The Many Exarchs of the Elves

The Elvish Love of Heroes

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Danha (Exarch of The Warden)

See Danha: Exarch of the Warden

Shathar

Exarch of the Soldier
Portfolio: Bravery, Sacrifice
Title: The Great Martyr, Chain Breaker
Symbol: Broken Shield and 8 pointed Star
Shathar was a mortal elf during what is called The Second War, the war against Eresh, the dragon goddess who conquered and enslaved much of the ancient world. Most of the world cowered under her might, too fearful of torture and death to resist her tyranny. Shathar was not one of them. She began alone, led only by a calling she had no name for, rallying up small resistances in each settlement that she passed through and often outright freeing many smaller towns and villages by defeating the draconic overlords therein and arming the people she freed. Slowly she built a following- a few champions from each town who joined her in her crusade. Though she was the leader, she never thought herself above those she commanded. Her right hand in much of this journey was Elthran- the first follower of hers who had originally been a thief and who taught her the benefits of knowing a cities’ secret underbelly. Eventually they moved to freeing entire cities by building up secret resistances and then striking when the time was right. The two of them were instrumental in freeing much of the elvish world by the end of this conflict, though Shathar did not survive to see victory. Eresh, seeking to weed out the those causing her to lose her grip in the elvish lands, threatened to burn the elves’ largest city if the perpetrator did not come forth and accept her punishment. Elthran refused, seeing the bigger picture as more important than a few lives. Shathar could not bring herself to let so many die because of her and so she revealed herself and became a martyr. She suffered public torture end execution by Eresh. When she died, however, she ascended, having unknowingly been a champion of the god Dalanis. She became the patron of soldiers and heroes and those that protect and self-sacrifice for others. There is debate whether Shathar & Elthran have a strained relationship or not, but it is good sense not to worship both concurrently.
Shathar is a very widely worshiped elven deity as she is the patron of those who serve the public, especially guards and soldiers. Those who are duty bound or work towards the protection of those they serve make offerings to Shathar, both good and evil. There are less honorable fighters and mercenaries who worship her due to her association with combat prowess as well. As long as they are true to their word and loyal to their own code, she doesn’t seem to mind. There is a large and well-known monastery dedicated to Shathar (Order of the Divine Martyr) and some of the most skilled fighters in the world are said to have trained there. In order to be accepted, however, skill is not enough. One must also exemplify that which was important to Shathar- Integrity, fearlessness, and a sense of duty. Unlike the deity of war, Dalanis, Shathar does not often pick an entire side during a war. She often will pick and choose individuals between both armies that show honor and courage in battle and follow her devoutly.

Dalanis

Exarch of The General
Portfolio: War, Strength, Strategy, Loyalty, Glory
Title: The War Hero
Symbol: Sword & 8 Pointed Star
Dalanis was a mortal elf in the ancient wars between metallic and chromatic dragons and the people caught in the middle. For most of the war, mortal people were just collateral damage and stood no chance against the draconic armies of either side. Though the metallic dragons fought for their benefit, they certainly didn’t see the elves as an asset or on their level- they coddled them like helpless children. Dalanis, a mortal elf who was tired of sitting idle and waiting for their destruction, began preparing himself and his village. He trained everyone with weapons, planted traps, and took other measures to be ready for the next attack. He and his soldiers ended up being a force to be reckoned with. Emboldened by victory, he was said to bring all of elf-kind under his banner and they arrived on the battlefield that Danha and Kishar were sure to be defeated on and turned the tide of the battle. He forced them to respect him and his army and it resulted in them have made a proper allegiance with Danha and Kishar, who finally took his people seriously. His armies, well trained by him, emboldened by his charisma and confidence, and working according to his in-depth strategies, are what gave he and Danha’s armies the edge that resulted in Nammu’s ultimate defeat. Upon his death in old age, supposedly Danha rose him to a god status, making him the patron of generals and leaders of war.
Dalanis is worshiped mostly by people put in a similar position as him. War generals and leaders as well as kings look to him for guidance and inspiration- this goes for leaders both good and evil. Though in his mortal life Dalanis was relatively good, in godhood he takes a neutral stance. Most wars are not as black and white as the war he took part in. He is not a deity who fights for any particular cause- he champions those who have what it takes to lead, to make the hard decisions, to fight with intelligence over savage instinct, and who takes responsibility for the death and destruction their actions may cause. He is also prayed to by the common folk for the end of war and the end of conflict. It is said that once Dalanis has taken a side, the other side is guaranteed to lose. The longest wars were said to be the result of Dalanis picking one side, and his former champion Shathar taking the other. She is the only one who can rival him in divine combat. It is typically unwise to worship both of these deities as they so often find themselves pitted against one another and do not appreciate their followers lending power to their current enemy.

