The Goddess of War – Gerrawen

“Brutality is our strength. Experience is our wisdom.” - Faith of Gerrawen

Tenets

1. Those who oppose you are due nothing but brutality, never show your enemies anything less

2. There is no value with petty squabbles. Do not suffer the weak to fall to you if they do not stand in your way.

3. A wise warrior does not bring folly to their comrades. When doing battle, do not let foolish acts bring loss to your allies.

4. Do not make false claims in her name.

5. Do not challenge those who have no hope of success unless they are your enemy.

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Some believe the Goddess of War, Gerrawen, is about the brutality of war, some believe she is more about the tactics, while others believe she encompasses both and all facets of war. Regardless of the belief, there is no denying the blessing to use spells and rituals bestowed to those truly faithful who follow the tenets, which all seem to agree upon though may interpret differently.

The War Goddess sent visions and dreams of a female armored figure with great wings upon their back. Their face obscured with a winged helm. She is always carrying a weapon and sometimes a shield. The armor could be shining plate or tattered bloody leather armor. Her wings have varied forms such as white feathers, eagle wings, black raven wings, bat-like wings, and many others. The visions and dreams have depicted great battles or intense training.

There is not a cohesive way to practice the religion that is found among the various races and cultures, but there may be specific ranks honored in each. There is a respect for the tenets and the Goddess but that is where it ends. There may be enemies that both worship the Goddess and they would not see the kinship of faith as a
valid reason to stop their conflict. Rather it would be a reason to continue.

 

The faithful do not have a blood lust for battle. They cultivate physical prowess in battle, and wisdom as well. They study tactics needed to keep themselves and their allies alive. They will listen to the stories of battle and learn from it. If they survive a loss they will take the wisdom and push themselves to learn from it. The faithful know to survive in this world and to win battles they cannot fight alone. They will train with those that are worthy. They will learn strengths and weaknesses. They will seek the wisdom to fill a need in their ranks.

The faithful of the Goddess of War, Gerrawen, always see themselves at war. It could be with other tribes, people encroaching on their resources, raiding parties, or at all times with the Void. They may fulfill the role of advisors or leaders among communities making various tactical decisions such as for use of buildings, structures, warriors, and who would make worthy allies. The world is unforgiving and they want more than just survival. A victory is only a victory for the moment, and they must continue to prepare for the next battle.

Symbol: The primary symbol seen is a winged helm. The style of helm and wings will vary across groups. It may also include a shield or weapon.

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