The Pantheon

Divinity: A family of Divinities rather than one
Location: Widely believed to be Atagata Isle, or Qala di Ciel
Constraint: Their power weakens the further they travel from their home
Adherents: None known. The Pantheon works through contracted agents instead
Agents: Mortals granted a portion of a Divinity's power in exchange for service

The Pantheon is held to be a family of Divinities — remarkable in itself, since related Divinities are otherwise unknown apart from the Twins.

What is consistently reported is that they are fixed in place. Members may be able to travel beyond their home, but their power weakens the further they go. Where that home is, nobody agrees. One account places them on Atagata Isle; another has them above the continent in Qala di Ciel, and reads Kalani's endless search as an attempt to regain what distance has cost.

Agents

Being fixed, the Pantheon works through people. Its members contract mortals as agents, granting each a portion of their power in exchange for carrying out their wishes across the continent. An agent travels on their patron's business, and the role is not one that is taken lightly or given freely.

In their own words

Illona Torok, A Collection of Thoughts

In all my time traveling, I’ve come to know of quite a few Divinities. From the benevolent Eosaani to the dependable Elvitri, there are Divinities throughout the continent whose teachings are well-known and practiced far and wide. I’ve also heard of Divinities shrouded in mystery, such as the fabled Kalani and the enigma rumored to live on Whioma, but I must admit that the newest Divine hearsay circulating intrigues me more than most: the rumors of The Pantheon.

Divine Family

The Pantheon is said to be a family of Divinities, which I’d never heard of, save for the twins. To have two related Divinities is one thing, but an entire family is staggering considering how powerful a Divinity can be. I suppose fate decided to look out for us regular folk, though, because no matter how powerful these beings are, it sounds like they’re stuck in the same place. At least, if they want any of their power, they are. It’s been hypothesized that members of the Pantheon can traverse outside of their borders, but the further they get from their humble abode, the weaker their powers become. Where this home base is, nobody can really say. Some have guessed that they’re stuck on Atagata Isle and created the cannibalistic story as a coverup, while others have assumed they float above us in Qala di Ciel and that Kalani’s quest to return is not only for their family, but to regain their lost power.

Agents of The Pantheon

Wherever they actually are, the fact remains that they’re stuck. So what is a bored and stationary Divinity to do? Mettle with us regular folk, it seems. The Pantheon has been said to make contracts with folks across the continent to act as each Divinity’s ‘agent’ for a portion of their otherworldly power. An agent will travel across the continent in order to fulfill their patron’s wishes, and it is a role that isn’t taken lightly. Some family lines have been said to pass this agency on to their heirs, while other souls have claimed to see projections of these Divinities in dreams or visions in order to make their pact. Once an agent agrees to their contract, they and their respective member of the Pantheon are bound, and only a mutually agreed dismissal or death can end their contract.

Motives

I have to wonder what they want with us, however. Many have pondered that very same question, and the lucky few who have encountered the folks claiming to be agents have gotten mixed responses. Some of the members of the Pantheon are looking to advance society - Maybe to find technology or literature that has been lost to us in years past? Some have admitted that their agents' quests are in search of a way to escape their surroundings with their powers intact and to end this life of contracts altogether. Others have said that some of these Divinities use their agents to settle petty squabbles among their relatives and, while I can’t confirm it as fact, I do choose to believe there’s a bit of truth to that statement, whether or not the Pantheon will admit it.

Nashriam and The Pantheon

While the Pantheon has been rumored to have a widespread influence across the continent, I’ve gained most of my intel by consulting with my sources in Nashriam. As far as the Pantheon is concerned, Nashriam seems to be the place to be. What’s curious to me is that these Divinities don’t seek agents in seats of high power, but would rather have stewards, clerks, or, dare I say, spymasters as their agents. Perhaps it’s to avoid that same feeling of being stuck in one place? Or perhaps it's to keep their secret dealings just so…

Whatever the case, The Pantheon continues to intrigue me, and I really do hope I’ll be able to learn more. I can only pray that the twins regard me, especially if I’ve already found out a bit too much…