KALAR

Exarch of The Rebel
Portfolio: Light, Redemption, Adaptation, Refugees, Outcasts
Title: The Guiding Light
Symbol: Green Flamed Lantern
Kalar is the only of the Dark Ones of the elvish pantheon with a non-evil alignment. Of all the elven deities, Kalar’s fellowship is likely the smallest as he is extremely young and worshiped by just a handful of (former) drow. Kalar's drow do not call themselves as such- Drow follow Lolth. Their followers are Twilight Elves, and they live on the surface, having denounced the Queen of Spiders and made the decision to reclaim their elvish origins in the above world. They were the weak, the meek, those that Lolth wish to cull from her perfect drow race. Kalar was a mortal drow slave pit fighter who gathered and led their people to the surface and inspired them to adapt to surface living and adapt to the light, if possible. This society are taking baby steps, and currently exist on the surface as a nocturnal society.
Kalar is a deity of redemption and repentance, in a way, as they are aware of the dark and cruel history of their people and why the surface dwellers regard them with hate and mistrust. Their clerics are partly in charge of changing hearts and minds, as well as protecting the Twilight Elves against those who would threaten or slander them. They are a deity who looks over those who are unjustly ostracized by greater society for things they cannot control. Other races, like tieflings and half-bloods have also found their way to Kalar as a result. They protects those who are different- the outcasts. Kalar shepherds the lost, the falsely accused and imprisoned, the enslaved, and even the lowly and desperate criminals with no other options for survival. They help them establish new lives, often on the isle of Kalara, where their people sought safety. Though with enough time, it is possible that Kalar may one day join an official pantheon, they currently have a reputation as a drow god and by default a shadowy nature. They are currently Lolth’s number one enemy, as they continue to lure disenfranchised drow in the underdark back to the surface. Kalar guides them with a song only they can hear that sings of freedom and joy and safety in the light of the moon and stars. Though Lolth schemes of punishing the drow who have abandoned her for their disloyalty, they trust in Kalar’s ability to shield them from her wrath. They honor him most by spending time in the light of day- demonstrating their will to change into a being of the light despite the pain of this adaptation. It is prophesied that only when they can live in the daylight without discomfort that they will be free of their bond to Lolth, safe, and accepted by their elvish cousins- welcomed back with open arms.
New drow who have come to the surface and wish to remain in Kalara are given the option for a purification ritual by the head of the Kalaran church which cleanses them of their bond with Lolth. If they refuse this ritual they are not permitted to live on this island as they are feared to be spies of Lolth. Sometimes this ritual removes all the common spider-like mutations in a drow but not always. Most think this has to do with how devout a given drow is to their new deity or how committed they are to calling the surface home. Those who do not show zeal in their worship and remain very attached to their former drow culture often do not stay in Kalara, but move out into the world to fend for themselves.

