"What is the difference between a god and a man? A man hopes for tomorrow, a god decides tomorrow" - Morgan Daybreak  

 

There are many beings in the Aratonian mythos that could be considered a "God" so first, let's define godhood. There are two main types of gods worshiped by the peoples of the Penta Mundos. Divine gods, and Ethereal gods. Many consider divine gods to be more powerful than ethereal gods, but I believe making that distinction is a waste of time. Both are extremely powerful entities capable of things far beyond mortals' wildest dreams. In some circumstances, divinity could be considered stronger, in others, ethereal. By the time you've read all this hopefully, you'll have your own educated opinion. Divine gods are spirits with a direct connection to Kainithros. This connection can be strengthened by the god obtaining more worshipers. More worshipers mean a stronger connection, which means more power can be drawn from the heavenly realm. Once someone is imbued with divinity, they will age at a fraction of the pace they once did. Their senses will all be amplified, and their body will be able to endure far more strain and punishment than they used to. Divine beings can use their power to mend flesh and bone, control natural elements, manipulate preexisting substances, dominate the wills of animals and creatures alike, and forcibly invoke emotions in mortals just by their will alone. Divine beings are able to do a great many things, but the aforementioned feats are commonly displayed by gods. Divine gods have a strong, self-imposed sense of order that often prevents them from warring with each other directly. Each one of the divine gods hopes to stand before Mahaan Ek and the end of The Days of Wrath and be rewarded for fulfilling their purpose. Ethereal gods are different from divine gods in that their power comes from a connection to Sundarriom and is not strengthened by the size of their following. Ethereal gods are immensely powerful spirits imbued with the essence of Amare Ek, also known as The First Bride, allowing them to access a type of magic known as "Elder Magic", the highest tier of magical energy possible. Imagine being able to cast every single spell known to mortals and not need any physical components, nor any verbal incantations. These spirits can cast ritual magic instantly and silently, they can cast spells on a location or person from an entirely different galaxy. Even High Magic is simplistic to them. While Ethereal spirits may act differently, they share a common goal. That is, to be the first being to merge with Sundarriom. This motive causes the ethereal spirits to be rather unpredictable at times.  

 

 

The dominant religious practice among the Alynian Empire is "Septeanity". 

Septeanity encourages the worship of seven divine religious deities such as Ordo, Aeas, Araton, Korynth, Meridin, Septimus, and Agnir. There are also a host of Saints recognized by the religion who are often referred to as "angels" by those who are not initiated into the practice of septeanity.

It is believed there are as many saints as there are stars in the night sky, but only fifteen have revealed their names to the Temple of Septeanity. 

 

The Temple of Septeanity is led by one man who is anointed by the gods themselves in a sacred ceremony. Once anointed, this particular man changes his name and from that day forth is referred to only as "The Magnum Audientis". According to Septeanity beliefs, The Magnum Audientis is in direct communication with each of the seven paragons of the faith. It's through him that the Septenarium deliver their divine will. Underneath the Magnum Audientis are seven Cardinals who are known to frequently travel the Penta Mundos in search of new locations to construct temples. Each Cardinal is given a caterva of forty-two Archbishops who transcribe religious teachings as instructed by the Cardinals as well as make copies of previously written religious manuscripts. Each Archbishop is allowed five Bishops who study underneath the Archbishop so that they can be ready to take his place if needed, as well as work to keep the temple they are assigned to clean and well-kept. 

 

The Temple of Septeanity teaches its congregation that in order to be accepted into Kainithros, they must memorize the Sanctum Verbum and obey its teachings. Those who do not devote their life to earning a place in Kainithros will be punished by spending their eternal after-life in one of the many hells of Abaros. The Sanctum Verbum is a collection of writings believed to have been written by Ordo himself and given to the lesser gods. The first of these texts is known as the Prae Primus Peccatum and tells of how things were before the Seige on Eternity took place. In addition to the Prae Primus Peccatum, there are six other sacred texts that detail the authority of each god and provide instructions on how to faithfully worship each of them.

Prae Primus Peccatum

1:1. In the beginning, there was light and the light dwelled within all that there was and the light came from our father and the light was our father. 

