Pushan was assigned the role of escorting the spirits of the dead to the afterlife. He was one of the few Vedic gods to remain in the pantheon after Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva replaced Varuna, Mitra and Rudra in the Hindu religion, but he also had a role in the Gods of Persia under Zoroasterism. Known Powers: Pushan possesses the conventional attributes of the Hindu gods including superhuman strength, endurance, longevity and a resistance to injury. He can move at incredible speeds through dimensional barriers and remain invisible to mortals. Pets/Transportation: Pushan rides a chariot pulled by two goats SOMA Real Name: Chandra Occupation: God of amrita (drink), former god of the sun Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Soma except as a mythological deity. He is well-known in India. Other Aliases: Haoma (Persian name) Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Single Known Relatives: Surya (father), Saranyu (mother), Tvashtri (uncle/maternal grandfather), Indra, Vayu (uncles), Ratri, Ushas (aunts), Yama, Chhaya, Dharma (brothers), Varuna (great-grandfather), Group Affiliation: Daevas, Yazatas Base of Operations: Nirvana History: Soma is a member of the Adityas, an extra-dimensional race of beings who were worshipped as gods by the ancient Vedic and Dravidian cultures in Asia. Originally a god of the sun with his twin brother, Chaya, the god of shade, he became responsible for creating amrita, the water of immortality, responsible for granting the gods their immortality. Under the Hindu region, he became known as Soma, the Hindu name for amrita, and Haoma in the Persia pantheon. Soma is one of the few Vedic gods to survive under Hinduism. Known Superhuman Powers: Soma possesses the conventional attributes of the Hindu gods including superhuman strength, endurance, longevity and a resistance to injury. He also has mystical powers to add enchantments to food and drink. Pets/Transportation: Soma rides a giant eagle. SURYA Real Name: Surya Narayana Occupation: God of the sun Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Surya except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Vivasvat (Hindu/ Brahmanic name) Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Dyaus (father), Prithivi (mother), Indra, Tvashtri, Vayu (brothers), Ratri, Ushas (sisters), Sanjna (wife/niece), Yama, Soma, Chhaya, Dharma and the Ashwins (sons), Karna (son by Kunti, possibly deceased), Varuna (grandfather), Group Affiliation: Daevas Base of Operations: Nirvana History: Surya is a member of the Adityas, an extra-dimensional race of beings who were worshipped as gods by the ancient Vedic and Dravidian cultures in Asia. He took, Sanjna, the daughter of his older brother, Tvashtri, as his wife and sired several gods. Under the Hindu religion, he became known as Vivasvat, and joined the Daevas in war against the demonic Rakshasas, slaying the demon, Rahu. In Ancient India, he was one of several gods named by Queen Kunti of Milthila who fathered a son by her; their son, Karna, became one of the greatest warriors of India. Known Superhuman Powers: Surya possesses the conventional attributes of the Hindu gods including superhuman strength, endurance, longevity and a resistance to injury. Surya also possesses mystical powers to generate great head and light. USHAS Real Name: Ushas Occupation: Goddess of dawn Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Ushas except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Marichi (Hindu/ Brahmanic name) Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: possibly Single 298
Known Relatives: Dyaus (father), Prithivi (mother), Indra, Surya, Tvashtri, Vayu (brothers), Ratri, (sister), Yama, Soma (nephews), Varuna (grandfather) Group Affiliation: Daevas Base of Operations: Nirvana History: Ushas is a member of the Adityas, an extra-dimensional race of beings who were worshipped as gods by the ancient Vedic and Dravidian cultures in Asia. Her worship was eclipsed under the Daevas or Gods of Hinduism, and she became an attendant with Ratri to Lakshmi, the Queen of the Hindu gods. Known Superhuman Powers: Ushas possesses the conventional attributes of the Hindu gods including superhuman strength, endurance, longevity and a resistance to injury. She has mystical powers of an undefined nature to entrance or place mortals asleep to accept hypnotic suggestion. Pets/Transportation: Ushas rides a chariot pulled by six pigs. VAYU Real Name: Vayu Occupation: God of wind Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Vayu except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Vata (Persian name), Feng Po (possible Chinese name) Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: possibly Single Known Relatives: Dyaus (father), Prithivi (mother), Indra, Surya, Tvashtri, (brothers), Ratri, Ushas (sisters), Yama, Soma (nephews), Varuna (grandfather), Hanuman (son by Saranyu), Group Affiliation: Daevas, Yazatas Base of Operations: Nirvana History: Vayu is a member of the Adityas, an extra-dimensional race of beings who were worshipped as gods by the ancient Vedic and Dravidian cultures in Asia. At some point in the past, he mystically separated part of Mount Meru and created the island of Sri Lanka, the home for the monkey-gods in the Hindu pantheon. His worship was eclipsed under the Daevas or Gods of Hinduism, but he gained more worshippers as Vata, one of the Persian gods under the religion of Zoroasterism. As one of the Yazatas, he serves as an assistant to Vohu Manah. Known Superhuman Powers: Vayu possesses the conventional attributes of the Hindu gods including superhuman strength, endurance, longevity and a resistance to injury. Vayu also has mystical powers over wind allowing him to control and