River Relle

== Overveiw ==
River Relle, The Angel of Death, The Angel of Taking, is a morbid being who exists to remind all mortals that they have a portion to pay at the end of their time. River is not malicious, but she is one of the more elusive Angels in terms of approachability. It takes a certain kind of person to fully appreciate River and her tenants. The largest site of worship for River Relle is in the Heidien district of Klaime, under the large Temple dedicated to all of the Angels of Morivair. Underneath this temple is a massive catacomb containing the bodies of the dead. 
River appears to mortals as a pallid feminine figure clad in dark colors with violet embellishments. Her hair is a inky black color and her eyes a blend of violet and blue. She wears dark robes or darkened armor depending on the viewer, and is often seen at the helm of a boat or standing in the midst of a pool of opaque black water. She is seen holding a large scythe upside-down, standing upon the blade like a stepping stone, or holding a golden bell. She is often depicted in her boat surrounded by the darkened water, with Demise, The Violet Moon in the background being the only source of illumination. In these depictions she can be seen holding those who have died, or are in the process of dying painful and horrific deaths, cradling them gently in their final moments.
== Creed ==
River Relle promotes the ideals of giving up things you don't need, and remaining free of debt to others and yourself.
=== There is Grace in giving ===
It is important to the church of River to respect the cycle of Life and Death and the importance it plays in the cosmology of Devidica. Just as your life is expected to be plentiful and for you to gain a portion, you are expected to give up your portion when it is time for you to move on. If this portion is not given gracefully, those who follow behind you will be none the better for it, and neither will you. This applies not only to death, but stages of life. Children grow out of old habits, and allow the children of tomorrow to take over the miracle of wonder. Simple laborers that learn a craft cease their labor, and become craftsmen, giving way to more simple labor. A craftsman takes on an apprentice to teach them to one day do what they cannot anymore. Finally, at the end of their days, death is embraced and life is remembered. 
In giving up the old, "dead" portions of yourself and your life, you allow for growth of others and yourself.
=== Pay your portion ===
It is important to pay your portion, or debt, to others. Whether they be people, institutions, arbitrary ideals or the world itself. Debt is a anchor to an entity, which tethers you to that entity. If you are found insolvent, you are unable to move on from that entity, and you become a hinderance for those behind you and for yourself. All beings have debt to the world, but to garner greater debt is incredulous.
First and foremost, you are in debt to Devidica for the life you have. To breathe, eat, and drink; to see, feel, and think are all blessings in and of themselves. This is your barrowed allowance, and is paid when you die. Graceful repose allows for your portion (debt) to be taken and used by the coming generations, so that they too may experience the miracle you have.
Next, you are in debt to those who have cared for you, and sacrificed their portion so that you may have a portion in Devidica. This debt is repaid by their legacy, which is determined by your actions and lifestyle. By creating a legacy that honors those before you, they are rewarded for paying their portion. This ideal applies not only to those who have raised you in childhood, but teachers and mentors as well.
As you live life, you are encouraged not to accumulate debt. This can be done through excessive barrowing, or theft. To borrow from someone is to take of their portion, expecting to pay that portion or greater back. Thus, to take of someone else's portion is to place yourself in debt to them. When you are in debt to another, you cannot give your portion and move on from them until that debt has been paid. To take the life of another is to take their portion, and thus, you are insolvent, unable to pay and forever in debt to the deceased.
== Worship and Followers ==
Worship of River is primarily done within temples and churches, through ceremony and ritual. Despite its importance in people's lives, the Angel of Death is often overlooked until her guidance is needed. Truly, it takes a certain kind of individual to fully appreciate the ideals the Angel of Taking promotes. River's followers are called Harrowers, especially her chosen champions who take on the mantle of death and do her work. While River is generally considered an unpopular choice for worship in life, her followers are not shunned, and she has many chapels in every corner of the world. Her churches and their graveyards can be found all over Devidica, and are a gloomy reminder that no matter how much you avoid or ignore it, death will come for you one day regardless of where or who you are. 
The most common time to honor River Relle is, of course, during the passing of a loved one. Funeral rites are by far the most common ceremony performed by her followers, or even lay members seeking to honor the concept of death properly. During this time the Harrower will remember the deeds the deceased performed in life, and the importance of their passing as a gateway for new generations to follow their path.
Beyond the ever-looming inevitability of funerals, the most well known ceremony is the Week of Sacrifice. During this week, followers and non-followers are encouraged to surrender their processions and items them no longer need which are excessive, or symbolic of a chapter of their life that has come to a close. A portrait of a loved one whom you are willing to give up grieving over; a small child's toy that an adolescent or young adult gives away to show they've grown; old craftsman's tools for new ones to celebrate a growth in skill and necessity for better equipment. These are all examples of things people might give up, generally by destroying them in fire or water, to move on during this holy week. It is also common to celebrate this ceremony by passing down old items to a newer generation, such as the toy or old tools to a young child and inexperienced crafter.
Category:Angels