Extract from “Musings on the Divine, An Arcane perspective” by Zeddicus
"It has often been said by the unfaithful that if the Gods are so powerful why do they not manifest upon the world. Why do they instead they empower mortals with Divine energy in order to do their bidding and how can you be sure that these people do not get their powers from another source the way Arcane users do. Most priests claim that it was the presence of the Gods walking upon the world that caused the end of those peoples that came before the Awakening of Mortals, other priests may just smile and slyly imply that they still do.
Many Gods speak through their priests, some deities only speak to the most devote while other deities are more likely to send visions to any who believe in them or just those in dire need of guidance. Most often in the form of Dreams but sometimes Divine servants will appear and give instructions or warnings.
Over the span of recorded history since the Awakening the power of the Gods seem to wax and wane with the rise or decline of their followers (It is often spoken of how these followers fail because of their Gods losing power rather than the Gods losing power because of a loss in believers)
Many Gods have faded into legend while new cults seem to pop up every year many of these don't ever reach the ears of the masses and if it is true that the Gods themselves require believers why do so many seem perfectly happy to coexist with other religions?
There are of course those who do not honor the Gods; these are known as the Faithless, often it is those who have lost faith due to loss of a loved one or a tragedies that befell them causing them to blame their chosen deity or all things divine. They accept that the Gods exist but no longer worship or do honour to any. These people are seen as lost and often great efforts are tried to bring them among the faithful by priests of most religions."
Greater Gods Worshiped Throughout Tarsonis
Setesh:
The God Of Plans, Changing Ways.
Symbol: A Clawed Hand Holding Blue Flame
One of the first deities to arise from the dust of Za'Ha'Doom but its devoted followers claim that Setesh has always been here; hidden and guiding the mortal realm to an end only he knows. Setesh is a force for change the breaking of old orders and bringing forth new dawns, sometimes peaceful sometimes volatile but always changing whether mortals wish it or not.
Followers of Setesh always have an agenda, some long term plan they believe to be the will of their God, but rarely do many of the devote work together preferring to form small secretive groups rather than larger churches and these collectives are often seen to be working against each other to the eyes of outsiders.
Domains: Knowledge, Trickery, Magic.
Grabthar:
Hammer Lord, Warsmith, World Barer.
Symbol: An Anvil and Hammer.
An ancient and well respected deity, Grabthar is loved by smiths, craftsmen, builders and protectors. Favoured by dwarf folk and most civilised cultures Grabthar holds those who focus to become a master of an art in highest esteem. From the greatest blacksmiths to the unnamed tailor who commits himself totally to perfecting his craft.
Domains: War, Light, Protection.
Groot:
Life bringer, World Tree, Yggdrasil, The First Seed.
Symbol: A humanoid Tree holding a glowing flower.
It is said that Groot speaks to all through the natural world, the way water bubbles in a stream or the way trees sway in the wind and through meditation and reflection can you hear the will of Groot. Balance above all things, respect for all natural life and destruction toward undeath and abominations.
Followers are often those who live closest with nature outside of the more cultivated lands but even in the greatest cities an observant traveller can find a garden dedicated to Groot.
Domains: Life, Nature
Nagash.
Keeper of Souls, The Risen Lord.
Symbol: A Flaming Skull.
Those who wish to delve into the mysteries of the afterlife often worship Nagash any who seek to extend existence beyond death and to extend life. Little is known about the followers of Nagash as they are often at odds with followers of the other Gods.
Domains: Magic, Death
Hydra:
The Many Headed Lord,
Symbol: Red and Black Hydra.
It is said the dread creature with the same name was created as a harbinger of the God Hydra, followers seek to bring about the destruction of all other churches but no matter how many fanatics are slain there are always more willing to serve the Many Headed Lord.
Domains: War, Tempest, Trickery
Scanlan:
He who is Bert Renolds, The Shorthalt.
Symbol: Fig Leaf
Finder of joy, God of parties, lover of love. Worshiped the world over by poets and minstrels of partygoers and those who love festivals, Scanlan is said to inspire music and passion within the souls of those who embrace the joy and inhibitions that come along with his blessing.
Domains: Illusion/Music
Vim.
Stalker of the Damned. Queen of Storms. Mistborn.
Symbol: A shadow within a Storm
God of the hunter, Predator, prayed to by rangers and bounty hunters. Vim’s Followers hunts down creatures of evil with an unrelenting intensity be they undead, abominations or tainted beasts. Though they can fight humanoids those who answer the call of Vim rarely take interest in even the most depraved or corrupt unless they fall within the list of prey. Many a warrior has whispered a prayer to Vim before going to face the many horrors that lurk at the edge of civilisation.
Domains: Tempest, War, Hunting
Vedrungr
The Storm Dragon,
Symbol: Dragon’s Head breathing a bolt of lightning.
While worshiped almost entirely by the Valkyr peoples of Yggard, this is mostly due to the Minbari Empire banning the religion AA: 1732.
Domains: Storm, War, Seafaring
Zek
The Grand Nagus. Master of Profit.
Symbol: A rectangle gold coin
Many that dedicate their life to the pursuit and accusation of wealth worship Zek. His followers teach of The Great Material Link and how in order to be truly successful one must follow the Rules of Acquisition.
Domains: Trade, Trickery, Travel
Gods and lesser Spirits of Tarsonis
Lesser Gods/Powerful Known Spirits
The Laughing Gnome.
Ziggy Stardust, He Who Mocks.
Symbol: None as no official church but is often associated with a Wishing Well.
The Laughing Gnome is not worshiped as such but is often blamed for minor misfortunes and pranks by children the world over. Said to appear most often to children with a mischievous nature The Laughing Gnome is meant to grant wishes but never in the way you expect or as you asked for and always with a unknown price.
The Watcher,
Tales speak of a large incorporeal spirit that appears in moments of great importance and invisible to all but a few. It is said that The Watcher was there at the founding of the Mimbar Empire, the day the great fleet sailed for Vorlorn, the day the shadows come, as well as other moments of great importance.