A full write-up of the Old Gods can be found in Gods and Icons for the 13th Age roleplaying game, and The Gods Have Spoken, for fifth edition Dungeons and Dragons, Kickstarting until January 30th. The Old Gods are perfect for Druids and Rangers, and anyone who wants to follow wild gods steeped in the power of nature. Elves and people who live in wild places are often drawn to the Old Gods. You can add these gods to your own world, or just grab the bits and pieces that work for you.
The World Tree: Argir in the roots, the Sparrow and the Vixen in the branches, and the Ladies circling the tree.
The Old Gods are all that’s left of an ancient system of worship that once spanned this part of the world. The iconography of the Old Gods—particularly the wheel and the idea of life’s circle—is well-known throughout the region. Some of these gods and their cults have remained alive through old stories and rituals. Other cults have been resurrected by people disaffected by local rulers. The oldest variants of worship involve animal sacrifice and the use of psychotropic drugs to produce visions. Newer variants have taken the form of mystery cults and healing centers.
The ritual calendar of the Old Gods is still widely used. This ritual calendar dates from the creation of the world, and governs life events. Many people in the region use the calendar without much reference, sadly, to the culture that created it.
Followers of the Old Gods
Human
Our people and our gods once covered the land like stars in the sky. Due to great crimes committed in past ages, our power is now hidden. The wilderness shelters us and the cities of the invaders hide us. Our lives are not easy, but our songs and clans live on. When this terrible age ends, we shall be ready for the next.
Half-Orc
I left the shelter of the deep forest for the gold of the cities. Now the Sparrow and the Fox protect me as I share my take with my guild-mates.
