Local Deities

Many rivers, forests and other notable features of the land have their own local deities. Worship of these deities is not unusual from either followers of the old Gods, or undereducated peasants.

Feel free to suggest one for your own local area, the below are just a collection of examples. Legend suggests that local deities do not have much reach beyond their locality, but only the foolish or very powerful would try to challenge their followers within it.

Drink of her wealth and be remade

The well of Coventina, located in the Scottish borders, is said to be able to grant great power to those able to gain Coventina's favour. To those who follow such folklore the most ancient legends tell of a God much more powerful than a mere local deity. The truth, whatever it may be, likely lies with the mysterious guardians of the well.

He came down upon us, a wall, nay, a war of water and surf. We cried out to Nodens for his mercy, and when the water was gone so were our enemies.

It is not unexpected that a large river such as the Severn should have its own God. However the spectacular Severn Bore is such a remarkable phenomenon that it has its own God. It is said her priests can call upon her assistance for any matter involving large waves of water on any land whose rain ends up in the Severn.

Do not underestimate Sulis, she may heat the springs of Bath, but that same fury can also boil your blood

Famous for its hot springs, it is only natural that the local Goddess Sulis is credited as the power behind it. Apparently she also does a good side business in creative curses for the vindictive.

Should you ever get lost among the meres, turn your prayers to Arausio that he guide you safely from his domain

Worshipped primarily by natives to the Fenland of East Anglia, Arausio is said to have the power to yield up the bounties of his domain - or cause one to be lost therein forever.

The Horned God watches over this ancient forest. Bring not axe to his trees nor arrow to his creatures unless you are certain that you have his blessing.

An embodiment of both hunter and hunted, Cernunnos is worshipped in the settlements surrounding the Caledonian Forest in Scotland. Many believe that he is responsible for the disappearance of people who have excessively plundered the forest for wood or game - most likely by turning them into trees or deer.

It is said that a beacon lit on top of Malvern's hills in times of danger can be seen the length and breadth of England. Sabrina herself watches over those who sleep at her springs, and grants enlightenment to a lucky few.

Malvern Priory is a great and rich priory, with the second largest collection of stained glass in England (the largest being York). Malvern itself consists only of the laity who support the Priory, and a few students who have started clustering around scholars there, but have not yet taken vows. In the hills above, however, older forces dwell in the many springs. Though lissome maids have been seen at many of the springs, it is obvious that they are all aspects of Sabrina, the greater guardian, patroness of those occupations of water and fire.

Her gift is tears.

In the south of Brittany stand the many stones of Cernac. Anyone with a true heart and voice who studies the stones will, eventually, be granted the knowledge of the songs and harmonies of Drilego, which drift as echoes through time amongst the great avenues. Beware, man—most come back mad.

He sees you. He sees you. All away! -children's chant

Whether Ségur is a wild man, a wise man gone mad, or a mountain himself, no one knows—or rather, storytellers and devotees have as many different stories as there are voices to tell them. What many stories agree on is that he protects the downtrodden, especially those who find their way into Montségur, the fortress in the Pyrenees which has no doors. No one knows who built the fortress—whether it is new, or whether people simply couldn't see it until recent times.

Father, with your hair of gold, carry me back to my homeland, down to the sea.

The River Arno flows through Firenze, one of the biggest cities in Etruria. It expands into the swamps that surround the city, and runs under its great bridges. Not much mentioned nowadays by the young, certain ancient craftsmen in Firenze swear that Father Arno helps them in their endeavours, especially metalworking, and especially goldwork. Those who please him will find demand for their services high; those who sell their knowledge cheaply or unwisely are found floating face-down, or worse.