Aedis, God of Civilizations

Aedis, the ever-growing God, is a symbol of the potential and progress found in mortal civilization. Though young and at times naive, her power and understanding of the world deepen with each passing day, just as cities expand, cultures flourish, and knowledge builds upon itself. Unlike other Gods who seek reverence mostly for their divine power, Aedis stands not just for her followers but for what they create—their art, their laws, their homes, and their dreams.   Her presence is felt in the heartbeat of bustling marketplaces, the quiet halls of libraries, and the resolute walls of fortresses that protect the vulnerable. Aedis takes pride in the enduring legacies mortals build. She believes that true divinity lies in nurturing growth, not commanding worship, and she tirelessly works to protect the hopes of those who dare to construct something greater than themselves.

Origin

Aedis, a young God and the adopted daughter of Lumair, was born from the hopes and ambitions of mortals as they transitioned from scattered tribes to small villages. She embodies the essence of order, stability, and the intricate balance that civilizations require to prosper. Initially, Aedis watched from afar, fascinated by the resourcefulness and resilience of mortals as they built their little societies. However, when the devastating war between Carcon and Berilor razed cities and unraveled decades of progress, her perspective changed.   Seeing the fragility of mortal achievements and the senseless destruction caused by unchecked conflict, Aedis decided to take a more active role. She became a guardian of civilizations, striving to mediate disputes, guide rulers, and promote cooperation among kingdoms. Where mortals sowed discord, she worked quietly to weave threads of unity. Aedis believes that true strength lies not in conquest but in the enduring bonds that sustain a community. Her followers, often scholars, leaders, and diplomats, seek to uphold her ideals, preserving order and fostering growth wherever they tread.

Followers and Church

Typical Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Followers: Followers of Aedis view cities as the pinnacle of mortal achievement and strive to maintain the delicate balance between law and progress. Devotees often serve in roles that contribute to the betterment of society, whether as architects shaping the cityscape, artists capturing its essence, or philosophers guiding its intellectual pursuits.

Church: Worship includes communal gatherings, city festivals, and the seeking of Aedis' guidance in matters of governance and civic planning. Temples dedicated to Aedis often feature grand architecture and serve as hubs for cultural and intellectual exchange. Aedis’ clergy, known for their wisdom and commitment to order, play vital roles as advisers to rulers, educators, and keepers of city archives. The faithful pray for divine inspiration to further the advancement of their polis, believing that in the flourishing of their city lies the highest form of devotion to Aedis.

Champions

Aedis has chosen some of the most champions of any God despite being a relatively young one. While her champions don’t gain the usual lifespan-lengthening effects of the championship, they do gain an incredible insight into whatever it is they specialize in.

Tenants

Civility: What separates the good from the bad in the world is who can settle things with communication and those who choose fists first.

Intellectual Pursuit: Encourage intellectual advancement over physical pursuits.

Artistic Expression: Art is the epitome of civilization and represents the civilized and advanced nature of civilization.

Relationships

• Lumair: When Aedis was born Lumair took her under his wing and protected the newly born God from evil influences. Aedis largely aligns with Lumair's ideals of justice and law, though she has begun to fear that he may be too strict. Still, she strives to establish judicial systems in civilizations that align with Lumair’s ideals.
• Geryu and Ferhenz: Aedis looks up to the two older Gods since it is Geryu who brings the water that feeds civilization and Ferhenz who inspires its marvels.
• Yasra: Aedis and Yasra are opposites who often butt heads on every issue, Yasra wants civilization to disappear and the wilderness to take over Aedis stands to prevent that. Aedis looks at the wilderness and sees only wasted potential, while Yasra looks at cities and sees only destruction.
• Shuzi: Aedis despises Shuzi’s unnecessary chaos, and sees him purely as a destructive force that won’t ever allow stability of any kind.
• Hacina: The relationship between Hacina and Aedis is strained. Aedis wants civilization to expand without stopping, but Hacina tries to push a balance between nature and civilization. Still, Hacina and the agriculture she brings is a necessity for Aedis so she’ll often hear Hacina out.
• Carcon and Berilor: Aedis is friendly towards most of the Gods, but is extremely hostile towards the ones she believes stand in the way of advancing civilization. Especially Carcon and even Berilor, she sees their war as being a pointless battle that will never end and only prevent civilization's advancement. Her reasons for Carcon are obvious but she equally dislikes Berilor who she believes hypocritically fights for justice when really he just enjoys the needless fighting like his brother.