Ephelion

Every heartbeat, a poem; every touch, a masterpiece

General Information

Ephelion, known as the Crescent Lord, stands as the divine protector of the arts, magic, and the elven race, and is deeply associated with the principles of love, inspiration, and freedom. Ephelion's connection to war is less conventional, focusing more on the struggle for liberation and the defense of artistic expression against tyranny. His symbol, the Red Moon of Zolirak, is a potent representation of his watchful presence over the world, particularly over his elven children and those who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of beauty and self-expression.

History

Ephelion is one of the earliest gods to emerge in Kena'an, born from the first dream ever dreamt by his mother, Verana, the Goddess of Prophecies and Dreams. His creation marked the birth of inspiration and love in the world, and he soon became a central figure in the celestial hierarchy. Ephelion created the elves, a race designed to embody his ideals of beauty and art. He blessed them with an extended lifespan so they could not only create but also preserve and evolve their art. Ephelion's association with love began when he met Siona, the Goddess of Death and Magic. Their love story, though fraught with difficulties, brought the concept of romantic love to the mortal realm. Their union eventually produced Silanthas, the God of Travel and Trade, further intertwining their destinies and shaping the divine landscape of Kena'an.

Appearance

Ephelion is usually depicted as an imposing, ethereal figure, often shrouded in an otherworldly red hood that hides his face, symbolizing the mystery and depth of his influence. When visiting the material world, he appears as a male elven warrior, wielding a longbow and a beautifully crafted longsword. His sacred animal, the owl, represents wisdom and vigilance, and often accompanies him as a symbol of his watchful protection over the elven race and those who dedicate their lives to art and magic. Ephelion’s attire and iconography frequently include silver and red, his sacred colors, representing the light of inspiration and the passion of creation. Around his neck, Ephelion wears a silver chain bearing an amulet of Onyx Luna, a mysterious black material that glows faintly under the light of the moon. This amulet is said to contain a fragment of the first dream that brought him into existence.

The Red Moon of Zolirak

One of the most mysterious phenomena in Kena'an is the appearance of the Red Moon over the region of Zolirak. Every 24 days, during the full moon, the celestial object takes on a crimson hue, visible only in the skies above Zolirak. This event is widely believed to signify the moment when Ephelion turns his gaze upon the material plane,

particularly to watch over his elven children and ensure their safety. The Red Moon is seen as a time of heightened creativity and passion, during which artists and lovers are especially inspired.

Holidays

• The Festival of Blossoms: Held during the first full moon of spring, the Festival of Blossoms is a celebration of love and creativity. It is a time for music, dance, and the exchange of artistic creations, with Ephelion’s blessing said to be strongest during this festival.

• The Night of Inspiration: Occurring under the light of the Red Moon, the Night of Inspiration is a sacred time for artists and lovers. Ephelion is believed to walk among his followers, whispering ideas and passions into their hearts. Temples are filled with music and light, and those seeking inspiration are encouraged to participate.

• The Lover’s Vigil: On the eve of the summer solstice, followers of Ephelion hold the Lover’s Vigil, a night of reflection and prayer. Couples and artists seek Ephelion’s guidance in matters of the heart or in their creative pursuits, often culminating in the creation of new art or the reaffirmation of love.

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• Symbol: The Red Moon of Zolirak

• Titles: The Crescent Lord, The Owl

• Home Plane: The Moon

• Alignment: CG

• Portfolio: Elves, Magic, Crafts and Arts, Music, War

• Worshipers: Elves, Half elves, Bards, Spell Casters, Artists

• Cleric Alignments: CG, CN, NG

• Domains: Good, Healing, Liberation, Nobility

• Sub domains: Leadership, Freedom, Self-Realization, Revolution, Friendship, Restoration

