Milani is the patron mother of those who war against oppression, rewarding those willing to sacrifice their lives and use whatever tools are available to fight for those who cannot defend themselves, especially people who have been captured or enslaved. Throughout Golarion, Milani is also known as the Everbloom, as the symbol of her church is a beautiful rose growing from blood-soaked soil.
Milani’s church is organized into independent, clandestine cells of freedom fighters, rather than into traditional structures. Clerics of Milani often own or work in subtle businesses or organizations cleverly designed as fronts to cover their efforts to cleanse a region of oppressors and liberate those who have been enslaved or victimized. As a subtle tell to other Milanites of the structure’s true intent, these buildings usually feature a small rose garden or other rose iconography. One of the most famous and oldest of these safe havens is an inn in Absalom known as the Sanguine Thorn, which served as a staging point for hundreds of successful liberation attempts in the area. While most believe the tavern was destroyed in the earthquake that devastated Absalom’s Precipice District, rumors circulate about a traveling wagon caravan that secretly uses the tavern’s name to refer to the collective of Milanites who travel with it, moving from place to place undermining persecution in all its forms and fighting for freedom at all costs.
Avatar
When casting the
spell, a worshipper of Milani gains the following additional abilities.Milani Speed 50 feet, fly Speed 70 feet; shield (15 Hardness, can’t be damaged); Melee morningstar (versatile P, reach 15 feet), Damage 6d8+6 bludgeoning
Knights of Lastwall
Symbolized by a single blooming rose grown out of bloody soil, Milani is the patron of those who war against oppression, defend the innocent, and persevere in the face of persecution. Her call to liberate the victimized and enslaved by any means necessary resonates strongly within the Knights of Lastwall; her worship has grown steadily since the nation’s fall to the Whispering Tyrant. Like the knights, her followers organize in small, independent groups, eschewing traditional leadership structures. This flexibility enables them to empower the enslaved and persecuted wherever they are found.
Within the Gravelands, Milanite knights seek refugees and captives trapped in the broken remains of Lastwall, helping them flee beyond Tar-Baphon’s influence. Milanites carve small roses into buildings to mark the successful liberation of innocents who would have been otherwise lost. Many who see these roses join Milani’s cause and spread hope among those still struggling to escape the Tyrant’s rule. These marks never include names or details; the Milanites believe in empowering everyone who fights against tyranny, enslavement, and oppression rather than glorifying specific individuals who helped them achieve these goals.
Milanite knights also help the recently liberated get back on their feet. They take the time to help these refugees find new homes, helping build them when necessary. They assist refugees in locating new work or other means to support themselves. The knights recognize that merely freeing someone from oppression is usually not enough for them to reclaim their lives. Without the means to support oneself or a proper network to aid with rebuilding a life, a person is likely to end up in another dire situation later.
Crimson Reclaimers often follow Milani, as do other knights who venture into the Gravelands. Many among the Shining Sentinels admire her worshippers’ devotion to protecting the innocent. Some worship Milani to give their righteous actions more meaning and work through the guilt of surviving the fall of Lastwall by channeling it into the liberation of others. Members of all factions within the knights may sport a rose tattoo, sword mark, or vial of petals as they head into battle. Some created a version of the Sanguine Thorn caravan, rumored to operate as a traveling gathering point for Milanites. They bring weapons and supplies to innocents in need and offer to fight beside those ready to rebel against their undead oppressors.
Firebrands
As a goddess of revolutions and uprisings, Milani is one of the most popular and widely worshipped gods among the Firebrands. She is the hope that dreams of a better life, the courage to fight back against oppression and injustice, and the will to see the fight through to the end, not only for oneself, but for one’s neighbors and future generations. A protector goddess who respects courage and sacrifice and empathizes with the downtrodden, Milani encourages her followers to remain alert for causes worthy of their efforts and for people too scared to ask for aid.
Milani’s followers number among the first to say “enough is enough,” to rise and fight, to draw blood and prove the battle isn’t hopeless. Yet they’re also among the last standing, for they fight to the end, fearing neither death nor failure and trusting in their hearts they’ve made a difference.
Milani’s followers value ingenuity. As they often fight on the under-armed, under-trained, and underfed side of a battle, they use everything around them to secure victory. Anything can be an advantage in determined and creative hands. They’re also meticulous planners. Most make regular use of safe houses, supply caches, and hidden chambers. They always have an escape plan, and they’re ready to act on a moment’s notice. This preparation makes them skilled strategists and leaders.
Since the founding of the Firebrands, numerous clandestine cells of Milanite freedom fighters have joined the group for support and resources, integrating their bases and safe houses into the Firebrand network and using their cover businesses as dead drops. Many Milanite Firebrands travel from place to place under false pretenses, usually as merchants or performers. The Sanguine Thorn cell, which travels in a wagon caravan through southern Avistan, is among the most famous, as is the River Rose, which travels northeastern Avistan by barge.
Milani’s followers often collaborate with followers of Cayden Cailean, Chaldira, Lubaiko, and Grandmother Spider, but rarely get along with grandstanders and daredevils, believing life is too precious to gamble needlessly and that courage isn’t leaping into danger, but fighting for your ideals despite danger. Many Milanite Firebrands incorporate thorns, roses, or white feathers into their attire and wear flowery perfume.