Deities Of Thessir - Wildebourne Vale.

EDIT - Glossary Placeholder.

The Dragon.

The Great Dragon. The Cleansing Fire. The Unyielding. The Power That Is Hidden. Skybreaker. The Burning Heart.

Spheres of Influence – Strength, Fire, Power of Faith, Self Control, Self Expression, Righteousness/Retribution, Destruction, Anger, Hate, War.

Symbol – A dragon coiled in on itself, wings furled, with one eye open. Alternatively, a taloned claw, three claws spread apart, or a reptilian eye depicted amongst flames.

Places of Worship – The Great Sepulchre of Highkeep holds the primary worship of Aspect of the Dragon. It is a grand structure lit by the Everburning Fire at its heart, a mighty inferno which never dims or goes out, at the centre of the structure, the flames reaching to the ceiling. As the primary religion of Wildebourne Vale, each city has at least one church devoted to its teachings, with its own 'Everburning fire' which is in truth maintained by the faithful, as only the Great Sepulchre is home to that phenomenon. Small shrines are scattered here and there – some cities have Aspect worship that is prioritised higher than the Aspect of the Dragon (particularly the coastal cities, who are more linked to the Aspect of Oceans), but the Day of the Dragon festival is the holiday of Independence that all of Wildebourne pays respect to. Worship primarily consists of the burning of sacrifices to the Aspect of The Dragon, which can be anything from written prayers to a vial of blood of a faithful believer, delivered usually by lowering into the flames at the height of the prayers. Additional recognition is given up to the Martyrs of the Flame, many of whom are revered as something akin to Saints, primary amongst them being Johann Vikkersson. Rituals take place in early evening, with the setting of the sun. Churches are generally dominated by frescoes that show the overthrow of the elves by the first Faithbringers, usually carved into marble and lining the walls.

Phrases – 'May that which burns never die.'
'He who guards his will, gathers his strength.'
'The fire within will banish all darkness.'
'To the oppressors, the flames.'
'May the fire of the dragon burn in your heart, that it will light your way through despair.'
'That which is ours, we hold. That which we hold you cannot take.'


The most prominent religion of Wildebourne Vale, the worship of the Aspect of the Dragon is a generally accepted and followed faith of many humans in Wildebourne vale, as a form of both heroic worship and a general promotion of its fierce outlook towards independence. While the faith is not followed with the fervency of its original formation, it is still widely followed and the Aspect of Dragon is generally attractive to many, due to its tenets of belief in strong faith, self reliance, and gaining independence through inner strength. In its original form, it was based around the elvish belief in fierce self expression, usually through artistic methods, while disregarding external sources as much as possible. It maintained a belief that if one was to distance themselves from external influence, in terms of thought, suggestion, and observation, that they could create a new and unique method of doing something that was new and, perhaps, superior to the original. Often applied martially, it would result in an individual being entirely self taught in a martial combat style, or learning new and interesting methods of using magic that were previously thought impossible. Human adaptation of the Aspect resulted in it becoming a worship based around fierce independence and self reliance. Much of these tenets were originated during the Siedh Rebellion, and much of it was put into worded form by the first of the Faithbringers, Johann Vikkersson himself, and as such, the worship of the Great Dragon is generally regarded as the most important of the religions of Wildebourne. Johann took most of his interpretation of dragons through the material he uncovered regarding the Dragon Knights, and the ancient war they fought against the dragons, and referred to the eventual descent of these mighty elven warriors into terrible oppressors, and as such, much of the written word regards the interpretations Johann made in from such translated material as he was able to uncover, and then his own, possibly spurious suppositions made from there, which have nevertheless become accepted religious rhetoric.

Outside of Wildebourne, followers of the Aspect of the Dragon are less common. Because of its extremely strong ties to Wildebourne, those less than sympathetic to the nation generally regard it with wariness, if not outright hostility. It has small following here and there among different nations, and the High Elves still follow it in its original interpretation of the Aspect, rather than the human faith, but given that it nearly brought about their destruction, much of it is viewed with regret. Still, it is quite possible that the high concentration of worshippers of the Aspect in Wildebourne means that it is the most prominent religion on the continent.

