Before I decide on my next Deity project, it’s helpful to do some brainstorming about the potential paths I might take. The first potential project is to expand some of the existing nonhuman pantheons that feel light on deities, starting with ideas from Monster Mythology.
Dwarves
To start, the overview of the dwarven pantheon mentions a few potential deities that aren’t covered in the book. On Page 18, it says, “some local pantheons have a goddess of healing also.” This is covered in Demihuman Deities with Sharindlar (and Berronar), however. In addition, it states, “There are very few cases of dwarven deities governing the seas, plant life and agriculture, atmospheric phenomenon (rain, clouds, stars, etc.), woodlands and forests, animals, comedy and pleasure, or arcane and mystical knowledge (Dugmaren Brightmantle is unique on this score).” Some of these points are covered in Demihuman Deities; for example, Muamman Duathal/Marthammor Duin covers lightning (but not other weather phenomenon), Sharindlar covers the moon (but not stars), Thard Harr could cover some elements of nature and wildlife, and Vergadain and Sharindlar cover elements of comedy and pleasure. Finally, Diirinka covers magic as well. Still, that leaves some of these areas as potentials for minor dwarven deities not well known on most worlds.
Finally, the overview of Derro (p.60) mentions: “Local pantheons typically have minor deities, rarely above demigod status, of death (often with a cold/life-draining aspect) and a battle/combat god of the ‘common derro’ warrior. The latter is sometimes a god of simple strength, with a secondary role as a god of simple weaponsmithing (not the manufacture of magical weapons, which is the province of Diirinka and his savants).” Stalker works well for the god of death, but there’s no good combat/strength/smithing god. A twisted worship of Clangeddin or other dwarven gods is possible but seems unlikely to me. Instead, an ascended hero would work well, and as a minor deity wouldn’t pose much of a threat to Diirinka. I’d be inclined to make two gods: One Lesser god of combat and strength and a demigod of smithing and combat, with very weak priesthoods.
Elves, Gnomes, Halflings
Monster Mythology doesn’t list much in the way of additional gods for these pantheons, unfortunately. There are additional deities for the demihuman races in the “Races of…” books for 3e, but in my opinion they often either don’t fit thematically or represent alternative pantheons, as most of them cover elements already handled by other deities.
Bugbears
On page 44 of Monster Mythology, it states “Local pantheons also have minor deities of fertility, earth, and death”. Stalker fits for death, but earth and fertility are still open.
Goblins
Again on page 44, DMGR4 states about the goblins, “Most local pantheons have a number of minor gods, demigods and lesser gods, and if they seem to be increasing in strength Maglubiyet destroys them before they can become a potential challenge to him. No portfolios are covered here, unfortunately. One thing the goblin pantheon does need, however, are patrons for koalinths and norkers, the other two major subraces (of hobgoblins specifically).
Other Goblinoid Pantheons
In general, I’ve always felt that most of the nonhuman pantheons lack certain domestic deities, such as those for the environment, mining, smithing, and fertility. Much of these would still be oriented towards war to a degree.