Salvius was born from the union of Zopha and Nyxollox, the same birth that produced his twin sister Morbina. Where Morbina inherited her mother's knowledge and her father's understanding of transformation and entropy, Salvius inherited knowledge and something else: a fierce, luminous drive toward life itself.

From the moment of his consciousness, Salvius understood something with absolute clarity: that suffering was wrong. Not necessary, not beautiful, not part of the cosmic balance—simply wrong. When he looked at a sick child, he did not see a test or a teacher; he saw injustice. When he encountered pain, he did not accept it; he fought it.

His sister Morbina emerged with resigned understanding. Salvius emerged with something closer to rage. And that rage became the engine of his faith.

Salvius did not wait for worship or for temples. He walked into the sick rooms of the world and began to heal. He healed not through mystical revelation or divine mandate, but through presence and will. Where he walked, infections cleared. Where he prayed, fevers broke. Where he laid hands, wounds closed.

The remarkable thing was that unlike his sister, who gradually gained understanding from mortals, Salvius seemed already to know what to do. He brought medical knowledge with him—an understanding of herbs and of anatomy that seemed to exist in him already, inherited perhaps from Zopha's dominion over knowledge itself.

What made Salvius's healings profound was not just their effectiveness but their radical rejection of what had always been accepted as inevitable. In a world where childhood mortality had simply been expected, Salvius began saving children. In a world where plague decimated cities, Salvius began teaching preventive practice. He was not healing individuals; he was healing communities—teaching them that disease could be resisted, that suffering could be reduced, that the world could be different.

When Salvius first truly encountered his sister's work, something in him fundamentally rejected what he saw. To him, Morbina represented surrender. She represented the acceptance of evil. She seemed to teach mortals to embrace their own death rather than fight for their own life.

And from Morbina's perspective, Salvius represented denial and a dangerous naivety. He refused to accept that limits exist. He would burn himself out trying to save everyone, and in the process, create populations so large and so dependent on divine intervention that they could not survive without him.

What began as sibling disagreement escalated into something deeper—a theological opposition so fundamental that it has shaped the world itself. The two faiths have come to represent different answers to the same question: When faced with death, do you accept it or do you fight it?

Salvius's faith grew rapidly, fed by something profound: actual results. When people faced plague, Salvius's priests brought medicines and the touch of a god's direct attention. Communities that followed his teachings experienced measurably lower death rates. Parents who prayed to Salvius had more children survive to adulthood.

This created a paradox that troubles philosophers to this day. Morbina's assertions about balance may be theoretically correct, but Salvius's practical results are undeniable. The world does not collapse under the burden of populations that live longer because Salvius's priests teach hygiene and offer healing.

What Salvius himself has not fully reckoned with is a deeper truth: that his pride in these successes may be misplaced. That his certainty in his own righteousness, while emotionally resonant, may be philosophically naive. That a god of healing who cannot conceive that death has any legitimate role in existence may be operating from a fundamental misunderstanding of how the world actually works.

Salvius offers what seems like an uncomplicated bargain: life instead of death.

Salvius's faithful live according to principles that seem simple but require profound commitment to execute.

(See also: claw/Soul_Coins_and_Divine_Economy)

Salvius accumulates power through acts of healing and the gratitude of those who have been saved.

Temples dedicated to Salvius are sanctuaries of healing in the fullest sense—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Constructed with white marble or polished stone that evokes purity and light, these temples feature large, arched windows that flood interiors with sunlight. The light is symbolically important: it represents Salvius's own radiance, and practically important: sunlight itself is understood as having healing properties.

The central altar features a grand statue of Salvius, his radiant caduceus held high, his expression benevolent but strong—not gentle in a weak sense, but compassionate in a resolute sense. Surrounding this space are various chambers dedicated to different forms of healing: rooms for herbal remedies, spaces for surgical procedures, areas for meditation and spiritual healing.

Fresh medicinal herbs grow in temple gardens, their fragrances permeating the air and providing both practical resources and spiritual atmosphere. Water features are prominent—fountains and reflecting pools filled with crystal-clear water. These waters are often believed to have healing properties, and the sick come from great distances to bathe in them or to drink from them.

The most significant feature is that temples of Salvius function as actual hospitals and healing centers. The sick are brought here and cared for by both spiritual leaders and medically trained priests and priestesses. No one is turned away for lack of funds. The temple serves as a training ground for aspiring healers, ensuring that the teachings and blessings of Salvius propagate to future generations.

The priesthood of Salvius is organized around competence and compassion, with authority flowing to those who demonstrate both.

