This is part of a series on Arth’s Pantheon. Twice a month we’re taking a look at life on Arth and the gods that shape it. If you’re new to the series, get started with an overview. This post looks at the gods of the realm of light.
The gods of light are favorites of the people of Arth. Scriptures and myths depict them as altruistic, benevolent, and virtuous; quick to help the downtrodden and lift up the oppressed. Plus, nobody can smite like a deity of light. Big flashes, prismatic explosions, the whole deal. Watching them clear out the undead and demons is seriously impressive.
Musana
Musana, as she is known to all but the most devout Elves, is the goddess of light and life. The most devout Elves still refer to her by the first phrase of her full Elven name, Musalanthialana. She encourages purity and grace, and honors simple living. Her nature makes her the enemy of the undead, demons, and other creatures of foul magic. Musana’s high ideals make her popular with many, including the Order of the Sun. She is twin sister to Alluna.
Musana’s temples are among the most common and the grandest on Arth. Her clerics and paladins are in special demand for their services in trapping or banishing the undead, dark spirits, and rogue demons, and her temple has more professional heroes than even Tandos himself. Her conflicts with other gods are frequent and straightforward; once the Shimmering Lady has determined the just path, her foes can repent, surrender, or face her holy pursuit beyond the ends of Arth.
- Titles: The Great Light, the Shimmering Lady, the Maiden in White
- Race: Elf
- Status: Dominant
- Favored Weapon: Spear
- Holy Symbol: Sunburst, Stork
- Color: White
Fulgen
Fulgen is the god of light in the darkness, purity among corruption, truth amidst lies. He is the hope of all the races of Man, and has worshippers of every heritage. Among the Dwarves, he is a favorite of miners and professional heroes, but anyone will invoke the Lastlight in times of hopelessness. Yet one of the things that makes Fulgen mist famous is his silence; the Underglow does not speak or inspire scriptures. Dwarven tradition says that he is silent because he knows secrets that could shatter the Hall of the Gods, and his roar could unmake the world. According to the legends, Fulgen is biding his time, and when the moment is right he will speak on Arth again.
Fulgen has few temples. Fulgen is also the patron of the Dwarven Brotherhood of Flame, the Berserkers, who wander the world as the Underglow does. His clergy all serve underground, and while any who wish to join are welcome, the location limits most of his clerics and priests to Dwarves and Deep Gnomes.
However, people all over Arth erect small shrines to Father Tinderhope, and pray for help and aid in dark times. As a champion of the persecuted innocent, Fulgen is also known for outreach to the Shadowkin and the monstrous races. Many Orcs, Goblins, Ogres, and other NPCs worship him, either in addition to or instead of the gods of their race. This is especially true for those who were the creations of Noros. He has not fought against the other gods since the War of Betrayal, but is viewed by most temples as something of a meddler. Some of the Shadowkin gods resent the devotion he inspires in their people, especially Grund.
The first month of Arth’s calendar, commonly called Meltwater, is named for Fulgen.
- Titles: The Lastlight, the Underglow, Father Tinderhope
- Race: Dwarf
- Favored Weapon: Cudgel / Torch
- Holy Symbol: Glowmoth
- Color: Light Blue or Silver on Black
Tengar
Tengar is the Gnomish god of the sun, associated with virtue, honor, and esoteric knowledge. Usually depicted as a red-faced man with a long nose, most stories of Tengar tell of him hunting and punishing wrongdoers. He is the patron of Clan Tengar, the Sun Gnomes.
Tengar has temples on much of Arth, but his most grand edifices are built atop mountains and high hills. His paladins are among the finest troops in the Sky Knights, and a key part in the continued defense of Eagos. Tengar seldom starts conflicts, but he is quick to enter them when he is convinced one side is clearly in the wrong. He is locked in a long blood feud with Sitha.
- Titles: The Rising Sun, the Burning Emperor
- Race: Gnome
- Favored Weapon: Katana
- Holy Symbol: Eagle
- Colors: Red and White
Stennish God or Goddess
The name and realm of the Stennish god or goddess of light is a matter of debate among some scholars.
- Race: Sten
- Status: Banished
That’s it for this section of Arth’s Pantheon. You can get a good overview of the gods of Arth here. There’s more Arth Lore available on the blog as well. And in case you haven’t journeyed to Arth yourself yet, check out my books for some fantasy adventure that’s so funny, it’s epic.