ELTHRAN

Exarch of The Rebel
Portfolio: Liberty, Retribution
Title: The Benevolent Shadow
Symbol: Oak Tree & Stars
Elthran was a mortal elf during The Second War, the war against Eresh the Great Enslaver. He is most well known for being sidekick of Shathar, the then-mortal who stirred up resistances against Eresh and freed much of elf civilization by doing so. Elthran was born into slavery, but using his natural stealth and charm, escaped his master and became a thief, living in the shadows. While in a small town he witnessed the fierce, young, combat-savvy Shathar take out all the draconic guards and free the town and he asked to be her pupil and join her in her crusade. She said no, initially, but Elthran continued to shadow her and ask her until she gave in. He ended up being a great asset, as he was much more capable of maneuvering the shadowier places of the city. His charm and his connections greatly assisted in rounding up huge underground resistances. He also doubled as an assassin, targeting high profile members of Eresh’s leadership and taking them out. Eresh, furious at the damage they were doing, gave them an ultimatum- reveal yourself or be the reason the largest elvish city was burnt to the ground. Shathar was willing to come forth and she was publicly tortured and executed by Eresh herself. Elthran was not willing to sacrifice himself. He believed there must always be a figurehead to instill people with hope and if they both gave up and were killed, it would be killing all the hope people had- no one would stand against Eresh ever again. He continued what he and Shathar had started, using her death and martyrdom to harden the resolve of his fellow revolutionaries up until Eresh’s defeat by her own dragonborn children. There are conflicting myths about whether or not Elthran and Shathar are on good terms. According to some, she remained forever furious that he put his own importance over the elven city that was threatened. In others she understood his decision and left him in charge of their troops and perhaps even led him after she ascended to god-hood upon death. In most myths, she was the one who rose him to a minor deity when he died. Regardless, he became the god of rebellion and retribution.
Elthran was a controversial deity for a long time and, to some, he still is. His association with selfishness, thievery, and general trickery has given him a bad reputation. His champions are often vigilantes or assassins who think themselves to be arbiters of justice, above of the law. Along with being the face of many a rebellion, this has made most elvish leadership see him as the enemy- the ultimate patron of anarchy and lawlessness. He is saved from this reputation only due to the fact that, without him, all of society might still be beneath Eresh’s heel. When tyrannical leaders take power, there must be someone to rally The People to fight back, and in this context, anarchy is acceptable and necessary. Champions of Elthran generally have an axe to grind- they often seek to dethrone someone they perceive as corrupt or to topple unworthy regimes. Some fight for marginalized populations. Some just want good old-fashioned revenge and will do whatever it takes. It is important to note that this also includes those of an evil alignment, who more often than not, from their point of view, think they are doing the right thing.

Elthran of the Common Pantheon

Domains: Trickery, Twilight, Arcana
Portfolio: Liberty, Retribution, Rebellion, Justice, Freedom, Tolerance
Alignment: CG
Alias/s: Lord of Vengeance
Symbols: Nettle, Broken Chain
Elthran was originally an elvish deity (and to the elves originally a historical figure as well). Humans have a very different take on this figure which strips him of much of his origin story- or at least discounts much of it. He is still a deity of rebellion and resistance but he is more the deity of freedom and ‘god given rights’. He is a protector of outcasts and minorities and the falsely imprisoned. He is in constant enmity towards those of corrupt governments, bigotry, slavery, and injustice. He is, in essence, a freedom fighter. He is also considered the patron of vigilantes and vengeance. Historically, entire kingdoms have fallen to the knees of paladins and clerics of Elthran, and they are often deeply feared by the established powers in a given nation. They are leaders of civil war and revolt and they are the patron of the poor and disenfranchised.

