The Primus are a race of gods that came into existence after the Unknown - the primordial Elder Gods - sacrificed themselves to create the cosmos. Descendants of the Elder Gods, who were born from the consciousness of the eldritch deity Unknown, the Primus gods emerged from two primary sources: the remnant elemental essence of Eldari, or ascension to godhood through embodying the collective emotions, actions, and energies of sentient beings across the newly formed cosmos. Many of these gods became the divine protectors of order, forming the Unknown to maintain the harmony of existence established by the sacrifice of the Eldari.
Origins of the Primus
When the Eldari sacrificed themselves in the Unknown to form the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, only the Primus deities remained as guardians of the newly established universe. These divine beings were borne from the remnant essence of the Eldari. Unalike the chaotic Elementari, the Primus were purposefully created by Ael's great plan, and took it upon themselves to preserve the order of creation. Thus, they became architects of the cosmos as it is known in the current age, ensuring the balance between the elemental planes and the Prime Plane. These first gods were tasked with overseeing elemental aspects of existence, such as energy, earth, water, air, life, death, time, and magic.
In addition to those created by the essence of Eldari, other beings rose to godhood as a result of the collective energy and emotions of sentient beings in the Prime Plane. These new gods embodied the actions, feelings, and ambitions of mortals, representing concepts such as vengeance, fate, and lore. While some of these gods were granted the right to join the Pantheon of Primus and reside in the Plane of Helion, others remained independent, depending on their alignment with the cosmic order or chaos.
The Founding Gods
The Primus Gods, born directly from the divine essence of the Eldari, are the architects of existence. They maintain the elemental balance, uphold the flow of magic, and guard the cosmos against the encroaching tides of chaos. Together, they form the core of the Unknown, and their influence shapes the multiverse.
1. Helios, God of Life
Helios embodies the essence of vitality and creation, overseeing the perpetual cycle of life. From his throne within the radiant Plane of Helion he nurtures all living beings, ensuring harmony between growth and decay. Helios's light serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of life's enduring beauty. He is revered as the progenitor of all living things, infusing the cosmos with the energy of creation.
2. Deimos, God of Death
Deimos, the somber warden of the Plane of Oblivion, governs the passage of souls into the afterlife. He is neither cruel nor benevolent; rather, his purpose is to maintain balance. Deimos ensures that life’s end is a gateway to its next chapter, guiding spirits to their rightful place. Through his blackened scythe, Soul’s End, Deimos severs the ties between the living and the dead, preserving the cosmic equilibrium.
3. Unknown, God of Order
The unyielding guardian of structure, Symetrius resides in the Plane of Prisms, a crystalline realm of geometric perfection. He is the embodiment of logic and stability, ensuring that the interconnected Riftways that bind the elemental planes remain balanced. Symetrius’s presence ensures the integrity of creation, protecting it from the chaos that would otherwise unravel the fabric of reality. His divine mechanism, The Mantle of Balance, is a marvel of order, its every rotation enforcing the laws of existence.
4. Unknown, God of Time
Oronos governs the ever-flowing river of time from his sanctum atop Mt. Numen in Tolria, wielding the Hourglass of Eternity to oversee the orderly passage of events. He safeguards the continuum against temporal disruptions, ensuring that past, present, and future remain intact. Oronos’s touch is felt in the rhythm of the stars, the flow of rivers, and the march of mortal lives, his unseen hand steering the universe forward.
5. Mystera, Goddess of Magic
Mystera is the eternal guardian of the Ether, the lattice of energy that permeates the cosmos and makes magic possible. Dwelling primarily within The Celestial Citadel, Mystera safeguards the purity of magic, ensuring that it remains a force of balance. Her intricate knowledge of creation and destruction grants her dominion over the flow of power, guiding the Riftways and ensuring the balance between mortal ambition and divine will.
6. Unknown, God of Energy
Known as the Father of Flames, Pyros embodies the radiant essence of fire and energy. Born from the brilliance of Unknown, the Eldari of Energy, Pyros presides over the Plane of Ignis, a star-like realm of infinite heat and radiance. Pyros fuels the stars and suns of the cosmos, ensuring the flow of warmth and energy necessary for life. His infinite light is both creation and destruction, a reminder of the duality of his power.
