The Dragon and the Bear Chapter Appendix Two: Slavic Deities
This page is part of the The Dragon and the Bear: The Novgorod Tribunal Open Content
Slavic Deities
The descriptions in this appendix describe some of the characteristics of the pagan gods discussed in this book. These are summarized at the end of the appendix on pages 182-185.
Don’t be surprised if you find certain points in the following descriptions contradictory, or if it seems that the areas of authority of various gods overlap or conflict; this mythology is not neat or orderly, but a great organic, ever-changing sprawl of belief. Points of confusion, debate, and outright mystery are to be expected. In addition, in areas where Christianity is not yet the official religion (in 1220 this includes Lithuania, Prussia, and much of Pomerania) Volkhvy can have certain Virtues that are normally disallowed in Russian and Poland. These exceptions are noted in the descriptions below.
Finally, as you read, you’ll notice that the descriptions of these deities are significantly abbreviated. While these descriptions will do to make you acquainted with the Slavic and Baltic pantheons, it is highly recommended that you look to the Bibliography for further information on a specific god if you will be playing (or storyguiding) a Volkhvy associated with any of these powers.
Svarog
An archetypal sun and fire god, Svarog’s priesthood is purely male, which seems to be the god’s own dictate. Svarog’s focus on creative energies tends to reduce the aggressiveness displayed by his priests, and many of them are talented artists or artisans who spend considerable time crafting fine objects for sacrifice to their god. Priests of Svarog very often have intensely cyclic magic (as per the Virtue/Flaw) with high peaks at midsummer and severe troughs at midwinter. Each priest of Svarog usually forms a special friendship and has special knowledge of just one of Svarog’s four sacred animals: either the falcon, aurochs, bear, or horse.
Perun/Percunos/Pehrkons
The best known and most widely respected god of war, Perun is invoked in battle more than any other Slavic or Baltic deity. His priests are bellicose. They tend to be thoroughly unsubtle in their approach to problems, with an immediate tendency to smash down obstacles in their path. Priests of Perun may be male or female, though males are notably in the majority. They tend to be skilled warriors, favoring weapon combinations with an axe or heavy hammer. Finally, Perun’s priests generally display a blustery good humor, a fondness for carousing, and a disdain for wounds (“Grin and bear it,” most respond to requests for healing).
Mati-Syra-Zemlya
This earth deity may be the most widely respected and acknowledged of any of the Slavic or Baltic gods; her cult is universal in these regions and no one ignores her favor. She is predominantly but not exclusively served by priestesses; certainly all the most powerful of her servants are women. Volkhvy dedicated to Mati-Syra-Zemlya are deeply concerned with the agricultural cycle, and usually bound very tightly to their communities. They tend to be gifted handlers of livestock; Animal Ken is a common Virtue. They are also known to especially value nuggets of precious ore or raw gemstones (though not finished, polished, or refined items) which they describe as the tears of the goddess. Like the priests of Svarog they sacrifice such items to their goddess and claim to receive spell boons or spe cial favors in return. Dowsing is a very common Virtue.
Svarozhich
Generally regarded as one of the sons of Svarog, Svarozhich is a god of fire. His priesthood is both male and female. Priests or priestesses of Svarozhich always display one of two basic temperaments. Some of them are among the worst, most violent, destructive, and aggressive of the Volkhvy (though they are never Dark Volkhvy), while others are among the most generous, helpful, charitable, and judicious. These are “the two faces of the god:” fire as wanton destroyer and fire as helpful friend. Along with these temperaments go different practical inclinations: warriors on the one side, artisans (exclusively of crafts such as smithing or pottery which make careful use of fire) on the other.
Dazhdbog
Another of Svarog’s sons, Dazhdbog represents creative powers in much the same fashion as his father. His priests and priestesses have a particular interest in bringing the power of the sun to bear on all evil taints, curses, and hauntings. They are particular enemies of servants of the Devil, and the Nameless Demon God of the Slavs (even to the point of actual physical combat). Dazhdbog’s priesthood are markedly respectful of Christianity, and take a definite (if rather cautious) interest in rites of exorcism and other such anti-Infernal activities. Some priests of Dazhdbog are noted scholars of the occult in the “know thine enemy” tra dition. There is a small sub-group of Dazhdbog Volkhvy who regard their god as a manifestation of the Archangel Michael (Mikhail), and vice versa. Their access to Volkhv powers seems unhampered by this suggestion, and they claim to suffer much less from the negative effects of the Dominion and Christian Piety or True Faith.
Khors
Khors is the third of Svarog’s sons. He is sometimes pictured rather like Apollo, as a charioteer driving a blazing chariot of the sun across the sky. Gold is sacred to Khors, and his priests and priestesses accept it as a sacrificial object. Volkhvy dedicated to Khors emphasize a search for mysteries in their lives and service to their god. As he travels the dazzling paths of the sky and the pathless maze of the underworld, they plumb the mysteries of life and uncover hidden secrets. Folk Ken is a common Ability Occult Lore and Faerie Lore well thought of, and literacy is not terribly uncommon. Some Criamon magi have had fruitful riddle games with Khorsian Volkhvy.
