Exa’nus
Exa’nus, also known as the Weeping Lady, the Queen of Despair, or the Listener to the Dead, is the goddess of death and decay. A figure of profound complexity, she embodies both the inevitability of mortality and the compassionate understanding of life's end. Revered for her roles in guiding souls to the afterlife and listening to their stories, Exa’nus is depicted as both a mournful and empathetic deity. Her domains include the delicate balance between life and death, and the transformative power of decay. The saying, "at least one thing we have in common is that one day we will all stand in front of the gate and tell our story to the weeping goddess," highlights her universal significance across cultures. Worship of Exa’nus often involves rituals of remembrance and mourning, emphasizing acceptance, solace, and the continuity of the human experience beyond death.
Divine Domains
Death: Exa'nus is the goddess of death and transformation, guiding souls through the transition from life to afterlife.
Mourning: As a goddess of mourning, Exa'nus is revered for her compassion and empathy during times of loss and grief.
Transformation: Exa'nus's domain also includes transformation and rebirth, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and death.
Artifacts
The Weeping Grim Rose:
A rose that appears to weep with dew, symbolizing beauty and sadness in death.
The Gatekeeper's Scythe:
A scythe that guides souls to their final rest, marking the transition between life and death.
The Shadow Drape:
A dark cloak that veils its wearer from the light, allowing them to move unseen and strike from the shadows.
The Bane Blade:
A dark sword imbued with the power of death itself, capable of ending life with a single strike.
Holy Books & Codes
"The Sorrowful Gate"
This book explores the themes of death and mourning, providing comfort and guidance for those grappling with loss. It offers rituals and prayers to honor the deceased and seek Exa’nus’s blessings during times of grief.
"Tales from the Veil"
A collection of stories about the afterlife and the journeys of souls as they encounter Exa’nus. It portrays her as a compassionate figure who listens to the stories of those who pass, emphasizing the continuity of existence beyond death.
"The Weeping Lady's Teachings"
This instructional text includes philosophical reflections on life, death, and the transformation that occurs through decay. It serves as a guide for understanding the cycle of life while promoting acceptance and balance.
Holidays
Day of Remembrances - November 2
A solemn day for honoring ancestors and loved ones who have passed, involving visits to graves and sharing stories.
Festival of Transformation - February 28
A contemplative day to reflect on changes and transitions in life, with rituals celebrating renewal and acceptance.
Night of the Weeping Lady - March 1
An evening of sharing memories and honoring the dead with offerings and prayers to Exa’nus.
The Gatekeeper’s Vigi - January 1
A day to honor the passage between life and death, featuring quiet reflection and discussions about mortality and legacy.
Physical Description
Body Features
Exa’nus possesses a figure that embodies both strength and grace, resonating with the duality of life and death. Her body is tall and commanding, with a presence that evokes both reverence and a sense of calm. The contours of her form are soft yet defined, suggesting a powerful femininity intertwined with vulnerability.
Her skin is a pale, almost ethereal shade, reminiscent of moonlight reflecting off calm waters. This luminescent quality adds to her aura, giving her an otherworldly appearance that seems to shift subtly in the light. Exa’nus's arms are sculpted and capable, reflecting her ability to both cradle and guide the souls that pass through her realm.
Her torso has a graceful strength, poised and centered, suggesting deep reservoirs of wisdom and compassion. As she stands, her posture is both open and protective, drawing others in while simultaneously conveying the profound weight of her divine responsibilities. Her legs are strong and stable, grounding her presence while also providing the agility needed to navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Facial Features
Exa’nus possesses facial features that deeply reflect her connection to sorrow and loss. Her eyes are large and expressive, a haunting shade of grey that carries the weight of countless stories, evoking profound empathy and understanding. They seem to glisten with unshed tears, embodying the sadness of partings and the compassion she holds for the souls that pass through her realm.
Her brow is slightly furrowed, emphasizing a perpetual sense of contemplation and mourning. The softness of her cheeks contrasts with the subtle hollow beneath her eyes, suggesting the toll of her divine duties. Her nose is delicately shaped, lending an air of elegance to her face, while her lips are full yet drawn into a gentle frown, hinting at the sadness that often lingers in her heart.
Exa’nus’s countenance bears a tranquil beauty, marked by a profound understanding of the fragility of life. The overall expression that she presents is one of serenity intertwined with sorrow, reflecting her role as a guardian of the departed and a compassionate guide through the life cycle. This sadness, however, is not purely melancholic; it also carries an element of warmth, inviting those who encounter her to embrace their own feelings of loss and to find solace in her presence.
Apparel & Accessories
Exa’nus is draped in a long, hooded black robe that flows around her form like shadow, emphasizing her enigmatic presence. The robe is crafted from a fabric that has a muted sheen, absorbing light rather than reflecting it, contributing to the aura of mystery that surrounds her.
The long sleeves of the robe extend gracefully, often pooling at her wrists and tapering gently, creating an impression of ethereal elegance mixed with an unsettling sense of foreboding. As she moves, the fabric drapes and sways like wisps of smoke, further enhancing her ghostly demeanor. The hood obscures much of her features, casting a shadow across her face and leaving only her sad, gray eyes visible, which seem to glimmer with an inner light.
The overall effect of Exa’nus's attire is simultaneously captivating and uninviting, embodying her role as the goddess of death and transformation. While her appearance carries a sense of majesty and authority, it also invokes a palpable sense of melancholy and distance, reminding those who encounter her of the inevitability of loss and the mysteries that lie beyond.
Divine Classification
Goddess
Religions
Realm
Children
Gender
Female
Ruled Locations
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