Iconography & Honorifics
Ashenvale, Goddess of the Land [Life Eternal/Flora Incarnate] Ashenvale is symbolized as the flower of the Vinelasher Kudzu. The leaves of the flower are easily identified by a small star on each of its 5 petals. Many see the 5 stars as the 5 Vedas of Ashenvale. As the Goddess of life, bounty, and agriculture, Ashenval is viewed as the embodiment of the land. Her followers are known as
Ashens, in her honor. The largely familial traditions of the Ashen faith has led to Ashenvale being depicted as the mother of the lands, Elvish or otherwise.
Though gracious and welcoming, Ashenvale can be cruel and spiteful if crossed, as written in the Volumes of the First Ashen Triad, "
Ashenvale looked down at the humans with their avarice, the gnomes and their covetous arcana, and the dwarves with their brutish nature and saw discord. In her fury, she tore apart the land casting aside borders and boundaries to remake Espen as she saw fit." Though there is little evidence of this, many Elves believe this to be the origins of the
Orc Vein Trench. From this legend, the Ashens formed their militant arm, seeking to reclaim the savagery and brutality of the Goddess, the Ashen botanist formulated a concoction that those of sufficient faith may consume and for a short time be granted the furoscity of Ashenvale and become known as
Ashen Savages.
Images related to the Ashen are far more indicative of the lighter side of the faith.
- Grapes
- Wine
- The First Regal Oak
- Kudzu Vines
- The Divine Pasture
Creation Mythos
The void of nothingness sat across Espen. Seeing this Ashenvale was displeased, desiring the bounty and beauty that only she could bring to this world she moved across the void. With each step Ashenvale brought forth flora and fauna, but favorited among them were the Elven people. Touched with her essence the elven people became as diverse as the flowers of the Eternal Garden. The High Elves, fair skin like the Night Orchid and just as rare, the Sea Elves lined the coast like water lilies, the Wood Elves as common as the clover spread across the many forsts of Espen and just as resilient, and the Drow, creeping in the shaded forsest like Ivy growing only in darkened places. Together Ashenvale blessed them all, for one cannot flower without the others.
Tenets
- Veda I - Grow Pure, the first Veda calls the Elvish people to live lives of purity. Free from the technological advances of the world, instead focusing and relying intently on nature and arcana.
- Veda II - Grow True, the second Veda calls the Elvish people to stand as strong as the redwood against those who dishonor the Union or themselves.
- Veda III - Grow Together, the third Veda calls the Elvish people remain united in Ashenvale's grace and to prioritize the Union in all aspects of their life.
- Veda IV - Grow Deep, the fourth Veda calls the Elvish people to maintain strong community ties and natural ties that the people remain bound together, honoring family and land will bring prosperity
- Veda V - Grow Wild, the final Veda calls the Elvish commune with the forests and nature regularly. An elf should be free, natural and unconstrained in their worship of Ashenvale.
Hierarchy
- Ashen Elders - A triumvirate comprised of the three oldest familial lines in Espen. The Hew's (Tanalier), Aloquin's (Ossirion), and Thesu's (Evolir) each have family lines that date back to the founding of their respective cities. The Elder are the Elvish people's final authority on all issues of note. Due to a history of isolation, many contend that the Ashen Shieks who report to the Elders actually are the seat of power in the Elvish Union, but in the history of the Union, no Shiek has ever rebelled against, dissented, or gone against the word of an Elder.
- Ashen Shiek - Assigned to Elven cities and widely considered "the will" of the Ashen Elders,, within their home city a Shiek is considered the religious, civil, and military authority. Tasked with maintaining the Ashen Savage army and guiding the religious path of their citizens, its no surprise that their faith and army are intertwined.
- Oshōs - Are responsible for training and education of the Ashen Savages and are advisors to the Ashen Shieks. Each Oshō serves at the pleasure and privledge of their respective Shiek.
- Ashen Savages - the devout militarized arm of the Elvish people are known for the ferocity in battle and little else. Most Ashen Savages begin their training at 12, the trainings last 25 years in which they master every weapon and fighting form known in Espen. As the trainings are demanding there are substantially fewer Ashen Savages than any other cultures military, however as the adage goes, "...in battle a Savage is worth 2 Dwarves, 5 Humans or 10 Gnomes."
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