Rafinova (rah-fee-no-vah)
The Lady of Machines, Technocrat of Welmenni
Goddess of crafting, decadence, hedonism, and technology
Nation: Welmenni
Allies: None
Enemies: Rastlin
Temples: Mines, pleasure palaces, workshops
Worshippers: Artisans, craftspeople, nobles, wealthy people
Sacred animal: Mole
Sacred colors: Red and gold
Holy symbol: Three gears interlocked with each other
[DnD 5e] Domains: Forge, Trickery
Rafinova is a genius. Not merely because of her intelligence, nor because of her imagination and capacity at innovation. No, she is a genius because she is pragmatic and empathetic. Out of all the Veikas, she has perhaps the keenest understanding of the way Emberi behave. When she discovered Orichalcum, centuries ago, it would've been easy to create an army of constructs that obeyed her every whim, and to do away with the Emberi. After all, Husks are ever so complicated to store and modify… Instead, Rafinova used the technology that she created with the aid of the Orichalcum in order to give a better life to the Emberi under her. Now they indulge in sheer debauchery within Welmenni, living carefree lives that allow them to grow complacent. Yet amidst this revelry, some rise to properly worship Rafinova, to show her gratitude that they feel she deserves. Conveniently, this has allowed Welmenni to grow even more powerful over time. Yet for all that power and brilliance, Rafinova seems content to sit in the sidelines, trade with the other nations and allow her people to live in opulence. She is disinterested in waging war against anybody that hasn't shown aggression against Welmenni, and despite the wealth of weapons and technological marvels that she has personally developed, she is perfectly content with sitting on them until they're needed. The truth is simple: Rafinova is interested in technology for technology's sake. She isn't interested in conquering Domhan, or in claiming more territory; she is driven purely by a desire for innovation and invention. The world must progress, and she will be the one to see it through. If it means that her people will be the first to benefit from her glorious technological advances, then so be it. Who needs flesh and blood to wage wars, when they can sit in the sidelines, commanding vast armies of repairable constructs instead? Rafinova is often isolated within her own workshop, a massive building in Taqnia that reaches up to the Expanse itself. When she deigns to take a break and leave her workshop, it is often to indulge in the vices of her own creation, taking the form of a mechanical woman of impossible grace, beauty, and energy. After Meloch, Rafinova has the highest amount of Roglaw, though she cares very little for them in comparison. This causes her children to fight and squabble amongst themselves, trying to attract their progenitor's attention. But considering that Roglaws are a "solved problem" for Rafinova, their efforts are often fruitless. All places where something is made or crafted can be considered temples and shrines to Rafinova; from the smallest of tanneries to the largest of airship workshops. Prayers to Rafinova are also given before any big project is started, often by going through a complex ritual that involves the manipulation of specifically-made machines and wires. Furthermore, those who are about to indulge in vices sometimes give ironic prayers to Rafinova, asking her to protect them from the side effects of their revelry.
Nation: Welmenni
Allies: None
Enemies: Rastlin
Temples: Mines, pleasure palaces, workshops
Worshippers: Artisans, craftspeople, nobles, wealthy people
Sacred animal: Mole
Sacred colors: Red and gold
Holy symbol: Three gears interlocked with each other
[DnD 5e] Domains: Forge, Trickery
Rafinova is a genius. Not merely because of her intelligence, nor because of her imagination and capacity at innovation. No, she is a genius because she is pragmatic and empathetic. Out of all the Veikas, she has perhaps the keenest understanding of the way Emberi behave. When she discovered Orichalcum, centuries ago, it would've been easy to create an army of constructs that obeyed her every whim, and to do away with the Emberi. After all, Husks are ever so complicated to store and modify… Instead, Rafinova used the technology that she created with the aid of the Orichalcum in order to give a better life to the Emberi under her. Now they indulge in sheer debauchery within Welmenni, living carefree lives that allow them to grow complacent. Yet amidst this revelry, some rise to properly worship Rafinova, to show her gratitude that they feel she deserves. Conveniently, this has allowed Welmenni to grow even more powerful over time. Yet for all that power and brilliance, Rafinova seems content to sit in the sidelines, trade with the other nations and allow her people to live in opulence. She is disinterested in waging war against anybody that hasn't shown aggression against Welmenni, and despite the wealth of weapons and technological marvels that she has personally developed, she is perfectly content with sitting on them until they're needed. The truth is simple: Rafinova is interested in technology for technology's sake. She isn't interested in conquering Domhan, or in claiming more territory; she is driven purely by a desire for innovation and invention. The world must progress, and she will be the one to see it through. If it means that her people will be the first to benefit from her glorious technological advances, then so be it. Who needs flesh and blood to wage wars, when they can sit in the sidelines, commanding vast armies of repairable constructs instead? Rafinova is often isolated within her own workshop, a massive building in Taqnia that reaches up to the Expanse itself. When she deigns to take a break and leave her workshop, it is often to indulge in the vices of her own creation, taking the form of a mechanical woman of impossible grace, beauty, and energy. After Meloch, Rafinova has the highest amount of Roglaw, though she cares very little for them in comparison. This causes her children to fight and squabble amongst themselves, trying to attract their progenitor's attention. But considering that Roglaws are a "solved problem" for Rafinova, their efforts are often fruitless. All places where something is made or crafted can be considered temples and shrines to Rafinova; from the smallest of tanneries to the largest of airship workshops. Prayers to Rafinova are also given before any big project is started, often by going through a complex ritual that involves the manipulation of specifically-made machines and wires. Furthermore, those who are about to indulge in vices sometimes give ironic prayers to Rafinova, asking her to protect them from the side effects of their revelry.
Holidays
The most important holiday of the Rafinovan religion is the 13th of Summer, the date on which Rafinova initially discovered Orichalcum, the material responsible for Welmenni's immense wealth.Common gestures and rituals
Amongst all the Veikas, Rafinova's religious rituals are the simplest to understand but the hardest to actually execute. In order to honor the Lady of Machines, one must build. From the smallest gear to the most complex of weapons, all things made by one's hands is considered to honor Rafinova. However, the grandest and flashiest displays are known to attract her attention, and so worshippers constantly try to one-up each other. The amount of inventions discarded because they didn't attract Rafinova's gaze upon their inventor is truly staggering. There is another way to honor Rafinova; one that inhabitants of other nations often find disgusting. Indeed, there is a belief that the more decadent and debased a party, feast, or festival is, the greater the honor to Rafinova. This makes Rafinovan holidays elaborate contests to see who can show the most debauchery, and this often ends somewhat badly. Nonetheless, Rafinova has not explicitely forbidden her worshippers from taking part in such activities - meaning they take it as active approval of them.Divine Intercessions
If Rafinova's attention can be attracted, it is only through great works of technological marvels or heretical affronts against crafting. Those who earn Rafinova's blessings find their minds and bodies working at increased efficiency, and she sometimes grants unique augmentations to those who have pleased her. On the other hand, those who find themselves on the wrong side of her attention find whatever they touch turning to dust, or their minds ceasing to function at the most inopportune of times.Aphorisms
Rafinovans have a variety of sayings that have to do with the power of their goddess - and the convenience she brings to their lives. Rafinova will take care of it: Why take care of it now, when you could do it tomorrow? This saying is often used at the end of a long work day. May your forge run cold: The greatest insult in the Rafinovan religion, used as a way to wish death upon someone who has wronged you. Rafinova's wrench!: An exclamation of surprise, often after discovering something unexpected (and, implicitly, dangerous).Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
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