Zephyria, The Ethereal Tempest

Also Known As: The Skyweaver, The Mana Gale, The Whispering Maelstrom
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Air, Magic, Travel, Weather
Subdomains: Wind, Arcane, Exploration, Storms
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff (often depicted as a staff of swirling winds)
Description
Zephyria, known as The Ethereal Tempest, embodies the union of elemental air and raw magic that sustains the floating realms of Aetheria's Spire. This deity represents the ever-changing nature of wind and the fluid, adaptive essence of magic. Zephyria is often depicted as a being of pure energy, constantly shifting between the form of a majestic bird, a humanoid figure composed of swirling mists, and a living vortex of magic-infused air. In all forms, motes of magical energy dance within and around the deity's form, representing the intricate bond between wind and arcane power.
Teachings
The Ethereal Tempest teaches that true enlightenment and power come from embracing change and harnessing the combined forces of wind and magic. All that is stagnant must be swept away by the winds of change, and all magic must flow as freely as the air. The deity's followers believe that by attuning themselves to the ebb and flow of magical winds, they can achieve mastery over both the physical and arcane realms.
Key tenets include:
Change is the only constant; adapt or be swept away.
Magic and wind are two expressions of the same cosmic force.
True freedom is found in the endless sky and the boundless potential of magic.
Knowledge and power must flow freely, like the wind, to reach their full potential.
Followers
Zephyria's followers are primarily wizards specializing in air magic, storm sorcerers, wind-focused druids, and clerics who embrace both mystical and elemental powers. They are often found among airship crews, especially navigators and weather-mages. Many Aarakocra revere Zephyria as a patron of flight and magical mastery. Devotees of the Ethereal Tempest are known for their adaptability and their drive to push the boundaries of magical knowledge. They often serve as magical researchers, adventurers exploring the furthest reaches of the Aetherian skies, or as mediators between the various races of Aetheria's Spire, using their understanding of change to facilitate diplomatic solutions.
Symbols and Iconography
A swirling vortex of wind with magical runes caught in its currents A bird formed of lightning and clouds A staff wreathed in spiraling winds An eye at the center of a windrose, with each direction representing a school of magic
Holy Text
"The Codex of Mana Winds" is the primary holy text of the Ethereal Tempest. It is said to be written on pages of Zephyrsilk that constantly shift and change, revealing different secrets depending on the magical currents in the air. The text is bound in covers of enchanted Windforged Alloy and adorned with Mana Quartz that glows with inner light. The Codex is said to contain not only the teachings of Zephyria but also ever-changing prophecies and magical formulae.
Temples
Temples to the Ethereal Tempest are often open-air sanctuaries atop the highest spires of Aetheria's floating islands. These holy sites feature intricate wind chimes crafted from Windforged Alloy, Mana Quartz focusing arrays, and magical apparatus that harness the power of the wind. The grandest temples are said to float freely among the clouds, their locations ever-changing with the whims of their deity.
Relationships with Other Deities
The Ethereal Tempest maintains a complex web of alliances and rivalries with other deities. Zephyria finds kinship with gods of knowledge, travel, and freedom, but often clashes with deities of earth, stagnation, and rigid order. The deity holds a particularly strong rivalry with any gods associated with the grounding or suppression of magic.

Religions

• Aetheria's Spire