Irina

Mistress of Mercy

Irina, revered as the Mistress of Mercy and the Beacon of Healing, is a paramount figure within the celestial domain of Sanctoria, a realm that epitomizes the virtues of Lawful Good within the Arathosi pantheon. Her divine essence is intricately tied to the principles of Light, Healing, Mercy, and Guidance, making her a deity of immense compassion and benevolence. Clad in robes that shimmer with the light of her divine realm, Irina is a vision of tranquility and nurturing grace. Her presence is a comforting balm to the wounded and weary, and her temples are havens of peace where the sick and downtrodden find solace and healing. She is not only a healer of bodies but also of spirits, guiding lost souls back from the brink of despair and illuminating their paths towards redemption.
Irina’s followers, including clerics and healers, are known for their kindness and wisdom. They are dedicated to carrying out her will, tending to those in dire need, and spreading her light across the darkened corners of Arathos. Through acts of mercy and the provision of guidance, they embody Irina’s virtues, making her a beloved deity among those who champion the causes of good and justice in the tumultuous world of Arathos.
The worship of Irina is marked by rituals that emphasize healing and renewal. Festivals in her honor celebrate the restoration of health and spirit, bringing communities together in reflection and gratitude. In a world often torn by strife and shadow, Irina’s light remains a steadfast symbol of hope and healing.

Divine Domains

Irina, the Radiant Comforter, governs domains that resonate with light, healing, mercy, and guidance, each reflecting her commitment to nurturing the spirit and body, guiding the lost, and extending compassion universally.

• Light
• Healing
• Mercy
• Guidance

Artifacts

Among the sacred artifacts attributed to Irina, the Beacon of Hope is the most revered. This radiant lantern, said to be crafted from celestial crystal, emits a soothing light that heals and calms those near it. Legend holds that during the darkest days of the Era of Shadows, the Beacon of Hope was carried through the lands of Arathos, curing plagues and soothing war-torn souls, manifesting Irina's mercy and healing power.
Another significant artifact is the Mantle of Mercy,, a robe said to be woven by the goddess herself. The Mantle is imbued with divine energy that protects its wearer from harm and alleviates suffering. Priests and healers often seek the Mantle during great calamities, as it amplifies their healing abilities and serves as a symbol of Irina’s enduring compassion and commitment to aiding the afflicted. These artifacts continue to inspire hope and provide tangible links to Irina's divine grace.

Holy Books & Codes

The followers of Irina, guided by her divine principles of Light, Healing, Mercy, and Guidance, have compiled several sacred texts that are central to the teachings and rituals of The Luminous Covenant. Among these, the "Scrolls of Serenity" stand out. These texts contain prayers, meditations, and rituals focused on healing and peace, offering guidance on how to harness Irina's light to mend both body and spirit.
Another significant tome is the "Codex of Compassion," which details the lives and miracles of Irina's most devoted clerics and healers. This book serves not only as a historical record but also as a source of inspiration for acts of mercy and kindness. It includes guidelines for conducting the sacred rites of Irina, emphasizing the importance of mercy as a transformative power.
These writings are often read during high holy days and are used in daily observances within her temples. They reinforce the community's commitment to upholding the tenets of mercy, healing, and guidance in their daily lives, spreading Irina's benevolent influence throughout Arathos.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The symbols of Irina prominently feature the "Radiant Heart," a heart enveloped in gentle flames, representing the warmth and compassion of her healing light. Another common symbol is the "Guiding Star," a radiant star with multiple points, symbolizing guidance and hope in darkness. These icons are frequently depicted in the stained glass of temples and on the vestments of her clergy. For secret rites, the "Merciful Eye," an eye surrounded by soft light, denotes divine watchfulness and mercy, often inscribed on hidden amulets or within private sanctuaries of her followers.

Tenets of Faith

The core principle of The Luminous Covenant, devoted to Irina, centers on the sanctity of healing and the transformative power of mercy. Followers believe that true healing extends beyond the physical, touching the soul and mending the spiritual wounds of the community. This belief is rooted in the notion that light and kindness can dispel the darkness of suffering and despair, guiding the lost back to hope. Irina’s teachings emphasize that each act of compassion reverberates, fostering a cycle of healing and benevolence that strengthens the bonds within communities.

Core Tenets of The Luminous Covenant:

• Compassion in all actions
• Healing as a service to the divine
• Mercy as a path to personal and communal peace
• Guidance to those who have lost their way
• Upholding the light of Irina in the face of darkness

Holidays

Holiday observances devoted to Irina, each with a brief description:

Festival of Lights:

• Celebrated on the longest night of the year, this festival involves lighting candles and lanterns to symbolize Irina's enduring light amidst darkness. Communities gather to share stories of healing and mercy, and to extend help to those in need.

Day of Renewal:

• Coinciding with the first day of spring, this holiday celebrates new beginnings and the rejuvenating power of Irina. It is marked by communal prayers for healing, renewal rituals, and planting new gardens as symbols of rebirth and hope.

Mercy’s Embrace:

• On this day, followers of Irina perform acts of charity and kindness, reflecting her domain of mercy. Temples open their doors to offer shelter and aid to the less fortunate, and believers are encouraged to forgive and extend grace to others.

Guidance of the Lost:

• This observance involves a pilgrimage to sacred sites associated with Irina, where followers seek guidance through meditation and prayer. It is a time for spiritual reflection and for seeking Irina's light to illuminate personal or communal challenges.

These holidays not only honor Irina but also embody her teachings, reinforcing the values of light, healing, and compassion within the community.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Irina's divine goals are deeply rooted in fostering a world where healing and compassion are paramount. She aspires to cultivate an environment where the wounds of both body and spirit are mended, and where mercy prevails over judgment. Irina seeks to guide her followers to not only heal the afflicted but also to enlighten the hearts and minds of all beings, encouraging them to embrace acts of kindness and understanding. Her ultimate aim is to spread her radiant light across Arathos, dispelling darkness and despair, and establishing a haven where all can find solace and redemption under her benevolent watch.

Divine Classification

God

Religions

• Church of the Radiant Peace

Alignment

Lawful Good

Realm

Sanctoria

Church/Cult

The Luminous Covenant

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Referred to as The Radiant Comforter, Mistress of Mercy, The Beacon of Healing, Guardian of the Lost

Ruled Locations

• Sanctoria

A mass in honor of the goddess Irina, held in the grand temple "The Sanctuary of Serenity"

Followers of Irina

In Shadowmarch, races drawn to Irina's ideals of healing and mercy:

• Elf
• Half-Elf
• Firbolg
• Human