Aela

Aela
Basic Information
Title	The Tempest's Heart
Symbol	A swirling cloud with rain and lightning
Level	Intermediate
Alignment	Chaotic Neutral
Allowed Alignments	CG, N, CN, CE
Primary Portfolio	Rain, Seasons, Thunder, Weather
Secondary Portfolio	Agriculture, Cold, Harvest, Planting, Storms, Wind
Favored Weapon	Shortbow

Aela, in her fall look

Aela, the Tempest's Heart, reigns as an enigmatic deity of weather, her essence a portrait of chaotic neutral alignment. Her presence is as multifaceted as the skies she commands — in moments of tranquility, she is the serene breeze that whispers through the leaves, a presence of calm and collected poise. Yet, this tranquility is but the quiet before the storm. In an instant, her calm can erupt into a fierce tempest, her rage as sudden and unpredictable as a storm that cleaves the summer sky.

To mortals, Aela manifests in a form that mirrors the ever-changing seasons. Her skin shifts from the palest white of winter's embrace to the warm glow of a summer's sun, her eyes and hair a symphony of colors that dance with the turning of the seasons. In her human guise, she is a vision of the world's natural rhythm, her attire and visage changing as a vivid testament to her dominion over weather and life. Yet, beyond this visage, she holds the sacred form of a swallow, a symbol of her boundless freedom and her intimate bond with the skies she rules.

Symbol

Her symbol is a swirling cloud with rain and lightning, representing both her benevolent nature, but also her unpredictable character.

Relations With Other Deities

Aela, in winter times

Aela embodies the capricious and untamed spirit of the weather she commands. Her essence, woven into the fabric of the natural world, transcends the moral binaries that preoccupy many deities. As a deity of chaotic neutral alignment, she regards the eternal struggle between good and evil, and even the meticulous efforts of Aios, the deity of balance and neutrality, with a detached equanimity. To Aela, the universe operates on principles beyond moral dichotomies; it's a place where the winds of fate should blow freely, unrestricted by the rigid constraints of cosmic order or chaos.

Still, Aela's benevolent nature, her affinity for life and growth that resonates with her would likely make her rather side with a good cause, aligning with her underlying nurturing spirit, than with an evil one in the rare occasions she has to pick a side.

Her closest relation is with her couple Edmer, deity of nature, with whom she shares a bond of love and respect. Their union is a testament to the intrinsic connection between the weather and the natural world. Together, they bring forth their son Velthar, the deity of beasts and animals, a divine embodiment of the wild and instinctual aspects of nature. This family, bound by the fundamental forces of life, reflects a microcosm of the world's harmony and balance.

In this celestial dance of power and influence, Aela remains a figure of enigmatic potency. Her true commitment lies with the natural cycle of the world, the ebb and flow of seasons, the dance of life that unfolds beneath her watchful skies. The storms she brews and the calm she bestows are reflections of her free-spirited nature, a testament to her belief that the universe, in all its complexity, is a canvas where every force must find its own path, unguided and unrestrained.

What The Legends Say

Aela, walking through a forest in spring

Dogma

Aela, in summer

Aela's dogma is based on these principles:

• Embrace the Cycle: Acknowledge and respect the natural cycle of the seasons and weather. Just as the world transitions from the calm of a clear sky to the fury of a storm, so too should you accept the changes in life, understanding that each phase brings its own strength and lessons.

• Nurture Growth: Support the nurturing aspects of nature, just as Aela brings rain to nourish the earth. Engage in acts that promote life, growth, and renewal, understanding that your actions are part of the greater cycle of life.

• Respect the Whims of Weather: Understand that just as weather shapes the land, it also shapes the spirit. Embrace the unpredictability and power of the elements, recognizing that each bolt of lightning and each drop of rain serves a purpose in the broader tapestry of existence. Seek wisdom in the storm's roar and tranquility in the gentle caress of the breeze, knowing that the moods of the heavens reflect the ebb and flow of life itself.

• Seek Balance in Chaos: Embrace the chaotic nature of existence, finding your path amidst the unpredictable winds of fate. While Aela might not intervene in the moral struggles of the cosmos, she teaches that there is strength in flexibility and resilience in the face of life's tempests.

• Lean Towards Benevolence: Though Aela is unbound by the dichotomies of good and evil, her essence leans towards nurturing and protection. Her followers are encouraged to choose actions that promote wellbeing and harmony, aligning themselves with the gentle aspect of the storm.

Clergy and Temples

A cleric of Aela

In the world under the ever-changing sky, the clergy of Aela, The Tempest's Heart, maintain a profound harmony with the ebb and flow of the seasons. Reflecting Aela's free-spirited nature, this clergy is loosely organized, bound not by rigid hierarchies but by a shared devotion to the rhythms of nature. Their attire mirrors the dynamic spirit of Aela herself, with robes that transition through the palette of the year, echoing the tender hues of spring blossoms and the deep tones of autumn leaves and winter's chill.