The faith of the Dragon Aspect in Wildebourne is based around two key factors – hero worship, of its Martyrs, and preserving the strong, independent patriotic spirit as a result of such things. This can often result in a lot of chest beating, but more careful redirection of that worship is based around reminding the faithful of the good works and noble deeds of its Martyrs, and that each of the faithful has the potential not just for great deeds, but that it should do so in a humble fashion – many of the stories of its Martyrs are cautionary tales, which tell of a individual who achieved much but did so too swiftly, or without caution. Ever they refer back, as a result, to the nature of dragons themselves – patient, noble, and powerful, prideful and unbowed, and the tales of the Martyrs always find a way to incorporate these qualities into the tale –both in those who had such qualities, and pointing out in others where they lacked the key quality. As is written by Johann, the picture written of the dragons is that they were the original lords of the world, usurped by the elves and their Dragon Knights, who instead became oppressors themselves, and much like the elves themselves ended up nearly enslaving humanity. As such, Johann wrote that humans were 'Children of the Dragon' themselves, come to break the oppression of the elves upon them and take their rightful place as the lords of Wildebourne. While much of the rhetoric of the holy books is aggressive, it is, while xenophobic in many instances, makes much note of the nobility of dragonkind, and while seeking independence and freedom from oppression, makes many warnings about becoming that which you sought to overthrow – embracing, then, the solitude and self of the dragon, without imposing that will upon another. It is, in truth, a somewhat jarring message that is often lost without being properly understood or simply looked over. But overall, it is about protecting what one has, and preserving the sanctity of Wildebourne Vale as a nation. While it seeks to make acceptance, the prevalence of the religion in Wildebourne has unfortunately made life extremely difficult for elves in general. While other races tend to fare well in Wildebourne, and the cosmopolitan nature of Aspect worship promotes and accepts a wide and varying pantheon of faiths, the history promoted by the worship of the Great Dragon makes life continually difficult for all kinds of elves, even those that are clearly not aligned, nor ever were aligned, with the high elves themselves. The lowborn elves, dark elves and wood elves that come to Wildebourne must usually endure persecution in the forms of racial taunts, and as long as the faith of the dragon exists, this sorry trend is most likely sure to continue onwards.

Followers of the Great Dragon come from all walks of life. They are varied in their outlook, but the more fervent and devoted of its followers tend to be prideful, of a demeanor that appreciates power, whether it is physical presence, charisma or intellect. They respect those that respect them, and tend to carry strong opinions about matters they feel strongly about, but will not object to the beliefs of another, having a deep belief in the independence of the self and others. This can become skewed, if they stray from the tenets to too far a degree, as they become prideful to the point of arrogance and disdain of the opinions of others, but this is more of a character flaw rather than a dictate of the religion. They will have negative feelings to elves – either high elves alone, or all elves in general, and it will take quite an effort on the behalf of an elf – if one was so inclined – to overcome such dislike, which may range from simple distrust to outright hatred in its extremities.

The Everchanger

First Changeling. Never-Sits-Still, Never-Known, The First Fae. Autumn - The Princess of Red and Gold, Dawn Dancer, Flamehair, Lady of the Harvest. Winter -The Silver Queen, Lady of White, Mistress of Twilight. Spring - Newblooded Prince, Lord in Green, First of the Living. Summer - The Risen King, The Firesinger, He Who Roars Loudest.

Spheres Of Influence - The Seasons, and all that is involved in them, and in particular change. Each of the four sides of the Everchanger have their own spheres. Autumn - Harvest, serenity, festivals. Winter - Snow, cold, death, night. Spring - Life, growth, rivers, forests. Summer - Fire, heat, fertility, passion, strength.

Symbol - Four figures - one a young, androgynous woman, with closed eyes, serene expression, and autumn leaves amidst her hair. One a more mature woman, fuller figured, clad in elegant robes and wearing a crown of ice and snow. The third is an androgynous young man with a smile on his face and with green leaves amidst his hair. And the last is a powerful male figure with beard and long hair, who bears a crown of antlers. These four images are often integrated into a single image, usually a circle with all four faces upon it, usually with a stylised background depicting the different seasons.

Places of Worship - Shrines to the Everchanger are found mostly in the wilderness and farmlands. Forest groves can have any variation of shrines, which may be of carven stone or wood, or simply made from stacked stones. Offerings vary in all forms, but are generally something to do with the season in question, be it seeds, burnt offerings, or fresh produce or flowers. There is no formal religion, but the Everchanger is a strong part of the rural consciousness, and this flows through to the midwinter and midsummer festivals, where the Everchanger is praised during celebratory feasting and other enjoyable pursuits.

Phrases - 'Change is a part of life.'
'The circle spins onwards. We but dance within it.'
'Sing for the dawn, dance for the evening.'
And various sayings attributed to each season, which vary wildly from town to town.


The Everchanger is the aspect of the seasons, and along with that, the broader aspects of them and all they lead to in regards to such change. Each season represents a side of the Everchanger, the First Changeling. Each of the sides of the Everchanger are conflicting with each other, from appearance to nature, but yet, each of them is worshipped as the same entity in its entirety. The Everchanger is an embracing of the changing ways of nature, and an admittance in the helplessness of civilisation in resisting its pull towards whatever state of existence it deems fit.