manipulate the weather. Pets/Transportation: Vayu often rides upon the back of a large stag. VRITRA Real Name: Ahi Vritra Occupation: God of drought Legal Status: Citizen of Patala Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of the Vritra except as a mythological character. Other Aliases: Ahi Vrita Ahi Vrtra, Vrita, Vrtra Place of Birth: Unrevealed Marital Status: Unknown Known Relatives: Kasyapa (father), Kadru (mother), Vinata (aunt), Garuda (cousin), Vasuki (son), Purusha (grandfather), Gaea (mother, alias Aditi), Group Affiliation: None Base of Operations: Unknown, possibly Mobile History: Vritra is a member of the Danavas or Naga-Gods of the Gods of India. According to myths, Vritra was the son of Kasyapa, one of the Adityas or ancestral gods of the Hindu Gods. Kasyapa took the daughters of Daksha as his wives, and among them, the sisters, Vinata and Kadru conspired to a child that outshone the other. Diti sired the Danavas, who appeared at birth in the form of snakes, but Vinata sired Garuda, who took the form of an eagle and devoured all of the sons of Vinata. Vritra was one of the sons of Kadru who escaped Garuda and became one of the Asuras, the gods of the underworld at war with the Hindu Gods. In human form, Vritra had three faces for studying, eating and watching, but he could also take the form of a giant serpent resembling a cobra. Kadru further enchanted him to be impervious to weapons of metal, wood and stone and incapable of being killed during the day or night when it was wet and dry. The Hindu Gods grew to fear Vritra who 299
devoured the Apsaras or rivergoddesses and curled up around Mount Himavat (modern Mount Everest) preventing rain from reaching earth and causing a drought. Vishnu, one of the Adityas, however, got Indra, the thunder-god, drunk on soma, the sacred drink of the Hindu gods, and in his drunken state, Indra managed to slay Vritra by drowning him in the foam of the ocean at dawn the cutting Vritra open to free the Apsaras still alive within him to create rain. Known Superhuman Powers: Vritra possesses the conventional attributes of the Hindu Gods, including superhuman strength, endurance, stamina and resistance to injury, all bolstered mystically by Vinata's spells. He also has the ability to shapeshift into other forms, mostly of an immense cobra-like serpent large enough to coil around the top of Mount Everest. Vritra possesses Class 100 level strength enabling him to lift (press) over 100 tons. YAMUNA Real Name: Yamuna Occupation: Goddess of the underworld, former river-goddess, Legal Status: Citizen of Nirvana Identity: The general populace of Earth is unaware of the existence of Yamuna except as a mythological deity. Other Aliases: Yami (variant name) Place of Birth: Mount Himavat (modern Mount Everest) near modern Bhakapur, Nepal Marital Status: Married Known Relatives: Himavat (father), Menahka (mother), Ganga, Lakshmi, Parvati, Sarasvati and the Apsaras (sisters), Yama (husband), Kartikeya, Jambhavati (nephews), Karna (foster son) Group Affiliation: Daevas Base of Operations: Patala History: Yamuna is one of the Apsaras, one of the divine watergoddesses, born to the mountaingods, Himavat and Menahka, although in some traditions, she is also called the sister of Yama, the ancient Vedic god of the dead, who took her as his wife. In Vedic tradition, Yama and Yamuna were ancestors of the first divine kings of India. She was also given Karna, the mortal son of Surya, to raise and protect until he reached adulthood. Under Hinduism, however, Yama and Yamuna were relegated to being judges of the dead, passing judgment on the souls of the dead who passed through the underworld. Known Superhuman Powers: Yamuna possesses the conventional attributes of the Hindu gods including superhuman strength, endurance, longevity and a resistance to injury. She has limited mystical skills, mostly in enchanting water for the spirits of the dead to drink and forget their past lives. 300
OTHER SUPERNATURAL BEINGS ASURAS The Asura are a race of beings who were feared as Demons in the Hindu religion by the people of Ancient India and much of the Mid East on Earth. They live throughout the Hindu mystic realms. Asuras have individual names and personalities, and are organized into clans. Those who reside in Krauncha are there because of actions in past lives based on egotistic jealousy, envy, insincerity, struggle, combat or rationalization of the world. They may be there because in human form they had good intentions but committed bad actions such as harming others. The Asuras are said to experience a much more pleasurable life than humans, but they are plagued by envy for the Daevas, whom they can sense from adjacent dimensions. The Asuras of some other domains, however, are fully malevolent and can be more closely related to the translation of demon that is sometimes ascribed to them. Thor and Amadeus Cho followed Vali Halfling to Krauncha where he used his newfound power to control the Asura to grab on to the King of Snakes and turned the Mount Mandara so it churns the Milky Ocean until the sacred Moon-Cup was revealed. Cho knocked out Thor using a combination of magic and earthly technology and battled Vali. Vali summoned his children the Pantheon to help in the fight, which also brought Delphyne who was battling one at the time. During the battle Cho drank the Ink from the Book of Thoth in the Moon-Cup becoming one with the Universe destroying the army of Asura. Average Statistics: F A S E R I P Ex Ty Ex Ty Pr Gd Ty Health: 52 Karma: 20 Resources: Pr Popularity: -6 Powers: Extradimensional Sense: The Asuras can sense the presence of Daevas when located in adjacent dimensions, with UN ability. Magical Ability: Some Asuras are capable of casting magical spells (average of 1-2, at EX ability). Talents/Weapons: Most Asuras are equipped with armor and weapons. Talents will usually include Martial Arts, Weapons Skills, or Mystic categories, but may have additional ones as well. 301
