Lycaea, also known as “The Great She Wolf” and “the Mother of us All”, is a primal deity revered by the Wolf Nomads of the Flanaess. She is their “mother of us all,” a powerful figure deeply connected to their identity and survival. Here’s what we know of her:

Domains:

• The Hunt: She is the provider, ensuring the herds are plentiful and the nomads never go hungry. She teaches them to respect the balance of nature, to take only what they need, and to honor the spirits of the animals they hunt.
• Fertility and Family: She blesses the nomads with strong children and ensures the continuation of their lineage. She represents the bonds of family and tribe, the fierce loyalty that binds them together.
• Protection: She is the guardian of the steppes, watching over her children and guiding them to safety. She warns of approaching danger and shields them from harm.
• The Moon: Her power waxes and wanes with the moon, reaching its peak under the full moon’s silvery light. The nomads believe she can be seen in the moon’s shifting shadows, her watchful gaze forever upon them.

Appearance:

Lycaea, The Great She Wolf

Though she rarely appears in physical form, the nomads envision her as a magnificent she-wolf, larger than any earthly creature. Her fur is the color of moonlight, her eyes gleam like stars, and her howl can be heard in the wind that sweeps across the steppes.

Lycaea, in her human form, is a striking figure. Tall and lithe, with a grace that belies her immense power. Her hair is a silvery-gray, often flowing freely or tied back in a simple braid. Her eyes, the same amber hue as her wolf form, holds a depth of wisdom and a hint of otherworldly knowledge. Her skin, pale and almost translucent, seems to glow in the moonlight, a testament to her lunar connection.

Lycaea, in her Human Form

She is often be seen wearing simple, flowing garments, adorned with symbols of the moon and the wolf. Her voice, when she speaks, is both soothing and commanding, capable of calming the wildest storm or inspiring the most timid heart.

Worship:

The nomads honor the Great She Wolf through various rituals and practices:

• Daily Prayers: They offer prayers to her throughout the day, thanking her for her protection and guidance. They might leave small offerings of food or trinkets at the base of ancient trees or on hilltops where the wind blows strong.
• Full Moon Rituals: Under the full moon, the tribe gathers for special ceremonies. These rituals often involve a symbolic hunt, a frenzied dance mimicking the movements of wolves, the sharing of stories about the Great She Wolf’s deeds, and a communal feast.
• Talismans and Symbols: Many nomads wear wolf’s teeth or claws as talismans to invoke her protection. Some even bear tattoos of wolf heads or paw prints as a sign of their devotion.

Relationship to Other Deities:

The Great She Wolf is the central figure in the Wolf Nomads’ faith, but they also revere other deities, including:

• Geshtai: The Baklunish goddess of travel and horses, seen as a favored daughter of the Great She Wolf, guiding the nomads across the steppes.
• Istus: The Baklunish goddess of fate and destiny, perhaps viewed as the wise elder who spins the threads of fate according to the Great She Wolf’s will.
• Telchur: The Oeridian god of winter and war, acknowledged for his strength and resilience in the face of hardship.
• The Black Wolf (Kurell): Another figure associated with strength and ferocity, possibly adopted from contact with Oeridian cultures.

The Great She Wolf represents the wild, untamed spirit of the Wolf Nomads. She is their mother, protector, and guide, a powerful presence that shapes their lives and binds them to the land they roam.