Thessir has a peculiar relationship with elements, and the weather. Wildebourne is one of the few places that experiences a true change and shift of seasons, and as such is fairly unique amongst the other nations. There is some speculation that the shift of seasons is in fact artificial – a memory of a magic wrought centuries ago by the elves, or even older still, by civilisations that history has, for the most part, forgotten, though rumours of its history remain. In any case, the nation of Wildebourne is very much a nation that is beholden to the Everchanger. Much of its history has been dictated to the power of nature – from the peculiarities of the fog gates and the ocean surrounding, to the very nature of the land itself, and the harnessing of its magic. It is the belief of many that the fluctuating nature of the weather and the land is a direct influence of the Everchanging, and so, particularly in the more rural towns, following of the Everchanger is strong in all things.

Each season has a festival day, set at the height of the season itself, to both celebrate the current incarnation of the Everchanger, and to give thanks for their benefits bestowed upon them. For no other deity in the Wildebourne pantheon so clearly bestows a gift and benefit upon the people who live within it. The earth that the Everchanger dances upon is its generous gift to all whom dwell upon it, and as such, people are careful to pay the proper respect to its bounties, lest they pay the penalty. As such, each festival involves sacrifices to whichever incarnation of the Everchanger is, at that time of year, the most paramount.

The four sides of the Everchanger are distinct, and yet linked. In her autumn form, the Everchanger is a young female of around eighteen years old. In this form, she is the Dawn Dancer, the Princess of Red and Gold. She is lively yet contemplative, cheerful and beautiful, but often careless and perhaps even a little wasteful. In winter, she becomes a full figured and regal woman, the Silver Queen, The Mistress of Twilight. She is gracious, and steady, beautiful and mysterious, her mood tempered and while benevolent, is not to be trifled with. She can equally bring benefit or death in this form, but at all times is worthy of respect and diligence, for it is known her coming is a thing necessary, and she is merely biding her time and energy, resting somewhat, for the coming of new life. Upon completion of winter she changes form and gender, as the spirit of spring, the Newblooded Prince, takes form. After the rest of winter, he is explosive, and energetic, and embraces the aspect of new life with frantic ferocity, bringing the spring rains and storms, the floods that race down the mountain with the melting snow, and the explosion of green life in all the forests. Dancing from field to field, he blesses each in turn with the vibrancy of new life, having gathered his strength for just such a thing. And as that life grows, so too does he, until the time of summer comes at last, and the Risen King strides upon the land. He brings the heat of fire, of primal sensation, of the strongest, most patient of growth. Crops ripen and flowers bloom, new life is made and comes anew. Long and riotous are his celebrations, until at last, he sinks into the earth with the dying of the sun, and as the first red sunsets come, the powerful masculine form of summer changes back into the feminine one of autumn – and the process is begun again.

Though the Everchanger is a powerful entity in the daily life of the Wildebourne people, they are not followed by any formal religion. There is no church, though in some respects, it could be said that the whole world is their church. That each crop and green thing grown, that each life that is made and then ends, all of it is part of the congregation of the Everchanger. And indeed, there are those that pay worship to the Everchanger, in their quiet way. They might be druids, or witches, healers or farmers. Some more decadent individuals pay them worship as well, for the Everchanger is a master of sensation and experience as well, and that fold of the following can attract a certain individual as well. Some rogues of a peculiar ilk ask for the favour of the Everchanger, for it involves them being fluid in who they choose to be from one day to the next – depending on who they are trying to steal from, in any case.

For the most part, the nature aspect of the Everchanger is what attracts the majority of its worship. It was originally the aspect of nature, and change, and acceptance combined, before being solidified through a mixture of superstition, folklore and tradition into the form of following it has now. Strictly speaking, the Everchanger has the widest following of the gods of Wildebourne, but the loosest as well. Anyone can and often will call upon them – but it has to be said, few of them will be more devoted – and desperate – than a farmer hoping for a good yearly crop.

The Watcher Under the Waves

Great Dark One, Old Salt/Shark/Wrath, Keeper of the Lost, He Who Waits, Storm Lord, Master of the Winds, The Deep Dark King.

Spheres Of Influence - Ocean, Weather, Secrets, Luck and Good Fortune, Travel, Madness, Sailing.

Symbol - A maelstrom with an eye at its center.

Places of Worship - Shrines to the Watcher are simple affairs. Mostly found on cliffs overlooking the ocean or upon beaches, they are usually simple granite blocks arranged into crude monuments, and scattered with offerings left by either sailors or their partners. There is no formalised religion or hierarchy. Small impromptu shrines are sometimes found at sea - on small rock outcrops along the coastline or at reefs, stacks of smooth black stones are often made, in offering - usually for a safe return, or in mourning for one who is lost.

Phrases - 'May the waves watch over you.'
'Let him keep them safe amongst his secrets.'
'Those who swim in darkness will have their guide.'
'By the luck of the Salt.'
'Let Him who waits, wait a little longer for me.'
'The King is angry. Best be praying.' (Said upon spotting a storm while at sea.)
'Let him send the wind, but stay his wrath.'


