Betshaba

Daughter of Lord Ptharos and sister to Baelthor, Betshaba is one of the creator deities that compose the Triad. Betshaba is the heart and passion of the Triad, beneficent to those who pay her homage and cruel, even heartless, to those who cross her. As goddness of water, she is universally accepted as the Wavequeen, Queen of the Oceans, opposed in her regency only by Taltos, Dagon's offspring created to oppose her. On Aurea, Betshaba is typically worshiped as part of the Triad, but elsewhere she usually has her own dedicated temples, particularly in port cities. Her church hierarchy tends to be well-organized, though individual Wavemothers tend to have a great deal of autonomy within their domains.

Though Betshaba opposes all of the Dagonian deities, she stands most ardently opposed to her uncle, Dagon himself, who attempted to rape her soon after Creation. She was rescued by Vortumnus and thus her clergy has something of a soft spot for followers of Vortumnus, even those who follow the Koramian Heresy. Though Taltos was created to oppose her, its generally believed that Betshaba long ago won the war for her domain and most of her faithful consider followers of Taltos to be an annoyance, at best.

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.

Spheres: Chaos, Water, Healing, Travel, Exorcism

Depictions

Betshaba is typically depicted as a beautiful, mature woman with soft, extremely pale skin and long, flowing, blue-green hair. She wears a ridged helm and long robes with the various blues, greens and greys of the seas. Rarely, she is also depicted with the round Diluent Shield. As Batshar the Aged, she is depicted as an obese woman with long, white hair and deep wrinkles on her face. As El-Ahar, she depicted as young and incredibly beautiful, with sharp teeth and small horns on her forehead. As the Wavequeen, she is depicted as a great sea vessel with ropes of seaweed and sails the color of water, easily capable of carrying hundreds of men.

Betshaba is never without the Brinesword, a blue blade said to have been cold-forged from the essence of elemental water. She also often carries the Net of Vengeance, which will hold fast any who has done evil until she commands it to release. Betshaba is rarely depicted in armor, though stories tell us of the Diluent Shield, which destroys any weapon which touches it.

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.

The number three is sacred to Betshaba and often appears repeated in sacred texts and rituals. Along with her father and brother, she is one of the three creator deities that compose the Triad. She manifests in three primary forms (Batshar the Aged, El-Ahar and the Wavequeen), has the Threefold Purification Rite of rain, river and sea and has three Saints of the Deep (St. Posidos, St. Steven and St. Magdaline).

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

The Church of Betshaba teaches that Water is Memory, Judgment, and Renewal. Just as water nourishes, so too does it scour. The faithful must live lives of balance between mercy and justice, purity and passion, and obedience and courage — just as Betshaba embodies the chaotic but benevolent power of the sea. The Wavequeen is both protectress and punisher, and her faithful are taught that devotion is proven not through passivity, but through action, vigilance, and the willingness to confront corruption wherever it festers.

Mainstream doctrine from the Codex of St. Posidos emphasizes firm but fair justice, reverence for the sea, and a hierarchical, lawful structure for worship. More radical factions, like the Children of St. Chlodomer interpret the Codex with severity, focusing on purging evil and enforcing judgment. Mystic and lay traditions tend to draw more from the apocrypha, embracing Betshaba’s roles as nurturer, lover, and seer.

The Codex of St. Posidos

Penned by the sainted mariner and priest St. Posidos, this sacred codex forms the heart of Betshaban Church law, ritual, and ethics. It is divided into Nine Wakes, or chapters, each containing hymns, sea-rules, visions, and judgments:

