Alajial the Compassionate, Lady of Peace
| Favored Race | caladaran |
|---|---|
| Element(s) | spirit & water |
| Home(s) | The Fields of Paradise & a Quiet Vale |
| Alignment | neutral good |
| Symbol | a healther's staff, a healer's cloth, a dove |
| Portfolio | peace, healing, diplomacy, mercy, compassion, charity |
| Worshippers | pacifists, healers, contemplatives, diplomats, caladarans, peaceful folk |
History in Avendar
It is said that the Caladaran brought many things to Avendar when they emerged from their enclaves. They introduced the worship of Iandir and his laws. The magics of earth were first taught by Caladaran scholars. The worship of the goddess of peace, too, was brought to the people of the land. No epic deeds or staggering confrontations mark the tales of Alajial, but her gentle touch can be felt throughout the pages of Avendar's history. Her followers brokered peace and negotiated surrender for those humans who sided with the Srryn in the War of Fire, and those who threw in their lot with the Shuddeni in the War of Night. It was their magics that soothed the wounded of those wars, and their words that averted future battles.
While few songs are sung of battles that would never come to pass, Alajial is honored by the people of Avendar. Prayers for long life and good health are offered up, in the hopes that the Lady of Peace will hear and honor them.
Goals and Methods
Alajial wishes for all the races of Avendar to live together in peaceful harmony. While such a dream may be impossible it does not stop the Lady of Peace from working toward that goal. Using compassion and reason, she and her followers attempt to sway the powers of the realm to avoid and diffuse conflict. Much of her work is done for the good of the common peoples of Avendar, who venerate and respect the goddess for her blessings. By spreading her worship out amongst the many, her influence grows.
Organizations and Followings
Bound by a unity of purpose, the followers of Alajial often form groups to better spread the will of the Lady of Peace. While rarely strictly organized, such groups are generally led by the one most favored by their goddess.
The Dedicants of Hakuran
"I am afraid you must concede something, my lord, if you wish to avoid conflict."
Venerating Alajial in her aspect as the goddess of peace and diplomacy, they seek to bring an end to the conflicts that rage throughout Avendar, and to head off those that have yet to start. Following the wisdom of the Hakuran order, they serve as diplomats and peace-keepers throughout the realm. From these positions the dedicated are able to further the will of their goddess. While depending on wordcraft, the dedicated are not above taking up the blade when absolutely needed to keep the peace.
The Order of the Healer's Cloth
"It was a near thing; you were fortunate that I came across you."
A pacifist order of healers, the favored of the Cloth offer their magics to those in need. They serve the Lady of Peace with healing and charity, tending to the sick and injured as their skills allow. Some wander the realms, looking for travelers in need, and others set up wards where the sick may come to be tended. Those of the Order oft avoid enmeshing themselves in the conflicts of the realm, for only violence can come of such dealings.
The Ascetics
"To all living creatures, do no ill."
Taking vows of pacifism and poverty, the Ascetics take the teachings of Alajial deeply to heart. Often living hermetic existences of contemplation and hardship, most of these faithful hide themselves away from the world, doing no harm to any living creature, subsisting on what they can grow or forage. A few abide by their vows while putting paid to the unnatural and undead horrors that threaten the realm. For, indeed, lifeless constructs and shambling dead do not fall within their vows of mercy.
Individual Followers
The followers of Alajial are generally known and respected amongst the communities they reside in. They are often in disagreement with the more militant factions of the realms and sometimes outright despised for their meddling in their conquests. Few of the Peacesworn martyr themselves when faced with violence and oppression, instead most choose to move on or go into hiding to better serve their goddess in the future.
Relationships
Alajial has allies amongst the pantheon of light for her works, although many of the same gods would wish the Lady of Peace take a more active role in the conflict against the gods of darkness. She is largely ignored by most of the divine save when she and her followers meddle in their affairs. Dolgrael is known to hold a deep contempt for Alajial, but his faithful have stayed their blades from hers, as there is no honor or glory in striking down one who does not strike back.