Religion
For most of the Age of Kingdoms, the people of the land were generally not considered a religious bunch. In recent times, a resurgence in the worship of the pagan gods of old, has returned. These revelists will journey to the revels, the great stone circles erected in antiquity, to pay devotion to one or more such gods.
The people who live in the countryside, in smaller towns and villages, are far more likely to take these religious practices seriously, while the well-to-do look on them more as an entertaining activity.
Pagan Gods
Traditionally, eight pagan gods of Xan'rius were worshipped at the stones; the Sh'thani, however, brought knowledge of the pagan gods of their world with them as well. Each of the gods represents a unique aspect of life in the world
Artemix, the Huntress
Artemix is the goddess of the hunt, and is one of the few pagan gods who has been credibly claimed throughout history to have been glimpsed by mortals. Appearing as a fifteen foot tall woman with goat's legs and short horns, nude from the waste up, and wielding a golden bow, she stalks the old forests of the world, seeking and slaying ancient horrors.
Athya, the Weaver
Athya's domain is the realm of Zh'vael, and she holds dominion over fate and time. She is the weaver of the Great Tapestry, collecting the threads of mortals into a single tale that represents that is all of time. She is described as a marbled statue of immense size, whose eyes contain the universe, and whose unmoving mouth still speaks clearly in your mind. She is a favorite of the Krakaw, whose natural talents in cosmology and tarr'ko lend themselves to her following.
Bathemos, the Rebel
Bathemos is the god of fire, chaos, hedonism, and anarchy. While many would consider his worship to be dangerous, there are many who see him as an avatar of freedom and a carefree lifestyle. He is often phyiscally described as the male counterpart to Artemix, a goat-like being with more than a hint of insanity in his eyes.
Behemoth, the Destroyer
Behemoth is the manifestation of the end of all things. Only ever seen in dreams and visions, Behemoth is not viewed as an explicitly evil entity, but rather one of inevitability. Often appearing as a gargantuan creature of various forms on the horizon of the minds eye, silhouetted against the utter destruction of all things. Behemoth does not communicate with his followers, nor does he expect anything of them - likely, he neither knows, nor cares, of their existence.
Fae'la, the Dragon
Fae'la is the great dragon, an enormous beast of black and purple scales, with glowing green eyes and irridescent wings the size of a village. She can rarely be seen at night, skimming across the sky in the distance, on an errand of only her understanding. She is known to be some spirit or avatar tied to the realm of the fae, but the details of this connection are unknown, even to her most devout worshippers. She is seen a herald, the goddess of the inevitable, and is interpreted as both a good and ill omen, depending on who you ask.
Norami, the Steed
Norami is the ancient horse spirit, a ghostly steed of such perfection and beauty as to bring one to their knees to look upon her directly. She is seen as a beacon of hope, purity, and reward; often worshipped by those who live in the countryside, farmers and laborers tend to look on her as a symbol of the good times to come after a hard season's work.
Iluna, the Dancer
Iluna is the free feminine spirit of the dance, often devoted to by small covens who seek a sense of release and empowerment without the need to subjugate others. Iluna represents the mantra of living, and letting others live as they see fit. The dance of silks is meant to liberate the soul, and release worries and cares, while embracing a sense of community and oneness.
The Faerie King
The Faerie King is the patron and lord of Fae'rela, the mysterious realm of the fae. He is known as the great deceiver, and represents the pursuit of power and greatness, no matter the cost. He is viewed as a selfish creature, and bargaining with him is known to be a fool's errand. He often appears as a well dressed individual, with glittering skin and hair, and with a poisonous charm about his person.
The Princes
The Princes are the collective pantheon of gods of Sh'than. Until the Age of Spires, The Princes were unknown to this world - since, their followers have practices the dark rites, sacrifices, and bloodlettings demanded by these evil patrons. With only a cult-like following, most mortals would choose to stay far away from these gods who are often blamed not only for the Sh'thani subjugation of this world, but also for the war that broke their own.
Shara, the Storyteller
Shara is the goddess of the divine tale, ruler of the realm of Ra'zad. Prior to the Age of Spires, Shara was unknown to Xan'rius, much like Th Princes. The Sh'thani brought with them knowledge of Shara, but kept it closely guarded. Little is known at this time about Shara, what her purpose is, and how she fits into the pantheon of other gods.