Sun Trees

Written by Grimbjorn

In the vast, rugged, and mysterious land of Sleigh Aisling in eastern Abhagan live seven deities of unknown origin. Calling themselves the Trees of the Sun, or simply Sun Trees, they arrived early in The Godswar to aid the hard-beset Iona peoples (precursors to the present day Aisling and Efaleain) in their struggle against marauding Fájunn. After the War, and in observance of The Balance, the seven literally rooted themselves to Gæðí, taking the form of colossal, cloud-piercing trees, and forming a network of energy leylines between them, eventually leading to the formation of the Veil of Sleigh Aisling within two centuries.

Though their physical form is that of an enormous tree, all of the seven can, and frequently do, manifest an astral avatar in the form of a human or signature animal with which to interact with mortal beings. The names of the Sun Trees are Saorse, Soleil, Hvetja, Isbrea, Orku, Nymah, and Aegis.

Structure

There is no specific order of precedence or organization among the Trees; rather, Isbrea and Soleil are highly regarded and respected among all, which often lends extra weight to their thoughts, with the latter generally having the final word in decisions involving all seven.

Culture

"Isbrea, of unconditional love and elation

Endless ocean of dearest devotion

Everlasting patience, magnanimous, and just

Pour into me with great elan

the very essence of creation

Make my heart sing in jubilation

Lighthouse beacon in the dead of night

Grace me with your inner light

Goodwill prevails where in love I trust"

-from the Song of the Trees, original author unknown

The Sun Trees are benevolent, loving entities, and have bonded closely with their chosen people. Over three millennia, they have guided the Aisling in gaining unmatched understanding of Íðæn's laws, the natural world, and their peoples' own inner thoughts and emotions. As a result, the Aisling have attained a truly utopian society, permeated by ideas, knowledge, and technology unheard of anywhere else on Gæðí. The protection of the Veil of Sleigh Aisling further ensures harmony within its borders, making the land of the Sun Trees a place where magic, progress, and innovation are commonplace.

Public Agenda

The Trees' greatest desire is to see the Aisling grow and thrive in protection and peace.

History

First appeared at the onset of The Godswar, coming to the aid of the Iona peoples native to the region that is now known as Egregi in Sleigh Aisling. After the War's conclusion, rooted into the very earth of Gæðí, creating a network of energy throughout Sleigh Aisling.

As the Iona evolved into the early Aisling over the first two centuries after the Godswar, some sought the Trees' counsel, as they were uncomfortable trusting to the growing protection of the Veil and desired to seek their own path. Not wishing to hold any against their will, the Trees gave their blessing for this faction to emigrate across the upper Fon Lean, giving rise to the first ancestors of modern Efalain.

By the end of the second century ATC, the Veil of Sleigh Aisling was fully formed as a result of the Trees' efforts and presence.

Around the turn of the fourth century ATC, the Trees helped the Aisling develop a course of study and a series of Trials to begin training the first Lýsenngead, who would become emissaries to lands Outside the otherwise highly insular Sleigh Aisling, as the Sun Trees were well aware that other nations existed throughout the known regions of Gæðí.

Tenets of Faith

There is no religion as such devoted to the Sun Trees, nor are there any religious texts or dogmatic laws. Rather, the Trees are intimately involved in the spirituality and day to day life of the Aisling, their influence permeating Aisling culture.

Type

Religious, Pantheon

Deities

• Nymah