Laika

[The orb looks over you silently, but you can feel its inner warmth around you even though the air is brisk this late at night. It dares not get too close, and when you approach, it dashes away, and you feel a bit frightened by such a sudden movement. is this how it feels?]

— Tara meeting Laika for the first time

Laika is a dog-god worshipped by most Acatians in some way or another, as a deity of the household. Small gifts and offerings are left by hearths, open windows and doors, burned within the hearth itself, or given as charity in Laika's name.
Laika's location is unknown, but is said to still reside on Acate.

Dogma

Laika, above all things, wants people to be happy, healthy, and safe. They believe that everyone has the right to a healthy life, be that in all aspects (physical, mental, emotional, ect). Laika doesn't take an active role in this dogma, afraid their interaction might bring harm.

History

Laika, like the other Major Deities, Ascended at the beginning of the First Age, but stayed on Acate as the others abandoned it. Curious about what they had become, and excited to head back to civilization, Laika headed back home. They saw a human, confused and alone, and decided to go up to her to greet her as they always had.
When Laika touched her, the incredible energy from their new body ran through the woman all at once, resulting in a small explosion. Not much was left. Horrified, Laika ran into the woodlands, hoping to never harm anyone again.

Appearance

Laika takes the form of an orb about two feet in diameter with small eye-shapes inside which help communicate what they want. They're typically vaguely yellow in colour. When they move, a tail like a comet trails behind them.
Followers typically show Laika as a domesticated canine of some sort, usually with a collar and a very long tail.

Relationships

Laika remembers the other deities fondly, but hasn't seen them since the Ascension. Sometimes they wish they could see them again, but worries that the others would get hurt in their presence.

Realm

Laika takes claim to all the hearths and woodlands of Acate, not altering them in any way, but protecting them with their watchful gaze.

Providence

Laika really likes other dogs, but feels as though no one should harm anyone else, and thus protects the weak and disenfranchised. Those who can't fight back or properly defend themselves deserve more aid and protection than any other.

Servants

Laika communicates with the creatures of the forest and often uses them as messengers, but has no angels to their name.

Constructed Religion(s)

Main article: Boscage's Hand

A very small collection of people started a charity in Laika's name, helping those in need in their local community. After a few years, the leader started up a trade caravan and brought supplies to those who needed it in remote areas. Those few that travel with proof they're in the Boscage's Hand have free passage to and from most cities simply because of the aid they provide.

Table of Contents

1 Dogma
2 History
3 Appearance
4 Relationships
5 Realm
6 Providence
7 Servants
8 Constructed Religion(s)

by Derb

Titles
The Good Dog
The Caretaker

Adjective
Laikan or Lycan

Home Planet
Acate

Alignment
Neutral Good

Domains
Animal, Community, Good, Healing, Protection

Worshippers
Homemakers, Community Workers, Charity Workers

Sacred Symbol
Hearth, Dog Skull

Sacred Animal
Dog, Wolf

Sneaky

Laika tends to flicker or even vanish when startled, change colour when their emotion changes, and bobs up and down playfully when happy.
Laika tends to stay away from sentient races, afraid of hurting them somehow. They don't have much confidence, and don't spend much time, if any, around humans especially.
Laika doesn't speak verbally, rather through sharing emotions with those nearby. Those close to them can feel their feelings, and, to an extent, what they're thinking.