The watcher of the waves is, strictly speaking, not an organised religion in any sense in Thessir. It has no church and no hierarchy of faith, but with that said, it is still followed by a large and substantial number of people. No sailor of the realms that know of the watcher take to the water without paying heed to his will. And there are few, if any sailors who would dare take to sea with a fellow sailor who refused to follow or acknowledge his majesty.

The Watcher is unique in the observed followings of the gods in Thessir and Wildebourne in particular, as it is not one adapted from the elven concept of the Aspects, but still has a derivative in its nature. The Watcher is born instead out of sailor superstition, and as such, it is followed with exceptional strength on the coastal cities. It is also extremely widespread as a result, and possibly, while it may have less followers than other faiths, is the most commonly found around the continent. As sailors travel to different lands on the continent, the faith, or superstition, has followed with them, and as such, there are few who live upon the coast who do not know of the Watcher. He is invoked in curses, in the prayers of travellers on the ocean. Many a rowdy seaside tavern can be heard making a loud and raucous song to the Watcher, and sometimes, just sometimes, with a hint of sorrow or drunken blubbering. For the Watcher is also the Keeper of the Lost and the Drowned. Those who are at lost at sea are his subjects, the sunken army of the Deep Dark King. Sailors make jokes on the subject, but always with a note of respect, and most indeed, live their lives under the knowledge that one day, the Watcher Under the Waves will bring them home to him. In truth, it is for many of them an accepted way of life.
In the elven following of the Aspects and the Way of the Aspects, the ocean was the dangerous unknown. It denoted secrets and the risk in uncovering them, and the value in letting them remain hidden. It was the path of dark knowledge and truths left unspoken, and the understanding that some things were better left never known at all. Parts of this creed made it into human superstition regarding the ocean, but it leans towards the greater part of superstition rather than an organised faith. With that said, there are still individuals who call themselves clerics of the Watcher. Most of this is around the chaotic, tumultuous nature of weather, and the dark dangers of the ocean. Calling on the strength of the storm, followers of the Watcher are often sailors themselves, who witnessed or experienced something that solidified their faith. Some are those who survived a storm when all others on their ship were lost. Others are those that simply experienced a powerful epiphany. In any case, these priests of the waves are wanderers, and nomads, who are welcome at seaside inns and upon ships, though they are treated with an air of superstition by some and outright fear by others they encounter. But they are respected nevertheless - as no one wishes to incur the wrath of a follower of the Storm Lord, particularly not before a journey. As such, if any captain is asked for passage by a Wave priest, they will never refuse - lest their entire crew, if they find out about it, suddenly jump ship. The superstition of sailors is, after all, nothing to be sneezed at, and a wise captain respects it in kind.

Another peculiarity of the Watcher and sailors is the belief that all ships that go upon the sea are brides of the Watcher, and as such, most ships are referred to as 'She' by those who sail upon them. Sea captains have a strange relationship with their ships, as a result - they are custodians of the bride, and their guardian. But, they sail knowing that a day may come when the Deep Dark One may indeed call his bride home - and everyone who sails upon her as well. They tend to form close relationships with their vessels as a result, maintaining them with care and treating them with the same affection one might treat a lover, while knowing that one day their husband to be will set his eye upon them, and indeed, may rise up in wrath or hunger. This is a fate that while acknowledged, the captain is obliged to fight against - for indeed, the Watcher might not be ready to treat his wife with the respect she deserves! But it gives those who sail a scant comfort and faith amidst the fear - that if they are taken by the sea, that the sea will be grateful for their duty and show them mercy. They also know that those who incur his wrath will be food for the sharks - and so, they make their gestures and their prayers, their offerings and their observations, which can vary from city to city, ship to ship and sailor to sailor.

Ships that have reached their end, either due to damage or other reason, are usually scuttled at sea. They are towed or sailed to the deeps and sunk by those who sailed upon it, or by other sailors, who toast its sinking as it goes down, as they send the Watcher a new bride. If a ship loses its captain and no successor is named, either his crew, or a volunteering of older, veteran and usually retired sailors will do it on his behalf. For no one would dare deny the Watcher his wife, and woe betide the sailor who does.


Followers of the Watcher of the Waves are found wherever civilisation meets the sea, and on any ship upon it. The devotion of such individuals can indeed vary greatly, from night fanaticism to only vestigial, depending mostly on the sailor in question. It is more a superstition than a formalised religion, but the fact that the clerics of the Watcher exist denotes that it may become more prominent. Pirates and other free state inhabitants who make little to no religious observations otherwise nevertheless make strong observations to the Watcher, and most of these 'ceremonies' involve alcohol and sea, with the celebrations sometimes growing so rowdy and drunken that it is not unknown for some to flail into the embrace of the ocean, for the Deep Dark One to rise up and claim, bringing them home to the rest of that sailors waiting mates, who have, like so many others, been waiting for them to come home.

