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Deities and Demigods
The deities are strange figures, manifestations of the elements that compose the world of Craven.
It is unknown if they truly exist in corporeal form, but Astrolytes have given them a name and physical designs over time, so they are most often referred to with these alterations in mind.
There are four main deities, Gaia, Incendium, Aeryth, and Akoso, correlating with the four basic magics of Growth, Burn, Sky, and Flow respectively. They have also come to match the four factions alongside the elements, so it often depends on where a lyte is from to determine which deity they are closest to. The majority of lytes have a specific deity they value most, but all four coexist in the same general understanding.
Lytes vary from being very invested in the deities as tangible beings to completely uninterested in the concept, with most falling in between. Neither side is more or less respected, as the deities themselves were originally interpretations of the elements, so different views for different lytes is common.
The most widespread interpretations have grown to be very important across the islands culturally, however, with many events and celebrations tying in the deities in some fashion.
Though each deity most literally exists as the elements the planet is made of, more personified interpretations have led to set areas and phenomena being set aside as deity sanctums and communications. It is believed that certain places among the islands are more in tune with the deities than others, and these sanctums have become hotspots for offerings and gatherings. Similarly, many lytes have experienced turns of luck or signs following speaking to a deity, leading to the four having established methods of communicating with lytes who attempt to reach out.
Gaia
Deity of the island of Florya, Gaia is said to be the manifestation of all life and land. They are regarded differently between different islands, though most Floryans agree that they are the most amiable and kind of the four present deities, something they aim to replicate and uphold.
Incendium
Deity of the island of Aitsua, Incendium is recognized as the manifestation of heat and flame. They are the most chaotic of the four, known for a nearly destructive personality. For how much mischief they cause, they are revered for creativity as well, and many Aitsuans seek to replicate this through invention and energy.
Aeryth
Deity of the island of Unkiri, Aeryth is known as the manifestation of air and gas. Mainly recognized for their silent yet powerful presence, most Unkirians are mindful of their perceived role: focusing on holding the island together and trying to reconnect its pieces. They are highly respected for keeping all corners of Unkiri connected despite their physical divide.
Akoso
Deity of the island of Zima, Akoso is seen as the manifestation of liquid and vapor. Though the wintery god is incredibly self-centered and known for their vanity and pride, Zimians try to shape their relationships and interactions around Akoso's stubborn loyalty and commitment to those who have befriended them or are in need of help.
Demigods
In terms of smaller gods, the Astrolytes world has quite the collection! Underneath the main deities, these special variants act as general guardians. It’s theorized that their magic is what keeps the islands afloat and protected, and they are often attributed to general streaks of luck in daily life.
These more minor figures have been dubbed “Lavalytes,” named for their unnaturally strong connection to their own forms and general magics.
From what little provable knowledge exists, they seem to act more like subspecies rather than deities. There’s supposedly quite the population of them on Craven, but nobody knows exactly where they live or where they came from. It is unknown if they are able to reproduce, but they do seem to have a form of children.
Occasionally, one of these children will be sent to the islands to act as a sort of protector and mediator, making sure everything is relatively in check.
Those that do happen to find themselves on the islands are “born” from the Grand Vitae in Poplace, with the flower closing near the end of the year and reopening on the very last day of December with a new Lavalyte inside! They aren’t exactly new to the world when sent over, as they usually know how to speak fluently and get along well right away, but still take a little while to learn all the ins and outs of Astrolyte life.
They nearly always have a kind & protective personality [it is their purpose, after all!] and come across as very likeable to anyone they meet. Even without directly learning a magic, they are able to diffuse arguments and ward off danger surprisingly well and have a calming aura about them.
The day a new Lavalyte arrives on Lucerula marks the start of a celebration called the Starfall Festival! Here, lytes from all over welcome the new year and new arrival with various displays of light, music, and dance.