Manaës

The Manaës  ("Unearthly" in Common), otherwise known as the Second Gods, are a type of deity thought to have appeared on Zael shortly after the planet's birth. While few things seemsto link these beings together, they are catzgorized as a whole by opposition to the Primordial Gods (Primes), whose elemental nature is not shared with the Manaë. They are the most "common" kind of entity to be the object of worship by mortals, and most religions in Zael, either monotheistic or polytheistic, are unknowningly dedicated to one or many Manaës.

While shapeshifters, most Manaës have adopted a definite appearance which often corresponds to the beliefs of the people worshipping them, hence the absolute lack of shared physical similarities between them. Thurid, for instance, resembles a flayed corpse, while Cynis appears as a giant she-wolf. All of them have various powers and abilities which extend far beyond mortal imagination, and it is believed that united, they are immensely more powerful than the Primordial Gods. Ironically, the Manaës have been divided since the most ancient age, waging petty wars against each other, either in person or through those who worship them.

Some theologists - namely, Pantheonists - have elaborated the theory that the Manaës were once united as one undivided pantheon, that was later shattered at an unknown time of Zael's history. The very idea of Manaës is very debated by the vast majority of believers, who are convinced that their own god(s) is/are far superior to those of other faiths, and that separate deities have nothing in common.

Some prophetic visions however, tend to confirm Pantheonistic beliefs.