Myesyats
Among the Slavs (though not the Balts, see Mehnesis/Menuo below) the moon was thought to be female and wife to the Sun (Khors, that is). Myesyats is the celestial charioteer of the moon, and silver is sacred to her. Volkhvy of Myesyats are exclusively female. Cyclical magic (aligned to the lunar phases) is common among them and they tend to be well-attuned to nocturnal events or activities. Volkhvy of Myesyats, unlike many of the other “good” gods, have a special influence with faeries of the White Court, tending to interact with them on at least a respectful basis. Faerie Friend and Light Sleeper are common Virtues.
Iarilo
Iarilo is the son of Dazhdbog and god of fertility. He is a Dionysian figure given to extreme eroticism. His Volkhvy can be either male or female and his rites are usually orgiastic without being degenerate. Volkhv dedicated to Iarilo are hardly cunning seducers, but they do take a frank and easy attitude to physical attraction. They believe fertility is, quite simply, a blessing. Man, maid, beast, or field — it hardly matters. Let the world ripen and give birth! Venus’ Blessing is a very common Virtue; Curse of Venus is unheard of.
Krukis/Kalvaitis
Another of Dazhdbog’s sons and patron of blacksmiths. Krukis’ Volkhvy are always blacksmiths, and skilled ones. They are, however, very rare. They were renowned in the old days for their skill in crafting magical weaponry (a Discipline that now seems to have been lost) and were terribly persecuted by the authorities. They value gifts of iron ore and works of fine craftsmanship. They are inclined to take the risk of living close to larger towns, where communities of skilled artisans can be found, and often have nonpagan apprentices in their smithies. Their ethic lies in making fire and iron serve the needs of their people and they are generally slow to act destructively or violently. Appropriate Knacks are common, as are Mentor and Patron. On the Baltic coast and in Lithuania Krukis is worshipped under the name Kalvaitis, and his Volkhvy have honored places in their communities and the households of pagan nobles, for whom they craft armor and weaponry of superior quality.
Ersvorsh
The god of weather is regarded throughout the Slavic lands as one of an unofficial trinity including Svarog and MatiSyra-Zemlya. His priests and priestesses tend to two extremes. First are sharp, blustery characters who often suffer from afflictions such as Fury or Oversensitive. Others are calm, temperate characters who tend to display Common Sense, or a Carefree disposition. Weather Sense is an almost universal Virtue; any Volkhv of Ersvorsh may add 1/3 (round up) of his Weatherworking Discipline score to his Weather Sense when rolling against it.
Stribog
The son of Ersvorsh, Stribog’s priesthood is restricted to men (he is defined as Father of Winds), though their temperament is not notably set in any pattern. Weather Sense is near universal among them, and like Volkhvy of Ersvorsh they are allowed 1/3 of their Weatherworking Discipline score as a bonus to this Ability. Volkhv of Stribog tend to be skilled horsemen, so Animal Ken is a common Virtue, and they are often Oversensitive in regard to the treatment meted out to horses, especially white horses.
Varpulis
The firstborn son of Stribog, Varpulis is one of the wildest and most uncontainable of the Slavic gods. He skirts the edge between good and evil and his Volkhvy are capable of acts of great destruction. Their temperaments tend to be gruff, abrasive, or downright raging, and they can be personally dangerous warriors. Like all the wind and weather gods they often have Weather Sense, and gain 1/3 of their Weatherworking Discipline score to rolls against it. Reckless is a common Flaw.
Dogoda
The second born son of Stribog is the god of mild winds (specifically the West wind) and his Volkhv are the complete antithesis of Varpulis’s: gentle, considerate, and cheerful. They often have the Virtue Healer, and sometimes are even Noncombatants. Their affinity with birds is marked. They commonly have Animal Ken with a specialty in swallows.
Kupala
Kupala is one of the daughters of MatiSyra-Zemlya. Her Volkhvy are all female and tend to be extremely devoted to their communities. Healer is by far their commonest Virtue, but various Immunities are also common. Noncombatant is not unusual and their reluctance to employ violent magics (except in the last extremity of community defense) is proverbial.
Beilbog
Beilbog, another of the Earth Goddess’s daughters, is the archetypal White Maiden, the embodiment of purity and benevolence. Her Volkhvy are both male and female. They all take the Noncombatant Flaw. Healer is a common Virtue, so is Sense Holiness/Unholiness and Purifying Touch. There are rumors that Volkhvy of Beilbog are completely unaffected by the adverse effects of Christian Piety on their rituals, and only very slightly effected by True Faith. It is also whispered, however, that they are exceptionally vulnerable to the adverse effects of False Faith and Diabolical auras. Individual storyguides must decide how much truth there is in this.
