Baltrea

Baltrea is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon. She is the Goddess of Light, standing as a beacon of hope and guidance. She is revered as the embodiment of purity, enlightenment, and protection, casting her benevolent gaze upon those who seek the path of righteousness and truth. Baltrea's divine essence is believed to permeate the very air, infusing the world with a gentle, illuminating glow that safeguards the realm from the shadows of malevolence. Her followers are bestowed with the strength to ward off darkness, both literal and metaphorical, making her a pivotal figure in the spiritual lives for many Imperial citizens.
The worship of Baltrea is characterised by ceremonies that honour the light, with churches and shrines bathed in her radiant splendour, often situated in places graced by the dawn's first light. Her clerics and paladins are not only warriors of faith but also beacons of hope, spreading her teachings and benevolence across the land. These devout followers are guided by principles of compassion, justice, and wisdom, reflecting Baltrea's own virtues. The lore surrounding Baltrea is rich with tales of her interventions in times of great darkness, where her light served as a guide to lost souls and a shield against the encroaching shadow.
== Symbology ==
The primary symbols of Baltrea are deeply rooted in imagery associated with luminosity and protection. The radiant sun, representing her unwavering presence and the source of all light, stands as her foremost emblem, which often brings her worshippers into 'polite disagreements' with those who follow Amatreox, the Sun Goddess. A silver flame, encapsulating both purity and the ability to banish darkness, serves as another significant symbol, frequently appearing in rituals and sacred objects. Her followers also revere the white dove, a sign of peace and the divine messenger of Baltrea's will, embodying her gentle and guiding nature. These symbols are integral to the practice of her worship, each reflecting aspects of her essence and the virtues she instills in her followers.
=== Personality ===
Baltrea's personality is marked by an unwavering benevolence and an infinite capacity for compassion. Her behaviour is often perceived as somewhat maternal in nature, offering guidance and support to those who seek her wisdom. Her essence is one of calm reassurance, always providing a beacon of hope in times of despair. Despite her gentle demeanour, Baltrea possesses a resolute strength, standing firm against the forces of darkness with unyielding resolve.
Within the celestial hierarchy of the Imperial Pantheon, Baltrea is highly respected and holds a position of significant influence. Her relationships with the other gods are characterised by a mutual respect born out of her inherent virtues of compassion and wisdom. While she is known for her conciliatory approach and seeks harmony among the pantheon, Baltrea does not shy away from opposing those who threaten her light. Most of the other gods view her as a stabilising force, often turning to her for guidance. In turn, Baltrea regards many of her fellow deities with a sense of fraternity. Her diplomatic nature and genuine desire for peace make her a valued ally and confidante among the gods.
== Baltrea's Realm, Radiant Vale ==
Baltrea's realm, known as the Radiant Vale, is a divine domain where light exists in its purest and most overwhelming form. This place is a boundless expanse of luminous beauty, with landscapes that gleam under a never-setting sun. The terrain itself is sculpted from crystalline structures that refract the omnipresent light, casting myriad rainbows that dance across the Vale. Majestic palaces of glowing quartz rise from the radiant plains, surrounded by rivers of liquid light that flow gently through this ethereal paradise. The air is filled with a serene glow, imbuing the realm with a sense of eternal dawn. The Radiant Vale is a manifestation of Baltrea's essence, a place where light does not merely illuminate but exists as the very fabric of creation.
For mortals, a journey to the Radiant Vale is fraught with peril, primarily due to the overwhelming intensity of the light. Unprepared visitors will be blinded as soon as they look upon the realm, as their mortal senses are ill-equipped to handle the divine luminosity that permeates this place. Pilgrims seeking Baltrea's wisdom must undergo rigorous spiritual preparation, often aided by her clerics, to shield their eyes and souls from the blinding glare. Those who succeed in these preparations are granted the rare privilege of beholding the Vale's splendour without harm. The experience of visiting Baltrea's realm is said to leave an indelible mark on the soul, imbuing visitors with a fragment of her radiant grace.
== Cult and Worship ==
Baltrea is worshipped across Magnula by those who seek the virtues of light, purity, and protection in their lives. Her followers encompass a broad spectrum of society, ranging from humble farmers praying for the sun's blessing on their crops, to valiant warriors seeking the strength to combat darkness in all its forms. Scholars and sages also hold Baltrea in high esteem, associating her with the pursuit of knowledge and the enlightenment of the mind. Her worship is particularly appealing to those who have faced adversity and seek solace in her guiding light. Rituals dedicated to Baltrea involve the lighting of candles and lanterns, symbolising the presence of her divine light. Ceremonies are often held at dawn or during solar eclipses, moments when the power of light over darkness is most poignant. Her churches and shrines are adorned with reflective materials to amplify the light, creating spaces filled with warmth and brilliance, where devotees can feel her comforting presence.
The Cult of Baltrea, the main religious organisation devoted to her worship, plays a pivotal role in spreading her teachings and rituals. This organised faith is led by high priests and priestesses who have demonstrated profound devotion and have undergone significant spiritual experiences attributed to Baltrea's intervention. They oversee the construction and maintenance of churches, the training of clerics and paladins in her service, and the organisation of festivals celebrating key moments of light, such as the solstices. The Cult also engages in charitable works, reflecting Baltrea's principles of compassion and protection, providing aid to those in need and shelter to those fleeing darkness. Membership in the Cult is open to all who wish to follow Baltrea's path, with initiates undergoing a period of teaching and reflection to deepen their understanding of her virtues. The Cult's influence extends beyond religious practices, promoting social harmony and acting as mediators in conflicts, embodying Baltrea's ideals of peace and unity.
== Trivia ==
* Part of Baltrea's name was inspired by the Norse god Baldr, who is seen as a light god. The rest of her character comes from the stereotypical goodness and virtue that comes with the light.