Best of Greyhawk VII - Le Monde de Greyhawk

PANTHEONS OF THE FLANAESS: THE COMMONGODSBy Sabretore, MB Drapier, SEPieper, & Aria13.Subj: Re: Mystery Gods (Common) Date: 95-10-02 11:29:58 ESTFrom: SabretoreThe purely common deities are an odd lot:Boccob,GG - C (Magic, Arcane Knowledge) N mIncabulos,GG - C (Evil, Plagues, Nightmares) NE mCyndor,GLG - C (Time, Continuity, Infinity) LN mBleredd,LG - C (Metal, Mines, Smiths) NC mEhlonna,LG - C (Forests, Flowers, Meadows) NG fJoramy,LG - C (Fire, Anger, Volcanoes, Quarrels) N(G) fLirr,LG - C (Prose, Poetry, Art) CG fMyhriss,LG - C (Love, Beauty) NG fOlidammara,LG - C (Music, Revelry, Roguery, Wine) NC mRalishaz,LG - C (Chance, Ill Luck, Misfortune) CN(E) mSt. Cuthbert,LG - C (Wisdom, Dedication, Zeal) LG(N) mTrithereon,LG - C (Individuality, Liberty, Retribution) CG mZagyg,LG - C (Humor, Occult Studies, Eccentricity) CN(G) mThere is no apparent scheme that would indicate that this is a unified pantheon. Two of the deities -- St.Cuthbert and Zagyg -- appear to have once been mortal. QSamantha has suggested that with the cultural mixing ofthe Migrations a new mixed Pantheon is emerging. This may be the best explanation for these common deities.This presents the interesting possibility of areas where:1) - Pure pantheons are worshipped;2) - The New Pantheon is worshipped;3) - Old and New Pantheons are worshipped.If we add the possibility of cultural survivals as cults, we have quite a range of possibilities.In this respect, Greyhawk is so much more diverse than other similarly "medieval" settings, as to make themappear simple. And this only considers the deities listed in the original Greyhawk boxed set. Additional deitiesappear in the adventures, supplements and the Dragon Magazine.If there is a conclusion to be drawn, I think it that we are seeing complete, or nearly so, pantheons, as well asthe emergence of a mixed pantheon, the extent of which remains to be seen.I have not seen a comprehensive list of every Greyhawk deity , but I would love to if anyone has such athing.Cheers:)SabretoreSubj: Common GodsDate: 95-10-02 15:05:33 ESTFrom: MB DrapierChaos mentions that he interprets the "common" origin of the gods in the terms that are to be found in theboxed set: widely worshipped in most areas, and not specific to a particular people or ethnicity. I have interpreted"common" in another sense, not necessarily in contradiction to Chaos' interpretation: "Common," as I see it, refers tothe gods which have arisen out of the mingling of different nations, different faiths, and different peoples. And, astheir origin would indicate, most "common" gods are worshipped in and about the central Flanaess.MBSubj: Re: Mystery Gods (Common)From: MB DrapierDate: 95-10-02 15:33:38 ESTThe common deities definitely suggest a culture that is urban, with origins in the city state, and possiblyimperial as well. Note the abstract nature of the various areas of influence--even Joramy, who seems to have beenconcretized in her volcanic connections, is seen, not as the operation of pure nature as apart from human concerns,