Chernobog
Chernobog is Beilbog’s mad brother, deranged scion of the Earth. His Volkhvy are numbered among the servants of the darkness, and are Koldun. Reclusive is a common Flaw, as are Tainted with Evil and Infamous. As with other Koldun, Volkhvy of Chernobog do not serve any community, but travel widely (and often have the Virtue Widely Traveled). They often intrude on pagan communities at the Autumn and Winter Great Rituals.
Jarovit
Jarovit is a war god of lesser stature than Perun and with a wilder, more wantonly destructive character. He is the patron of berserkers and all his Volkhvy (who may be male or female) must take the Berserk Virtue. Reserves of Strength and Inspirational are also common, as is Great Presence. These Volkhvy are very often found acting as war-leaders in the wilder rural areas near the steppe, and frequently draw their communities after them in mad forays or assaults on their nomad enemies. Fury is a common Flaw.
Kolyada
Kolyada is the Ice Spirit, dedicated enemy of Perun and embodiment of Winter. His Volkhvy — or Koldun, more accurately — are silent, sinister, and seldom seen. Knack with Stealth is common, as are Premonitions, especially relating to approaching death. Kolyada’s Volkhvy can be male or female; they are never attached to a community, and would be driven out if they attempted to approach one under anything remotely resembling normal circumstances. Only the direst of straits could drive a pagan village to accept aid from one of these dangerous characters. It is rumored that these Volkhvy make a special ritual of sacrificing Christian priests (they certainly did so in the age of martyrs, before the conversions) and other especially innocent souls.
Proven
In pagan Slavic society justice is more a matter of taking and observing oaths, and exacting revenge for breaking them, than for jury trials. Proven is the great guarantor of such oaths and pagan treaties. His Volkhv (male or female) often have Great or Mythic Presence, Piercing Gaze, Knacks with Folk Ken, or Higher Purpose (to guarantee oaths and seal treaties). They also tend to be Obsessive in regard to avenging broken oaths for which they have stood witness.
Utrennyaya
The three Zorya (the Slavic Fates: maiden, matron, and crone) were thought to be the daughters of Khors, and to attend upon the chariot of the sun as well as being jailers for the Nameless God of Demons. Utrennyaya is the Maiden Goddess of Dawn. Her Volkhvy are exclusively female, and almost always have Cyclic Magic, with peaks at dawn and troughs at dusk. Like all the Zorya, Utrennyaya was a sheildmay (much like a Valkyrie), and her Volkhvy are capable warriors. They are often Inspirational, but not usually Berserk, nor do they easily suffer from Fury or Obsession. Carefree is a common Virtue as are Premonitions and Second Sight.
Zorya Vrechernyaya
The second of the Zorya is goddess of dusk. Second Sight is exceptionally common among her (all female) Volkhvy, as are Knacks with Leadership. Tough, Long Winded and Enduring Constitution are also frequently found. Cyclic Magic is very common.
Lada Dernyaya
The last of the Zorya is the Crone Goddess of Midnight. All her Volkhvy are female. Cyclic Magic is nearly universal among her priesthood, as are the Virtues Premonitions and Visions. Strong-Willed is also very common, as is Second Sight. Lada Dernyaya’s Volkhvy almost always carry some stigmata (as the Flaw Disfigured) signaling their affiliation, and may well be Obsessed by some prophetic vision or foreboding knowledge.
The Nameless
The Nameless God of Demons, who has no known gender, is by far the worst of the Slavic/Baltic dark gods. Its priesthood — Koldun all — is secretive. Almost all have the Reclusive and Tainted with Evil Flaws. Great or Mythic Presence, Faerie Blood (Goblin), Giant’s Blood, Obsession, Fury, and Cyclic Magic (usually on an annual cycle with a peak at mid-winter) are common. It is openly acknowledged among other Volkhvy that Koldun of The Nameless are evil and insane creatures. Most rational Volkhvy would seek to drive them away, though those affiliated with martial gods might attempt to slay them instead.
Baba Yaga
The goddess of death is a mystical presence, inscrutable but not malicious. Her priests are both male and female. Visions and Premonitions are very common amongst them, and Second Sight is near universal. Bad Reputation (due to many people’s misconceptions) is fairly common. Occult Lore (and Knacks with it) are often found among these Volkhvy.
Walgino
Animal Ken is the most common Virtue among Volkhvy of the cattle god. Knacks with Animal Handling are frequent, as is Animal Companion.
Devana/Dziewona
The goddess of the hunt is served only by women. Even for Volkhvy, priestesses of Devana live very closely with the fay, often having Faerie Friends and hunting in their company. Ways of the Forest is nearly universal among her servants, as is Animal Companion or Magical Animal Companion. Knacks with Wilderness Skills (especially Hunt) are common, and also with Stealth (Forest specialty) and Bows.
