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Apaxia - Goddess of Life

Otium%20Banner.jpg Apaxia is the first of the Arch Gods - The Eight Arms to awaken and from her from life to everything else. When she awoke, she was alone and anguished by it. Her tears fell upon the ground and from it life sprung.

Domains

Life, motherhood, fertility, growth, healing, benevolence, charity.

Alignment

Lawful Good.

Name

Apaxia. Pax means "peace" in Latin.

Appearance and depiction

She is the creator of halflings and as so, she herself is a halfling. She is the mother of mothers and her face exudes warmth and safety. She has golden, bushy locks of hair falling on her curvy shoulders. She is often depicted as being pregnant. Apaxia%20Painting.jpg

Artifacts and weapons

A legendary chalice known as the Cup of Continuance has the ability to heal any wound when filled with pure water.

Companions

Symbol

Two open hands, holding a heart-shaped seed sprouting. Apaxia%20Symbol.png Apaxia%20Symbol%20Glow.png

Worshippers

Most living beings recognize Apaxia as the source of all life. She is especially revered by halflings as it is believed they were there first mortal race, created in her image. Devotees: - Healers and Clerics: Naturally, those who practice the healing arts would find inspiration and purpose through Apaxia. Physicians, midwives, herbalists, and even magical healers dedicate their lives to channeling her gift of life-preservation. - Mothers and Families: As the "Mother of Mothers," Apaxia is revered by families, especially mothers seeking safe pregnancies, healthy children, or strength in raising their young. - Defenders of Life: Warriors who protect the innocent or work to preserve life in battle—such as paladins sworn to her name—form a dedicated following. They see death only as a necessary cycle when caused by time, not by malice or cruelty. - Survivors and Patients: Those who’ve experienced miraculous recoveries or have been healed often become lifelong worshippers. They form a grassroots network of communities devoted to her as an act of gratitude.

Role in Society: - Communities might rally under her banner to establish sanctuaries, orphanages, and hospitals, seeing these institutions as an extension of her divine will. - Her faith bridges social divisions. Rich and poor alike may come to her temples for healing, creating unity among her followers.

Way of worship

Rites & Rituals

  • Morning Prayer: Many of her followers begin the day with a personal meditation or chant, thanking her for the continuation of their lives.

  • Acts of Kindness: Every act of healing, nurturing, or support is seen as an offering to Apaxia. A kind word to a stranger or helping someone recover could be considered part of their devotion.

  • Healing Vigil: When someone is gravely ill or injured, communities gather around them, lighting soft white candles and offering prayers to Apaxia. Her clergy may perform rituals to channel her divine energy.

  • Birth Blessing: Expectant mothers receive blessings from her priests, who may anoint them with sacred oils or whisper chants of protection.
  • Life-Preservation Ritual: This is a collective ceremony held during crises, such as plagues or natural disasters. Worshippers form a protective circle, raising their voices in unified prayer to shield the afflicted.

Temples of Apaxia

Architectural Features: - Her temples are centers of hope and healing. They often resemble radiant sanctuaries, with an open and welcoming design to reflect her benevolence. - Glowing Pillars or Orbs: These are placed throughout the temples and emit a soft, golden light symbolizing the essence of life. These lights might be described as “imbued with her blessing.” - Healing Chambers: These spaces are dedicated to the sick and injured, providing divine treatment alongside trained healers. Priests or priestesses act as caretakers, offering a combination of prayer and practical care. - Heart of the Temple: At the center of each temple lies an altar with a sacred object—perhaps a radiant crystal known as "Apaxia’s Spark" that pulses faintly with life energy.

Temple Activities: - Healing Services: Anyone in need, regardless of status, can seek care at her temples. Clerics and acolytes combine divine magic and learned skills to tend to the wounded or ailing. - Teaching the Healing Arts: Temples double as academies where healers train to carry her teachings back into the world. Apprentices learn everything from the basics of medicine to advanced divine healing techniques. - Sanctuary for Refugees: During wars or catastrophes, her temples become places of refuge, symbolizing her role as a guardian of life.

Stories & Fables

The First Healing

The mortals of Atozia tell a cherished tale about the birth of healing itself. Long ago, when pain and injury first entered the world, a mortal child fell ill, and the people despaired. They prayed to the heavens, but the other gods were busy with their own domains. Only Apaxia answered.

Disguising herself as a humble halfling woman, she walked among the mortals, teaching them the first acts of healing: how to bandage wounds, brew soothing tonics, and comfort the spirit. When the child recovered, the people realized the true nature of their visitor, and they vowed to honor her gift by helping one another, as she had taught them.

The Healing of Prysta, Goddess of War

During a long-forgotten war, Prysta, the Arch Deity of War, was gravely wounded - her fiery blade shattered, her divine strength drained. Yet her pride prevented her from seeking help. She limped through the lands, leaving a trail of blood and broken ground, until she collapsed before one of Apaxia’s temples.

In the fable, Apaxia descended to her in her darkest hour. She did not berate her for his stubbornness or her endless thirst for conflict. Instead, she whispered words of forgiveness and used her boundless power to heal even her divine wounds. It’s said that when she woke, Prysta wept for the first time, vowing to fight not only for conquest, but to protect those who could not protect themselves.

The Radiant Bond

Long ago, the world was dark and lifeless. Apaxia, the Mother of Mothers, held a fragile spark of life in her hands, nurturing it with care. But the spark was weak and could not grow in the endless shadows.

Drox, the Arch Deity of Light, saw her struggle and approached her with a warm, gentle glow. "Let me help," he said. Drox cast his radiant light over the spark, and it began to flourish, becoming the first living beings in the world. But the shadows grew jealous and tried to snuff out the light and life. Apaxia stood firm, shielding her creations, while Drox’s light burned brightly, driving the darkness away. Together, they protected the spark and brought hope to the world.

From that day on, life and light have been bound together, each making the other stronger. It is said that where there is life, Drox’s light will always guide the way.