Plateau

Plateau

Orbital characteristics
Mass (Kg)	6.12E+19
Radius (Km)	143
Solar Day (h)	6.54
Orbital Period (days)	.23
Semi-Major Axis (Km)	1.11E+04
Periapsis (AU)	10,414(km)
Apoapsis (AU)	11,728(km)
Albedo	.3
Surface Temperature (K)	174
Surface Gravity (m/s^2)	.2
Axial Tile (degrees)	3.4
Inclination (degrees)	4.99
Orbital Speed (Km/s)	31.9
Satellites	None

Plateau is the moon which orbits most closely to the planet Indigo.

North Polar Regions

The North Polar region of Plateau is characterized by its dark, rocky terrain interspersed with patches of ice. This region experiences extremely cold temperatures, leading to a predominantly frozen landscape. The rocky areas suggest a lack of significant atmospheric activity, which contributes to the stark and barren appearance. The ice is likely composed of water and other frozen gases, creating a reflective surface. The terrain here is rugged, with deep crevasses and sharp cliffs formed by ancient geological activity.

Equatorial Regions

The Equatorial region of Plateau presents a more temperate climate, featuring a variety of landscapes. This region experiences moderate temperatures and receives the most sunlight, making it the warmest part of the moon. The equatorial zone is characterized by a mix of rocky plains and lighter, sandy areas, indicating possible mineral deposits. The terrain includes a combination of flat plains, rolling hills, and occasional elevated plateaus. The moderate climate suggests the potential for transient liquid water during warmer periods, although the overall environment remains arid and harsh.

Southern Polar Regions

The South Polar region of Plateau, like the North Polar region, is dominated by icy and rocky terrains. However, this area receives slightly more sunlight, leading to periodic melting and refreezing of the ice. The landscape is marked by vast ice sheets, glacial movements, and occasional liquid water lakes formed during warmer periods. The interaction between the ice and the rocky surface creates a dynamic environment with interesting geological formations, such as ice caves and meltwater channels. The South Pole is less hostile than the North Pole but still poses significant challenges for exploration.

Mythology

The goddess of health and medicine, Pleateau is typically portrayed holding aloft a vessel which contains the waters of all of the world's natural, healing springs and rivers.

Plateau, the compassionate Lady Divine of Health and Medicine, is believed to have emerged from the healing springs of Micras, and embodies the nurturing essence of the natural world. Born from the convergence of life-giving waters and fertile soil, she carries within her the power to restore vitality and balance to the body, mind, and spirit.

Epithets

Plateau is adorned with epithets that reflect her divine nature and influence. Among these titles are "Great Healer," symbolizing her role in soothing afflictions and restoring wholeness, and "Lady Vitalis," representing her watchful care over the health and well-being of mortals. She is also known as the "Bearer of Life's Waters," signifying her connection to the healing properties of springs and streams.

Worship and Festivals in Bassaridia Vaeringheim

In the verdant valleys and healing sanctuaries of Saluria, worshippers of Plateau gather to honor their divine patron through rituals of healing and purification. One unique practice of the Sanctum Vitalis carried out in honor of Plateau involves the creation and use of sacred oils and tinctures derived from White Horehound, a revered herb known for its healing properties. This practice, known as the "Ritual of Vital Essence," is performed during significant celestial alignments or auspicious times determined by the natural cycles of the earth. During the Ritual of Vital Essence, members of the Sanctum gather in a consecrated apothecary chamber, adorned with symbols of healing and vitality. They meticulously harvest and process White Horehound under the light of the moon or sun, carefully selecting the freshest and most potent specimens for their preparations. Using traditional alchemical techniques passed down through generations, members extract the essential oils and tinctures from the White Horehound, infusing them with prayers and invocations to Plateau for her blessing and guidance. Each step of the process is conducted with reverence and mindfulness, honoring the sacred connection between the herb and the divine. Once the oils and tinctures are prepared, they are ritually consecrated in a sacred ceremony led by the high priest or priestess of the Sanctum. Participants invoke Plateau's divine presence and offer their gratitude for the healing gifts bestowed upon them. The oils and tinctures are then distributed among the members of the Sanctum for use in their healing rituals and practices. The Ritual of Vital Essence serves as a profound expression of devotion and reverence to Plateau, as well as a testament to the Sanctum's commitment to harnessing the healing powers of the natural world. Through this ritual, members of the Sanctum seek to honor Plateau's divine guidance and channel her transformative energy into acts of healing and renewal for the benefit of all beings.

Sanctum Vitalis

Members Sanctum Vitalis, known as Vitalists, participate in a ritual based around the production of medicinal oils and tinctures made from a range of native herbs, especially horehound.

At the heart of Plateau's worship lies the esteemed Sanctum Vitalis, a sacred cult dedicated to the cultivation and use of medicinal herbs and healing practices. Comprised of herbalists, apothecaries, and healers, the sanctum seeks to harness the healing properties of the natural world and channel Plateau's divine energy into acts of restoration and renewal. Members of the Sanctum known as Vitalists, engage in rituals of purification, herbal lore, and hands-on healing, guided by Plateau's gentle guidance and the wisdom of the earth.

Mythology

Ancient myths and legends depict Plateau as a figure of compassion and healing, her origins intertwined with the restorative powers of the natural world. She is often portrayed as a gentle yet resilient deity, traversing the land to tend to the sick and infirm with her soothing touch and healing waters. Tales of Plateau's influence on mortal affairs abound, with her presence bringing comfort to the afflicted and restoring balance to the wounded.

Iconography and Depictions

In art and iconography, Plateau is often depicted as a serene figure adorned with garlands of healing herbs and flowers, her form bathed in the soft glow of healing waters. She is frequently portrayed holding a vessel overflowing with clear spring water, symbolizing her role as the source of vitality and renewal. Symbols associated with Plateau include the serpent, representing regeneration and transformation, and the caduceus, symbolizing healing and wellness. Plateau is also closely associated with the Morovian Water Buffalo, which plays a crucial role in helping to maintain the health of the native ecosystems surrounding Lake Morovia. Depictions of Plateau capture her nurturing presence and compassionate spirit, inviting worshippers to seek solace and healing in her divine embrace.