The Warsinger.

Bloodcaller. Firesword. The Reveller. The Firestorm. The Gamblers Queen. Song of the First and Loudest. The Unfettered One. She Who Laughs. The Artist in Red. The World Singer. Writer of Fates. Luck of the Blade. The Blazing/Bloody Muse.

Spheres of Influence - War. Blood. Steel. Battle. Revelry. Personal glory. Sexuality and lust. Alcohol. Song. Literature. Travel. Gamblers and Rogues.

Symbol – A burning sword, or a burning quill. A female figure with red hair and red eyes. A burning page.

Places of Worship – there are none that are formalised, but wherever there is to be battle, prayers to the Warsinger are offered up in tribute. She is the bloody, blazing muse, who yearns for those who strive to put forth ever greater effort. She inspires as much as she destroys, but is equally likely to encourage as she is to tear down. Difficult to follow and impossible to know, she is a mystery that cannot and will not be truly known or understood. But in her purest form, she thrives amidst conflict, external or internal, and in almost any form. Everywhere there is struggle to survive or to be known, she is found there, offering what assistance she can, if for no other reason than that she enjoys observing such things. She is equally found in the battlefield, both before and after, and in the music hall, lingering in the rafters.

Phrases – 'The pen and the sword draw pain in equal measure.'
'Only those who struggle know the value of peace.'
'Drink, love, be merry! One out of three will do!'
'I've the eye of the muse on me. She sings a red song for you.'
'By the luck of the blade, may I live through this fire.'
'Lady willing, I'll have a drink, a fight and a lover by eve's end. Hopefully in that order.'
'Who do I have to (fight/outdrink/court) to get a (fight/drink/lover) in here?' At which point most bar owners would start hiding the more expensive bottles. Also note that the actual word usage in this phrase can vary towards the crude quite considerably.


The Warsinger, or the Bloody Muse, is one of the more dichotomous gods of Wildebourne faith. Originating from the elvish aspect of strife, passion and artistic struggle, the Warsinger is both primitive and at the same time, startlingly complex. One the one hand, the Warsinger is the aspect of violence, and conflict, often without cause, save for the violence itself. On the other, it is she who speaks to bards, writers, and artists of all varieties. She who inspires, who drives, who consoles and also pushes at those who struggle. She is the mistress of expression, of the declaration of self through any means necessary and possible. She is struggle, and the explosion of that struggle. For some, that could be as simple as triumphing in a fist fight, or succeeding at a difficult piece of music. For others, it could be the triumph found through victory in war, or writing an epic tale that lasts through the centuries. It is, quite simply, a faith that celebrates the self. In winning glory for oneself, one gains the eye of the Bloody Muse, and more glory may come ones way in so doing – that, or a broken, fallen ending when words or blades fail. Such is the danger to be found in those who tempt the court of a goddess, after all.

The Warsinger appeals to many, in all aspects of life. While her faith denotes a somewhat inward looking aspect, looking to the needs of one self over the needs of another, it does also promote strength, creativity, and art. It is a faith that reminds oneself that there is always the possibility, if one tries hard enough, to succeed at the thing that they seek to excel at. Of course, what that actually 'is' varies from individual to individual. Finding out what that thing might be is another part of the path of self discovery through struggle, however. In the original elven aspect, this path of passion and strife was for an elf whom had lost their way, their path in life and philosophical realisation. Perhaps too many choices are presented before them and they could decide upon one. Perhaps the choices availed to them appealed not. And thus they would push themselves in a different manner instead, struggling with the choices of the head and the heart until the path became clear to them – either succumbing or expelling excessive passion from themselves and their minds. For humans, this path is far less appealing. Not only that, but it is far too easy – and suited to their shorter lives – to embrace the explosive nature of their passion, the strength and the glory of their existence. Thus was born the faith of the Warsinger – sister war god to the Dragon, but without the depth of organised religion. Hers is a faith of soldiers and songsters, of travellers and those who either need luck or skill. She means much to so many, but exactly what that might be is difficult to fully discern. To some she might be benevolent, to others, far more cruel.

In the battlefield side of her following, warriors who follow her are far more likely to be berserkers, glorying in the thrill of combat and the strength of self. The Warsinger eschews tactics for the ferocity of passion and the raw aggression it can bring. Hers are those whom laugh at war, who feel their humour and happiness in the physical. They glory in power, sharing theirs with her, and partaking of the strength she offers. They are warriors to be feared, forgoing defence for offense, who will wade into the fray fearless and eager. Difficult to break in morale, and when face to face in combat, they are near impossible to stand against. Away from the battlefield, those who might call her favour are wildly, even perplexingly varied in their shapes and forms. They might be poets, or writers, whom lack or afire with inspiration, seeking to weld words to page to make their mark, or artists, seeking to create a vision to share and awe. They could be bards, singers and performers, who seek to express themselves through their art and impart their passion into their work. Passion is the key, the most crucial aspect of those who might ask her favour – to be caught up by that passion, to feel it drive and fuel them, to taste the heady whirlwind of creativity as it drives the hand as much as it empowers it. Some might argue that the expression itself is less important than the emotion which fuels its creation, however, it could just as easily be argued that the Warsinger simply believes that the best results come from the power of emotion in its rawest state, and not the other way around.