EILANN

Exarch of The Charlatan
Portfolio: Illusion, Mischief, Trickery, Pranks
Titles: The Court Jester
Symbol: Mask with Star Eyes
Eilann has likely been around a long time, going by different names and under different guises. No one knows for sure the origins of this deity, though he was believed to have originated in the feywild, perhaps as an ancient Archfey who did not hold court. He managed to find his way into the material plane and began to wreak havoc wherever he went. An insufferable trickster, he went to work within the elven aristocracy, causing scandal and public spectacles under various disguises. He grew a small following of elves from the lower classes who delighted in the public embarrassments he caused to the people in power and it drew in the disenfranchised and anarchists alike. These people began to emulate this mysterious being, causing mischief and mayhem from time to time- often resulting in their own imprisonment. Eilann could recognize kindred hearts and often used his abilities to help them escape. This following began to regard him as a god and worshiped him as such, which gave him the power to spread his influence even further. He met his end when he played one of his infamous tricks on one of the gods themselves. To their chagrin, Eilann ascended after his destruction due to his widespread cult following, becoming this deity’s equal. In most myths it was the elvish god of music, Emaris, whose concert Eilann disrupted. Eventually he was begrudgingly added to the official Elvish Pantheon.
A very specific kind of person finds themselves within Eilann’s cult; people who prefer to stay out of sight, people who have a penchant for mischief, and people who like to take the wind out of the sails of people who think very highly of themselves, to name a few. He is considered the patron of thieves (though not assassins), charlatans, grifters, and pranksters. Most people drawn to him come from low stations in a given society and scramble desperately for what they can get, and most rely on quick wit and cunning. He is drawn to anyone who works in the shadows and uses cunning as opposed to brute force. Those with a natural talent for illusion magic are also his favorites. Eilann takes a shine especially for those who make mischief for the sake of mischief- to enjoy the chaos and drama of it all. These agents of chaos are the ones he choses to give cleric-ship to. Their only job is to disrupt order at any given opportunity- especially in subtle ways wherein they are not caught.

EMARIS

Exarch of The Muse
Portfolio: The Arts, Creativity, Inspiration, Song, Happiness, Nostalgia
Title: The First Bard
Symbol: Lyre & Diamond Star
Emaris, like many elvish deities, began as a mortal. He was actually an Eladrin that made his way to the material plane by accident when he was very young. He was an extremely talented lyreist and singer and gained unprecedented success as a bard among the elves due to his skill, charm, and exotic and handsome appearance. He gained a cult following- quite literally-by those who adored his music, thought themselves in love with him, or longed to be like him. His music was said to have a magical quality to it that enthralled and enchanted those who watched his performances. One of his nicknames is The First Bard. To his most devout fellow musicians he taught them to find the magic in the music and this resulted ultimately in the first Bard’s College (Glamour). When he died (poisoned by a jealous lover), he ascended to godhood, becoming the patron of musicians.
Over the years this portfolio expanded to the arts as a whole- any creative pursuit that requires inspiration and talent. Artists who long to be famous for their painting and sculpture, brooding poets, novelists, and theater performers alike worship Emaris and ask for his divine motivation to bring them recognition. He also doubles as the main elvish deity of craft, and to some, trade, though elves on the whole find the concept of worshiping a god for financial success to be distasteful. Elvish blacksmiths, architects, tailors, and even brewers give offerings to Emaris for assistance in their livelihoods. There are many elvish arts festivals that honor Emaris and generally include days of free performances, shows, music, and contests wherein all attempt to gain his favor and recognition. His symbol is a white dove, so the judging is usually done by releasing one and seeing what they are drawn to in the festival. His festivals in Kardath are known worldwide.
There are many myths surrounding Emaris involving drama with other deities and this can make him a tricky deity to worship without offending another. He has had and off and on courtship with Sylanna, sometimes ending agreeably and sometimes ending in catastrophe. He has often been on the receiving end of Eilann’s pranks- usually ruining a particular show or song during a performance which leaves him furious and out for vengeance. He is also said to have a tempestuous relationship with Rhalla, goddess of festivals, who often crashes events dedicated to him and poaches his worshipers, and vice versa. He, in one myth, was even said to have seduced Vanar, before she was corrupted and considered part of the Drow Pantheon. He is, however, known to have a very amiable relationship with Mythelea, as many of his bard worshipers are travelers and find themselves protected within her domain.

