The Pantheon

While many in the Ilk worship a divine being or follow a spiritual path, just as many reject religion, believing that the gods have forsaken them. Those who choose to escape their daily suffering with prayer or meditation often do so in secrecy and isolation, as organised religion has been for the most part crushed by the Ilk's feudal lords. The threat held to the existing order by potentially seditious clerics was deemed unacceptable, and a vicious inquisition was launched against the temples and monasteries of the Ilk. Resistance was fierce however, and the continent erupted into chaos as hordes of worshippers retaliated against the attacks, murdering officials and setting towns and cities ablaze. But the iron fist of the Hydrass clan responded swiftly and without mercy, slaughtering the rioters in their thousands and driving religious practice underground.

The true nature of this ancient continent is mired by the brutal reality of daily life, but those who look beyond this imposed horror often feel an indescribable yearning that stems from deep within. Of late there has been a notable resurgence in clandestine religious activity, and it has been theorised that the collective consciousness of the masses is being stirred once more by the beings that dwell below.

The Creator
The rocks, the dirt, the animals and plants, the stormy seas and the windswept plains; in each and all of these resides the spirit of the creator. To many she is a force of benevolence, a carer who cherishes all who dwell on her surface. While others see her as the manifestation of the natural world, and seek to protect her from the ravages of civilization. The tribe of tayatha who seek to prosper peacefully in their subterranean lair may worship the Creator for her nurturing power. While the solitary gnoll ranger who stalks the highlands with his animal companion may call on her for strength to fight those who wish to exploit her and her children. Many have been touched by the majestic beauty of the Ilks wilderness, and those that have dared submit themselves to its power have felt the tigers heart that pulses beneath.

Ayasathu
The god of fire and vengeance, the spirit of this being lies within the heart of the mighty volcano that dominates the Ilks northern skyline. So huge is this volcano that that it can be seen from anywhere in the Ilk, and its rumblings can be heard from as far away as the southern wastes. Volcanic activity has for centuries been interpreted as an omen of doom, and the violent eruptions of Ayasathu often precipitate times of great turmoil.

This deity is worshipped by many fighters and combatants who seek to draw strength from the raw fury of fire, and the inexorable destructive power of lava. The connection between this being and its worshippers is often seen as tenuous, and the energy flow between it and its patrons is one of great mystery. However, loyalty to the volcano god is rewarded justly. It has been recorded that over the years various fire cults have made pilgrimages beyond the Ilks northern edge to the volcano giant. And rumour has it followers frequently sacrifice themselves in the molten lava so that they may become one with their god.

Reviews

[ATG]

The Creator is a very simple diety. This is not a bad thing.

I have a question about Ayasath though. Does this diety exist in this campaign or are the people just worshipping a volcano? Does the diety live in it?

I also want to bring the idea of devils and demons to your attention. Do they exist in this campaign? If so, consider using one of them as another diety.

Over all, this seems very interesting though.

[Stonewall]

What Ben said. It's good seeing the layers being added to this.

[ColdSpiral]

With the flavour of gods added your Ilk is starting to take a very interesting shape. I'd be interested to see an expansion of these two gods, however - aspects of each god for different circumstances - the nurturing Creator that allows crops to grow contrasted with the vengeful Creator who imbues said gnoll ranger with the land's blessing, while the two are essentially the same goddess - and the same can then be said for Ayasathu, depending upon his governances. In saying that, I like the dichotomy that you've set up - the two gods coexisting in a tension that holds them both in balance.
I'd also suggest checking out Hesiod's "Theogony"...
Great addition to the Ilk; keep on world-building!