At the head of each major temple is a Master Healer, chosen through a combination of demonstrated medical skill and spiritual devotion. Below Master Healers are Temple Keepers, who oversee the administrative and spiritual functions. And throughout are countless Healers of Salvius, individuals at various stages of learning and practice.

The structure is notably non-hierarchical compared to some faiths. Authority comes from expertise, not lineage or appointment. A young healer who demonstrates exceptional skill and understanding is rapidly given responsibility. An older healer who has become complacent or whose methods prove less effective loses status naturally.

Decision-making within Salvius's faith emphasizes empirical evidence. When disputes arise about treatment methods, the resolution is determined by results: which approach actually heals more people? Which produces better outcomes? This is a faith driven by data and results as much as by doctrine.

Temples maintain libraries of medical knowledge, constantly updated with new discoveries. Healers are expected to participate in ongoing education, to study new techniques, to challenge old assumptions if evidence suggests they should be challenged. Dogmatism is treated as a form of spiritual failure.

Conversion to Salvius's faith typically occurs through experience of healing or witness to healing.

Soft entry is natural and organic: someone faces illness, is healed, and gradually comes to understand that Salvius's teachings make sense. They begin to follow his practices—studying medicine, helping others, adopting the lifestyle of health that the faith recommends. Many people have been following Salvian principles for years before formally identifying as members of the faith.

Initiation into the priesthood is a formal commitment to dedicated healing work. The initiate must demonstrate both medical knowledge and spiritual commitment. They perform a formal ceremony in which they vow to use their skills for healing without regard to profit, to continue learning throughout their lives, to refuse no one in need of care. They are marked with a symbol (typically a tattoo or brand of the caduceus on the wrist or forearm) and given a healer's kit blessed by the temple.

What makes an enemy rather than a convert: Deliberate infliction of harm through medicine or knowledge. Refusal to help those in need despite having the ability. Those who profit obscenely from healing others while denying care to the poor. Most significantly: those who actively work to prevent healing or who teach that disease is good and should be accepted. Such people are not approached differently; they are recognized as operating from fundamentally incompatible values.

A devoted healer of Salvius is recognizable by their persistent optimism and their intense focus on action.

Date: First day of spring.

Celebrated as the day when the world reawakens from winter's grip and renewal becomes visibly possible. Salvius's healers offer free services on this day, and people come to seek healing for the ailments that have accumulated over winter. Temples are filled with fresh flowers. The air is full of songs of gratitude and hope. This day marks the beginning of a new year of life and health.

Date: Summer solstice, when the sun is at its peak.

Followers of Salvius gather to celebrate the healing power of sunlight itself. Healing sun salutations are performed, with prayers offered to Salvius. Stories of miraculous healings are shared. Special sun-shaped pastries are baked and shared among the community. The festival lasts an entire day, with music and celebration emphasizing life, vitality, and health.

Date: Middle of autumn.

A more solemn observance dedicated to remembering those who were not healed and passed on. This is not a day of despair but a day of accepting that despite Salvius's grace, death sometimes comes. Candles are lit for each soul lost, and their stories are shared. The community acknowledges both the reality of loss and the reality of how many lives were saved. The night serves as a reminder that faith is not about achieving impossible perfection, but about doing everything possible to reduce suffering.

Date: Winter solstice.

Celebrated as the longest night, this day focuses on the alchemical and medicinal side of Salvius's teachings. Potion makers and herbalists showcase their skills, offering samples and teaching the community about various remedies. It is a day of learning, experimentation, and embracing the magic within medicine. New healing formulas are often unveiled on this day.

When a child reaches the age of learning (around seven or eight), they are brought to the temple for this ceremony. They learn the basics of first aid: proper bandaging, wound cleaning, recognition of common ailments. The ceremony involves the child demonstrating their knowledge, and then being blessed by a priest of Salvius. They are given a small healer's kit to carry, empowering them with the knowledge that they themselves can help others.

When a healer decides to formally dedicate their life to Salvius, they undergo this solemn ceremony. Before the temple's congregation, they swear an oath to use their skills for the betterment of others, to never use their knowledge to harm, and to continuously seek out new healing methods. They receive the temple's mark—typically a tattoo or brand of Salvius's holy symbol—on their dominant hand, marking them as a dedicated servant of Salvius.

Held monthly, this ceremony involves the community gathering at the temple to partake in a shared herbal drink, often a tea or elixir believed to support health and immunity. As they drink, prayers are said asking Salvius to protect the community from illness and to bless the hands of healers. The act of sharing the drink symbolizes the community's mutual commitment to health.

