Elarandor, The Evergreen Sovereign

Also Known As: The Rootfather, The Crown of Verdant Haven, The Eternal Bloom
Alignment: Neutral Good
Domains: Nature, Life, Protection, Magic
Subdomains: Growth, Renewal, Seasons, Photosynthesis
Favored Weapon: Staff (often depicted as a living branch)
Description
Elarandor, known as The Evergreen Sovereign, is the embodiment of Verdant Haven's lush, eternal summer and the cycle of life that flourishes within it. This ancient spirit deity manifests as a colossal, sentient tree that serves as the heart of Verdant Haven. Elarandor's form shifts with the cycles of day and night, its leaves shimmering with golden sunlight during the day and bioluminescent starlight at night. The deity's "face" is often perceived in the patterns of its bark, expressing emotions through subtle changes in its foliage and the movement of its branches.
Teachings
The Evergreen Sovereign teaches the importance of balance, growth, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Elarandor emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the power of renewal and adaptation.
Key tenets include:
Nurture growth in yourself and others, but never at the expense of the whole.
Embrace change as a natural part of life's cycle, but hold fast to your roots.
Draw strength from the sun above and the earth below in equal measure.
Protect the weak as the canopy shelters the saplings.
Followers
Elarandor's followers include druids, rangers, nature-oriented clerics, and many of the general populace of Verdant Haven. They are often found tending to gardens, healing the sick or injured (both people and plants), and working to maintain the ecological balance of their floating paradise. Devotees of the Evergreen Sovereign are known for their patience, wisdom, and their ability to see the long-term consequences of actions. They often serve as advisors, mediators, and caretakers within their communities.
Symbols and Iconography
A golden leaf veined with glowing sap
A tree with roots and branches forming a perfect circle
A sprouting seed cradled in cupped hands
A stylized sun and moon joined by a tree
Holy Text
"The Verdant Codex" is the primary holy text of Elarandor. It is said to be written on living leaves that never wither, bound together by flexible, living vines. The text is not static but grows and changes over time, with new wisdom sprouting as leaves and old teachings becoming the compost from which new understanding grows.
Temples
While Elarandor's primary physical form is The Great Spirit Tree at the heart of Verdant Haven, smaller shrines and sacred groves dedicated to the deity can be found throughout the floating island. These sites are often centered around offspring of the Great Spirit Tree or in areas of particular natural beauty or magical significance.
Relationships with Other Deities
Elarandor maintains harmonious relationships with other deities of nature, growth, and protection. It finds particular kinship with solar deities and those associated with wisdom and longevity. The Evergreen Sovereign stands in opposition to forces of unchecked destruction, corruption, and those who would exploit nature without regard for balance.

Religions

• Verdant Haven