Aya

Aya
Titles	Spark of Imagination Goddess Who Listens to Prayers
Type	Pantheonic deity
Areas of concern	Curiosity, art, music, invention, philosophy
Typical worshipers	Artists, musicians, inventors, philosophers
Domains	Change, Creation, Freedom, Luck, Passion
Divine font	Heal
Divine skill	Crafting or Performance
Divine ability	Dexterity or Wisdom
Favored weapon	Rapier
Symbol	A hand drawing its own arm
Sacred animal	Seahorse or horse
Sacred color	Any

Aya (pronounced EYE-ah) is the goddess of curiosity, art, music, invention, and philosophy.

Edicts and anathema

Edicts

Creatively express yourself, share art with others, ask questions

Anathema

Create repetitive or derivative works, offer criticism without suggestions for improvement, belittle the sincere efforts of another, accept an answer without question

Description

In the mythos told by her clergy, Aya could not rest after her role in creating the world had concluded. She had loved her tasks, the small flourishes she added to the scenery and the color she added to the sunset. Unwilling to see all the wonder in the world go unappreciated, Aya guided the first mortals in how to use what was around them to express themselves. She showed them how to use pigments to make lines on cliff faces and cave walls, as well as how to shape clay and other materials of the earth into new forms. By doing so she provided the first spark of creativity that exploded into a multitude of forms, as the first artist taught their technique to the next, expanding around the world as the wonder of art was uncovered by all.

Aya is the patron of all artists, no matter their canvas. Her faith teaches that expressing one's creativity is the greatest calling in life, whether one chooses to do so with painting, sculpting, writing, music, or some other means. Her devoted followers find myriad ways to pray to their goddess, all according to their own personal callings.

Not all followers of Aya choose to express their faith through art. She is a goddess of creativity above all else, and all types of creativity that bring wonder and provoke the imagination are believed to be appreciated by the goddess. Inventors commonly worship Aya as they design ingenious new contraptions and devices. Likewise, philosophers frequently find themselves drawn to Aya’s faith - creative lines of thought are as valuable to her followers as any physical art.

However, not all art, invention, or thought is considered holy to Aya's faith. Those that churn out repetitive or derivative works without personal touch or care for detail are frowned upon, as are those that create art designed to intimidate, propagandize, or otherwise discourage independent thought. To create art for insincere or evil means is far worse to her faith than to create no art at all.

Followers

Artists of all kinds often pray to Aya in hopes of receiving a creative spark from the divine, as do inventors, philosophers, and others who place great value on the power of imagination. Many who appreciate artistic works often worship the goddess as well, even if they do not create art of their own. Expression of one's self through artistic means, new inventions, or unique lines of thought are the highest form of prayer to Aya's devotees, though a respect for the achievements of others is not far behind in importance. To Aya's faith, effort and sincerity matters far more than final quality, and even those that have much to learn in matters of technique and form are wholeheartedly embraced by the religion.

Church structure

Aya has organized churches around the world, though they are usually rather small in scope, each encompassing only a small region within a nation. Her followers are rarely concerned with religious politics or maintaining tradition in the faith, and therefore organize together more to share the joys of their works.

Holy text

Aya's holy text is the Divine Form, a work of art that has been rendered and interpreted in myriad ways. There is no standard or original copy of the Divine Form. Rather, its details are up to the creator of each particular version. There are some similarities between them, however - for example, they almost all include a depiction of the goddess Aya. Whether painted in a realistic form on canvas, sculpted in an abstract manner out of stone or clay, etched on a cliff face, or rendered in some other way, completion of one's personal Divine Form is seen as an important rite to Aya's most devoted followers. Not only must one undertake and complete the work, but they must first determine what particular style calls to them the strongest.

Relations

The faithful of Aya can find common ground with many; any who similarly value creative expression are well-liked by her religion. The faiths of Aduntarri and Taliash are particular allies to followers of Aya. Evil or self-serving deities are almost always seen as enemies, especially Tarhunz and Malavisch. Malavisch in particular is reviled for how his clergy enthusiastically adopt art as propaganda for their own causes. Lawful neutral deities like Nisaba and Hasamel are seen in a more complex manner. Though the followers of Hasamel and Aya are both very interested in fine craftsmanship and the creation of new works, they split over the value of creativity - Hasamel's devotees would rather find a technique that works well and refine it to perfection, while those of Aya prefer to experiment.

Depiction

Aya is typically depicted as a humanoid figure, sometimes dressed in fine clothes or in the garb of an artist, depending on the pantheon. She is often depicted as artistically creating her own form, usually by sculpting or painting herself.