1. The Wake of Salt and Sky describes a vision given to St. Posidos of the the arrival of the Triad, the birth of the seas and Betshaba’s first tears falling to create the ocean. It introduces the sacred nature of water, salt, and the sky as elemental truths.
2. The Wake of the Deep Oath: On Vows and Binding Words. This chapter of the Codex details the rituals of salt-oath, the weight of promises, and the spiritual consequences of betrayal. Contains the formal liturgies for betrothal, vengeance, and knighthood under Betshaba’s law.
3. The Wake of the Weeping Helm: On Vanity, Jealousy, and Holy Wrath. This chapter xplains Betshaba’s rage at false beauty and pride, the tradition of masking during rites, and the tale of her jealous storm that sank the Isles of Lirrale.
4. The Wake of the Drowned Truth: On Witchery, Heresy, and the Net of Vengeance. This chapter establishes the doctrine for witch-hunting and trials by water through a collection of stories and tales of Betshaban priests and faithful facing the forces of Dagon and his demonic offspring. It is the basis of the mission of the Children of St. Chlodomer and outlines methods for detecting corruption by sea signs, pearl discoloration, and dream-visits from the drowned.
5. The Wake of Foam and Flame: On Dagon and the War Beneath the Waves. This chapter chronicles Betshaba’s war with Dagon, Taltos and their minions and contains sea hymns sung in defiance of fire and storm-prayers for resisting unnatural heat and ambition.
6. The Wake of the Seaborne Path: On Pilgrimage and Sacred Travel. This chapter describes navigational prayers, port customs, and the laws of safe passage. It provides details the requirements of sacred ocean-crossing pilgrimages for priests and laity, and grants the right to bear the title “Seaborne.”
7. The Wake of the Threefold Tide: On Judgment, Mercy, and Renewal. This chapter discusses Betshaba’s three aspects - Batshar, El-Ahar, and the Wavequeen — and how her faithful must balance passion, patience, and power in their lives. Often read at baptisms, cleansings, and funerals.
8. The Wake of the Celestial Captain: The Life of St. Posidos. The only part of the Codex not penned by St. Posidos, it is a spiritual hagiography of the Codex’s author: his visions, his trial by drowning, and how he calmed the Leviathan of Ashmere. It ends with his martyrdom and ascension as the Celestial Captain of the Waverunner.
9. The Wake of the Watched Horizon: The Book of Prophecy and Endings. Contains St. Posidos’ final visions, including veiled references to the return of Taltos, the cleansing tide, and the Last Crossing of the Seaborne. Often treated as both inspiration and warning.

Key Tenets of the Codex

The tenets of Betshaba all focus on the nine virtues held sacred by Betshaba:

• On the Sea’s Rights: The Codex lays down detailed rules for maritime conduct, including the sacred times to enter or leave port, the permissibility of sailing under specific lunar phases, and the prohibition of war-making without a priestess aboard.
• On the Oaths of Salt: All holy vows must be sealed with water or salt. To violate a salt oath is to invite the full wrath of the Wavequeen. This includes oaths of marriage, pact, service, and vengeance.
• On the Mask and Humility: The Codex warns against the vanity that angers Betshaba. Sailors and women of great beauty must wear masks during holy rites, lest they be struck by Betshaba’s jealous storms. Only her faithful under a sacred vow are exempt.
• On Pilgrimage: Every priest must cross a sea at least once every ten years, and every lay worshiper once in their life, to be called “Seaborne.” The Codex provides sacred sea-lanes and instructions for storm prayer during passage.
• On Judgment and Witch-Hunting: The Codex supports the Rule of St. Chlodomer, authorizing the Children of St. Chlodomer to root out dark magic. It speaks of the Net of Vengeance and the necessity of drowning sorcery in holy water.

Apocryphal Works

While not officially canon, these texts are commonly taught or debated in dockside sanctuaries, rural shrines, or among wandering Seaborne scholars:

• The Tide-Scrolls of the Weeping Isles: Purported to be the visions of a drowned oracle, these scrolls contain prophecy and cryptic parables about the end of days, when Betshaba will flood the land to judge the wicked and reclaim the salt taken from her.
• The Litany of the Deep-Born: A controversial text attributed to El-Ahar, this work celebrates sensuality, motherhood, and passion as sacred acts. It is more revered among foreign cults of Betshaba in eastern Gallorea and frequently suppressed or even treated as heresy in formal temples on Aurea and Duria.
• The Chronicle of Foam and Iron: An epic poem expanding upon the Wake of Foam and Flame, this work details the conflict between Betshaba and Taltos, describing how the Wavequeen shattered the Burning Trident and claimed dominion over the ocean deeps. The tale is beloved among inquisitors and naval commanders.
• The Confession of Clementia: Said to be penned by Clementia the Dove, goddess of Mercy and Betshaba’s exiled daughter, this text urges mercy over judgment and warns against zealotry. It is a holy text of the worshippers of Clementia, but is specifically penned as a warning to Betshaba herself and her worshippers against taking vengeance too far. It is banned in most temples, though copies are whispered to circulate among some younger Wavemothers.

Virtues

Purity, Judgment, Discipline, Loyalty, Humility, Vigilance, Sacrifice, Mercy and Endurance

Vices

Vanity, Falsehood, Sorcery, Cowardice, Defilement, Heresy, Blasphemy, Complacency and Hypocrisy

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

Priesthood

The priesthood of Betshaba follows the same hierarchy and structure as the priesthood of her father, Lord Ptharos. Furthermore, those who seek admittance to the higher levels of priesthood must have extensive knowledge of the sea, including how to command a sailing vessel through open waters. Betshaba's priesthood tends to be dominated by females, though there are no official proscriptions against males holding any rank.

