Valdreach Pantheon

The Valdreach Pantheon is a pantheon of dieties and mythos worshipped by the Valdreacher People.

Dieties
The pantheon has undergone many changes over the centuries, with dieties being added, forgotten and remembered. The Imperial Temple was, and the post-temple mythos is, heavily influenced by Abyss Mysticism.

Kirosha, The Time Mother
Kirosha is a distant and introverted goddess, but still remains a motherly figure. She watches over her children with objectivity and lets them learn from their mistakes. She is an orderly and consistent being, her wisdom rarely failing. She is the goddess of time and order within the Universe. However, she does not embody the natural order of fundamental laws, but rather the very ability of sentient beings to order the world around them by assigning meaning to it. Kirosha assigned meaning to the Abyss, and thus created Time, which she still regulates. Moreover, she is known for setting in motion processes that would lead to the creation of natural laws. It is said that Kirosha was one of the three primordial gods, next to Ebenis and his hound Barghesh. She saw the Divine Smith and his Chaos Dog as a threat to her order, and thus they waged a war. Only after both deities realized that both order and chaos are needed for evolution to occur, the world was actually made. According to “The Book of Ren” Kirosha named everything in the world, thus giving meaning to it. She also created the Divine Pendulum to allow the world self-regulation.

Symbol: Clock

Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Imperial Temple, Post-Temple

The Divine Pendulum
Also known as the Demiurge.

The Divine Pendulum is a symbol for the fundamental laws of nature, and the natural order itself. It is the self-regulating force of the Universe, which is inherently hostile to the sentient beings who would rather impose their own will upon it, thus it is also known as the Demiurge. It is said that Kirosha designed the Pendulum, while Ebenis forged it. Once it started swinging, the material world was born from its motions. Yet it was a mechanical reality, devoid of change or free will. Only when Barghesh was freed and allowed to roam the world, the power of Pendulum lessened, allowing for sentient beings to appear.

Symbol: Pendulum

Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Imperial Temple, Post-Temple

Ebenis
Titled the Divine Smith, or the Creator.

Ebenis is serious, yet extraverted, and always open and honest. He takes great joy from his work, and doesn’t hide it. He loves his dog, even though Barghesh hinders as often as he helps. He is a creative being, always looking for some kind of expression. He is the god of creation and creativity. The Divine Smith forged the world as we know it, and continues to work on his mysterious projects in the Abyss, often influencing the mortal world. As one of the three primordial gods, Ebenis waged war with Kirosha with the help of his Chaos Dog. Only when the gods learned how to cooperate, the world could be created. Ebenis forged the Divine Pendulum which was designed by Kirosha, and therefore created the fundamental laws of nature. His gift to sentient races is creativity.

Symbol: Smith’s tools

Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Imperial Temple, Post-Temple

Barghesh, the Chaos Dog
In his behavior, Barghesh resembles an unpredictable beast much more than any rational person. He may be helpful one day, only to destroy and hinder a second later. The only constant in his personality is change. He personified the forces of change and chaos, the very dynamism and energy, which moves the world. Moreover, he is associated with fire, heat and wild beasts. It is said that Barghesh is the dog of Ebenis, who uses his energy to forge and create. However, the chaotic nature of this god made him a threat to Kirosha’s order, so she imprisoned the Chaos Dog, resulting in a war between Kirosha and Ebenis. Only when the gods reconciled, Barghesh could run free again, and use his powers in service to both creation and destruction.

Symbol: Burning dog skull

Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Imperial Temple, Post-Temple

Narkhol
Titled The First of the Living, The First of the Dead, and the Corpse God.

Narkhol embodies organic life, every piece of biomass is a part of his entity, even though the god himself died to spawn life in the first place. It is said that Narkhol was a god so old, that he could exist only in the primordial Abyss. When Kirosha and Ebenis ordered the laws governing the universe, Narkhol couldn’t adapt to the new reality, and collapsed under his own weight. From his corpse, the first organic life was born.

Symbol: Heart

Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Imperial Temple, Post-Temple

Xillix
Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Imperial Temple, Post-Temple

Falkmar
Titled the Falcon of Light, or the First Emperor

Falkmar is a paragon of nobility and loyalty, displaying everything that is the best in mankind. However, his honor is also his greatest weakness. He is a god of mortals, especially the rulers, who trace their bloodline to him. Moreover as a paragon of noble warrior, he is a patron for those who fight for the good cause. Falkmar was mortal once, yet he was elevated to divinity through his loyalty to Kirosha and the care that he showed towards her daughter. He founded Falkheim, the first settlement of the ancient Valdreach people. The von Valdreach family traces their ancestry to him.

Symbol: Falcon

Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Imperial Temple, Post-Temple

Fortuna
Also known as Lady Luck. Curious and romantic, Fortuna seeks to explore the world from every conceivable view at every conceivable moment to better understand the path of her mother's creation. Her domain is that of fate, chance and fortune.

Symbol: the "Y" of diverging paths

Eras Observed: Post-Temple

Sappho and Erinna
Sappho was born as a mortal. She was a wise and skilled warrior, and the founder of Hju Sappho. She was granted divinty for her honor on the fields of battle and great wisdom. Erinna is her wife, and ascended to divinity alongside her. The von Valdreach family traces their ancestry back to them.