RAKSHASAS The Hindu Rakshasa are a species of malevolent spirits and Vampires who animated corpses and sent them rampaging across the countryside of India. They usually target horses, but humans fall under their attacks as well. The merest scratch or even the simple touch from a rakshasa is said to bring an instantaneous and extremely painful death to a human. Average Statistics: F A S E R I P Ex Ex Rm Ex Pr Gd Gd Health: 90 Karma: 24 Resources: Pr Popularity: -10 Powers: Bite: A Rakshasa’s bite can drain a target’s blood and does Good edged damage per round. Vampirism: Rakshasas have a “death touch” -- they can scratch at Excellent edged damage, which is extremely painful and continues to do damage for 1-5 rounds. Shapechange: Good ability Flight: Good airspeed Necromancy: Rakshasas can animate corpses to do their bidding, at Remarkable ability. Talents/Weapons: Rakshasas typically prefer their natural weaponry, but are capable of using arms and armor. On occasion they may have one or more mystic talents. NAGAS The term Naga in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism denotes divine, semi-divine deities, or a semi-divine race of half-human half-serpent beings that resides in the heavenly Patala (netherworld) and can occasionally take human form. They are principally depicted in three forms: wholly humans with snakes on the heads and necks; common serpents or as half-human half-snake beings. A female naga is a "nagi", "nagin", or "nagini". Nagaraja is seen as the king of nāgas and nāginis. Their eternal mortal enemy is the mythological great bird Garuda and its kin. Their domain is in the enchanted underworld, the underground realm filled with gems, gold and other earthly treasures called Naga-loka or Patala-loka. They are also often associated with bodies of waters — including rivers, lakes, seas, and wells — and are guardians of treasure. Their power and venom 302
made them potentially dangerous to humans. However, they often took beneficial protagonist role in Hindu mythology. They bear a close resemblance to the Serpent-Men of the Hyborian Era, and may in fact have some sort of connection to them. Average Statistics: F A S E R I P Gd Gd Gd Ty Ty Ex Ex Health: 36 Karma: 46 Resources: Pr Popularity: -10 Powers: Bite: As edged attack, with Good intensity venom. Body Armor: Scaly hide provides Good protection vs. physical damage Nagas move on land at Good speed. Talents/Weapons: All nagas have Quick Striking as an innate talent. Certain exceptional specimens may be able to use magic at low levels (Good or lower). Nagas may be equipped with armor and weapons, and will often have weapons skills. They may have additional Martial Arts talents, if they are not impossible due to their snake-like physiology (gymnastics, for example, is unlikely). 303
OBJECTS OF POWER: ASTRAS In Hinduism, an astra is a supernatural weapon, presided over by a specific deity and imbued with spiritual or occult power that causes its effect or impact. Nearly every Hindu deity has one. To summon or use an astra requires the use of a specific incantation or invocation. The deity invoked then endows the weapon, making it nearly impossible to counter through regular means. Specific conditions exist involving the usage of astras, the violation of which can be fatal. Astras belonging to the beings listed above are described in the profiles’ respective “Equipment” sections. This section includes those astras not described elsewhere in this book, along with a couple of similar relics that have featured in Marvel comics. Astra Deity Damage Material Strength Effect Varunastra Varuna, God of Water MN MN This weapon can assume any weapon's shape, just like water. The weapon discharged can release torrential volumes of water at UN rank and has all the properties of water. Manavastra Manu , Father of the Human Race RM UN Magical arrow that can overcome supernatural protections and carry the target hundreds of miles away. Can inspire humane traits in an evil being. Bypasses magical protection at SH-X ability. When hit, takes its target to a location of the archer’s choice at AM airspeed (or a random location if not specified). The target hit by this arrow is affected with Emotion Control of the attacker’s choice, experiencing positive emotions, at AM ability. Varunapasha Varuna, God of Water 0 [Grapple/ Grab Attack] CL1000 A powerful noose which not even other gods can escape from. Entangled targets lose 1 CS of Strength per round (falling unconscious at 0) Bhaumastra Bhūmi, Goddess of Earth UN CL3000 This warhammer can create tunnels deep into the earth and summon jewels. Tunneling at AM speed, generates temporary Resources at AM. 304
Astra Deity Damage Material Strength Effect Bhargavastra Parashurama RM SH-Z This bow releases millions and millions of arrows that shroud the battlefield in arrows and blocks the vision of the opponents by the sheer quantity of arrows that it releases. May affect up to 500 targets, and causes blindness at EX rank to all within the area of affect. Nagaastra The Nagas AM SH-Z The trident has unerring aim and takes on the form of a snake, proving deadly upon impact. Trident is +2 CS to hit, snake stats are F:30/A:30/S:40/E:40/R:2/I:4/P:4, Health: 140, Karma: 10, Edged Attack bite with EX intensity venom. Nagapasha The Nagas 0 [Grapple/ Grab Attack] UN Upon binding, this magical lasso binds the target in coils of living venomous snakes. [see Adv. Judges’ Book p. 59- 60 for stats] Vayvayastra Vayu, God of Wind UN SH-Y A sword that brings about a gale capable of lifting armies off the ground. Creates winds at SH-Z rank. Suryastra Surya, God of the Sun MN SH-Z An arrow that creates a dazzling light that can dispel any darkness and dry up water bodies. Creates light at SH-Z rank (including dispelling magical darkness), dries water at SH-Z rank. Twashtar Astra Twashtri, the Heavenly Builder RM SH-X A magical arrow. When it lands in the midst of a group of opponents, it causes them to mistake each other for enemies and fight each other. Power affects up to 20 targets in a 5-area radius, controls them with SH-X ability. Sammohana/ Pramohana Gandharvas AM SH-X Magical arrow capable of causing entire hosts/armies to collapse in a trance. 