Alilial

Alilial (uh-lil-ee-ahl) is the deity of childbirth, midwifery, and motherhood. She considers all mothers, regardless of race, alignment, and religion to be under her protection. She is not a violent deity by any means, but becomes very angry with those that would endanger, assault, or kill a pregnant female. It is said that Alilial can see the destiny of every child while they are in the womb, and sometimes she imparts this knowledge to the mother through a series of vivid dreams and intuitions. Despite her duties as midwife, she is also aware that sometimes a child was not meant to be brought into this world, and as such is sometimes called upon to help during an abortion.

As a midwife to all the races, the actual appearance of Alilial is hard to specify. To those blessed by her appearance, Alilial appears as an elderly, earthy crone of the same race as the viewer, dressed in plain, practical clothing. Her eyes are deep pools of blackness, filled with stars, and whorls of light, like galaxies.

Clergy: Clerics of Alilial are almost always women and are respected and honored throughout all lands. They are called on to help with the delivery of children and provide assistance for a short while after the child is born. (Those that harm a cleric of Alilial are sometimes cursed so that they many never produce progeny themselves.) They are earthly, practical people that do not suffer fools well.

In addition to their duties as midwives, clerics of Alilial teach sexual knowledge, the secrets of birth control, and parenting skills to those in need. Depending on the community, this activity may be woven into the fabric of society or shunned as blasphemous meddling.

Clerics of Alilial pray for spells at sunrise, the time of new beginnings. They heed few holidays, usually those that focus on the birthday of some famous king, saint, or even deity. Her clerics sometimes multiclass as sorcerers, wizards, or bards. Alilial’s colors are brown, tan, and the color of blood.

History/Relationships: It is said that Alilial was at the birth of the first deities, using her skills and precise touch to help them come into existence. Unable to create life on her own, Alilial learned how to assist in bringing life from beyond into this world. Although considered something of a minor goddess, almost all deities respect her, knowing that it was she that helped bring them into existence. She has assisted in the ‘births’ of all manner of deities.

Dogma: Birth is the first part in a long, event-filled life. Mothers are sacred, as are the fathers who protect their families from harm. It is the duty of the community to protect and provide for mothers, for children are the lifeblood of the people – they are the most precious things of all. Aid should be given to a pregnant female, regardless of her race, her creed, or her status.