Iris
Iris, the Bloomwarden is a Primordial deity responsible for the creation and protection of most life on Zairis. She is the most widely worshiped deity out of the Primordials, and is especially popular among women and environmentalists. Most major cities in Mithros and the Nikosian Empire have a large temple dedicated to her, and innumerable shrines dot the smaller settlements and even wilderness of those regions.
Her divine sigil is an image depicting a tree covered with iridescent leaves, surrounded by a green circle, referencing Irididendros and the Viridian Circle. The religious leaders of Iris' following, in factions such as the Viridian Circle, preach a message of nurture and compassion, and advocate a life of harmony with nature.
Appearance
Iris typically appears as a 9 foot tall female Miacid (she readily admits that she exaggerates the size and that actual miacids were only about as tall as vulpines by average). In her own temples she usually appears fully nude, but her avatars who appear in public settings such as other deities' temples can appear in any of a wide assortment of outfits that appear to be composed of some manner of plant matter, such as leaves, bark, vines, petals, etc.
In addition, Iris exudes a prismatic aura from the crystals she wears.
Following
As the deity with the largest following of any on Zairis, Iris wields considerable political and spiritual power.
The Viridian Circle
The Viridian Circle is Iris' orthodox following and the largest organization under her. They, like Iris herself, are based in the city of Dendropolis in Viridian Vale, Mithros, with smaller outposts in various locations across Zairis. All of their policies and executive decisions are personally overseen and approved by Iris herself or one of her avatars.
The Blackwood Circle
The Blackwood Circle are a sect who latched onto a 'survival of the fittest' narrative as their core belief in their worship of Iris. While officially considered heretical, they have been allowed to practice their version of the faith outside of areas within the Viridian Circle's immediate sphere of influence.
The Trench Circle
The Trench Circle is a sect of the Primordial faith based in Aquantis, which jointly worship both Iris and fellow primordial Randegosa. Unlike the Blackwood Circle, the Trench Circle are not considered heretical and are full members of the Primordial Faith Authority, albeit separate from the orthodox factions of both their deities.
Primordial Faith | |||
---|---|---|---|
Primordial deities | Abraxas • Ardothun • Endacil • Iris • Morik • Randegosa • Rrequtaas | ||
Follower factions | Orthodox | Heterodox | Heretical |
Aquantis Dominion • Mortuary Priesthood • Viridian Circle | Trench Circle | Blackwood Circle • Ten Clouds Cult | |
Transcendent Realms | Ardothun's Realm • Endless Sea • Eternal Battlegrounds • Labyrinth Cycle • Underdeep • Viridian Wilds | ||
Cultural items | Primordial Speech |
Iris, the Bloomwarden
Class | Primordial |
Transcendent Realm | Viridian Wilds |
Divine sigil | A tree covered with iridescent leaves, surrounded by a green circle. |
Associated Auratic elements | Earth
Light Grass Blood |
Status | Active, residing within Irididendros. Has multiple avatars stationed at key locations around Zairis. |