Kaliatharian

Introduction

• The Order of Saint Antistia

  Even amongst the elves, for whom magic is a way of life, there are some who are born Gifted - that is, they exhibit new and rare abilities which had never been seen before. Ranging from the barest glimmer of potential to immeasurable power, these psionic abilities could be used for the betterment of all Elvenkind, and perhaps even the world.
  
  Kalia was lucky enough to have been born with one of these abilities - the Psionic Gift of Empathy. From a young age, she displayed an uncanny skill at reading people, soothing the unsettled, easing aches of the heart, and more besides. Her parents, proud though they were, worried that one day these skills might be taken advantage of and used for evil. For one thing, the little Elf showed a strong reluctance to hurt or kill, would do anything to keep her friends and family from harm. It would be very easy, they knew, for someone to exploit this weakness and use it to put Kalia to work for them.
  
  And so they sought to protect her the best way they knew how -- to shelter their daughter and keep her hidden away from the world. It was the only way they could think to prevent the misuse or exploitation of her Gift. But as the young elf's power grew, Kalia's parents soon learned that keeping their daughter hidden away was no longer their best option. They must find a way to train Kalia in the use of her abilities, lest the abilities take over.
  
  That was when the Order of Saint Antistia was discovered. Secluded in the deepest parts of the Gweonid Forest, away from the prying eyes (and minds) of other creatures, the monastery trained women who had been born with Gifts like Kalia's. Young elves of varying ages were taken in, trained in battle and healing arts in addition to those abilities they had been born with. Each child learned to use his or her ability both offensively and defensively, worked with others who had different skill sets, learned to function alone or in groups.
  
  This education took a hundred years for more, for while the majority of Elves learned the ways of battle almost from birth, the Order of Saint Antistia taught its acolytes far, far more. So though Kalia was a young girl when she entered the care of the Priestesses, she was an adult when she emerged from within its high, stone walls - and she had been given a task.
  
  For the Priestesses of Saint Antistia believed that their Gifts could cleanse the world of evil, and so trained their acolytes and then sent them out into the world, so that they might heal the sick, feed the hungry, and bring criminals to justice.

• Who is Saint Antistia?

  Saint Antistia lived in ancient days as a Priestess of Nui. It is believed that she was one of the first to have been born with a Psionic Gift, specifically that of Telepathy. Because not much was known about telepathic abilities in those days, it was believed that the Goddess Nui Herself was speaking to Antistia, telling her the innermost thoughts of men.
  
  Antistia chose to use these Words of Nui for the betterment of her people, exposing those whose intentions were unclean. She would confront those men and women who were brought to her on charges of one crime or another, and speak to them of their wrongdoings. Then, the Words of Nui - which were actually the thoughts of the convicted - would either confirm the act of crime, or clear the convict's name.
  
  There was one man who feared Antistia and what she might reveal, for he was an awful, evil man who sought financial gain through the suffering of others. He did not wait to be brought before Antistia on charges, but sent his men to bring the Priestess to him. And when they did, he tortured and killed her by pouring molten silver into her eyes and ears. In this way, he thought to prevent the words of Nui from reaching Antistia and therefore protect himself from prosecution.
  
  Upon her death, the followers of Nui declared Antista a Martyr, and shortly thereafter she was made a Saint. Her symbol is the alchemical mark for Silver, which is three arrows pointing upward. The arrows represent Truth, Justice and Light, all of which Antistia stood for while she still lived. It is said that it is Antistia who weighs the hearts of men and elves at death, and determines who receives rebirth, and who is cursed with eternal punishment.
  
  
  [OOC Note: If you're interested in RPing as another Priestess of Saint Antistia with me, just send a whisper and let me know! ]