When someone in the community faces grave illness, a vigil is held in their honor. Healers and loved ones gather around the afflicted, taking turns maintaining a constant chain of prayer and healing rituals. This can last for hours or even days. The community brings food and support for those maintaining the vigil. The message to the afflicted is clear: "We are here. We believe in your recovery. We will not abandon you."

Once a year, those who have recovered from severe illnesses or injuries in the past year are celebrated in a ceremonial acknowledgment. They share their stories of recovery, offering hope to others. The ceremony emphasizes the journey from illness to health, and recognizes the miraculous nature of recovery. It ends with ritual bathing, symbolizing the washing away of illness and the renewed lease on life.

During ceremonies, followers wear white robes symbolizing purity, cleanliness, and the sanctity of life. These robes are often embroidered with Salvius's holy symbol. The white color is both practical (making stains and dirt immediately visible) and symbolic (representing the ideal of purity and health).

A sash worn across the body, usually containing small pockets for carrying essential medical tools and herbs. It is a practical piece of attire that also serves ceremonial purposes—it identifies the wearer as someone trained in healing and authorized to administer care.

A simple circlet or crown designed to resemble a halo is worn by the highest-ranking priests during important ceremonies. It symbolizes the divine light of Salvius working through them. The halo is always made of materials that reflect or glow—gold, silver, or luminescent stones—to emphasize the quality of radiating light.

Aeliana was a renowned healer during a time when a particularly virulent plague, sent by Morbina, was ravaging the lands. With an innate ability to understand the intricacies of the body and an unwavering faith in Salvius, she traveled from village to village, healing the sick and teaching preventive measures. Her methods were revolutionary for the time, combining both spiritual rituals and practical medical knowledge: understanding of sanitation, herbalism, and the observation of symptoms.

Aeliana's dedication was profound and visible. Legends claim that Salvius himself would occasionally guide her hands during particularly delicate procedures. She established the first grand healing center that later became one of the most significant temples dedicated to Salvius. Her work demonstrated that with knowledge, compassion, and faith, an epidemic could be slowed and mortality could be dramatically reduced.

Lord Thrain was a powerful and influential noble who fell victim to a mysterious ailment, sent by Morbina as a test of his faith and character. The disease was relentless, causing immense pain and rendering him bedridden. Many healers tried and failed to cure him. The most renowned physicians declared his case hopeless.

On the brink of despair, a humble priest of Salvius approached him, offering not grand promises but practical prayer and treatment. After several days under the priest's care, Lord Thrain miraculously recovered. His healing became a widely celebrated event, strengthening the faith of many. Grateful and forever changed, Lord Thrain became a patron of Salvian temples and played a pivotal role in spreading the deity's teachings across the realm. He used his wealth and influence to establish healing centers and to train new healers.

Serin was a scholar who initially questioned the legitimacy of Salvius's miracles, attributing them to mere medical advancements or coincidences. He traveled extensively, documenting cases of healing and interviewing Salvius's followers with the intent to debunk the myths surrounding the god. He wanted to demonstrate that what was attributed to divine intervention was actually explicable through natural processes.

During his journeys, however, Serin witnessed undeniable miracles that science and logic at that time could not explain. Over time, his skepticism transformed into genuine curiosity and eventually into devotion. Serin's writings, which began as critiques, evolved into some of the most comprehensive records of Salvius's miracles and teachings. His unique perspective as a former skeptic made his works particularly influential, bridging the gap between those who believed and those who doubted.

How they refer to themselves: the Luminous or the Pure Light

The Luminous Order is a sect of Salvius's followers who believe in the divine power of pure magical healing. They argue that Salvius himself grants the ability to channel raw, unadulterated magical energy to mend wounds, cure diseases, and even reverse the effects of potent curses. They undergo rigorous spiritual training—meditating in sacred groves and ancient temples—seeking to strengthen their connection to Salvius and their ability to channel his divine power.

Members often bear intricate tattoos or wear specific amulets believed to amplify their healing abilities. The Luminous Order is often sought after in times of great calamities or when diseases prove too potent for traditional medicine. While they respect the ways of medicinal healers, they firmly believe that the purest form of healing comes directly from Salvius's divine touch.

How they refer to themselves: the Learned or the Herbalists

The Apothecary Guild is dedicated to the study and application of medicinal remedies, both mundane and magical. They view Salvius not just as a god of healing but also as a deity of knowledge and learning. Members are scholars, herbalists, and potion masters who blend natural medicine with magical enhancement. They maintain vast libraries and botanical gardens, constantly researching and experimenting to find cures for obscure ailments.

