Pantheon

The pantheon of Aphra is unique, and constantly changing based on the waxing and waning powers of the gods.

History
At one point, the gods were on the same plane as Aphra. Now, howver, the gods are separated into their own realm, and thus they do not have much direct influence on the world and do not directly intervene in mortal affairs. It was after the gods were separated from Aphra that arcane magic first appeared.

The first recognized gods were the four primordial "Vandric" gods, named for the Vandric people who were the original indigenous inhabitants of Aphra. These gods are still worshipped by many in Aphra.

The Morninglord and the Mother Night came into power more recently, following the War of the North and the legendary defeat of the encroaching army from the north in a single day by a bright light. As a result, they are able to give power to their followers.

Society's understanding of the gods is limited, as the gods live on another realm far above them. However, the gods are fallible and remote. Although some believe that they directly guide their day-to-day lives or that the gods choose to speak with them, the veracity of those claims is questionable.

Bas
Bas (they/them) is the god of fire and passion. They are usually depicted as a humanoid figure, slim and draped in fine red robes that flow like flame in wind. Bas is said to be captivating in their movements and gorgeous to behold. It is said that Bas instilled the fire of passion into every heart in Aphra.

Ariyl
Ariyl (he/him) is the god of earth and patience. A male-presenting god in many cultures, Ariyl is beautiful, with dark skin and a heavyset, muscular build. Representing steadfastness in ones ideals, it is said Ariyl instilled loved in its purest form in the people of Aphra: patience and understanding.

Umberlee
Umberlee (she/her) is the goddess of waters and tempest. A female-presenting god in many cultures, Umberlee is eerily gorgeous with a fuller figure, long hair that flows out like turbulent winds, and a dress of churning waves. To her followers, the storm represents less destruction and more the idea of non-compliance and non-complacency.

The idea of the storm here is not meant to represent chaos, but the beautiful way in which nature displays its strength. Umberlee is not an angry or cruel god, but one that delights in justice and defense of one's boundaries. Whereas Bas represents passion in the things that you love, Umberlee represents the tempest and force used against those that do you wrong.

Aquaine People and Wheldon
The Aquaine people were indigenous worshipers of Umberlee, and the bell in Wheldon originated as an artifact from that worship of Umberlee. In this area where Wheldon now stands was one of the Vandric trees - a tree planted by one of the primordial gods - and left in that tree was a bell. The tree itself was said to be gorgeous, with vibrant leaves in hues of blue, and the fruit was full of juice, or a water of life, that sustained the Aquaine people. They would ring the bell to give thanks to Umberlee and ask for her protection. When the Aquaine people were forced out, the tree wilted, and Wheldon was built on top of it.

Zuvo
Zuvo (he/they) is the god of air and wit. Zuvo is a non-binary figure in many religions, depicted as a heavyset and handsome man. Zuvo is the god of opportunity and quick wit, contrasting with Ariyl. He wears monks robes that wrap across his body.

Zuvo gained his position as a god through trickery and mischief; a great feast is celebrated every year in a festival called Zuvo's Gambit.

Morninglord
The Church of the Morninglord existed before the War of the North, but came into prominence after the battle. Then, once the Archmage left Ansyr to found the Starlight Sovereignty, the church was able to fill that void in Ansyr and gain even more power. Now, many say the Church runs the Kingdom more than the crown does.

The Morninglord is a god of warmth and light and justice, and he christens occasions such births and weddings.

The Church of the Morninglord is also responsible for persecuting those who use magic within the boundaries of Ansyr. Any forms of divine or arcane power that are not a gift of the Morninglord are illegal, and the practitioners are considered witches. Those who are caught by the church face a choice of death or the permanent removal of their magic.

The Church of the Morninglord is overseen by the Archbishop, and is based out of The Holy City of Gharla.

Mother Night
Mother Night is the counterpoint to the Morninglord, and is therefore accepted into Ansyrian canon. She is a sympathetic figure, very different from the strict figure of the Morninglord. Her followers value goodwill, healing, and inner peace, and she also watches over the transition between life and death. She is invoked during times of sickness, and at funerals.

Her followers do not condone arcane magic, but neither do they persecute it.

Mother Night has her own church, separate from the Church of the Morninglord, and it is based out of Lunastra, a "city enveloped in twilight."