There are three main Deities worshipped by the Phae of the Desert. Though their quarrels have caused Dawnspire great strife in the past, many are grateful to even Althene for thickening their hides and sharpening their minds through these crises.
The lovers argued, and Nehme saw Althene’s solar wrath as a personal attack on her children, that she wished death upon them all. Althene just laughed – saying her former lover was making her beloved children weak.
Now, the two are not on talking terms, but live in a constant battle of Nehme trying to protect her children together with Zemides, and Althene turning their home more and more inhospitable to make sure they stay tough.
Althene
[Ahl-te-ehn] | She/Her
Personality
Althene is a harsh deity that values strength and cunning. There is no room for weakness in her eyes as only the strong deserve to live and call the desert their home. After watching her former lover bless the desert with a haven for the herd, she decided she would have her own back on her ex’s beloved people. The sun that once warmed the herd became hotter and hotter, burning up the rivers and lakes that had once flowed out from the lake and waterfalls. In retribution Nehme created the plateaus and the two have been at odds on their philosophies ever since.
Role
Althene the Blinding – deity of the sun, the desert, tenacity, and war.
How Dawnspire views them:
Dawnspire is both in awe and fear of Althene but this only gives birth to the deepest respect. They appreciate her teachings of resilience and view her as the ultimate pion of strength. To this day, barely anyone dares speak ill of her or curse her name for it is seen as a taunt that could potentially doom them all.
Myths & Legends
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Nehme
[Neh-may] | She/Her
Personality
Nehme is an adoring, peaceful Goddess, one that is believed to be the mother of the phae that call the desert their home. She had blessed the desert with a haven, a place that her children can rest and call home. It is said that it was her who erected the towering plateaus of the desert, providing much needed shaded areas from the blistering sun. Without her gentle guidance of Zemides, the phae of Dawnspire believe their fate would be a much bleaker one. Many also believe that she created the walls and towers that surround the Citadel in days long past to protect her children from the unforgiving sands of the Desert. However, many caution not to view her as a soft god willing to forgive and coddle all. Though rare, her wrath too is the stuff of legends.
Role
Nehme the Merciful – deity of the wind, flight, and mercy.
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How Dawnspire views them:
The herd know that as nurturing and caring as Nehme is, she is no soft soul. When pushed, she too has a temper capable of calling sandstorms that could level entire villages. Once of the same mind as Althene, they know Nehme too also view resilience as a necessity for survival and is not one to coddle them to extremes.
Though they do not fear Nehme as greatly as Althene they are cautious to keep her too, appeased and respected. In that vein, they dedicate their entire practice of falconry to her honor.
Myths & Legends
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Zemides
[Zeh-mih-deez] | He/Him
Personality
Zemides is but a young deity, still adapting to the responsibility of godhood. At times, their thoughts can scatter and they become forgetful of the tasks at hand. They can misplace what areas rain is destined to fall, whereby wind is always a precursor to any rainfall in the Desert as Nehme gently attempts to guide the god to the correct destinations. Feeling a protective empathy towards the Phae of the Desert, Zemides often tries to create Oases but often forgets or misplaces them resulting in the occurrence of disappearing, reappearing and Oases that change locations.
Role
Zemides the Youthful – deity of water, rain, and compassion.
How Dawnspire views them:
Though Dawnspire is sometimes dismayed by the spontaneous and sporadic blessings of their water god, they greatly revere him as a savior. They do not know why he chose to appear when he did, and not sooner, but some believe this was a test of faith. He is the one reason their kind’s bloodline was not ended in those fateful years and they take any chance they can to show this. During many celebrations special dances and songs are performed praising him, and a grand statue erected in their most precious Lake Chandra so they may always be reminded of his kindness.
Myths & Legends
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