"Control is the basis of all true power. Authority and strength are matters of perception. A woman's strength should not be in her role, whatever she chooses to be, but in the power to choose that role."
— Meddraine, the Lady of Knowledge, Temperament, and Magic
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Meddraine is venerated by mages and by those who study magic or magical objects in their daily lives. She also receives the prayers of those who find magic wondrous or encounter magic they fear. One of her tenets: "That which is unknown shall soon be made known", is one of the defining doctrines of those who worship her. As such, Meddraine's influence on Kagrea is one of the crowning reasons that modern magic theory came to be.
The fame of Meddraine is pervasive knowledge in Kagrea, which is to be expected for a land as touched by magic as it is. The goal of Meddraine's faithful is simple: that magic be preserved and promulgated throughout the Planes. It isn't unusual for her followers to keep an eye out for those who demonstrate high potential for using magic and help arrange for such persons to find tutelage with a suitable mentor.
Despite these factors, among all the gods and goddesses who preside over the domain of Arcana, Meddraine is commonly seen as a contrarian one. She believes all magic to be the basis of the world, and no magic to be evil. This includes sacrificial magic, necromancy, and even the magic stored within the Forbidden Annex.
However, this does not mean she asserts that all magic be handed down to the common races, like some of her detractors claim. Rather, she believes all magic deserves to be cataloged, and no magic is inhumane notwithstanding its user. This is why her devotees take it upon themselves to be the arbiters of magical law, and her priesthood historically bans the use and operation of certain magics, such as the Elegy of Death.
Her stance as a goddess of magic notwithstanding, it is important not to get Meddraine confused with the Arisen venerated by those who practice magic. Rather, Meddraine is the Arisen of those who study magic for a living. Who pour through tomes, attempting to discover lost or forbidden magics. And most importantly: Meddraine represents power through learning, not through casting.
After all, it is a well-known fact that many of Meddraine's followers lack the necessary magical circuits to perform magic themselves.
Depiction
Meddraine is typically described in stories and ledgers as being a beautiful women in her middle years, with a fair complexion and a noble gaze. Her cheekbones are angled, making her appear gallant, and she is always said to wear a Soulcaster around her palm. The device to which modern alchemy derives its credit.
Enemies
As one of the Errands, Meddraine believes Adventurer followers are meant to be used to achieve goals. In particular, Meddraine uses them to fulfill her tenets of discovering lost magic, as well as causing more dangerous magics to be forgotten by those who wish to do harm.
Because of this, she holds many enemies among the Feud, and especially Arisen such as Avaris, who takes her ideals to their logical limit by asserting that all magic should be placed in the hands of mortals, regardless of danger.
Commandments of Meddraine:
- That which is lost must be found.
- No magic is evil nor wrong, and none should be forgotten.
- Sometimes great sacrifices must be made in order to preserve what is worthy. Be wise in your judgement, weigh carefully on which powers should be left to thrive and which should be extinguished.