# Artrya Artrya is the three-fold god of the wind and sea. She is the mistress of fates and the patron of the Varyag people.   # History   ### Melrose and the Great Voyage The crucible of the Great Cataclysm took much from the Yagmaran people. It felled their gods, smashed their civilization, burned away their homes, took many loved ones, and promised to take more. As the Yagmaran fled from the terrors that beset them, they prayed for someone to lead them to safety. Those prayers were answered by Melrose, who bade the Yagmaran to build ships to sail away from the devastated lands, and to find a new home across the seas. The great fleet was built over the course of 30 days and 30 nights.   Not long after work began, [[Amangyr|Amanguire]], the living flames of destruction, learned of the great fleet. He set his Skull Knights to ride to the shores of the befouled lands and carry with them the flame of destruction. Melrose bade the Yagmaran not to worry, for he would call forth the three blessings of Artya.   The first blessing of Artrya was named **Marlena, the Malestrom**. The tempest she called forth set floods to wash away the vast infantry of Amaguire. It turned the ground to mud beneath of hooves of the Skull Knights' dreaded cavalry. It extinguished the fell magics of the Lord of Devastation's wizardry. This miraculous storm would not turn back the cataclysmic force by itself, but it would buy the Yagmaran people the time needed to complete their work.   The second blessing of Artrya was named **Varda, the Calm**. As storms wracked the forces of the fiendish adversary, the shores upon which the Yagmaran worked remained free of water and wind. The sun shone all throughout the day, and the nights were peaceful and mild. The monsters of the sea and the beasts of the earth remained at bay, content to allow the people to go about their business.   The third blessing of Artrya was Freji the Swift. When the ships were ready and the Yagmaran people aboard, a fortuitous wind rose and carried the fleet safely away from the shore. The devastation of the great cataclysm did consume the shores of the befouled land, but not until every last surviving member of the Yagmaran had safely departed.   The people praised Melrose for his great power, but he refused to accept their accolades. He had not brought forth the rains, he did not set the barrier to protect the shores nor did he carry the people safely onto the seas. The glory for these miracles, who all had witnessed, belong to Artrya. These miracles were to be part of a covenant that the people must freely join in. They would declare themselves to be the vassals of Atryra, and in return, they would forevermore reap the benefits of the three blessings. From this day forward, they would be the fated people, the Varyag.   After a long journey by sea, the Varyag found their new home. It was a peaceful and verdant plain which was dubbed _Ciarifel_. There were people living on Ciarifel already, the gnomish tribes who called their land _Teca Wel_. These kindly smallfolk welcomed the Varyag as neighbors. So long as they did not encroach upon the sacred gathering place of _Oje Becca_ or try to hinder the gnomes migrations, the Varyag could live wherever they chose.   #### Jelmuro and the Covenant For many generations, the Varyag and the Gnomes lived together in harmony. Each society learned much from the other. When danger threatened, both sides were ready allies for the common defense. Even in the rare years of summer drought or winter freeze, the common bonds of friendship saw the Varyag and the Gnomes through in equal measure. As happens when societies bond, cultural elements from one society begins into influence the other. There were many dimensions on which this occurred, but the important one was that Varyag began to worship the spirits of Teca Wel in addition to (or in some cases in favor of) Artrya.   The clergy of the more orthodox Erlendu sect warned against such heresy, and bade the Varyag remember their covenant. Should they forsake Artrya, the three-fold blessings may be taken away and a different toll may be taken for the favor shown to the people. These warnings went unheeded by many, dismissed by the more reformist Manaten sects as reactionaries clutching their pearls and lamenting how new ideas were taking hold among the younger generations. Some decried the Erlendu as being outright racist against the gnomes; a threat to the cooperation that the two societies had enjoyed over the centuries.   One of the Erlendu clergy would be come to known as a prophet. A man named Jelmuro claimed to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Melrose, though Melrose's line ended when his three children gave their lives saving one of the clan ships from the fiendish krakken Lamousco. According to Jelmuro, Melrose had an illlegitimate daughter, and through her the line continued. While this is accepted as true today, it was an issue of great controversy at the time. Jelmuro claimed that a reckoning was coming to the Varyag if they did not mend their ways and return to Artrya's worship in a more fundamentally true manner.   