Subir'el

Subir'el (pronounced Sub-eye-r-el), "The Lady of Graves" is the goddess who shepherds Other World's recently-departed souls to their final reward. Upon death, souls migrate via the River of Souls to Subir'el's Boneyard in the Outer Sphere, which sits atop an impossibly tall spire that pierces the Astral Plane.
Subir'el, known as The Guiding Sentinel, is a deity of righteous death, judgement, and the guidance of souls to their rightful afterlife. She represents the compassionate and orderly aspects of the cycle of life and death, ensuring that souls are guided with fairness and benevolence to their final destinations. Subir'el's presence provides solace to the living and comfort to the departed, embodying the principles of justice and compassion in the face of mortality.
== Dogma: ==
Subir'el makes no decision on whether a death is just or not; she views all with a cold and uncaring attitude, and decides on which of the Outer Planes a soul will spend eternity. Subir'el is also the goddess of birth and prophecy: from the moment a creature is born, she sees what its ultimate fate will be, but reserves final judgement until that soul finally stands before her. As the goddess of death and rebirth, she abhors the undead and considers them a perversion.
Subir'el's followers uphold the principles of fairness, compassion, and the sanctity of life. They believe in the importance of a just and orderly transition from life to death, and they strive to ensure that souls are guided to their appropriate afterlife with care and reverence. Her clergy often act as judges, healers, and guides for those in need, providing support to the bereaved and maintaining a strong moral compass in the face of mortality's challenges.
== History: ==
Apart from Zer'el, Subir'el, along with her sisters El'ba and El'eusis are the oldest beings in creation. She, along with her siblings were responsible for shaping Other World in its earliest days and shielding it from Zer'el's corruptions. Subir'el with the other gods had input as El willed most of existence into being, including the Outer Sphere, numerous planes and the twenty four elders. 
Subir'el is counted among one of the original gods that opposed Zer-el in his corruptions and after his rape of El'eusis. 
== Appearance: ==
Subir'el, The Guiding Sentinel, is often depicted as a serene and ethereal figure, embodying the compassionate aspects of death and the guidance of souls. Her appearance reflects her role as a psychopomp and a beacon of comfort for those transitioning from life to the afterlife. Here is a description of Subir'el's appearance:
=== Physical Appearance: ===
Subir'el has long, flowing black hair that cascades down her back like a waterfall of shadows. Her hair seems to shimmer with a subtle silver radiance, reminiscent of the ethereal mists of her realm. Her skin has a luminous and pale quality, almost translucent, which gives her an otherworldly and serene aura.
Her eyes, a striking shade of gray, seem to hold the wisdom of ages and the depth of the cosmos. They radiate a gentle light that exudes warmth and compassion, offering solace to those who meet her gaze. Her features are delicate and refined, with an air of tranquility that belies the weight of her cosmic responsibilities.
=== Attire and Accessories: ===
Subir'el is often depicted wearing flowing robes that seem to blend seamlessly with the surrounding ethereal mists. Her attire may be adorned with symbols of balance, justice, and guidance, such as scales or delicate feathers. She may wear a circlet or tiara upon her brow, symbolizing her role as a divine sentinel and guide.
Around her neck, Subir'el may wear a pendant or amulet that represents the Beacon of Guidance, the central focus of her realm. This pendant may emit a soft, soothing light, symbolizing her role in illuminating the path for souls as they make their journey.
=== Presence and Aura: ===
Subir'el's presence exudes a sense of tranquility and compassion. When she appears, a subtle radiance envelops her form, casting a gentle, calming light that spreads a feeling of comfort and reassurance. Her aura is one of understanding and empathy, making her a comforting presence for those who seek her guidance in times of transition or sorrow.
Subir'el's appearance captures the essence of her role as The Guiding Sentinel, embodying the compassionate and serene aspects of death and the afterlife. Her black hair, gray eyes, and ethereal aura reflect her watchful presence over souls as they embark on their final journey, offering them guidance and comfort along the way.
== Relationships: ==
Subir'el's allies include deities of justice, healing, and protection. She opposes deities of chaos, undeath, and malevolent death. Her close relationship with other psychopomps and death-related entities further solidifies her role as a guardian of souls and a guide in the realm of the afterlife.
=== El'ba ===
Subir'el, The Guiding Sentinel, and El'ba, The Eternal Bond, along with their third sister El'eusis, form a divine trio that embodies fundamental aspects of the universe. Their relationship is one of profound interconnectedness, representing the interplay between life, death, and the bonds that tie all things together. 
