The end of the 1st Aeon brought on a consistency previously unknown to Outer World. With the land no longer being remade at the constant whims of the Unshaped, the folk settled and so did the flow of mana. Among the phenomenon that occurred with this increase in magic was the emergence of gods in certain spots where mana was most concentrated. Fairies and all manner of spirits of course, but also the first gods.
These new beings were initially simple beings that assumed stewardship over some small spot. Gods could be found watching villages, lakes, and occasionally things like very special stones and plants. The folk discovered these small gods as they experimented and researched mana, and grateful for a supernatural presence that was more or less benevolent, started to present gods with small tokens of appreciation. The gods responded with their own forms of kindness, and soon these gestures grew in scale and pageantry, becoming rituals and rites.
This began to strengthen the gods who interacted with the folk the most. Those unnoticed worked quietly and contentedly, as they always had.
In a few generations, there was a clear divide between these beings. Some had grown in power and influence, and began calling themselves Divine Rulers. Those that still resembled gods as they had been before were called "Small gods" to distinguish the two groups further. The Divine Rulers began to direct the affairs of the folk, establishing a hierarchy known as the Celestial Order.
Their reign was oppressive, and even the meager benefits their tyranny once brought soon vanished like mist. The small gods worked quietly and contentedly, as they always had.
Eventually the folk rose up, spurred on by Aken, the first battle princess. In spite of her death, the Iron King and many other Divine Rulers were eventually destroyed or imprisoned by the early efforts of mortal magic. Those left regrouped in some place beyond the sky, only to be barred from returning by the creation of the Heaven Seal,
The small gods worked quietly and contentedly, as they always had.
The three great empires rose to prominence. Their magic grew in power, and in their hubris even used imprisoned divine beings and even occasionally small gods as batteries and engines for their great constructs. Yeah another upheaval would lead these kingdoms to ruin, but that is a well known story.
The small gods (who had not been captured) worked quietly and contentedly, as they always had.
What great power, will loom on high in the 4th Aeon? Many marshal their strength, but the era is too young to say who, if anyone, will dominate this time in history.
Though of course, the small gods will work quietly and contentedly.
As they always have.
Small Gods
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