Valaya
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Valaya is one of the Dwarf Ancestor Gods in the Warhammer Fantasy fictional universe. She is the patron of Runesmiths. She is the protectress of family, of home, and of clan. Additionally, she is ancestor of truth and memory. She occupies a unique position in the dwarf pantheon due to her being the only feminine deity.
Traditionally she is shown as being a young and beautiful dwarf, but with the wisdom of ages in her eyes, and braided white hair that stretches to her waist. It is for this reason that she is sometimes also known as the White Lady. She is typically dressed in a purple robe of simple cut. She wears the traditional heavy gold necklace of dwarf nobility, and bears her own rune carved onto a dragon's tooth. She either holds a large book, or is portrayed with her arms open in a welcoming embrace.
Her cult is primarily female, and bear her rune on the tooth of some exotic animal. Her temples can be found in every dwarf settlement. There is always a massive fireplace to be found therein, in which burns the fire eternal, a symbol of the welcoming and life-giving hearth. There is also a library, the Room of Ages, where the Book of Remembering is kept. The Book of Remembering is said to contain all of the events of the Warhammer world, from the beginning of world until the present day. Dwarfs hold this book in extreme reverence, and view it as something akin to a sacred tome, the Voice of the Ages, where the dwarf ancestors are able to speak to and concerning their contemporary peers.
Valaya is said to have been one of the founders of Karak Eight-Peaks. One of the eight peaks is carved in her likeness and bears her name.
Apocryphally, she is rumoured to have fallen in love with Grombrindal the White Dwarf because of the magnificence of his white beard, and gave him the Rune Cloak of Valaya as a testament to her affection. It is said she is sleeping deep within the mountains until a time when she is needed again.
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| Major Games: | Warhammer Fantasy Battle, Warmaster, Mordheim, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, Man O' War, Warhammer Ancient Battles |
| Nations and races: | Bretonnia, Chaos, Chaos Dwarfs, Dark Elves, Dogs of War, Dwarfs, The Empire, High Elves, Kislev, Lizardmen, Ogres, Orcs & Goblins, Skaven, Undead (Tomb Kings & Vampire Counts), Wood Elves |
| Places: | The Old World, Araby, Cathay, Lustria, Ulthuan, Southlands, Naggaroth, Dark Lands, Albion, |
| People: | List of major characters |
| More: | List of creatures in Warhammer Fantasy, Warhammer Fantasy deities, Lores of Magic |