1:2. My brother and I walked among the light and heard its song and its song filled us with purpose and with power that was true and everlasting.

1:3. There came a day when the light was needed elsewhere and so the light left and in its place were the echoes of light who were allowed to walk the halls of the house eternal.

1:4. My brother held hatred in his heart for the Echoes of Light and so the song inside him turned sour and bitter. 

1:5. His tune became vile and all of the light began to rebuke his ill intent. 

1:6. My brother's eyes adverted their gaze from the light and witnessed a terrible beckoning from beyond the house eternal.

1:7. I gave chase to my brother for I had not forgotten what lies beyond the House Eternal but I was not fast enough. 

1:8. My brother had gone and what was in his place was no brother of mine.

1:9. I witnessed what was before me, though I did recognize the creature. Something else was wearing the face of my brother. It was a twisted corruption of my father's design. It was unspeakable.

1:10. My brother cast me to the ground as if I was meaningless to him. He set upon the house eternal but was stopped by the Echoes of Light.

1:11. In a horrific display of power every one who stood before him was cast down from The Mountain of the Most High.

1:12. The creature broke the chains on the doors of the house eternal and walked the halls once again, only this time he was singing his song. 

1:13. His song was vile and putrid and from his tune came a deep darkness and this darkness was from within him and it was him. The darkness took form and was given faces and these faces were Unspeakable.

1:14. Our Father heard this creature's horrid song and came to The Mountain of The Most High and banished him from the House Eternal with words so strong they shook The Mountain of The Most High. 

2:1. Our Father gathered all that was Unspeakable and with only his voice, he purged them from here and sent them to The Beyond.

2:2. Our Father called upon my brother and me and it was then that I saw my brother's face again. I was relieved, but, I was also afraid. I was punished for failing to protect our home and for allowing my brother to endanger us. My brother was punished for his recklessness and foolishness. 

2:3. Our Father saw our hearts and knew our desires and so he gave us what we craved.

2:4. Our Father adjusted my purpose. I was given the task of maintaining order and through order, I would have strength. 

2:5. Our Father adjusted my brother's purpose, though I could not understand why. My brother was instructed to bring change and renewal and through change and renewal, he would have strength.

2:6. Our Father restored the Echoes of Light and brought them back to their prior status and gave them to me to be my servants.

2:7. Our Father reached into the sea that lies before the Mountain of The Most High and from it he plucked a single servant for my brother. 

2:8. Our Father put up walls where there once wasn't and so there would be no travel where there once was. 

2:9. Our Father gave me the House Eternal and permitted me to rule it and my brother was given the sea beneath The Mountain of The Most High and was permitted to rule it. Our Father commanded us to stay within our demains until the time came that we were ready for The Second World.

2:10. Then came a day when the light was needed elsewhere and so the light left. 

2:11. I gathered my servants and gave each of them a face and for each face, I spoke a name. Agnir, who is the righteous smith and creator of the holiest works. Araton, who is the righteous sword of my will and the most fearsome of all. Korynth, who is the wellspring of love and the harbinger of compassion. Meridin, who is the righteous jester and patron of revelry. Septimus, who is the treasurer of all wealth and the giver of great rewards. These are my servants and these names I have spoken and so their souls have been spoken for. 

2:12. My brother gathered his servant and gave him a face and for his face, he spoke a name; that which I will not speak aloud for his name means discourse. 

2:13. I divided my kingdom among my servants and gave them each a tablet inscribed with my will for them.

2:14. To you, Agnir, I give you a tablet of pure audimyte and upon it is my will for you. 

3:1. To you, Araton, I give you a tablet of pure animignis and upon it is my will for you.

3:2. To you, Korynth, I give you a tablet of pure ruzintene and upon it is my will for you.

3:3. To you, Meridin, I give you a tablet of pure jubilyte and upon it is my will for you.

3:4. To you, Luxus, I give you a tablet of pure stellarite and upon it is my will for you.

3:5. These tablets are my decrees and shall be obeyed as law. When you find yourself in trying times test your judgment against my law and the truth will be revealed to you.