7. Aether, God of Air
Aether is the Primus God of Air, a being of ethereal grace born of Unknown, the Eldari of Space, and Unknown, the Eldari of Force. He resides within the boundless Plane of Zephyron, a realm of eternal storms and floating islands. Aether’s dominion over air and motion shapes the skies and sustains life through the breath of the cosmos. Revered as the unseen force that binds the world together, Aether helps Mystera to maintain arcane harmony through his connection to the Ether.
8. Unknown, God of Water
Hydrus, the Primus God of Water, was created from the essence of Zephyr and Kinetus, embodying the endless flow of the Plane of Aquos, an infinite ocean of pure water. His will ensures the harmony of the seas and sustains aquatic life throughout the cosmos. Hydrus’s currents flow through the Riftways, connecting the elemental planes and the Prime Plane. His serene yet immense power inspires reverence and awe, guiding the balance of the oceans.
9. Unknown, Goddess of Earth
Theia, the Mother of Stone, is the Primus Goddess of Earth. Born of Unknown, the Eldari of Matter, her dominion lies within the Plane of Gaian, a realm of unyielding stone and fertile soil. She shapes the mountains, valleys, and all life that takes root within the earth. Her connection to stability and strength underpins the very foundations of existence, granting resilience and fortitude to all who revere her.
Path to Godhood
Beyond the gods created by the Eldari, other divine beings rose to godhood by embodying the collective will and worship of sentient beings in the Prime Plane. These gods were formed from the actions, emotions, and spiritual energy of mortals, reflecting their desires, ambitions, and fears. Some of these gods were granted the honor of joining the Pantheon of Primus, while others remained independent forces.
- Abraham Zachariah, God of Knowledge and History - Abraham was born from the stories, histories, and legends told by sentient beings across the Prime Plane. He preserves the knowledge of the cosmos, ensuring that the wisdom of the ages is never forgotten.
- Matron of Memories, Goddess of Memories and Fate - The Matron of Memories governs memories and fate, guiding the destinies of mortals and ensuring that their pasts are not forgotten. She weaves the strands of fate, directing the lives of mortals in ways that align with the cosmic order.
- Verdictus, God of Judgment - Verdictus (formerly known as Viridian) was once a Mythar adjudicator who ascended to godhood through his acts of justice and integrity. He now serves as the judge of the dead, working alongside Deimos to determine the fate of souls in the afterlife.
- Night Mother Nyx, Goddess of Curses and Change - Nyx embodies the darker aspects of sentient beings, such as deceit, ambition, and transformation. She rules over the shadows, influencing the mortal world through curses and change, often representing the unpredictability of existence.
- Talos, God of Vigilance and Vengeance - Borne from the indomitable will of mortal beings, Talos represents vigilance and retribution against those who threaten the balance. He commands the celestial Hosts of Helion, guarding the realms of the gods and ensuring that the forces of chaos do not overrun the planes of order.
Realms of The Divine
Many of the Primus Gods reside in planes of existence that reflect their divine essence. These realms are the manifestation of the gods' power and serve as their domain, where they oversee their respective elements. While some gods remain in the Plane of Helion, others travel between their realms and the Prime Plane (as avatars) to fulfill their divine duties. It is important to note, however, that most of the gods cannot simply appear in the Prime Plane due to the restrictions emplaced by Ael and enforced by Unknown on travel through the Riftways. Instead, they manifest their will through the Archon and Avatars of the Prime Plane to limit the damage it would otherwise cause to mortals attempting to perceive them.
The Cosmic Balance
The Pantheon of Primus stands as the ultimate embodiment of order, working to ensure the harmony of the cosmos created by the sacrifice of the Eldari. Their presence is crucial in maintaining the balance between the planes, the flow of time, the cycles of life and death, and the integrity of magic. However, their mission is not without opposition.
The Unknown, led by gods born from negative emotions and destructive actions, constantly seeks to disrupt this order. The Primus gods, therefore, are locked in an eternal struggle against the forces of chaos, working to protect the universe from the destabilizing influence of their chaotic counterparts.