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Lalibela, also known as St. Lalibela, was a minor goddess[3][1] or demigoddess of the nixies in the mid–14th century DR.[2][note 1]

Description[]

Lalibela possessed incredible beauty and went naked.[2]

Powers[]

The very sight of Lalibela unclothed could strike a mortal male dead except those she chose. And, unfortunately for everyone else, she didn't wear clothes.[2]

Anyone who attacked her would suffer the blow themselves.[2]

Possessions[]

The sword Crusader could be used to commune with Lalibela.[2][3][1]

History[]

This sword, Crusader, shall henceforth be your sole weapon against evil, and with it you shall conquer, so long as you be faithful. Slay a great demon with this sword, and it shall gain its full powers.
— Lalibela to Gareth[2]

In the Year of the Prince, 1357 DR, at a small, crystal-clear subterranean lake in the Deepearth region of the Underdark beneath Damara, Lalibela appeared to the paladin Gareth Dragonsbane, believing him to be of pure heart. Via telepathy, she bade him set aside his armor, weapons, and equipment, and walk across the lake. Rising out of the lake, she granted him the magic sword Crusader but spirited away his other weapons and tools before she sank back beneath the water. The weapon would be a great boon in his battles against demons, but if its wielder ever showed cowardice against them, it would return to Lalibela.[2][note 2]

Appendix[]

See Also[]

Background[]

Lalibela may be named for Lalibela, a former capital of Ethiopia famed for its monolithic rock-cut churches, or the monarch it was named for, Emperor Lalibela. The name means "the bees recognize his sovereignty".

Notes[]

  1. Although said to be a "demigoddess of the nixies" in The Mines of Bloodstone, the description and power of Lalibela there is closer to that of a nymph. In The Throne of Bloodstone, she is renamed "St. Lalibela". Like St. Dionysus and St. Sollars, also introduced in the Bloodstone Pass series, it may be that she is a saint of Ilmater. This also fits with Gareth being a paladin of Ilmater.
  2. The "Lady of the Lake" scene in The Mines of Bloodstone (based on the Lady of the Lake character of Arthurian myth) is an optional event for paladins. Later adventures and The Bloodstone Lands give Gareth Crusader, implying this event happened the same way for him.

Appearances[]

Adventures
The Mines of Bloodstone

References[]

Connections[]

Sylvan Deities
Gods & Goddesses of the Fey
The Seelie Court
The Inner Circle: TitaniaOberonVerenestraDamhSqeulaicheEachthighern
The Outer Circle: SkerritFionnghualaCaoimhinEmmantiensienNathair SgiathachLalibela
Formerly: Sarula Iliene
The Unseelie Court
Queen of Air and Darkness
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