Volos
Volos is a many-faceted god, with interests in many areas. His Volkhvy (both men and women) usually “specialize” in one area: poetry, oracles, commerce, or cattle. They have Virtues such as Free Expression, Visions, Knack with Bargaining, Animal Ken, or anything else that fits the particular part of their god they have chosen to worship. It is also common for them to play a part in non-pagan secular society, especially near Novgorod city where their worship is strong and some of them have Patrons and Social Contacts.
Mokosh
Volkhvy of Mokosh, whether male or female, usually exhibit an extreme poverty and tendency to asceticism. The untutored can easily mistake them for pious Christian hermits. They are powerful healers (the Healer Virtue is common, as are large scores in the Healing Discipline) but are also notable for a pronounced tendency to meddle. They seem, in short, unable to pass by an injustice, or see people in trouble (especially poor or oppressed people) without feeling an urge to offer assistance.
Polevoi
Volkhvy dedicated to Polevoi often take the Ways of the Steppe Virtue, being closely attuned to growing fields and grasslands. Their magic is often Cyclic, with a peak in the spring and a trough in the fall (during reaping). Their attachment to grasslands and growing crops is sometimes extreme enough to warrant the Obsessive Flaw, or even Fury at any affront to these places.
Datan
The three Polish “Field Spirits” represent the three stages of plant growth: spring budding, mature growth, and withered husk. Datan is the spirit of spring, and his Volkhvy almost all have Cyclic Magic with a strong spring peak. Agricultural Craft skills, and strong Knacks with them, are common.
Lawkapatim
The second Field Spirit is the spirit of mature crops. His Volkhvy usually exhibit Cyclic Magic with a late Summer or early Autumn peak, and agricultural abilities similar to those of Datan’s priesthood. Lawkapatim’s Volkhvy are usually closely tied to their communities, often to the point of having large families. Dependent (children or family) is a common Flaw.
Tawals
Tawals the Old is the spirit of the husk — what is left after the crops are reaped. His Volkhvy frequently show Cyclic Magic with a winter peak. Sense of Doom is a not an uncommon Flaw.
Birch Tree
Mother Birch Tree is the Baltic divinity of the earth and the world, frequently identified with Mati-Syra-Zemlya. Her Volkhvy are all female, and almost all dis play the Ways of the Forest Virtue. Cyclic Magic with a spring peak and an autumn trough is common. Volkhvy of the Birch Tree are not so tightly bound to specific communities and occasionally move around through forested regions. Their relationships with Rusalki are often very good, and Faerie Friend is a common Virtue.
Dievs/Diveriks
The Baltic sky god and husband to Birch Tree. Dievs’ Volkhvy are all male. Weather Sense is a frequent Virtue. The hare is Dievs’ sacred animal, and hare heart beasts are frequent among his Volkhvy. Martial skills are sometimes seen amongst these Volkhvy, but the only weapon they will touch is the sword, which is sacred to them. In Lithuania Dievs is known as Diveriks and his Volkhvy are close councilors to the king and leaders in his armies.
Saule
In the Baltic the sun is seen as female, not male. Saule is the light-giver who brings growth to crops. Her Volkhvy are all female, commonly with Great or Mythic Presence and frequently with brilliantly blonde hair. Snakes are sacred to Saule, and serpent heart-beasts are sometimes found among her Volkhvy.
Mehnesis/Menuo
Mehnesis is the Baltic moon, a charioteer much like Khors and Myesyats in Russia. He is Saule’s husband and a faithless one, for he is often seen dallying with the brilliant Evening Star. Mehnesis’s Volkhvy are all male. Venus’ Blessing is sometimes found among them. Animal Handling, with a specialty in horses, is a common Ability, and they often have Knacks with it. Cyclic Magic on a lunar period is almost universal.
Auskelis
The Evening Star is Mehnesis’s lover and Saule’s rival, and the Volkhvy of these two female divinities are not friendly with each other. Auskelis’s Volkhvy are all female, and often exhibit Venus’ Blessing, and a stigmata of ash-blonde hair. The Evening Star can often herald events of importance, and Visions is a common Virtue.
Svaixtix
Svaixtix is Auskelis’s brother, often thought of as the Pole Star. His Volkhvy may be male or female and often exhibit Great Presence. His Volkhvy often dedicate their lives to one particular facet of art: song, music, storytelling, painting, poetry, silversmithing, or jewelry, and have Free Expression with accompanying Knacks. Dedicating or sacrificing items of their art to Svaixtix is claimed to have a beneficial effect on their rituals.
Lytuvnis
A weather god with particular authority over rain, Lytuvnis’s Volkhvy almost all exhibit Weather Sense, and gain 1/3 of their Weatherworking Discipline score (rounded up) as a bonus to this Ability. Immunities to the various illnesses inspired by cold and damp are common among them.
Mate Juras
Volkhvy of the sea god may be either male or female. Ways of the Sea is near universal among them. Knacks with Swim, Boating, and Sailing are common as are Weather Sense and Direction Sense. Aquatic heart-beasts are also frequently found, but tend more to the mammalian (such as otters and dolphins) than piscian.
