Baldoria, Goddess Of Revelry

"Baldoria is the whisper in the music, the shimmer in the wine, the spark in the laughter, ever-present, yet never demanding. To honor her is to honor life itself."

— Mavren Vitallanor, High priest of The Reveler’s Circle.

Baldoria, Goddess Of Revelry, embodies the spirit of joy, indulgence, and carefree celebration. She dances through the hearts of mortals, inspiring laughter and the bonds forged in celebration. She is not just an elven deity but also the divine patron of freedom, elation, unity, and the delicate balance between indulgence and consequence. With her radiant presence, she teaches that life’s greatest beauty lies in its fleeting moments of passion and togetherness. Yet, she also warns of the perils of excess, urging her followers to revel wisely. Baldoria’s festivals and symbols, remind all who honor her to embrace life’s wonders and share their blessings with others.

Realm

Baldoria resides in a vibrant and ever-shifting realm known as The Twilight Revel, a plane of existence brimming with endless festivities and boundless creativity. The Twilight Revel is a realm of perpetual dusk, where the sky glimmers with hues of gold, pink, and violet, and a cool, inviting breeze carries the distant sound of music and laughter.
The land itself reflects Baldoria's dual nature, lush meadows and sparkling rivers filled with sweet nectar invite joyous gatherings, while labyrinthine forests of twisting vines and glowing mushrooms hint at the dangers of losing oneself to excess. Revelers who enter this plane find themselves in a state of heightened emotions and creativity, where inspiration flows freely but so does the temptation to abandon responsibility entirely.
The Twilight Revel is also home to countless magical beings, from mischievous fey and benevolent spirits of celebration to more chaotic entities drawn to the extremes of revelry. At its heart lies Baldoria’s Pavilion, a grand, open structure adorned with floating lanterns and endless banquets, where she greets visitors, inspires celebrations, and occasionally joins the dance herself. This realm serves as both her sanctuary and the ultimate destination for her most devoted followers, who are said to be welcomed into eternal joy upon their passing.

Divine Domains

Baldoria, as the Goddess of Revelry, wields influence over a range of divine domains. These domains reflect a balance between the joyous and the perilous aspects of revelry, embodying both its lighthearted freedom and its potential for excess.
Major Domains:
Joy And Celebration: Baldoria is the patron of festivals, feasts, and communal gatherings, where mortals find unity and happiness through revelry.
Freedom And Expression: She embodies the ideals of personal freedom, creativity, and self-expression, encouraging her followers to break free from societal constraints and live authentically.
Passion And Inspiration: She ignites the fire of passion in all things, whether it be art, romance, or the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Minor Domains:
Indulgence And Excess: While a cautionary aspect of her philosophy, Baldoria also holds influence over indulgence, reminding mortals of the fine line between pleasure and destruction.
Camaraderie: Her blessings strengthen bonds between friends, lovers, and communities, making her a divine symbol of unity.
Luck: Known for her spontaneous and playful nature, Baldoria’s influence can bring unexpected moments of fortune and serendipity to those who embrace life’s unpredictability.

"The flicker of a lantern, the laughter of friends, the swell of a song, these are her gifts to mortals, fleeting and infinite all at once."

— Swallarth Chirpsong, a warrior-poet and follower of Baldoria.

