Andrastia

Andrastia
Basic Information
Title	The Dreamweaver, The Guardian of the Dreamveil
Symbol	A dreamcatcher
Level	Lesser
Alignment	Neutral Good
Allowed Alignments	LG, NG, CG, N
Primary Portfolio	Dreams, Sleep, Stars
Secondary Portfolio	Home, Hospitality, Inspiration, Sorcery
Favored Weapon	Blowgun

Andrastia

Andrastia, deity of dreams, is a beloved figure in the Celestial Pantheon. Cloaked in the serene hues of the twilight sky, her visage is a reflection of the starlit heavens, with eyes that glimmer like distant constellations. Rarely speaking, she communicates in whispers through dreams and visions, her voice a soft echo in the slumbering minds of her devotees. Andrastia is a deity who offers profound tranquility and mystical guidance. Cloaked in the serene hues of the twilight sky, her visage is a reflection of the starlit heavens, with eyes that glimmer like distant constellations. Rarely speaking, she communicates in whispers through dreams and visions, her voice a soft echo in the slumbering minds of her devotees. Andrastia's realm is a sanctuary of peaceful repose, where the weary find solace and the lost receive guidance under her watchful, starry gaze.

Andrastia stands as a figure of timeless elegance and enigmatic wisdom. She appears as a woman whose age is a riddle, with skin as smooth and unblemished as youth, yet her hair, a cascade of long, grey braids, whispers of ancient secrets. Her eyes, deep pools of knowledge, shine with the wisdom of ages. Cloaked in a purple hooded robe that flows over her light white garments, she exudes a sense of mystic depth akin to the twilight sky. At her waist, numerous pouches hold the precious dreamdust, the essence of her dominion over dreams. In her hands, she wields a long pipe, an instrument she uses both to smoke as a tool to disperse her enchanting dusts. She also likes to appear as a cat of white and gray fur.

Symbol

A dreamcatcher that symbolizes her role as the weaver of dreams, guide through the subconscious, and her sovereignty over the realm of sleep.

Relations With Other Deities

Andrastia shines as a wise and nurturing deity of dreams. Her role in the Celestial Pantheon is like a gentle star, guiding and comforting those with pure hearts, especially those seeking spiritual support. Andrastia's wisdom is highly valued in the celestial hierarchy. She often acts as a mediator among the gods, her calming influence resolving divine disputes. Her insights are sought after and cherished. Because of that she is a well respected and beloved member. Her mystical nature has also forged a strong bond with Devian, the deity of Magic. Together, they ensure a harmonious balance between the mystical realms of dreams and magic.

In stark contrast to her benevolence is her dislike of evil and, in particular, of Serkar, the deity of fear and nightmares. This conflict goes beyond mere disagreement; it's a battle between comfort and fear. Andrastia tirelessly works to protect her followers from Serkar’s dark influence, teaching them to spread hope and courage in the face of despair.

Dogma

Andrastia's owl form

Andrastia's dogma is based on the following tenets:

• Seek Wisdom in Dreams: Andrastia teaches that dreams are not just reflections of our subconscious but also gateways to deeper understanding and wisdom. Her followers are encouraged to seek guidance and insight through their dreams, viewing them as sacred messages to be interpreted and cherished.

• Nurture Peace and Comfort: As the deity of dreams and comfort, Andrastia's dogma emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining peaceful environments. Her worshippers strive to be sources of comfort and solace, offering aid to those in distress and ensuring that homes and sanctuaries are havens of rest and rejuvenation.

• Dreams as Wellsprings of Inspiration: Andrastia's dogma holds that dreams are powerful sources of creativity and innovation. Her adherents believe that dreams can spark new ideas and artistic expressions, enriching the world with imaginative thoughts and creations.

• Preserve Memory through Dreams: This tenet teaches that dreams are not only reflections of the present but also keepers of the past. Followers of Andrastia use their dreams to connect with and preserve memories, ensuring that important experiences and lessons are not forgotten but rather held close and honored.

• Protect the Minds and Souls: Andrastia's opposition to Serkar, the deity of nightmares, translates into a directive to safeguard the minds and souls of the innocent from corruption and fear. Her adherents are tasked with combating the spread of nightmares and malevolent influences, often through rituals, prayers, or acts of kindness.

Clergy and Temples

A cleric of Andrastia sharing her wisdom

The clergy of Andrastia are a revered and distinctive presence, embodying the grace and benevolence of their deity. With a structure that is solid yet unpretentious, their organization is a reflection of Andrastia’s own straightforward and nurturing nature.

