Vanished Iosan Gods

Though I generally consider the presence of Iosans and Rhul-folk (Elves and Dwarves, respectively) to be unnecessary hold-overs from traditional Dungeons & Dragons, sacred cows that few d20 publishers are willing to disturb, they do have somewhat interesting implementations in the Iron Kingdoms setting from Privateer Press. In keeping with high fantasy tradition, the Dwarves are excellent stoneworkers that worship a variety of foundry, forge, and masonry-related deities that are considered the great grand-pappies of their species.

Also in keeping with tradition, the Elves are an ancient, noble, refined, and slowly dying race that has outlived its usefulness in the world. Towards in end, the pantheon of the Iosan Elves consists largely of deities that simply no longer exist. They vanished a few hundred years ago, with only one surviving, though sickly, and possibly comatose, tended to by a worried flock. This ailing survivor, Scyrah, is pretty well-described in the published material, but the others, being effectively defunct, have received little official treatment. The following descriptions are courtesy of Douglas Seacat, Privateer Press writer, on an unofficial basis (any details here are subject to change later on).

Lacyr

“Narcissar of Ages, and Potentate of the Living”

First born among the elven gods and most powerful was Lacyr. She had mastery over the creation of forms and all cycles of life. She understood the nature of time and the mysteries of the world. Lacyr is the mother of the elven people and creator of all the supernal servants of the gods.

Domains: Creation (lost), Good; her priests could also choose domains from any other of the Divine Court.

Ossyris

“Incissar of Hours, Sovereign of Conflict, General of Lyoss”

Ossyris had lordship over time and the passage of hours, and could halt or reverse its flow. He was master of warfare and battle, and general of the elven divine hosts. He gathered the souls of those who died in battle and brought them onward to further conflicts in the hereafter. Ossyris passed the lore of weapons and armor to the elves.

Domains: War, Law, Righteousness, Time (lost)

Ayisla

“Nis-Arsyr of Night, Suzerain of the Fallen, Watcher of the Gates of Lyoss”

Watcher of Lyoss in the hours of darkness, Ayisla was chief of the gatekeepers and protected the domain and palace of the gods. She was responsible for gathering souls of the dead so they could be purified or reincarnated. In the hour of midnight not even Lacyr could command Ayisla. She granted special mortals the gift of prophecy.

Domains: Night (lost), Protection, Rebirth (lost)

Nyrro

“Arsyr of Day, Senechal of Lyoss Palace, Lorekeeper”
Ayisla’s twin is the lord of daytime and keeper of the divine palace. He was best known for his great library, the organization of which only he could fully comprehend. Its tomes could only be read at certain hours, penned in languages from many times and places. Nyrro gifted elves with arcane lore, which would be their undoing. In the hour of noon no other power could stand before Nyrro nor command him.

Domains: Day (lost), Fire, Knowledge, Magic

Lurynsar

“Issyr of Summer, Armsmaster of Lyoss and Chief of Scouts”

A warrior second only to the Incissar of Hours, he was fleet of foot and deadly accurate with bow or spear. To Lurynsar fell the responsibility of the armory of Lyoss, and keeping its servitors in fighting trim. Foremost in scouting hostile regions and guiding divine armies to capture territory. He taught elves to use terrain as a barrier or weapon.

Domains: Trickery, Summer, Warrior

Lyliss

“Nis-Scyir of Autumn, Court Assassin and Mistress of
Poisons”

Lyliss was the most cunning of the gods. The counterpart to her healing sister, the goddess of Autumn was masterful in the knowledge of unraveling life, using poisons both natural and fabricated in the service of the gods. Lyliss was sent among enemies to bring their downfall silently. Lyliss was a charming and beautiful goddess, possessed of grace. She appreciated humor, even as her jokes were often cruel.

Domains: Assassination, Destruction, Autumn

Nyssor

(included as the Iosans count him as Vanished; this is the Iosan depiction of Nyssor)

“Scyir of Winter, Grand Crafter and also known as the Frozen Sage”

Last was the god of winter, ice, and snow. Nyssor kept himself distant from his brothers and sisters, and rarely attended the court. He was said to be a craftsman without equal, and much of the construction of Lyoss and its palace were done by his hands. He was quiet, but his eyes betrayed knowledge of much that was left unsaid.

Domains: (Listed in the IKCG)

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