Holy Books & Codes

The Reveler’s Codex: Written by Hevenya Brightcheer, Baldoria’s first high priestess, over 6,000 years ago. This is a foundational text containing Baldoria’s philosophy, rituals, and teachings. The codex outlines the principles of joy, freedom, and communal celebration. It includes hymns, invocations for festivals, and parables emphasizing the importance of balancing indulgence with responsibility. The final chapters warn against the dangers of unrestrained excess and losing oneself in revelry.
The Nectar Scrolls: Penned by unknown contributors and attributed to Baldoria’s divine inspiration. It was compiled by The Reveler’s Circle thousands of years ago. It is a mysterious and fragmented collection of recipes, rituals, and meditative techniques associated with Baldoria’s sacred nectars and elixirs. It’s used by fermenters, vinifiers and alchemists to create drinks said to hold her blessings, including those for courage, creativity, and unity. The scrolls also contain allegories about the transformative power of sharing food, drink, and merriment.
The Joymaker’s Charter: Constructed by Jarmon Laughthera. This is a practical guide for those who wish to organize celebrations in Baldoria’s name. It includes instructions for crafting decorations, selecting music, and creating environments that foster joy and harmony. It also emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that celebrations bring together diverse peoples and perspectives.
The Masks Of Freedom: Written by Valanora Sasset. This is a treatise on personal freedom and self-expression, with a focus on overcoming societal constraints. The text includes allegories about individuals who found liberation through revelry and magical techniques for embracing one's true self. It also discusses the symbolic power of masks in breaking free from societal expectations while maintaining anonymity in oppressive times.
These works encapsulate Baldoria's teachings and serve as spiritual and practical resources for her followers, blending philosophy, artistry, and divine inspiration.

"Her blessings are wild and untamed, like the revels she inspires. But beware, for every flame she kindles can burn too brightly if left unchecked."

— Telderin Joyscribe, an elven chronicler of the gods.

Tenets of Faith

The tenets of faith for the followers of Baldoria, guide her followers in finding joy, living authentically, and fostering unity, while remaining vigilant of the delicate balance between indulgence and excess.
Celebrate Life’s Joys: Seek moments of happiness and celebration in everyday life. Honor existence through shared revelry, for this is the divine gift of Baldoria.
Embrace Freedom And Expression: Live authentically and break free from societal constraints that suppress your true self. Creativity and individuality are sacred to Baldoria, and self-expression is a form of worship.
Share Abundance: Joy multiplies when shared. Offer your blessings, be they food, drink, music, or companionship, with others, especially those in need, to spread Baldoria’s light.
Beware The Dangers Of Excess: Indulgence is a divine blessing, but unrestrained excess can lead to ruin. Balance revelry with responsibility, and be mindful of how your actions affect others and yourself.
Unite Through Festivity: Foster camaraderie and understanding among diverse peoples. A true celebration breaks barriers and builds connections, creating harmony where there was division.
Rebel Against Oppression: Baldoria opposes tyranny and stagnation. Stand against forces that stifle freedom, joy, or individuality, and let celebration be an act of defiance.

"When you drink from Baldoria’s cup, you taste not just wine but the essence of what it means to live freely and truly."

— Larkmore Shadepool, alchemist and creator of celebratory nectars in Baldoria’s name.

Holidays

Followers of Baldoria, observe several joyous holidays. Each holiday reflects Baldoria’s core teachings, blending joy, creativity, and freedom with themes of balance and community.
The Festival Of Twilight Revels: Held during the autumn equinox, when day and night are perfectly balanced. The grandest celebration of Baldoria, The Festival Of Twilight Revels is marked by music, dance, feasts, and storytelling that last from dusk till dawn. Lanterns and bonfires illuminate the night, symbolizing the balance of light and dark, joy and restraint. Revelers don colorful masks and costumes, embodying freedom and creativity. This holiday honors Baldoria’s gifts of joy, creativity, and unity while reminding followers of the importance of balance in revelry.
The Day Of Overflowing Cups: Celebrated in early spring, when the first blossoms appear. This is a festival centered on sharing food, drink, and abundance with others, especially the less fortunate. Taverns and homes open their doors to strangers, and communal feasts are held in Baldoria’s honor. The Everflowing Goblet is a prominent symbol during this holiday. This celebration emphasizes Baldoria’s teachings of generosity, unity, and joy in life’s renewal.
The Night Of The Dancing Star: Celebrated on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. This is a night of revelry dedicated to music and dance. Communities gather to perform songs, dances, and plays that celebrate life’s vibrancy, even in the darkest times. Baldoria’s faithful release enchanted floating lanterns into the sky, symbolizing the light of joy pushing back against despair. This holiday inspires hope and creativity during times of hardship and darkness.
The Masked Merriment: Celebrated at the height of harvest season. Revelers don elaborate masks and costumes, symbolizing freedom from societal roles and expectations. This holiday is known for its mischief, games, and masquerade balls, where participants can explore new identities for the night. This holiday is to promote self-expression and liberation, encouraging participants to embrace their true selves without fear of judgment.
The Feast Of The Swallow’s Flight: Celebrated during the summer solstice. This is a celebration of travel, freedom, and connection, where Baldoria’s followers host outdoor feasts, drink, perform music, and trade stories from distant lands. Swallows are released as part of a ritual to honor freedom and vitality. This holiday is to celebrate Baldoria’s blessings on travelers, adventurers, and those who embrace life’s unpredictability.