The Children of St. Chlodomer are a fairly radical sect bent on the destruction of all who are held in a Pact to the forces of evil, including witches and sorcerers, in accordance with the Rule of St. Chlodomer. Their tactics are often considered somewhat extreme by other Members of the Church. To some particularly violent members of the Children, an innocent who is destroyed or harmed in the war against evil is automatically forgiven of his minor sins and granted a place in heaven. They have a loose hierarchy organized by priests, called Oceansworn Archons, who serve as abbots of the Children's dockside retreats and monastic vessels. The active arm of the Children of St. Chlodomer are known as the Tidebound Inquisitors.

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

There are numerous laymen who perform various services for Betshaba, at least among seamen and coastal inhabitants who rely on the sea for their sustenance. Some serve the clergy directly as ship captains or fishermen who provide transportation and food to their superiors.

Calendar

Arrival of the Seaqueen

Original article: Arrival of the Seaqueen

Sheldsmet 7

Observed by: Commonplace where the Triad is worshiped, particularly in countries formerly part of the Old Empire

Arrival of the Seaqueen is the second of three holidays collectively called the Arrival of the Triad, representing the return of the Triad from the chaos and the creation of the world. One of the high holy days of Betshaba, the festival day usually includes a number of competitions in honor of Betshaba, including swimming, rowing, fishing and, for children, even knot tying. The festivities cease for a solemn noontime mass, which traditionally includes a sermon on how Betshaba gave water to Baltheron and the genesis of her children, the Ilum Bet-sha.

The Dedication of the Triad

Original article: Dedication of the Triad

Sheldsmet 21

Observed by: Commonplace

A holy day to Lord Ptharos, Betshaba the Seaqueen and Baelthor the Stonehands, the Dedication to the Triad is an important holy day even in regions where the Triad's importance has waned. On this day, an immense bonfire is built as evening approaches. Children put on masks and run through the streets of their village or town, screaming and playing as loud as possible, to chase off any evil spirits who may seek to disrupt the ceremony. Then, as midnight approaches, the worshipers gather at the bonfire carrying a bucket of earth or water. They begin to sing a hymn to the Triad which empowers a casting performed by the ranking priest. If Lord Ptharos is pleased with those present and the ceremony itself, a wind will suddenly build at midnight, signaling the worshipers to throw the contents of their buckets onto the fire, dousing it. They then return to their homes, forgiven of the sins of the past year for as long as they keep their ceremonial bucket prominently displayed in their house. The event symbolizes the defeat of Dagon by the Triad, and its successful operation is extremely significant to the worshipers who participate. An unsuccessful Dedication of the Triad ceremony has resulted in more than a few villages being deserted by its inhabitants, who fear the displeasure of Lord Ptharos. Recently, a tradition has begun where those who do not wish to be disturbed by the rampaging children give them confections or toys to keep them appeased. Many church fathers are disgruntled at this behavior, but the Pontifex has not yet issued an official decree on the matter.

Prelude to the Waters

Original article: Prelude to the Waters

Betasha 20-22

Observed by: Commonplace where Betshaba is worshiped, particularly in coastal regions

Prelude to the Waters are feast days holy to Betshaba celebrating the bounty of the sea, leading up to the Rise of the Waters ceremony on the summer solstice. The solemnity of the event varies widely depending on differences in local culture: some Preludes are loud, drunken affairs where sailors tell tall tales and eat vast amounts of crab and oysters while others are more subdued celebrations with calm music and various fish dishes prepared. Sailing on the open ocean during Prelude is considered bad form at best and, unless the Rise is observed faithfully, tempting Betshaba's legendary rage.

Rise of the Waters

Original article: Rise of the Waters

Betasha 22

Observed by: Commonplace where Betshaba is worshiped, particularly in coastal regions

The high holy day of Betshaba, the Rise of the Waters is a ceremony that takes place at a high tide in daylight on the summer equinox. The local priests and any congregants present wade into the largest body of water (preferably the ocean) and give thanks to Betshaba, imploring her for calm seas and a safe summer season. Though the Prelude to the Waters, the feast days preceding the Rise, can often be a raucous occasion, even the most debauched sailors will maintain their solemnity during this event, lest they risk attracting Betshaba's ire. Women who are believed to be particularly beautiful (or believe themselves to be) are expected to wear plain or hideous masks, so as to avoid Betshaba's jealous rage.

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 worshipers 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. Worshipers 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.

Threefold Purification Rite

The cleansing rites of the priesthood of Betshaba include three forms of water: rain (blessings from above), river (blessings from beside) and sea (blessings from the below). These are used in high rituals to symbolize the totality of water's memory and reach. It also represents the threefold motion of the tides: rising, cresting and falling - each representing the cycle of judgement, mercy and renewal. Many rituals include the three immersions or three offerings to reflect this.

Taboos

There are numerous restrictions and taboos that the worshipers 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.