Phae of Helmfirth believe in two deities– Utmjir, who guided them here and continued to guide them in their personal endeavors to this day, and Sytva, the playful, yet dangerous spirit of the elements and weather present in the harsh land. While spirituality varies from phae to phae here, all of them, to some degree at least, respect both of these deities if they do not actively worship them.
Utmjir
[UHT-Myeer]
Personality
Fatherly with a stern, unyielding front. He is self-assured and never second-guesses what he does, but makes sure to spend due time thinking things out before acting decisively. He is stalwart in his ways and unflappably calm. His tenacity and iron-clad will are legendary, and it was both that is said to have brought the first phae to the isles.
Though he takes his role seriously and never falters, he has a good sense of humor and loves to celebrate. After all, what is the point of success and life if you can’t celebrate your achievements and revel with family and friends?
Respect him, and he respects you. Disrespect him and incur his wrath. He is not a being that enjoys being told ‘no,’ or that he’s wrong, but can take criticism as long as it is handled with grace. His pride is large, however, and to bruise it is to tread a very dangerous path. Fortunately, he doesn’t have a lot of dominion over things that could be used in retaliation… although the offending party might find themselves a little lost for a while in some way or another.
He likes seeing those under his watchful eye grow and become better, to carve their own paths in life and follow what they truly believe. It is said he rewards strong conviction.
Role
Utmjir the Intrepid – Deity of Light, Journey, Guidance, and Triumph
Utmjir is one of the old gods, and is the one called upon when times are tough. He is prayed to for guidance, for clarity and for light in both physical and non-physical darkness. Each phae’s personal journey, no matter who they are or where they come from, is seen as sacred to him. Fires and other sources of light are also of great import, and his closest followers often wear lanterns with flame or other sources of light in them.
How Helmfirth views them:
Their whole reason for being here. The people of Helmfirth believe that because of Utmjir, the isles are now overrun with phae culture and society– every herd should be able to trace their roots back to he and his followers, who landed here centuries before the Dark Age began. He is less actively worshiped and more worshiped through a phae’s actions– through their own personal growth and trials. Everyone’s path is different, but he is there to guide everyone through it.
Myths & Legends
n/a
Sytva
[Seat-VAH]
Personality
Fickle, playful, and mischievous, Sytva is the embodiment of the bitter cold that encases Helmfirth through half the year. She is as beautiful as she is deadly, although she isn’t needlessly cruel. Those who are unwitting or unprepared for her frigid grasp are lulled to sleep by the song of her wind over the drifts, and she takes them gently, preserving their bodies as best she can so that their loved ones may bury them properly. She is a force of nature, and is neither good nor evil– she simply is.
In the warmer months, she is the spirit of running waters as the melting snow turns to water and the solid ice thaws. Her clear and clean waters run to irrigation and allow for the harvest before the first frost to take place. Her waters are also vital to life everywhere on the island, and her three lakes ensure that none go thirsty. She can be playful as a spring rain or driving as the summer storms. Her coat may change with the seasons, supposedly, but her nature does not– respect the world around you, and you respect her. Disrespect it, and she may be calling you to your early grave some way or another.
Her favorite thing is said to be the tundra in bloom and the pristine whiteness after the first snow of the season. She enjoys flower crowns and fun things made out of snow.
Role
Sytva the Capricious – Deity of Ice, Snow, Season’s Change, and Natural Order
Sytva gives and she takes. She gives life through water and all the good, green things it creates, and she takes in the numbing, bitter winters that hold the isle in her gelid grasp. She is consistent in her presence, but fickle in nature; unpredictable, but nonetheless assuredly there. She stands, somewhat, as Utmjir’s foil– where he is constant and immovable, she is fluid and unpredictable. Still, there is no animosity between the two– if anything, there appears to be a mutual, healthy respect.
How Helmfirth views them:
Sytva is to be respected, and her way of maintaining the land is honored. She is glad to have phae inhabit her vast playground, but as they are mortals, they should be careful and respectful of her presence. While she has no say over the flora or fauna, the weather and the seasons are at her beck and call. She may make a Sunhigh mild and warm, perfect for growing and playing and gathering, but she may also make a Frosthold intense, bitter, and deep. She, like her counterpart, does not care much for disrespect, but has an incredible patience. It is said to take a lot to incite her fury, but most terrible winters are attributed to her vengeance.
Myths & Legends
n/a