Survécio Custodians
A devilkin child, thin and small, trudges alone down flooded streets, in the shadows of towering hovels built atop one another to escape the water. All around them people sleep on soaked bedrolls and in collapsing tents as a light rain continues to pour from the black sky. But over the pitter-patter there drifts a song on the wind, and they follow its chords to a nameless tavern, high on cobblestone foundations. Inside there is the warm glow of candlelight and joyous laughter, but it is not for them. They walk around the back and into a narrow alley to scrounge for what scraps might be discarded by those with coin to spare.
There, among the weeds and scattered crates, they find a statue of white stone. It depicts a girl, no older than themself and depicted no taller; Coiled around her arms are threads of red yarn and in her outstretched arms is carved a bowl, but the bread sitting in it is very real. They do not hesitate before grabbing the loaf and ripping into it with their little fangs. But with the sloshing of footsteps approaching, they quickly hide it behind their back as a dark cloak draws near with a large sack over its shoulder.
"It's alright little one," beneath the hood an old man speaks kindly, "The bread is for you."
"For me? But how?"
"It is for any who need it. All I ask is that you take only what you need."
The man seems frail as he kneels before the statue and reaches into his burlap bag, drawing forth more bread and bowls of fruit which he sets around the statue. He lifts a delicate hand and from his wrist hangs red yarn.
"I offer you thanks, Daughter of Pain, for guiding us to meet this night."
"Who is she?" asked the child.
"A little girl, who lived long ago and suffered much," he replied and began removing his cloak, "Survécia. By her wish I seek that no other should bear that pain."
He draped the cloth around their shoulders and drew the hood over their wet hair and growing horns. They ripped the loaf of bread in half, put one back into the bowl and finished eating the other, then picked up a tomato from the fresh offerings.
"If you look, you will find our kitchen in the bazaar," the old custodian smiled, "You need not go hungry."
Structure
There is no widespread organization to the faith, only individuals and small factions who take up a common cause in Survécia's name.
History
The first Survécio temple was built in the city of Crisente by a sect of monks who claimed to commune with their patron in prayer. Since then, a handful of temples have been built across the territories of Freyvhelle to offer shelter, food, and other supplies to those in need, and countless shrines have been erected to spread her hope.
Mythology & Lore
Saint Survécia is believed to have been born a serf in the Cosdori Empire. It is said that she was taken along with the other children in her village by a coven of witches who kept them in pens and fattened them with misery which they said would taste best. She was chosen for their first feast but had taken a potent poison from their shelves and drank it herself. Dying a martyr, she felled the hags, and the other children went free. Yet her spirit is strong and persists to protect those in pain.
Worship
To worship Survécia most often means to leave offerings at her shrines. These however are not sacrifices meant to appease her spirit, but donations intended to be shared by all.
Priesthood
For one to serve Survécia, they need only take up her cause. Some say that like the monks of old, they can speak with the saint, while others do not even offer prayer. Marked by bracelets of red wool, her faithful host temples, shelters, and kitchens for all who seek aid.
Take only what you need.
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