Among their ranks, sorcerers are a common sight, their arcane talents resonating deeply with the mystical domain of dreams and inspiration that Andrastia oversees. These sorcerers, along with their fellow clergy, are welcomed warmly in communities far and wide. Their demeanor, mirroring the benevolence of Andrastia, brings a sense of peace and comfort wherever they go.

The attire of Andrastia’s clergy is both scholarly and symbolic. They are often seen in scholar outfits that speak of a studious life dedicated to understanding the deeper mysteries of the world. Over these robes, they don the purple hooded cloak, a direct homage to Andrastia’s depicted form. This cloak, more than just clothing, is a symbol of their commitment to the path of dreams and solace.

Central to their duties is the dedication to the study and interpretation of dreams. These dream scholars delve into the mysteries of the subconscious, interpreting the messages and visions experienced in sleep. They hold a key role in guiding individuals to find meaning and direction from their dreams, much as Andrastia herself whispers wisdom in the slumber of her devotees.

Another defining characteristic of Andrastia’s clergy is their eagerness to aid those in need. This is especially true for individuals tormented by recurring nightmares. In such cases, the clergy's compassion and expertise are a beacon of hope. They employ both spiritual and arcane methods to alleviate these afflictions, often succeeding in restoring peace to troubled minds.

The temples of Andrastia stand as beacons of hope and wisdom, nestled in the heart of communities or perched at their edges. These sacred havens are not isolated retreats but vibrant centers of spiritual life, always within reach of those who seek their solace. Each temple is imbued with an aura of tranquility and introspection, mirroring the serene essence of Andrastia herself. They are places of refuge, not just in a spiritual sense but also as sanctuaries for those in need of physical shelter. The doors of Andrastia's temples are open to all, embodying the deity's unwavering commitment to aid and comfort. No soul in need, whether seeking shelter from the storms of life or the turmoil of the mind, is ever turned away.

In the rich tapestry of Airalar, the temples of Andrastia stand as beacons of hope and wisdom, nestled in the heart of communities or perched at their edges. These sacred havens are not isolated retreats but vibrant centers of spiritual life, always within reach of those who seek their solace.

Each temple is imbued with an aura of tranquility and introspection, mirroring the serene essence of Andrastia herself. They are places of refuge, not just in a spiritual sense but also as sanctuaries for those in need of physical shelter. The doors of Andrastia's temples are open to all, embodying the deity's unwavering commitment to aid and comfort. No soul in need, whether seeking shelter from the storms of life or the turmoil of the mind, is ever turned away.

People from all walks of life are drawn to these temples, each seeking something different yet equally sacred. Artists, poets, and thinkers come in search of inspiration, hoping to find in their dreams the spark of creativity that will ignite their next masterpiece. They come with visions and ideas, seeking the guidance of the skilled dream interpreters among Andrastia’s clergy, who help them navigate the labyrinth of their subconscious and bring forth the treasures hidden within.

Similarly, those burdened with troubles or seeking wisdom find solace within these walls. The clerics of Andrastia, renowned for their ability to decipher the cryptic language of dreams, offer counsel and insight. They listen, interpret, and guide, transforming the ethereal messages of the night into tangible wisdom and comfort.

Initiation

The initiation process for becoming a follower of Andrastia is a deeply spiritual and introspective journey, reflecting the core tenets of Andrastia’s worship—dreams, sleep, and understanding. One year prior to the initiation, the journey begins with a crucial step: the initiate must approach a cleric of Andrastia to request preparation for the ceremonial rite. This marks the commencement of a year-long period of profound personal exploration and spiritual growth.

During this year, the initiate engages in nightly meditations, delving into the essence of sleep and dreams. This practice is not just a ritual but a pathway to understanding the deeper mysteries that Andrastia governs. Each morning, upon awakening, the initiate records their dreams, painstakingly noting every detail and symbol. The task of interpreting these dreams is a crucial one, as it is believed that within these nightly visions lie the teachings and wisdom of Andrastia herself.

The initiate faces a choice: to undergo this year of discovery within the sacred walls of a temple of Andrastia, offering their services in exchange for shelter and guidance, or to embark on this journey independently. Both paths are equally respected, each offering its unique challenges and rewards.

As the year draws to a close, the initiate returns to the temple, their mind and spirit enriched by the experiences of the past months. On the final day, a solemn period of isolation and introspection is observed. This day is marked by wakefulness, a symbolic vigil as the initiate prepares for the culmination of their journey.

As dusk approaches, the initiate lies down to rest, their heart and mind open to Andrastia. In this sacred moment, as they offer their dreams to the deity, a cleric gently guides them into sleep. It is in this state of slumber that the initiation spell is cast, a mystical rite that binds the initiate to Andrastia. The next day they finally awake as a follower of her faith.