Astoria is the Goddess of Life and her twin brother Aedarius, the God of Death. They are the two key figures of the four God pantheon, the beginning and the end, the circle that all life is trapped within.
Astoria is always presented with very pale skin and white robes. She is the one who represents the birth of life, from procreation to child birth and into adulthood. Her clothing depends on what part of the cycle she is currently being asked to influence, naked when it comes to fertility, full robes when it comes to being a mother, and so on. Sometimes when portrayed as defending her children she is shown wearing plate armor polished to a mirror finish. Also on her waist she wears a belt with three daggers each with it's own purpose: the first is small and is for cutting the cord during child birth, the second is large and is for defending your family and the last a simple tool hand knife used for eating. Her clergy consists of healers, clerics and caregivers.
The ‘Lords Prayer’ which is common among all followers is a simple thanks for the continuation of life that they are receiving. It is also something that those created by or under the influence of evil have trouble doing. Many will say the prayer with a small coin adorned with the sign of Astoria in their mouth.
Aedarius is always shown as a hunter dressed in black leathers with a bow in his hand. Death is not seen as a necessarily bad thing but an essential part of life that comes for every living thing at some point. His skin is pale like his sister but he never wears anything of light color. Although when claiming the life of a lover he is commonly displayed wearing only a loincloth. A frequent saying is that when one dies they have 'caught the arrow of Aedarius' along with an animal being killed for food as a 'blessing from Aedarius'. His clergy consists of paladins, under takers and hunters.
The ‘Lords Deliverance’ is the prayer that is said as the death rites for someone who has passed. It to can be used to determine the presence of evil. Two coins with the symbol of Aedarius are placed on the eyes of the deceased during the recital. Those created or heavily influenced will have their skin turn dark, peel and crack. Starting on their face and working down. The more evil in their soul, the more damage is done to the corpse.
Larger temples for the pair are commonly built as one structure but with a divide between the two. With only one inside door connecting the two that can priests may use, all others must exit one side completely before being able to enter the main doors to the other. The side for Astoria is where marriages are performed, children are taught and even children are born in side rooms specially made for this. Aedarius is for funerals and rites for the dead are performed. Along with cremation and rooms for those who are dying to pass along in as much peace as can be administered.