There are those who would, and perhaps should, be called clerics of the Warsinger, but in truth it is difficult to simply class them as such. A brazen warrior is as likely to be a teacher of their ways as much as a silver tongued bard or gambler, and both would do so in a different manner. But there are those who could be said to spread her word, but again, the manner they do so can vary considerably. Some do so by seeking their own glory, through battle and conflict, seeking to make a name for themselves and her as well, and in so doing, win glory and recognition. Others, however, seek to do so in a different manner, teaching the value of struggle, and overcoming it. Through knowing struggle, one can be said to truly know the value of achievement and accomplishment. If no trial is before oneself, then one should be sought, for no other reason than the satisfaction that would come to an individual when the trouble before oneself is finally overcome.

Those who follow the Warsinger are those who seek glory, who seek fame, and who seek satisfaction in themselves. They are confident, strong individuals, and are at their when they are noticed, be it in ways small or large. Whether it is the most feared individual on the battlefield, the greatest drinker at the bar, or the quiet playwright to one side glowing within oneself as the crowd enjoys their creation, the follower of the Warsinger does not so much seek recognition in others and in themselves, as much as they tend to demand it. They are strong in spirit and in mind, and often not to be trifled with. For indeed, there are amongst them many, who would not hesitate to run roughshod over those around them, in pursuit of their own goals.

The Wanderer.

The Hooded One. Old Man Misfortune. The Liar. Troublemaker. The Dark Stranger. Never-Do-Well. The Deceiver.

Spheres of Influence - Deceit, Lies, Luck, Misfortune, Night, Fear, Isolationism, The Unknown, The Uncanny, Fate.

Symbol/Places of Worship - There is no formal symbol of The Wanderer, and there is no formal worship of him either. He is not classed as a god with followers, and no one wishes to invite his notice by creating his symbol, and particularly not in bearing it. There are rumours of images and statues of faceless hooded figures, wearing a long cloak and carrying a staff which sometimes is pictured with the skull of a goat or bound with antlers, but these images are often associated with either madness or graffiti, and not with actual worship.

Phrases - 'Don't go looking for the Wanderer.'
'Trouble comes for those who make it.'
'The dark is full of strangers this night.'
'I hope you cross the Wanderer's path.'
'You've a Stranger's tongue in your mouth.'


Of all the deities named, the Wanderer is the only one without a real and active following. Indeed, he is more akin to a superstition than an actual following, and an invoker of curses. When crops spoil, when accidents happen, when bad fortune dogs the steps of an individual, it is the work of the Wanderer. He is viewed with suspicion, dislike and more than a little fear, as well as the belief that amongst all the gods of Wildebourne and Thessir, he is perhaps also the most likely to be physically manifest in the real world.

The Wanderer is originally the aspect path of deceit, expanded and built upon. Originally, the elvish aspect of deceit dealt with the nature of self deception, be it in the overexpansion of self ability, or growth in hubris, or in the misconception of the limitations of the self. Humanity however adopted the aspect to take on the nature of the unknown, and mistrust. As it stands now, the Wanderer is a receptacle of all personal misfortune and great calamity. It has resulted in the growth of a powerful superstition in the human community, which associates the Wanderer with everything from a particular stroke of misfortune, to a continuation of bad luck, to a great calamity or disaster. When the Great Plague struck, for example, many attributed its spread to the walking of the Wanderer, who went from town to town dragging the disease with him in his wake. Indeed, many attribute the peculiarity of the spread of the plague to this phenomenon - it appeared in one town after another, but rumour has it never two at the same time, implying that a single person was spreading it from town to town. History from the time is vague and imprecise, with the ravages of the disease itself and the damage it left on records, but the legend has entered into folklore since, and truly solidified the Wanderer as a figure of fear and misfortune. Since then, his name is mentioned with fear and distrust, and most homes have a ward atop their door, in devotion to one of the other gods, that is to keep the Wanderer from their home. No one wishes to entertain the lord of misrule.

For the most part, the Wanderer is a depiction of a simple mistrust of the unknown. His invocation comes in curses, in insults and in fears. His domain is the uncanny and uncomfortable, and in lies, deceit and misleading. People claim to see him walking down roads, always at a distance, but when they draw near, he is nowhere to be found. To have that hooded head turn towards you, is to invite calamity and despair.

