Betshaba

Betshaba

Goddess of Water

Descriptive Info

Gender: Female

Avatar: Batshar the Aged, El-Ahar, the Wavequeen

Consort(s): None

Allies: Betshaba is accorded respect by all of the Triadic, Ptharosian, Baelthoric, and, of course, Betshaban deities, and the Iuvenes, due to her loyalty to his father, Lord Ptharos. Adrasteia, goddess of rivers and offspring of Betshaba, is her constant companion, as it is her responsibility to feed Betshaba what foods she needs. Podalirius, god of vegetation and another offspring of Betshaba, is also often found at her court, attempting to court her favor for his sphere.

Foes: Taltos, Dagon's offspring created to defeat Betshaba, is a great enemy to Betshaba, though Betshaba opposes all of the Dagonian deities. The Wavequeen has declared that Clementia, Betshaba's offspring and goddess of mercy, is no longer welcome in her court, due to her constant complaining on Betshaba's treatment of those who travel the waves. It is said that, during the winter months, Clementia can be found outside the doors of the Palace of the Mere, dressed as a penitent and begging for her mother's favor. Dagon, god of flame and evil, as well as her uncle, is Betshaba's most dire enemy, as she seeks vengeance for her rape at his hand.

Spiritual Info

Rank: Greater

Nature: Chaotic

Ethos: Benevolent

Major Influence: Water

Minor Influence(s): Oceans, Witch-hunting.

Symbols

The symbol of Betshaba is a blue triangle, usually depicted at the lower left side of the Triadic triangle. When depicted alone, her symbol is that of a single spear over a stylized ocean wave. Aquamarine is important to Betshaban ritual, and the stone is often used inlaid into the hilts of weapons dedicated to the Wavequeen. Pearl is also important, and priests are bedecked in jewelry made of this precious minerals. The Children of St. Chlodomer even create special magic items out of pearl which will discolor when in the presence of a witch or sorceror. Water is extremely significant to the priesthood, and a priest who does not have sufficient water (basically pure…saliva and urine are not enough), all spells cast receive a +1 to any saving throw . When they are actually standing in a large, natural or consecrated body of water, at least as deep as their waist, they receive a +1 caster level for the purpose of level checks .

Dwelling Place

The Palace of the Mere

Servants

Betshaba is fed by Adrasteia, goddess of rivers, as mentioned above. She is also served by St. Posidos, Celestial Captain of the Waverunner; St. Steven, Celestial Captain of the Torrent's Revenge; St. Magdaline, Celestial Captain of the Whalebone; and St. Chlodomer the Righteous.

Doctrine

No information available on the doctrine of Betshaba

Mission

No information available on the mission of Betshaba

Geography

No geographic information available on Betshaba

History of the Church

No historic information available on Betshaba

Organization

No information available on the Organization of the Church of Betshaba

Garments

Priests of Betshaba wear garments of blue, grey and green, sewed as such to appear to be made of water. The hair is kept wet, particularly during ceremonies, and left free to hang over the shoulders (the cutting of hair is proscribed in the priesthood).

Religious Practices

No information available on the religous practices of the Church of Betshaba

Customs

The priesthood of and adherents to Betshaba obeys the Codex of St. Posidos, which details the customs of the sea and sea-travel. The Codex, recorded by one of Betshaba's first priests, gives direction in such things as the proper times to enter and leave port, as well as details on semaphore communication between ships. It also requires that priests travel overseas at least once a decade on a pilgrimage, while worshippers of Betshaba are merely required to travel in such a manner at least once in their life. Such individuals are permitted to use the appellation "Seaborne" with their names. Worshippers of Betshaba are required to give worship to her father, Lord Ptharos, as well. See the entry for that deity for more information.

Worship ceremonies either take place at the nearest waterway or in the Hall of Water in a Temple of the Triad. They always entail the sprinkling of holy water, as well as the immersion in water of those members who wish to be cleansed of sin.

Taboos

There are numerous restrictions and taboos that the worshippers of Betshaba must follow, most of which deal with interaction with the sea. Some examples include the proscription against having women aboard vessels of war (unless they are priestesses of Betshaba) as well as using a triple knot when tying nets to be used in fishing. Specific details of all the restrictions and taboos are far too numerous to list here.

The only colors restricted from usage by the priests of Betshaba are orange and yellow, which are the colors of Dagon in religious practice.