Selene Ö Nen
Founder of Encura and Beacon of Freedom
Overview
Selene Ö Nen is a figure of profound significance in the history of Encura. Revered as the founder of the underwater nation, her life is a story of rebellion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of desires. Born into a world shaped by oppression and loss, Selene forged a path of liberation for her people, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Early Life
Selene’s origins are rooted in tragedy. Born during Dragsa’s reign of terror, she was one of the first generation of Slithers, created through the experiments of Dragsa’s mages on elven captives. Her mother, unable to endure the transformation and oppression, took her own life when Selene was an infant. Orphaned, Selene was raised in one of Dragsa’s nurseries by two elder elves, Lasheal Enobril and Gaweyr Rash. These caretakers imbued her with the rich traditions and wisdom of the elven people, teaching her both the power of knowledge and the value of compassion.
As a child, Selene displayed an insatiable thirst for learning and a keen sense of justice. Her foster parents taught her elven legends, strategies of warfare, and the importance of understanding one’s own spirit. These lessons would shape her into a visionary leader.
The Rebellion Against Dragsa
Selene’s transformation from a promising young strategist to a leader of rebellion was catalyzed by a harrowing personal loss. After the execution of her foster brother, Elion Cuendel, Selene’s loyalty to Dragsa shattered. Forced to carry out the execution herself to protect her family, she was left deeply scarred but resolute in her desire for freedom.
Using her position within Dragsa’s military, Selene orchestrated an intricate plan to cripple Dragsa’s naval power and lead her people to freedom. With the help of the Medusas and the Dwarves of the Redoe Alliance, she masterminded the rebellion known as the Kins’ Bloodbath. Though the cost was high, with many lives lost, the rebellion succeeded in breaking Dragsa’s hold over the Merfolk.
Founding Encura
After the rebellion, Selene led the Merfolk on a quest to find a new home. Guided by legends of the true sirens, their journey took them across uncharted waters. After years of searching, Selene chose an island near the Kallonia shore as their sanctuary, naming it Encura in honour of her lost family.
Encura flourished under Selene’s guidance. She emphasized the importance of freedom, introspection, and mutual respect, laying the foundation for a society that valued individuality and harmony. However, her health began to deteriorate during these years. In her final days, she entrusted her three surviving siblings with the governance of Encura, leading to the creation of the Four Shoals.
Selene passed away in her modest quarters in the city of Aqualis, the Jewel of the Depths, on 15th Amberhue, 300 AR. Her final moments were spent listening to her people's stories and concerns. Though she never witnessed the full glory of the nation she founded, her legacy became the cornerstone of Encura’s identity.
Philosophy and Beliefs
Selene’s philosophy centers on the belief that desires are the guides of the soul. She saw them not as distractions but as essential aspects of being alive. This perspective formed the basis of the movement known as Selene’s Followers, who view desires as fragments of the divine and strive to understand the world through introspection and respect for all life.
Her teachings also emphasized the importance of questioning rigid doctrines and seeking one’s own truths. This ethos permeates Encura’s culture, fostering a society that cherishes freedom, wonder, and individuality.
Legacy
Selene Ö Nen’s legacy endures in every aspect of Encura. From the architectural marvels of the underwater cityscape to the philosophical principles that guide its people, her influence is woven into the fabric of the nation. Her siblings established the Four Shoals, which continue to govern Encura, upholding her vision of balance and harmony.
Selene is also remembered through the practices of her followers, who honour her belief in the divine within all life. Her name is spoken with reverence, her story a beacon of hope for those who seek freedom and purpose.
Selene Ö Nen—a soul forged in the depths of suffering, a light that guided her people to freedom, and a legacy that flows like a gentle current through the hearts of Encura.
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