Jods
One of the worst of the dark gods, Jods’ Koldun demonstrate many of the same vicious qualities as do those of Chernobog. He is also thought to inspire insanity, and his followers often display deranged behavior best simulated by the Flaws Haunted, Terrors, Fury, Sense of Doom, or some combination of them.
Zemlja
The Baltic ruler of the dead is a kindly, matriarchal spirit. Her Volkhvy are all female, and almost all have Ghostly Warders. They may, in fact, be attended by several spirits, both human and animal. It is rumored that these Volkhvy know some ritual means of entering Arcadia, specifically Slavic Elysium. Second Sight is very common, as is Sense Holiness/Unholiness.
Majas Kungs/Zemepatis/Zeminkas
Zemlja’s brother is the ruler of the home, bar the hearth, which is sacred to Gabija. His Volkhvy tend to be male, but are not exclusively so. They are exceptionally dedicated to their communities, and his Volkhvy always marry, and thus often have Dependents. Knacks with various Craft Skills are typical, as are Folk Ken, Bargain, and other useful Social Skills and Talents. These Volkhvy are often good at hiding within superficially Christian communities, and can sometimes be found, living very unobtrusively, even in quite large cities.
Gabija
Like the Volkhvy of Zemlja, Volkhvy of the goddess of the hearth and fire can be either male or female, though they are more often the latter, and are very good at concealing themselves within outwardly Christian communities. They always have high Craft Skills and appropriate Knacks associated with domestic pursuits. If they are in a non-pagan community they may have the equivalent of the Companion Social Class Virtues Petty Merchant or Prosperous Peasant instead of the usual Wise One. Gossip and Patron are fairly common Virtues, and even Educated is not unheard of.
Nenadey
The Lithuanian deity of ill-fortune has Volkhvy who are very seldom encountered. They are very strong prophets, frequently having the Virtues Visions and Premonitions, as well as high scores in the Discipline Prophecy. The news they choose to deliver is almost uniformly bad and their most common Flaw is Sense of Doom. Volkhvy of Nenadey are believed to know very clearly how they will die, but not where or when, and thus almost all of them suffer the Terrors Flaw.
Telyavel
Telyavel is the Lithuanian protectress of the dead, also known as the Silent Woman. Her Volkhvy take a Vow (–3 Flaw) never to speak except in the performance of their Rituals or the instruction of their apprentices. Their characters tend towards the relentless, but not the malicious.
Meidein and Giraitis
These two are the Lithuanian forest god and goddess, patrons and protectors of wild animals. Ways of the Woods and Animal Ken are near universal among their priesthoods (of whom Meidein’s is exclusively female and Giraitis’ exclusively male). Animal Companion and Magical Animal Companion are likewise very common as are Knacks with Skills such as Survival. Reclusive and Sheltered Upbringing are frequent Flaws, and Volkhvy of these deities are almost never found near even modest sized towns let alone cities.
Andai
Andai is the Lithuanian god of war. Andai’s Volkhvy may be male or female, but in either case they take an active role in leading war-parties. Their preferred weapon is the lance. Berserk is a frequent Virtue, as is Inspirational. Knacks with Leadership are common. Andai’s priests fight preferentially on horseback and are likely to be skilled riders and animal handlers.
Picollos
The Lithuanian ruler of the underworld, Picollos is sometimes viewed as one of the Dark Gods. Certainly his Volkhvy can display a wicked, mischievous bent at times. They can be either standard Volkhvy or Koldun. Hunchback, Small Frame, and Dwarf are common Flaws, Knacks with Legerdemain, Guile, and Intrigue are also common. In Prussia this god is known as Puskaitis.
Potrimpo
This Lithuanian patron of springs and streams does not have a widespread priesthood. Dowsing is a universal Virtue among them, and Weather Sense is common.
Svantovit
Svantovit, a four-headed Sun God, is the patron of the Isle of Rugen. His Volkhvy tend to have very high Awareness and considerable martial abilities. Ride, Bows, Sword, and Animal Handling are common Skills, and they frequently have Knacks to match.
Triglav
Worshipped by covert pagans surviving in the Brandenburg area, Triglav is a three headed god, overseer of cosmic balance. Each of his heads represents one cosmic realm, either heaven, earth, or hell. His Volkhvy often have the Clear Thinker Virtue and interests in philosophy and mysticism. They are occasionally Educated and may display some interest in the higher forms of knowledge.
Gerovit
Gerovit is the god of fortitude, worshipped near Wolgast. His Volkhvy almost all have Enduring Constitution and consider it a sacred act to endure pain and suffering stoically. They are sometimes capable warriors, but tend to be cautious and deliberate in thought and action.