100-area radius, enemy targets are neutralized at IN ability strength. Parvataastra SH-X CL1000 Using this hammer can cause an entire mountain to fall on the target from the skies. Causes UN physical damage in a 100-area radius. Sabda-veda astra 0 [Grapple/ Grab Attack] UN A magical lasso that prevents an opponent from turning invisible. Dispels all personal Illusory powers at UN ability. 305
Astra Deity Damage Material Strength Effect Antardhana Astra Kubera, god of wealth UN CL1000 A mace that can make things, people or entire places disappear. Treat as Disintegration at UN ability. Prajnastra 0 [Grapple/ Grab Attack] UN This magical lasso was used to restore the senses and thoughts of someone. Reverses all mind-control, illusory, and similar powers at SH-X ability. Sailastra MN Body Armor, can Block CL1000 A shield that can make heavy winds disappear, meaning it was the counter to Vayvayastra, the wind weapon. Counters all winds and wind-based attacks at UN. Jyotiksha Astra Surya, god of the sun IN SH-X An arrow that can brighten a dark area with intense light, equal to sunlight (CL1000 rank light emission, ignores magical darkness). Sauparna UN sonic attack SH-X A horn that releases crazy birds. It was used as a counter to the Nagastra. The horn summons up to 100 birds, identical to stats on p.58 of Advanced Judges Book except for EX Fighting and Strength. Attack does AM to any snake-like beings. OTHER ITEMS Kalasha The kalasha is considered a symbol of abundance and "source of life" in the Vedas. It is referred to as "overflowing full vase" in the Vedas. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality. The Kalasha is often seen in the hands of Brahma, Shiva, and Lakshmi. Characters who drink amrita from this vase will not age and gain total resistance to starvation, drowning, and all earthly diseases, although they may otherwise be killed normally. Akshaya Patra Akshayapatra (means inexhaustible vessel), is an object from Hindu theology. It was a wonderful vessel given to Yudishtira by the Lord Surya which provided a never-failing supply of food. Akshaya Tunir Inexhaustible quiver of arrows of Arjuna. The quiver provides standard arrows, but will never run out. Ashwathama's Gem Ashwathama was a legendary warrior who had a valuable gem or Mani, set on his forehead. The wearer of this gem ceases to have any fear from weapons or disease or hunger, and ceases to have any fear of gods, Danavas and Nagas. The effect is Class 1000 resistance to any fearbased attacks. Chandra-Kānta 'The moon-stone’. A gem or stone said to be formed from the congealed rays of the moon. It is also called Manī-chaka. The gem emanates an Amazing strength protective aura around the user versus all attacks, and can generate light at Incredible intensity. Chariot of Yayati King Yayati possessed a divine chariot which could travel in any direction unimpeded. It is variously mentioned 306
that Yayati acquired it from Shukracharya, Indra or from Shiva. According to legend, the chariot travels fast enough to cover the earth and the heavens in merely six days. Control: RM Speed: Sh-X Body: MN Protection: RM This item has Dimensional Travel at Shift-X ability in addition to Flight and land travel. Chintamani A wish-fulfilling jewel: anything wished by holding it in the hands can be availed. The effect is equal to Unearthly strength Reality Manipulation, with a single use per holder. Hansa Yukta Vimana A flying machine/ personal plane of Lord Brahma, it is driven by swans and is completely white in colour. Control: IN Speed: UN Body: CL1000 Protection: RM For the swan’s statistics see Pets under Sarasvati. Pushpa Vimana A chariot adorned with flowers, this is mythical flying chariot in the Ramayana sacred text. Control: RM Speed: AM Body: UN Protection: IN Red Doom (Holy Relic) The Red Doom is a giant oval cut ruby weighing 8 lbs and is a holy relic and centerpiece to a small temple in the Ronipur jungle, in an undisclosed location in India. The Red Doom ruby, considered to be the largest of its kind, was protected by a mystical divine curse placed by the Hindu gods to protect it from thieves that the local practitioners deemed that one’s fate was bound within it and unpleasant consequences would befall any who possessed it. The local villages in the area tend to give the temple a five-mile radius wide berth to avoid suffering any unpleasant consequences. The Red Doom was once sought after by a French collector of gems who owned a collection of the largest gemstones from around the world. Seeking it out to add to his due to its world record size and priceless value flew to India and traveled through the jungle and soon located it. With the Ruby Doom now in his possession, his greed got the best of him. The ancient mystical curse soon took affect-speaking out loud, wishing that the giant ruby can be safely protected behind glass, the would-be collector much to his horror found himself trapped along with the Ruby Doom behind an invisible glass-like structure. Powers: The Red Doom ruby emits a strong bright reddish color light that can be seen for a mile away (GD Rank) and can grant its possessor his fondest desire. (AM Rank matter creation) but tends to do so with severe results. This wish-like ability will bring about unforeseen events, obstacles or death which alters the fates of those in its possession. Any 307
