Altheris
(a.k.a. The Lifegiver, The Merciful Bloom, Mother of Balance)
Altheris, revered as the embodiment of nurturing care and the cycle of life, is a figure of deep compassion and unwavering dedication to the preservation of balance. In myth, she is depicted as a radiant figure whose touch could restore vitality to even the most withered and lifeless forms. Her presence in the Song of the Shattered was one of healing and renewal, standing as a shield against the devastation wrought by the Endless Maw.
She is most often invoked by healers, who whisper her name in times of crisis, beseeching her to lend her strength to their craft. Gardeners and farmers honor her as well, viewing her as the divine hand that guides the growth of every seed and ensures the harmony of ecosystems. In legends, she is said to have carried a flower that could bloom even in the darkest void, a symbol of hope and renewal that inspired her companions and all who followed her.
Altheris’s gift to mortals, Vitamancy, embodies her essence. It is the magic of life itself, granting its wielders the ability to mend wounds, restore vitality, and nurture growth. Her sacrifice in the final act of sealing the Endless Maw ensured that this vital current of magic would persist, allowing the people of Eryndralis to continue her work of protection and healing.
Temples dedicated to Altheris often feature flowing water, vibrant gardens, and depictions of her cradling the world in her hands, a gentle smile gracing her face. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion in sustaining it. To honor Altheris is to honor the delicate balance of existence and the enduring power of mercy.
She is most often invoked by healers, who whisper her name in times of crisis, beseeching her to lend her strength to their craft. Gardeners and farmers honor her as well, viewing her as the divine hand that guides the growth of every seed and ensures the harmony of ecosystems. In legends, she is said to have carried a flower that could bloom even in the darkest void, a symbol of hope and renewal that inspired her companions and all who followed her.
Altheris’s gift to mortals, Vitamancy, embodies her essence. It is the magic of life itself, granting its wielders the ability to mend wounds, restore vitality, and nurture growth. Her sacrifice in the final act of sealing the Endless Maw ensured that this vital current of magic would persist, allowing the people of Eryndralis to continue her work of protection and healing.
Temples dedicated to Altheris often feature flowing water, vibrant gardens, and depictions of her cradling the world in her hands, a gentle smile gracing her face. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion in sustaining it. To honor Altheris is to honor the delicate balance of existence and the enduring power of mercy.
Divine Domains
Compassion
Altheris embodies the purest form of compassion, the boundless empathy that binds all living things together. Her domain of compassion inspires healers, protectors, and caretakers to act selflessly for the well-being of others. It is through this virtue that communities find strength and individuals discover the courage to nurture the vulnerable, even in the face of despair.
Renewal
Renewal, the cycle of life and rebirth, is at the heart of Altheris’s essence. She governs the processes of growth, recovery, and the delicate balance that sustains life. This domain speaks to the eternal promise that even in the darkest moments, life can flourish again. Renewal is not merely about physical rejuvenation but also the restoration of hope, harmony, and purpose in the wake of destruction.
Holidays
The Bloomtide Festival is celebrated during the first full week of Spring, and honors Altheris and her gifts of compassion and renewal. It is a time of gratitude for the cycles of life and the nurturing forces that sustain the world. Communities gather to plant gardens, share food, and offer healing services to those in need.
The festival begins with a ritual called the Blessing of the Seed, where participants bury symbolic seeds in fertile soil, representing hope and renewal. These seeds are often accompanied by wishes or prayers for personal growth, recovery, or harmony. Healers are honored with ceremonies thanking them for their service, and many offer free care or workshops during the festival.
The final day, known as Merciful Bloom, sees a communal act of giving, where people exchange tokens of kindness—flowers, food, or handmade gifts—symbolizing Altheris’s compassion. Temples to the Lifegiver often host feasts, with spaces adorned in vibrant greenery and flowing water to invoke her essence. It is a joyous celebration, encouraging the community to embrace renewal and nurture one another in the spirit of Altheris.
Comments