Little Gods

Little gods watch over households, specific places, particular chores, crafts, or trades. Many are elemental spirits worshipped at a sacred site; others are spirits closely tied to humanity. They mostly do their thing quietly — keeping a hearth warm, snarling a careless weaver's loom, listening at a cistern — and manifest only to small children or at the call of a Blessed or spirit-talker.

When one does manifest, treat it more like an NPC than a monster. A little god can reveal what it knows, calm or spook animals and children, move an unattended item, express displeasure through accidents and neglect, or fend off other spirits.

• Hearth spirit — solitary, friendly, nurturing. Pops and whispers, an impish little person. Expects warm greetings, friendly banter, little offerings in the flames. Natters quietly even when alone.
• Threshold spirit — solitary, protective, vigilant; dislikes outsiders. Expects sprinkles of salt, poured-out whisky, reverent touches. Crosses arms and harrumphs.
• Household spirits — gnomish little folk, helpful but easily offended. Expect bowls of goat's milk and bits of bread. Grumble about leaving if things don't improve.
• God of the Cistern — solitary, gloomy, patient; keeps secrets. Echoes in the dark, a misty figure. Expects water, snow, coins, wishes. Desperately wants to know how various tales end.
• God of weaving — exacting, insightful; rewards diligence, punishes perfectionism. A spider, an idle thought. Expects one perfect bit of fabric to dwell in, and at least one minor flaw in everything else.
• God of whisky — secretive, grandiose; takes its sweet time. A vaporous figure. Expects the head and tail of each batch.
• Garden spirits — coy, needy. Flower-folk and little creatures, many voices over each other. Expect first fruits, water, blood.
• Ancestral spirits — protective, conservative; protect family honor. Drafty whispers in dreams. Expect an altar, prayers, incense, libations.