Lux Tenebris: Deities of Lore - Part 1

Abasha is the Goddess of Justice. She is also known as the Golden Lady and the Swift Sword.  Her symbol is a descending golden sword. Although invoked in courts across the world, Abasha does not care for legalities. She is a deity of swift, decisive, moral action and she expects her adherants to follow her example. As a result, authorities view Abasha and her temples with a wary eye, as they tend to take the law into their own hands. Her followers are often perceived as vigilantes, zealots and, in some cases, traitors. She is best loved by the elves.

Amhog is the God of Knowledge and his symbol is the apple. He is sometimes referred to as the Guardian of the Tree of Knowledge. In most myths, this tree is an apple tree. Amhog is venerated by all those who seek knowledge and all knowledge is his to award as he sees fit. Shrines to Amhog can be found in schools and libraries. He is the special patron of the Adamantine Archive. Temples to Amhog vary in size, but all of his priests have expertise in at least one field of knowledge. Amhog is best loved by the gnomes.

Anola is the Goddess of Healing. She is sometimes referred to as the White Lady and is one of the most popular deities on Lore. Her husband is Halab, the God of Mercies and her sister is Atenauch, the Goddess of Want. Anola’s followers are legion. Her temples serve as hospitals and her priests are physicians. They turn no one away and treat everyone the same, whether they are a common laborer or a powerful king. Anola’s symbol is a potion bottle, but she is most often represented as a beautiful gnome woman with milk-white skin and pale blonde hair.

Ariel is the Goddess of Wisdom. Where Amhog rewards effort with knowledge, Ariel awards experience with wisdom. People say that Amhog is the kinder of the two.  The Goddess of Wisdom is invoked in all manner of judgements and decision-making. One of the oldest deities, her counsel is even sought by the other gods. Ariel’s symbol is the hourglass. She has few temples, but many shrines. Her priests are usually older people with good judgement and long memories. The Goddess of Wisdom is best loved by humans and usually manifests as an exotic, dark-skinned human female, wearing flowing blue robes. 

Arilil is the Goddess of Sadness and Despair. She is sometimes referred to as the Weeping One and the Queen of Tears.  Her symbol is a weeping eye producing three blue teardrops. Arilil is most often invoked at sad occasions such as funerals, but people often call upon her to avoid situations that could lead to grief.  Although she is not a popular goddess, Arilil still has temples and priests devoted to her service. Her clergy often assist with funerals and act as professional mourners. Dragonborn venerate Arilil, hoping to placate the goddess with offerings and keep her far away.

Artys is the Goddess of Illusion. Her symbol is a purple serpent upon a dark blue field. Temples to Artys are few and far apart.  All of them are concealed. Finding one of her temples is no mean feat.  Artys’s priests claim that the entire world is an illusion, and that their goddess is less concerned with perpetuating the illusion than helping people to look past it. Her priests try to present her as a benevolent deity, but since Artys is the Goddess of Illusion few people believe these claims.  Artys is best loved by the elves, especially the drow.