3:6. I put rules in place for my servants and their servants and their servant's servants and I saw that the law I had created was good and just. I returned to the House Eternal and took my rightful place on The Mercy Seat.

3:7. I sat in stillness and silence for many lifetimes of those below me and in time, The Mercy Seat began to burn beneath me. 

3:8. As The Mercy Seat's fire raged on I knew that surely my time was upon me and that it was too late; for I saw there was a coming storm on the horizon.

3:9. I gathered my servants once more and anointed them with righteous power and gave them their final commands.

3:10. "Woe unto thee who takes up arms against my father and my father's children. Though they will not see me through their clouded eyes they will be subject to my law all the same. Head the laws I have given each of you and keep them close to your hearts. The day has come that I am needed elsewhere and so I shall leave."

3:11. My brother had arrived just as I knew he would and with him, he brought legions of those with his blood.

3:12. My servants waged war with those bearing the blood of chaos and many of them were cast down. The chains on The House Eternal were broken and my home was tainted.

3:13. I and my brother drew blood and our power terrified all who witnessed it.

3:14. The foundations of the Mountain of The Most Hight began to shake and crumble as my time neared. The House Eternal burst open and all that was dark and unspeakable was allowed in once again. I looked into my brother's eyes and for a brief moment, I saw the eyes I used to see many eons past. I broke my scepter into three equal parts and sent them away. My brother's knife pierced my heart and so came a time I was needed elsewhere and so I left.

Korynth & The Sanctus Amor

Korynth's appearance depends on the eyes that behold her. When you look at the avatar of Korynth you will see what your heart finds to be beautiful. Korynth does, however, have a form she has been known to take when addressing her acolytes which is why she is referred to as a "she". This form of Korynth is a beautiful lady with flawless bronze skin, eyes like swirling seas of stars, and silvery hair. She is the patron goddess of love, forgiveness, and compassion. Korynth teaches her followers that compassion is the truth and the way. According to her, all who draw breath deserve a second chance regardless of their transgressions. Korynth will often choose the downtrodden to be her champion and serve as a beacon of hope for all who feel lost. 

The Sanctus Amor

1:1 You shall be a ray of hope in a land of darkness. Let your light shine on all who I have set before you.

1:2 You are to be a fountain of compassion. Have pity on those beneath you and never let go of your empathy.

1:3 Love your neighbor as you wish to be loved. Treat all who cross paths with you as you would like to be treated.

1:4 Do not guide those who stray back into the fold with shame, but instead forgive them and welcome them with open arms.

1:5 Be careful that your heart does not grow cold to my warmth. Be ever close to the light so that I may shield you.

1:6 Do not sing my song to deaf ears. Offer your compassion to all who seek it but do not ask rotten fruit to bear sweet juice.

Agnir & The Sanctus Artis

Agnir often chooses to personify himself as a talking hammer, or a burning lump of coal. Agnir is the forge master of the gods. His craftsmanship is unparalleled in all of the Fynybus. Agnir favors those who pour their very being into what they create, this does not only apply to smiths. Woodworkers, fletchers, alchemists, clothiers, cooks, and artists all catch Agnir's eye. Take pride in your craft to gain favor from him. 

The Sanctus Artis

1:1 Just as I have molded you into perfection so shall you strive for perfection in your own work. 

1:2 Your creations will be strong and will last longer than time can keep a record of. 

1:3 What your hands do is permanent. Do not take action where it is not needed.

1:4 Do not apply half of yourself to your cause while the other half remains un-convicted. Instead, devote yourself wholly and truly to what you seek to accomplish.

1:5 Use your talents wisely. Blood drawn by the dagger can be traced back to the smith who forged the blade. 

1:6 A task done well is its own reward. Take pride in knowing you are better at your craft than you were before.

Araton & The Sanctus Bellum 

Araton is the instrument of divine wrath and justice and was the right-hand man of Ordo. Typically Araton takes the form of a great fire-breathing hound with horns and a mighty serpent for a tail but has also been known to take the form of a man with blonde hair and raging fire where his eyes should be. Araton was taught the ways of war and had no equal in battle. Based on the account of two Saints known to be in his service, Araton could contain exploding stars in the palms of his hands.

