Arielis
"Trust in Evendur, and He will turn your fear to strength. A proud heart is not so easily softened and changed for the better, nor that of one who would sooner flee than fight, but that of a creature who knows his weakness and meets his enemy regardless—that is the stuff of miracles."Arielis to the centaur Hadra, before the Battle of Anak-Mar
Arielis is the goddess of courage. She and Zhamat were close companions when they were young. They saw the war and strife that their parents were fighting through and promised to keep each other safe from it all, planning to settle down in the same place, have families, and escape the world of the Meydra. They joined a tribe of centaurs, taking the form of centaurs themselves, and simply traveled around for some time. One day the tribe was apprehended and nearly destroyed by an ancient red dragon. Only the strongest, including Arielis and Zhamat, remained, and they were taken and kept in the dragon’s lair as trophies. For some time they were terrified to fight back and risk their friends, let alone their own lives, but finally Arielis led the charge, and they barely made it out with their lives. When they emerged and were finally able to reconnect with the other Meydra, they discovered that Rōz-El had been hunting the dragon for some time and looking for other Meydra to assist. Though Zhamat withdrew, Arielis realized upon hearing this that she could have prevented the destruction of her tribe if she had been in the fight all along. She was still hesitant and terrified, but she knew she could not hide any longer. So she began to train under her father, who was overjoyed to see her return. She fought at his side for the remainder of the Age of the Meydra, and it is said that she never quite stopped being afraid, but she also never let it stop her. Arielis is portrayed as a redheaded centaur clad in armor, wielding a spear and a shield.
Relationships
Arielis is daughter of Mannaret and Wulozha and sister of Miranelle. Though Arielis and Zhamat were initially best friends, they drifted apart after their encounter with the dragon.
Followers
Many of Arielis's followers are warriors. She is also revered by the vast majority of centaurs of Ekaia.
Associated Customs
The Hoof Games: This is a traditional three-part competition that takes place on August 2nd of each year in Chizni as well as many cities across the world with prominent Arielan temples. The tournament consists of a horserace, a javelin toss, and a joust. Centaurs are welcome to compete alongside riders. The winner receives a monetary prize and is crowned with lentisk leaves. Pomegranates are a key ingredient in many traditional festival foods.
"The dragon has no hold": This expression can be used as encouragement or a way to dismiss excuses.
Aspects
Rezena: On rare occasions, when Arielis especially wanted to demonstrate allegiance to or solidarity with her father, she took the form of a copper dragonborn, calling herself Rezena, which has today become a very popular name among dragonborn.
Divine Domains
Courage, young soldiers, prisoners, centaurs
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Stylized silver and green spearhead
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