Jelmuro had no better luck that the other Erlendu clerics had, and his heretical claims of lineage made him unpopular with otherwise likeminded worshippers. He was prosecuted for his heresy, and would have died for it had not the blessings of Marlena come to his aid. A great tidal wave came to the town of Tapori, causing much devistation and loss of life. The temple dungeon where Jelmuro was being held was badly damaged, and Jelmuro was thought to be one of the many who died in the flood.   With his newfound freedom, Jelmuro decided to seek out signs of the coming reckoning. He journeyed through Ciarafel seeking a sign to follow. He received the blessing of Freji in a revelatory vision. He would be joined in his journey by four awakened companions: A warrior of the North, born of the winter, possessed of the virtue of valor. A minstrel of the South, born of Summer and possessed of the virtue of cunning. A sorcerer of the East, born of autumn and possessed of the virtue of kindness. A nomad of the West, born of spring and possessed of the virtue of conviction. Through their trails they discovered that they had been touched by divinity. They were the _Children of Iriche_, who was the mate of Marlena. Through the touch of the wind father, they would have the strength and courage needed to save the Varyag people from the dangers of a perilous world. Each of the four received a boon as a symbol of their heritage.   Arienne of the East received a vial of the Water of Senesu, a single drop of which could heal the mortally wounded or the terminally ill. A single drop could also restore vitalize barren soil, or allow a dead spirit to possess a lifeless corpse. Lurista of the West received the Shawl of Erizsario, which was soft as the spring breeze, but at her command would turn diamond hard, repel any blow, reflect magic cast upon it or its wearer, and could move of its own accord to defend its wearer or lash out with the strength of a titan. Orteno of the North received the Arrastregen, a sword forged from an extraterrestrial metal, which could freeze solid the most fearsome demons with a single cut, and rendered it's bearer immune to even the most devastating fire. Surilam of the South received the Lute of Andilyon, which could, if played skillfully, calm the fury of a raging hurricane or cause the stones of a mountain to be moved to tears.   With these four companions, and the 60 crusaders who joined them, Jelmuro would embark upon a quest to save his people from their own folly. Once gathered, the companions would receive the blessing of Tumna, who was the mate of Varda. Tumna built for them a mighty vessel their company could use to sail the untamed seas to seek out Artrya herself. If they completed this quest and were judged worthy, then perhaps the Varyag would be forgiven for their violations of he covenant and the blessings would not be withdrawn.   > Jelmuro go on a series of fantastical adventures on the uncharted seas to find the island of Irilajaña, where they can speak to Artya directly.   Just as they finally laid eyes upon Irilajaña, their vessel was attacked by the sea serpent _Talanmaril_. The beast tore apart their ship, and the last of the followers perished. Jelmuro to was struck down by the beast, incapacitated and near death. As he lay dying, Jelmuro had a vision of Artrya. Freji told Jelmuro that he and his companions were exceedingly brave in coming to Irilajaña. Marlena told him that the people had been judged unworthy of the covenant, and the wrath of the sea would be upon them. Jelmuro plead his case to Varda, stating that were they but given another chance, he would ensure that he would bring them back into the the proper track.   Varda weighed Jelmuro's words, and considered his request. She decided that Marlena's wrath would be laid bare upon the Varyag of Ciarafel, but nor for 60 days. If he could return to his people before then, and get them to depart the land where the covenant was judged broken, then they would be spared.   When Jelmuro came to, he and the four companions lay upon a makeshift boat, fashioned from the hide and bones of Talanmaril. Upon the bones of the massive beast was the epic story of Jelmuro's journey with the children of Iriche, and upon its horns was carved the Articles of the Covenant. Surilam recounted the battle, and how Orento was able to strike the fatal blow, and how Surilam and Lurista struggled to drag Jelmuro and Orteno to shore. But they too succumbed to exhaustion.   The five returned to Ciarifel and found a land in the grip of misfortune.   > There was some big problem on Ciarifel that Jelmuro and his companions take care of, fulfilling their role as heroes of prophecy, and between that and the body of Talanmaril, most of the Varyag believe Jelmuro.   To ensure that the Varyag stay true to the covenant, and to issue a penance to the Varyag for their hubris, Marlena placed upon them a call to the sea. Should the Varyag every remain too long in one place, they will being to waste away. Ciarafel, now ruined, was effectively closed to them.   #### Curosa and the Breaking of the Clans   The Varyag flourished in their new lives as wandering sailors. The blessing of Freji were plentiful, and the people of lands were happy to have the Varyag as a conduit for trade between the continents. Much was learned from newly discovered lands. Many friendships were forged between the people of the land and the people of the seas.   Not all were content with the life at sea. As generations passed and the memory of the doom of Ciarafel fades, resentment towards the calling of Marlena grew. Most of these heretics had little influence, written off as ne'er do wells and lowlifes looking for an outlet for their anti-social tendencies. It was only a matter of time before these grumblings became a full on heretical movement. This movement was lead by the false prophet Annistheyran.   Annistheyran hated the Varyag because her aunt, Selyana Amaro, had been responsible for the death of Annistheyran' mother Penya. Penya was a marauder who had been responsible for the deaths of scores, but Annistheyran either never learned this, or never cared. Annistheyran had been adopted by Shyvra Esperav and his family, and she repaid this kindness by sacrificing his adoptive mother to Amaguire for the power to avenge her birth mother. Amanguire granted this wish, Annistheyran managed to kill or ensorcell her adoptive siblings, though Shyvra did survive the encounter.   Annistheyran used her ill-gotten power to gather together a following among the Varyag, and convince them that Amanguire would lavish them with riches and power, would they but forsake Artrya and live their lives upon the land. Such lies were scorned by most, but the lazy and avaricious, or the desperate and the gullible among the people Varyag were willing to cast their lot with Annistheyran and her hollow promises.   As Annistheyran' influence grew, so too did her misguided following. The black clan became so large they could use murder and extortion to grow their membership. The clans recognized the threat to their way of life, and worked to stop it. Annistheyran was cunning and had used her power to surround herself with fearsome allies, and to hide well her heresies. The clergy prayed for new saviors to defend them against this threat, but Freji does not come to those who merely call for her blessing.   Four bold warriors took it upon themselves to answer the call. They quested for and found the relics of the children of Iriche. They gathered a following of noble crusaders and dubbed themselves the _Knights of Iriche_, swearing upon the relics to fight the foul corruption that Annistheyran had brought to the clans, and to extinguish the flame of Amanguire. Freji blessed them with the discovery of a lost prophecy of Melrose. This gave the Knights an insight into Annistheyran' plan, and an opportunity to end her mad ambitions. Should they fail, the boats of the Varyag would burn, and the people would perish.   The Knights had their confrontation with Annistheyran and her three most devoted guardians: Karrak the Lord of Destruction, Merlani the Lord of Want and Atvar the Lord of Death. The battle was difficult. Many of the crusaders gave their lives. Righteousness was near triumph, but treachery won out. Annistheyran knew she could not turn the Knights of Iriche from their cause, but she could perhaps ensnare one of their trusted squires.   The squire of the Winter Knight Oretello, Palimano, was a promising young warrior eager to prove his might and attain glory. Annistheyran, the Lord of Deception, used Palimano's naivete and thirst for glory against him, convincing him to turn against Artrya and his fellows in favor of a prized place Amaguire's fell order. Palimano's betrayal swayed the tide of battle in Annistheyran' favor, and the Knight's of Iriche were martyred in the name of Artrya.   With her victory, Annistheyran had the power to dominate the minds of all of Varyag people. She put that power to use, and called the Varyag to shore. Her plan was to sacrifice the Varyag to Amaguire, and in doing so carving out a vile kingdom dedicated to the heathen god of flames.   The Varyag did have saviors left to them, though: One, a man of such devotion and integrity that Annistheyrin's magic could hold no sway: **Shyvra Esperev**. The other, a descendant of Jelmuro whose blessed lineage protected her from then ensorcellment. Her name was Curorsa. The pair went from ship to ship, trying to break Annistheyran's hold on their minds. Their efforts saved many lives, but Curosa had pushed her luck too far when she approached Palimano, the newly minted Lord of Betrayal. Curosa had successfully broken Annistheyran's spell on Palimano, but he did not join Curosa or return to the light. Artrya would not forgive him his transgression, and he would never find a place among the Varyag people. His newfound freedom be damned, his lot had been cast with Amanguire.   