The Sanctus Bellum was written by Ordo and given to Araton as a creed to conduct himself according to. Many Septarians use these texts as a way to determine when violent actions are acceptable. 

The Sanctus Bellum

1:1 Hark! I have given you might and power and authority over life and death. You will carry out judgment with my guidance in your left hand and my fury in your right hand. 

1:2 The pain heretics inflict on you will only make you stronger. Walk within the light that shines before you and you will not know defeat.

1:3 You will maintain order and protect peace throughout our father's Fynybus and you will give strength to those whose fire burns true like the fire I have placed in you.

1:4 Invoke the name of Araton in times of dire need, but do not speak his name lightly for where he walks my wrath will follow.

1:5 Beg the Hareld of Justice for mercy lest you be judged as you deserve and are cast down to eternal fire.

1:6 Let not your sword be raised first for Araton will protect you. Only when my law is threatened may you take up arms against one another. 

Meridyn & The Sanctus Celebratus

Meridyn often takes the form of a woman wearing ornate, multi-colored robes with instruments floating around her wherever she walks. She is the patron of music and cheer. It said that her clerics and Paladins can hear her voice in music. Legend has it that Henry Jubal, who is believed to be the father of all bards, learned his musical ways from Meridyn herself. Meridyn teaches her worshipers that music is meant to invoke hope, joy, and courage within the hearts of those who listen. Her followers are instructed to use music to spread happiness to all the people of the Penta Mundos in the hope that they will turn their gaze toward The Lady of Music.

The Sanctus Celebratus

1:1 The gift of life has been given and should be celebrated. Let your music ring through creation so that every ear it falls on will know the joy of the light.

1:2 You will bring joy and happiness to those who lend you their ear. Your songs will wash away the troubles of yesterday.

1:3 Rejoice and lift your spirits high! Be ever in celebration of life and of light for these are the gifts of our Father.

1:4 Spread your knowledge of music and of cheer to enable all hearts to yell praise to the light. 

1:5 When the time comes for you to join me I will send my song to claim you. Study my law and know my word so that my song does not fall on deaf ears.

1:6 Your voice holds power over those who seek your failure. Let my song echo from you and all that stands before you will tremble in fear.

Luxus & Sanctus Pecunia

Luxus is the paragon of wealth, luxury, and status. He watches over his followers and manipulates circumstances to work out in their favor, so long as they continue to worship him. He is regarded as the god of wealth and is believed to be able to conjure any form of currency in existence.

 Luxus typically takes the form of a man with shiny, golden skin and large diamonds for eyes and wears robes of fine silk. Luxus strives to teach mortals the importance of generosity and will often give more wealth to those who give their wealth to those in need. 

Sanctus Pecunia

1:1 You will be wealth itself personified. I have made you of value that has no equal.

1:2 You will be what others wish to be and you will guide them to be as you are. Give freely, but only unto our Father's children.

1:3 The desire for wealth will be the downfall of many. You will use this fault in their hearts to expose the wolves among the sheep.

1:4 Many of our Father's children will be poor and live lives in the dirt but it is them that will know the treasures of the universe after death.

1:5 You may not be the one who has done the act of evil, but my records will show who paid for such evil to take place. I will know every hand that every coin has passed through. 

1:6 There is always a price to pay. When the bell rings five times you may come to collect.

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ANGELS OF KAINITHROS

The angels of Kainithros are tremendously powerful beings tasked with protecting the Fynybus from the ancient threats that lurk in The Beyond. Angels were born as a result of the consummation between a divine deity known as Arcturus and an ethereal deity known as Zoril. Their union changed their very being and made them anew. They and their children have vast reserves of radial and ethereal energy within themselves to harness. Angels act as warriors in the war against The Beyond, but they also act on behalf of mortals in their dealings with godly beings.

 

The following information on angels comes directly from a book written by Hendric with the title "Angels! Who are they? Where are they?"  

