Aethys, the Flame of Creation (/ˈiː.θɪs/)

Aethys is a celestial and major deity who holds a pivotal position in the Merillian Decadivum. Known as the Flame of Creation, Aethys is the harbinger of life and the font from which the sun draws its light. Once revered primarily as a deity of creation, Aethys has evolved into a more nuanced representation of a sun deity. Their worship reverberates through the spiritual matrix of the First World.
Although Aethys is not singularly worshipped, their presence in the Merillian Decadivum allows for universal acknowledgement across various faiths and philosophies. They serve as a celestial touchstone, a focal point around which diverse beliefs can harmonize. Aethys represents the force that governs the cycle of the day, the nurturing light of the sun, and the unyielding laws of destiny.

Temples of Aethys

The temples dedicated to Aethys are breathtaking structures, designed to be as much a tribute to the deity as they are to the play of light itself. Always situated in locations that receive ample sunlight, these temples are architectural marvels designed to capture and manipulate natural light in a multitude of ways.

Architecture

Crafted primarily from white marble or limestone, the exteriors of Aethys' temples exude a serene purity. Towering columns flank the main entrance, their designs often adorned with intricate etchings of celestial patterns or mythological scenes relevant to Aethys' lore.

Open Ceilings and Mirrored Halls

While some temples feature grand open ceilings, allowing the sun to bathe the interiors in natural light, others employ a complex network of strategically placed mirrors and reflective surfaces. The latter design transforms the temple interior into a dynamic space where beams of sunlight dance across the floor and walls, their positions and shapes ever-changing with the sun’s trajectory.
In temples with open ceilings, the focal point is often a central courtyard where ceremonies and public prayers take place. This space is left intentionally unroofed, emphasizing the idea that one can commune with Aethys under the open sky.

Altars and Sacred Spaces

Within these temples, the altars are frequently made of gold or some other highly reflective material. They are designed not merely as places for offerings but also as points where light concentrates, creating intensely bright spots that seem almost otherworldly.
Adjacent to the main hall, smaller rooms serve as places for meditation, scholarly work, and private counsel. These chambers, although not as elaborately designed as the main areas, still benefit from the temples' intelligent light-capturing designs, filling them with a calming, diffused light.

Pools and Fountains

It is common to find pools or fountains in these temples, their water surfaces serving as another medium for capturing and reflecting sunlight. The play of light on the water adds a mesmerizing, ever-changing quality to the temple environment, contributing to the temple's aura of tranquil enlightenment.

Divine Domains

• Arcana: Aethys' influence over the domain of Arcana is paradoxical: they are revered as the conduit through which the raw essence of magic flows, yet they did not impart the knowledge of magic upon mortals—that honor belongs to another. Aethys represents the quintessential mystery at the heart of all arcane practices. To mages, spellcasters, and scholars, the Flame of Creation embodies the elusive nature of magic itself. It is said that every arcane incantation, every enchanted artifact, possesses a spark of Aethys’ divine essence. However, this essence remains forever out of reach, a celestial mystery that tantalizes yet eludes full understanding. Worshipers in the arcane arts might revere Aethys for their embodiment of the limitless potential and complexity that is inherent in magic.
• Life: As the Flame of Creation, Aethys holds a profound connection to the sacred essence that animates all forms of life. Followers believe that each birth is a spark from Aethys’ eternal flame, and thus, life in all its variety and forms should be cherished and preserved. Healers, nurturers, and caregivers often find themselves drawn to Aethys, seeking to emulate the deity's all-encompassing life-giving abilities. Temples dedicated to this domain often function as hospitals, orphanages, and sanctuaries for the endangered, where the priests channel Aethys' blessings to preserve and renew life.
• Light: Aethys’ representation as a sun deity ties in closely with their domain of Light. The sun, as a celestial body that banishes darkness, embodies the qualities of revelation, enlightenment, and the fostering of growth. Followers who specialize in this domain are often known as "Dawnbringers," those who actively work against obscurity and ignorance. They are the literal and metaphorical bringers of light, whether it’s by illuminating a dark cave or fighting against social injustice and ignorance. The domain of Light is considered especially significant during festivals and rituals that mark the solstices, equinoxes, and other celestial events, as these natural phenomena exemplify the balance of light and darkness that Aethys governs.
• Fate: One of the more esoteric domains under Aethys’ governance, Fate encompasses the threads that weave the destinies of all entities within the First World. Unlike other deities who may rule with an iron grip over predestined paths, Aethys' relationship with Fate is nuanced. Aethys believes in the intertwining of fate and free will, acknowledging that while the loom of destiny sets the groundwork, individual choices and actions are the threads that enrich the tapestry of existence. Astrologers, seers, and philosophers find a natural affinity for this domain, as they seek to understand the celestial patterns and life paths that are set, but not immutable.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

• The Flame of Creation: The symbol is an intricate representation of a flame, yet unlike any earthly fire. At its core, a radiant sun with twisted rays is enveloped by a spiraling aureole of arcane glyphs and elemental symbols. Around the perimeter are delicate tendrils of light that loop into themselves, symbolizing eternity. By meditating upon or creating artifacts with this sigil, followers can aim to connect more deeply with the multifaceted nature of their deity, welcoming enlightenment and understanding into their lives.
• The Web of Destinies: The symbol consists of a complex, fractal web of threads that intersect at nodes of varying sizes. At the center is an eye, emitting a radiant beam that threads through each node, connecting them all. Those who wear or use this symbol often do so when they're at a crossroads in their lives or facing significant choices. It serves as a talisman of sorts, inviting the wisdom and light of Aethys to guide them.

