Layana
Description
Appearance
Layana appears as a towering Adamantine Dragon, her scales gleaming with an indestructible metallic sheen that symbolizes her unwavering commitment to justice and protection. Unique among dragons, she was created with only one horn—her right horn is absent, a deliberate choice by her mother, Lannalra, symbolizing that balance and justice are achievable even with perceived imperfections. Her left horn shines like a polished blade of righteousness, a symbol of her resolve.
Layana’s eyes are a deep, glowing silver, filled with wisdom and determination. Her wings, vast and lined with intricate runes, reflect her connection to law and order. Her presence commands respect and awe, representing her role as the chosen protector of Metallic Dragons and all good-aligned dragons.
In art and religious depictions, she is often portrayed as a majestic one-horned dragon, standing strong despite her missing horn, symbolizing the belief that even in imperfection, balance and justice can be maintained.
Personality
Layana embodies the values of justice, protection, and unwavering duty. She is compassionate and wise, yet firm and resolute in upholding the law. Her decisions are measured, and she expects her followers to act with honor, courage, and integrity. Layana’s commitment to fairness is matched only by her determination to protect the innocent and ensure that balance prevails in both the mortal and divine realms.
Though Layana mourns the loss of her mother, Lannalra, and feels the pain of her brother Lathrea’s betrayal, she remains steadfast in her mission. Her missing horn serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices required to maintain justice, and she does not waver in her duty, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her deep sense of responsibility drives her to defend Avada from the forces of chaos and evil, especially those led by Theonvara and his right hand, Lathrea.
Symbols
Adamantine Dragon: Representing her indomitable strength and protective nature.
Scales of Justice: Symbolizing fairness, law, and balance.
One Horn: Signifying strength despite imperfection and the pursuit of justice.
Sword and Shield: Reflecting protection, valor, and defense of the innocent.
Biography
Protector of Metallic Dragons
Layana was not the first of the Diathan to exist, but she was the first to take decisive action after the death of her mother, Lannalra, the Prismatic Mother. When Lannalra was betrayed and killed by Theonvara and Lathrea, Layana stepped forward to protect her mother’s legacy and the world of Avada. Lannalra had entrusted her with the Metallic Dragons, recognizing in Layana the embodiment of fairness, protection, and the steadfast resolve to maintain balance.
Though Layana had always been devoted to her duties, the loss of her mother awakened in her a fierce determination to stand against the growing threat of the Odelates. She took up the mantle of protector, guiding the Metallic Dragons and good-aligned dragons to ensure that they would continue to serve as protectors of Avada.
The First to Fight Against the Odelates
When the Odelates, led by the corrupt and ambitious Theonvara, sought to seize control of Avada, it was Layana who was the first to rise against them. While Theonvara spearheaded the rebellion, her brother Lathrea served as his right hand, twisting the minds of the Chromatic Dragons and encouraging them to rule over mortals. Lathrea’s betrayal cut deeply, but it was Theonvara’s ambition to plunge Avada into chaos that Layana knew had to be stopped.
Layana led the charge in the Diathan War, rallying the Metallic Dragons, Dragonborn, and other Diathan deities to fight back against the Odelates. Her courage and leadership inspired many, and her missing horn became a symbol of the sacrifices required to preserve balance and justice. Layana fought with both wisdom and strength, her sole focus on protecting the world from the chaos that Theonvara sought to unleash.
Despite the overwhelming forces of the Odelates, Layana’s resolve never faltered. She knew that justice and protection were worth any cost, and she stood as the unyielding bulwark against corruption and tyranny. Her leadership in the Diathan War solidified her role as one of the most revered deities in Avada, respected not only by her fellow deities but also by mortals and dragons alike.
Protector of Mortals and Keeper of Order
Layana’s influence extends far beyond dragons. As the goddess of justice and protection, she is deeply revered by mortals who seek fairness, order, and safety. Her teachings emphasize the importance of integrity, honor, and the defense of the weak. In times of war or strife, many turn to Layana for strength and guidance, believing in her ability to lead them through even the darkest times.
Layana’s role as a protector is not limited to battle. Her principles form the foundation of many legal systems across Avada. Judges and lawkeepers invoke her name in courts, seeking her wisdom to ensure that justice is served. Her image is often displayed in courtrooms, and her teachings on fairness and balance are central to many cultures' understanding of law.
The absence of her right horn, present since her creation, has become a symbol of her philosophy: that even in the face of imperfection or loss, one can still uphold justice and maintain balance. Layana is a reminder to her followers that sacrifice is often necessary to protect what is good, and her presence remains a beacon of hope for all who seek order in a chaotic world.
Worshipers
Followers and Beliefs
Layana is revered by Metallic Dragons, Dragonborn, paladins, and lawkeepers. Her followers are devoted to upholding justice, protection, and righteousness in their lives, and they seek to live by her example of integrity, fairness, and strength.
Metallic Dragons and Dragonborn: These are Layana’s most devout followers, serving as guardians of Avada and defenders of her principles of justice.
Paladins: Many paladins swear oaths in Layana’s name, dedicating themselves to defending the innocent and enforcing law and order across the land.
Judges and Lawkeepers: Layana’s teachings are deeply woven into legal systems across Avada, with her values guiding the decisions of judges and lawkeepers in courts.
Mortals Seeking Protection: Common folk pray to Layana for protection in times of war, conflict, or injustice, seeking her guidance and strength.
Temples and Sacred Sites
Layana’s temples are grand and often integrated into court buildings, symbolizing her close connection to law and order. These temples are large and ornate, with statues of Layana depicted as the one-horned dragon, her missing horn symbolizing her role as a protector of justice despite any imperfection.
Paladin Orders: Layana’s temples often house large orders of paladins, where warriors train to become defenders of justice and protectors of the weak.
Court Temples: In many cities, temples dedicated to Layana are attached to court buildings, where judges consult with her priests for guidance, and her blessings are sought before trials.
Rituals and Practices
Oaths of Protection: Paladins and warriors take sacred oaths in Layana’s name, vowing to uphold her principles of justice and protection.
Ceremonies of Balance: Her followers hold rituals during celestial events, such as solstices, symbolizing the balance and justice she represents.
Prayers for Justice: Layana’s name is invoked during court proceedings, and offerings are made to ensure fair and just rulings.
Legacy and Impact
Layana’s legacy is one of unwavering justice, protection, and strength in the face of adversity. As the first to take up arms against the Odelates after her mother’s death, she led the defense of Avada, standing firm against the chaos unleashed by Theonvara and her brother Lathrea. Her missing horn has become a symbol of sacrifice and resilience, reminding all that even in imperfection, balance and justice can still prevail.
Her teachings continue to shape the legal and moral framework of Avada. Her temples, integrated into court systems, stand as bastions of law and order, where her followers—paladins, judges, and lawkeepers—work to uphold the values she embodies. Her presence is felt in every act of justice, from the smallest village disputes to the grandest battles for the soul of the world.
Layana’s resolve to protect Avada from the forces of darkness has made her a revered figure, not only among dragons and Dragonborn but also among mortals who seek protection and fairness. Her legacy is one of hope, sacrifice, and the belief that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, justice will always find a way to prevail.