Azeera the Golden

Azeera the Golden rose to prominence during Second and Third Ages, and one of the few godlings that the Matriarchy has intentionally avoided adding to their religion. According to holy doctrine, Azeera was made, not born. After the Cataclysm that created the Devastation and destroyed civilization, Clea, in order to aid the people, went to Raya while she was sleeping and cut away her intimate parts, fashioned Azeera from them, and sent her to the world to guide and bless the people.

Azeera guided survivors south and east, into the great desert of Faraz. In the middle of the desert, it is reputed that she created the spring that is the origin of the Alhaya River and founded the town of Zhara. From there she grew her town into a small city, then settled along the river to the Bay of Janub until she ruled over a small kingdom which her people called Aurulant. According to legend, she ruled as the first Yellow Empress of that kingdom, then returned to the heavens where the gods live, but will come again when needed by the Desert Kingdom. Azeera remains the patron goddess of the nation of Aurulant.
During her time in the world, she was known for her sultry and crafty demeanor, as well as her patronage of performing arts. Dancing was a particular favorite, and her temples are often staffed with official temple dancers to honor the goddess through sensuous dance. She also took many lovers and encouraged passion in her followers.
Based on the story of her origin, Azeera is often considered a subordinate deity to Clea. Relations between her faith and the followers of Raya, particularly the Matriarchy, are nearly always frosty and tense. The legend that Azeera was made from the private parts of Raya might serve to explain why Raya, often considered benevolent in other cultures, is considered stern and cruel in Aurulant - she scorches the lands of Aurulant as a punishment for her lost genitals. However, most scholars point to the disastrous Crusade into the Desert Empire by the Matriarchy during the Third Age as being a more likely explanation for the bad relations between the two faiths.

Divine Domains

Desire, love, fertility, water (especially springs, pools and rivers), motherhood, and the arts.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

A fountain, or a pair of lips.

Divine Classification

Godling

Religions

• Aurulant - The Desert Empire

Founded Settlements

• Zhara - The Oasis in the Desert