Mare

Mare’s domain encompasses the vast and mysterious oceans of Valthor, an ever-changing realm shaped by her influence. The tides, storms, and currents are said to echo her moods, with tranquil waters reflecting her calm moments and tempestuous seas her moments of conflict or passion. Within her realm lie hidden treasures of natural beauty, from vibrant coral reefs to dark, uncharted abysses, each carrying her essence.

Unlike many gods, Mare is not closely associated with material relics. Temples dedicated to her are often constructed below sea level, on islands, or in bustling ports, where they seem to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. These sacred spaces serve as a testament to her presence and are simple yet profound. The absence of grand artefacts reflects her philosophy that life, like the tides, is transient, and clinging to material possessions goes against the natural order. The sea itself, with its infinite treasures and mysteries, is regarded as her greatest artefact.

Mare’s teachings are not confined to written texts or ancient scripts but are spread through the stories, songs, and shared wisdom of those who live and work by the sea. Sailors, fishers, and coastal dwellers are the keepers of her holy codes, passing them from generation to generation. These teachings emphasise respect for the ocean’s power, gratitude for its bounty, and a reminder that humanity is at the mercy of nature’s vastness. It is said that the whispering of the waves carries her voice, sharing her wisdom with those who listen.

Mare’s divine symbols reflect her connection to the ocean and its creatures. The spear, crafted from celestial gold, represents her strength and power, capable of calming or stirring the seas. Horses, often seen in the galloping foam of waves, are sacred to her, symbolising the untamed spirit of the ocean. Leviathans and other sea creatures, particularly the great serpent-like behemoth that serves as her companion, embody her dominion over the depths. The endless expanse of the ocean itself, vast and unknowable, stands as her ultimate emblem.

Mare’s tenet of faith is deeply rooted in the ebb and flow of life, mirroring the tides she governs. Her followers are taught to embrace the impermanence of existence, understanding that nothing stays the same, much like the tides that rise and fall. Mare encourages gratitude for what the sea provides but warns against greed, as taking more than needed disrupts the balance of nature. Her faith emphasises harmony with the ocean and its rhythms, reminding mortals that they are but visitors in its vast domain. The waves teach patience, adaptability, and reverence for the mysteries of the deep.

Mare’s holy days are tied to the rhythms of the tides and lunar phases, celebrated by coastal communities and sea-goers. The Rising Tide, a festival held during the highest tide of the year, honours the ocean’s abundance and its gifts. Offerings of shells, pearls, and food are cast into the sea to show gratitude. Conversely, the Falling Tide, celebrated during the lowest tide, is a time for reflection and renewal, symbolising the release of burdens and letting go of the past. Daily prayers often coincide with the turning of the tides, marking moments of transition and connection with Mare’s presence.

Mare’s divine goals centre around protecting the oceans and ensuring they remain a source of life and wonder for all who depend on them. She seeks to maintain the balance of marine ecosystems and safeguard the creatures of the sea, from the smallest fish to the mighty Leviathans. Mare desires to teach mortals the importance of respect and restraint, fostering a relationship of care and gratitude between humanity and the ocean. Her ultimate goal is to keep the waters of Valthor flowing freely, untainted by greed or destruction, so they may continue to inspire and sustain future generations.

Here’s Mare’s personal history:   Mare, born of Valthyra’s boundless creativity and deep connection to nature, was destined to embody the power and serenity of the oceans. As the goddess of the seas, Mare was a natural counterpart to Cerynos, the God of Storms and Change. Aetherion and Valthyra, recognising the harmony their union could bring to the world, arranged their marriage. Though their bond initially promised balance, the stark contrast between Mare’s preference for stability and Cerynos’s chaotic nature soon surfaced.   Despite their differences, the two gods developed a profound respect for each other, bound by their shared role in shaping the natural world. Over time, they realised that their paths, though intertwined, diverged in matters of love and companionship. Embracing their differences, Mare and Cerynos agreed to redefine their relationship. Mare found solace and passion in the arms of Menodora, the Goddess of the Moon and Dreams, whose serene and nurturing energy complemented her own. Meanwhile, Cerynos took Vaereth, the God of Transformation and Hidden Mysteries, as his lover, drawn to their shared affinity for chaos and change.   This arrangement transformed their marriage into a deep and abiding friendship, built on mutual understanding and respect. Together, they continue to work in harmony, their bond a testament to the ever-shifting tides of life and the acceptance of diversity in love and relationships. Through their unique partnership, Mare and Cerynos ensure the balance of the oceans and storms, weaving the cycles of nature with their dynamic union.

Intellectual Characteristics of Mare   Mare’s intellect is as vast and deep as the oceans she governs. Her wisdom flows from her ancient connection to the sea, making her an unparalleled strategist in matters of balance and preservation. She possesses an innate understanding of natural rhythms, from the ebb and flow of tides to the intricate ecosystems thriving within her domain. This knowledge grants her the ability to nurture life, ensuring harmony in the seas and guiding those who depend on them for survival.   Mare is contemplative by nature, valuing careful thought and deliberation over impulsive action. She approaches challenges with patience, preferring to seek solutions that promote stability and sustainability. This makes her a symbol of calm amidst chaos, even in the face of her husband Cerynos’s tempestuous storms. Mare’s intellect shines in her ability to mediate between the forces of nature, often acting as a voice of reason among the gods.   Her connection to Menodora further deepens her intellectual perspective. Together, they weave dreams and tides, blending Mare’s grounded understanding of the physical world with Menodora’s ethereal grasp of the subconscious. This partnership allows Mare to bridge the gap between the tangible and the intangible, offering her followers not only practical guidance but also a profound sense of spiritual reflection. Mare’s intellect embodies a deep-seated wisdom, a beacon for those who seek to navigate the ever-changing currents of life.

Mare, as the Goddess of Oceans and Stability, holds the sanctity of balance and respect for the natural order of the seas above all else. To pollute the waters, whether through waste, harmful substances, or negligence, is one of the gravest offenses against her domain, as the purity of the seas is essential to life and her divine power. Similarly, overfishing or exploiting marine life is seen as an act of greed that disrupts the delicate balance she works tirelessly to uphold. The ocean’s bounty is a gift meant to be taken only as needed, not hoarded or abused. Mare’s sacred tides, created in harmony with her lover, Menodora, are inviolable; any magical or unnatural interference with the tides or currents is viewed as a challenge to her divine authority.   Desecrating sacred waters, such as coral reefs or hidden grottos believed to be her sanctuaries, is another serious taboo, as is harming her cherished Leviathans or other oceanic behemoths. These mighty creatures, particularly the Leviathan that remains by Mare’s side, are protectors of the seas, and to hunt or harm them is to invite her wrath. Mare also values the stability of promises and bonds, and breaking solemn commitments—whether to family, community, or the environment—is seen as a betrayal of her teachings. Neglecting rituals of gratitude, especially after a harvest or bounty from the sea, is considered deeply disrespectful, for Mare’s gifts require acknowledgment and reverence.   These taboos reflect Mare’s commitment to balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things within her domain. They serve as a reminder to her followers of the sacred responsibility they hold to protect and cherish the oceans, living in respect and gratitude for the gifts they receive from her endless depths.