Shadia

"The gold must flow!" - a phrase often attributed to the Cult of Shadia.
Shadia is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon. As the Goddess of Work and Commerce, she embodies the principles of industriousness, trade, and prosperity. Her followers, ranging from humble artisans to influential merchants, seek her favour to ensure success in their endeavours. Represented as a figure of dignified beauty adorned with symbols of wealth and craftsmanship, Shadia is often depicted holding a merchant scale and a coin, signifying balance and prosperity. Her temples, bustling with activity, serve as hubs for commercial transactions and business.
To the Imperials, Shadia is not only a symbol of wealth and success but also of discipline and hard work. Her tenets reward those who contribute to society through their labour, both manually and intellectually. Rituals dedicated to Shadia often involve offerings of crafted goods and coins, which unfortunately makes them prime pickings for would-be thieves. Festivals in her honour celebrate the achievements of the working class and the mercantile elite alike, reinforcing her role as a central figure in the daily lives of many Imperial citizens.
== Symbology ==
Shadia’s primary symbols are the scale, the coin, and the hammer. The scale represents balance in trade and work. The coin signifies wealth and prosperity, highlighting her role in commerce and the rewards of hard work. The hammer symbolises craftsmanship and industriousness, reflecting the value placed on diligent labour. These symbols are, unsurprisingly, often featured in her temples and worn as charms by her followers to invoke her blessings.
== Personality ==
Shadia is characterised by a balanced and pragmatic personality, embodying both the nurturing and demanding aspects of business. She is (for the most part) fair and just, rewarding hard work and ethical behaviour while condemning dishonesty and laziness. Her demeanour is calm and composed, inspiring confidence and respect among her followers. Shadia is also seen as a mentor, guiding her devotees towards self-improvement and success through diligence and integrity. However, while she is generous to those who strive, she is also firm in her expectations, ensuring that her followers maintain the high standards she upholds.
Shadia maintains a mostly respectful and cooperative relationship with other gods. In particular she values Bane, God of Order, and sees their collaboration as essential for a prosperous society. Demeteus, God of Harvest and Fertility is another ally, as Shadia understands that bountiful resources are crucial for commerce. However, she has a more strained relationship with deities of chaos and deceit, such as Crucifex and Apatias, disdaining their disruption of honest work and trade.
== Shadia's Realm, The Hall of Prosperity ==
Shadia’s divine domain, known as The Hall of Prosperity, is a vast and radiant expanse. It is based in a huge subterranean hall, filled with bustling marketplaces, serene workshops, and grand halls of trade. The architecture is ornate yet functional. Streets are paved with gleaming stones, and the air is filled with the sounds of commerce and the steady rhythm of crafting. Every corner of the realm is imbued with an aura of productivity and prosperity, with spectral merchants trading rare goods, artisans perfecting their crafts, and scholars sharing knowledge on commerce and trade ethics. The realm’s heart is Shadia’s grand temple, a magnificent structure where her presence is most strongly felt.
For mortals, visiting The Hall of Prosperity is an awe-inspiring experience. They are welcomed into a world where the fruits of hard work are evident in every detail. Visitors often feel a sense of clarity and purpose, inspired by the realm’s orderly and prosperous nature. They may engage in trading, learning, or crafting under the guidance of Shadia’s celestial attendants, gaining insights and blessings that they can bring back to the mortal world. However, the realm also serves as a reminder of Shadia’s high expectations, as only those who embody her values of diligence and integrity can truly thrive in her domain. All others are harshly punished before exile.
== Cult and Worship ==
Shadia is widely revered among the people of the Empire, seen as a uniting beacon for those who seek success through hard work. Her worshippers include a diverse range of individuals, from humble artisans and labourers to wealthy merchants and influential business leaders. They admire her emphasis on diligence and prosperity, finding in her a guiding force that inspires their daily activities. Many believe that by honouring Shadia, they can achieve personal and professional success, improve their skills, and (of course) earn rediculous amounts of coin.
Worship of Shadia involves various rituals and practices that reflect her values. Followers most commonly make offerings of crafted goods and coins. Churches dedicated to Shadia are bustling centres of activity, hosting regular ceremonies, trade fairs, and vocational training sessions. The Cult of Shadia, the primary religious organisation, plays a central role in maintaining and promoting her worship. This cult is known for its structured hierarchy and guild-like behaviour, with priests and priestesses who are both spiritual leaders and skilled tradespeople. They oversee the construction of churches, the organisation of festivals, and the education of new followers. The Cult of Shadia is highly respected and as such it is highly influential, particularly amongst the mercantile class and those wishing to join it.