Rugevit, Porevit, Porenitz
These three forest-dwelling brothers are worshipped on the Isle of Rugen and in Pomerania. They are patrons of the Rowan, Beech, and Larch respectively; these trees will always be found near the dwellings of their respective Volkhvy. These Volkhvy are exclusively male, and very seldom leave their islands or villages. Ways of the Forest is nearly universal among them, as is a fierce devotion to family (Close Family Ties is common) and tribe.
Radegost
The foremost god of the Pomeranians, Radegost is an archetypal “clan elder” and war god. Volkhvy of Radegost frequently have links to noble or “royal” pagan Pomeranian families (and the Prestigious Family Virtue) and may act as tribal or court advisors (Temporal Influence). Combat Skills are common, as is Leadership. Inspirational and Great Presence are common Virtues, and Overconfident a common Flaw.
Antrimpas
Antrimpas is the Prussian god of clean water and springs. His Volkhvy always have the Dowsing Virtue.
Rugio Boba
A Prussian field spirit and patron of good harvests, his Volkhvy have considerable Craft Skills and accompanying Knacks. Herbalism is a very common Virtue.
Pergrukius
A field spirit worshipped in Livonia, his Volkhvy demonstrate strong Cyclic Magic, with peaks at the planting and harvesting periods.
| Deity | Relationships | Appearance | Area of authority | Communion Magic Resistance† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Svarog* | Father to Svarozhich, Dazhbog, and Khors | gold-haired patriarch | fire, sky, universal creation | fire, heat, Ignem |
| Perun/Percunos/Pehrkons* | human | war and thunder | lightning, axes, Auram | |
| Mati-Syra-Zemlya * | the world | earth, spinning, weaving, women | Terram |
| Deity | Relationships | Appearance | Area of authority | Communion Magic Resistance† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Svarozhich* | Son of Svarog | a blaze | fire | fire, heat, Ignem |
| Dazhdbog* | Son of Svarog | sun-eyed youth | sun, creative energy, expelling demons | fire, heat, Ignem |
| Khors* | Son of Svarog, Husband of Myesyats | the sun | sun, mysteries | fire, heat, Ignem |
| Myesyats* | Wife to Khors, Mother of the stars | the moon | moon | Muto |
| Iarilo* | Son of Dazhbog | Dionysian | fertility, eroticism | Mentem |
| Krukis* | Son of Dazhbog | stalwart craftsman | blacksmiths | fire, Terram, Ignem |
| Ersvorsh* | Father of Stribog | clouds/rain/sky | weather | weather, Auram, Aquam |
| Stribog* | Father of Varpulis and Dogoda | cloud-haired patriarch | wind | winds, Auram |
| Varpulis | Father of wild winds | wild warrior | storm winds | winds, Auram |
| Dogoda | Father of gentle winds | youth or poet | gentle west wind, poetry | winds, Auram |
| Kupala | Daughter of Earth | pregnant woman | fertility, birth, women | Corpus |
| Beilbog | Daughter of Earth | maiden | purity, benevolence, healing | Corpus, spring, light, luck |
| Chernobog | Son of Earth | wolf-headed man | darkness, evil | Perdo |
| Jarovit | berserker | war | swords | |
| Kolyada | Enemy of Perun | ice spirit | winter | cold |
| Proven | venerable patriarch | justice | deceit, Intéllego | |
| Utrennyaya | One of the Zorya | beautiful child | dawn | Corpus |
| Zorya Vrechernyaya | One of the Zorya | mature shieldmay | dusk | Corpus |
| Lada Dernyaya | One of the Zorya | bright-eyed crone | midnight, prophecy | Corpus |
| “The Nameless” | Guarded by the Zorya | loathesome beast | polar night, armageddon, demons | Perdo |
| Baba Yaga* | kindly matriarch | death | Perdo | |
| Walgino | bull-headed man | cattle | Animál | |
| Devana | woman or wild hart | hunting | arrows, tracking |
| Deity | Relationships | Appearance | Area of authority | Communion Magic Resistance† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volos | merchant | poetry, oracles, money, cattle, commerce | deceit | |
| Mokosh | ragged beggar | liberation, redemption | Rego |
| Deity | Relationships | Appearance | Area of authority | Communion Magic Resistance† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polevoi | green haired woman | fields, fertility | Corpus, Herbam |
| Deity | Relationships | Appearance | Area of authority | Communion Magic Resistance† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dziewona | (as Devana, above)** | merchant | poetry, oracles, money, cattle, commerce | deceit |
| Datan | field spirit brother | field sprite | fields | Herbam, Terram |
| Lawkapatim | field spirit brother | corn man | fields | Herbam, Terram |
