Simasr (Sim-aSr.)
Humble Beginnings Simasr was originally, Sima, a minor god of taverns, tea-and-coffee houses, inns, and other places of hospitality. Owners of such places would pray to him for success and for peaceful and good-humoured cliental. Travellers would pray to him for safe shelter. He was also known as The Merry Guest and The Drunkard's Friend. The first shrines to him were simple tankards kept on a shelf behind the bar, or counter at such venues, and travellers would bring fresh flowers as offerings. Some more upmarket places would reserve a small guest room with a silver or pewter tankard made for the purpose, with engravings of Sima's symbol, a pair of clasped hands. Pre-Ascension In 1634 ET, tensions were reaching their peak in the Gloom Grey Infestation in Auerillan in Irynia and violence was threatened. One night, tensions came to a head, but before the first blow could strike, a wave of calm rippled out from every Sima shrine, bringing peace to each tavern, inn, tea-or-coffee house, or similar place that held one, rendering them invaluable sanctuaries. The effect lasted almost a week, until the infestation was resolved, and overall peace restored. Ascension During The First Great Turbulence, as the world shook with earthquakes, erupting volcanos, grinding mountains, many people gathered for comfort in their town's central buildings, often the taverns, inns, etc. And as homes were destroyed, these also became places of refuge. Many, who had not been devout followers of a god before, sought divine comfort during the disaster, and Sima's humble shrines were often the most accessible way to appeal to a deity. So many temples had either been destroyed or abandoned. Sima appears to have heard the pleas. As the physical changes in the landscape peaked, and the situation became most desperate, the buildings where his followers clustered began glowing with radiant light, and for several weeks, those inside were protected. Whether it was the sudden influx in followers, or this miracle, but this incident seems to have pushed Sima from lesser godhood, to become one of the principal deities of Nataya. When the geography began to steady, temples began to be built to him in the wake of his miracle, and worshippers started to become clerics, and to commune with Sima, who started to be known as Simasr. He became known as the god of Joy, Friendship, and Hospitality, a protector of those who value friendship and merriment over cruelty and power. In the Second Great Calm. His temples offer a free meal and shelter to refugees, the destitute, and others in need of this most basic aid. Some of them also have a red rope with a silver key hanging from it outside, and these lead to a silver bell. Ringing the bell invokes the right of Sanctuary, and those who are granted shelter within the temple under this right cannot be removed from the city/town's guards, through agreement with the politicians of the city. Mostly, this was an established right from many centuries before, and many people in power would like to do away with it. However Simasr's temple remains influencial, and his clerics and paladins are powerful enough to dissuade any leader from direct attack on them. Often, they instead do their best to present worship of Simasr as uncouth, outdated, and disorderly, and something done only by those of lower class and little education. This has reduced the political influencial of Simasr's temple in some areas, as they lose support from the wealthier and higher social classes.
Divine Domains
Life, Peace, Light.
Tenets of Faith
Be a merry guest wherever you travel, bringing joy and offering friendship to all those deserving.
When it is within your ability, offer shelter and succor to those in need.
Never raise a weapon against a guest in your home, or threaten a friendly host.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
To protect those of kindly intent.
To encourage friendship and comradeship.
To encourage his followers to find joy whenever possible, and enjoy their brief lifespans.
Divine Classification
Deity
Children
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