Halea

The Empress of Opulence, Queen of Pleasure and Self-fulfillment, Enslaver of Hearts and Loins, Guardian of the Treasure Hoardes of Heaven, Unchaste Lady of the Ten Forgotten Acts, Maker of Bargains, Golden Temptress of the Crimson Chamber

Halea is the amoral goddess of wealth and pleasure. She is without a doubt the most beautiful creature within kelestia and if viewed as she truely exists would drive men mad with passion. On occasion, she has been known to walk among mortals in the guise of an ordinarily beautiful woman. She believes in living life for the moment. Adherents of Halea are all female, and all strikingly beautiful. The eyes of Halean priestesses can be felt by both sexes, making concentration on important tasks very difficult. Many scholars do not consider their "sex-slave rental" business as a true religion. Halean priestesses also have the uncanny ability to appear both worldly and innocent (often within the beat of an eyelash). But never be fooled, there has never been a better manipulator of man's wills. If their guiles cannot get what they want, then sexual promises (which are nearly always honored) are tried, then drugs, then the blackmail, and finally spells. Many times bargains are won by giving everything to the priestess, but receiving very little in return. The Order of the Silken Voice is the only true "acknowledged" clerical faction of Halea. It was specifically founded to spread the doctrine of Halea throughout New Melderyn. It remains essentially a missionary order, maintaining temples in the more remote areas of the plateau. In most regions where the order is active, it is the highest effective level of church organization. The OSV is by far the most profitable order of all the clerical sects. The Halean holy days are the 7th of each month, with the 1st through the 7th of Halane being the Banquet of Delights. During the Banquet of Delights food, drugs, and sex abound, and after heavy tithing the process begins again. It is not uncommon for non-Haleans to partake during this festival, indeed only the most steadfast and devout can say they have never attended. The truely fine "cuisines" are not normally wasted on the common man, instead they are saved for those who the priesthood feels are truely deserving. Many followers donate nearly half of their income to the church. In contrast, the priestesses know how to make their money work for them. Only a savoryan know which is rarer, a poor halean or a poor dwarf.