Arcadius

Arcadius, the numen of good fortune, dwells within Caleah as a small, subtly shifting mountain. People from all walks of life seek the warmth of its rocks to pray for a fortunate life. A cave allows the predith to commune with Arcadius, who is considered a symbol of serendipity for the benevolent throughout the Index.

### Origin

#### Founding

Long ago, as the sun cast its warm glow over the grassy hills of Caleah, the people began to notice an unusual phenomenon—a small mountain that seemed to shift almost imperceptibly. This mountain was believed to be Arcadius, the embodiment of good fortune. The locals found themselves drawn to the mountain, sensing a connection to its radiant presence.

As word of this phenomenon spread, so did the feeling of hope and optimism. Commoners, merchants, and adventurers all ventured to the mountain, laying their hands upon its warm rocks and offering prayers for a fortuitous life. The cave within the mountain became a sacred space, where Arcadians—devotees of Arcadius—could commune with the numen, seeking guidance and blessings.

#### Rise

The belief in Arcadius as a bringer of good fortune and balance grew stronger. The followers, known as Arcadians, recognized the numen's influence in their lives, and their faith in Arcadius deepened. Temples dedicated to Arcadius sprung up across Caleah and eventually throughout the Index, becoming places of gathering, prayer, and community.

Within these temples, predith, or priests, played a crucial role. They were chosen for their deep connection with Arcadius and their understanding of the numen's will. The predith were entrusted with the task of safeguarding the sacred stones, pieces of Arcadius itself, which believers could touch during their prayers. These predith acted as both protectors of their communities and intermediaries between the people and Arcadius.

### Worship

#### Beliefs & Practices

Worshippers of Arcadius are known as "Arcadians". Arcadians have devoted much of their life to the worship of Arcadius and work to better understand and serve Arcadius' will. Arcadians believe that Arcadius will balance out the misfortunes of the world and sustain a peaceful balance in the world. Arcadians will wear grey vestments with a black trim. Their are many temples within Caleah and a few throughout the Index where anyone is welcome to pray to Arcadius.

Each temple is ran by a predith to Arcadius. In these temples predith keep a large stone at the center. The stone is a piece of Arcadius that people can lay their hands onto when praying. The predith serve the purpose of protecting these temples while acting as an envoy to Arcadius. Some tasks arcadians and a predith will perform - protect a city from invasion, help the sick during a plague, or quell a rising danger.

Arcadian priests keep a small stone piece of Arcadius often passed down from a previous generation in which they hold in their hands as they pray for their spells.

#### Core Teachings

1. Balance: Arcadians believe in the importance of maintaining equilibrium in all aspects of life, just as Arcadius maintains balance in the world.
2. Positivity: Followers strive to spread positivity and hope, acting as beacons of light in challenging times.
3. Community: Arcadians see themselves as part of a larger community, working together to support and uplift one another.

## Personality

Arcadius is slow and caring. When misfortune has fallen they cannot sit idle and always want to help. While Arcadius wants to help those in times of need they are saddened that they are often too slow to act and must rely on their priests to help the world.