ELVEN PANTHEON

Elven Deities

The Elven pantheon, referred to as Heaven’s Guard or the Vanir, consists of six primary deities, and is associated with the four major constellations of summer’s midnight sky. The Pantheon reflects the Elven virtues of discipline, studiousness, and skill, as well as their deep desire to live in harmony with their environment while also wielding control of it.

Astridia, Goddess of Magic

The Goddess of Magic, Astridia, is represented by the brightest star in the night sky, a blue star located in the heart of the constellation called The Portal. She is portrayed as an Elven woman with silver hair flowing to the ground, dressed in sheer robes of pale blue. She wears a silver circlet adorned with jeweled stars. Its centerpiece is an orb which looks like the moon, and changes in reflection of the moon’s phases. The Goddess carries a book said to contain the secret of magic’s existence. Her symbol is a six-pointed star. Her title is The Lady of Stars, and she is called Heaven’s Mage, or the Silver Light.

Like magic, Astridia is beautiful, and mysterious. Her name is invoked by her followers when all else has failed, and an answer must be found. Though the Goddess is not inclined to interfere, she may offer guidance as to where an answer can be found to those who have already put forth extraordinary effort on their own. Those who worship her are students of magic, scholars, historians, philosophers, and any who seek the truth.

Alignment: Neutral Good

Domains: Darkness, Magic, Knowledge, Protection, and Runes

Weapon(s) of choice:  Chakram

Urs Araya, Deity of Nature

The Deity of Nature is represented by the largest star in the constellation called the Wild Hart, and most often takes the form of a white stag or doe with luminous, blue eyes. The deity is also portrayed as an Elven ranger, androgynous in appearance, but always dark skinned and clad in leather. Symbols designating the deity are antlers, evergreens and storm clouds. Urs Araya’s title is The Wild Lord, although worshipers also use Heart of Harts, or Tempest. 

The Elven deity of Nature is more often heard than seen, speaking to worshipers in the rustle of leaves or the rushing of water. Though capricious, devout worshipers may rely on aid in times of great need. The deity is associated with nature in all its forms and moods, from ferocious mountain cat to gentle doe, a summer breeze or lethal storm. Those who worship Urs Araya include Rangers, druids, and any who rely on nature’s bounty for their survival. The Deity’s good will is sought by hunters, fisherman, and travelers who find themselves off the beaten path.

Alignment: Neutral Good

Domains: Animal, Plant, Travel, Water, and Weather

Weapon(s) of choice: Elven Branched Spear

I’Zaph Somas, God of the Arts

             In the constellation called The Dancers, there is a red star that sits at the neck of one of the noble women envisioned there. This star is called the Jewel of Somas, and represents I’Zaph Somas, God of the Arts. The God is portrayed as an Elven nobleman with long, golden hair. He is elegant, sophisticated, prone to passionate outbursts, and slightly mad. His symbols are as varied as the arts, and include numerous tools and instruments. Most frequently used are the quill, lute, and loom. All symbols of Somas are depicted in gold often on a background of black. His titles are The Bardic King, the Craftsman’s Consort, and Patron of the Passionate. His worshipers call him Heaven’s Muse.

The voice of I’Zaph Somas is said to inform the clueless, confuse the certain, and charm the most stubborn. There is no art or craft known to mortals that he has not mastered, and no sentient being he cannot inspire. Bards, rogues, poets, and performers of all kinds may worship I’Zaph Somas, along with artists, craftsmen, or anyone pursuing a creative endeavor.

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Domains: Artifice, Charm, Luck, Madness, and Nobility

Weapon(s) of choice: Scorpion Whip

Ingwes, God of Love, Twin Brother of Ingsara

The Longbow constellation depicts a bow with two arrows prepared to release, one of which symbolizes love. At the tip of that arrow is the radiant white star representing Ingwes, the Elven God of Love. The most handsome of the gods, he is portrayed with raven black hair, dark eyes, and the perfect Elven physique which is often shown nude. The symbol of Ingwes is a golden sun upon which a white arrow points to the north. His title is Lord of Life. His worshipers call him Heaven’s Beloved, and The Cherished Sun.