RHALLA

Exarch of The Reveler
Portfolio: Revelry, Festival, Luck, Food, Wine, Victory
Title: The Queen of Revelry
Symbols: Goblet & Diamond Star, Grapes, Horn
Rhalla was an Archfey who held her own court (A Spring Court) within the Feywild for many centuries. Her court was notorious for its lavish parties, constant festivals, magnificent decor and cuisine, and constantly jovial atmosphere. It was a very dangerous thing to have a party or celebration in the Feywild and not invite Queen Rhalla, as terrible luck was sure to follow (and she would typically crash any event she was not invited to anyhow). Eventually she grew tired of Feywild Festivals, and bored of the fey creatures who attended her. She wished for a challenge- for people without expectation. She began to venture into the material realm and to observe the celebrations there: she found them desperately wanting. Rhalla became infamous throughout the elven kingdom for showing up to any celebration and causing trouble. She sent people into euphoric frenzies of dance, gluttony, and debauchery. Who she was and how she was able to do these things was a great mystery, and most came to the conclusion that she must be a deity of revelry. As her myth spread- even beyond elven borders- and there were those who began to worship her (calling her The Reveler), she began to gain god-like powers as a result. In a world so full of hopeless wars and suffering, she took up this persona willingly and became the reveler they needed- one to bring hope and happiness; an excuse to let loose despite a given town or city’s code of conduct in order to indulge and enjoy to the fullest extent. She was a nuisance to most and it wasn’t for many centuries that she was accepted into the official pantheon of the elvish gods as a deity of festivals and food. Some also see her as a deity of victory and luck due to her association with competitions and sport which occurs during many festivals. It is said that before Rhalla came to the world, the elves were known for being uptight and solemn and perhaps a bit repressed. Rhalla helps elves to reconnect with and accept the wild fey blood that still runs in their veins.
Rhalla is not worshiped as highly or often as many elvish deities, but she has a few very dedicated and active cults that keep her influences known. These are people that heavily preach about finding a silver lining in all situations, holding onto hope, celebrating in the face of despair, and living life to the fullest. Many of her temples are simple shrines located within taverns. People who rely on luck find themselves in her worship, including gamblers and gladiators. Troublemakers and young teenage elves with a need to rebel also like to take up Rhalla as their deity, if not just to spite their parents.

SYLANNA

Exarch of The Paramour
Portfolio: Beauty, Freedom, Desire, Confidence, Brothels
Title: The Runaway Consort
Symbols: Rose & Star, Mirror, Doe
Sylanna was said to have began as a beautiful fey woman, eladrin by most descriptions, who was sought after by countless souls and ultimately became the first mistress of the ancient Queen of the Summer Court in the Feywild. The Queen coveted her with extreme jealousy, but she was a free spirit who loved deeply, and often, and was not one for commitment. She took many lovers outside of the queen, secretly, and quite often these lovers were punished to Sylanna’s great despair. She soon realized that, for all intents and purposes, she was but a prisoner. After many years solely belonging to the Queen, Sylanna managed to seduce an Archfey King of the Autumn Court, in hopes he might be able to at least whisk her away from the Summer Queen’s grasp. He did attempt this and it resulted in a war between the two courts, wherein Sylanna managed to slip away from them both. She became the most wanted fey in the feywild- by both Queen and King who wanted her for their own, and by all the fey who had only heard tales of her unrivaled beauty and charm. She began a sojourn to follow her wanting heart wherever she wished and she took many disguises, leaving many stories behind her wherever she went. She became a mythic figure over the years, eventually obtaining Archfey status herself. This was the path that led her to become a minor goddess of beauty and lust which carried over into the material realm- a place she also eventually began to visit when she grew bored of the feywild.
Sylanna is a deity whose expertise lies in the everyday happenstance of mortal affairs- typically one’s love life. She is worshiped both by those who seek true love or success in finding multiple partners. She watches over ‘ladies of the evening’ especially and has a soft spot for young passionate new love - the more so if it is star-crossed, forbidden, or unrequited. She takes pity on hopeless romantics, especially if they lack charm or suffer from terrible shyness. She is said to, in her best moods, matchmake true soulmates. Being of the feywild she does have a chaotic and morally gray worldview. She is perfectly likely to help gold-diggers and adulterers and may fan the flames of lust and jealousy to incite drama. She certainly appreciates deep profound love but she is also the patron of love of all kinds- fleeting and eternal, physical and emotional, honest and not, gay or straight or even asexual. Much of her actions are based entirely on her whims and mood or what is going on with her own relationships with others, mainly the deity Emaris, occasionally mortals or minor gods, and occasionally Rhalla.