Azoa

Azoa is the mermish guardian deity associated with coral reefs - but also sometimes undersea vents, kelp fields or other life-rich regions.

They are characterised as frenetic, energetic and forgetful, deity associated with change, cycles, bounty and community.

## Symbology

Azoa is depicted as a giant merperson, with rainbow scales, coral growing over them and accompanied by many sea creatures.

Their symbol is a red fan coral spreading out in a semicircle.

## Worship

Fishermen, farmers, and anyone who depends on the life of reefs or other fertile places are known adherents of Azoa, though general worship is a simple affair, consisting of prayer and offerings. Many farmers keep an altar to the guardian decorated with living coral, and offer something of their bounty.

While modern temples exist, the most notable Azoan worship site is a ring of coral-covered statues within the kelp forests of the Pamu Underfields near the mermish city of Akau.

### Anthozoa

Azoa is connected to the mythical Anthozoa, a storied race of living coral constructs sometimes called *Coralkind*. There are no recent records of them existing, though they exist in Mermish stories as created guardians, and blessed vessels of Azoa. They are widely believed to be folklore based on the living-reef statue practice of Merfolk.

However, Sea Elf death rituals see them emulating the Anthozoa, hoping to become Coralkind in death. Merfolk, who generally believe that all souls return to the sea eventually, are largely supportive or indifferent to the practice.

### Traditions

#### Coral Keeping

Many devotees of Azoa will dedicate themselves to tending coral reefs that are damaged in storms by taking broken coral and raising them until they're strong enough to incorporate back into the reef.

#### Hakari & the Coral Crown

Hakari is an annual festival held during the Dancing Moon involving feasting and song, and the bestowing of the Coral Crown. This tradition is based on the legends of Azoa creating coral guardians to protect the sea, and the recipient is usually someone who has served their community or protected the sea.

It's believed by some races that this used to involve blood sacrifice of the Coral Crown recipient, though the rumour is largely unsubstantiated.

### Rituals

* Annual coralfruit harvests are a significant time for the worship of Azoa.
* Crafting with coral has some use within worship, such as coral chip jewellery and mosaics.
* Scarification or ritual cutting with sharp coral is a warrior practice that has fallen out of favour recently, but is still practiced by some.

### Superstitions

* Manta rays near coral reefs, coralfruit abundance and aquarius vine balls a sign of Azoa's favour.
* Bleached coral, one armed crabs and empty fishing hauls are seen as a sign of a sign of Azoa's wrath.
* Coral growing around the entrance to a dwelling, unique coloured coral in a bed and warm currents around a reef are considered good luck.
* Careless or wanton destruction of coral, swallowing coralfruit pits and silt storms are considered bad luck.

## D&D 5e Mechanics

### Channel Divinity

#### Coral Armour

Azoa blesses you with quick-growing coral to protect you. Once a day as a reaction you can use channel divinity when you take damage: reduce the damage you take by 10. If you are at least 11th level, reduce the damage by 20 instead.

### Traits

#### Anemone's Sting

*Like certain fish use the reef, you've learned to use cover to your advantage. Anyone who thinks they can attack you while you're hunkered down is in for a nasty shock.*

While you are in full or partial cover, anything that makes a melee attack against you takes 1 D3 damage if the attack misses you, or 2 D3 damage if they land an attack.

#### Reef Resources

*Reefs are a diverse food source, and you have learned how to identify the most nourishing things that grow around reefs in elsewhere in the undersea.*

In aquatic environments (including beaches) you gain advantage on survival checks related to food identification, gathering and preparation. You cannot roll lower than 10.