Silvanus
Oak Father, the Old Oak, Old Father Tree Silvanus
Silvanus represents the entirety of nature, deserts as well as forests, sharks as much as deer. But folk in the North of Eastern Farrawat, who contend with the dangers of forests, mountains, and plains, see Silvanus more as a god of those places. Silvanus is thought of as a grim and severe father figure who metes out flood and drought, fire and ice, and life and death in the wilderness. In legends he often commands other nature High Ones, dealing out rewards and punishments to them as is fitting.
Nature and its impartial fairness is central to the dogma of Silvanus’s faith. His priests seek to know the total situation, to view the macrocosm; their viewpoint isn’t confined to one person’s or one nation’s idea of what is best. The loss of a farming community to goblin raids is a tragedy for some, but the event provides an opportunity for the wilderness to grow up and make the land fertile again, which in turn provides new challenges for those who would return to tame it.
The creed of Silvanus dictates that nature’s glory must be preserved not merely because nature is beautiful, but because wild nature is the true state of the world. Its expanses refresh and revitalize the mortal soul, and give breath to all the world. Many of his faithful oppose the expansion of settlements into wild places, and consider excessive consumption of natural resources to be not only wasteful but blasphemous.
Silvanus often receives veneration from travelers in wild lands, explorers, and residents of rural communities far from the protection of a local lord or a great city. The oak leaf is Silvanus’s symbol, and a grove of oak trees within a village or on its outskirts is often dedicated as a shrine to him. In rural places where oak trees don’t grow, an oak leaf etched into the bark of another kind of tree signifies a sacred site.
Divine Domains
Nature
Artifacts
The Staff of the Woodlands: A magical staff that allows the wielder to cast various nature-themed spells and summon woodland creatures to their aid.
The Horn of the Wild: A magical horn that, when blown, summons powerful nature spirits to aid the summoner in battle.
The Amulet of the Earth: An enchanted amulet that enhances the wearer's connection to the earth and allows them to sense danger and hidden paths.
The Boots of Elvenkind: A pair of enchanted boots that grant the wearer increased speed and agility, as well as the ability to move silently through the forest.
The Bow of the Hunt: A magical bow that never misses its target and can summon a pack of wolves to aid the archer in battle.
These artifacts are often sought after by druids, rangers, and other nature-based adventurers who seek to honor Silvanus and protect the natural world.
Holy Books & Codes
Silvanus, being a nature guardian, doesn't have a strict holy code or scripture like some religions. However, his followers often hold certain beliefs and practices that honor nature and the wild. There are also several books that are associated with the reverence of Silvanus:
The Green Book: A tome filled with the teachings of Silvanus and his followers. It includes instructions on how to live in harmony with nature, descriptions of various plants and animals, and stories of Silvanus' exploits.
The Book of Beasts: A bestiary filled with information on the creatures of the wild. It includes illustrations and descriptions of various animals, as well as tips for dealing with dangerous predators.
The Book of Seasons: A guide to the changing seasons and their effects on the natural world. It includes advice on planting and harvesting crops, as well as descriptions of seasonal festivals and rituals.
The Druidic Chronicles: A collection of stories and legends about the druids and their relationship with nature. It includes tales of druidic magic, battles against dark forces, and the wisdom of ancient druidic sages.
These books are highly respected by Silvanus' followers and are often used as guides for living in harmony with nature. They are also highly sought after by scholars and adventurers who seek knowledge about the natural world.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Silvanus is most commonly associated with the Oak Leaf but other symbols such as a crown of Antlers, various animals like stags, wolves, bears and eagles and the mythical Greenman.
Tenets of Faith
The tenets of faith for Silvanus, also known as the Green Father, typically revolve around the protection and preservation of nature and the natural world. Some of the key tenets of the faith include:
Respect for nature: Silvanites believe in the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world, including its plants, animals, and ecosystems.
Stewardship: As caretakers of the natural world, Silvanites believe in responsible stewardship of the land and its resources, with a focus on sustainability and long-term preservation.
Balance: The Silvanite faith emphasizes the importance of balance in all things, including the delicate balance of nature and the need to live in harmony with the natural world.
Community: While Silvanites may be solitary in their devotion to nature, they also believe in the importance of community and working together to protect and preserve the natural world.
Humility: Silvanites believe in the inherent beauty and value of nature, and approach it with a sense of humility and reverence.
These tenets reflect the Silvanite belief that the natural world is a sacred gift, and that it is the duty of all living beings to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Holidays
Silvanus does not have specific holidays associated with his worship, as he is primarily revered in the natural world and his followers tend to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the rhythms of nature. However, some cultures may hold special ceremonies or observances at the equinoxes or solstices, or during significant natural events such as the blooming of certain plants or the migration of animals.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
Protecting the natural world: Silvanus is committed to preserving the natural world and all of its creatures. He seeks to protect and defend the forests, mountains, rivers, and other natural wonders from those who would seek to exploit or destroy them.
Maintaining balance: Silvanus recognizes that nature is a delicate balance between opposing forces, and he seeks to ensure that this balance is maintained. He opposes those who would tip the scales too far in one direction, whether it be in favor of civilization or chaos.
Honoring the cycles of life: Silvanus recognizes that everything in nature has a cycle of life and death, and he seeks to honor and preserve these cycles. He opposes those who would disrupt these cycles or seek to control them for their own ends.
Fostering harmony: Silvanus believes that all creatures of nature are connected and seeks to foster harmony among them. He opposes those who would create division or conflict between different creatures or groups.
Cultivating knowledge: Silvanus seeks to promote knowledge and understanding of the natural world, and encourages his followers to study and learn about nature. He opposes those who would seek to exploit or abuse nature out of ignorance or greed.
Divine Classification
High One
Children
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