Waukeen

The Lady of Gold, Waukeen, graces the realms of Eastrix with her divine domains of Prosperity, Freedom, and Enterprise. As a manifestation of fortune and trade, her touch bestows bountiful harvests, successful trades, and thriving markets. She is worshipped by merchants, traders, and those who seek the security of wealth and the freedom it offers. Her followers, who are led by the Arch-Paladin of Waukeen, seek to promote growth, encourage trade, and cultivate wealth across Eastrix in the name of the Lady of Gold.

In contrast to the Lady of the Lake from Warhammer Old World, Waukeen is not shrouded in mystery. Instead, she reveals herself through the tangible prosperity of her followers and the cities under her care. Her benevolence is seen in the thriving markets, the jingle of coins, and the growth of successful enterprises. However, like the Lady of the Lake, she bestows her favor on those who uphold the values of honor, fairness, and generosity, providing her blessings to those who show kindness and integrity in their dealings.

Waukeen's divine domains, while focused on prosperity and growth, also embody the value of freedom. Her teachings advocate for freedom from financial worries, and the pursuit of individual wealth as a path to independence. She encourages her followers to carve out their own destiny through hard work, smart business decisions, and faithful devotion.

As the counterpart to Asmodeus, the Prince of Demons and Destruction God of Deterioration, Waukeen represents the flourishing of society and prosperity. Where Asmodeus revels in chaos, decay, and destruction, Waukeen uplifts through growth, wealth, and freedom. The two form a divine balance, a constant cycle of creation and destruction, of prosperity and decay.

The Aristocratic Church of Waukeen, led by Adamiel Bartholemæus Tamariel von Hinan Tenarius II, champions these values, guiding the faithful in their pursuit of prosperity and wealth, while ensuring that their endeavours foster growth and economic stability in the realms of Eastrix. From the prosperous nation of Tenarius, the Arch-Paladin of Waukeen and his aristocratic clergy strive to spread the golden touch of the Lady of Gold, contributing to the growth of a prosperous, free, and thriving world.

There are two main dicussed artifacts from Waukeen. These are:

The Flame of Waukeen is one of the most revered divine artifacts, a symbol of prosperity, trade, and freedom that embodies the essence of the Lady of Gold. Initially known as the Flame of Zubia, this powerful artifact was born from the fiery sun of Zubia and blessed by the god Karura, the weapon takes the form of a magnificent sword made of pure gold, encrusted with red rubies.   The sword is said to possess the untamed ferocity of the Zubian basilisks and is challenging to master, just as it is tough to tame these creatures. It radiates the sun's power, a shining light that can illuminate even the darkest corners and incinerate the fiercest enemies. The hilt of the sword is intricately designed, mimicking a large crocodile almost swallowing the blade. The sheath is a long strip of black leather, engraved with images of flames and ancient Zubian runes, which have now been replaced with Himmian, the celestial language of gods.   When the sword became a divine artifact of Waukeen, significant transformations occurred. The fiery essence of the sun of Zubia was melded with the golden touch of Waukeen, creating an aura of prosperity and warmth around the sword. The once fiercely uncontrollable sword became a beacon of free trade and flourishing enterprise, reflecting Waukeen's core principles.   The Flame of Waukeen, while still retaining its formidable power, now also bestows blessings of fortune and success on its wielder, especially if they are engaged in honorable trade or business endeavors. The sword's radiant light became a symbol of economic growth and financial freedom, lighting the path towards prosperous ventures and fair trade.   Just like its former self, the Flame of Waukeen is still hard to master. It requires a person of strong will and integrity, with a deep understanding of the principles of trade, business, and freedom. The sword responds to the true spirit of its wielder. If the person seeks to use it for greed, deceit, or unfair trade, the sword might not reveal its true power. But if the wielder upholds the values of Waukeen – prosperity, freedom, and fair enterprise, the sword shines brightly, amplifying their efforts and leading them to success.   The current bearer of the Flame of Waukeen, Adamiel Bartholemæus Tamariel von Hinan Tenarius II, the Arch-Paladin of Waukeen, wields it with grace and honor. As the divine champion of Waukeen, his bearing of the Flame signifies his unwavering commitment to uphold the values of his patron deity, thus being granted the privilege to carry this divine artifact. It assists him in his duties, guiding him in leading the Aristocratic Church of Waukeen, promoting growth and prosperity, and defending the principles of freedom and enterprise in all of Eastrix.