• Favorite Weapon: Long bow

• Sacred Animal: Owl

• Sacred Colors: Silver, Red

Divine Classification

Greater God

Parents

Verana

Children

• Silanthas

The Crescent Lord

Illustration of Ephelion

Dogma

Ephelion is the divine patron of the arts and inspiration, representing the creative spark that elevates the mundane into the sublime. He teaches that art is a path to enlightenment and that every act of creation is a small piece of heaven brought to the material world. Ephelion also embodies the ideals of love and passion, blessing unions and affairs with his favor. Ephelion’s kindness and thoughtfulness are legendary, but he is also known for his vengeful side when betrayed. He embodies the ideals of freedom, self-realization, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression. His followers are encouraged to embrace their creative passions, to fight for their freedom and the freedom of others, and to foster deep, meaningful relationships. Ephelion’s connection to war is rooted in his belief that true art and creativity can only flourish in a world free from tyranny. He blesses those who fight to defend these ideals, guiding them with wisdom and inspiring them with the courage to stand against oppression.

Clergy and Temples

Clerics of Ephelion

The temples dedicated to Ephelion are architectural marvels, reflecting the beauty and artistry he so cherishes. These structures are elegant, fragile, and often adorned with stained glass windows, silver, and marble. Many of his larger temples, especially those in Zolirak, double as bardic colleges where the arts are taught and perfected. Every temple of Ephelion, from the simplest shrine to the grandest cathedral, is filled with music, ensuring that the Crescent Lord’s presence is always near.

His clergy, who come from all races and genders, wear robes of dark red and silver, symbolizing the blood of inspiration and the light of the moon. Owls, his sacred animals, are often seen in or around these temples, serving as guardians and symbols of Ephelion’s ever-watchful presence.

Relationships

Verana, Goddess of Prophecies and Dreams, is Ephelion’s mother. According to ancient lore, he was born from her very first dream, a vision so vivid and beautiful that she gave it life. Though Verana loves her son deeply, their bond has been fractured by her disapproval of his union with Siona and the birth of their child, Silanthas. Viewing their relationship as a violation of cosmic order, Verana has sworn to destroy her grandson, a vow that has driven a painful rift between her and Ephelion. Yet, despite her wrath, he continues to seek reconciliation, hoping she will one day accept both his choices and his son.

Ephelion’s connection with Siona, Goddess of Death and Magic, is one of the most profound and complicated in the pantheon. Their love defies the natural tension between their domains and is built on a foundation of mutual respect and enduring passion. The birth of their son, Silanthas, only deepened their bond, though it has brought no shortage of turmoil. The strain from Verana's condemnation and the pressures of their divine responsibilities continually test their relationship.

Silanthas, God of Travel and Trade, is the living union of life and death, a bridge between Ephelion and Siona's opposing realms. Ephelion cherishes his son and sees in him the possibility of harmony between seemingly irreconcilable forces. Silanthas embodies his father’s creativity and his mother’s depth, yet his existence remains a source of conflict with Verana. Ephelion stands as his son’s fiercest protector, shielding him from the consequences of divine resentment.

Among the pantheon, Ephelion shares a rare camaraderie with Levar, the trickster god. While others find Levar's unpredictability grating, Ephelion values his spontaneity and creative chaos. Their friendship is a meeting of minds; a celebration of beauty, whimsy, and the unpredictable muse. Through Levar, Ephelion has learned to embrace imperfection and change as essential parts of inspiration.

Ephelion also holds great respect for Lilyore, Goddess of Joy and Diplomacy. Her empathy and insight into mortal hearts fascinate him, and her mission to nurture love and unity mirrors his own. Their relationship is marked by warmth and mutual admiration, each inspiring the other to bring beauty and joy to the world of Kena’an.

Standing in direct opposition to everything Ephelion represents is Haestrom, the Frozen God of Tyranny and Sin. Their enmity dates back to the Era of Purification, when Ephelion fought alongside Novirath, God of Light and Valor, to repel Haestrom's oppressive reign. Where Ephelion stands for love, inspiration, and freedom, Haestrom embodies domination, corruption, and rigid control. Their conflict is ongoing, and Ephelion remains ever watchful of his enemy’s creeping influence.

Ephelion’s alliance with Novirath is forged in battle and tempered by shared purpose. Though their domains differ- Novirath being a beacon of valor and justice, while Ephelion channels creation and love- their goals often align. United in their desire to defend Kena’an from darkness, the two gods have built a bond grounded in mutual respect.