The All Mother
Goddess of Nature, Seasons, Battle, and Wildlife.
Origins
Once, when a boy got lost in the frozen forest near his father's hunting cabin, he found a small clearing he had never seen before. As he approached, lost, cold and scared, he found it to be filled with trees full of berries. Wary, but unable to sate himself otherwise, he began to climb the trees to pick the multitude of gooseberries, raspberries, and blackberries that grew in the branches. With each one he ate, he felt both his heat and strength returning. When he finished every other berry in the gathering, he turned and saw mistletoe, and as he began to pick them, he heard a soft, motherly voice that gently asked him to stop. He turned and looked for the source of the voice, but failed to find any. As he began again to pick mistletoe, a small branch seemingly reached out and touched his arm. Startled, he ran, and suddenly found himself at the safety of his fathers cabin. His father, worried, asked his son how he survived the night, and the boy could only say "Mother saved me." His father did not have the heart to tell him she passed near 10 years ago.Places of Worship
The All Mother, being considered "Mother Nature" to many druids and rangers, has no temples dedicated to her. Instead, offerings are often left as massive trees and fertile groves that are deemed to be blessed by her. Having no desire for coin, but covering such a wide collection of domains, these offerings range from crude spears, to fruit, to homemade medicinal remedies crafted from plants.Followers
Follower's of the All Mother find themselves blessed by nature itself. Plants may grow stronger and healthier then their neighbors. Rats may never enter their winter stockpiles. The spring thaw may come a week early. As long as one is willing to be a predator in dire times, they will find the next meal easily. While it's unclear who she favors, if not everyone, it is undeniable that The All Mother treasures each natural life in a unique way, and provides for both her followers, and those that may not know she exists. When a terrible transgression is done however, a storm, earthquake or other natural event may tear a city to ruins, and turn it's people into nomads, forced to temporarily live in the nature they once exploited. She is not against violence, as all predators need a source of food, but if ones prey never stands a chance, they should be allowed to grow strong enough, and be spared until they sharpen their fangs.Children of the All Mother
The All Mother has always claimed champions to serve her more directly, and to show her favor she has granted them a physical gift, and many magical gifts. One child exists for each season, and each represents her goals which are as diverse as her domains.Child of Spring
The child of spring is granted a helmet with antlers (typically made of cold steel) called the Moosehelm, and is given powers over storms, the ability to grant life and healing, and oddly, a limited control over fey beings. Representing renewal, rebirth, protection, and the natural cycle, the Child of Spring is a known wanderer that always seems to find themselves in growing towns or anywhere fey are found wreaking havoc. Typically, the child of spring is represented by an armor clad induvial with no skin showing, but there is ancient depictions of a druid like figure wearing a massive wooden helmet with 56 point antlers nearly 4 feet tall.Child of Summer
The child of summer is granted a heavy-headed axe with a complex carving covering the handle called Noon's Influence. Sometimes this axe is one handed and as small as a throwing axe, and other times it is a large two handed weapon. The carvings can vary widely but always depict a full sun. Besides their weapon, the child of summer also is granted powers over fire, light, temperature, and others emotions. Representing both the passion within everyone, and the toil of a hot long day, the child of summer is favored by laborers, entertainers, and the common man. Often depicted as a full bearded man, the child of summer's race is often the most varied, but as of 32 FAE (First arrival Era), no child of summer has been seen.Child of Autumn
The child of autumn is granted a bow covered in ribbons colored the same as fallen leaves called the Last Leaf, and is given powers over wild game, the growth of edible plants, sleep, and fog. The child of Autumn typically represents community, and has been known to arrange feasts, festivals, and help groups with any issues that may be dividing them. They are often depicted as a young adult human, which are considered some of the most adaptable and ever changing people across Sinstram.Child of Winter
The child of winter is granted a simple spear called the Spear of the North and is granted chilling powers over nature, it's northern winds, and represents overcoming adversity and the challenges of life in the frozen north. She is considered the most militaristic of all the children, and as such, is often found in Windari, and is so revered among Windari's people that they have even formed a prominent and powerful military faction revolved around her, The Winter's Hand. Classically, she is depicted as a raven haired woman with pale skin, but there have been some male Children of Winter in the past.Relationships
Edicts Respect Prey, Commune with Nature Often, Embrace Traditions
Anathema Unnecessary Destruction, Prey on the defenseless, Reject family and religious tradition
Follower Alignment Any
Depiction
A large athletic female humanoid with an animal head. Often made of bark, leaves, moss, or other natural elements.
Follower Symbol
A Willow Tree
Associated Symbols
Wolves, Bears, Birds of Prey, Pine Trees, and Ferns.
Psychopomp
A massive black bear with deer antlers.
Spouses
Brata
(companion)
Siblings
Children
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