The next tier up on the divine hierarchy of Duir’Aion are the Greater Gods. While most of the populace see no difference between the Greater Gods and the Titans, those learned in divinity understand there is a small but distinct difference. Tenure. The Titans were the original gods, every other god came after them. Still, among the gods themselves, the Greater Gods and the Titans tend to treat each other as equals.
The Greater Gods are the powers that be. Every aspect of Duir’Aion are under the purview of one of these gods. While most delegate aspects to their subordinates, they do so with the understanding that the portfolio, and the powers granted can be take back by their superior at any time they choose. Thus while the Intermediate Gods go about their assigned tasks, the Greater Gods tend to keep a wary eye on them. With few exception, Greater Gods ascended to this position, and they are all to aware of the possibility of rivals, both on their level and those they oversee. On this level however, rivalry between gods tends to be less about competition, then about ensuring their own power base. No Greater God wishes to relinquish that power, no matter how benevolent they may be.
It should be noted that “The Gray”, the realm that serves as the graveyard of the gods, is “occupied” mostly of former gods of this tier. While the Intermediate Powers are known for infighting, even defeat allows a god to descend to a weaker position. A Greater Power does not want to descend, and they will fight to their own destruction, rather than give up such power, and in turn have to serve it.
Deity Spotlights:
- Tadalaar – Once just an Intermediate goddess of Nature, Tadalaar became the greater goddess of Life itself, after the previous god, a being known only as the Elder was wounded and became trapped on Duir’Aion. She did so with Aeruus’s sponsorship and blessing, and always treats the former with the utmost respect. Tadalaar is worshipped by nearly all races, but counts druids as her most fervent worshippers. She is particularly fond of dryads and treants, as she used to be a mere dryad, and her host was the sentient tree that became the Elder. Recently she became aware that the walls around the Elder’s prison were fading. Tadalaar is concerned she may have to step down if the Elder is freed, and wants his position back. The Goddess of Life does not relish relinquishing that title. In order to keep it, she may have to join forces with her hated rival.
- Raeksithaanx- The God of Death, Raeksithaanx took the title from his father, the titan Karaanx, who was grievously wounded when he tried to claim the portfolio of Life after the Elder’s imprisonment. Many of other gods believe Karaanx was responsible for the Elder’s fate, as the two were heated enemies. As the son of a titan, Raeksithaanx is arguably more powerful than most of his counterparts, he certainly has the titan’s sense of greed and need for control. He tends to keep to himself, ushering in the souls of the departed to their proper places. The rise of the Demon Kings vexes him, primarily as the denizens of the Pit use souls as currency, and have by using pacts with mortals, have in effect been stealing souls from him. Even more so, as that the most recent Demon King is none other than Karaanx, who has taken undeath as his portfolio. That the god of undeath could corrupt the dead, and use them against him is forcing him to the conclusion that he may need aid from his rival. Everyone pays at least lip service to the god of death, most out of fear. His worshippers come from all walks of life. Once necromancers were among his most devoted worshippers. Now even they have begun to flock to the god of the undead.
- Aeruus – The god of light, purity, paladins, judgement ,and fire. Once a fire elemental lord who aided Kor’Tunni during the last Titan War during the waning eons of the Age of Titans. It was with his aid, that Kor’Tunni created the dragons most know of today, including the powerful fire and sun dragons. Aeruus slew the titan of fire, claiming his portfolio for his own. Had Kor’Tunni not intervened, the other titans would have destroyed the interloping elemental. He aided Kor’Tunni in claiming the portfolio of all magic, even as he claimed the portfolio of light as well. Aeruus is a proud god, sometimes warm, sometimes vengeful, but always on the side of law. It is this position that sets him apart from the other gods. Also known as the Judge of Gods, it is he who hold court when the Greater Powers dispute something. Holding court with Aeruus is not something the gods tend to do, for Aeruus binds both parties to submit to his judgement. If they do, Aeruus will listen to both sides of the conflict and render judgement. His position as Celestial Judge, grants him authority over all the other powers save the Titans. Aeruus is worshipped by mortals and elementals alike. Even some dragons have taken to offering prayer to the god of light and fire. Judges of the world ask for his blessing before trials. Aeruus knows war is coming. And that war will rage from the mortal world to the divine one. What he doesn’t know is if anything, divine or not, will remain afterwards.
A Darkness Rising 