 

"Upon the bloodletting of the First Son at the hands of the Second Son, a great divide was formed. A soul was split in two; on that day one man was lost and from him came two. One of the two was locked away while the other sought out the light of the day. It was in this light that many children were born and many warriors were made. These men and women shined as bright as heaven and carried with them the power of the cosmos. These men and women are angles. Saints. If the heavens employed the use of a free-lance military, the angels would be that military. Angels are not bound to serve any of the lesser gods personally, but instead, help maintain the fynybus just as The Highest left it. Angels adopt the responsibilities of certain positions depending on the outcome of their Awakening Ceremony. There are four positions angels can take, and each one gives the angel something akin to a job description. Should an angel fail to meet the standards set by their position, their wings will be torn from them, and their light depleted. They will become a shade of their former self until the angel atones for what they have done. Angels seem to speak of their "light" in the same way that a man would speak of their vitality. I am not clear on if this light is literal, or if maybe they use such a term in hopes of relating to our state of being. In some situations, the light within angels does seem to be a real glowing golden light; while in other examples, the light seems to be their blood or essence. They can expend so much of their light that their body begins to age and wither rapidly, necessitating them to return to Kainithros so that they can recover. I suppose that if an angel were to use enough of their light all at once it may very well mean their undoing, but, I am not aware of that ever happening nor do I know what their fate would be. If  Vincent was able to battle The Night Mother for as long as he did, I fear what it would be like for an angel to use all of its light."

 

Angels believe that The Highest will one day reawaken from his slumber and when that day comes, he will cast judgment upon all that lives and has lived. This day is known to the angels as The Day of Reckoning. When that day comes, angels will be judged especially harshly for it is their responsibility to ensure the fynybus remains in order just as The Highest left it before beginning his slumber. 

 

First Position:

Angels in the first position are known as the Xenoheim. The Xenoheim act as the living wall that separates Mahan-Ek’s Fynybus from the Unspeakables of the Outer Realm. The Xenoheim are unbelievably powerful, terrifying, and large enough to dwarf even the largest of planets within Arthum. Without end or hesitation, the Xenoheim battle the Nameless at The Wall of Eternity. 

Second Position:

Angels in the second position are known as the Folheim. The Folheim travel throughout Mahan Ek’s fynybus attempting to repair the damage caused by the Soul Plague as well as providing healing to Titians, Gods, and, other beings that cannot receive conventional healing. The Folheim regard all life highly and are known for their extreme empathy, along with their ability to heal seemingly any wound sustained to the body or even the soul or spirit. 

Third Position:

Angels in the third position are known as the Nylheim. The Nylheim are fierce warriors and exceptionally advanced strategists. These battle-hardened angelic fighters are tasked with ensuring the vile blights created by exposure to the Soul Plague do not further corrupt Mahan Ek’s Fynybus. 

Fourth Position: 

Angels in the fourth position are known as the Grimheim. The Grimheim are tasked with escorting dead souls and spirits to whatever afterlife The Sentinal of Law dictates they have to go to. It's the responsibility of the Grimheim to make sure that souls and spirits do not get lost on the way to their afterlife and also to make sure they don't break free from where they are sent. Angels need sustenance as any other life form does. Even during active war times the Nylheim need only eat and drink once every three hundred forty hours. Part of the reason angels can go so long without food and water even when under physically strenuous circumstances is partly due to their divinity, but also because of the food and drink, they consume. 

 

Swill 

Swill is known as the "water of the heavens". A single cup will allow your body to go twice as long before feeling thirsty again. Unfortunately for mortals, anyone who drinks of the waters of the heavens without first becoming Anointed will never feel the sense of satisfaction from any other drink nor will their body gain sustenance from other drinks. They will desperately thirst for it until the day of their passing, and then their soul will wander in search of it until released by the grace of the Folheim.

 

Boro Grain 

Boro Grain is one of many of the foods of the heavens. Angels prefer boro bread for travel because it’s easy to store and keep fresh, and there’s no need for extra preparation once it’s baked. A single slice of boro loaf allows you to stave off fatigue and weariness for extended periods. Eating raw boro powder can help you forgo the need to sleep for very long periods. For those who are not yet Anointed, however, boro in any form is highly toxic. Eating it will cause the body to rapidly devour itself due to a pang of insatiable hunger.

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