Anloeb
Anloeb, the subterranean goddess, is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Her priests and followers rarely emerge from their underground domains, and when they do, it is seldom on peaceful terms. Surface-dwelling scholars know little about her, as her adherents are often hunted by their own kind if they venture above ground. Despite this secrecy, Anloeb’s influence looms large over the dark places of the world.
Aspects and Worship
Anloeb is central to the monotheistic religion of the subterranean peoples, who attribute various aspects to her. However, her strongest associations are with power and conquest, reflecting the harsh and competitive cultures of those who dwell in the darkness. These aspects dominate the worship practices and societal structures of her followers, who see her as the ultimate embodiment of strength and dominance.
Influence and Reach
Anloeb’s reach extends through the vast subterranean networks and dark caverns that lie beneath the world’s surface. These regions, often perilous and inhospitable, are where her followers thrive. The cultures that worship Anloeb are shaped by their environment, valuing strength, cunning, and resilience. Their societies are often hierarchical, with power concentrated in the hands of those who claim the goddess’s favor.
Encounters with the Surface
Encounters between Anloeb’s followers and surface-dwellers are rare and usually fraught with tension. When her adherents do emerge, it is often for purposes of conquest, resource acquisition, or ritual hunts of sentient beings. These interactions further the goddess’s reputation for power and aggression, cementing her image as a deity of domination.
Origins and Speculations
As far as scholars can ascertain, Anloeb appears to be a younger deity, having emerged after the Sundering. This notion sparks considerable debate among theologians and historians alike. The existence of a post-Sundering deity suggests two intriguing possibilities: either the Sundering was not as all-encompassing as once believed, or new gods can indeed be born within its aftermath. Both scenarios challenge long-held beliefs about the divine and the nature of the Sundering itself. If new gods can indeed emerge within the bounds of the Sundering, what does this mean for the nature of divinity and the cosmic order?