Symbol: Violet

Eras Observed: Pre-Temple, Post-Temple

The Imperial Temple
During the time of the Valdreach Imperial Republic, the Valdreach Pantheon was formally organized into the Imperial Temple. This was done to provide a formal structure to the religion, as well as to incorperate beliefs and practices from across the Empire. It relied heavily on Abyss Mysticism for structure and meta-religious understanding.

Dialectical Syncretism
This technique is the fundamental principle on which the Temple is built. According to this doctrine, all gods are various aspects of four primordial archetypes of Abyss Mysticism, thus all religions are valid, because they worship the same gods, but interpret them differently. In the attempt to extract the true nature of these aspects and unite various myths into universal mythology, priests of the Temple use the dialectical syncretism. The dialectical part tells us, that the core method consists of formulating the thesis (current version of the Pantheon) and the antithesis (religion that we are going to incorporate) and comparing them in order to find similarities and explain differences. In this process the synthesis (the new version of the Pantheon) is created, which is closer to the truth than the previous one. The syncretic part tells us, that not only metaphysical, but also mythological level of the religions is merged, in order to create an universal mythology, appealing to all citizens of the Valdreach Imperial Republic. This is the only way to eliminate religious conflicts and prevent possible persecutions.

The Outer Order
The first level in the hierarchy consists of traditional priests, who aren’t learned in the ways of the philosophy of the Imperial Temple. They may worship any number of deities from Imperial Pantheon, and are required only to register in the Temple. They are free to apply for the promotion at any time, and if they prove their worth, they will be accepted to the Inner Order, which is simultaneous with joining the Abyss Mystics. All members of the Outer Order receive this book, and the companion tome “The Priest of the Imperial Temple”, which explains in detail their current position and further possibilities.

The Inner Order
The priesthood proper consists of the members of the Order of the Abyss Mystics. The reason for that is the high standard of intellectual, diplomatic and philosophical prowess, which is one of the main requirements of belonging to the Mystics. Of course, one may be the Abyss Mystics, but do not belong to the Temple. This level is divided into two ranks: transitory Adept and permanent Thulr. Members of the Inner Order understand the subjectivity of beliefs, thus they are allowed to follow individual interpretation of the Pantheon, but in official situation, they adapt to the cultural context of situation. For example they use the local names of deities, even if they personally they worship them under different aspects. Upon joining, all members of the Inner Order receive complete set of Temple’s literature and the scriptures of Abyss Mysticism.

The High Priesthood
The ruling body of the Temple works together for the good of the organization and the entire Imperial Republic. They are free to make any changes in the Temple’s policies, as long as they do not contradict the constitution of Valdreach. Also, the entire High Priesthood must approve the change.

The High Priesthood

 * Chronologer (alternative spelling Chronologuer) – This office was created specifically for Khara, the divine daughter of the time goddess Kirosha. Within the Pantheon she is considered the patron of culture, history and arts. Her sacred task consists of recording and cataloguing the events that transpire in Rathnir, so that in the future other generations may learn from the past and not commit the same mistakes as their ancestors. She manages the grand cathedral of Aezenfjord and collects various texts from across the world in the imperial library. As the Advisor of Culture she’s responsible for organization of national and local events, celebrations and festivals. Because of her innate connection with the divine, she’s often consulted by the Advisor of Religion when performing dialectical syncretism. Moreover, she is the only person able to recognize the Elu, this state of being is explained in the book “Imperial Pantheon”. Administratively, she also fulfills the role of the Thulr of Aezenfjord, where she resides.
 * Fimbulthulr (alternatively Prophet) – In the language of Tvear, this title means “the great sage”, it is held by the religious philosopher Assurdirapal, who created the core concepts and ideas of the Imperial Temple. Thus, he’s responsible for the doctrine, writing of the scriptures, incorporating new deities to the Pantheon and performing the dialectical syncretism. As the Prophet of the Abyss Mystics, he manages organization of the Temple and appointment and promotion of the priests and Thulr. He also serves as the Advisor of Religion to the national government, and as the Thulr of Tvear, where he takes care of the local cathedral.

The Inner Order

 * Thulr (plural Thular, alternatively Masters or Sages) – As fully recognized Abyss Mystics, Thular understand philosophical ideas of the Temple and their practical implications. They represent their high position with dignity and personal culture, which makes them competent judges and arbitrators, if such functions are needed. All provincial rulers are required to have at least one Thulr at their court, who will advise them on religious matter and serve as the direct contact with the Temple, they are also authorized to perform marriages and other religious and cultural ceremonies. Territories aren’t required to have a Thulr, but it is strongly suggested, because of the many benefits for both sides. When serving in a province or territory, the title is expanded to the “Thulr of (name of province or territory)”.
 * Adept (within the Inner Order referred to as the Apprentice) – This rank is granted to the priests who decide to learn the philosophy of the Temple, but haven’t been recognized as possessing full abilities yet. The same title and function is also granted to the new Abyss Mystics, which allows skipping the Outer Order entirely when climbing in the hierarchy. All Adepts are considered to belong to the Abyss Mystics, because they are required to pass the same test in order to prove their worth.

The Outer Order

 * Priest – Those who consider themselves priests, are required to register in the Imperial Temple if they want to continue performing this function in their provinces and territories. Rogue priests won’t be acknowledged by the government, and offering religious services without being registered by the Temple is considered a crime. The priests from the provinces can’t perform marriage ceremonies nor any official celebrations, but are free to perform religious rites on private level. The priests in territories aren’t bound by these restrictions. However, all of them are able to apply for the elevation to the Inner Order.