-Christianna-
GODDESS OF GOODNESS
AND
KEEPER OF THE HEAVENS
Symbol: A double cross which is most often made from iron which is considered to be a repellent to evil forces.
Place of Existence: The Celestial Plane, also known to the denizens of Nhearn as Heaven. It is considered to be located above other planes and above Nhearn.
Signs: Sources of light, breaking clouds, simple acts of kindness.
Alignment: Lawful Good
Christianna is the most favored deity within the realm of Nhearn, finding worshippers from all dominions, castes, and walks of life, however she is most celebrated within the borders of the Empire of Man. She is considered to be the Daughter of Gold and is thought of as a sister to Aurora, the Moon Goddess, who is known as the Daughter of Silver. Despite Aurora taking the most direct approach to dealing with sources of evil, many believe that Annabel seeks the destruction of Christianna utmost and their continued rivalry is thought to be the reason for strife upon Nhearn.
The existence of Christianna has also been the subject of continued debate through the Ages, as it is a mystery as to whether she is active within the pantheon or hiding her presence away from Nhearn. Some, especially those within the Auroran faith, believe that Christianna has abandoned Nhearn, retreating to Heaven and sealing it away until a time where she can safely return to the foundations of the world. This is further reinforced by ongoing struggle, calamity, and wicked deeds that fracture the faith of some of her potential followers. To the dedicated they believe that she graces Nhearn with more subtle ques, presenting herself in rays of light between storm clouds, faint glows at a distance, and to a lucky few she is said to speak with the most faithful in dreams and visions.
The lesser servants of Christianna are the angels of Heaven which are now a symbol widely used in tomes, architecture, and decal. There are few stories from the olden days of antiquity that share the forms of angels, but it is said that they arrive with masks upon their faces, halos above their heads, that they are adorned in golden armor, and are graced with the wings of doves. While truth of their existence is limited to speculation, the symbolic uses of angels within the churches of Christianna are still prevalent, especially throughout the Empire.
Visiting her places of worship, known as churches, would offer views of tall steeples, buttresses, towers with large bells, wide ranges of stained glass depicting moments of mythology or history, and artistic frescos dedicated to Christianna, the angels, and her saints. Often the priests within the hallowed halls of her churches work as healers and advisors to the local populations, rarely stepping into the role of warrior or crusader. Aurora's followers are more often the ones who fill more violent roles, but even they still pay their respects to the Christiannan membership for guidance and practices of faith.