==== Cosmic Balance and Harmony: ====
The triplet sisters Subir'el and El'ba each represent distinct aspects of existence, with Subir'el embodying death, judgement, and the guidance of souls, while El'ba embodies marriage, community, and love. Despite their differing domains, their connection is essential to maintaining the cosmic balance and ensuring that the cycle of life and death remains harmonious.
==== Guiding Souls and Strengthening Bonds: ====
Subir'el and El'ba's relationship reflects the interconnected nature of life and death. Subir'el's role as a guiding psychopomp ensures that souls are led to their rightful afterlife, while El'ba's influence helps forge the emotional and spiritual bonds that persist even beyond death. Together, they ensure that the transition from life to afterlife is not just orderly, but also meaningful and interconnected.
==== Synergy in Mortal Lives: ====
Mortals who seek guidance from Subir'el and El'ba often find themselves navigating the intricacies of life, death, and the relationships that shape their existence. Subir'el's followers may call upon her for comfort in times of grief and guidance in matters of justice, while El'ba's devotees may seek her blessings to strengthen bonds with loved ones and promote harmony within communities.
==== Celebrating the Circle of Life: ====
While Subir'el and El'ba represent seemingly opposite domains, their relationship highlights the cyclical nature of existence. Birth, life, and death are intertwined, and their respective influences ensure that this cycle remains harmonious and purposeful.
==== Triplet Unity: ====
Together with their sister El'eusis, who embodies order, justice, and balance, the triplet sisters represent a complete and interconnected vision of the cosmos. Each sister's role complements the others, creating a harmonious interplay of forces that guides and shapes the destinies of mortals and the unfolding of events.
The relationship between Subir'el and El'ba is a reflection of the intricate connections that bind all things in the universe. Their roles, while seemingly distinct, are intertwined in the grand tapestry of existence, ensuring that life and death are not separate, isolated concepts, but rather integral parts of a larger whole.
=== El'eusis ===
Subir'el, The Guiding Sentinel, and El'eusis, The Divine Arbiter, share a unique and profound relationship that reflects the intricate balance between justice, death, and the guidance of souls. Their connection is marked by mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to maintaining harmony within the cosmic order. 
==== Harmony and Balance: ====
Subir'el's role as a deity of death and psychopomp complements El'eusis' role as a goddess of justice and order. Together, they ensure that the transition from life to death is conducted with fairness, compassion, and a sense of purpose. Subir'el's guidance of souls aligns seamlessly with El'eusis' principles of upholding moral values and ensuring that justice prevails.
==== Guiding Souls and Ensuring Justice: ====
Subir'el's compassionate guidance of souls is a reflection of her dedication to ensuring that all beings find their rightful place in the afterlife. El'eusis, in turn, works to ensure that the actions of mortals are judged with integrity and that the scales of justice are upheld. Their combined efforts create a harmonious synergy, where the souls guided by Subir'el receive the just treatment and accountability overseen by El'eusis.
==== Coordinated Influence: ====
Mortals who navigate the complexities of moral decisions and the cycle of life and death often find themselves under the influence of both Subir'el and El'eusis. Followers of El'eusis may seek guidance from Subir'el in matters of death and bereavement, while those who honor Subir'el may look to El'eusis for guidance in upholding moral values and making righteous judgments.
==== Shared Values: ====
Subir'el's commitment to compassionate guidance and El'eusis' dedication to justice and order create a shared foundation of values. They both recognize the importance of maintaining balance and harmony within the universe, even as they embody different aspects of the cosmic cycle.
==== Divine Partnership: ====
Subir'el and El'eusis work in tandem to ensure that the cosmic balance is preserved, and that the lives and deaths of mortals are interconnected in meaningful and purposeful ways. Their partnership reflects the complexity and depth of the cosmic forces that shape the destinies of individuals and civilizations.
The relationship between Subir'el and El'eusis is characterized by their shared commitment to justice, order, and the meaningful transition of souls. Their cooperation underscores the interconnectedness of life and death within the grand tapestry of existence, ensuring that the universe remains in balance and that the cycle of life and death serves a greater purpose.
=== Micah'el ===
=== Zer'el ===
Subir'el, The Guiding Sentinel, and Zer'el, The Lord of Corruption and Death, represent two diametrically opposed forces within the cosmic balance. Their relationship is one of stark contrast, embodying the eternal struggle between light and darkness, compassion and malevolence, and the conflicting ideologies they personify.
==== Opposing Ideals: ====
Subir'el's role as a deity of psychopomp, guidance, and compassionate death stands in direct contrast to Zer'el's dominion over corruption, death, and darkness. While Subir'el seeks to ensure a just and orderly transition for souls, Zer'el embodies decay and chaos, embracing the darker aspects of existence.
