Goddess of Light and Life
Group (Pantheon): The Twelve
Domains: Light, Life, Beauty, Peace
Alignment: Neutral Good
The holy symbol of Vara is a golden sunburst encircled by a halo of silver vines. At the center of the sunburst is a small, polished crystal that refracts light, creating a radiant effect when held in the sun. This symbol represents both light's restorative power and life's interconnected nature.
Clerics and paladins of Vara typically carry pendants of this symbol or wear it emblazoned on their armor or robes.
The faith of Vara is organized into a hierarchical yet compassionate structure, emphasizing both spiritual guidance and practical service to communities.
The Radiant Matriarch/Patriarch
The highest-ranking leader of the church, chosen for their wisdom, compassion, and ability to inspire others. They oversee the faith's global mission and are often consulted by rulers and councils.
The Luminous Assembly
A council of senior clerics, healers, and paladins who advise the Radiant Matriarch/Patriarch and oversee the faith's regional temples.
Keepers of the Light
High-ranking clerics responsible for maintaining the temples, performing significant rituals, and training new acolytes.
Lightbearers
Traveling priests, clerics, and paladins who carry Vara's message across Thaloria, offering healing, hope, and guidance to those in need.
Acolytes of Renewal
Novices and initiates who assist with temple duties, learn healing arts, and prepare for full ordination into the faith.
Temples to Vara, often called Houses of Light, are bright and welcoming structures built to foster serenity and community. They often include healing halls, gardens, and shrines bathed in natural light.
Lirathen the Radiant (past)
Role: Legendary Healer
Legacy: During the darkest days of the Fourth Age, Lirathen led a small group of Vara's faithful to establish healing sanctuaries across Thaloria. His greatest act was purifying the Blighted Marsh, a region tainted by Malachor's corruption, through a powerful ritual that cost him his life. His sacrifice is celebrated annually during the Day of Renewal.
Calidon Brightshield (past)
Role: Paladin of Vara
Legacy: A legendary warrior-priest who wielded Townsaver, one of the Twelve Swords of Vulcan, during the final battle against Malachor. Calidon became a symbol of courage and sacrifice, defending entire villages from destruction and holding the line against overwhelming odds. His tomb is a site of pilgrimage.
Elyra Dawnveil (present)
Role: Current Radiant Matriarch
Legacy: Elyra is a charismatic leader who has worked tirelessly to unify the faith of Vara across Thaloria. She is known for her diplomatic skills, having brokered peace between warring factions in the Stormreach Republic and secured alliances between the faiths of Vara and other gods. She emphasizes proactive efforts to combat the resurgence of void cults.
Sister Anitha Solae (present)
Role: Keeper of the Light in the Aurensul Collective
Legacy: Known as the Heart of Aurensul, Anitha has dedicated her life to spreading Vara's teachings through education and healing. She oversees the largest House of Light, where she trains new clerics and maintains a sanctuary for the poor and sick. Her innovations in restorative magic have saved countless lives.
Brother Korran Vale (present)
Role: Lightbearer
Legacy: Korran is a wandering priest who travels the Duskwatch Wastes, bringing aid and comfort to the isolated and oppressed. Known for his humility and tireless efforts, he has become a symbol of hope to many, often walking directly into danger to rescue those in need.
The faith of Vara is among the most widespread, with temples and shrines found in almost every nation. The Aurensul Collective, the Kingdom of Ilyndor, and the Crystal Peaks Confederacy are particularly strongholds of her faith. Pilgrims often travel great distances to visit Vara's holy sites, such as Lirathen's Rest and the Sanctuary of Radiance in the Verdant Reach.
Vara's faith maintains strong alliances with deities such as Sylara (nature), Maelis (love), and Theris (justice), as their goals often align. However, her followers are frequently at odds with the cults of corruption, void entities, and undead forces that defy life and light.
While the gods have withdrawn, the faith of Vara remains active through the divine connection maintained by the Shining Tower. However, her followers face significant challenges, including:
Vara, the Goddess of Light and Life, is the radiant beacon of hope and healing in Thaloria. Her presence symbolizes renewal, compassion, and the triumph of life over darkness. As one of the Twelve Gods who answered the call during the Fourth Age, Vara played a critical role in healing the land and restoring hope to mortals after the devastating reign of Malachor the Endbringer. She continues to be one of the most beloved and widely worshiped deities in Thaloria.
Vara is often depicted as a radiant figure clad in flowing white and gold robes, her presence glowing with warm, golden light. She carries a staff entwined with vines and crowned by a luminous crystal that symbolizes both growth and enlightenment.
Vara's faith remains a pillar of hope and restoration in Thaloria. Through her teachings, her clerics and paladins work tirelessly to heal both the land and its people, bringing light to even the darkest corners of the world. As one of the most influential faiths in the Sixth Age, her legacy continues to inspire mortals to protect and cherish life.
Source: Homebrew, 2024.
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church RPG Club | Mechanicsburg, PA