˗ˏˋ The Nidean Deities ´ˎ˗
General Information - Nidea's Deities
At this point in time, there are four Deities in Nidea known to its population - Aer, Eksan, The Lovers, and Ignatis. The Lovers are actually two individuals, however, it is unusual for Calamies to refer to them as individuals. While each Deity is connected to one of the four Nidean tribes, it is not unheard of for Calamies to worship the other Deities, which are not connected to their tribe, too. Each Deity fulfills their individual duty in Nidea, some more than others, and while they do differ in their appearances, personalities, and morals, they all genuinely care about Nidea and its wellbeing.
The Nidean Deities actually exist and this has been confirmed many, many times. It is unknown how old the Deities are, but it is assumed that they existed ever since Calamies became what we know them for today. Based on their appearance, it is fair to believe that some Deities are a little older or younger than others.
Because the Deities are so present in Nidea, it is very unlikely to stumble across a Calami that does not believe in at least one of them. Calamies regularly worship their Deities through sacrifices, prayers, and festivals, in order to strengthen their bonds and relationship to them.
Aer - The Fury
Aer, often referred to "The Fury", is the Deity of the Air Tribe and responsible for conflicts in Nidea.
Just as her name indicates, Aer is a feisty, impulsive, and sometimes even merciless Deity, who is feared by many Calamies which do not belong to the Air Tribe. Ironically, she is responsible for solving any kind of conflict in Nidea. However, Aer is also known for her enormous willpower and an example to those who aim to become a better version of themselves day by day. To those who worship her regularly and truthfully, and seek advice in how to solve issues or conflicts, she speaks true wisdom and is encouraging, even if the harsh truth can be painful sometimes. Aer definitely isn't as kind as the other Deities, but she does fulfill her purpose in Nidea almost impeccably.
After Ignatis, Aer is the Deity to show herself the most. She's got long, white hair, which seems to be untamable, and wears a white armour with golden accessoires. Half of her face is covered by her helmet, which is why it is unknown how the upper half of her face looks like. At the same time, she carries a lance in her right, and a shield in her left hand. It is said that if she swings her lance with all of her power, it causes a tornado which lasts for nine days.
While Aer listens to a lot of prayers, she only responds to those who worship her regularly. It is known that she accepts all sacrifices of old armour, metal, and weapons, as a symbol of ending conflict, and responds to every prayer made with that sacrifice, no matter how often that individual worships her. In the end, Aer does acknowledge these things can be difficult to obtain, thus rewarding the effort.
Aer's relationship with the other Deities is neutral, although she is known for getting into fights with Ignatis, the Deity responsible for justice in Nidea.
Eksan - Nature's Patron
Eksan, also known as "Nature's Patron", is the Deity of the Forest Tribe and is the protector of nature in Nidea.
His personality has been proven to be kind, gentle, and forgiving to those with a good heart. Because of that, many Calamies from other tribes worship him as well, as he equally cares for all life on Nidea and does not wish to see any harm being brought upon any of them. He's described as a tall, muscular man with lots of scars on his upper body, resembling that he's more than willing to take damage upon himself, if it means protecting another. Insects and birds like resting upon either his antlers, or the ones of the six-legged, doe representing creature he is riding whenever he appears. It is said that Eksan is blind, and capable of feeling the truest nature of each individual. Wherever Eksan goes, he leaves behind a trail of magic, causing the grass to grow and the flowers to bloom behind him.
Eksan does not show himself very often, but responds to most of the prayers he receives. Sometimes, he rides through the fields and woords in order to either bless the owners of the field with a bountiful harvest, or the wildlife with a safe place to live in. He does not accept any sacrifices, but demands a good deed from those who worship him - even if that good deed is as simple as saying kind words to themselves. As long as it's genuine, Eksan will accept it.
Eksan has a decent relationship with the other Deities, but sometimes gets in trouble with The Lovers for disturbing the balance in Nidea. Although they appreciate his kindness and the good Eksan brings to Nidea, it is necessary for them to remind him that death is as important as life in Nidea in order to maintain balance.
The Lovers - Eclipse
The Lovers are the Deity of the Sea Tribe and are responsible for maintaining the balance in Nidea.
Although they consist of two individuals, Lyana and Galen, with very different personalities, Nideans consider them to be one. They resemble sun and moon, and overall the balance in Nidea. Although The Lovers have nothing to do with life and death, most Calamies believe that Lyana is responsible for life, and Galen responsible for death, which is why you will find The Lovers' emblem placed on almost every single grave in Nidea. While Lyana is considered to be more feisty and emotional, Galen is known for being more calm and grounded in almost every situation. It has been confirmed that The Lovers are the creators of Pnu, the most common and popular pet species of Nidea, and were Calamies of the Sea Tribe over 3,000 years ago, before ascending to Deities.
The Lovers' physical forms are close to being unknown, as they never show each other in front of others, most of the time not even the other Deities themselves. Nideans believe that The Lovers show themselves with the help of the sun and moon - Lyana during the day, and Galen during the night. Whenever there's an eclipse, Nideans host huge festivals in order to celebrate The Lovers' presence as one.
Because so many things resemble balance in Nidea and thus have a connection to The Lovers, almost every Calami worships them. Not only that, but the Pnu, also refered to as "The Lovers' Children" are an important part of Calamian culture, crucial to their every day lives.
Calamies make sacrifices to The Lovers for pretty much everthing that has nothing to do with the other Deities. While they do listen and respond to a lot of prayers, they refuse to help, if it would mean disturbing the balance in Nidea. Nideans often sacrifices moonstones and sunstones together, but The Lovers appreciate any kind of gemstone as a sacrifice.
Ignatis - The Warden
Ignatis, simultaneously called "The Warden", is the Deity of the Fire Tribe and responsible for justice in Nidea.
This Deity is a mysterious one, who never speaks to Nideans and in general seems to be of a rather introverted nature. Being the Deity of justice, Ignatis can be cruel to those with ill intentions, yet kind and gentle to those who have proven themselves to be of a good nature. They are not black and white, and more similar to Eksan than many might think. Ignatis' behaviour is similar to karma - you get what you give, at some point in your life, or afterlife.
Ignatis is the Deity who shows themselves the most. They are described as an androgynous individual with bat wings and a tail made of smoke, which seems to surround them at any time. Also, Ignatis does not fly, yet seems to hover above the ground, like a spirit. They never speak, and only ever communicate through telekinesis. However, most of the time Ignatis only speaks single words and negotiates through actions, not words. Because of that, most Calamies do not pray to them, but make sacrifices to them instead.
Ignatis accepts sacrifices of any kind, as they use them to help other creatures. Calamies make sacrifices to them either to make up for their past mistakes, or for their future ones. No matter what it is, Ignatis will accept them and take them into account.
Their relationship to the other Deities is neutral, although, ironically, Ignatis seems to be befriended to the Deity of the Forest Tribe, Eksan. They do, however, also get in trouble with Aer a lot, because both of them consider the other to interfere with their duties.