In the cold grey years following the Third Darkness, when Terrinoth lay in ruins and hope was in short supply, a traveler arrived at a small, half-burnt hamlet one midwinter's eve. Those who had not succumbed to war, plague, or starvation welcomed her as best they could. But they warned her that they had little food left for themselves or guests.
The woman, who called herself Aris, told them not to worry. Since they had given her shelter, she would provide a meal in turn. She went to the hearth and stoked the fire, then pulled grain and meats and hearty roots from her pack. Somehow, the stew from her supplies fed the whole village, with enough for the next morning as well.
In the weeks that followed, Aris took the villagers out into the woods and showed them where to find stores of nuts and berries. She helped rebuild their homes and make them snug against the cold. When bandits attacked, she even convinced them to settle and give up their marauding ways. Then, she left, stomping off into the snow with her pack on her back.
Many areas in Terrinoth have similar tales, though if even a fraction are true she must have wandered for a hundred years. Those she aided built humble shrines to her in their villages and began leaving gifts in the hopes of gaining her blessing and protection. Even thieves soon learned to leave those offerings alone, for any who stole them suffered a multitude of misfortunes for the rest of their lives. Only those with generous hearts could take and redistribute the gifts to those in greatest need. In time, these few began to call themselves her priests and prophets of her divine insight..
These priests work tirelessly to help the poor and continue Aris’ works and convictions. Her devotees also work to mediate disputes, from arguments between neighbors to wars between barons. While priests of Aris may take up arms to defend the helpless, they always see violence as the last resort (and a personal failing on their part).
Aris’ largest shine can be found near the Weeping Basin, in Terrinoth, where the body of the Dragonlord Margath fell to earth after being slain by Roland of Kell. Whispers speak of a special order within the priests of Aris called the Watchers, who guard the lake to ensure Margath never rises again. Some say those who visit the crater lake and drink of its waters receive the strength and vigor of Aris herself, but only if they truly need it.
References
- Realms of Terrinoth