The Halfling Exarchs
GALATEA
Exarch of The Mother
Portfolio: Family & Responsibility
Alias: Lady of the River
Symbol: A river of stars, a swan
According to myth, Galatea was one of the earliest Exarchs of Fion, who the halflings see as the creator of all things- at the very least of the halflings. Originally a mortal mother and housewife, after her husband and children died she became a cleric and grew to near demi-god status due to her fierce protection of her kind in the face of many wars ravaging the ancient world. When the halfling people were faced with a massive and bloody human invasion of their ancestral lands, Galatea guided them into the hills- and gave up her life in order to erect a powerful divine barrier that only small people could cross. Like a mother protecting their child in the ways she couldn't, she was willing to forfeit her existence to preserve theirs. This act of sacrifice by Galatea prompted Aberdan to intervene- making her barrier permanent and raising her to godhood. She became the deity of motherhood- of protection of children and the home and an antithesis to the war and violence that destroys families. She also eventually became the wife of Aberdan, who was so moved by her fierce and protective nature and bravery. She was often symbolized by a swan- beautiful but fearsome when it came to defending her territory and her babies.
GOEWYN
Exarch of The Paramour
Portfolio: Beauty, Passion, Happiness
Alias: Lady of the Lilies
Symbols: Lute surmounted by lilies, Robin
This deity in their mortal life was the most gorgeous of all halfling women- she was beautiful and entrancing, an incredibly skilled musician and artist, and an inspiration to any lucky enough to meet her. Due to this origin story, many believe her to be the same deity as the elvish Sylanna. Such a great following she had that they followed her from town to town just to listen to her music and poetry and gaze at her loveliness. Her favorite flower was reportedly lilies and she was showered with them by adoring fans. These followers transitioned into cults that attested that her beauty and charm and talent had to be the result of the divine. Though many sought her hand in marriage, Goewyn was married to her creative pleasures. Though she was courted many times by lucky individuals, she saw them as passing fancies and never married so that she might continue her life of travel and seeking self actualization and fulfillment. She ascended to godhood as a deity of the arts, of beauty, of love, and passion and is the patron of beauty and love in all its forms. Her lessons teach halflings to leave their comfort zone from time to time- to seek out joy and let their passions drive them- even if others look down on them for it.
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