"It is said she visits every revel, her laughter blending with ours, her joy lifting us higher. Perhaps she does, or perhaps she simply lives in every moment of joy we create."

— Darysanna Freewing, a mystic and poet of Tystelelor.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Known Goals:
Foster Joy And Creativity: Baldoria seeks to inspire mortals to embrace moments of joy, creativity, and communal celebration as a way to honor the beauty of life and their own existence.
Promote Freedom And Individuality: She encourages all beings to break free from oppressive forces and societal expectations, allowing them to live authentically and express themselves fully.
Unite Through Revelry: Baldoria aims to bridge divides between people through shared festivities, promoting harmony and camaraderie across cultures and communities.
Balance Indulgence With Wisdom: While she embodies revelry, Baldoria also seeks to teach the importance of balance, ensuring her followers enjoy life’s pleasures without succumbing to destructive excess.

Secret Goals:
Weaken Oppressive Powers: Behind the celebrations, Baldoria subtly works to undermine authoritarian regimes and oppressive institutions, using revelry as a form of rebellion to spark movements for freedom.
Preserve The Spark of Joy In The World: She fears a future where joy and creativity are extinguished by despair, apathy, or tyranny. Baldoria’s deeper mission is to safeguard the world’s capacity for inspiration and wonder, which she believes is essential for its survival.
Encourage Mortal Defiance Of Divine Stagnation: Baldoria quietly opposes divine beings or pantheons that enforce rigid order or control. She sees revelry as a means to challenge divine stagnation and promote mortal agency.
Unlock The True Potential Of Mortals: Baldoria believes that revelry and freedom are key to unlocking mortals’ full creative and emotional potential, which she sees as the ultimate form of divine expression in the mortal world.

"Her goblet flows not just with drink but with possibility, for in revelry, we see the world as it might be, free, joyous, and unbound."

— High Celebrant Freyveylan Rainview, priest of the Reveler’s Circle.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Baldoria's avatar may appear differently to different people depending on her mood and circumstances, however she is often depicted as an elf in peak physical condition, exuding an aura of vitality and boundless energy. Her lithe, agile form moves with a dancer's grace, and her flawless skin glows with an otherworldly sheen, as if kissed by moonlight. Her eyes, often described as shimmering pools of deep blue that radiate warmth and mischief and brilliant golden hair that sparkles with starlight. Despite her ethereal beauty, there is an earthy quality to her, reflecting the robust, hearty joys of the mortal world. Baldoria’s appearance embodies the perfect harmony of elegance and vigor, a physical manifestation of the exuberance she inspires.

Mental characteristics

Morality & Philosophy

Baldoria’s morality and philosophy center on the pursuit of joy, connection, and freedom through revelry, tempered by an awareness of excess. She teaches that life is fleeting, and one must seize moments of happiness and celebration as a means of honoring existence itself. To revel is not merely to indulge but to commune with others, explore creativity, and embrace the beauty of spontaneity.
Her philosophy also acknowledges the fine line between joy and chaos. While she encourages unbridled expression and the breaking of oppressive constraints, she warns that unchecked excess can lead to self destruction. For Baldoria, revelry is both an act of rebellion against monotony and a sacred ritual of unity, meant to invigorate the spirit and weave bonds between individuals.
Her followers are encouraged to live passionately but wisely, finding balance between indulgence and responsibility to themselves and their communities.

