Ataecina — The Returning Earth and the Keeper of the Buried
At a Glance
| Name | Ataecina — Ataegina; Dea Sancta Ataecina Turibrigensis |
|---|---|
| Tradition | Western Hispania, Lusitania, communities near the ancient sanctuary at Alcuéscar and the contested site of Turibriga |
| Portfolio | The buried dead, returning vegetation, vows kept at graves, seasonal renewal |
| Alignment and divine rank | Neutral; divine rank 14 (campaign) |
| Home plane | Outlands — the Returning Grove, a valley of black earth and spring sap |
| Worshippers | grave keepers, seed guardians, mourners and families bound to inherited burial oaths |
| Sacred symbol | Bronze goat standing over a green shoot and a dark burial stone |
| Relations | The Roman identification with Proserpina is a historical interpretation; she remains an independent divine figure here. |
The first spring after a funerary theft comes too early; its flowers carry the dead’s voices.
Ataecina in the World
Black soil gathers beneath her feet; leaves bud on burial twigs; a bronze goat faces a sealed tomb. She honours faithful grave tending and sincere renewal, refuses theft from the dead, and punishes a ruler who takes burial gifts to enrich himself. Her worshippers can be compassionate or stern; she is not an evil goddess merely because the dead heed her.
In the sacred precincts near Alcuéscar, a keeper tends ash-dark earth, votive animals and carved stones. Pilgrims bring bronze offerings, seed and vows. The precise location of Turibriga is debated beyond the setting.
The Inquisition seeks to confiscate offerings and claim authority over burial grounds. In the lands of Portugal and western Castile and León, her devotees encounter the different rights and customs of neighbouring temples, not one universal Iberian priesthood.
Approaching the Divine
A family must restore a stolen offering and speak the name of the person once buried without honour. A creature whose corpse or remains she protects has Advantage on death saving throws while within 120 feet of her.
Priests, Allies and Rival Powers
The Inquisition of Flame and Iron can punish supplicants where its judges have authority, but its writ cannot bind Ataecina. The Sacred College arbitrates only the sanctuary agreements voluntarily recognised by the parties involved. A priest’s oath may have divine consequences independent of either institution.
What Is Happening Right Now?
The first spring after a funerary theft comes too early; its flowers carry the dead’s voices.
Two families request rival judgements from the shrine custodian. The king’s officials call it a question of property, while the keeper insists the dispute concerns a sacred obligation. Adventurers can secure testimony, arrange restitution or confront the official exploiting the quarrel.
Adventure Hooks
The Goat Below the Door
On the same night three families discover the little bronze goats buried beneath their thresholds have begun to breathe. A tribunal confiscates them as cursed metal. Before dawn the families’ ancestors rise—not hostile, but demanding that a broken burial oath be fulfilled.
The Harvest that Returns Wrong
Every field around a western shrine sprouts green at the height of winter. Those who eat its grain can hear the dead, and one lord wants to harvest the entire valley before the goddess’s keeper can stop him.
The Ninth Name
A stone dedication has been altered to substitute Proserpina for Ataecina. The goddess’s priests disagree whether the act was pious, political or a deliberate attempt to transfer her sanctuary to a foreign court.
Worship, Sanctuary and Divine Signs
Those favoured by Ataecina are recognised by the actions they take in the shrine, the vows they keep and the aid they give—not by a universal doctrine written in Rome. Families bring gifts according to local custom and their means. No rite requires that worshippers renounce the other native gods of the peninsula.
At the threshold, black soil gathers beneath her feet, leaves bud on burial twigs and a bronze goat faces a sealed tomb. Divine intervention remains rare and consequential; it cannot be purchased like an ordinary service.
Divine Powers and Game Rules
Ataecina — D&D 2024
Medium Celestial (deity), Neutral • Challenge 32 (campaign; unplaytested) • Proficiency Bonus +9 (unofficial extrapolation beyond CR 30)
AC 29 (divine protection); HP 580 (40d8 + 400); Speed 40 ft., Fly 60 ft. (hover)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 (+7) | 22 (+6) | 30 (+10) | 28 (+9) | 34 (+12) | 28 (+9) |
Saves Con +19, Int +18, Wis +21, Cha +18; Skills Insight +21, Medicine +21, Religion +18; Resistance Radiant, Necrotic; Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing from nonmagical attacks; Immunities Poison damage; Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned conditions
Senses Truesight 120 ft., Passive Perception 31; Languages the tongues of the ancient local worshippers, Celestial; telepathy 120 ft.
