Saga of the Ortegids: The Nine Gods, Part 2

Here's the other half of the main pantheon of The Saga of the Ortegids. See here for part 1.

Gaius, the Forgemaster, is the god of the sun, fire, and the forge. He is the patron god of the dragons (and Dragovians), who - as beasts of fire - regard him as their forefather, but he is also a patron to the dwarves thanks to his association with the forge. Legend has it that he taught the secrets of fire and metalworking to mortals. His temples tend to be placed in areas of volcanic activity, as volcanoes are revered as the chimneys of his workshop buried deep within the earth; when a volcano erupts, it is because he is drawing on its heat to forge fantastic treasures. Gaius has created many magical artifacts, but the most celebrated of all is the Sphere of Light, a ball of congealed radiance and the most sacred treasure known to dragonkind. He originally created it as a gift to the dragons of Erdland, but it has since passed into the hands of the Kingdom of Alefgard, who use it to control the Inner Sun of Torland.

• Gaius's appearance varies depending on who he appears to. He tends to appear as a stout bearded man or a dwarf when dealing with humanoids, and as a dragon with scales that flicker in the colors of fire when dealing with dragons and their kin. Depictions of the god in artwork likewise reflect the culture of their origin.
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Domains: Forge, Light, Nature
• Oaths: Crown

Astrella, the Eternal Muse, is the goddess of love, beauty, music, and the arts. She taught mortals the secrets of music, and delights in striking them with the inspiration to compose great works. Her temples often exhibit paintings, sculptures, and tapestries donated by the faithful, and her prayers are always sung, some of them incorporating instruments. She also has power over romantic attraction, and presides over all marriages and oaths of love - though legends say that she is not afraid to compel people to fall madly in love with animals or inanimate objects simply because the act amused her. As befitting of a goddess of such passion, she is not afraid to encourage roguish tendencies in her worshipers, and her creed urges that one must follow their heart's true desire, regardless of ethics or the law of the land. This has made her cult popular among thieves and criminals, and a controversial one among many authorities.

• Astrella appears as a striking woman - it is said that everyone who beholds her sees their ideal of beauty. Other legends say that this is only a guise, as beholding her in her true radiance would cause a mortal to go blind.
• Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
• Domains: Trickery, Unity, Zeal
• Oaths: Devotion, Treachery

Wyrdpater, the Father of Fate, is the god of fate, prophecy, and magic. He alone knows the ultimate fate of all beings, and sees to it that they play their part in the grand scheme of reality. He keeps the secrets of fate closely guarded from mortals, fearing that if they know of their destiny they will seek to work against it; to that end, he is known to place curses upon those who know too much, and sends his agents to bring them into line. He has, however, entrusted certain mortals with the ability to see into the future, or even manipulate reality itself - this is in itself a means to further the plan in mysterious ways that only he truly understands. Through this he imparted mortals with the secrets of magic, though his teachings have spread far beyond his original selection, and magicians conducting their own research have discovered further secrets independent of his guidance. Some say there are some spells even Wyrdpater refused to teach to mortal man, such as the pursuit of eternal life. To pursue these forbidden magics is a dangerous pursuit, but one considered the ultimate goal of sorcery among some circles.

• Wyrdpater is depicted as a wizened old man with a long beard, dressed in the garb of a wizard. He is usually shown carrying a scroll, upon which is written the fates of all mortals.
• Alignment: True Neutral
• Domains: Arcana, Fate, Knowledge, or use a Diviner to represent a pilgrim of Wyrdpater.
• Oaths: Ancients, Watchers

Verina, the Beastmatron, is the goddess of animals and nature. She is the mother and mistress of all beasts, and her priests are gifted with the ability to commune with them. The forest is her domain, and her ceremonies are often held in the open air at sacred springs or groves, many of which are said to be the dwellings of her nymph daughters. In part, this is because she opposes any intrusions on the balance of nature, considering artificiality and construction to defile the sanctity of the natural world. Her worshipers will fiercely guard her sacred places from outsiders, and she will rally wild beasts to fight alongside them in their defense. According to legend, she does not dwell with her divine brethren; instead, she prefers to wander the world to witness the beauty of nature up close, though only select mortals can see her. Unexplained breezes are attributed to her running by.

• Verina is often shown as a young woman barefoot and dressed in simple animal hides, with branches tangled in her hair, or a crown of leaves. She is sometimes depicted as a beastman (especially among beastmen).
• Alignment: True Neutral
• Domains: Nature
• Oaths: Ancients, Watchers

Hesper, the Hearth Mother, is the goddess of hearth and home. She does not have any major temples - instead, she commands the faithful to worship her over the fire, during everyday tasks, and before going to sleep at night, thanking her for their good fortune during the day. Keeping the home orderly and providing for one's family is considered a worshipful act. She commands her followers to respect the sanctity of hospitality, and commands them not to take up arms unless attacked first. Despite her homebody nature, her cult has many pilgrims, as she inspires them to go forth performing acts of charity to the poor and downtrodden who have no home or family to call their own, standing in the defense of those who have no one else to care for them. Other priests run hostels for weary travelers and the poor to rest.

• Hesper appears as a stout, matronly woman in an apron. Despite her divine nature, she does not favor the grandiose pageantry of other gods, and prefers to present herself modestly and humbly. As such, depictions of her are difficult to distinguish from those of ordinary people.
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Domains: Life, Peace, Protection
• Oaths: Redemption