When people see the familiar take on a strange, and uncomfortable shift, it is because the Wanderer is near. The touch of the wanderer, as it is usually called, shifts perceptions, inviting discomfort, and even madness in those that witness it. It makes the world seem different, uncomfortable, and strange, where the familiar becomes alien and disquieting as a result. When a person enters a room they have spent all their life within and takes pause, suddenly feeling like a stranger - that is when the Wanderer is near. Most individuals will at that point offer up a prayer to whomever may be watching. Sometimes the prayers work. Sometimes they do not. Sometimes it is a thing justly deserved - people say that the weight of one's lies will eventually draw the Wanderer to their door. For to lie is to invoke the Wanderer, it is said, to borrow his skill with deceit - but to do so brings a cost, a price that will one day be paid. To do so too much will almost always result in ruin, when the Wanderer comes to claim his debt - and the greater the lie, the more terrible the payment exacted from the one who dared use his gifts - or so it is said, in any case.

There is, however, rumour of those who claim to follow the Wanderer. These individuals are not known for their openness in such matters however, and next to nothing is known about them. If they were ever publicly known, they'd be reviled or shamed at the minimum, and more than likely (particularly if their presence was made known to some of the more established faiths) they'd be hunted down and burned as heretics or worse. But there are strange rumours about such individuals that follow the path of the Wanderer - some claim that they are not doing so willingly, but out of a curse of some kind. That they, for whatever reason, crossed the path of the great troublemaker and took on some of his powers, willing or not. They are Chaos Bringers, upsetters of the natural order, of disestablishment and destruction, but crucially, it would appear in some cases that it could very well be that they do so unwillingly. For the Wanderer is the bringer of fate, and it can be a fate cruel or simply unusual. The exact nature of the calamity he brings is not, it might be said, something he directly influences. Indeed, the very nature of chaos he creates could be either good, or ill, depending on the individual that carries it out.

Followers of the Wanderer may not even know that they are, in fact, tied to his will. They are not so much worshippers as much as they are bringers of fate. Where they tread, their actions, deliberately or otherwise, can bring about change. Sometimes that change is small, but sometimes, it is tremendous indeed - the sort of change that can wreak havoc. Whether the end result of that chaos is of benefit or detriment is a not matter of choice as much as it is a flip of a coin. Intention is one thing, but the results often are quite something else. The Wanderer cares not where the conflict comes from, nor whom it involves. If there is not enough, he will find a way, or a champion, to create it.

The Goddess of Silence.

She Who Sees.  The Wordless Judge.  The Unfinished.  The Quiet Thought.  The Contemplative.  The Silent/Mute Woman.

Spheres Of Influence - Contemplation, Enlightenment, Serenity, Peace, Study - Death, Murder, and Oppression.

Symbol - A pair of watchful eyes, or an unfinished face - Eyes open and staring, but with no mouth, and no ears.  The eyes are either calm, or wide and some might say in a state of mute screaming or anger.  They are sometimes depicted as expressionless or, perhaps worse, without pupil or iris.

Places of Worship  - Quiet, isolated shrines.   Smaller churches with high walls and isolated grounds, with muffling on the walls and floors, often underground, and lit by candles placed to give each person a sense of isolation from their fellows.   Sermons are strange affairs, where followers cover their heads in thick hoods and pray in silence several hours before dawn, at the quietest part of the day.  No words are said apart from the opening sermon, which is a short passage from the Writings of The Mute, and worshippers are expected to spend the next hour in silent contemplation of the words, to draw their own conclusions.  The prayer session ends when the worshippers decide it does, leaving of their own volition.  Worshippers tend to sleep early as a result, and often seek out their bed with the setting of the sun.

Phrases - 'In silence there is peace.  In peace there is enlightenment.'
'The spoken word is loud and intrusive.  One who listens to that which is spoken aloud cannot listen to the truth their heart has already reached.'
'...'  (Probably accompanied by a disapproving look).
'Words are for those that have not yet learned.'
Phrases by Wordtakers - 'You will know peace.'
'You do not deserve the words you speak.  They shall be taken from you.'
'Those whom disturb the silence shall be brought to it.'


The Goddess of Silence is an aspect of peaceful law, in her original style of following.  A form of religion that sprang up originally in the vein of self development and contemplation, it eventually expanded, as the written word of the Goddess was interpreted as becoming more oppressive in nature.  Originally, the belief system was applied in regards to study, and respecting the sanctity of personal privacy and peace.  However, in face of the fact that external influences disturbed the inner self, eventually it moved outwards, as it became a system designed around using inner silence to create outer stillness - and in so doing create a lawful aspect of society, through subdual of turmoil and excessive emotion, first in the self and then in others around the follower.
The church of the Mute Woman is an unusual one.  It developed slowly and quietly, and then, due to unusual circumstances, it went through a period of rapid growth some centuries previously.  Originally, it's worshippers were monks and clerics all but exclusively.  The nature of its worship and its worshippers promoted an introverted worshipper, and the nature of its word and worship meant it was not spread with any sort of vigour or audacity to the greater public.  However, this changed during the first Great Plague.   With a drastic reduction in population, and an increase in fear amongst the populace, the need and desire for isolationism, based upon fear for contact with fellow people, turned people to offer increased prayers to the Silent Woman.  The one whom after all speaks to no other cannot be poisoned by them.  

