis, is known to hurl bolts of lightning, something shared with Thor, a warlike individual of the Nords. Provided is a list of various Pantheons, as well as powers that individuals within them exhibit.

## Weaknesses

Numinis tend to be rather situational in their power. Take them out of their element, and their power becomes diminished. Take a Numinis of the water into an area with none, and they become weaker. Take a Numinis of the air someplace that they cannot call upon the winds, and they too become weaker. For the most part, however, it seems that they follow certain guidelines as well. If one knows what guidelines apply to an individual (often determined by the Pantheon that they belong to), they can utilize this as well.

## Diet

Numinis do not require real food to exist. It has been observed that many will eat anyways, though it provides no real nutritional value. However, certain Pantheons have been observed to have their own special kind of food, such as ambrosia. It is unknown if this is eaten purely for personal reasons, or perhaps as a sort of supplement for their power.

Numinis do, however, require some sort of sustenance to survive. This sustenance comes in the form of beliefs. Those that worship a Numinis give it power. The more follows an individual has, the more powerful they are. This is true of most situations. Prayers tend to be the main form of followers giving their Numina sustenance, but some have been observed to feed off of fear, or hate.

## Life and Death

### Lifestyle/Lifespan

Numinis are immortal. They cannot die of old age. They can be killed, but this is a difficult task. First, one must slay the Numina itself. Then, they must destroy its focal point, or it will merely come back to life at that point. For some, this is a throne, for others, a certain artifact.

Numinis can also starve to death. This occurrence is rarely noticed, however, as it involves them becoming forgotten either. Even if so much as myths of a Numina survive, so will the Numina, though in a much weakened state.

### Reproduction

Reproduction among Numinis seems to be a rather complicated affair, yet at the same time being no more complicated than normal courtship. In all honesty, it seems to be at the will of those who worship these beings. If enough of the followers believe that two certain Numinus have a child together, it happens. Also, Numinis can reproduce with Humans, which results in a Demigod child. The chances of this being successful actually seem... guaranteed. But, these events are EXTREMELY rare, and the Numina parent almost always abandons both the child, and the parent, either after conception, or after the child is born.

### Death

In the rare occurrence that a Numina is killed, there is little information as to where its soul goes. It really depends upon the Pantheon, and the beliefs about it.

## Ranks

Rank E - Hearth God - These individuals are harmless. They are Numinis of beneficial, and humble things, such as homes decor and stylish footwear (yes, those are things).

Rank C - Merciful One - Less powerful individuals, these Numinis rarely engage in combat. They are often benign, or pranksters who enjoy causing grief.

Rank B - Immortal Spirit - The most common type of Numinis, these individuals are adept at combat. They are also known to stand for many different things, and are widely known. Bastet is a good example of this rank.

Rank A - Overlord - Very powerful Numinis, these individuals often serve as high ranking Pagan Gods, serving as second in commands, or princes among in their Pantheons. Thor, Sobek, and Artemis are among these individuals.

Rank S - Grand Deity - The most powerful of Numinis. These individuals are known by all. They serve as the kings and queens of their Pantheons. Zeus, Odin, and Ra are among these individuals.