Cereth (SARE-eth) is the light of the universe, the brightest star of the heavens, and the beacon of goodness for all of humankind. She is associated primarily with healing, protection, and light.

History

Cereth is one of the oldest of the Midron deities, said to have been birthed by Fate itself to drive the creation of the world. Her church is venerable and secure in the various Midron lands of Zaldara. In fact, it is one of the most powerful and most venerated churches in the known world.

Relationships

Cereth is a child of Fate, a sister to all of the other First Gods: Xuxia, Goddess of Lust, Ithya (Goddess of Inspiration), Sabreel (God of Madness), Ramala (Goddess of Chance), Davran (God of Love and Beauty), and Modthras (God of Darkness).

Cereth is the ruler of Heaven, that realm where the dead judged worthy are sent to spend their eternity in her service. She aligns herself often with her allies Halor, Barthal, and Nimar while struggling constantly against her rival Modthras and his allies Sylene, Kysk and Morria.

The other gods look to Cereth for leadership, guidance, and protection. She is a lofty goddess, striving to stay above the petty strife of the lower deities—though she is never loathe to fight for a cause she finds just.

Appearances and Emissaries

Cereth appears as a beautiful woman with red-gold hair in silver armor and wielding a mighty mace that shines with a blinding white light.

Worship of Cereth

Just as the Light banishes Darkness does Good banish Evil. There is no more noble battle than that of this fundamental conflict. Serve the Light by protecting the weak, defending the just, and serving your fellow beings. Heal not only the wounded of body, but of spirit. In this way is the Light made strong and bright. Those worthy souls that walk in the light on Zaldara shall do so for eternity under the pure Light of Heaven.

Followers and clergy of Cereth tend to pray at sunrise, basking in the glow of the sun as the night is banished once again.

Worshipers and Clergy

Cereth accepts the worship of any who want to walk in the Light. But be warned—the Light travels a narrow path.

Cereth is worshiped by both priests and paladins, both willing to take up the cause of the Light in their own ways. Priests often wear white robes trimmed in silver or gray. Paladins wear a white tabard with the eight-pointed star that is Cereth’s symbol in silver or gray.

Temples and Shrines

Temples to Cereth are austere but beautiful; their beauty lies in their simple design and in the various ways that they eternally bask in the glow of the Light. Temples and shrines are always well-lit—either by design (open roof or open walled) or by artificial light (candles, torches, etc.).

The primary temple of the religion is the Cathedral Radiant, located in Jenna.

Holidays

The temples of Cereth are always open for public healing on Contemplation days. Further, the Long Day is held to be holy and a time for celebration while the Long Night is held to be a time of atonement for past sins.

Obediences

Certain devout followers of Cereth perform daily rituals in order to receive special blessings from the goddess. Light up a room or area with 8 candles in a star-shaped formation. At each point in the star, say a prayer to Cereth for protection, service, love, courage, truth, sacrifice, patience, and strength. Gain a +4 sacred bonus vs Evil spells and spell-like effects, a +2 sacred bonus to Knowledge (religion) checks, and the ability to cast Light as a cleric of your level.