Traits
Legendary Resistance (4/Day). If Ataecina fails a saving throw, she may choose to succeed instead. Magic Resistance. Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects. Divine Recovery. At the start of each of Ataecina’s turns, she regains 25 Hit Points if she has at least 1 Hit Point. Defeating the body outside the divine home sends her back there rather than destroying the deity.
Actions
Multiattack. Ataecina makes three Root of Bronze attacks. Root of Bronze. Melee Spell Attack: +21 to hit, reach 15 ft., one creature. Hit: 36 (4d10 + 14) Force damage.
Return the Buried (Recharge 5–6). Ataecina chooses creatures in a 60-foot-radius area she sees within 120 feet. Enemies make a DC 29 Constitution save, taking 77 (14d10) Necrotic damage and becoming Restrained by grave-roots until the end of their next turn on failure, or half damage and no restraint on success. One willing ally in the area regains 36 (8d8) Hit Points.
Innate Divine Magic. Wisdom is Ataecina’s spellcasting ability (spell save DC 29, +21 to hit). At will: detect magic, sanctuary, dispel magic; 3/day each: greater restoration, heal, divination; 1/day: mass heal. Use native spell descriptions, action costs and concentration. These are personal divine powers, not follower spell lists.
Bonus Actions
Sanctuary Step. Ataecina teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space seen within a consecrated shrine; otherwise she may move up to half Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks.
Reactions
Protect the Petitioner (3/Day). When a creature within 60 feet takes damage, Ataecina reduces it by 22 (4d10) and grants the creature Advantage on its next saving throw.
Legendary Actions
Three uses each round; one choice at the end of another creature’s turn, recovered at the start of Ataecina’s turn. Move (1). Move up to half Speed. Strike (1). Make one Root of Bronze attack. Hallowed Word (2). One enemy within 60 feet makes a DC 29 Wisdom saving throw or cannot take Reactions until the end of its next turn.
Follower Domain and Patron Spells
Cleric Domain: Life. The following is a separate campaign patron track; it supplements rather than silently replacing the printed subclass spells. At 3rd level receive four spells; add two at 5th, 7th and 9th.
- 3rd-level Cleric: Bless; Cure Wounds; Gentle Repose; Lesser Restoration.
- 5th-level Cleric: Revivify; Plant Growth.
- 7th-level Cleric: Death Ward; Grasping Vine.
- 9th-level Cleric: Raise Dead; Greater Restoration.
Divine Relic
The Returning Seed. A sealed bronze seed from her grave-grove that protects the living when a burial oath is honoured. Legendary Wondrous Item, requires Attunement by a devotee. Once per Long Rest, when a creature within 30 feet falls to 0 Hit Points but is not killed outright, it instead falls to 1 Hit Point and can immediately move 10 feet without provoking Opportunity Attacks.
Ataecina — D&D 2014
Medium Celestial (deity), Neutral • Challenge 31 (campaign; unplaytested) • Proficiency Bonus +9 (unofficial extrapolation beyond CR 30)
AC 28 (divine protection); HP 522 (36d8 + 360); Speed 40 ft., Fly 60 ft. (hover)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 (+7) | 22 (+6) | 30 (+10) | 28 (+9) | 34 (+12) | 28 (+9) |
Saves Con +19, Int +18, Wis +21, Cha +18; Skills Insight +21, Medicine +21, Religion +18; Resistance Radiant, Necrotic; Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing from nonmagical attacks; Immunities Poison damage; Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned conditions
Senses Truesight 120 ft., Passive Perception 31; Languages the tongues of the ancient local worshippers, Celestial; telepathy 120 ft.
Traits
Legendary Resistance (4/Day). If Ataecina fails a saving throw, she may choose to succeed instead. Magic Resistance. Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects. Divine Recovery. At the start of each of Ataecina’s turns, she regains 25 Hit Points if she has at least 1 Hit Point. Defeating the body outside the divine home sends her back there rather than destroying the deity.
