Selir, the Soothing Counsel

As the goddess of Healing and Nurturing, Selir is the protector of life and family, a divinity whose only goal is to bring warmth and security in a world so often troubled and violent. Those pure ideals have made her endearing to many, as family takes on many as many forms as there are ways to love. Be it the intimidate love of a couple on their way to bring new life in the world, the rough camaraderie of brothers in arms ready to lay down their lives for those they fight with, or even the caring affection of a leader for his community, working for the benefice of those that placed their trust in them, it is natural for all living being to seek comfort in the company of others. This is what Selir represent. The strength of the group, and the kindness necessary to achieve it.

Sacred Attributes

The Four Way Knot (Tetradesmes) is the Sacred Symbol of Selir, symbolising both the bonds between individuals and the traditional way of suturing wounds learned by members of her clergy. Her Favoured Animal is the Bear, placid but fierce when protecting his family, and her Favoured Colour is Yellow, colour of many medicinal herbs and minerals. Finaly, her sacred weapon is the sickle, a tool of gathering whose intended use is not to harm.

Description

Universally depicted as a woman in her prime due to her association with the household and familyhood, Selir is nonetheless also known to take on older or younger forms. She seems for example have taken on the form of a young child multiple times to interact with mortals under the guise of youthful innocence. It is true that she favours a humanoid female form however, adorned in threads of yellow and gold. Those could be woven in her clothes, visible amongst her belongings or even take the form of blonde hair, but no matter their shape those golden strings are the most recognisable aspect across all of the goddess’ incarnations. Other common features of Selir are tribal markings and simple clothing, often incorporating bear imagery or even claws and furs from said animal.
She is also known to take on the form of a bear on occasions, with patches of yellow fur or even a fully golden mantle. This guise is more often associated with the protective aspect of the goddess, displaying strength to shield those under her protection just like a mother bear would protect her youngs. For that reason, this form is more often used in the rare cases when the goddess is associated with violence.

Personality

As can be easily deduced by her domains and motivations, Selir is a kind and peaceful deity who despises those who would harm or corrupt the innocents. She is especially fond of families and young children who she seeks to guide toward a good life with a gentle but firm hand. Her passive nature means that she rarely intervenes directly, and also tends to steer her toward tolerance and forgiveness, values she praise and wish to spread. It also makes her very difficult to anger, but it does not mean that it is impossible, simply that only a fool would willingly try to evoke the emotion in Selir, for her wrath is legendary even amongst the gods. Indeed, the goddess when pushed may part her veil of motherly authority, which in itself serves as a warning, to reveal a fury with no bounds when it comes to protecting her cause. As the paragon of parenthood, Selir is just as much a gentle guide as a fierce defender when it comes to her children. Nonetheless, those outburst of anger are few and far between, with the goddess usually a calm and soothing presence, meant to reassure those around her. With violence as the last resort, Selir is for all intent and purposes a deity of love and thoughtfulness.

Worship 

With few concepts as universal as love, and doubling as the primary divinity associated with healing, Selir is a well-regarded deity in all of the Kaladean Empire. Across all social stratas, the goddess is worshipped in hope of acquiring her blessings. From those that seek love, to those that wish to protect their family, as well as those struck by ills and pain, there are myriads who would rely on the goddess in their daily life. And that is perhaps the most common way that Selir worship is seen, integrated into the routine of life. Prayed to not only during celebrations, although some like marriage and birth are heavily linked to her, but also in the smaller moments of life, shared with loved ones. The care for others is central in Selir’s worship, and prayers to her are far more often than not spoken for the benefit of another. Be it a sickly neighbour, a distant love or simply one’s cherished household, the goddess is kind to those that show care for others.
It is then without surprise that her clergy’s main duty is to assist in such care. Healers and counsellors alike, ready to alleviate the pain of the heart and body both, a task most gratifying. Priests and priestesses of Selir, recognisable with their yellow garbs and golden strands, are a welcome sight everywhere, synonymous with relief and counsel. Be it taking care of a noble’s sickened offspring, or in the wake of armies, tending to the survivors and soothing the ills of war best they can. This reputation serves them like a shield, giving them the privilege of neutrality in many places. Even the more ruthless of warriors would hesitate to attack sporting Selir’s colour, for they are a force of good and the retaliation of the goddess would surely be terrible. Their goal is to mend and guide, counsel and heal. And so it is that their temples also follow this philosophy, serving as shelters and medical houses in addition to places of worship. Her Great Temple in Syprapis is reputed as a place where all ills can be healed, a giant complex of buildings dedicated to the medicine of the body and mind, just as much a hospital as a religious place. After all, is there any better worship to Selir than the care of one’s neighbour?

Divine Domains

Love

Life

Holy Books & Codes

The Joint Accords

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Symbol: Four Way Knot

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Favoured Animal: Bear

Favoured Colour: Yellow

Sacred Weapon: Sickle

Tenets of Faith

Spread love around you, and you will find it returned to you tenfold. 

Put care and trust into your family, for they are the pillar around which you build your life.

Help those in need, without seeking compensation.

Holidays

1st week of Seleos: The Festival of Life (A week dedicated to the new year and the renewal of life after the cold season. Flowers adorn buildings and peoples exchange gifts with their families.)

Divine Classification

Deity

Alignment

Lawful Good

Realm

The Amber House

Church/Cult

Kaladean Pantheon