| Tawals | field spirit brother | ancient husk | fields | Herbam, Terram |
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Deity Relationships Appearance Area of authority Communion Magic Resistance† Birch Tree* the world tree growth, fertility wood, Creo, Herbam Dievs* silver-robed king with sky wind, swords, Auram cap and sword Saule* Wife of Mehnesis golden-haired woman sun fire, heat, Ignem Mehnesis* Saule’s Faithless Husband silver-haired charioteer moon Muto Auskelis* Mehnesis’s Lover divine beauty evening star, prophecy light, Ignem Svaixtix* Auskelis’s Brother radiant human figure light, pole star, art light, Ignem Lytuvnis* rainbows or mist rain water, Aquam Juras Mate* dolphin sea water, Aquam Kalvaitis burly man blacksmiths iron, Ignem Jods deranged man destruction, wrongdoing Perdo Zemlja* Sister to Majas Kungs kindly crone earth, dead Perdo Majas Kungs Brother to Zemlja jolly spirit the home (except hearth) — Gabija ruddy-haired woman fire, hearth fire, Ignem, domestic crafts
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Deity Relationships Appearance Area of authority Communion Magic Resistance† Nenadey black dog ill-fortune Perdo, bad omens Telyavel* silent woman protection of the dead ghosts, Perdo, Mentem Diveriks* (see Dievs above)** Meidein* A gyrfalcon forest forest animals, Animál Giraitis* stag forest forest animals, Animál Menuo* (see Mehnesis above)** Zemepatis/Zeminkas (See Majas Kungs above)** Andai stern warrior war lances Picollos dwarf underworld Terram Potrimpo pike rivers, springs water, Aquam
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Deity Relationships Appearance Area of authority Communion Magic Resistance† Svantovit* four-headed human sun, creation fire, heat, Ignem Triglav* three-headed man cosmic balance, erception deceit Gerovit two-headed man fortitude pain Rugevit forest brother seven-headed man Isle of Rugen — Porevit forest brother five-headed man Isle of Rugen — Porenitz forest brother four-headed man Isle of Rugen — Radegost warrior-chief clan patron — Antrimpas stream clean water water, Aquam Puskaitis gnome underworld spirits and faeries faerie magic, Terram Rugio Boba last sheaf of rye at harvest harvest, crops Herbam, Corpus Pergrukius field spirit flowers, growing things Herbam, Corpus
Notes All of the gods listed here are worshipped over large areas. The table does not include the host of local gods, clan patrons, craft patrons, field spirits, faerie lords, territorial gods (mountains, rivers, forests, and so on), nor the various beast lords.
† This column indicates the types of magic against which a Volkhv has increased Magic Resistance while in Communion (see page 61). * These are the “major” gods who are widely recognized as having pre-eminent or senior status. ** These deities have alternate regional names.
All Slavs and Balts
Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Svarog Sun +5; Weather +3; falcon, aurochs, bear, horse +5 midsummer +5 falcon, golden-horned aurochs, bear, horses, whirlwinds, fine craftwork Perun Weather +3, RemC +3, Heal –5, goat +3 late July +5 axe, chariot, goat, oak tree Mati-Syra-Zemlya Earth +8, Sun –6, cattle +3 first day of sowing and harvesting +5 crops, cattle, nuggets of raw ore, gemstones
All Slavic Regions Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Svarozhich Sun +5, Proph +3, Earth –5, Weather –3, eagle +3 midsummer +5 golden eagle Dazhdbog Sun +5, RemC +3, Earth –5, Animal –3, Firebird +3 day after midwinter +5 The Firebird Khors Sun +5, Spirit +3, Earth –5, golden horse +3 midsummer +5 golden horse Myesyats Weather +3, Animal +3, Sun –3, Proph –3, grey dove +3 nights of the full moon +1 grey dove, silver Iarilo Earth +3, Animal +3, Spirit –3, Heal –3, geese +3 early June +3, springtime +5 geese Krukis Earth +3, RemC –3, Weather –3, beaver +3, early September +3 beavers, raw iron ore, fine iron craftwork Ersvorsh Weatherer +8, Earth –8 mid-March +5 clouds Stribog Weather +5, Earth –5, white horse +3 late autumn +5 white horse Varpulis Weather +5, Earth –5, hawk +3 late autumn +3 lightning, mercury, hawk Dogoda Weather +5, Earth –5, swallow +3 early spring +3 poetry, swallow Kupala Earth +3, Heal +3, Sun –5, bee +3 St. John the Baptist’s Eve +3 all young, bees, honey Beilbog Heal +6, Spirit –3, Proph –3, swan +5 May fifth +3 swan Chernobog wolf +6 midwinter +3 wolves, Ivy, Belladona Jarovit Sun +3, Earth –3, Heal–3 various local +3 swords, iron Kolyada Weather +3, Sun –3, fox +4 first day of winter +3 ice, knives, foxes Proven RemC +3, Proph +3, Earth –3, Animal –3 various local +3 oaths Utrennyaya Proph +3, Inst –5, magpie +3 early winter +3 (joint festival) magpie Zorya Vrechernyaya Proph +3, Spirit –5, raven +3 early winter +3 (joint festival) raven Lada Dernyaya Proph +3, Sun –5, crow +3 early winter +3 (joint festival) crow “The Nameless” Healing –6 — — Baba Yaga Spirit +4, RemC +4, Sun –5, Weather –5, fowl +3 funerals +2 bones, houses, fowl Walgino Animal +5, Healing –5, cattle +4 spring +3 cattle Devana Animal +3, Earth +3, Sun –5, deer +3 various local +3 bows, deer