However, with the growth of this following, so too developed the increase in isolationism in the populace.  The aspect of the following shifted as a result, becoming less about the exploration of the self, but more towards the fear of others - using fear to promote agendas of xenophobia and mistrust.  This increasingly became dichotomous with the main following of the Silent Woman, until there was an eventual schism in her teachings.  Both factions of the teachings believed themselves to be right, and bloodshed resulted in the more extreme cases.  Things soon settled down, however, and for a time, all was thought to be returning to normal - until there came a new faction who rose into prominence.  They were the Peacekeepers, the Bringers of The Quiet.  They exerted the will of the Goddess by quelling unrest, and enforcing law with sometimes harsh measures.  In so doing, they removed much of the troubles of the plague, and as such, the strength of the church grew, along with their militant arm.  These militants became, over time, the enforcement of law in various provinces, and while not loved, they were respected and feared.  However, eventually, there was the uncovering of a secretive organisation, within the ranks of the church, that revealed that the schism thought quelled had, in fact, been active all along.

They were - and are - called the Wordtakers.  Others call them The Bloodied Tongues.  And it was discovered that the seemingly random deaths and murders that had taken place for years previously, of certain and powerful figures, of lowly and unknown, had a single and awful common thread.  The tongues of the victims were removed, and not found near the victims.  It was not until the capture of one of the highest ranked priests of the order in an underground chapel, tracked there by knights and other investigators, that the full depth of the Wordless Heresy was revealed.

Taking the teaching of the Mute Woman to the utmost extremes, the Wordtakers are those who believe that some who speak, some who disturb the peace, are not worthy of the lives they bear.  The cause can be varied - they can be individuals who speak, in the eyes of the Wordtakers, either blatant lies or words that might impinge upon them and their bloody duties.  They might be those who commit crimes, who abuse positions of power, who engage in wild revelry and defy the law.  These individuals are, to a Wordtaker, anathema, and as such they will stoop to any length to kill them.  Upon so killing the individual, they will then cut the tongue from the mouth, by means of offering.  The tongue itself will eventually make its way to a statue to the goddess, by means of offering.  Targets who have invited the full extent of the retribution offered to them by the Wordtakers will also have their ears removed and eyes put out, and the eyelids and lips sewn shut - to enforce upon them in death the most absolute contemplation of their deeds for all eternity.  These objects removed will then be laid at the feet of the statue of the goddess - but not before the blood of the tongue itself is used to coat the eyes of the statue, so that she might better 'see' that a sinner has been brought to peace.

Little is known about them.  There are rumours the main church is still in combat with them, but many believe that there is far too much collusion.  The Wordtakers themselves are methodical, intelligent and utterly ruthless in their dedication.  A rather horrifying habit of their order is, upon capture, to bite off their own tongue immediately upon realising they cannot escape, in an effort to prevent any possible confession.  Such was the case at the first revealing, as all dozen of the individuals involved did so almost immediately, with all of them bleeding to death as a result.

As a result of the uncovering of the Wordless Heresy, the following of the Mute Woman suffered as a result.  It is currently viewed with much distrust by those outside of it, which is, for the most part, sadly ironic.  Those who profess to follow the Silent Woman when they do speak are unlikely to be amongst the Wordtakers, who strongly believe in the preservation of the secretive nature of their order.  They let no one outside of their ranks know of their true nature, and will eliminate any who find out and try to spread word of them - to do so would endanger their work, which is the quiet, patient elimination of their opponents who, indiscriminate of their nature or purpose, disturb the peace that they seek.


Followers of the Goddess of Silence are reserved, removed individuals.  They speak in hushed, calm voices, and seldom if ever raise them.  Clerics cast their spells without speaking whenever possible, as much as possible - using silent spellcasting, and the more powerful the cleric, the less they tend to speak, growing more and more recalcitrant, preferring contemplation over conversation.  They are reluctant to impart wisdom except in the form of written word for the most part.

The Wordtakers are different.  They tend to keep to themselves, but for the most part they work hard to remain indistinguishable from others.  They tend to believe that they must do what is necessary to follow the word of their god, and as such, they can and do go to extreme lengths to do so.  But they will, if possible, avoid loud or boisterous people or locations - unless they are tracking a target.  They can be from nearly all walks of life, but they tend to be sociopathic, ruthless, and utterly merciless towards those they target, and willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve their goals.