Religion & Theology
Overview
The world of Avakar in which Sanctuary is set is one filled with a dizzying variety of faiths, religions, and cults. For those who dwell in Sanctuary there is an added complexity in navigating theology, inherent in a community founded by refugees, exiles, asylum seekers, fugitives, immigrants, and wanderers from other realms and other worlds, each of whom brings with them their own beliefs and devotions. Thus, the gods of Avakar answer to many names and be worshipped in various ways.
In Sanctuary, The High Road district is home to temples, shrines, and altars to countless gods. The oldest gods in the world of Avakar are Ligos (light), Lurr (shadow), and Mazul (darkness). As civilization grew and different cultures and needs arose, new gods were born or discovered. In some cases, it is thought that a god from a dying world or a fading faith in another realm might have fled and found a new community of believers here in Avakar, allowing them to grow and survive.
In the beginning, all was darkness and void, and in the midst of the darkness emerged Mazul, a being of perfect darkness, a presence so intense that all things bowed to him and were pulled into his sway. As Mazul drew all darkness and matter towards himself, he found perplexing that there was a single point that paradoxically grew brighter and brighter until at last it burst into a great radiance and became Ligos, the god of light. The two gods fought for eternities, each trying to extinguish or overwhelm the other, but found themselves equally matched. Between formed a new divine presence, Lurr, goddess of shadows, a being that blended light and darkness. No longer an eternal stalemate, Ligos and Mazul each tried to pull Lurr to their respective sides, but she resisted, siding only for a time with one, then the other, and only as it suited her own aspirations to create a world to call her own: Avakar. Even today, we can see the conflict between Ligos and Mazul play out in the changing of day to night, the ebb and flow of tides, and the changing of the seasons. And Lurr continues to shift her allegiances, her turning face reflected in the changing phases of the Moon.
The Elder Gods
Ligos, God of Light
Domains: Light, Knowledge, Order
One of the oldest gods in the Avakarian pantheon, Ligos was first worshipped as a god of light whose face was shown every day with the rising of the sun. Over time, worship of Ligos grew to include those who prized life, order, and knowledge, and so many of his followers devote themselves to healing, mending, and studying with the hopes shedding more of Ligos’s light on the world and preventing the chaos, decay, and darkness of the past. Warriors, guardians, and priests find inspiration in the teachings of Ligos, but others too see the brilliant light of Ligos as a beacon that calls them from darkness and obscurity to higher and better ways. Some worshippers of Ligos can appear straight-laced and strict about procedures and transparency, but others note that light itself comes in many colors, each beautiful in its own way. Worship at dawn is common place. Most make a small fire offering at sunrise and pray by firelight at sunset for safety till Ligos shows his face again.
Lurr, Goddess of Shadow
Domains: Life, Twilight, Trickery
Born out of the war between Light and Dark, Lurr is a goddess of compromise, trickery, and survival. For some, Lurr represents wisdom and strategy, the ability to navigate a safe path through dangerous powers and conflicts. For other worshippers, Lurr offers respite and peace, a chance for life to flourish beyond the scorching sun or the frigid darkness of night. Some seek Lurr’s cloak of shadows while they engage in questionable work and deeds. The faces and lives of Lurr’s followers are as myriad as the phases of the moon, and one can only count on the fact that there will be change and that nothing is quite as it appears. Practitioners of magic, criminals and petty thieves, as well as refugees, spies, diplomats, courtesans, and merchants all might find a place within her numbers. Some wear masks or cloaks, others sport a raven’s feather, a moonstone, or a trinket of mother-of-pearl to subtly show their allegiance to the Goddess of Shadows. Worship is always at dusk and usually includes burning incense or the tossing of a silver coin into a body of water or a well. Eclipses, full moons, and new moons are important times for those who seek Lurr’s favor.
Mazul, God of Darkness
Domains: Tempest, War, Grave
Although the first of the gods, Mazul is rarely worshipped by anyone who walks in the sun or seeks to nurture and heal. He thrives on fear and chaos and his followers seek his favor by bringing death, destruction, ruin, and darkness to those in their path. Most who seek the blessing of Mazul do so because they do not believe any other god will hear them, or perhaps because they know what they desire will cause pain and suffering to others and wish to offer that to the great god of darkness willingly. Some worship hoping that Mazul will bring them peace through annhilation and death. Others hope to pull from Mazul their own power, wresting strength and knowledge in the same way that Ligos and Lurr did so in the legends. Those with secrets and things to conceal invoke his name to seal contracts and make binding oaths. Little is known of the formal rituals of Mazul, but it is said that the offerings are usually blood, and often that of a friend or acquaintance betrayed. Some offer stolen goods in the place of blood and lives. Allegiance to Mazul is usually hidden, as most fear and despise those who choose darkness over light.
Akar, God of Commerce & Trade
Domains: Knowledge, Forge
The patron god of traders, merchants, travelers, and innkeeps also finds followers among many adventurers who seek the comforts of life and enjoy the thrill of a good deal. A popular god, Akarian shrines can be found in every quarter of the city and at every port and village in the region. Some refer to a generous tip as an offering to Akar, while others round up the price of their wares as a sign of their devotion. Tokens, medallions, and other trinkets of Akar are commonly worn for good luck.
