Vale
~ Vale Van Dem
Etched on the doors of the Arcane Sacrarium
Etched on the doors of the Arcane Sacrarium
Description
Vale, the Upiryrial goddess of beauty, birth, rebirth, and spring, is an embodiment of the transient, elusive spirit of grace. Believers across many faiths worship her, believing that the greatest accomplishment lies in the gift of life, whether nurturing it anew or preserving what already exists. She was raised alongside her brother, Peruvus, under an ancient set of rules set down by her parents, Seveth and Sorona Van Dem. As the siblings matured, their radiance became a beacon of admiration across the world. Vale's heart eventually found its home with the elvenari people and their leader, Asir Summertide, despite the disapproval of other Upiryrials. Following a period of familial strife and sacrifice, which saw Vale repeatedly succumbing to and resurrected from death, her influence remained unwavering. It is in her resilience and the enduring beauty that she personified that she became a source of divine inspiration. Now, Vale is celebrated as a goddess who inspires and safeguards those who are delivered into the world. Her relationship with her brother, Peruvus, and her bond with the goddess Asir are central to her well known tale. The cherry blossom trees left in the wake of her many rebirths are reminders of her legacy of love, sacrifice, and resolve.
Modern Depiction
Vale's visage varies across different faiths, though she is commonly seen as a white-winged Upiryrial woman. In Lothoren, she is discussed as a lovely daughter, and in Summertide, as an expectant mother. Regardless of the depiction, her essence of beauty remains constant. Artworks of her likeness, such as the painting "The Fields of Beauties’ Woe," show Vale as an orchard of cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
Tenets of Vale
 | Uphold the sanctity of birth and life. |
| Inspire and cultivate beauty in all forms. |
| Never abandon loved ones in need. |
| Defend the laws, honors, and traditions of the Ancestors; fight to preserve them. |
| In the aftermath of winter, it is our purpose to bring color and life back to the world. |
Vale Worshiping Adventurers
Adventurers who choose to follow Vale are those who appreciate beauty in its many forms. They could be artists seeking inspiration, healers devoted to the sanctity of life, or warriors upholding the laws and traditions of the Ancestors. Vale's teachings resonate with individuals who see beauty not just as a physical attribute, but as an expression of personality and vitality.
Goddess of Beauty, Birth, Rebirth, & Spring
Why would you choose this faith?
Choosing to walk in Vale's path is to embrace life in all its beauty and complexity. This faith is a celebration of creation, love, and the cycles of rebirth. It is the perfect choice for those who resonate with themes of nurturing, resilience, and an appreciation for the ephemeral beauty of existence.
Clerics, paladins, and bards are the most common devotees, their roles closely aligned with Vale's teachings. Clerics and paladins might serve as midwives, bringing new life into the world under Vale's auspices, or stand as protectors of the people. Bards, on the other hand, may draw upon Vale as a celestial muse, using their art to cultivate beauty and inspire creation, just as Vale herself did.
Choosing Vale's faith is more than just a devotion; it is a way of life that reveres birth, cherishes beauty, and upholds the sanctity of life. It is an affirmation of the belief that even in the face of loss and sacrifice, hope and love endure.
Backgrounds
Upiryrials and elvenari are likely to find a way of life in Vale. Those who worship the Illumination faiths may know her stories and teachings well.
Holy Symbol
Across various religions, there are different representations of Vale. The Lothoren symbol is the most common, two outstretched hands transitioning into a blossoming flower. Followers of the Summertide faith depict her either as a baby in the fetal position or giving birth, emphasizing new life. Those on the Path of the Ancestors often use the cherry blossom tree to honor her repeated sacrifices.
Associated Religions
In modern society Vale's largest following is a sect of The Calling in Undai who look to her as a muse. Beyond that, she is well represented on the Path of the Ancestors, and her life story recorded across the Illumination faiths.