wish granted will work but some type of harmful or negative event will occur to the possessor --treat as AM rank bad luck powers and matter creation that results in the user suffering some negative effect or harm. The Gem itself due to its size would be valued as an INCREDIBLE Resource. Luxor Diamond (Diamond of Ojiir) This large rhombus cut diamond (a bindi) positioned in the center of the forehead of the stone idol of Ojiir, a Hindu god, located in a temple in the jungles of India. Two explorers determined to find the legendary diamond discovered the temple and the idol. Moments after prying the diamond loose from its socket the room was cascaded in with strange pulsating light and the walls to the temple appeared to box them in preventing them from leaving. Scared and confused the explorers placed the diamond back on the idol and the lights dissipated. Leaving the temple, they discovered that they were aged 30 years. Powers: Ojiir’s diamond has a mystical curse with the power to age people with AM rank. The effects would age anyone in contact with and nearby it 1 year per minute spent in its presence. Releasing the diamond ends its aging effects. Any additional powers would have some type of time manipulation abilities with AMAZING rank. Note: The diamond along with the temple complex is referred to as Luxor. This may be in error by the writer since Luxor is in Egypt, not in a jungle and not a known Hindu religious center. For sake of continuity the gemstone should be called Diamond of Ojiir. 308
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CHAPTER 6: OTHER ASIAN PANTHEONS Marvel canon - most notably, Thor & Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica, the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, and various Marvel Comics appearances -- have covered the mythologies of Asia fairly thoroughly in some areas, and hardly at all in others. While major nations like China, Japan, and India have all made appearances in the Marvel Universe, some regions such as Southeast Asia, Korea, western Central Asia, and the Malay Archipelago, have yet to be seen. Cross-cultural appropriation explains some of these apparent gaps -- for example, various Hindu gods are worshipped under different names in Nepal, so it’s not like they’re exactly “missing.” Aside from these sorts of examples, it is also possible that the national pantheons of these regions do not exist in the Earth-616 universe. More likely, however, is that the primarily-American writers of these tales simply have not thought to include them, and supernatural beings from these cultures may appear whenever a writer has a use for them in a story. [Author’s note: My take on it is that if pantheons like the Diwatas and Tenger exist, then deities of these other cultures must, too.] As a GM and gamer, you have the freedom to pick and choose whatever mythological elements you wish, and feel free to make up whatever you need that is outside of what’s appeared in the comics. Also of note is the fact that the Marvel Universe has some gods, goddesses and other beings that claim to be mythological, but have been wholly created by the writers. In the Golden and Silver Ages, it was fairly common for writers to make up characters without bothering to do cultural research, and choosing names removed from their context or that simply sound ethnic. And in more modern stories, there have been plenty of beings claiming to be gods despite origins to the contrary -- the Eternals, for example, who adopted the personas of various Olympians. K’UN LUN In addition to featuring prominently in Chinese and Tibetan mythology, Mount Kunlun is also the dimensional nexus point for K’un Lun, the mystic realm from which Iron Fist’s power originates. K’un Lun is closely connected with the Xian and Ta-Lo of Chinese mythology, evidenced by the duplication of names and personas of the various people and beings that live in the two realms. There are also a number of powerful beings of K’un Lun, past and present, who have claimed to be gods and have had worshippers over the centuries. The home dimension of K’un Lun itself is associated with a number of additional pocket dimensions, most notably those that are home to Iron Fist’s peers, the Immortal Weapons. A full description of K’un Lun and its environs can be found in the Marvel Superhero RPG Netbook MHL1: Marvelous Locations: K'un-Lun and the Seven Realms. THE SHIN: GODS OF KOREA Although the gods of Korean mythology have not appeared onpanel in Marvel comics (yet), they have been mentioned and are part of Marvel canon. Most notably, Hwanin, the lead god of the Shin, is confirmed as a member of the Council of Godheads; and the goddess Ungnyeo took part in Gaea’s committee to select Young Gods in response to the appearance of the Celestials’ Third Host. In Korean myth, the Shin inhabit the realm of Cheongug (“paradise” or “heaven”). Presumably, Cheongug follows the standard Marvel Universe pattern being a small, earthlike landmass within its own pocket dimension. According to legend, Hwanin’s son, Hwanung, rallied 3000 followers to establish Shinshi (the Divine City, or City of the Gods) as the capital of the Shin realm. The Korean mythological underworld is called Jiok. 310
