Presuming that each god in a pantheon has a series of demigods, titans, and other such creatures under his or her purview, what would such a hierarchy look like for a nature god who was in charge of all things wild and woolly?
The Goddess of Nature
Centuries ago, the gods of our world gathered together for a contest for the title of "Most Illusive". Knowing that they couldn't kill their immortal rivals, the rules became quite simple: eliminate your opponents by striking them with a single magical attack and the last god or goddess left unscathed would take home a trophy -- a large bejeweled goblet -- commemorating their victory.
The other gods thought Anamastia, the goddess of nature, the easiest to kill -- as she had no domain of her own to hide in nor attack spells to fight with. Each sought her out immediately.
As they closed in, Anamastia waved her hand and a thick forest rose up so that her rivals could not see one another. She then hid in the trees and -- one by one -- carefully approached the other gods, calling out from cover and explaining that they two were the last remaining in the competition. She would then summon an illusion that appeared to her adversary's eyes to be Anamastia trapped under a fallen tree calling out for help.
Eager to win the title, each adversary attacked without hesitation. The bluff successful, Anamastia would congratulate them on their victory and offer them the trophy. But as they reached for the trophy, each was bitten by an asp lying in wait in the bottom of the cup.
And so it came to pass that Anamastia -- in a contest of unlimited magic -- earned the title "Most Illusive" using each god's pride and a single lowly snake.
Hierarchy: Issue
- Phlagos
Son. God of Bulls and Sires
Phlagos, though being the god of animal fertility, is barren -- a source of great shame and endless ridicule from his younger brother Harthum. - Harthum
Son. God of Crops and Harvest - Anabella
Daughter. Goddess of the Nocturnal - Phantos
Grandson (Anabella). God of Reptiles
Anabella, Phantos' mother, was exceptionally beautiful and was forced to live in hiding in the darkness of the night to avoid the gaze of other gods and goddesses. One day, she was tricked into the bed of a rival god and Phantos was conceived. His symbol is the chameleon. - Horsephenes
Grandson (Harthum). God of the Trees - Damavar
Grandson (Harthum). God of Low Plants (grasses)
Hierarchy: Demigods
- Riater
Guardienne of the Feathered - Olipta
Guardian of Hibernation - Thygh
Guardian of Cubs and Roe - Blemia
Guardian of the Diggers - Calard
Guardienne of Beetles, Vultures, and Reclamation
Hierarchy: Divine Heroes and Figures
- Juniper
As an entrant in the Gossamer Games, Juniper the carpenter was unusual because he did not champion a god -- as was the custom. Having lived in the wilderness his whole life, he did not know the gods. As such, the gods paid him no heed and refused to aid him. That is, except for Anamastia, who saw that in his ignorance he had forsaken the gluttony and wastefulness that comes from a lifetime of sucking up to the gods. During his trial, while he needed no help with the physical labors, Anamastia called forth an owl who brought Juniper magical scrolls -- teaching him the skills and knowledge he needed to earn the top prize. While he continues to live in ignorance of her, Anamastia watches over her careful carpenter. - Aquius Clover
The brothers Clover were identical triplets who lived on the outskirts of a major port city. As diligent guardians of the family business, they prospered together -- despite their vastly different personalities. One day, a fourth identical brother -- hitherto unknown -- who had been given up at birth discovered his brothers by happenstance. Two of the brothers were jealous and refused to accept their wayward kin for fear that he would cut into their share of the family fortune. But Aquius, the wisest brother, saw things differently. He prayed to Anamastia for intervention and the goddess brought forth a pack of wolves from a nearby wood to surround their house -- trapping all four brothers inside together for a week. When the wolves finally grew tired and left, the brothers emerged from their prison as fast friends and prospered together until the end of their days. - Olivartia
The Hero of Aemes, having fought in many naval battles against men for the glory of the sea god Kalipher, looked for a greater challenge. He heard tale of a giant octopus that was known to attack ships near the Isle of Alipse. He set sail, but when he arrived his ship came under attack by pirates. Inadvertently, all the ships drifted into reach of the octopus. As the great beast crashed its arms onto sailors and ships alike, Olivartia was inspired by a gull that, midst the chaos, carried a small twig to it's nest above the sails of the boat. He prayed to Anamastia for a flock of birds and the goddess dispatched the demigod Riater, who brought hundreds of eagles that grabbed the rigging and -- by beating their wings -- kept his ship above the waterline until Olivartia was finally able to kill the octopus.
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