Avishraa Reloaded

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====== Siath ======
The central figure, and namesake, of the [[mythology:imperial_religion:siathar:]] is **Siath** Herself. Though She indeed has this name, only Her priestesses are permitted to call her by it, and only in their most private and sacred ceremonies; any other to use Her name, from the lowliest male to the mightiest matriarch, is guilty of gravest sacrilege. Therefore, in society at large, if She is referred to in Her totality at all, She is typically referred to simply as the Sixfold Eminence or the Most Eminent. More commonly, She is called by the label of one of Her aspects (most frequently the Mother), for it is characteristic of the Sixfold Eminence, and the source of Her appellation, that She is one goddess in many forms. These six forms, or aspects, each represent - and provide protection and support to - one of the major feminine roles, and together embody the sum total of female power and ability.

Her totality is rarely presented in graphic form, but when it is, She generally appears as a takma of six heads facing in all directions, yellow-brown of body with red facial markings. Her symbol, which is used more frequently, is a hexagon with its points touching an enclosing circle, each point joined by a line to the center.

To call upon the Most Eminent in Her totality is rarely done except in direst need or by the exceptionally bold (some might say arrogant). To ask for Her full attention and power might be required to avert catastrophe, but in nearly any other situation this would be viewed, so to speak, as 'overkill': at best, an overreaction and a waste of Her time; at worst a gross discourtesy, a negligent treatment of the goddess that She Herself might feel deserving of a reprimand. It is far more appropriate to call upon that aspect of Her that is suited to the moment. These aspects are listed below. However, as Her priestesses (for the consecrated servants of the Most Eminent are always and without exception female) are quick to remind the masses, the six aspects are not different goddesses and should not be thought of as such. There is only the one goddess, who plays many roles at once. As such, Her priestesses always serve the Most Eminent in Her totality, regardless of which aspect She is presenting.

===== The Smith =====
The Great Smith exudes strength and vitality. From the might of Her paws comes the carved stone of a city wall and the finest filigree of a decorated headdress; through Her skill, metal is shaped into the strongest of blades or the finest of wires. Both males and females invoke the Great Smith for skill and inspiration in crafting, manufacturing, and physical artistry: metalworking, pottery, stonecarving, woodcarving, sculpture, and so on. From Her, also, come physical strength, endurance, and fortitude.

The Great Smith is represented as a golden takma, young and powerfully muscled, with steel cuffs upon Her front forelegs and a steel collar around Her neck. Her totem is the hammer.

===== The Warrior =====
The Great Warrior is a formidable being, and well She should be. She stands between the divine Siathar and their enemies, both their leader in battle and their last line of defense. When those who go to war pray for the strength of their armor and the keenness of their weapons, for courage in battle and for protection against their enemies, it is to the Great Warrior they pray.

The Great Warrior is represented as a blue takma, clad in armor and helm and towering above those around Her. Her totem is the spear or javelin.

===== The Temptress =====
The Great Temptress, though casual and relaxed, draws all eyes to Her. She is the center of attention: females wish to know Her ways, and males wish to know Her better. It is She who is consulted in matters of love and attraction, whether physical or of the heart; She may be invoked to increase sexual desire, to ensure a happy marriage, to gain (or ward off) the attention of a suitor, or as an oracle to find a suitable partner. Though Her following is mostly female - males more frequently turn to Her counterpart, [[mythology:imperial_religion:siathar:arthyd|Arthyd the Lover]] - the Temptress is also consulted by male worshippers who seek insight into the female mind, or who simply feel that having support from both members of the divine duo couldn't hurt. The Temptress is said to be friendly to such requests; after all, a successful pairing is a win-win.

The Great Temptress is represented as a red takma, voluptuous and shapely; if she is depicted as wearing anything other than a smile, it is a garland of flowers upon her head. Her totem is the [[species:iraah]] flower.

===== The Mother =====
The Great Mother is serene and loving, kind and generous, and probably the most popular aspect of the Most Eminent among the common takma; it is a sorry soul indeed whose own mother cannot give them love and guidance. Therefore the Mother, although of course sought after by females for increased fertility and protection during egglaying, is more generally prayed to also for advice and aid. She is seen as somewhat more stern and even-handed in this respect than [[mythology:imperial_religion:siathar:toan|To'an the Father]], who sometimes spoils His worshippers, but far more sympathetic than some of the other aspects of the Most Eminent can sometimes be.

The Great Mother is represented as a purple takma with Her forelegs cradling a swollen belly, usually wearing the necklace of a married female, usually either in repose or seated. Her totem is the fruit of the [[species:iraah]].

===== The Matriarch =====
The Great Matriarch is fair and just, but impersonal and stern. She is strong, but it is not the metallic, muscular strength of the Smith, hot, sharp, and malleable; Hers is the strength of stone, passive, but hard and unyielding, and it lies in the bones when the muscles have weakened. The Matriarch gives commands and makes judgments; worshippers turn to her for justice in the face of crimes and wrongs, to adjudicate disputes, for decision in the face of uncertainty. Her aid is also sought in times of social unrest and disorder, and is seen as supporting lawful authority. For this, She has a strong following among the ruling classes, who encourage Her cults, and is also well beloved by the Srians among the Chosen, though Kaeans fear to call upon Her more than is required by politeness.

The Great Matriarch is represented as a green takma wearing a fine cloak, with a crown and collar of precious metals, inset with gems. Her totem is a curved horn.

===== The Elder =====
The Great Elder, as might be expected, is past her prime, but what She has lost in physical prowess, She has more than gained in knowledge, wisdom, and experience. The other aspects of the Most Eminent provide advice in their own spheres, which, though often complicated, are commonplace, but it is to the Elder that one turns when faced with an unfamiliar situation (though the challenges of old age are also a popular topic). She is also the patron of lorekeepers, scholars, and learning, and in Her name temples of the Most Eminent frequently have libraries, schools, and collections of artifacts associated with them.

The Great Elder is represented as an orange takma, bowed with age, often dressed in a robe. Her totem is the book.

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