The next tier of divine power up from the lesser gods, are the Intermediate Gods. While the Greater Gods and Titans are the movers and shakers of the cosmos, it is generally the Intermediate Gods that carry out their superiors wishes. In turn, the Intermediate Gods can delegate orders to the lesser and demigods if they so choose, and most often do. Accordingly there are more Intermediate Gods than any other gods in any tier. Intermediate Gods tend to flock together with similar thinking gods. This has several key benefits.
The first is mutual protection. Even the twin elf gods, Taelaer and Taeless, will join forces with Goradaek, the god of dwarves, to stave off Tyroc, if the god of destruction attacks either one of them. The Fey Queen Juszalla would also likely interfere, though depending on the season (specifically winter), may help Tyroc if it serves her own interests.
Another benefit of flocking together, is that it allows the gods to accomplish tasks fasters and more efficiently. This allows them to reap the rewards faster, usually worship, but it can be the recovery of an artifact, or magic item with significant interest to the god or gods in question.
The greatest benefit to working with others though, is purely self serving, and few gods would ever admit it. The truth is that if the Intermediate gods spent all their time carrying out their superior’s commands, they would have no time to further their own agendas. Ultimately that could lead to loss of worshippers and power, and possible descension into a lower rank.
Goradaek for example, has been weakened by the decline of his people. His primary objective is to ensure they survive. If he is out carrying out the Elder’s commands, then it leaves him little time to protect and nurture his beloved dwarves. Something his enemies, particularly Tyroc, would take advantage of. So if the Elder commands that the last surviving unicorn in the Forest of Souls requires protection, Goradaek would likely, if not begrudgingly, request the aid of the twin elf gods, since the elves of that same cursed forest would likely require aid. He would likely also call upon Taj, the goddess of forest creatures, as well as the Fey Queen (who may or may not accept on a whim). The factions could dispatch champions to get the required task completed, as well as furthering the agendas of one or all of them.
Diety Spotlights:
- Goradaek the Forger – Also known as the Godsmith, has been a patron of the dwarves since they were birthed out of the elemental plane of earth. With his guidance they forged an underground empire that ranged the entire continent of Tanaraq. Once that empire comprised of 18 kingdoms. Now only one remains, and barely holding on. Citadel Shatterstone is the last of the mighty strongholds left , and all the remaining dwarves of the world have joined under its banner. Like the elves, the dwarves never quite recovered from the Tripartite War, and have been on a slow decline ever since. Currently Goradaek is engaged in two goal to fortify his beloved dwarves. The first, is reclaim another Citadel to stimulate both morale and growth. The nearest Citadel to Shatterstone is Steelhearth. Unfortunately it has been taken over, and renamed the Bastion of Ash. Which brings Goradaek to a very risky second goal. The Bastion of Ash is home to the Ash Dwarves, banished and former steel dwarves, now corrupted minions of the demon lords of the Pit. The Ash Dwarves have renounced their former devotion to Goradaek, but are thriving. Goradaek would love to sway them back to his side, but may have to sacrifice his existing dwarves, for an arguably more powerful clan.
- Taelaer and Taelaes – The twin gods of the elves were former aasimar champions who ascended to watch over their people. Like the dwarves, the elves are in a state of decline, once having kingdoms stretch over every forest on Duir’Aion. The Tripartite War took a heavy toll on the elves, but while the dwarves retreated to their tunnels, the elves were left to face enemies seeking to finish them off once and for all. The twins are pinnacle of elvenkind, Taelaer was a peerless bladesinger, and Taelaes herself was equally talented as an elven archer. Like the elves, the twins tend to be aloof, but quick to anger. Trying to keep the elves from declining further has brought out a serious side that both are not used to, and dislike a great deal. While they’ve had a heated rivalry with Goradaek, the twins, particularly Taelaes have to the conclusion that the feud is an old and unnecessary one. Taelaer for his part, seeks to make amends with the Rune elves, while Taelaes has been spending more time with the Godsmith, seeking ways to not only end the rivalry, but to forge an alliance. These acts may split the twins, as Taeless feels the Rune elves are too far gone to be saved, and Taelaer hates Goradaek, even more since he suspects the two gods are becoming too close.
- Tyroc – The god of destruction is a whirlwind of chaos. He seems to rage from realm to realm, fighting constantly with everyone and everything. That is precisely what Tyroc wants the other gods to believe. The truth, which a few of the greater gods suspect, is that Tyroc is far more cunning than he appears. He is actually a gifted strategist, when he isn’t wreaking havoc, and inspiring his followers to do the same, he is planning. This is when he is the most dangerous, and perhaps the most vulnerable. He has carved his way up from a demigod of chaos to lesser god of destruction. He seeks a seat among the greater powers, and since none of them will sponsor him, he has decided to seek an alternate route. Tyroc also suspects that Lassik may be getting tired of his allies, and is eyeing a larger prize.
A Darkness Rising 