Kirja; The Librarian

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“All hail The Librarian, Time Keeper of the Ages, The Goddess Kirja. By her order do we mark this day as the beginning of written history.”

— Elder Sage Jerali

About

Kirja (keer-ja); Goddess of Knowledge, The Librarian, Mother of History.   The beloved deity of balance, Kirja is a constant reminder of the strength of the mind, the importance of information, and the harrowing of history. Known as the first true adventurer, the Goddess has often returned to her mortal form to explore the expanse of an ever-changing world.   Known throughout the world as the most passive of the divine, her wrath is rarely found save for against those that would seek to cheat time, covet knowledge, or destroy the preservation of history. Her example of exploration and a thirst to learn all she can has paved the way for many adventurers.  

Description

The ebony Goddess known as Kirja is portrayed as a scholar, a mage, and at times a simple librarian. The many phases of her life and the calling she fulfills are said to all be accurate depending on how she chooses to appear.   With dark tresses of tight curls and flawless skin, she is a wonder to behold by those few blessed enough to have seen her. Attire well suited for traveling or comfort is usually hung about her with the Tome of Eternity in her grasp and a staff in her hand.  

Origin Story

At the birth of humanity, fear of the unknown was instilled within the hearts of men to keep them safe from the dangers of the vast world. The notion of a collective to guarantee survival was accepted by the new mortals. That very instinct that culled the curious and allowed humankind to begin their slow expanse of their place of birth, was never a part of Kirja’s heart.   Born within the first few generations of humanity, Kirja’s wild heart brought terror and confusion to her family. Ever testing the waters and pushing the boundaries of their haven, the young girl would shake off the shackles of her upbringing. Brandishing a tome, a staff and the best clothing she could make or find, she would abandon the safety of her home and began what is considered to be the first great adventure known to man.   Startled by the determination and the exodus of the now grown woman, The Keeper disguised himself in many forms to meet with her on the road. With each new form he would tempt her to return home and with each rejection he found himself enraptured by her strength. Finally, as she found the edge of the ocean, he revealed himself to her. Offering adoration for her resilience and asking that he could join her in exploring the land by her side.   Their journey would inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Discovering land unseen and expanding the once centralized city into many. In time she would begin to age, offering wisdom as she carried on the mantle of storyteller and adventurer. In all her years, the Keeper stayed by her side living as a mortal man might.   As he saw the light begin to fade from her eyes, he could not watch her pass on. Offering an eternity by his side as the Record Keeper, Kirja accepted. Following her husband into divinity, Kirja was the first God to be ascended into the Pantheon of Balance.  

Relationships

Acquisition of knowledge and a keeper of records are what drive the relationships that Kirja holds with both mortals and divine alike. Often referred to as the Mother of Humanity or the Time Keeper, Kirja has a connection with nearly every species that exists out of her neutral and necessary existence. Often, even when the other Divine would stay away, Kirja would return to the world in her mortal form to observe and partake in history in the making.   Though she holds a large amount of respect just for being the wife of The Keeper, most of the Divine understand that she holds sway over how each Deity is perceived through the mortal records. Many a fight has broken out between the divine over the ages, but none have ever directly attacked or disrupted Kirja without dire consequences.  

Religion

Dogma

"Never pass up an opportunity to expand your knowledge."
"Seek out new experiences, opportunities and even new perspectives."
"History is to be cherished and passed on through the records of Mortals."
 

Clergy

The clergy of The Librarian tend to fall into one of two categories: adventurer or librarian. The younger more capable tend to be sent on adventures across the world, the intention to discover and record the history that they make driving their many pilgrimages. The more learned and long lived can usually be found within the halls of the many libraries and temples that house records of the regional history. There they collect, copy, and preserve as much knowledge as can be gathered in a more local capacity.   No matter which type of calling the clergy answer, both must accept their role as an observer first and an enforcer of balance or knowledge second. Only within the circumstance of the possible loss of records or knowledge is it encouraged for the clergy to rise up and get involved in conflict. It is also expected of every sage to maintain and contribute their own written accounts in detail to the day of their death.  

Temples

Every library is considered a temple to Kirja. Where knowledge is held, a sage will follow and preserve all they can for the good of the region. The more official temples that are found in the cities and settlements tend to double as a school or a haven for those seeking education.   Information is consistently available to those that seek it and much like her husbands temples, acts as an embassy for Reginvithr in certain countries to offer sanctuary to the oppressed. Her temples and shrines tend to also cross into the borders of the more conflict ridden areas out of respect and a desire to preserve even the darkest histories in the vast libraries of the Keeper of the Ages.  

Worship

Respect history and acquire knowledge. This is the main focus of all worship when it comes to The Goddess of Knowledge. Historical places, libraries, and places of education are the most sacred to believers. The prayers and offerings are usually in the form of stories, artifacts, or books.   The rites and rituals tend to surround the importance of each mortals story and existence within the fabric of time. Though there are those that simply devote themselves to The Librarian, most coincide worship with The Keeper. Their union along with ideals tend to overlap in multiple areas.