Curosa would have died there, but Shyrva intervened. As he readied himself for his fateful duel with the Knight of Betrayal, Shyvra told Curosa to flee with those she they had freed. Palimano may have been able to kill Curosa before she fled, but chose not to. Instead, he focus on his battle. After killing Shyvra, Palimano burned the boats of the Varyag still under Annistheyran's control. Curosa had not saved everyone, and the guilt of those left behind haunted her for the rest of her days.   Annistheyran succeeded in her plan, one in three of the enslaved people were sacrificed to Amanguire. Their blood stains the shores of Ysaldin to this day. Another third died of plagues, treachery, in-fighting and a variety of other misfortunes. But Annistheyran had her revenge and her abhorrent kingdom of the lands.   Varda came to Curosa and bade her to not hold Annistheyran and her crimes against her victims, or against herself. The fullness of time would see judgement rendered upon those who willingly aided the Lords of Destruction in their crimes, and there was no cause to further victimize those that Annistheyran had already taken from Artyra's protection. An everlasting bloodfeud with these _Miryag_ would only give Amaguire what he wants.   ---   # The Temple of the Covenant Temples and shrines to Artrya can be found on most any coastal town or city in the Northern World, and rarely are they quiet. Varyag clansfolk will regularly come in for their offerings and benedictions, but many others will also come to pay homage to the Goddess of the fates and the seas. Fisherfolk will make offerings in hopes of a fruitful catch. Such a request is blasphemous for the Varyag, but the donations can be put to good use. Merchants will seek the blessing of Tumna, which often involves a priest reviewing the seaworthiness of their vessel, and offering advise on repairs or upgrades that might be warranted. Scholars and academics will seek the star charts kept by the clerics of Mordi. The Chruch of Artrya has no authority on the shores of Temnia, but the church is seen as indispensable, and their presence is accepted in even the most religiously closed-minded of societies.   Temples are run by a constantly rotating staff of priests, acolytes and armsman. There are few non-Varyag who are employed by the church remain at one temple and help aid new arrivals in getting settled in their new positions, but the actual working staff of the temple is constantly in flux. Larger temples will hire orc war bands to act as full time security to supplement the temple guard.   Temples to Artrya are typically built close to shore, and feature a view of the sea so that Artrya will always be able to look after her people. Temples will sometimes be several stories high to be able to have a direct sight-line to the ocean in places where seaside real estate is difficult to obtain. Temples and shrines that are built upriver or further inland will paint a fresco of an ocean view on the wall facing the nearest sea, and that wall will have no door or window to adulterate the painting.   The inside of the temple is reminiscent of a sailing ship, featuring a lot of exposed wood, rounded windows, a few furnishings that are not secured fast to either one of the walls or to the floor. #### Holy Texts _An Eopeyes_, the Three Epics, is the primary holy text of Artytra. It contains the gospels, stories and teachings of the three major prophets: Melrose of Ertueco, Jelmuro of Olparóda and Curosa Alvierde.   _Est Vulsagat_, the Brave and Bold, is a secondary text which covers the stories of the Knights of Ireche prior to and around their quest to reach the island of Irilajaña, and gives prophecies around of their expected return in times of great troubles for the Varyag people.   _An Balvega_, the Anthology, is a collection of stories directly involving Artya and her husbands. Some of them are repeated in An Eopeyes, others are not. Theologians quarrel over which included tales are apocryphal and which are canonical. Some are seen as literal accounts while others are treated as fables or morality tales. The most commonly cited and agreed upon story in the An Balvega (which is not repeated in the An Eopeyes) is the wedding of three husbands to Artrya.   # Worshippers Worhsippers of Artrya pride themselves on their hard work, their skill as sailors, and the breadth of their knowledge and experience of the wider world. They relish their existence as "exotic foreigners," and will decry the local traditions or conventional wisdom as "closed minded" and "land locked." Artyans are disdainful of people and ideas that are "stuck in one place," and have a particular distaste for tribalism and xenophobia.   Artrya seeks no converts, though outsiders will occasionally become members of a Varyag crew or clan. This is different than simply hiring on to a vessel. One does not become "part of the crew" except through adoption or marriage into the family of a Varyag. Those who do become part of a crew and clan will typically adopt Artya into their veneration, but it is not seen as a conversion, as they are not subject to Marlena's curse, and are not part of the covenant.   **Articles of the Covenant** - Worship not any other gods before me, for it is I who have chosen you. - Worship not any false idols, for it is I who watch over you. - Honor and keep the Sabbath, for it is a symbol of the covenant. - Honor your family and clan, before all but Artrya. - Honor the faithful and fellow before all but clan, family and Artrya. - Do not kill or maim, steal or covet, rape or adulter, lie or cheat, for to do so is to befoul the covenant. - Do not beggar yourself for the blessings of Artrya, nor take the name in vain. To do so is to demean the covenant. - Punish violators of the covenant, for to condone violation of the covenant is to violate the covenant.   Artryan services are typically held thrice daily, once at midnight, once more at dawn, and again at dusk. Members are expected to attend only one of the three services, typically because they are working during one and sleeping during the other.   #### Signs of Faith Artyans will typically wear a bit of jewelry with the triad of Artrya on their person at all times. This is often a ring worn on the finder or pierced into the ear, but pendants, other facial rings or toothcaps are also seen. Artyran symbols will be included in the tattoos women wear on their face, neck and chest, and men wear on their back and arms.   Artrya has three favored weapons: The cutlass which represents Freji; the axe, which represents Varda; and the scourge, which represents Marlena.   #### Taboo While Artryans will often times have rituals and superstitions that will allay misfortune or bring good luck, they will not utilize in good luck charms or lucky trinkets.   Artyans will not cut their hair or shave while at sea.   Artyans will not condone vandalism of a ship. They see ships (especially Varyag ships) as living things, invested with the spirit of Tumna, and the living trees felled in the construction and repair of a ship. One would no more carve their initials into a ship's planks than they would into the flesh of a crewmate. Designs purposely carved into the design of a ship are done so with the blessing and careful supervision of ordained priests of Atrya.   # Clergy The Artryan priesthood consists largely of druids and clerics, though most other divine casters have a place within the her hierarchy. The church maintains two armed wings, which are sworn to a pact of mutual non-interference: _The Knights of the Tempest_, who are an order of heroic warriors dedicated to the protection of the Varyag people, and the _Stormfront_, a collection of vicious warriors who ensure the obedience of the Varyag to the covenant and the destruction of the enemies of the Varyag, be they internal or external.   # Other Worshipers and Faiths #### Miryag The Miryag conception of Artrya is of three separate beings:   - **Ma'ar Leyna** is the archfiend, mistress of curses storms and hatred. She is the Queen of Malevolance, and the ruler of the Black Sea Zalimar, where wicked souls are kept forever downing in the lightless abyss. - **Feraegi** is one of the seven fiends who rule the fathomless depths. Her domain is the temptation of the righteous into wickness, to aid them in their transgressions, and to reward the wicked for their misdeeds. - **Varada** is another of the seven fiends of Zalimar. She is the judge and arbitrator of sin. Her role is to determine when someone under the guidance of Feraegi has damned themselves enough that their soul and destiny are irrevocably tied to Ma'ar Leyna. When such a judgement is made, the "blessings" of Feregi come to an end, and the punishment of Ma'ar Leyna begin. Varada is also responsible for seeking out potential new victims for Feraegi's temptation, and is known as the "Ever Watchful." Ma'ar Leyna's consort and champion is **Oreshie** the Storm Herald, who is served by the Four Fiends of Oreshie. Miryag faiths differ on the other three members of the seven ruling fiends of Zalimar   #### Other Worshipers and Faiths The gnomes worship the spirits of the world, and among them is **Artre-Yaa**, the mother of the oceans. She has three children by way of **Ira-Shee**, the wind spirit: **Marlei-Na**, the spirit of the dark clouds, **Faere**, the spirit of white clouds and **Va-Rada**, the spirit of the blue sky. #### At a Glance   **Freji, the Swift** - **Alignment:** Lawful Good - **Common Domains:** Charm, Community, Good, Healing, Luck, Weather - **Oracle Mysteries:** ?,?,?,?,?,? - **Favored Weapon:** ?????? - **Centers of Worship:** ?????? - **Nationality:** Varyag   ---   **Varda, the Calm** - **Alignment:** Neutral - **Common Domains:** Animal, Knowledge, Magic, Sun, Weather - **Oracle Mysteries:** ?,?,?,?,?,? - **Favored Weapon:** ?????? - **Centers of Worship:** ?????? - **Nationality:** Varyag ---   **Marlena, the Maelstrom** - **Alignment:** Chaotic Evil - **Common Domains:** Chaos, Destruction, Evil, Luck, Madness, War, Weather - **Oracle Mysteries:** ?,?,?,?,?,? - **Favored Weapon:** ?????? - **Centers of Worship:** ?????? - **Nationality:** Varyag Remove these ads. 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