Badora, Goddess of Peace & Reason
Domains: Peace, Nature, Life
Followers of Badora value peace, tranquility, and harmonic goodness. The gently flowing river and the rich abundant field teeming with life are a reflection of the order of nature and the bounds within which humanoid races , the beasts, and the environment co-exist. Worshippers offer the first and best of their harvest to the temples and prize the lives of those within their bounds. They strive to remove those elements which corrupt and destroy out of cruelty and disrespect.
Eloncé, Goddess of Art, Dance, & Music
Domains: Knowledge, Life, Forge
Bards, entertainers, dancers, and artisans fill the ranks of followers of Eloncé and prize the creation of beauty in all its form. Temples of Eloncé are frequently quite large and contain numerous rooms, large and small, dedicated to worship through dance and music. Priests and clerics sponsor local festivals and honor the artisans of the community.
Enul, Goddess of Death & Knowledge
Domains: Grave, Knowledge, Twilight
Although Enul is presently worshipped in the feminine aspect, their true nature is shrouded in mystery. In early art, Enul is often depicted as a hooded and cloaked figure holding a book in one hand and knocking at a door with the other. Enul’s followers span a wide spectrum of belief and motivation, but most hold some curiosity, fear, or hope that within the mystery of death lies the answers that elude them. Death is viewed as both the door and the one who knocks. Death is the mystery within the book and the one who reads it. Death is the language which describes and calls into existence all that breathes and dies. Worshippers include both arcane casters and clerics, as well as sages, mystics, druids, and assassins. The scholarly and the unlearned alike find a home among their ranks.
Gilgal, God of Stars & Wanderers
Domains: Nature, Peace, Twilight
Refugees, nomads, bards, and adventurers frequently seek the blessings of Gilgal while on the road. Many merchants carry small statues of Gilgal in the hopes it will ward them from danger and grant them safe passage to their destinations. The traveling god is not found housed in temples, but instead in thousands of roadside shrines. The faithful leave small offerings of food, wares, and even a bit of coin, as a token of their devotion. Some offer their wishes on tiny scraps of paper or lightweight fabric to be scattered to the winds or waves.
Gom, God of Hills & Mountains
Domains: Forge, Life, War
Gom is worshipped widely by dwarves, gnomes, and others who dwell in the mountains or make their living there. Patron god of miners, masons, and jewel crafters, Gom is often depicted as a jovial dwarf. Worshippers feast and drink as part of the regular worship, and many a flagon has been hoisted in Gom’s honor. Warriors who hail from the mountains often seek Gom’s favor and blessing to best foes and brave harsh environments.
Halara, Goddess of Nature
Domains: Life, Nature, Peace
Dwellers in the forests far from the city, inhabitants of hills and plains and river valleys, and those who value the vast green world are drawn to Halara, the nature goddess. Worship of Halara predates the rise of urban centers and generally is found among elves, halflings, and gnomes. Some few tribes of humans and the occasional dragonborn clan also can be counted among her devout. For the most part, offerings are made at rivers, in the heart of an old tree, or a stone atop a hill or mountain. Fresh berries, game , or fish is laid there for the emissaries of Halara, be they insect, crow, or bear to come and consume. All who respect nature and do not abuse its bounty are welcomed by this, one of the eldest of the gods.
Iladara, Goddess of Sun & Healing
Domains: Life, Light
The worship of Iladara is widespread through Avakar and especially in the major urban centers which often house bright and spacious temples dedicated to her worship. Followers are staunch believers in the power of light to conquer any shadow or darkness, and thus strive to root out necromancers, criminals, and the undead. This vigilance can come across as extreme, and some devotees of Iladara have a reputation for being loud and obnoxious in their evangelism. Still, many good deeds are done by Iladarn clerics and believers: they build and support orphanages, run houses of healing, and cleanse cursed and befouled lands.
Gods of Evil
Grynak, God of Evil & Secrets
Domains: Knowledge, Trickery
Followers of Grynak tend to be wizards, sorcerers, warlocks, sages, necromancers, witches, and librarians, but there are also thieves, blackmailers, and not a small number of nobles who seek favor from the dark whispering god of secrets. Worship tends to be private and hidden, a secret shrine tucked into a forgotten place, a mark or tattoo disguised to appear as something innocuous, or a brutal murder done quietly and whispered over as an offering.
Hazbak, God of Misfortune & Madness
Domains: Tempest, Trickery
Few choose to worship Hazbak, rather it is said that Hazbak chooses his followers and gifts them with his madness. Many count the insane, the simple, and the foolish among his devotees. Doppelgangers, those with religious inclinations, are sometimes followers of Hazbak as well.
Kaal, God of Envy & Slaughter
Domains: Tempest, War
The god of war, discord, and slaughter is known by many names throughout the lands. To some, he is Kaal the Butcher. To others, Krull the Destroyer. Some believe that Kaal and Krull are merely the names of the twin blades wielded by Tyora, a much older goddess of pain and oppression. It’s unclear who is right, but it is certain that wherever the banners or emblems of Kaal or Krull, death and devastation follow shortly thereafter. Most of the followers of Kaal and Krull are warriors and gladiators, although anyone who relishes a good fight or loses themselves in a storm of blood. Shrines and temples to Kaal and Krull can be found on battlefields and in arenas, as well as on mountain peaks. Followers tend to bear tattoos declaring their devotion and marking their previous kills.