Alreida

In direct opposition to Dvatnir lies Alreida, deity of all the things that form a civilized nation. Both a queen and a peasant, Alreida is the bulwark of any nation, and there isn’t a person alive who hasn’t ushered her name in a prayer at least once. To say that she is the most widespread deity in the world is an understatement of epic proportions: so widely is her presence felt that many diplomatic missions have been successful only as a result of a shared respect for the Oathbinder. Many believe Alreida to be the queen of the overall pantheon, and it is said that though the other gods do not answer to her commands, they will often seek her out for aid and support, even those who oppose her lawfulness so thoroughly (such as Dvatnir or Skar).

### The Oathbinder

The first of Alreida’s manifestations is the Oathbinder, a woman in heavy armor, her face covered in a heavy helm, carrying a massive sword and shield. Her armor, however, is slightly rusted and lacks proper maintenance. The Oathbinder has dominion over the aspects of law, justice, oaths, and promises, and it is worshiped as a keeper of the peace and guardian. When an oath or promise is made, it is made in the name of the Oathbinder, and it is said to break a vow results in disfavor from the deity. As such, those who worship Alreida always endeavor to be truthful and honest, even if such admissions can cause more pain than could have been prevented otherwise. The Lawbinders are a somewhat famous paladin group based out of the city of Abandon, in Qabros, and they supposedly worship the Oathbinder. These warriors, however, are staunchly opposed to the use of magic, and as such do not utilize any powers they might be granted from their connection. Otherwise, typical worshipers of the Oathbinder act as clerks and officials, keeping track of transactions and lawful dealings.

### The Exiled Queen

The second of Alreida’s manifestation is the Exiled Queen, who holds dominion over the aspects of leadership, nobility and lineage. This manifestation represents itself as a regal woman, dressed in a fine black dress, wearing a cracked golden crown. As the patron saint of nobles everywhere, the Exiled Queen sees a lot of healthy attention, and her worshippers are some of the richest, most influential in the world. Meanwhile, nobles look to Alreida as a deity that upholds their ideals, and one that will conserve their family line. The clergy of the Exiled Queen are often nobles themselves and, if they are not, they are bookkeepers for noble families, keeping track of lineage, and the relationships between houses. This clergy is tied to the Church of Civilization, whose roots began in the Unidon Republics but slowly spread all across the world.

### The Beggar's Empress

The Beggar’s Empress is the last of Alreida’s known manifestations, and certainly the most mysterious. This dusty woman beneath a black cloak has control over the aspects of poverty and humility, and is the patron saint to the downtrodden. The Beggar loses much of regalty of the deity’s other manifestations, trading it for what appears to be a kindly hand, and a willingness to aid others. It’s no surprise that this manifestation’s most common worshippers are beggars, the poor, and those who have lost a great deal. The arm of the Church of Civilization that worships the Beggar’s Empress is not looked upon very favorably by other followers of Alreida, but any attempts to oust them is doomed to fail, for they hold the heart of the common people.

Alreida is a deity of context, driven entirely by the idealisms held by her followers. Every supplicant of Alreida has a different idea as to the nature of civilization and order, and no religious text will ever fully encompass the magnitude of this diversity. This, however, very much seems to be the point. Worshippers of Alreida actively encourage different interpretations and are always eager to support the ideas of newcomers. Rigidity and the status-quo have no place amongst the faithful, as much as many nobles would like to think otherwise. Civilization is the essence of fluidity, and Alreida teaches mortals that a healthy balance between change and comfort must be managed at all times.

It is often, however, that Alreida’s word is misinterpreted or twisted. The greedy Unidan nobles of the Gilded Conclave believe wholeheartedly that their system of governance is supreme amongst all others, and that Alreida has gifted them with economical success as evidence to this fact. They spread their ideas amongst their peers.