Actions
Multiattack. Ataecina makes three Root of Bronze attacks. Root of Bronze. Melee Spell Attack: +21 to hit, reach 15 ft., one creature. Hit: 36 (4d10 + 14) Force damage.
Return the Buried (Recharge 5–6). Ataecina chooses creatures in a 60-foot-radius area she sees within 120 feet. Enemies make a DC 29 Constitution save, taking 77 (14d10) Necrotic damage and becoming Restrained by grave-roots until the end of their next turn on failure, or half damage and no restraint on success. One willing ally in the area regains 36 (8d8) Hit Points.
Innate Divine Magic. Wisdom is Ataecina’s spellcasting ability (spell save DC 29, +21 to hit). At will: detect magic, sanctuary, dispel magic; 3/day each: greater restoration, heal, divination; 1/day: mass heal. Use native spell descriptions, action costs and concentration. These are personal divine powers, not follower spell lists.
Bonus Actions
Sanctuary Step. Ataecina teleports up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space seen within a consecrated shrine; otherwise she may move up to half Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks.
Reactions
Protect the Petitioner (3/Day). When a creature within 60 feet takes damage, Ataecina reduces it by 22 (4d10) and grants the creature Advantage on its next saving throw.
Legendary Actions
Three uses each round; one choice at the end of another creature’s turn, recovered at the start of Ataecina’s turn. Move (1). Move up to half Speed. Strike (1). Make one Root of Bronze attack. Hallowed Word (2). One enemy within 60 feet makes a DC 29 Wisdom saving throw or cannot take Reactions until the end of its next turn.
Follower Domain and Patron Spells
Cleric Domain: Nature. The following is a separate campaign patron track; it supplements rather than silently replacing the printed subclass spells. Two spells are granted at each designated cleric level as usual for 2014 patron progression.
- Cleric level 1: Bless; Cure Wounds.
- Cleric level 3: Gentle Repose; Lesser Restoration.
- Cleric level 5: Revivify; Plant Growth.
- Cleric level 7: Death Ward; Grasping Vine.
- Cleric level 9: Raise Dead; Greater Restoration.
Divine Relic
The Returning Seed. A sealed bronze seed from her grave-grove that protects the living when a burial oath is honoured. Legendary Wondrous Item, requires Attunement by a devotee. Once per Long Rest, when a creature within 30 feet falls to 0 Hit Points but is not killed outright, it instead falls to 1 Hit Point and can immediately move 10 feet without provoking Opportunity Attacks.
Ataecina — Pathfinder 1e
Medium outsider (native to Outlands; divine rank 14); Neutral; CR 32 (unofficial divine encounter; unplaytested)
Init +6; Senses true seeing 120 ft., darkvision 60 ft.; AC 47, touch 26, flat-footed 41; hp 36d10 + 360 (558 hp); Fort +32, Ref +28, Will +34; SR 43.
Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft. (perfect); Space/Reach 5 ft./15 ft. (divine touch); Melee Root of Bronze +43/+38/+33/+28 (4d8 + 12 force effect; effects that heal or harm use the targets specified in the action).
Str 24, Dex 22, Con 30, Int 28, Wis 34, Cha 28; BAB +36; CMB +43; CMD 59.
Feats Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat Casting, Dodge, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Improved Iron Will, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Mobility, Skill Focus (Heal), Skill Focus (Knowledge [religion]), Skill Focus (Perception), Spell Focus (conjuration), Greater Spell Focus (conjuration), Spell Penetration, Greater Spell Penetration, Toughness. Skills Heal +51, Knowledge (religion) +48, Knowledge (planes) +48, Sense Motive +51, Spellcraft +48, Perception +51.
Special Abilities
Return the Buried (Su). Standard action, once every 1d4 rounds. Enemies in a 60-foot-radius spread within 120 feet make a DC 40 Fortitude save; on a failure they take 18d6 negative-energy damage and are entangled by roots for 1 round; a success halves damage and negates the condition. A willing target in the spread instead receives 6d8+20 points of magical healing. The save DC is Wisdom-based.
Divine Sanctuary (Su). Ataecina’s home sanctuaries ward oath-keeping petitioners. Within a consecrated sanctuary, a petitioner who completes its local rite receives a +4 sacred bonus on its next saving throw against curse or disease within 24 hours. This benefit does not stack with another use of the same rite.
