Deities are an integral part of the history and there are countless such beings of various power levels, scope and influence, all over the globe.
A discussion on the nature of gods is crucial as they are not a 'race', yet they are physical beings with distinct opinions about each other (see:Godly Relations). Immortal in the truest sense, gods do not age or grow old and they cannot be killed, though their avatars may be slain, causing considerable loss to a God.
Gods get their Godly Powers from followers and channel it to their priests and similar to use.
The only way to 'kill' a god is if their power focus is destroyed - feat nearly impossible for even another god.
Gods and godlike beings can be basically divided into 5 groups(6 by some people):
Lords of Orhan: a Pantheon of Gods that includes the most powerfull of the Gods of “life”
The Dark Gods: a Panheon of Gods that includes the most powerfull of the Gods of “unlife”
Local Gods: Large numbers of “Lesser” gods, bound to their locations for their powers.
Demigods: a Group of beings “below” local gods, with much lesser powers usually working for one of the greater powers.
"other godlike beings": Some special Creatures exhibit some powers of the gods of varying levels, but these vary from being to other.
"other greater powers": some free thinkers think that some of the other great powers should be counted as gods, but most people do not agree.