"Some call her chaotic, but Baldoria’s chaos is the kind that clears the air and kindles new life, a storm of joy in a stagnant world."

— Farlyssa Sunweaver, philosopher and devotee of Baldoria.

Pantheon:

Baldoria is most closely affiliated with the elven pantheon known as the Eight Points Of Light. These deities consist of Raksturs, God Of Nature, Spurcus, God Of Beasts, Mimea, Goddess Of Plants, Alegria, Goddess Of Serenity And Happiness, Sanaa, Goddess Of Art, Baldoria, Goddess Of Revelry, Daina, Goddess Of Music And Songs, and Tarian, God Of Dance.

Divine Classification

Goddess - The Recens

Alignment

Chaotic Good

Circumstances of Birth

Heeding the prayers from revelers, celebrators, and pleasure seekers, Baldoria was born from the Divine Essence shortly after civilizations developed in Domen Aria.

Birthplace

The Divine Essence

Current Residence

Baldoria’s Pavilion, in the realm known as The Twilight Revel.

Gender

Female

Eyes

Her eyes are cheery, sparkling pools of deep blue.

Hair

Dazzling golden hair that sparkles with starlight motes.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Smooth, luminescent skin that glows like moonlight.

Appears in...

• Riddle Of The Elven Pantheon

Divine Symbols & Sigils

These symbols are revered by Baldoria’s followers, as each representation captures different facets of her divine essence, from joy and creativity to freedom and the cautionary wisdom of balance. They are commonly engraved on offerings, worn as pendants, or displayed during festivities in her honor.
The Overflowing Goblet: A chalice depicted with liquid spilling over its rim, often surrounded by swirling vines and flowers. This symbol represents abundance, joy, and the endless blessings of celebration. The overflowing liquid signifies the generosity of Baldoria's gifts and the boundless nature of revelry when shared with others.
The Reveler’s Mask: A half-mask adorned with intricate patterns of ivy and crescent moons. The mask represents self-expression, transformation, and liberation. It serves as a reminder to embrace one’s true self while breaking free from societal constraints, a key aspect of Baldoria’s philosophy. It encourages followers to explore different facets of their identity while reminding them that joy often comes from letting go of inhibitions.
The Swallow In Flight: A swallow with outstretched wings, often depicted holding a vine or ribbon in its beak. The swallow symbolizes freedom, vitality, and the fleeting beauty of life’s joyful moments. It is a sign of Baldoria’s blessings, encouraging her followers to seize opportunities for celebration.
The Ring Of Firelight: A circular sigil resembling a ring of flickering flames, with a star at its center. This sigil represents the warmth and energy of communal gatherings, as well as the delicate balance between indulgence and self-control. The flames are a reminder of the passion Baldoria inspires and the risks of letting it burn unchecked.

Religious Artifacts:

The Everflowing Goblet: A goblet crafted from translucent crystal, its surface etched with intricate scenes of dancing figures and swirling vines. When held, it fills itself with a golden liquid that tastes uniquely delightful to each individual, inspiring creativity, joy, and courage. The goblet is said to never run dry, symbolizing Baldoria’s endless blessings.
Myth holds that Baldoria herself gifted this artifact to her first high priestess, Hevenya Brightcheer, during The Dawn of Revels, over 6,000 years ago. The goblet is said to grant the wielder the ability to inspire euphoria and camaraderie among allies, as well as protect against fear and despair, creating an aura of emotional resilience. However excessive use may lead to obsession or overindulgence.

The Reveler’s Mantle: A shimmering cloak that shifts colors with the wearer’s movements, resembling a living aurora. Embroidered with threads of starlight, the mantle exudes an aura of exuberance and allure.
It was sewn by the fey weaver Callamthra Silkensong under Baldoria’s divine inspiration, as a gift to her most devoted celebrants during The Festival Of Twilight Revels. It is said to amplify the wearer’s charm and charisma, making them the center of attention in any gathering, as well as granting limited flight and protection from mundane projectiles during celebrations. However, excessive use can lead to vanity or an over-reliance on admiration.

