Maer (/Mehr/)
"She Who Leads Before All Wanderers"
Summary
Maer is a tragic goddess, a free spirit whose good will has been bent towards evil on several occasions. Her first error was falling for Cinakath's charms and mothering Zakrul. As a result her other lover, Nenzus, blackmailed her into playing a part in the destruction of El'yr's mind. Now, she is said to watch over the night and wander aimlessly within it, her adventures equal parts curiosity and escapism. In Maer's shroud, victims find solace, wanderers find inspiration, and mystics find warnings about the uncertainty that the world brings to even those with the best of hearts.The Canon and the Way
Maer is beloved by most followers of the Green Way, as she teaches important lessons about betrayal and regret, enhancing the teachings of others of the Ones Above. She also shares the wanderlust and outcast status of many followers of the doctrine, thus making her quite relatable. Within the Prime Canon, Maer is still primarily seen as a goddess worshipped by society's outsiders. Among most folk, she is revered alongside other deities, but never as a primary one. In particular, she frequently accompanies Fae'len wherever her shelters can be found, and minor tokens of her devotion can be found at many of Ah'yelan's wayshrines. These acts aren't viewed as heretical by the other deities, as Maer is well-loved by most of the pantheon.Symbology
The crescent moon is a symbol of Maer, representing her as a guide in the sky in even the darkest of hours. Typically, the star shape is also viewed as her symbol, though it is more vague in meaning, and can represent other deities (or, even, non-religious concepts) as well. Maer herself is typically depicted in a naked humanoid form, though with any manner of alterations. In some, she resembles one of the Catfolk, while in others, she has more Elvish features. Generally, she is accepted as a lithe humanoid with some animal’s fur, tail, and ears, but rarely other non-Elven (she is, generally, associated more with Elves than Humans) features. Among more mystical peoples, Maer is often associated with the tarot (or Harrow) deck. This is not to be confused with the lenormand, which is associated with Orovas.Rites and Worship
Maer's holy sites are known as wellsprings, a term which describes them quite well. Often times, they are open-air spaces in which the sky can be easily seen, and which are filled with water deep enough to reflect the stars. A wellspring may double as a fountain or hotspring, as a washbasin for Fraeyr, or be constructed within a more formal temple (either to Maer, or to another deity). Rituals at wellsprings occur primarily at night, involving prayers for Maer, tidings of hope for her future so that her luck may improve. Donations are then left, involving pretty gifts such as flowers or food for the road. In shelters, these gifts are typically moved into the hands of the struggling visitors, while food is given to travelers who may pass through. Traditionally, this is done during the day; at night, the donations must remain for Maer to admire. Clerics of Maer tend to be empathetic people, traditionally wearing tiaras, crowns, or necklaces that feature Maer's crescent moon symbol. Their staves and holy symbols typically feature the shape of a star upon them. Clerics either serve in shelters or temples of Maer when they reside in cities, and serve as guides when they travel the road, offering food and aid to any travelers they come across. Many occultists and witches also offer praise to Maer, for her bad luck is considered demonstrative of the dangers of mysticism. Those who practice magic from the Material Plane's astronomy especially treat her as their patron.Holy Text: The Ruby Hymns
Tenets |
|---|
Penances | Strictures |
| ⊕ Offer gifts to Maer. | ⊝ Do not allow another to be mistreated by another more powerful. |
| ⊕ Along your travels, aid those in need. Have a good bedside manner. | ⊝ Ignore not a traveler in need of food and rest. |
Mandates |
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| ⊜ When you see Maer's moon on a quiet night, whisper a quick pray for her well-being. When the moon is not visible and you think of her, know that she is with you - right there, within, instead of above. |
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