Although Asha was not one of the seven original Estarine gods of the elves, she is included by many in the pantheon.
Asha presented herself to the other Estarine gods long after the others had completed the creation of the First Born and the molding of the earth. She claimed to be Estarine, but Ilimoran Toruvial and Lythia Nuros were skeptical, and many religious scholars now believe she was a fiend who adopted a guise similar to the Estarine in order to ingratiate herself in their midst. There are many who believe that she is the demon goddess known as Vismesh to the Shahazan/Oghmashi gods of the Underdark.
She presents herself as a tall elf with skin of either alabaster white or ebony black, and hair of either black or white, often in contrast to her skin tone. In battle, she wields a mighty whip with the ability to turn into bolts of lightning, ribbons of flame, notched with razer-sharp blades, ice-cold shards, or with venomous fangs or poisonous thorns.
In the Estarine wars against the Nephilim, Asha seemed to be trying to play off both sides. But after the wars, she began to slither among the First Born, poisoning them with her lies to stir up unrest. The Estarine had told the First Born that they had been created to be shepherds and caretakers of the world. Asha instead taught that they were intended to rule Adnati, exploit its resources, and subjugate the lesser hominids and other species.
Some of the First Born broke with their people to side with her, some out of greed and avarice, eager for the riches and power she promised, and others out of fear of the retribution she vowed against all who opposed her.
She secretly stole some of the children of the First Born who allied with her, and with her venom turned them into twisted, evil creatures of the Underdark that the Estarine never imagine. For Asha could not create, as she was weaker than any of the Estarine, but she could corrupt.
In time, Asha persuaded many to join her in rising up against the Estarine, and all of Ilimoran’s efforts to negotiate a diplomatic solution came to naught. Much blood was shed before she faced off against Ilimoran Toruvial on the field of combat. For three days and nights they faced each other alone in single combat before Ilimoran grievously wounded Asha and drove her from the earth and back to the stars. It is said that from the earth where her spilled blood mingled with Ilimoran’s, the medusas were born. With their leader gone, the First Born who had allied with Asha fled and disappeared into underground lairs of the Underdark.
Surface elves do not worship Asha, at least not openly, though secret cults worshipping her are known to exist. Among the drow of the Underdark, some communities still worship her, but many have turned from her dark ways.
Domains
Artistic Depictions of Asha