The Axis Mundi (an interdimensional construct best known to westerners as Yggdrasill, the World Tree) connects many points in the Earth616 universe to the godly dimensions by means of its twisting limbs and roots. The form taken by the Axis Mundi varies by culture; in Cheongug, it manifests as a construct known as the Crown of Silla. Pre-Buddhist Korean beliefs and practices were shamanistic in nature, of which there are vestiges in traditional Korean mythology. The Korean pantheon has some overlap and connection with the gods of India, Mongolia, and China. The cardinal directions are of particular importance in Korean spiritual practice, as many Korean supernatural beings are associated specifically with the North, South, East or West, and the number four is a recurring motif. Other deities in the Shin pantheon include: ● Munsin: Gate god. ● Nulgupjisin: God of grain. ● Cheuksin: God of the hearth. ● Eopsin: Goddess of storage and wealth. ● Jowangsin: Goddess of fire. ● Magu: A great goddess. ● Sosamsin: Goddess of the birth of cows and bulls. ● Teojusin: Earth goddess. ● Sumyeong-Jangja: God of evil. ● Yondung Halmoni: Wind goddess revered by farmers and sailors. Kumiho: A kumiho is a creature that appears in the tales and legends of Korea. Deriving from ancient Chinese myths and folklores, a fox that lives a thousand years turns into a kumiho can freely transform, among other things, into a beautiful woman. In Korean mythology, the kumiho often sets out to seduce boys, and eat their liver or heart, although those in Marvel Universe appear not to have those characteristics. In the Marvel Universe, the White Fox (a.k.a. Ami Han) is the last of this race, although what happened to the rest of them has not yet been explained. The Korean kumiho shares many similarities to the Chinese huli jing and the Japanese kitsune, so the race may yet survive in its counterparts from other cultures. A full profile of White Fox is available in Issue 17 of the New Marvel Phile (international heroes). 311
PHRAYA: GODS OF THAILAND Religion native to Thailand is primarily a mix of indigenous folk beliefs, Hinduism, and Buddhism. As such, Thai divinities are not so much a pantheon as a collective of various ghosts and spirits. Some of the more influential deities are the Phraya, a Thai royal title: ● Nang Kwak is a benevolent female deity that brings luck to business owners and attracts customers. She is widely considered the patron of traders and shopkeepers. ● Phi Fa is an ancient deity of Isan folklore. In her malevolent aspect she is related to Phosop. ● Phosop is the traditional and ancient rice goddess of Thailand. ● Kuman Thong, represented as the effigy of a young boy, is believed to bring good luck. Most of traditional Thai supernatural beliefs center upon the phi, a large set of ghosts and spirits diverse in their names, appearance, and behaviors. TỨ BẤT TỨ: GODS OF VIETNAM The pantheon of Vietnam is ruled by the Four Immortals, the four chief cult figures worshiped by the Vietnamese people of the Red River Delta region. They are: Tản Viên Sơn Thánh (also known as Sơn Tinh), the god of Tản Viên Mountain; Phù Đổng Thiên Vương (also known as Thánh Gióng, or Ông Dóng), a giant who defeated northern invaders; Chử Đồng Tử, a sage; and Princess Liễu Hạnh, a heavenly spirit and Mother Goddess. The Vietnamese deities rule from the dimension of Tứ Phủ (The Four Palaces), a planetoid within a pocket dimension similar in nature to the other godly realms. As the name implies, the dimension is notable for its four palaces each ruled by its own deity. The four palaces are: ● Thiên phủ (Heaven's Palace) ruled by mẫu Thượng Thiên (goddess of the upper sky) ● Nhạc phủ (Forest Palace) ruled by mẫu Thượng Ngàn (goddess of the highlands), also known as Lâm Cung Thánh Mẫu ● Thuỷ phủ (Water Palace) ruled by mẫu Thoải (Mother Water), also known as Thủy cung Thánh Mẫu ● Địa phủ (Earth Palace) ruled by mẫu Địa Phủ, also known as Lục cung thánh mẫu As the Vietnamese pantheon has not yet appeared in Marvel canon, it is unknown whether these represent physical palaces or are in their own sub-dimensions, as is common with dimensions of the gods. In addition to several deities, the Vietnamese mythical realms are home to various faerie creatures, dragons, and nature spirits. The Tứ Bất Tử rule within a court-like hierarchical government structure, and have frequently been known to assist Vietnamese national historical figures. KHWAN: GODS OF LAOS The Khwan are thirty-two typically protective body-spirits in Laotian folk religion. They do not seem to be an organized pantheon in typical sense, as they do not have a hierarchy or leader, and do not appear to have a home realm, instead inhabiting spiritual places on Earth. They often interact with the world of the living, at times protecting people, and other times seeming to cause harm. Guardian deities of places, such as the phi wat of temples and the lak mueang of towns are celebrated and propitiated with communal gatherings and offerings of food. In daily life, most people pay respect to the deities that reside in spirithouses, who are thought to protect the general vicinity of the spirit-house from harm. These spirit-houses are essentially miniature shrines, built to represent the presence of the deity of the shrine, just as a full size shrine is meant to represent such a "presence." Offerings of flowers, incense, and candles are given, and the spirits are consulted during times of change or hardship for protection and assistance. Natural deities include those that reside in trees, mountains, or forests. Deities associated with specific places such as the household, the river, or a grove of trees are neither inherently benevolent nor evil, and occasional 312