Variations by pantheon

Pantheon	Name	Notes
Aserdian	Anka'a	Anka'a (pronounced on-kah AH) is a goddess of curiosity, art, invention, and philosophy. She provides sparks of inspiration to those that put their minds to creative tasks, aiding them in seeing the world in novel ways. She is also associated with the sun and light, and either directly or through her followers she is said to have brought color to the world. Anka'a is additionally considered to be a goddess of language - many followers of the Aserdian pantheon believe language was a gift from the goddess, not originally for the purpose of communication but rather as a form of music. Anka'a is most often depicted as a humanoid figure dressed in the garb of an artist, hard at work on her artistic pursuits. Statues of the goddess sculpting herself out of clay, usually with the upper half of her form complete and the bottom half far more rough, are found especially widely in her temples. These temples usually resemble workshops more than areas for prayer; to Anka's faithful, creation of artistic works is a form of prayer in itself.
Chaskan	Aya	Aya (pronounced EYE-ah) is the goddess of curiosity, art, music, invention, philosophy, mediation, and diplomacy. She grants sparks of inspiration to her followers, aiding them in creating their masterpieces, whether those be artistic, mechanical, or philosophical in nature. Aya is additionally seen as a peacemaker. Those that attempt to mediate disputes and bring an end to conflicts often pray Aya for advice. As art can bring people together, so to do followers of Aya believe dialogue can end strife and discord. Aya is the patron of all artists, no matter their canvas. Her faith teaches that expressing one's creativity is the greatest calling in life, whether one chooses to do so with painting, sculpting, writing, music, or some other means. Her devoted followers find myriad ways to pray to their goddess, all according to their own personal callings. Not all followers of Aya choose to express their faith through art. She is a goddess of creativity above all else, and all types of creativity that bring wonder and provoke the imagination are believed to be appreciated by the goddess. Inventors commonly worship Aya as they design ingenious new contraptions and devices. Likewise, philosophers frequently find themselves drawn to Aya's faith - creative lines of thought are as valuable to her followers as any physical art. However, not all art, invention, or thought is considered holy to Aya's faith. Those that churn out repetitive or derivative works without personal touch or care for detail are frowned upon, as are those that create art designed to intimidate, propagandize, or otherwise discourage independent thought. To create art for insincere or evil means is far worse to her faith than to create no art at all. Artists of all kinds often pray to Aya in hopes of receiving a creative spark from the divine, as do inventors, philosophers, and others who place great value on the power of imagination. Many who appreciate artistic works often worship the goddess as well, even if they do not create art of their own. Expression of one's self through artistic means, new inventions, or unique lines of thought are the highest form of prayer to Aya's devotees, though a respect for the achievements of others is not far behind in importance. To Aya's faith, effort and sincerity matters far more than final quality, and even those that have much to learn in matters of technique and form are wholeheartedly embraced by the religion. In the mythos told by her clergy, Aya could not rest after her role in creating the world had concluded. She had loved her tasks, the small flourishes she added to the scenery and the color she added to the sunset. Unwilling to see all the wonder in the world go unappreciated, Aya guided the first mortals in how to use what was around them to express themselves. She showed them how to use pigments to make lines on cliff faces and cave walls, as well as how to shape clay and other materials of the earth into new forms. By doing so she provided the first spark of creativity that exploded into a multitude of forms, as the first artist taught their technique to the next, expanding around the world as the wonder of art was uncovered by all. Aya has organized churches around the world, though they are usually rather small in scope, each encompassing only a small region within a nation. Her followers are rarely concerned with religious politics or maintaining tradition in the faith, and therefore organize together more to share the joys of their works. Aya's holy text is the Divine Form, a work of art that has been rendered and interpreted in myriad ways. There is no standard or original copy of the Divine Form. Rather, its details are up to the creator of each particular version. There are some similarities between them, however - for example, they almost all include a depiction of the goddess Aya. Whether painted in a realistic form on canvas, sculpted in an abstract manner out of stone or clay, etched on a cliff face, or rendered in some other way, completion of one's personal Divine Form is seen as an important rite to Aya's most devoted followers. Not only must one undertake and complete the work, but they must first determine what particular style calls to them the strongest. Aya is typically depicted as a humanoid figure, sometimes dressed in fine clothes or in the garb of an artist, depending on the pantheon. She is often depicted as artistically creating her own form, usually by sculpting or painting herself.
Hellean	Eutychia	In the Hellean pantheon, Eutychia is also considered a goddess of luck. Her followers believe unexpected good fortune to be the manner in which the goddess shows her favor, whether in the form of artistic inspiration, a sudden windfall, or an unforeseen opportunity.
Khapeshan	Meshkenet	In the Khapeshan pantheon, Meshkenet is considered to be the patron of gardeners. Many of her followers pray to her by carefully tending to their plants, and especially to their flowers. Butterflies are closely associated with Meshkenet, and it is believed that the goddess shows her favor by sending swarms of the beautiful insects to the gardens of her most devoted.
Laurentian	Gudjon	In the Laurentian pantheon, Gudjon is associated with magic, and especially with conjuration magic. Mages that can pull objects and creatures from the ether are thought to be blessed by Gudjon just like any other artist. In the Laurentian pantheon, Gudjon is usually seen as more neutral-aligned than good-aligned.
Dwarven	Brulnan	In the Dwarven pantheon, Brulnan is the goddess of fine craftsmanship. She is often depicted as the apprentice of Tharrus, a student with sometime unconventional ideas from whom even the master can learn.
Elven	Ais	Ais (pronounced ICE) is the foremost goddess in the Elven pantheon, not only the patron of artists and inventors but also the deity that ensures the continued existence of the universe. As the main protector against the great beast Voltumna, Ais is responsible for the defense of the world and the cosmos. Her followers believe they have a divine commandment to outpace Voltumna's endless appetite for destruction by continually create new art and seeking new inspirations. Ais is seen as a goddess of protection, and many of her faithful in the Elven pantheon imbue their works with warding magic to shield those around them. Ais' clergy are often rather militant, both skilled at matters of both art and combat. They dexterously weave these two distinct focuses into one, turning their method of fighting into a form of elegant yet dangerous dance. These clergy are well-organized and well-trained, and becoming a priest of Ais requires a great many years of study at one of the many temples to the goddess. Depictions of Ais vary, but most commonly she takes the appearance of an elven woman armed with a paintbrush or chisel in one hand and a shield in the other.
Orcish	Agtazu	In the Orcish pantheon, Agtazu is seen as a goddess of hope. She represents the joy that can be found in even the bleakest times, the knowledge that there will always be better days ahead.