Aaster
Goddess of Victory
The goddess of victory is a commonly worshiped deity among soldiers, gamblers, merchants, and kings. Any seeking the triumph may plead for it from the winged soldier, and those who succeed would do well to show gratitude to the sword maiden. Commonly seen on battlefields fighting on the side of the destined victor, Aaster and her aspects are a popular among cultures that value noble victory, and testing the odds.
Story
Aaster from time to time joins Bellamy and Fattiere as an ally in critical battles against fiends and fey. She promises that whatever side she fights for will know victory. She is occasionally sighted by soldiers in skirmishes, fighting for the winning side.
The Origin of Victory
Hoarazogar, the Ninth Gnoll King, led a bloody assault against the gods and goddesses of men. The many headed hyena was difficult to encounter as it could not be flanked and it's hide was too thick for the swords of angels to slice. The anger of humanity called for Viscous, God of War, to take tot he battlefield against Hoarazogar's hoard. The two armies led by gods clashed, turning lush fields into barren wastes. In the midst of the fighting, Viscous was injured and his axe was broken. He retreated to a hill where he watched the armies of the man become food for the gnolls.
In this moment, Aaster, one of the attendent of Viscous, approached the wounded warrior. She reminded him of his place as god of war, and that if he failed here, the title would be meaningless. She boulstered the god, bandaged his wounds, and rode back out with him to face Hoarazogar. Aaster distracted the many headed beast, and continued to inspire Viscous until eventually the god of war killed the demon king of the gnolls. As gratitude, Viscous declared Aaster the source of his victory, and would from that day onward insist that she ride at his side into conflicts.
More Than Luck
Shortly after Viscous and Octavia's, daughter, Amberly, came of age, Viscous assigned Aaster as her body guard to protect her as the unruly youth began to travel the realms. The young goddess of luck had concluded that the two were the same, as luck was required for victory to exist. Aaster disagreed with the goddess, and retorted that, though luck was valuable, skill and determination were more important. Amberly then challenged Aaster to a grand challenge. The goddess of victory would have to successfully steal three hairs from the tail of the Severed Maw. However, Aaster would be without her luck, represented as 100 platinum coins. The challenge was great, and perilous for the goddess of victory, but by stratem, skill, and determination, she succeeded in stealling two of the three hairs. The goddess of victory then faultered, and nearly fell to the Severed Maw. Yet Amberly returned one coin to her, and that was enough to sway the tide resulting in victory for victory.
Claiming victory, Amberly declared that Aaster could not be without luck. Yet Aastar retorted that Amberly could not steal one hair from the tail of the Severed Maw with Aaster's luck alone. And so, Amberly left her luck, being a king's fortune, with Aastar, and using only the one hundred platinum Amberly attempted the challenge. She was nearly eaten by the Maw, and Aaster reacted quickly to save the youth from certain end. And so Amberly learned the value of skill and determination, and Aastar was never without luck again.
Worship
Prayer and honorable battle are the two most common ways of honoring her. A losing streak may be a sign of her displeasure, in which case offering a coin in one of her shrines should turn your luck around. Gamblers occasionally pay homage to her.
Common Tenets of Faith
Aastar grants victory to those who have her favor. She cherishes hard work, humility, and passion. There is no victory without risk and sacrifice. To petition her without having put in the effort is a quick path to her displeasure.
Common Rituals and Customs
Prayers to Aastar are performed before her idols and statues. Patrons of victory will leave coin behind at her alters, which is gathered by the clergy and used to supplement that weapons and armor of local militias. In the absense of a shrine or temple, a simple blue cloth tied to a weapon or staff will suffice, and the gold cast to the side of the road or the a lake. This practice has led to beggars following patrolling armies looking to pick up the coins the soldiers leave behind before battle.
Holidays
Aastar is typically honored on the anniversaries of great battles and deeds.
Relics
The Blood of Hoarazoar - A long lance stained in red blood. The simple looking weapon grants the wielder temporary hit points and increased comabt damage. It has shown up from time to time in different ages, and is usually awarded to champions after they fell a great beast.
The Ten Coin Blade - This Luck Blade is said to have been commissioned by a cleric of Amberly for their closest friend in preparation for a great battle. The smith cheated the cleric despite receiving a sum of 10 silver coins and the blade broke in battle. However, the warrior was blessed of Aaster, and they used the broken blade to slay their enemy and continue the fight. After the battle, it was discovered that the metal in the blade, now a dagger, had turned into platinum, likely a nod from Aaster to the goddess of luck.
Physical Appearance
Avatar
A woman in mithril plate mail, helmet visitor raised, and wielding a lance with a sky blue banner. Under her helmet she has short black hair and dark eyes.
Other Forms
Aaster occasionally manifests as a magical weapon found and wielded by a hero in critical moment of a battle.
Alternate Aspects
- Aaster is often mistaken as an armored Aspect of Amberly
- Aaster appears in the Elven Pantheon as Antastar
Additional Notes
Aspect
- Victory
- Gambling
Cleric Domains
- War
- Forge
Holy Symbol
Quick Links