Three Families
Three streams of ancient belief rising against the tide of modernity.
The Three Families represent a thematic alliance within the broader pantheon of Old Gods, united against the rising influence of the New Gods. While not always formally named as such in every text, this grouping refers to the three primary cultural streams of deities that Mr. Wednesday seeks to rally: the European/Norse traditions, the African and African-American diasporic spirits, and the Indigenous or Eastern pantheons who have been forgotten by modern society.
- Role
- Resistance Alliance
- Affiliation
- Old Gods
- Opposition
- The New Gods (Media, Tech, Finance)
- Leader
- Mr. Wednesday (Odin)
- Status
- Active / Dispersed
Lore & Background
The strategic goal is to spark a conflict that forces humanity to choose sides, thereby restoring belief through worship and sacrifice. The Three Families operate largely in the shadows, meeting in hidden locations like motels or backrooms where magic still lingers. Their unity is fragile, often threatened by old grudges between pantheons, but the existential threat posed by Mr. World binds them together against a common enemy who feeds on attention rather than faith.
In Their Own Story
The motel room smelled of stale coffee and ozone. Wednesday sat at the head of the table, his eyes burning like dying stars. Across from him, Anansi adjusted his glasses, while a shadowed figure representing another stream of belief watched silently. 'We are not one family,' Wednesday rasped, tapping the table. 'But tonight, we must bleed as one.' Outside, the rain fell hard on the asphalt, washing away the footprints of mortals who walked past without seeing them.
Reader's Guide
The leadership falls primarily to Mr. Wednesday (Odin), who orchestrates the coalition despite his own hidden agendas. His goal is to ignite a war that restores belief in the Old Gods by making humanity aware of their existence once more. The roster includes key figures like Anansi, representing African trickster traditions, and various deities from Indigenous or Eastern backgrounds such as Bilquis.
Their strategic role involves gathering believers and resources before the final confrontation with Mr. World's forces. They operate through deception, manipulation, and direct intervention in mortal lives to steer belief back toward ancient myths. The alliance is not a military unit but a loose confederation of powerful entities who must overcome their historical differences to survive.
Ultimately, they serve as the counterweight to the New Gods' dominance over media and technology. Without this tripartite unity, the Old Gods risk extinction in the modern age.
Did You Know?
- The alliance unites gods from vastly different cultural origins who historically had no connection.
- Mr. Wednesday often uses deception to bind these families together against their better judgment.
- Shadow Moon acts as a bridge between these ancient powers and the modern world.