Alphatia
by Aleksei Andrievski(Lady of Peace)
Lesser Power of Elysium, LG/Celestial of Energy, L
PORTFOLIO: Pacifism, artistry
ALIASES: Latehani (Sind)
DOMAIN: Elysium/Amoria/Cyprisia
DATE OF ASCENSION: 800 BC
SPONSOR: Razud
ALLIES: Razud, Koryis
FOES: Alphaks
SYMBOL: A glowing shield with paints dabbed on it like an artist's
palette
WAL: Any except CE (most are pacifists)
In her mortal life, Alphatia was Aasla, a common Alphatian woman.
She was born in Old Alphatia and travelled to Mystara together with
other Alphatians when the old empire was destroyed. Aasla and her
followers founded a new city (named after herself) on their new
continent. In the next 200 years, the city of Aasla and the kingdom
of Haven were transformed into a place of beauty, civilisation, and
art. Thus Aasla became the Immortal Alphatia.
The Church
CLERGY: Priests (Peacebringers)
CAL: LG, LN, NG, N
WEAPONS: Net, staff, club, thrown rock, sling, staff sling, lasso,
man catcher
ARMOUR: Up to chain mail
MAJOR SPHERES: All, Charm, Creation, Guardian, Healing,
Necromantic, Protection, Wards
MINOR SPHERES: Divination, Law, Sun
GRANTED POWERS: Turn Undead, +2 to saves vs. rod/staff/wand and
spells, Cure Light Wounds 1/day
BONUS PROFS: Priest's choice of either Healing or Artistic
Ability
DOGMA: Alphatia believes in a peaceful existence, enriched by
beauty and artistry. She abhors violence and wars, and encourages
her followers to speak for peace in the Alphatian Empire. This is
not to say that her followers cannot fight - they are merely not
allowed to initiate violence of any kind, except to defend
themselves or those under their protection. Even then, they must
strive not to slay their opponents, unless no other alternative
presents itself. Followers of Alphatia are also encouraged to
engage in artistic pursuits whenever possible, and they are
absolutely forbidden to damage any beautiful or artistic things.
Needless to say, followers of Alphatia are extremely hostile to the
followers of Alphaks, and the Immortal often looks the other way if
her followers initiate hostilities against Alphaksans.
DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES: Alphatia's priests spend their time in quiet
study or creation of art. They are not required to spend every
single moment of their day doing that, merely when it is possible
and when inspiration strikes them. They also travel around the
world, observing and admiring the beautiful arts of other people
and cultures. The priests are also a force for peace in the
Alphatian Empire, and they have several members of the clergy in
the Grand Council; these members advocate peace and speak out
against expansionist wars.
IMPORTANT CEREMONIES/HOLY DAYS: The 11th of Vatermont marks the
foundation of the city of Aasla. It is considered a holy day by
Alphatia's clergy, and on this day they are visited by divine
inspiration that allows them to create especially fine works of
whatever art they like most. Obviously, this day sees the creation
of a lot of beautiful things throughout the Alphatian Empire.
MAJOR CENTRES OF WORSHIP: Alphatia is worshipped mostly by common
folk in all regions of Alphatian Empire except Esterhold. More
imperialistic Alphatians scoff at her followers, but she is
nonetheless a patron of all Alphatian people. Alphatia also acts as
one of the protectors of Gentle Folk elves in the Hollow World. In
Sind, she is known as Latehani, patroness of pacifism, and has a
following among the lower castes and among the Kei mystics.
AFFILIATED ORDERS: As mentioned above, the Kei mystics of Sind take
a major part of their philosophy from the teachings of Alphatia
(Latehani). They emphasise self-defence by being out of the blow's
way before it lands. In Aasla, the Society of Artistic Devotion is
an art club whose members share their artistic insights with each
other and undertake joint projects to create particularly extensive
works of art. The wizardess Mylertendal is the Society's most
prominent member.
PRIESTLY VESTMENTS: Alphatia's priests wear ceremonial robes that
must contain all colours of the spectrum somewhere on their
surface. The colours can be arranged into any sort of images, or
just be mixed together randomly (though with artistic sense).
ADVENTURING GARB: When adventuring, priests of Alphatia also strive
to have all colours visible on their clothing somewhere. If they
carry shields, these are often coloured to represent the likeness
of Alphatia's symbol (and can be used as a holy symbol in
spellcasting).
Alphatian Spells
Artistic Inspiration (Enchantment)
Level: 2
Sphere: Charm
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 day/level
Casting Time: 1r
Area of Effect: 1 creature
Saving Throw: None
This spell instils a willing target creature with divine
inspiration, prompting him to create art objects. For the duration
of the spell, the creature gains +4 bonuses to all artistic
proficiencies, and on the roll of 3 or less he creates a truly
masterful work of art. During the time the spell is in effect, the
creature will feel an urge to create art objects, but is not in any
way forced to do so. Multiple works of art can be created with the
above bonuses as long as the spell persists. Only willing creatures
who are capable of creating art can be affected (thus most animals
and mindless creatures are excluded); undead are also not affected.
The spell does not make the target change his views on what
constitutes art; thus, works of art created by an orc would likely
be quite strange to most humans, while works of art created by a
mind flayer would probably include elements that are abhorrent to
members of other races (the priest should be careful in such cases
lest he himself become part of the art object).