The Mask Of Mirage: A porcelain mask adorned with painted scenes of revelry and enchantment. The mask allows its wearer to assume the appearance of another person or to project grand illusions of celebrations to beguile or distract.
It was crafted by the enigmatic sorceress Maracea Hallusion, a follower of Baldoria, during The Shadowed Revelations period, 500 years ago, to aid in covert gatherings during a time of oppressive rule. It is said to allow the wearer to change their appearance or conceal their presence in a crowd, as well as project illusory festivities that can disorient enemies or inspire allies. However, prolonged use may blur the wearer’s sense of identity.

The Starlit Flagon: A flagon crafted from celestial metal and encrusted with star-like gems. It is said to have the power to bring together even the most bitter of rivals over a shared drink, fostering moments of peace and understanding.
It was forged by the elven metalsmith Karmell Brightflow in Baldoria’s honor, during The Great Feast Of Unity, 240 years ago. It is said that any beverage poured into the flagon becomes a magical elixir that encourages honesty, understanding, and goodwill, as well as being able to purify any poisons or toxins in the drink. However, overuse can lead to dependencies on its effects, making genuine reconciliation more difficult without it.

Worshipers Of Baldoria

The Reveler’s Circle: The most prominent organization dedicated to Baldoria, The Reveler’s Circle, is a loosely organized network of celebrants, bards, brewers, and dancers. They hold festivals known as Baldorrian Nights, where music, drink, and storytelling create a communal sense of euphoria. Temples devoted to Baldoria are often open air amphitheaters or lively taverns, where worship blends seamlessly with revelry. They teach that joy is a divine gift meant to be shared, and acts of creation, be it art, music, or culinary delights, are sacred offerings.
The Harbingers Of Ecstasy: A more hedonistic cult, The Harbingers Of Ecstasy take Baldoria's teachings to extremes, embracing total abandonment of restraint. While they claim to honor her, their unchecked indulgence often leads to destructive orgies of chaos, drawing criticism from more moderate followers. Some believe Baldoria disapproves of their recklessness, while others think they embody her darker aspects.

Opponents Of Baldoria

The Order of Solemn Virtue: This ascetic organization vehemently opposes Baldoria’s influence, viewing her celebrations as corrupting distractions that lead to moral decay. They advocate for strict discipline, self-denial, and focus on duty. Members of this order often seek to disrupt Baldorrian festivities, condemning her followers as irresponsible and frivolous.
The Silent Chains: A shadowy group of oppressors who thrive on control, The Silent Chains see Baldoria’s philosophy of freedom and self-expression as a threat to their domination. They actively work to suppress her worship and dismantle her gatherings, fearing that her joyous rebellion could inspire uprisings against their power.

Rumors

The Dance of Eternity: Some claim that those who dance with Baldoria during The Festival Of Twilight Revels are whisked away to her realm, The Twilight Revel, never to return. These revelers are said to join her in an eternal, joyous celebration, but others whisper that they become trapped, losing themselves in endless indulgence.
The Goblet’s Curse: A rumor persists that Baldoria’s Everflowing Goblet contains not only joy but also sorrow. If one drinks too deeply or selfishly from its nectar, they may fall into a spiral of despair, experiencing the emptiness that lies beyond excess.
Her Secret Descent: It is whispered that Baldoria occasionally walks among mortals in disguise, particularly during times of great oppression or despair. She is said to appear as a humble bard, an enigmatic stranger, or a masked reveler, sparking rebellions or kindling joy in the darkest corners of the world.
The Rivalry Of The Gods: Some speculate that Baldoria has a contentious relationship with gods of order and discipline, particularly those who enforce strict hierarchies or rigid control. Followers whisper that her playful antics have led to divine clashes, with Baldoria using revelry as a form of rebellion against their dominion.
The Lost Revel: A tantalizing rumor speaks of a hidden, ancient festival known as The Lost Revel. Said to have been Baldoria’s greatest celebration, it was sealed away in another plane after it grew too chaotic, threatening the balance of reality. Some believe Baldoria’s followers are secretly trying to uncover the location and reopen the gates to this forbidden festivity.