North Russia Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Volos Proph +5, RemC –5 winter solstice/spring equinox +3 scales, hides, coins Mokosh Heal +5, RemC +3, Inst –5, Animal –3 late October +3 —
South Russia Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Polevoi Earth +5, Sun –5 at planting +5 barely, wheat
Poland Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Dziewona Animal +3, Earth +3, Sun –5, deer +3 various local +3 bows, deer Datan Earth +5, Sun –5 at planting +3 seeds Lawkapatim Earth +5, Sun –5 at hoeing +3 ripe grain Tawals Earth +5, Sun –5 at harvest +3 stubble
All Baltic Regions and Tribes
Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Birch Tree Earth +6, Sun –6 budding/shedding +5 birch tree Dievs Sun +2, Weather +2, Earth –5, hare +4 midsummer +5 hares, swords Saule Snakes +4, Sun +5, Earth –5 midwinter +5, midsummer +5 wheels, eggs, golden apples, flax, hearth fires, house snakes Mehnesis Weather +3, Sun –3, grey horse +3 nights of the new moon +1 chariot, grey horses Auskelis Proph +3, Spirit –3, owl +3 late spring +5 evening star, owl Svaixtix Sun +4, Earth –4 day after midwinter +5 diamonds, crystals, artistic creations Lytuvnis Weather +5, Earth –5, frog +3 early spring +5 rain, mist, frogs Juras Mate Weather +3, Earth –6, dolphin +5 various local +5 dolphins, whales, ships Kalvaitis Earth +2, Sun +2, RemC –5 various local +3 iron, fire Jods Healing –6 — — Zemlja Spirit +5, Heal –5, bat +3 funerals +3 ash, caves, bats Majas Kungs Earth +3, Heal +3, Sun –3, Weather –4, pigeons +3 various local +3 pigeons, pottery, beer Gabija Sun +3, Animal –3 varioius local +3 fires, hearths, domestic craftwork
Lithuania Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Nenadey Proph +6, Heal –6, dogs +6 — black dogs, Ash tree Telyavel Spirit +5, RemC +3, Heal –5, Proph –3 funerals +1 the old (in every form) Diveriks Sun +2, Weather +2, Earth –5, hare +4 midsummer +5 hares, swords Meidein Animal +3, Earth +3, Spirit –5, falcon +3 various local +3 falcons Giraitis Earth +3, Animal +3, Spirit –5, stag +3 various local +3 stags Menuo Weather +3, Sun –3, grey horse +3 nights of the new moon +1 chariot, grey horses Zemepatis/ ZeminkasEarth +3, Heal +3, Sun –3, Weather –4, pigeon +3 various local +3 pigeons, pottery, beer Andai Sun +2, Inst +2, Heal –3, Animal –3 various local +3 horses, lances Picollos Earth +4, Sun –4, badger +3 spring and autumn +3 caves, badgers Potrimpo Weather +2, Earth +2, Sun –5, pike +4 at the spring thaw +3 pike, river, streams
Minor Baltic Regions and Tribes Deity Volkhv Bonuses/Penalties* Festivals (and Bonuses) Sacred Items** Svantovit Sun +5, Inst +3, Earth –5, Spirit –3, white horse +3 after harvest +5 bow, sword, bridle, white horse Triglav Proph +5, Sun –3, Weather –3, black horse +3 all equinoxes and solstices +5 oaks, wells, black horses Gerovit Heal +5, Spirit –5 last day of autumn +3 shield Rugevit Earth +5, Sun –5 vernal equinox +3 rowan Porevit Earth +5, Weather –5 summer solstice +3 beech Porenitz Earth +5, RemC –5 autumnal equinox +3 larch Radegost Sun +3, Earth –3 last day of august +3 bird helm, double-edged axe Antrimpas Earth +3, Sun –3 at the spring thaw +3 wells, streams Puskaitis Spirit +5, Heal –5 November first +3 elder tree Rugio Boba Earth +5, Sun –5 at harvest +3 rye Pergrukius Earth +5, Sun –5 planting and harvesting +3 flowers
Notes * The bonuses listed apply to Volkhvy Disciplines, save that there is no general bonus for Shapeshifting. Instead, specific animals are listed. Bonuses apply for shifing into the forms listed. Abbreviations used are: Animal Magic=Animal Earth Magic=Earth Healing=Heal Prophecy=Proph Remove Curse=RemC Spirit Touch=Spirit Sun Magic=Sun Weatherworking=Weather. ** These items should spark storyguide ideas about likely sacred foci and sites that a Volkhv can use to access particular gods.
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