Cylas (Sigh-lass)

The Solar Emperor

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For more information on all deities, see: Deities

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To the disciplined and the devout, Cylas is the epitome of perfection—a relentless beacon of order, power, and light. As the Solar Emperor, he reigns supreme over the Sun, his burning ambition casting an inescapable light upon both followers and foes. Chiefly worshiped by sun elves, Cylas is revered as their rightful ruler and steadfast guide in war and peace. Locked in eternal rivalry with Nephinae, his former lover and elven goddess of the moon, Cylas seeks the seasonal throne of the Caelerium, believing only his resolve can lead their race to its destined greatness. To his faithful, his harsh and unyielding light reveals a singular truth: that elven ascension lies not in fleeting shadows or fragile dreams, but in the brilliance of an eternal sun.

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Physical Description

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Cylas is depicted as a tall, regal figure clad in resplendent, molten-hot armor adorned with intricate sun motifs. His sharp, angular features include an olive complexion, high cheekbones and amber eyes, framed by cascading black locks. His presence brings an oppressive, drought-like heat, while his cold intellect drives his pursuit of dominance. The Solar Emperor is never without the Daybreaker, his curved elven sword forged from a solar flare. A burning golden circlet atop his head symbolizes his absolute authority.

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Divine Realm

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The Throne of Dawn, Cylas’ seat of power, lies deep within the Sun’s fiery depths. This opulent palace, unseen by mortals, houses a golden throne from which the Solar Emperor commands his dominion and guides the sun elves with a steady hand.

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Tenets of Faith

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• There is a necessity for order and hierarchy in all aspects of life. A structured society is essential for prosperity and advancement.


• Continuously strive for excellence in all endeavors.


• Overcome the influence of Nephinae and her chosen. Know that the Moons only shine at night because the Sun wills it.

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Worshipers

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Worshipers of Cylas, primarily sun elves, value order, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. They dominate positions of power within their rigidly hierarchical societies, enforcing the Solar Emperor’s decrees with unwavering zeal. Cylasians view themselves as superior, particularly to the followers of Nephinae, whom they see as weak and misguided. Their elitism drives their efforts to undermine her influence, believing only the strong and disciplined are fit to lead the elven race to greatness.
Devoted to excellence in all pursuits—combat, art, magic, or governance—they meet failure with harsh consequences. To outsiders, Cylas seems a domineering but not overtly oppressive god, his influence cloaked in secrecy, as reflected in the elven proverb: “it is in the presence of light that one can see, and one who can see can be deceived”.

Paladins of Cylas

Cylas’ paladins are the elite enforcers of his will, tasked with upholding his laws, spreading his influence, and ensuring sun elven dominance. Acting as judges, executioners, and military leaders, they impose order with an iron fist, viewing mercy as weakness and justice as swift punishment for dissent. Their authoritarian approach maintains strict control within sun elven society, often serving as community guards and suppressing opposition, particularly from Nephinae’s followers.
Trained rigorously in combat, leadership, and discipline, Cylasian paladins strive for perfection, mirroring Cylas’ demands of excellence. They see the followers of chaotic deities, especially Nephinae, as threats to the natural order, launching crusades to dismantle such influences. To outsiders, they are rigid and unyielding, while sun elves view them as essential protectors of their prosperity and order, despite the friction their elitism causes with other groups.
A rigid code of conduct and even stricter punishments inform a paladins’ actions:

• Enforce Order Without Mercy: I will show no hesitation in administering justice. Disorder and rebellion must be crushed swiftly and absolutely.


• Strive for Perfection: Be it in battle, leadership, or daily life, perfection is my ultimate goal. A single flaw could undermine the entire structure of society.


• The Law is Paramount: The word of Cylas is law, and it must be followed without question. I will maintain and enforce strict adherence to his laws.


• The Sun Illuminates All: There is no room for subversion or secrecy in a civil society. I will root out deception and keep society transparent and accountable..


• Never Falter Against Chaos: Nephinae is the antithesis of Cylas’ law. I will be wary of her followers and work to prevent her influence from spreading.

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Holy Books & Codes

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The Codex Solaris

An ornate tome found in every Cylasian temple, The Codex Solaris dictates the laws of sun elven society. Bound in radiant leather and adorned with solar motifs, it chronicles sun elven history, exalting their virtue in contrast to moon elves, and prescribes detailed rituals performed at sunrise and sunset. To become a head priest, one must memorize the entire book, a testament to absolute devotion. Its formal, authoritative tone leaves no room for doubt, defining every aspect of sun elven thought and behavior.

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Contacts & Relations

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Nephinae

Long ago, Cylas and Nephinae shared a love as radiant as the Sun and serene as moonlight, ruling the Caelerium in perfect harmony. Their union brought forth a child, Phaendar, a living symbol of their love. But as the ages passed, their differences grew insurmountable. Cylas saw Nephinae’s chaos as a threat to the order he valued, while she viewed his rigidity as stifling. Their love unraveled into discord, culminating in a bitter betrayal that shattered their bond. Now, Cylas and Nephinae are bitter rivals, locked in a relentless struggle for control of the Caelerium, each claiming the seasonal throne as their destiny.

Phaendar

Phaendar’s relationship with Cylas is strained by conflicting ideals. Cylas sees his son as a vessel for his will, expecting perfection and loyalty to the sun elves’ dominion. Yet, Phaendar yearns for the freedom and spontaneity embodied by his mother, Nephinae, creating a growing rift between them. Despite their differences, moments of mutual respect remain—Cylas takes pride in Phaendar’s potential, while Phaendar admires his father’s unwavering resolve. Their bond teeters between loyalty and rebellion, as Phaendar navigates the shadow of his parents’ endless feud.

Divine Traits

General Information

Alternative Name(s)
Elven God of Law
Elven God of the Sun
Elven God of Tyranny
Lord of the Dawn
The Solar Emperor
The Usurper of Light

Alignment
LE

Follower Alignment(s)
LN, LE

Tier of Divinity
TEXT

Pantheon(s)
Elven Gods

Area(s) of Concern
Authority, evocation, hierarchy, sun elves, the Sun

Favored Weapon(s)
Elven curve blade

Sacred Animal(s)
Lion

Sacred Color(s)
Brown, gold, orange, yellow

Symbol
Lion's head with a mane of fire

Worshipers
Aristocrats, azata, guards, jailers, judges, nobles, royalty, sun elves, tyrants

Worshipers' Adjective(s)
Cylasian

Divine Realm
Throne of Dawn - The Sun, Anatolé

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Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Domain(s)
Light, Order

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Pathfinder 1e

Domain(s)
Evil, Fire, Law, Nobility, Sun

Subdomain(s)
Aristocracy, Arson, Day, Fear, Judgment, Leadership, Legislation (Law), Light, Tyranny

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Pathfinder 2e

Domain(s)
Duty, Fire, Perfection, Sun

Alternative Domain(s)
Secrecy, Tyranny

Divine Ability
Intelligence or Charisma

Divine Font
Harm or Heal

Sanctification
Can choose holy or unholy

Divine Skill
Intimidation

Cleric Spells
1st: Scorching Blast
2nd: Fear the Sun
5th: Belittling Boast
7th: Sunburst