Yulia
Goddess of Freedom
Death Before Captivity
Yulia represent freedom. She represents shattering chains, whether they be physical or otherwise. She represents crushing oppression and destroying classist hierarchies. She is the face of hope and liberty.
Before she was a goddess, Yulia was a slave. The Elvish Empire treated her people--the Drow--as if they were hardly more than animals. Yulia suffered horrible things during her imprisonment, but she never lost her hopeful spark. She always believed that one day, things would get better. Her people would be freed.
On a blistering summer day, a large group of slaves in Yulia's area organized a massive revolt. They failed. Hundreds of slaves were murdered during the riots. The rest were recaptured and lined up to be executed. Yulia, at 12 years old, had seen enough.
She threw herself between the slaves and the executioners and begged for their lives. The executioners, shocked, listened in stun silence. The words flowed as quickly as her tears. Her pleas were so intent, so heartfelt, that nearly all who looked on felt their hearts turn. The executioners lowered their weapons.
But Yulia would not live to see her people freed. A high elf noble, furious at her outburst, struck her down on the spot with his own sword. He then forced his men to kill every last slave that had heard Yulia speak.
Yulia's death ignited fierce protesting all throughout the Empire, and not just among slaves. Humans, dwarves, and halflings all fought back against the supremacist ideals of the Empire. Eventually, decades after Yulia's blood stained the sun baked sand, the Empire collasped, and finally--finally--Yulia's people were free.
Her story was retold as a legend for years to come. Her name came to be synonymous with freedom, bravery, and innocence.
Chain Breaker
Yulia does not just represent freedom from literal slavery. She represents anyone that is trapped in an undesirable situation, even if it is of their own creation. She is the spark of hope, the light at the end of the tunnel. All who believe on her will one day be freed.
Broken chain links are symbolic of Yulia. Statues of her often depict shackles still clinging to her wrists and ankles, their chains snapped off. Legends tell of her godly presence descending from the heavens to rescue slaves and abused servants, their chains melting away at her very touch.
Visage
Yulia is depicted as a young pre-teen girl. She wears nothing more than a slip-on dress, sometimes made of rags. Her feet are bare. Scars cover her back and her young hands are covered with callouses. Her hair tumbles down her back nearly to the ground. Despite her disheveled appearance, her eyes are always gleaming with childhood innocence and joy. She is often smiling, upset only when she witnesses those being oppressed. She is sometimes depicted with the powerful wings of a tawny eagle on her back. A stark contrast to her slight form, the wings represent unexpected strength gained from hope.
Holidays
Day of Blood. Recognized as the day of the massacre where Yulia was killed. Observed with solemn remembrance and fasting.
Dawn of Freedom. Celebrated the day after the Day of Blood. Seen as the dawn where Yulia was reborn as a goddess, and the Drow people began their path to freedom. This day is celebrated with feasting, dancing, and singing. Celebrations will often go well into the night, and even into the next day.
Domain(s)
Freedom, innocence, bravery
Symbols
Broken chains, a sunrise, tawny eagles
Divine Goals
Yulia will not rest until no soul remains in captivity.
Related People
Drow