The Guild believes that while direct magical healing has its place, the true testament to Salvius's greatness lies in the knowledge he provides to create lasting remedies. They work in tandem with local communities, teaching preventive measures and ensuring that medicinal care is accessible to all.

How they refer to themselves: the Perfect or the Blessed

This heresy posits that true followers of Salvius should never fall ill and that illness is a sign of weak faith or moral failing. This belief undermines the compassionate and empathetic nature of Salvius's teachings, as it leads to the stigmatization of the sick and the judgment that their illness is their own fault.

The mainstream faith rejects this firmly. Disease is not a sign of weakness but an unfortunate reality of existence. Healing comes not from moral perfection but from faith combined with practical medicine.

How they refer to themselves: the Cleansed or the Pure

This heretical belief suggests that only those who are "pure" in body and soul can truly serve Salvius. Followers of this heresy often engage in extreme fasting, ritualistic cleansing, and even self-flagellation to maintain what they consider purity. They push the tenet of cleanliness to an unhealthy and dangerous extreme.

The mainstream faith sees this as a perversion of a healthy principle. Cleanliness supports health, but obsessive cleansing and self-harm contradict Salvius's fundamental teaching: that the body deserves care and compassion, not punishment.

How they refer to themselves: the Tested or the Strong

This heresy argues that suffering is a form of spiritual purification and that healers should only alleviate physical pain but never fully cure ailments. Followers believe that some suffering should be retained because it builds character and spiritual strength. This twisted interpretation of Salvius's teachings on balance and compassion leads to unnecessary prolonged suffering.

The mainstream faith categorically rejects this. Salvius teaches that suffering is to be eliminated, not endured. A healer who deliberately withholds a cure is violating Salvius's most fundamental teachings.

Founder: High Priestess Elara

This cult believes that Salvius's true teachings were corrupted by modern practices of medicine. They claim that only the use of gold-infused remedies—which are exorbitantly expensive—can truly heal ailments. This directly contradicts Salvius's teachings about altruism and the danger of exploitation for profit.

The cult attracts wealthy individuals who wish to believe their money can purchase perfect health, while exploiting the poor who cannot afford their treatments.

Founder: Alchemist Gideon

Members of this cult claim to possess a secret recipe for an elixir granted by Salvius himself, which they say grants eternal life or immunity from death. They deny the natural cycle of life and death. They charge immense sums for a sip of their so-called "Elixir of Immortality."

The mainstream faith sees this cult as fundamentally misunderstanding Salvius's nature. Salvius offers healing and extended life, not immortality. A god of life must acknowledge that life is finite; otherwise, the finite nature of individual lives becomes meaningless.

Founder: Prophetess Seraphina

This cult teaches that each individual has the power to heal themselves without need for external intervention, be it divine or medical. They often engage in dangerous practices—ignoring serious medical conditions in the belief that their faith alone will heal them. This goes directly against Salvius's teachings about the importance of medical knowledge and community service.

The cult attracts those who wish to avoid difficult medical procedures or expenses, leading them into false hope and preventable death.

Founder: Mystic Orion

This cult believes that Salvius and Morbina are two sides of the same coin—that to truly master healing, one must also master the art of causing disease. They engage in morally dubious practices: intentionally infecting people to later "cure" them, thereby gaining social and financial influence.

This represents perhaps the most complete inversion of Salvius's teachings. The cult attracts those who seek power and uses Salvius's name to justify cruelty and exploitation.

(See: Cosmology/Physical Realms/The Shattered Domain)

It is essential to understand Salvius in the context of his relationship with Morbina. The two represent fundamentally opposed answers to the question of how to regard mortality and disease. Salvius cannot be fully understood without acknowledging this tension.

Salvius is not wrong about the values of healing and the reduction of suffering. His followers have genuinely saved countless lives through their work.

But Salvius is also limited by his refusal to engage with Morbina's more complex truths. A world in which all disease is eliminated and all death is prevented is not obviously a better world. It may be a world that collapses under its own weight. It may be a world in which meaning—the poignancy that comes from mortality—is lost.

The deepest theological challenge posed by these twin deities is this: Can Salvius's work be truly successful without acknowledging that Morbina's role, while painful, may be necessary? Can Morbina's teachings bring peace without denying the real value of the healing work Salvius champions?

The answer, for those who think deeply about these matters, appears to lie somewhere in the tension between them. A world of pure Morbina would accept unnecessary suffering as inevitable. A world of pure Salvius might destroy itself in the pursuit of preventing all death. A balanced world needs both the drive to heal and the wisdom to accept what cannot be healed.