offerings ensure their favor and assistance in human affairs. Guardian spirits of people often include ancestors or angelic-beings who arrive at various points in life, better known as thewada. Malevolent spirits (phi phetu) include those khwan of people who were bad in past lives or died of tragic deaths, such as the ghastly phi pob and the vampirical phi dip. THE NATS: GODS OF BURMA The Burmese pantheon is worshipped in Myanmar and the surrounding region. The pantheon consists of thirty-seven Great Nats, human beings who met violent deaths, and scores of lesser nats who are generally spirits of nature or of a personal or regional protective function. They are ruled by Thagyamin, the Lord of the Great Mountain. Nats have human characteristics, wants, and needs. They are flawed, having desires that are considered derogatory and immoral in mainstream Buddhism. During their initiation ceremony, shamans known as nat kadaws dance and embody the nat's spirit in a trance. Historically, the nat kadaw profession was hereditary and passed from mother to daughter. Since the 1980s, trans women or gay male transvestites have increasingly performed these roles. The cosmology of the Burmese deities is vaguely defined, but central to their realm is the World River, from which all other bodies of water originate. This realm may in fact be a region or sub-dimension of Nirvana, home to the gods of India. The Burmese pantheon is most closely associated with the Daevas of India but is also heavily influenced by Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. 313
SOURCES GENERAL: Appendix to the Marvel Universe: http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/appchar.htm Godchecker: http://www.godchecker.com/ Guide to the Mythological Universe: http://www.angelfire.com/planet/mythguide/mythguid e.html Marvel FANDOM Database: http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Marvel_Database Writeups.org: http://www.writeups.org/ And of course, source material from Marvel Comics and the classic Marvel Superheroes Roleplaying Game (FASERIP) OTHER RPGS: These are RPGs for other systems, but are also helpful sources for adventuring with deities and magical beings. There are also many roleplaying games specific to individual pantheons and cultures. GURPS Religion: http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/books/Religion/ Mythender: http://mythenderrpg.com/ Nobilis: http://eos-sama.com/nobilis/index.html Of Gods and Heroes: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1738025468/ofgods-and-heroes-mythic-tabletop-role-playing Part-Time Gods: https://thirdeyegames.net/part-timegods/ Rifts: Pantheons of the Megaverse: http://rifts.wikia.com/wiki/Pantheons_of_the_Megaver se Scion: http://theonyxpath.com/category/worlds/scion/ (Also check out their related game, Exalted) SMITE: https://www.smitegame.com/ This series was also inspired by first edition Dungeons & Dragons, namely the Deities and Demigods and Manual of the Planes hardbound supplements. DIWATAS/PHILIPPINES: ● Aswang Project: https://www.aswangproject.com/ ● Comic Heroes of the Phillipines: https://aminoapps.com/c/comics/page/blog/comicheroes-of-the-philippines-pt2/lWiQ_u6zblbzNk4bm1QMbEoNb3mLr ● Encantadia Wiki: http://encantadia.wikia.com/wiki/Encantadia_Wiki ● Encyclopedia Mythica: https://pantheon.org/mythology/philippine/ ● Filipino Combat Systems: http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/glossary.html ● Filipino Mythology Primer: by Adam Fuqua: https://www.writeups.org/filipino-mythologyprimer/ ● Filipino Language Blog: https://filipinolanguageblog.wordpress.com/2016/0 8/15/blog-post-title-3/ ● Filipinos Heroes League: http://www.comicscube.com/2012/10/filipinoheroes-league-interview-with.html ● Pinoy Superheroes Universe: https://pinoysuperheroesuniverse.blogspot.com/ ● Project Tadhana, a Philippine Mythology Tabletop RPG: https://abubot.ph/products/tadhanaadventurers-kit-rpg ● Spirits of the Philippine Archipelago: http://phspirits.com/ ● Visayan Mythologies of the Philippines: http://vizayanmyths.blogspot.com/ 314
AMATSU-KAMI/JAPAN: ● Official Guide to the Mythological Universe: Kami: http://www.angelfire.com/planet/mythguide/japan _kami.html ● Marvel FANDOM Database: http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Amatsu-Kami ● Encyclopedia of Shinto: http://kamc.kokugakuin.ac.jp/DM/dbTop.do?class_name=c ol_eos ● Appendix to the Marvel Universe: http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/godsjapn.ht m ● Godchecker: Japanese Mythology: http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/japanesemythology.php ● Fudo Myo-O: Introducing Japanese Deities: https://fudosama.blogspot.com/ ● Japanese Faeries: http://faerymists.tripod.com/fytales/japanese.htm ● Tofugo: Go to (Japanese) Hells! From Shinto to Buddhist, From Volcanic to Animatronic, There's Something for Everyone in Japanese Hells: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-hells/ ● Yokai: Japan’s Ghosts, Monsters, and Friendly Spirits: https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000695/ ● Yokai.com: www.yokai.com XIAN/CHINA: ● Appendix to the Marvel Universe: http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/godschin.ht m ● Chinese Mythology A to Z: http://www.kinezika.info/pdf/ChineseMythology.pd f ● Godchecker: Feng-Du: http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/chinesemythology.php?deity=FENG-DU ● In Focus: An Assembly of Gods: https://asiasociety.org/new-york/exhibitions/focusassembly-gods ● Journey to the West: https://www.vbtutor.net/Xiyouji/journeytothewest. htm ● Official Guide to the Mythological Universe: http://www.angelfire.com/planet/mythguide/china _xian.html ● Ritual and Mythology of the Chinese Triads, Barend ter Haar, Brill Publications, 1998. ● Wikipedia: Chinese Gods and Immortals: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_gods_and_i mmortals#Lists_of_gods,_deities_and_immortals TENGER/CENTRAL ASIA: ● Course in Mongolian Shamanism: http://members.tripod.com/Mongolian_Page/sham an.txt ● Creatures of Turkish Mythology: https://steemit.com/tr/@turkish-trail/creatures-ofturkish-mythology-1-tulpar ● Deity of the Week: Umay: http://deity-of-theweek.blogspot.com/2011/11/umayumai.html ● Shamanism and Folk Religion: http://factsanddetails.com/centralasia/Mongolia/sub8_2b/entry-4575.html ● The Tanrilar: http://forum.theonyxpath.com/forum/maincategory/main-forum/scion/1222871-the-tanrilarthe-turco-mongolian-pantheon ● Tengri Comics: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tengricomics/ ● Turkic Mythology: List of Gods and Goddesses: https://www.fairychamber.com/blog/category/turk ic-myths.html?lang=en ● Individual profiles drawn from Wikipedia and various other sources DAEVAS/INDIA: ● 12 Powerful Characters of the DC and Marvel Universes Based on Hindu Mythology: https://www.quirkybyte.com/blog/2018/07/powerf 315
