The Eternal is the original deity-concept of native Yrthians (elves, dwarves and orcs) before the Banestorms and is treated even out-universe as a real force.
The elves worship the Eternal through its connection to nature. Their greatest wizards are called Anchaliel and dryads by the humans. The sea elves view the Eternal as present in the masses of water and do not concern themselves with its other aspects. The "dark elves" seek to force communion into the Eternal of other lifeforms, viewed by outsiders as monstrosity. If this is harmful, benign or helpful to the Eternal is unknown.
The dwarves naturally see the Eternal in stone and their mountains, but unlike the elves, they believe their greatest forms of worship is improvement of their selves, their crafts, their offspring and the creation of long-lasting perfect tools (ranging from architecture to items). Gnomes worship the Eternal in a synthesis form to that of elves and dwarves.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, orcs and ogres view the Eternal in an antagonistic manner. Orc cultural norms are centered around victory and destruction. The Eternal, by definition, is indestructible, which leads to fear, which in turn leads to hate. Some orcs and ogres take refuge in Christianity and Islam, which present hope (presumably of a force powerful enough to deny the Eternal).
Dragons believe it is their destiny for the most powerful (or simply survivors) to ascend to Godhood themselves. Some have equated this with becoming One with the Eternal, but nobody has been brave enough to ask a dragon if this is a valid interpretation. Merfolk are stout nonreligious, perhaps owing to their own world's Gods, but some have taken to the sea elves' interpretation and worship of the Eternal.
Fanon[]
The Eternal is presented as a homogenizing swarm. The implication of an all-encompassing force inexorably subsuming individuality and consciousness is not acknowledged either in or out of universe as an existential horror. It is unknown how Infinity Unlimited views this force.
The Eternal's ability to subsume individuals bears resemblance to some interpretations of abilities of some Gods in A Song of Ice and Fire, such as R'hllor or the old gods.
References[]
- GURPS Banestorm, p. 81-82.