Spell-Like Abilities. Caster level 25; Will or Fortitude DC 10 + spell level + 12 unless spell specifies otherwise. At will: detect magic, sanctuary, remove fear. 3/day each: greater restoration, heal, divination. 1/day: mass heal. Standard-action activation unless stated otherwise; follow edition rules for attacks of opportunity and spell resistance.
Follower Domains and Domain Spell Track
Domains: Plant, Repose. This is an original patron track, one spell per spell level 1–9; printed domain mechanics and spell texts remain unchanged.
- Level 1: Entangle
- Level 2: Lesser Restoration
- Level 3: Plant Growth
- Level 4: Death Ward
- Level 5: Raise Dead
- Level 6: Heal
- Level 7: Regenerate
- Level 8: Earthquake
- Level 9: True Resurrection
Divine Relic
The Returning Seed. Unique minor artifact, no market price or standard crafting prerequisites. Once per day as an immediate action, a bonded creature within 30 feet that would fall below 0 hit points instead remains at 1 hit point; the seed becomes inert until the next dawn.
Ataecina — D&D 3.5e
Medium outsider (native to Outlands; divine rank 14); Neutral; CR 31 (unofficial divine encounter; unplaytested)
Init +6; Senses true seeing 120 ft., darkvision 60 ft.; AC 45, touch 25, flat-footed 39; hp 36d8 + 360 (522 hp); Fort +32, Ref +28, Will +34; SR 41.
Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft. (perfect); Space/Reach 5 ft./15 ft. (divine touch); Melee Root of Bronze +43/+38/+33/+28 (4d8 + 12 force effect; effects that heal or harm use the targets specified in the action).
Str 24, Dex 22, Con 30, Int 28, Wis 34, Cha 28; BAB +36; Grapple +43.
Feats Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat Casting, Dodge, Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Mobility, Skill Focus (Heal), Skill Focus (Knowledge [religion]), Spell Focus (conjuration), Toughness. Skills Heal +51, Knowledge (religion) +48, Knowledge (planes) +48, Sense Motive +51, Spellcraft +48, Spot +51, Listen +51.
Special Abilities
Return the Buried (Su). Standard action, once every 1d4 rounds. Enemies in a 60-foot-radius spread within 120 feet make a DC 40 Fortitude save; on a failure they take 18d6 negative-energy damage and are entangled by roots for 1 round; a success halves damage and negates the condition. A willing target in the spread instead receives 6d8+20 points of magical healing. The save DC is Wisdom-based.
Divine Sanctuary (Su). Ataecina’s home sanctuaries ward oath-keeping petitioners. Within a consecrated sanctuary, a petitioner who completes its local rite receives a +4 sacred bonus on its next saving throw against curse or disease within 24 hours. This benefit does not stack with another use of the same rite.
Spell-Like Abilities. Caster level 25; Will or Fortitude DC 10 + spell level + 12 unless spell specifies otherwise. At will: detect magic, sanctuary, remove fear. 3/day each: greater restoration, heal, divination. 1/day: mass heal. Standard-action activation unless stated otherwise; follow edition rules for attacks of opportunity and spell resistance.
Follower Domains and Domain Spell Track
Domains: Plant, Healing. This is an original patron track, one spell per spell level 1–9; printed domain mechanics and spell texts remain unchanged.
- Level 1: Entangle
- Level 2: Lesser Restoration
- Level 3: Plant Growth
- Level 4: Death Ward
- Level 5: Raise Dead
- Level 6: Heal
- Level 7: Regenerate
- Level 8: Earthquake
- Level 9: True Resurrection
Divine Relic
The Returning Seed. Unique minor artifact, no market price or standard crafting prerequisites. Once per day as an immediate action, a bonded creature within 30 feet that would fall below 0 hit points instead remains at 1 hit point; the seed becomes inert until the next dawn.
Sources and Related Places
Other gods of western Iberia: Endovelicus · Bandua · Nabia.
The inscriptions preserve the divine name and its places of worship, but not a complete divine genealogy or an account of an unbroken priesthood through every succeeding century.
- Abascal Palazón, inscriptions at Santa Lucía del Trampal
- DEpHis, dedication to Ataecina Turebriga Proserpina
Iberian Pantheons · Portugal · Castile and León · Inquisition of Flame and Iron
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