God(s), faith and religion play a major role in God Tokens. My characters often discuss these topics.
Then: 16 Gods
For a long time, the people of Talacharn believed in 16 gods and goddesses. They were mostly nature gods (fire, water, ice, mountains, etc.) or represented phenomena (the change of seasons, the cycle of life, etc.).
But when a devastating plague threatened to kill everyone, their gods did not listen. They did not help.
Who did help was a new god—a single, omnipotent, male one.
The One.
Now: 1 God – 3 Patriarchs
This One God chose three men and endowed them with the cure for the plague. They were able to accomplish what the ‘Old Gods’ could not and saved Talacharn and its people. While travelling the land and distributing their cure, they preached the words of their new God.
And people listened.
It’s a no-brainer what happened next, right? Why follow a group of impotent gods and their hapless priestesses, the Herbwise, who failed to provide a cure? Naturally, people converted, and worshipping the Old Gods was soon banned. The Herbwise were either forced to renounce their false gods or faced death.
The Patriarchs, as the heads of the new religion (called the Eklesia), soared to power. By choosing and grooming their own successors, the Filiarchs, they ensured that all religious power remained in their control. But, as is often the way with greedy men who believe they have the right to dictate people’s lives while claiming to speak for God, religious power alone wasn’t enough…
BONNAHA LANDER | Patriarch of Strategy
Bonnaha Lander is one of the three heads of the Eklesia, Talacharn’s state religion. He is a clever and ambitious man who has risen to the top through single-minded determination.
But his stroke of genius was making Prince Garvic Perriway, heir to the throne of Talacharn, his successor—paving the way to forever consolidate religious and secular power under the rule of the Eklesia.
VERIG ISHAM | Patriarch of Healing
Verig Isham matches Bonnaha in intellect, though he lacks Bonnaha’s vision. The two Patriarchs often clash, opposing each other’s arguments. Verig is a foe not to be underestimated, and he might just undermine Bonnaha’s carefully laid plans…
REBIN VAN SELCREEK | Patriarch of Farming
Rebin van Selcreek has all the subtlety of a plough horse. Chosen for his lack of education and wit, he is a glutton who cares little for matters beyond his immediate satisfaction. This makes him easily controlled, and both Bonnaha and Verig often manipulate the third Patriarch into backing them against the other.