When the Races such as humans were first created, Astra noticed that their intelligence severely lagged behind that of the gods. To remedy this, she created Metisa to be the one to guide the Races to civilization.

Most depictions across Arethil give Metisa the appearance of a being of small stature. Most depict her as a gnome. However, halflings and dwarves depict Metisa as one of their own. Metisa is normally drawn with a half-face mask and a mage’s robe and hood.

Metisa was heavily involved in the early development of the Races. She introduced them to the concept of magic itself. Instead of teaching spells like the other gods did, Metisa only taught the first principles of magic. Nokev the Wise credits the wording of the Five Laws of Magic to oral traditions involving Metisa.

In addition to teaching mortals the secrets of magic, Metisa taught many Races how to create technologies never seen or conceived of before. Water mills and concrete are credited to be technologies bestowed by Metisa. The dwarves took to Metisa’s crafting lectures the most – leading to their dominance in the development of new technologies and tools.

Combining magic and technology, Metisa also showed the Races how to create magic tools and weapons.

The tools necessary for civilization also came from Metisa. Using the Common language spread by Tychan, she developed the writing system to be used by the Races. Currency is said to have been born by Metisa teaching mortals the value of easy commerce.

At the end of the Noxmarchy, Metisa left Arethil with the rest of the gods. Occasionally, a Voice of Metisa appears and leads society to a new level of technology or sophistication.

Metisa normally gives her favor to scholars, powerful mages, crafters, and administrators.