Arshea

From PathfinderWiki
Arshea
(Deity)

Titles
Spirit of Abandon
Host of Delectation
Adjective
Arshean
Realm
No permanent abode
Alignment
Areas of Concern
Freedom
Physical beauty
Sexuality
Worshipers
Courtesans, painters,
the repressed, sculptors, sexual partners
Edicts
Inspire passion, comfort and free the repressed, seek your true self and desires
Anathema
Judge another based on sexual desires or gender roles, harm another in pursuit of passion
Cleric Alignments (1E)
Domains (1E)
Charm, Good, Liberation, Strength
Subdomains (1E)
Agathion, Freedom, Love, Lust
Cleric Alignments (2E)
Domains (2E)
Confidence, freedom, passion, perfection
Favored Weapon
Symbol
Figure with colorful sashes
Sacred Animal
Sacred Colors
Purple, white
Source: Chronicle of the Righteous, pg(s). 7 (1E)
Gods & Magic, pg(s). 82, 128
f. (2E)
Arshea
(Creature)

Type
Outsider
(angel, extraplanar, good)
CR
29
Environment
Any (Nirvana)
Alignment
Adjective
Arshean
Source: Bestiary 6, pg(s). 110–111

The angel empyreal Lord Arshea (pronounced AHR-shey)1 is a champion of the repressed and weary, providing mortals deliverance from their bonds.2 This liberation applies to many of Arshea's worshipers, who often choose to ignore conventional gender identities, eventually choosing one that fits them best.3

Home

Arshea has no permanent home, and constantly travels through the Universe, Nirvana, Elysium and Heaven.3

Appearance

Arshea is androgynous and has been depicted as both male and female, but in either case, always dressed in many-colored veils of gossamer. Indeed, Arshea is of both genders and neither, unhindered by such differences. Arshea has a perfect face, a lithe body, and wings of gray and blue. Their form is seen as ideal by any species that look upon them, and some claim that those who directly behold Arshea can never be satisfied with mortal beauty again.34

Providence

Miserable individuals sometimes receive a sign of hope from Arshea in the form of a soft grey feather, jewelled bangle, or scrap of gossamer.3

Relationships

Arshea is a welcome guest at the empyreal lord Lymnieris' Palace of Delectation in Heaven and such visits are legendary concerning the intensity of the revels held.5

Church

Arshea is worshipped by artisans, courtesans, some fey, and those seeking to escape repression. They eschew gender roles and often dress and behave as members of the opposite sex (or another gender role in societies with multiple gender roles) for a period of time ranging from months to decades, which they consider the best way to overcome repression and understand freedom, choosing the most fitting gender after this period of pilgrimage. Arshea teaches them to abandon constraining beliefs and practice free love and sexuality.34

The Spirit of Abandon's temples are most likely found in artist's studios, burlesque parlors, and dance halls. Arshea's most devout followers endeavor to achieve sexual release daily (either solo or with partners), praise the beauty of the partners and self, and pray to Arshea while naked.3

Arshea's favored minions are empyrean enchanters, astral devas, and good-aligned nymphs.3

On Golarion

The cult of Arshea has a long association with Magnimar.6

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

  1. Erik Mona, et al. “Appendices” in Campaign Setting, 246. Paizo Inc., 2008
  2. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 234. Paizo Inc., 2011
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Amber E. Scott. “Lords of the Empyrean” in Chronicle of the Righteous, 7. Paizo Inc., 2013
  4. 4.0 4.1 Paizo Inc., et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 6, 11. Paizo Inc., 2017
  5. Judy Bauer, et al. “Visiting Heaven” in Heaven Unleashed, 7. Paizo Inc., 2016
  6. Adam Daigle & James Jacobs. “Magnimar” in Magnimar, City of Monuments, 25. Paizo Inc., 2012