Theia, the patron goddess of the earth and all life that springs from it, was formed from the essence of Gaia, the Eldari of Matter, during the creation of the cosmos. She is a powerful and ancient deity tied to the very foundations of the universe, representing the material essence from which all things are shaped. Theia resides primarily on the Plane of Gaian, a realm of infinite rock and stone, where she oversees the cycle of matter and creation.
Origins and Purpose
As the embodiment of the earth and all physical matter, Theia plays a vital role in the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, maintaining the balance of life, death, and creation. Her connection to Gaia grants her dominion over the physical substance that forms the world itself, from the soil and stone to the mountains and forests that stretch across Tolria and beyond.
Theia's essence is present in all matter across the planes, making her one of the most integral figures in the natural order of the universe. Little is known of her true form, as she remains recused to the Plane of Gaian, a realm of shifting earth and tectonic power. However, it is widely believed that her presence can be felt in every rock, tree, and blade of grass, as she is intertwined with the very substance of existence.
Avatars of The Earth
While Theia remains largely absent from the material world, she manifests her will through the Avatar of the Earth, a chosen mortal who is imbued with a fragment of her divine power. This avatar is believed to emerge every 3,000 to 4,000 years, though the timing of the cycle can vary depending on the needs of the world. The Earth Avatar serves as a living embodiment of Theia's will, tasked with maintaining the balance of nature and protecting the physical world from threats.
These avatars are often powerful druids, monks, or elemental sages who act as stewards of the earth. During their tenure as the Earth Avatar, they are granted immense control over the forces of nature, able to shape the land, summon elemental beings, and call upon the raw power of the earth itself. When the cycle ends, the avatar returns their power to the Plane of Gaian, where Theia's essence continues to flow through the continuum.
Presence in the Prime Plane
Despite her reclusion to the Plane of Gaian, Theia's influence is widely felt across the material plane, particularly among her most devout worshippers. Monks, druids, and those who revere the natural world often call upon her to bless their lands with fertility, to protect forests from destruction, and to guide them through times of natural disaster. The Stillwoods is a sacred place for her followers, where the Earthen Goddess is worshipped in seclusion by reclusive druids who have devoted their lives to the preservation of nature.
Her worship is also prevalent in regions where the earth is held sacred, such as fertile farmlands, ancient forests, and mountainous regions. Followers of Theia believe that by respecting the earth and nurturing life, they can maintain harmony with her divine will, ensuring bountiful harvests, healthy ecosystems, and protection from the destructive forces of nature.
Depictions and Symbols
Theia is often depicted in visions and premonitions by her followers, but her form is never fixed. Depending on the circumstances, she may appear as a towering mountain with feminine features akin to that of an Earth Genasi, or as a verdant forest goddess adorned with foliage and flowers. These shifting forms reflect her connection to the earth and her adaptability to the needs of the world.
Her symbols are typically those of nature—mountains, forests, stones, and trees—all representing her dominion over the physical world. Among her followers, it is common to carry tokens of the earth, such as stones or small wooden carvings, as signs of devotion to Theia and to seek her blessings in their endeavors.
Mysteries of Matter
While Theia’s power is immense and widespread, much about her remains a mystery. Her reclusion to the Plane of Gaian has left much of her divine purpose and goals unknown, leading to speculation and wonder among even her most devout followers. Some believe she holds secrets of the creation of the universe, knowledge passed down from Gaius himself. Others think she guards the key to the true balance of life and death, beyond even what is known to the gods of life and death themselves.
What is known is that Theia’s essence is felt across the Continuum Crystal Cosmology, present in every form of matter and life. She is the foundation upon which existence is built, and through her, the world continues to grow and thrive.