ul-characters-dc-marvel-comics-superheroes-hindumythology/ ● Daevas: Appendix to the Marvel Universe: http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/hindug.htm ● Hindu Gods at the Guide to the Mythological Universe: http://www.angelfire.com/planet/mythguide/hindu _Daevas.html ● Reincarnation After Death: https://reincarnationafterdeath.com/how-longdoes-it-take/ OTHER ASIAN DEITIES: ● Korean Mythology: http://religion.wikia.com/wiki/Korean_mythology ● Top 11 Deities in Korean Mythology: https://glitternight.com/2011/03/24/the-top-11- deities-in-korean-mythology/ ● Southeast Asian Mythology: http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/south-eastasian-mythology.php?list-gods-names IMAGE CREDITS: All artwork by Marvel Bullpen unless otherwise specified. Some of these images were taken from Wikipedia and various public domain web sites. If you see an image here, and think it should be removed, credited, or would like a link added, please let us know. DIWATAS/PHILIPPINES: ● Kaluwalhatian image © Encantadia Wiki, http://encantadia.wikia.com/wiki/Encantadia_Wiki ● Biringan City image © oddityworld.net, retrieved @ https://www.aswangproject.com/biringan-city/ ● Urduja image © Frohboy at deviantart, retrieved from https://www.aswangproject.com/mythicalheroes-of-philippines/ ● Kasanaan image is from “The Soul Book”, © GCF Books, retrieved from https://www.aswangproject.com/how-to-travelthe-underworld-of-philippine-mythology/ ● Bakunawa image © Borg Sinaban, Summit Books ● Diwatas portraits © James Claridades, https://squeegool.tumblr.com/ ● Diwatas images © Trix at deviantart, retrieved from https://www.deviantart.com/trixdraws ● The badass picture of the fighting man with the two kris, mask, and cape were taken from DeviantArt, but I’ve lost the artist’s name -- sorry! If you know who did it, let me know and I’ll add a credit! ● Duwende image from “10 Of The Scariest Filipino Mythological Demons And Monsters” at http://sharejunkies.com/10-of-the-scariest-filipinomythological-demons-and-monsters/7/ ● Asuang image © Anthony Francisco, found at http://sharejunkies.com/10-of-the-scariest-filipinomythological-demons-and-monsters/10/ ● The tikbalang image was found on several Pinterest boards, but unfortunately I could not trace it to the 316
original artist. Again -- please let me know if the image is yours or you know who did it, and I’ll be sure to add credit! AMATSU-KAMI/JAPAN: ● Japanese faery image from http://warriorsofmyth.wikia.com/wiki/Y%C5%8Dsei XIAN/CHINA: ● Jade Sea image from Wyrdwalkers wiki: http://i.imgur.com/PygVb60.jpg ● Feng Tu image from Wyrdwalkers wiki: http://wyrdwalkers.wikidot.com/di-yu ● Diyu Bureaucrat, Youdu, Fenghuang, and Qilin images from: http://archive.4plebs.org/tg/thread/27348785 ● Haetae image by Yereren at Deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/yereren/art/Haetae555828179 TENGER/CENTRAL ASIA: ● Garaz and Nokki profiles by Michel John Gariepy ● Ergenekon image from https://www.ancientorigins.net/ancient-places-asia/eerie-balbal-statueseurasian-steppe-002649 ● Mongol horde image from https://4oarsmen.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/mon gol-empire-13th-century/ DAEVAS/INDIA: ● Ramayana comic (p.18) retrieved from Swarajya at https://swarajyamag.com/culture/mythology-andcomics-how-the-superhero-traditions-of-india-andthe-west-compare ● Daevas image © Virgin Comics/ Authentic India, retrieved from https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/0/77 /2165298-kali_1_10c.jpg ● Rama image © DC Comics, retrieved from https://www.quirkybyte.com/blog/2018/07/powerf ul-characters-dc-marvel-comics-superheroes-hindumythology/ ● Sita image © Virgin Comics, retrieved from https://comicvine.gamespot.com/sita/4005-26260/ ● Saraswati image © Sanjana Kapur, Amar Chitra Katha, 2012, retrieved from https://www.amazon.in/Saraswati-Chitra-KathaSanjanaKapur/dp/9350851202#reader_B06XXWYQFK ● Hanuman image © Virgin Comics, retrieved from https://comicvine.gamespot.com/images/1300- 792593 ● The naga image is actually a Yuan-Ti, a Dungeons & Dragons creature clearly inspired by the naga of myth. Retrieved from http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2017/02/monsterspotlight-yuan-ti.html ● Objects of Power section written by Michel John Gariepy. 317
From the steppes of Mongolia to the islands of the Philippines, from the hidden cities of Tibet to the jungles of India -- now, for the first time, is the complete description of the gods and goddesses of Asia for the MARVEL SUPERHEROES ROLEPLAYING GAME! Part of an ongoing series on Marvel mythology, here are writeups for a plethora of deities, mystic realms, and new rules, powers and talents to give your campaign a distinctly Asian feel, perfect for single encounters and epic dimension-spanning campaigns alike. Volume 3 in the Marvelous Myths & Monsters netbook series. MARVELOUS MYTHS AND MONSTERS VOLUME 3