Merikka

Lady of the Calendar

Merikka is the Oeridian demigoddess of Agriculture, Farming, and the Home.
Merikka, embodying the essence of agricultural prosperity and familial harmony, stands as a guiding figure for those who till the earth and nurture the cycle of life within their homes. This article explores the history, relationships, and worship practices dedicated to this demigoddess, providing a comprehensive view of her role within the pantheon.

Description

Merikka is depicted as a gray-haired woman of serene, faded beauty, a symbol of the enduring nature of the earth's bounty. She carries a basket of grain and a long scroll, emblematic of her domains over agriculture and the meticulous tracking of time and seasons.

• Divine Coordination: Works closely with Cyndor and the gods of seasons to ensure timely agricultural practices.

History

Merikka's narrative is marked by her imprisonment beneath Castle Greyhawk by the archmage Zagig Yragerne, a trial that has left her with a deep resentment towards chaotic forces and disruptors of her work. Her release by adventurers has only strengthened her resolve to guide her followers.

Relationships

• Divine Kinship: Cousin to Velnius, Atroa, Sotillion, Wenta, and Telchur, working in concert to harmonize the planting and harvest cycles.
• Advisory to Cyndor: Her efforts in agricultural timing are supported by Cyndor, ensuring a harmonious flow of seasons and growth.

Dogma

Merikka's teachings emphasize the importance of structure, care, and reciprocity in both the agricultural and familial spheres.

• Principles: Orderly schedules, caring relationships, prudent savings, and honest labor.
• Family Dynamics: Respect and love within the family unit as a reflection of the care Merikka bestows upon her followers.

Worshipers

Primarily revered by farmers and expectant mothers, Merikka's influence spans across Oeridian communities, instilling values of hard work and the sacredness of the natural cycle.

Clergy

Clerics of Merikka are pivotal in ensuring the optimal timing of agricultural activities, mediating familial disputes, and officiating significant life ceremonies.

• Roles and Responsibilities: Coordination of farming schedules, mediation in family disputes, care for expectant mothers, and officiation of weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies.
• Law Enforcement: In areas lacking official oversight, Merikka's clerics may also serve as law enforcers, embodying the goddess's penchant for order and structure.

Temples

The temple in Orlane stands as a significant center of worship, with its stone architecture and devoted congregation.

• Design and Devotion: The only stone building in Orlane, housing golden statues of vital crops and enforcing a curse on those who would disturb these sacred representations.

Creative Origins

Originally conceived by Douglas Niles for the adventure "Against the Cult of the Reptile God," Merikka's character has evolved from chaotic good to her current depiction in the "Living Greyhawk Gazetteer." _{Niles, Douglas. Against the Cult of the Reptile God. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1982
Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.}

Oeridian Pantheon

Holy symbol: a basket of grain and a long scroll
Realm: Unknown
Domains: Good, Law, Plant, Protection 
Merikka Speciality Cleric

• Cleric of all Levels: Turn at -2 levels
• Cleric of the 3rd Order: identify plants as druid

Divine Classification

Demigod

Alignment

Lawful good

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Quotes & Catchphrases

"In every grain, a story of the earth; in every harvest, Merikka's blessing made manifest."
"With hands in soil, we connect to Merikka, finding unity in the act of creation and growth."

Holy Symbol of Merikka by 3orcs