Eshar, The Wave Sovereign

“My offering is humble, but I kneel before you to ask that your storms do not find us on the open sea. My ships are but driftwood in your hands. Spare me your rage, and I will honor your mercy by building a new temple in your name.”
-A whispered prayer from the admiral of a merchant fleet

Dominion

• Saltwater
• Seas
• Oceans

Description

Depictions

Statues and paintings of Eshar usually depicted her as a powerful queen, part woman, part serpent. Her weapon is typically a trident, but some artists prefer to give her spears, nets, or other common fishing gear. Her hair is often made of seaweed in dolls or trinkets, and her head is adorned with shells and coral.

Personality

Eshar is nurturing to those who respect her power, guiding sailors safely across the seas and bestowing rain upon parched lands. However, she is quick to wrath. Even the most minor of slights slipped into a prayer for Eshar can darken skies, her fury manifesting as deadly storms. Her jealousy and rivalry with other deities, particularly Amanzi and Rabbien, can overpower her love for her worshippers.

Worship

Symbols

WIP

Followers

Eshar is worshipped by sailors, fishermen, and coastal communities who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, sometimes out of fear rather than adoration. Her devotees offer prayers and sacrifices to ensure her favor and avoid her wrath.

Philosophies

Her followers are taught that the sea can play the role of an almost maternal, sustaining force, *and harbinger of untold destruction. Both aspects *must be honored. Eshar’s worshippers are taught to be wary of the goddess’s temper and that there is never such a thing as “too much worship.”

Rituals

Rituals dedicated to Eshar are performed on shores, with bare feet being washed by the salty water. Before departure, sailors often throw offerings proportionate to the significance of their journeys into the sea. A single coin may do for a daily fishing run. Still, for longer voyages, seamen toss flattering handcrafted trinkets or idols of Eshar to ensure safe passage.

Exemplar(s)

WIP

History and Myth

The Tempests Clash is one of the most significant tales involving Eshar. It tells of her jealousy toward Amanzi, the goddess of rivers, whose popularity among mortals sparked a fierce rivalry. The battle between Eshar and Amanzi caused catastrophic floods and storms, reshaping coastlines and rivers.
Though Eshar emerged victorious, her victory was quickly marred by Rabbien, who intervened to save Amanzi. Sailors often use this to explain the origin of particularly fierce storms, which they believe are the result of Eshar and Rabbien’s ongoing conflict.

The Divine

Realm

WIP

Relationships

Eshar’s relationships with other gods are stressed at best and tumultuous at worst.
Her rivalry with Rabbien is one of constant tension, as the god of lighting frequently challenges her authority over storms at sea. Despite this, there is a grudging respect between them.
Eshar’s disdain for Amanzi remains, though she no longer seeks direct confrontation, preferring to strike down the river goddess’s temples and force her to languish in obscurity.
Eshar also has a complex relationship with Trahidon, the goddess of air and trade, with whom she cooperates to guide sailors. However, she often finds her carefree attitude grating.