Wee Jass
Title(s)
The Witch Goddess, The Ruby Sorceress, Steward of the Dead, Lady of Magic
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Symbol
A red skull or a ruby with a skull-shaped carving, symbolizing her dual nature as a goddess of both death and magic. Her followers use this symbol in ceremonies, and it is often worn as jewelry or embroidered onto robes.
Domains
Death, Magic, Law, Knowledge
Followers and Clergy
Wee Jas's followers include wizards, sorcerers, necromancers, and those who work closely with the dead, such as undertakers or embalmers. Her priesthood is dedicated to the responsible use of magic, the lawful treatment of the dead, and the preservation of arcane knowledge. The clergy, known as Ruby Keepers, are often multi-talented, serving as scholars, spellcasters, and morticians. They wear robes in deep red, black, or dark purple, often adorned with ruby jewelry or symbols representing magic and death. Wee Jas's followers uphold laws regarding the treatment of remains and often act as advisors on matters of death and magic. While they may practice necromancy, it is strictly regulated within her faith; undead must not be raised against their will or used for evil purposes. The Ruby Keepers are also responsible for curating and guarding magical knowledge, often maintaining libraries of arcane texts.
Worship Practices
Worship of Wee Jas is highly ritualistic and involves careful adherence to traditions and laws concerning magic and death. Her followers conduct elaborate funerary rites to ensure the souls of the deceased pass on peacefully, and they perform rituals to protect graveyards and burial sites. Spellcasting ceremonies are also part of her worship, often incorporating ruby crystals or enchanted objects to focus magical energy. Her temples often host services to honor the dead, with offerings of incense, candles, or ruby gemstones. The faithful also participate in annual celebrations to remember and venerate the departed, as well as rites to renew magical oaths. Rituals may include the recitation of arcane verses, binding spells, or protective enchantments cast over the graves of the honored dead.
Character and Doctrine
Wee Jas represents the lawful aspects of magic and death, overseeing the passage of souls and the ethical use of necromancy. Her teachings emphasize the importance of respecting the dead and treating their remains with care, while also valuing the pursuit of knowledge and magical expertise. She permits the creation of undead under strict conditions, as long as the remains are obtained lawfully and the spirit of the deceased consents. Her doctrine encourages the study and mastery of magic, particularly necromancy and divination, but always within the bounds of law and tradition. The Ruby Sorceress views herself as a steward who guides souls to their final rest and safeguards magical knowledge for future generations. Her followers are taught to balance their quest for power with a sense of responsibility and ethical conduct.
Manifestations and Interventions
Wee Jas often appears as a highly attractive human woman, though her specific features can vary widely. She is usually dressed in elegant, dark robes and adorned with ruby jewelry. Her presence is often accompanied by a cold breeze or the flickering of candlelight. When Wee Jas intervenes, it is typically to preserve the natural order of life and death, or to prevent the misuse of powerful magic. Signs of her presence may include the sudden appearance of ruby gemstones, whispers in arcane languages, or spectral images of the recently deceased. Her followers believe that she sometimes communicates through omens related to death or magic, such as a candle suddenly extinguishing or the sound of distant chanting in a graveyard. Wee Jas is known to offer guidance to those who face difficult choices involving death, particularly spellcasters dealing with necromancy or binding magic.
Divine Relationships and Stories
Wee Jas maintains a neutral stance among the gods, often cooperating with deities of magic, death, and law when it suits her purposes. She is not opposed to other gods of death, such as Nerull, although her views on the ethical use of necromancy often differ. She is known to have a cautious relationship with Boccob, sharing an interest in arcane knowledge, though they occasionally disagree on how freely it should be shared. Her followers sometimes come into conflict with the faithful of more chaotic deities, particularly those who take a more liberal view on the use of magic or defy laws concerning the treatment of the dead. Wee Jas is generally viewed as a mediator in matters involving both magic and death, often acting to preserve balance between life and the afterlife. Stories of her often involve her intervention to prevent powerful magic from falling into the wrong hands, or to ensure that an honored soul reaches its proper resting place.
Sacred Items and Symbols
Wee Jas's sacred items include ruby gemstones, which are believed to hold a connection to her divine power. Her followers often use enchanted rubies as spell components, talismans, or as part of protective wards. Other sacred items include magical scrolls and grimoires containing spells related to necromancy, binding, or divination. Her clergy may also consecrate tools used in funerary practices, such as ceremonial daggers or incense burners, which are treated as holy items. Ruby jewelry or gemstones set in amulets are worn by her followers for protection or as a sign of devotion. Her sacred texts often contain detailed descriptions of magical rites, rules regarding the ethical use of necromancy, and guidelines for honoring the dead.
Temples and Shrines
Temples dedicated to Wee Jas are often located near graveyards, crypts, or other places associated with death. These temples are built of dark stone, decorated with carvings of skulls, rubies, and arcane symbols. The interior of a temple is typically divided into areas for meditation, spellcasting, and the preparation of bodies for burial. Shrines to Wee Jas may also be found in libraries of magic, academies, or the homes of powerful wizards. Her temples serve as sanctuaries for those who seek to study magic, particularly necromancy or divination, and as places where the dead are honored. The clergy maintain strict records of magical texts and funerary customs, often safeguarding ancient spells and relics that are too dangerous for general use.
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