http://www.rag.com/gods.html (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)In the beginning was the First Age of Ragnarok, when the world was very young. In those days, the four Gods Klive, Skeezics, Rodolf and Fizban roamed the world alone, shaping and forming it as they went.
As the world took shape, a small number of mortals appeared, and enjoyed what the Gods had created. In time, these mortals became mighty Wizards, and set about creating more of the world, expanding it and helping the Gods and there was much rejoicing.
Prominent among the very earliest of Wizards were Wulfblat and Galadriel, who, in addition to the Gods, were instrumental in those Elder Days for giving Ragnarok the personality that has set it apart from other worlds.
Then came the Dark Times, when the Gods left the universe in which they created the world. Without the Gods, Ragnarok immediately vanished in a puff of smoke. However, as he left, Fizban snatched up the essence of Ragnarok, and carried it with him throughout his wanderings.
It came to pass that at a later time, another universe was found, which would be suitable for Ragnarok to spring to life once again. Fizban called together the other three Gods, and the old Archwizards Galadriel and Wulfblat, and announced that he would bring back the world from the copy he still held.
Galadriel joined Fizban as the new Gods of Ragnarok, with Wulfblat and Lightning as Demigods. Klive, Rodolf and Skeezics declined to retain their Godly status, having found other pursuits in the mean time which were occupying their full attention.
Thus began the Second Age of Ragnarok, where the world has changed much, yet still retains much of its original charm and flavor.
In the days that followed, Lightning was called away to attend other matters in the mundane world. After meeting in council, the Immortals decided to elevate the then-Archwizard Gullo to Immortal status, joining Wulfblat as the new second Demigod.
(You can click on the small pictures of the gods to view a full-size image.)
Fizban is the ancient God of When and Where, ruler of time and space. He is the only of the original four Gods to be retained in the modern-day Ragnarok pantheon. He generally appears as an old man dressed in flowing robes and a wizard's hat. His face reflects serenity and peace, yet with a hint of power as well.
Many alternately praise and curse his name for having created his museum quest, which is full of puzzles to be solved. Fizban also took Klive's magic map and re-wrote it into its current form, expanding its capabilities and speed.
Fizban is unique to Ragnarok--no relation to any other Fizbans you might encounter in other worlds.
Galadriel was one of the eldest of Ragnarok's mortals, from the ancient days of the far past of the realm. She rose through the ranks of the wizards in the young world, until she held the post of Archwizard. As time progressed, and the new age of Ragnarok was ushered in, Galadriel has become a Goddess, sharing the governing of the world with Fizban, her companion and partner.
She is as kind as a summer day, gentle, and wise, yet ready to fiercely defend the realm against any who would harm another or take unfair advantage.
Wulfblat was one of Ragnarok's earliest characters who eventially rose to the position of Archwizard in the old world. He is said to have sent a sorcerer into exile on an island in the sea, where many adventurers have met their doom trying to rescue him. In his image here, you see a shorter-than-average, rotund humanoid with a close shaven beard and long hair. He's wearing a robe and a pair of Birkenstocks.
Since the Second Age began, Wulfblat is now himself an immortal, one of the demigods of the pantheon, creator of the realm of Heroes, engineer of the fabric of worldspace.
Gullo has been one of Ragnarok's team of creative implementors and has held the position of Archwizard for some time before being raised to the status of Demigod.
Below are listed the names of the original Gods of Ragnarok, as they were
during the First Age, when the world was new:
KLIVE THE UNUSUALLY SILLY (God of Where)
Klive was the first god in the ancient pantheon, when the world was created. It is said that he took the spark of life from the ashes of a yet-more-ancient world, and cast it upon new, fertile ground. From this spark grew a new world, which Klive named "Ragnarok". At the passage of the First Age and the beginning of the modern days, Klive turned his thoughts and his energies toward new projects, and stepped down from his position as a God. In his image here, he appears in his favorite manifestation--a short gnome wearing Calvin Kleinbottle Magic Boxer Shorts and the most utterly silly of expressions possible for a humaniod face to conjure up,
Klive was responsible for a very silly and fun quest, which was later lost to the world and is remembered now only in legend. He is also the creator of the original Magic Map, and much of the mudlib customization.
Skeezics the Stark Raving Mad was the second of the Old Gods and, together with Klive, Fizban and Rodolf, he built the original Ragnarok. Skeezics is now primarily a legend, although he's been rumored to appear from time to time, lurking in the shadows. Originally the God of What, with dominion over all physical objects in the game, Skeezics later followed Klive on a new quest, leaving his former position.
Skeezics created many of Ragnarok's "emote" commands, and was often seen lurking about in wells and caverns tinkering on a new realm.
Rodolf was the ancient God of Who, meting out justice and settling the disputes of mortals and wizards alike. He, too, is rarely seen in the world since the ancient days, having since declined to remain a God in the new age of the world.
Rodolf is best known for his good sense of humor and friendly approach to all, and for his quest which may be found below an outhouse in the woods to the southwest of the village.
Fizban is ... well, you already saw his description up above.
You can also send Internet E-mail to Fizban@Rag.com or Galadriel@Rag.com. All mudgods may be reached at once by sending your message to Mudgods@Rag.com.
They were drawn by Gail Gerlach, a Portland-area artist who specializes in fantasy artwork. She also teaches comic-book and illustration artwork.
She may be reached at: