Vaizep

Vaizep, the First and Last Breath, is the Primal Deity of life and death and whose elemental affinity is attuned to wind. They incorporate life and death for all mortals. While some may not appear to age or be troubled by time, there is no such thing as true immortality. All things must eventually come to an end while life will continue to spread in its wake. Vaizep is thought to have the closest connection with mortals. All creatures--from the most insignificant animals to those that build civilizations--share an affiliation with this deity. Every mortal offers two prayers to Vaizep in their lifetime: one when they are born and one when they pass away. This commonality unifies all forms of life. Consequently, Vaizep is also the Primal Deity that immortals fear and despise the most. Any immortal creature, whether celestial, fiend, or fey, knows someday their time will come and they must pay Vaizep homage one final time.   The first breath a mortal creature takes is considered to be sacred to Vaizep and their followers. It is seen as the beginning of life and serves as a reminder of Vaizep's power and influence over all living beings. For many, the first breath is marked with a special ritual or ceremony after the birth of an individual, honoring Vaizep and asking for their blessings on the new life. This can take many forms, depending on cultural traditions and beliefs. Some may offer prayers or sacrifices, while others may hold a feast or celebration.   In some cultures, usually those not related to the worship of the Archangels, the first breath is also seen as a way to determine a mortal's destiny. The way they enter the world and take their first breath can be interpreted as an omen of their future. It is believed by these cultural groups that Vaizep has already determined each individual's fate through this initial act. Many followers of Vaizep also believe that every aspect of a newborn's life is influenced by the deity. From their physical appearance to their personality traits, all are said to be shaped by Vaizep's will.   Equally as sacred as the first breath is the final one taken by a mortal creature. The last breath represents an end to one's journey on the mortal plane and it is believed that Vaizep guides each soul into the afterlife, although this particular belief has considerably died out since the formation of the Vasilkoist Creed. Still in many cultures, rituals surrounding death involve offering prayers and offerings to Vaizep in order to ensure a smooth transition for the departed soul. It is also common for followers of Vaizep to honor their loved ones who have passed by visiting their gravesites or performing rituals in remembrance. Many of these rituals involve music or sounds, such as wind chimes or mourning bells. Many also believe that Vaizep decides when each individual's final breath will come. While some may see this as a frightening thought, it is also seen as a reminder to live life fully and embrace every moment before it comes to an end.