Among Elves, love has a broad meaning. It includes feelings that are familial, erotic, and procreative, but also embraces the idea of abundance and fruitfulness. Ingwes is the most benevolent of gods. It is said that flowers bloom when he passes by, and all harvests obey his desire. He travels the world bringing peace, prosperity and joy to all who devoutly ask. His petitioners are many. Farmers, ranchers, those who seek love, those who want children or worry about their children, and those who wish success in some venture may seek his favor.

Ingwes is the fraternal twin of Ingsara, the Goddess of War. The God of Love implores his sister to show mercy and forgiveness even in the heat of battle. Ingwes nurtures life in all its facets, but recognizes that it must be protected, and for this, Ingsara is his favored weapon.

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Domains: Charm, Community, Good, Healing, and Travel

Weapon(s) of choice: (Ingsara), Elven Curve Blade

Ingsara, Goddess of War, Twin Sister of Ingwes

The second arrow ready to be released in the Longbow constellation is the arrow of war. The tip of this arrow holds a red star that represents Ingsara. The Goddess of War is portrayed with a wild riot of coal black curls, eyes as black as an abyss, and falcon wings. Tattoos depicting her victories cover her body which is often shown nude. It is said that the tattoos also mark her vital organs taunting her enemies to attack if they dare.  Her symbol is a falcon carrying a black arrow. Her title is Lady War. Her followers call her the Grim General or the Battle Forger.

The Elven Goddess of War is neither bloodthirsty nor cruel. She is a brilliant tactician, and is as willing to win by deceit as by combat. Ingsara may not seek war, but she does revel in it. Because of this, the Elves also associate her with death. They believe she honors those who valiantly fall in battle by sending birds, especially falcons, to escort their souls to paradise.  It is said that merely touching a weapon gives her complete mastery of it, and no matter the target, she cannot miss. Her followers petition her to aid them in mastering the art of war, and to guide them during both their battles, and their death. She is worshipped by warriors, the families of warriors, as well as kings and generals.

Ingsara is the fraternal twin of Ingwes, the God of Love. As he is secure in her protection, she is tempered by his gentle nature. The Goddess of War is fearless and protective. She raises her banner wherever the innocent are under attack, or the works of her twin brother are threatened.         

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Domains: Glory, Protection, Repose, Strength, and War

Weapon(s) of choice: Two-bladed Sword

 Vyre, God of Perfection

             Between the Longbow and Portal constellations, is an area of utter darkness where even the dimmest of celestial bodies cannot be seen. Elven legend claims a white star once graced the center of this mysterious, barren space. The star was meant to represent Vyre, the God of Perfection, but he found it to be flawed, and destroyed it. Vyre is never depicted in a physical form though poetry portrays him as beautiful beyond mortal imagining. His symbol is a blank scroll. His titles are Prince of Purity, Lord of Judgment, and Master of Measures. Followers call him The Forge of Perfect Form. Vyre’s worshippers seek to perfect themselves, some aspect of their lives, or even life itself, and include monks, scholars, bards, craftsmen, and even warriors. His petitioners are those who strive to be, or create the very best.

             Whether it is the choreography of combat or dance, the weave of a story or a basket, elves celebrate mastery. They pride themselves on being focused and disciplined regardless of the pursuit. Those who elevate their skills to the level of artistry are held in high esteem, and well rewarded. Vyre represents the ambition required to dedicate every waking moment to perfecting a talent, attribute, or performance. The God of Perfection is a terrible taskmaster. Those who walk the tightrope he lays before them risk losing their sense of balance, and falling into that dark void where nothing is ever good enough, and their life is lost striving to attain the unattainable. Life is messy. Nothing is perfect. Yet, for elves, Vyre sits in the center of Heaven’s Guard, and beckons.

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Domains: Evil, Destruction, Knowledge, Law, Void

Weapon of choice: Unarmed Strike