Varuna
{{Deity
|Image=Varuna.jpg
|Name=Varuna
|Divine Rank=15
|Religions=Zandarism, Shamanism, Druidism
|Domains=Healing, water, travel, luck.
|Alignment=N
}}
Varuna is a complex character. She is many things to many people, and arguably the most worshipped divine entity in the world. The storms and dragons that guard the sea are attributed to her, and thus she defines the very shape of the world. To some, she is kind and benevolent; to others, she is a primal force to be feared and loved, but never tamed. Notably, she is the only goddess to whom Verians show any reverence.
Zandarist Myth
Varuna is one of the lesser gods; she was a powerful spirit in the Aether Realm before Zandar elevated her to godhood. In her charge are the seas, rivers, lakes, rain, weather, and all manner of creatures who live in aquatic environments. It is she who brings and sends the tide, she who brings rain or drought, and she who decides who may cross the seas.
In her aspect as a bringer of fresh water, she is considered benevolent, if moody. Droughts are caused by her feeling offended or lonely; to appease her, she is offered praise, gifts, and adoration, in an often patronizing way. She is seen as a young goddess, an aspect of spring and maidenhood. This is likely due to the regular monsoons that occur along the southern coast just prior to the prime growing season of the year.
Shamanist Myth
Varuna, or Kanaloa as she is known to some Loretanian Islanders, is a major deity in shamanist worship. Due to the relative importance of the sea in the Dragon Isles, she is chief among her peers. She can be kind, but she can also be vengeful.
She has provided the good waters, the shallow, safe waters on the shelf of the Dragon Cresent, and rarely brings storms to travelers there. She also has the secret waters, the deep seas beyond the Dragon Crescent, which are not meant for man.
She provides what she wishes, and is not to be questioned. If fish are plentiful, be grateful; if not, slaughter pigs and grow coconuts. If the river dries, find a new river. She is not appeased; to do so would disrespect the gifts that she gives.
She is a prominent deity in healing magic; water is an essential component in all healing spells, and is seen as a purifying agent.