Waukeenaire Coins, also known as Coins of Fortune, are legendary artifacts believed to be blessed by Waukeen herself, the Lady of Gold. Crafted from the purest form of gold and inscribed with ancient Himmian symbols of prosperity and luck, they are considered among the rarest and most valuable items in existence, with only a hundred said to have ever been minted.

Each coin measures approximately 1.5 inches in diameter and weighs about an ounce. The obverse side of the coin features a depiction of Waukeen's countenance, marked by a benign smile and eyes that seem to twinkle with secret knowledge. The reverse side of the coin carries an intricate Himmian inscription, translated roughly to "Fortune Favors the Bold."

According to legends, these coins have the power to bestow incredible luck upon their bearers, blessing their endeavors, particularly those involving trade and commerce, with astounding success. People who have claimed to possess these coins often recount tales of miraculous financial turnarounds, prosperous ventures, and uncanny luck in all forms of speculation. These accounts have only fueled the public's fascination with the coins, leading many to regard them as potent talismans of prosperity.

However, possessing a Waukeenaire Coin comes with its challenges. Their immense value and the allure of their purported power make them highly sought after, attracting attention from thieves, swindlers, and even powerful figures who wouldn't shy away from taking extreme measures to claim a coin for themselves. As such, bearers of these coins often have to go to great lengths to protect them, keeping their possession a secret or investing heavily in security.

Additionally, scholars have suggested that the power of the Waukeenaire Coins isn't as straightforward as it appears. They speculate that the coins only work for those who truly embody the principles of Waukeen - fairness, integrity, and enterprise. According to this theory, if a person were to use the coin for deceitful or unfair trade practices, the coin would lose its power, rendering it no more than a beautiful but ordinary piece of gold.

Despite the numerous tales and theories surrounding them, the existence of Waukeenaire Coins is shrouded in mystery. No one knows for certain how they were created, where they are now, or if they truly carry the incredible power attributed to them. For most people, the Coins of Fortune remain the stuff of legends, incredible tales spun around tavern tables, and ambitious dreams of unimaginable wealth and prosperity. But for those lucky few who claim to possess a coin, they are a divine blessing, a sacred artifact that guides their path to fortune and success.

The primary text associated with Waukeen is "The Golden Codex of Waukeen." This sacred book, said to be penned by her most faithful disciples under the divine guidance of Waukeen herself, serves as a guide to her followers, providing teachings on commerce, fair trade, and prosperity. The text delves deep into ethical business practices, the importance of integrity in transactions, and methods to attract wealth and abundance.

Another important text is "The Chronicle of Prosperous Journeys," a compilation of tales and anecdotes from successful traders and merchants who attribute their success to the blessings of Waukeen. This book serves both as a manual for aspiring entrepreneurs and as a testament to the benevolent influence of the Lady of Gold.

The third significant text, "The Almanac of the Golden Markets," is a treatise on various markets across the realms, offering insights into trade routes, business opportunities, market trends, and financial forecasts. Believed to be updated every year by the divinely inspired high priests of Waukeen, it is considered an invaluable resource for any serious merchant.

The primary symbol associated with Waukeen is the "Golden Coin," often depicted with a radiant face on one side, symbolizing the benevolent gaze of Waukeen herself. This symbol is used widely by her followers, often worn as a pendant or engraved on business paraphernalia to invite prosperity and success.

Another popular symbol is the "Balanced Scales," representing fair trade and justice in commerce. It signifies the importance of maintaining balance in all business dealings and is commonly used as an emblem by merchant guilds dedicated to Waukeen.

Lastly, the "Golden Cornucopia," a horn overflowing with gold coins, jewels, and other treasures, is another widely recognized symbol of Waukeen. It symbolizes abundance, wealth, and prosperity, encapsulating the promise of Waukeen's blessings to those who adhere to her teachings.

These symbols can be found in public spaces like marketplaces and merchant guild halls, subtly incorporated into architectural details, or used in the designs of various commodities. However, they also feature prominently in secret gatherings of Waukeen's followers, adorning ceremonial robes and holy artifacts, reinforcing the sense of community among her devotees and reminding them of the divine promise of prosperity and success.

A cleric who devotes themselves to Waukeen or a paladin who takes this oath has the tenets of Waukeen written down in gold ink in a gold-lined leather book:

"Supply. Secure the future, help turn the wheels of the economy and make all the world richer. Waukeen has granted us insight into supply and demand, and money makes the world go around and we shall help."

Demand. The money you make is a symbol of the value you create. Waukeen set us upon this earth to create value, to create the motivation for creation, to create the golden paradise of riches and luxuries. For our paradise to stand, we must create a sense of want, a sense of need. Demand creates a demand of better living, better standards, a better world.

Production. For their never-ending endeavours to obtain or retain wealth, countries desperately need companies, because they—unlike most human beings—have the means of production, and human beings, because they—unlike all companies—have the means of reproduction. These means must always be in the safest of hands".

The Sovereign Gold Week: This is a week-long celebration of independence in Tenarius, which also commemorates the birth of Adamiel Bartholemæus Tamariel von Hinan Tenarius, the founder of the nation, and his heir, Adamiel the Second. The week is filled with jubilation and unity, displaying the prosperity brought about by the blessings of Waukeen.

Cold Counting Comfort: This high festival is a day of accounting and calculations. It honours the art of meticulous bookkeeping and management of wealth.

High Coin: This festival celebrates the prosperity brought about by trade and commerce. It's a day of displaying and appreciating wealth, thanking Waukeen for her blessings.

Consultants Congratulation: This event honors the invaluable contribution of advisors and consultants in the world of trade and commerce. It's a day of knowledge-sharing and learning.

Stellar Stocks Night: This festival is a celebration of investment and the stock market. Participants spend the evening discussing investment strategies, celebrating successful ventures, and seeking Waukeen's blessings for their future endeavors.

Hephaestian Festival: This holiday pays tribute to craft and artisanal skill, acknowledging the wealth that craftsmanship brings. It's a day of creativity and innovation.

Hell Coin Remembrance Day: This solemn day serves as a reminder of the darker side of wealth – greed, corruption, and excess. Waukeen’s followers use this day to reaffirm their commitment to fairness and integrity, promising to reject the evils of excess.

Waukeen's divine goals primarily revolve around the concepts of prosperity, fairness, and opportunity. As a goddess of wealth and trade, she wishes for a fair and flourishing market where everyone gets a fair chance to prosper. Waukeen encourages her followers to seek wealth and prosperity through honest means and to maintain the integrity of the trade. Her divine message embodies the principle of mutual benefit through fair exchange.

Promotion of Fair Trade: Waukeen encourages her followers to uphold fairness in all their transactions. A fair deal for all parties involved in an exchange is the core principle of Waukeen's teachings.

Cultivation of Prosperity: Waukeen's ultimate goal is to see her followers prosper. She advocates for entrepreneurship and innovative business ideas, helping those who strive for wealth to achieve their goals.

Spread of Opportunity: Waukeen encourages her followers to seek out and seize opportunities. Whether it's a new trade route or an untapped market, the Lady of Gold guides those who dare to explore new horizons.

Influence over Economic Systems: One of Waukeen's divine goals is to influence economic systems, ensuring they promote fairness and prosperity. This influence is often subtly exerted through her followers in positions of economic influence.