Tenets of Faith

• Seek Illumination: As Aethys embodies Light, so must followers seek enlightenment, not just in spiritual or religious matters but also in intellectual pursuits and self-awareness. Ignorance is considered a kind of darkness, and enlightenment brings one closer to the divine.
• Value and Protect Life: Since the domain of Life falls under Aethys' influence, worshipers are encouraged to respect all forms of life. This tenet extends to ethical considerations concerning war, the environment, and social justice. Followers might engage in healing practices or activism as a way to embody this tenet.
• Understand the Arcane: Though Aethys has dominion over Arcana, they did not teach mortals to wield it. Worshipers are encouraged to study and respect the laws of magic, understanding its fundamental nature as part of the divine, but they are cautioned against hubris and the belief that magic can be entirely controlled or dominated.
• Become your own Fate: Aethys has purview over Fate but does not enforce it. Followers are taught to listen to their own intuition and make choices consciously. While destiny might provide a framework, individual actions fill in the details. The acceptance of one's fate should never be an excuse for fatalism or inaction.
• Act as a Guiding Light: As Aethys serves as a beacon for myriad faiths, so should the followers strive to be examples in their own communities. This doesn’t mean imposing one's beliefs on others but rather embodying the principles of Aethys so thoroughly that others are inspired to seek their own form of enlightenment.

Holidays

• The Convergence of Flames (1st of Ivorybloom): The Convergence of Flames marks the beginning of Summer and is one of the most significant holidays dedicated to Aethys. It is believed that on this day, the first rays of summer sun align perfectly with Aethys' celestial form, infusing the world with heightened creativity and life. That day sees grand festivities, bonfires, and enlightening discourses that celebrate not just the deity but also the life-giving potential of the sun.
• Radiance Day (20th of Goldbloom): Radiance Day falls precisely in the middle of Goldbloom, a month associated with prosperity and richness. It is a day for personal reflection on one’s life journey. Rather than grand public ceremonies, this day is often marked by personal rituals and meditations, inviting the divine light of Aethys into one’s soul to guide their path forward. Family and community gatherings often happen in the evening, where people share their insights and epiphanies under the twilight sky.
• Searing Solstice (41st of Obsidianbloom): The last day of Obsidianbloom coincides with a celestial event where the sun appears brighter than usual. This phenomena, named the Searing Solstice, is considered a sign from Aethys that a new cycle has begun, wiping away the old and making room for new beginnings. It is a day of hope and aspirations, where followers submit written prayers and dreams to burn in sacred fires, symbolizing the purification and rebirth of their goals for the new Merillian year.
• The Waning Ember (1st of Crimsonbloom): This holiday marks the commencement of Winter and serves as a spiritual counterpoint to The Convergence of Flames. It's a somber, reflective day, acknowledging that even the vibrant power of the sun must yield to the chill of winter. It is a day to appreciate the balance that Aethys brings—where there is creation, there must be rest; where there is light, there must also be darkness. Temples often hold candlelit vigils, with each extinguished candle representing a lesson learned or a burden released, allowing the faithful to move forward with new clarity.

Physical Description

Body Features

Aethys, the Flame of Creation, is a breathtaking celestial entity whose form manages to embody both timelessness and constant change. Aethys appears as a being of luminous energy, their body seemingly forged from a radiant blend of sunlight and flames.
The deity's face is striking but not intimidating—a perfectly symmetrical visage that balances both masculine and feminine features. The eyes are like miniature suns, their glowing orbs exuding wisdom and warmth, always flickering as if composed of a living flame. No eyebrows or eyelashes adorn their eyes, making them a focal point that commands attention. Their mouth is often set in a tranquil, knowing smile, as though privy to the secrets of creation itself.
Aethys' hair appears as a flowing mane of golden light, as if they have captured a piece of the sun itself. Each strand seems to be in perpetual motion, like a flame dancing in the wind, constantly altering its shape while maintaining its luminous brilliance.

Apparel & Accessories

Aethys is draped in garments that defy conventional design, appearing more like a flowing arrangement of celestial light than any fabric or material. The robe-like garment is made of luminous, translucent material, shimmering with iridescent hues of gold, orange, and white. It appears to be woven from beams of sunlight and threads of aurora, fitting snugly around Aethys' form without obscuring their radiant body.
Around their waist, Aethys wears an ornate belt adorned with what appear to be shards of stardust, each fragment pulsating with its own internal light. Hanging from this belt is a singular, radiant gem—an ever-changing object that cycles through various geometrical forms. This enigmatic gem is said to represent the ever-changing nature of fate, one of Aethys' divine domains.
Aethys also bears a unique staff, made of a mysterious material that seems to be an amalgamation of crystal and light. It is tall, almost as high as Aethys themselves, and it hums softly with palpable magical energy. The top of the staff is adorned with a large, radiant gem, which resembles a miniature sun and captures the essence of Aethys' role as a sun deity.

Divine Classification

Celestial, Major Deity

Religions

• Shilaranel Eldari
• Valonysa

Realm

The First World

Church/Cult

Merillian Decadivum

Presentation

Androgynous