Skade of the Sea
The Tale of Skade of the Sea
Skade of the Sea is a revered deity among The Gods of Lankhmar, embodying the vast, mysterious, and often treacherous nature of the ocean. Her tale is one of beauty, power, and the eternal dance between life and death that the sea represents. Legends tell of a time when the seas around Lankhmar were dominated by monstrous creatures and perilous storms. Skade, a mortal of unparalleled strength and grace, emerged from the depths, bringing order and protection to the waters. As a goddess, she appears in very well tailored, clean, and expensive velvet robes. Behind her head is a halo-crown of sea-salt and ocean quartz. She appears with very expensive jewelry and her skeletal frame is very clean and well-kept. It is unknown why she appears so well organized while the other Gods of Lankhmar appear in a much more disheveled state. It is theorized that a small group of admirers or cultists come into The Black Temple at various times to maintain her appearance. According to myth, Skade was once a fisherwoman with a profound connection to the sea. She could calm storms with her voice and summon sea creatures to aid her. When a colossal sea monster threatened Lankhmar’s coast, Skade confronted the beast, using her knowledge of the ocean and its creatures to subdue it. Her bravery and mastery over the sea earned her divine status, and she was granted eternal guardianship over the ocean.Overview
Skade of the Sea is worshipped as the goddess of the ocean, marine life, and navigation. She is often depicted as a striking figure with flowing hair made of seaweed, a gown of shimmering scales, and eyes as deep and blue as the ocean itself. Her presence brings calm to the waters, guiding sailors safely through their journeys and protecting sea creatures.- Domain: Ocean, Marine Life, Navigation
- Symbols: Waves, Sea creatures, Pearls
- Attributes: Strength, Grace, Protection
Historical Foundations
Skade's worship dates back to the early days of Lankhmar, when the city’s prosperity depended heavily on maritime trade and fishing. Her ability to control the sea and protect sailors made her a central figure for those who lived by the water. Her legend spread among fishermen, sailors, and coastal communities who revered her as their protector.Legacy and Folklore
The legacy of Skade of the Sea is deeply ingrained in the cultural and spiritual practices of Lankhmar. She is invoked during ceremonies related to fishing, sailing, and ocean conservation. One popular legend tells of Skade guiding a fleet of ships through a deadly storm, her form appearing as a radiant figure riding the waves to lead them to safety.Adaptations across the Lands
While Skade is primarily worshipped in Lankhmar, her influence extends to coastal regions and islands where the sea plays a vital role in daily life. Maritime communities honor her with variations that reflect their unique relationships with the ocean.Cultural Interpretations
Cultural interpretations of Skade vary widely. In Lankhmar, she is seen as a protective guardian who ensures the safety and prosperity of those who depend on the sea. In other areas, she is revered as a powerful and mysterious deity, often depicted calming the seas and guiding marine life. With Lankhmar having a strong nautical culture, Skade is very popular amongst the sailors and others who depend upon the sea to make a living. Of all Deithars that you will see hanging around people's necks, hers is arguably the most prevelant in Lankhmar.Literary Echoes
Skade of the Sea has inspired countless works of literature. Epic tales recount her battles against sea monsters, while myths and legends highlight her grace and strength. Her character often appears in stories as a guide for sailors and adventurers seeking to navigate the treacherous waters of Nehwon.Artistic Impressions
Artists in Lankhmar and beyond have long been inspired by Skade’s beauty and power. Paintings, sculptures, and tapestries depict her emerging from the waves, surrounded by sea creatures, her eyes glowing with an ethereal light. These artistic impressions capture both her majestic presence and her protective grace, celebrating her role as the goddess of the sea.Deithar
Tidecaller by Chad Watson via Midjourney
The Transformation from mortal to god
Upon their deaths, the founders of Lankhmar underwent a mystical transformation that was catalyzed by a combination of their extraordinary deeds, the collective reverence of the citizens, and ancient, powerful magic embedded in the city's foundations. Their bodies were mummified and housed in The Black Temple, where their spirits continued to reside, maintaining a vigilant watch over the city they had dedicated their lives to. The exact process of their transformation involved several key elements:- Sacred Rituals: Ancient rituals performed by the city's early priests invoked powerful enchantments that bound the spirits of these great men to their mummified remains.
- Collective Belief: The unwavering belief and reverence of the citizens of Lankhmar played a crucial role in empowering and sustaining the transformation of these men into gods.
- Divine Intervention: It is believed that the gods themselves, recognizing the extraordinary nature of these men, granted them divine status to ensure the continued protection and prosperity of Lankhmar.
Why They Transformed
The transformation of these founders into gods served several essential purposes:- Eternal Protection: As gods, they could continue to protect Lankhmar from both natural and man-made disasters, ensuring the city's survival and prosperity.
- Symbol of Unity and Strength: Their presence as gods served as a constant reminder of the city's resilience and the unity of its people, fostering a strong sense of community and purpose.
- Balance of Power: By becoming gods, they maintained a delicate balance of power within Lankhmar, preventing any one faction or temple from gaining undue influence over the city.
Alignment Shift
In life, these founders were known for their diverse alignments, ranging from noble and just to cunning and strategic. However, upon their transformation into The Gods of Lankhmar, they collectively adopted a Lawful Neutral Alignment with Lawful Evil tendencies. This shift was influenced by the following factors:- Eternal Vigilance: As guardians of the city, their primary focus shifted to maintaining order and stability at all costs. This required a rigid adherence to law and order, often leading to ruthless decisions to protect Lankhmar.
- Absolute Power: The immense power and responsibility they wielded as gods necessitated a more pragmatic and, at times, harsh approach to governance, resulting in actions that could be perceived as Lawful Evil.
- Divine Judgment: The need to balance protection with retribution led to a more severe interpretation of justice, often punishing those who threatened the city with ruthless efficiency.
Role as The Gods of Lankhmar
The Gods of Lankhmar are more than just mummified remains or sacred relics; they are the eternal guardians of the city. Their roles include:- Protectors in Times of Crisis: Whenever Lankhmar faces a severe threat, the gods emerge from The Black Temple to defend the city. Their interventions range from creating protective domes during hurricanes to obliterating threats that challenge their supremacy, such as when they destroyed the Temple of Issek.
- Enforcers of Order: The gods also enforce order by ensuring no other temple is built westward of The Black Temple, maintaining the temple's status as the most important in the city.
- Collectors of Energy: After defending the city, the gods embark on a rampage to replenish their spent energy, a process that also serves to remind the citizens of their reliance on the gods and the need for better risk management.
Skade of the Sea as a Goddess of Lankhmar by Xenomorph.ai
Alignment
Lawful-Neutral with Lawful-Evil tendencies
Current Status
Resting
Current Location
Date of Birth
21 Mörder
Date of Death
11 Frosten
Life
2 RJ
100 RJ
98 years old
Circumstances of Death
Skada knew that her time had come but wanted the Sea to take her instead of illness or death in her sleep. She walked out into the Sinking Lands, chained herself to a throne-like chair, and waited for the waters to overtake her.
Birthplace
Seabridge
Place of Death
The Sinking Lands
Children
Sex
Female
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