These clerics and druids are the heart of their communities, always watching the sky and understanding what the weather will bring. They lead ceremonies and prayers to calm or call forth the weather, always respecting the power and mood of nature. In farming villages, they are especially important, using their knowledge to make sure the weather is just right for growing crops.

Among these devoted followers are the Stormshepherds, a select few who have a special connection with Aela. These powerful clerics can actually control the weather. They are respected and known for their ability to keep the balance, to quiet a storm or to bring rain when it's needed most.

The clergy of Aela are more than just followers; they truly embody her changing spirit. They are the bridge between the earth and the sky, deeply respected for their role in keeping harmony in the world.

Aela's temples are special places where people feel close to the sky and the weather. They are often built in areas where the weather is really noticeable, like high mountains, places near the ocean, or deep in the forest. These temples are built to be open and airy, letting the wind and sun come right in. They don't just have walls and roofs; they have open spaces for people to gather and feel close to nature.

In these temples, you'll find things like weather vanes and wind chimes that move with the breeze. They are decorated with pictures of clouds, rain, and lightning, showing how much the people honor Aela. The colors and lights inside the temples keep changing, just like the weather outside.

People come to these temples to celebrate the weather and the changing seasons. They have special ceremonies to welcome spring, ask for rain when it's dry, or say thank you after a big storm that helps the crops grow. These temples are also safe places where people can go when the weather gets really bad, like during a big storm.

Aela's temples are more than just buildings. They are places where the earth and the sky meet, and where people go to feel connected to the ever-changing weather and the natural world around them.

Initiation

Aela in swallow form

The journey to become a follower of Aela, the deity of weather and seasons, starts with a year of quiet dedication and connection to nature. This is a time for the initiate to truly understand and feel the rhythm of the natural world.

Each day, the initiate spends an hour away from their usual life to focus on the elements. This isn't done in grand temples but in simple, natural places like the top of a hill where the wind speaks, or in a forest where every leaf seems to tell a story. These moments of meditation aren't just about sitting quietly; they're about listening and feeling the world around them.

Guided by local clerics who know Aela's ways, the initiates find special spots where they feel closer to the deity. These places are not just locations but gateways to deeper understanding and connection.

Throughout the year, as the world changes from spring blooms to winter's frost, the initiates also collect small, natural items. A fallen leaf, a seed from a fruit – these are not just things but symbols of the time they've spent watching and understanding the seasons. Each item is picked with respect, as a meaningful part of their journey.

At the end of the year, the initiates spend a whole day in deep thought, surrounded by the items they've gathered. This day is for them to reflect on everything they've seen and felt – how the seasons change, how each element of weather plays a role in life, and how Aela's presence is in every part of this cycle.

In the land of Airalar, the journey to become a follower of Aela, the deity of weather and seasons, starts with a year of quiet dedication and connection to nature. This is a time for the initiate to truly understand and feel the rhythm of the natural world.

Each day, the initiate spends an hour away from their usual life to focus on the elements. This isn't done in grand temples but in simple, natural places like the top of a hill where the wind speaks, or in a forest where every leaf seems to tell a story. These moments of meditation aren't just about sitting quietly; they're about listening and feeling the world around them.

Guided by local clerics who know Aela's ways, the initiates find special spots where they feel closer to the deity. These places are not just locations but gateways to deeper understanding and connection.

Throughout the year, as the world changes from spring blooms to winter's frost, the initiates also collect small, natural items. A fallen leaf, a seed from a fruit – these are not just things but symbols of the time they've spent watching and understanding the seasons. Each item is picked with respect, as a meaningful part of their journey.

At the end of the year, the initiates spend a whole day in deep thought, surrounded by the items they've gathered. This day is for them to reflect on everything they've seen and felt – how the seasons change, how each element of weather plays a role in life, and how Aela's presence is in every part of this cycle.

The day after their deep reflection, the initiate is ready for the official initiation ritual. Together with a cleric of Aela, the initiate travels to one of the sacred places they've connected with during their year of preparation. This could be a spot where the natural world feels especially alive and close.

The ritual starts when the initiate kneels down and offers the natural gifts they've collected throughout the year. These are not just simple items but symbols of their dedication and understanding of the seasons and weather.

Next, both the initiate and the cleric say prayers. The cleric then pours rainwater over the initiate's head, a symbol of Aela's blessing and a sign of starting anew. In places where rain is rare, they use water from other natural sources, showing that Aela's presence and blessings are everywhere.

Then, the most crucial part of the ritual happens. The cleric asks the initiate if they are choosing to follow Aela by their own free will. When the initiate says yes, the cleric casts the initiation spell and seals their commitment and bond with Aela.

Finally, the cleric helps the initiate to stand up and warmly welcomes them as a new member of Aela's followers. This moment marks the end of the initiate's journey of learning and the start of a new chapter as a devoted follower of Aela, ready to walk the path with her guidance and the lessons of the natural world they've come to understand.