The next tier of power up from demigod status, are the lesser gods. This tier is one of constant conflict, yet of relative peace, for diplomacy rules here. The reason for this “controlled chaos” is two-fold.
To begin with, there are rivals on many sides. For example, Torgash calls himself the god of War, the title and portfolio he held when he was an Intermediate Deity, it was an undisputed fact. However, after losing his status, after an ill-fated attempt, Torgash now shares part of the portfolio of War with Lassik, the god of discord, and Tyroc, Intermediate god of Destruction. For the moment, the two work together in shared goals in creating conflict across the word of Duir’Aion. However, it is only a matter of time before their personal goals bring them into conflict with each other.
Another reason that diplomacy rules here is that most lesser deities are sponsored by a higher power. The twin gods of the elves, Taelaer and Taelaes, and Goradaek the Forger, god of the dwarves and gnomes are not fond of one another. When the elves and the dwarves came into conflict, the gods became bitter enemies. Even after the dragons entered the war, and after the tragedy of the Martyr Compact, the gods never quite forgave the other for the loss of life and power the initial war, The War of Wood and Stone caused. Each blames the other for weakening their forces which the Triad War exploited. However, the benevolent being known simply as the Elder, the greater god of Life, sponsors them both, and out of respect, and perhaps a little fear, the god of the dwarves and the twin gods of the elves have not gone into open conflict in centuries. The sponsorship also means protection. Torgash cannot attack Goradaek without incurring the wrath of the Elder. And if the Elder looks his way, so too will all his vassals.
This is the tier of planner and schemers. From the outside, it appears everyone on this tier is self-serving. The truth is not too far from that observation. The fact is it is a slippery slope down to demigod status and a stark reduction of power. Those who climbed up from there have no wish to go back. Those that fell, dig in their heels so as to not fall any further.
Deity Spotlights:
- Torgash – the former god of war is a seething entity of rage. He along with Lassik and Tyroc were known as the Triad of Terror. Combined they drew strength from conflict, chaos and warfare. The Triad despised being under the thumb of Nall, the god of destruction, who claimed all credit for the damage the Triad caused. The Triad then plotted to overthrow their master and split his power three-ways. They succeeded, only to be betrayed by Tyroc, as he seized a majority of the Nall’s power before his weary companions could react. This act elevated Tyroc to Intermediate god status, taking Nall’s place as Torgash and Lassik’s master. Torgash tried to fight Tyroc, but was no match for the newly empowered deity. As punishment, Tyroc took from Torgash the mantle of god of war. Torgash, reduced to the god of battle, schemes in secret to depose Tyroc. He distrusts Lassik almost as much, but keeps a neutral “working” relationship with him. Torgash draws his followers from anyone seeking favor in combat, but as patron of orcs, ogres and most of the “savage” humanoids, his temples are especially prominent in those tribes.
- Lassik – The god of discord, once a third of the Triad of Terror is a brooding enigma. Unlike his violent and rash counterpart Torgash, or his cunning “master” Tyroc, Lassik spends a great deal on his shattered throne. He broods about his former life, remembering what it was to be a champion and consort of a murdered goddess. He remembers seeking vengeance against the culprit, the former god of discord, which is how he wound up on the shattered throne. He stares at the remnants of the artifact he once held, which splintered in his now unworthy grasp. Yet Lassik sees this as natural. Discord remains eternal. The other gods may balk at the notion, but every argument, every battle, every betrayal only serves to make Lassik stronger. He is quietly, building another portfolio, one that will Lassik a rival for his master. He will rival all the gods. And once he has firmly showed his true power, he will turn his eyes towards the titans. Lassik draws his followers from every walk of life, from merchants who want to crush their rivals, to courtesans seeking to disrupt marriages for political or financial sake. Rogues and assassins in particular offer a prayer to him before embarking on assignments.
- Goradaek – The Forger, the Maker, Godsmith. Goradaek is all these things and more. Legend has it that Goradaek was an Uldren, the precursor to the dwarven race. A noble and proud warrior, he was also a gifted craftsmen, and carved out his first home, Citadel Ulder almost entirely alone. Goradaek eventually rose to the position of Thane of Clan Ulrden, the first of the great clans. Under his rule the Uldren carved a vast underground empire. It was the golden age of the ancient dwarves. So powerful were they that the drove many elemental dragons from their lairs. When the Uldren accidentally woke the sleeping titan Vaszt, the purple wyrm was furious and set about destroying any citadel he could find. Eventually he set his gaze upon Citadel Ulder, the heart of Clan Uldren’s empire. Knowing that the clan would suffer catastrophic losses, Goradaek split his authority between his top four generals, and ordered them each to take a quarter of the population to safety. Goradaek himself stayed behind and when Vaszt attacked, triggered the final defense of Citadel Ulder, causing it to collapse in on itself killing and burying the Thane and the titan. So noble was his sacrifice the Elder, the Greater god of Life, raised Goradaek to the heavens. The Uldren never forgot their Thane, and their reverence became worship, and Goradaek became god of the Uldren, and later the dwarves.
Goradaek’s stubbornness is nearly as legendary as his craftsmanship. It is the primary reason he and the twin elf gods do not get along centuries after the dwarves and elves ceased open hostility towards each other. Aside from dwarves, Goradaek is also worshipped by gnomes, as well as artificers of all walks of life. Even human blacksmiths invoke his name before working on a weapon or a suit of armor.
A Darkness Rising 