==== Struggle for Souls: ====
The interplay between Subir'el and Zer'el is most evident in their shared involvement with souls. Subir'el guides souls to their rightful afterlife, offering them solace and comfort in their journey. In contrast, Zer'el's influence may attempt to corrupt and manipulate souls, potentially leading them down a path of malevolence and darkness.
==== Cosmic Tension: ====
The relationship between Subir'el and Zer'el creates a cosmic tension that shapes the destinies of mortals and influences the balance of the universe. Their opposing forces drive the struggles between life and death, creation and destruction, and the choices individuals make in their quest for meaning and purpose.
==== Influence on Mortals: ====
Mortals who find themselves at the crossroads of life and death may feel the pull of both Subir'el and Zer'el. Subir'el's guidance offers comfort and clarity, while Zer'el's allure may tempt individuals with promises of power or freedom from the constraints of mortality. The choices mortals make in these moments can determine the course of their existence and the ultimate fate of their souls.
===== Cosmic Balance: =====
While Subir'el and Zer'el are adversaries in their cosmic roles, their existence serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that underpins the universe. Light cannot exist without darkness, and the struggles between opposing forces contribute to the intricate tapestry of cosmic energies that shape the world.
In summary, Subir'el's relationship to Zer'el is one of profound contrast and tension, embodying the eternal struggle between compassion and corruption, and the delicate balance that defines the cosmic order. Their interaction shapes the destinies of souls and adds complexity to the intricate web of cosmic forces at play.
=== The Black Queen ===
=== Kal Rius ===
== Appearance: ==
Subir'el is most often depicted as an ashen-skinned woman with one red eye. She wears a dark, hooded, robe-like dress and holds an hourglass filled with red sand. She is alternatively depicted as a mad prophet, a reaper of the dead, or a midwife, depending on her current role. 
== Realm: ==
Subir'el, The Guiding Sentinel, rules over a realm known as the "Ethereal Sanctum," a plane that exists at the crossroads between the mortal realm and the afterlife. This ethereal realm serves as a place of transition for souls as they journey from the material world to their ultimate destinations in the afterlife. The Ethereal Sanctum embodies themes of order, guidance, and the fulfillment of destiny.
=== Description of the Ethereal Sanctum: ===
The Ethereal Sanctum is a realm of serene beauty and boundless expanses, where shimmering mists and gentle light fill the air. The landscape consists of ethereal landscapes that are reminiscent of the mortal world but infused with an otherworldly quality. Flowing rivers of silvery light wind through lush meadows, and towering crystalline spires rise from the ground, reflecting the souls passing through.
=== Guiding Beacons: ===
At the heart of the Ethereal Sanctum stands the Beacon of Guidance, a majestic structure that radiates a warm, inviting light. It serves as a focal point for souls entering the realm, drawing them toward their destined paths. The Beacon of Guidance is tended to by the spirits of psychopomps, who guide and comfort the newly arrived souls, offering them counsel and solace as they transition.
=== Halls of Judgment: ===
Within the Ethereal Sanctum are the Halls of Judgment, where souls are evaluated by wise and impartial arbiters. These ethereal judges, inspired by the principles of El'eusis, assess the deeds of the departed and ensure that justice is upheld. The Halls of Judgment echo with solemn echoes, and the decisions made here guide the souls' final destinations in the afterlife.
=== Gardens of Reflection: ===
The Gardens of Reflection are tranquil and verdant realms within the Ethereal Sanctum. Here, souls are given the opportunity to review and contemplate the events of their lives. They are encouraged to confront their past actions, seek understanding, and find closure before moving on to their next phase of existence.
=== Meeting of Sisters: ===
Within the Ethereal Sanctum, Subir'el occasionally convenes with her triplet sisters, El'eusis and El'ba. These meetings are moments of cosmic significance, where the sisters collaborate to ensure the continued balance and harmony of the universe. Their combined influence shapes the destinies of mortals and maintains the delicate equilibrium between life, death, and the bonds that tie all things together.
The Ethereal Sanctum is a place of purpose, guidance, and contemplation, where souls find solace as they journey from one phase of existence to the next. Subir'el's watchful presence ensures that each soul is guided with compassion and fairness, contributing to the greater cosmic order of which she is an integral part.
