Zexia

Zexia is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon, as the Goddess of Electricity. She is the youngest of the Six Elementals, the first children of Kovus and Astrios, and thus is one of the eldest gods. Revered as the divine embodiment of the untamed and raw power of electricity, she is often depicted as a figure of immense power and grace, wielding bolts of lightning with precision and authority. Her domain encompasses all manifestations of electricity, from the fearsome lightning storms that crackle across the sky to the subtle static charges that animate life's very essence. Zexia is not only a deity of destruction but also of creation, as her electrical energies are believed to spark the fires of life and innovation within the minds and hearts of her followers.
Worship of Zexia involves respecting the balance between the destructive and nurturing aspects of natural electricity. Her churches are usually situated in places of high elevation, often on mountaintops or other elevated terrains, where the air is alive with the electric charge of impending storms. Rituals dedicated to her are spectacular displays of electricity-based magic, designed to mimic the natural phenomena that she governs. Zexia's followers are adept at harnessing her power through magical means, often seeking her blessing for protection against electrical natural disasters or to empower their spells. As the Goddess of Electricity, Zexia represents a primal force within the world, a reminder of nature's awe-inspiring power and its inherent beauty.
== Symbology ==
Zexia's main symbols are deeply entrenched in the natural manifestations of her domain. The most prominent of these is the lightning bolt, representing her control over the raw and powerful force of electricity. Another significant symbol is the storm cloud, embodying the potential for both nurturing rains and destructive lightning strikes, reflecting the dual nature of her power. A less obvious but equally important symbol is the amber stone, anciently known for its ability to hold static electricity, symbolising the subtler aspects of her influence. Together, these symbols encapsulate the essence of Zexia's dominion over electricity, from its most fearsome expressions to its gentlest touches.
=== Personality ===
Zexia's personality mirrors the unpredictable and dynamic nature of electricity itself. She is depicted as possessing an intellect that sparks with creativity and innovation, always seeking to explore the boundaries of her domain. Despite her formidable power, she is also known for her sudden shifts in mood, ranging from the calm before a storm to the ferocity of a lightning strike. Yet, at her core, Zexia embodies a profound connection to life, demonstrating an understanding that her power must be used with wisdom and restraint. Her followers admire her for this balance of strength and empathy, seeing in her a guardian who both protects and enlightens.
Zexia's relationship with the other deities in the pantheon of Magnula is as complex and multifaceted as the forces she commands. As a figure of immense power, she commands respect from her divine counterparts, who acknowledge her role in maintaining the natural balance of the world. Some gods, particularly her fellow Elementals, find common ground with Zexia, recognising the interconnectedness of their domains. However, her unpredictable nature can sometimes cause friction, especially with deities favouring order and predictability (Bane most of all). Despite this, Zexia views her fellow gods with a sense of camaraderie, understanding that each plays a vital role in the tapestry of existence. Her approach is pragmatic, focusing on collaboration over conflict, striving towards the greater good of the world and its inhabitants.
=== Zexia's Realm, Voltic ===
Zexia's realm, known as Voltic, is a domain where the raw essence of electricity infuses every aspect of its existence. This realm is a visual spectacle, with ever-present, vibrant auroras that dance across the sky, illuminating the landscape with an ethereal glow. The terrain is marked by towering spires of crystalline structures, conducting the ambient electrical energy and occasionally releasing it in breath-taking displays of natural light shows. Storm clouds perpetually loom on the horizon, yet in this domain, they are not a sign of impending doom but rather a source of life and energy, constantly crackling with lightning that never seems to strike the same place twice. The air itself vibrates with power, a tangible reminder of Zexia's presence and authority over her domain.
For mortals, a visit to Voltic is an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. The intense energy that pervades this realm can be overwhelming, yet it also offers a unique sense of clarity and invigoration. Mortals may find some of their magical abilities heightened, drawing directly from the raw electricity that flows through the land. However, Zexia's realm demands respect; those who visit must be wary of the unpredictable and sometimes volatile nature of the environment. The experience of being so close to the primal force of electricity can be an experience of either enlightenment or death, depending on how carefully one treads here.
== Cult and Worship ==
Zexia is worshipped by a broad spectrum of individuals in Magnula, but most commonly from scholars and mages fascinated by the raw power and potential of electricity. Her worshippers often view her as a dual-natured deity, embodying both the destructive force of lightning and the life-giving essence of electrical energy. This duality resonates with many, who see in Zexia a reflection of the world's unpredictable yet essential balance. Her churches serve as places of learning as well as sanctuaries, where her followers can study the mysteries of electricity and conduct experiments to harness its power. Ceremonies and rituals often involve the use of static electricity and controlled lightning strikes.
The Cult of Zexia, the primary religious organisation dedicated to her worship, plays a significant role in spreading her teachings and integrating the use of electricity-based magic within society. Members of the cult, known as Conductors, are typically seen as guardians of knowledge, holding the secrets to expertly manipulating electrical energy in a world where such power is rare and revered. They are also involved in humanitarian efforts, using their understanding of electricity to aid in disaster relief, particularly after storms and natural calamities. Through their devotion to Zexia, the cult seeks not only to appease their deity but also to enlighten others on the benefits and dangers of the untamed electrical forces at their command.
== Trivia ==
* Zexia went through multiple drafts of her character before settling on the one we have. She actually began as a male deity, inspired by Zeus, but this shifted. The second draft was a younger, almost childlike deity (designed to mirror the relatively recent discovery of electricity). She was almost supposed to be a lot more technologically focused. Overtime, these all changed in some capacity.