== Church of Subir'el: ==
=== Worshipers ===
Many of Subir'el's worshipers are those closely aligned with either burgeoning life or terminating death. These include midwives, grave diggers, and morticians. Pregnant women often carry small medallions bearing her likeness to protect their child. Her followers dress in black for her ceremonies (no matter the local custom), with their clothes adorned with silver, and carry tiny vials of holy water.
=== Clergy: ===
Subir'el's clergy includes judges, healers, psychopomps, and individuals who work with the dying and the deceased. They seek to ease the passage of souls, offering prayers, rituals, and guidance to those who have lost loved ones. Many followers also work to ensure that justice is upheld, both in life and death, and they strive to bring healing and protection to those in need.
=== Temples and shrines ===
Temples of Subir'el are often built as places of solace and reflection, where mourners and the faithful can come to seek guidance, offer prayers, and honor the memory of the departed. Shrines dedicated to Subir'el can be found near graveyards and places associated with death, serving as places of comfort and contemplation.
=== Holy texts ===
==== "Ember Rain: Guiding Light in the Shadows" ====
"Ember Rain," the holy book of Subir'el, The Guiding Sentinel, is a profound and sacred text that embodies the principles of compassionate death, guidance, and the transition of souls. Written in poetic prose and infused with wisdom, the book serves as a source of solace, guidance, and contemplation for both mortals and followers of Subir'el's teachings.
==== Contents and Themes: ====
"Ember Rain" is divided into sections that explore various aspects of Subir'el's domains. The book delves into the nature of death as a natural part of existence, highlighting the importance of embracing the cycle of life and the journey into the afterlife. It offers insights into the compassionate guidance provided by Subir'el to souls in their transition, and it emphasizes the significance of finding meaning and closure in the face of mortality.
The text also discusses the interplay between justice and compassion, exploring how Subir'el's influence ensures that souls are treated fairly and with empathy as they navigate the realms beyond. It offers teachings on the importance of maintaining balance, seeking harmony, and understanding the interconnectedness of all things.
==== Symbolism: ====
The title "Ember Rain" is symbolic of the delicate and transient nature of life, as well as the warmth and illumination that Subir'el brings to the process of death. The "embers" represent the fading light of mortal existence, while the "rain" signifies the guidance and compassion that Subir'el provides, gently leading souls on their journey to the afterlife.
Throughout the book, imagery of light, shadows, and ethereal landscapes is used to convey the themes of transition and guidance. The text encourages readers to find comfort in Subir'el's presence and to embrace the transformative journey that awaits all beings.
==== Rituals and Reflection: ====
Followers of Subir'el often turn to "Ember Rain" during times of mourning, using its verses to find solace and understanding in the face of loss. The book is also used in rituals dedicated to honoring the departed, seeking guidance for the living, and fostering a deeper connection to the realms of death and the afterlife.
"Ember Rain: Guiding Light in the Shadows" serves as a testament to Subir'el's compassionate nature and her role as a beacon of comfort and guidance in the realm of death. Its teachings inspire her followers to embrace the cycle of life and death with wisdom, grace, and a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all existence.
=== Holidays ===
* Day of Judgement (Tevet 1st): A solemn day of reflection and introspection, when followers contemplate their actions and seek to make amends for any wrongdoings. It is a time to remember the importance of fairness and compassion in all aspects of life.
* Harvest of Souls (Ember 3rd): A day of celebration and remembrance, when followers honor the memories of the departed and express gratitude for the lives that have passed. Offerings of flowers and incense are made at gravesites and shrines.
=== Favored animals ===
Subir'el, The Guiding Sentinel, holds a strong affinity for animals that symbolize transition, guidance, and the crossing between realms. Ravens, crows, and psychopompi are all fitting choices as her favored animals, each carrying unique symbolism that aligns with her role as a compassionate guide for souls.
1. Ravens and Crows: Ravens and crows are often associated with wisdom, mystery, and their keen intelligence. In various mythologies and cultures, these birds are considered messengers between the mortal world and the afterlife. Their black plumage, often associated with darkness and death, mirrors Subir'el's connection to the realm of the departed. Their presence could symbolize her watchful guidance and the transition of souls to the next phase of existence.
2. Psychopompi: Psychopompi are spiritual guides or escorts that assist souls in their journey from the material world to the afterlife. They play a crucial role in ensuring that souls are guided safely and compassionately to their rightful destinations. Subir'el's association with psychopompi reflects her role as a divine guide who offers comfort, clarity, and support to souls as they cross the threshold between life and death.
These favored animals serve as powerful symbols of Subir'el's domains and her compassionate influence over the process of death and the afterlife. They underscore her role as a guardian of souls and a beacon of light in the shadows, offering comfort and guidance to those in need.