Silvanus
or The Horned God
The Forest Father Silvanus
Old and mysterious, Silvanus (/sɪlˈvɑːnʌs/) is the god of nature or more fittingly, the god of wilderness. As such, he is often depicted as one of the leading figures of the Deities of Nature, either as the de facto leader as many Drui see it, or as one of the more powerful members of the group. Indeed, many other deities that rule over nature are believed to be either his offspring or his servants.
While the city folks in their comfortable homes often forget to appreciate the raw power of nature, in the country side and deep forests Oak Father is still revered and respected. His presence isn't seen in large temples, but in small altars hidden in forests, mountain sides and under trees or bushes in meadows.
Divine Domains
Like many other gods, Silvanus is connected to many domains, which can vary a bit, depending on the culture depicting him. Believe that is most universal is that his true domain is the nature and wilderness, specifically the uncultivated nature, including wild plants and wild animals.
Silvanus also has an association with hunting, seasons, fertility of nature and animals and cycle of life. This makes Silvanus important to farmers, specially those who heard cattle.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Most prominent symbols of the Oakfather are the oak trees and their leaves and acorns. In places where oaks do not grow, his symbols often include carved faces on wood, bone and stone, often depicted with large antlers.
Tenets of Faith
- Nurture and protect the cycle of life. if the natural cycle is interrupted, it will only bring ruin.
- Practice patience and be observant. Do not disturb things when not necessary, and consider your actions before you take them.
- Plant flora and protect the natural sites, protect the natural beasts, enjoy natures beauty and offer yourself to its service. As you are part of nature, like plants and animals around you.
- Fight against diseases and destruction that would destroy without reason, kill only which is necessary. All things have the right to live; no life should be taken in vain.
Physical Description
Body Features
Silvanus has taken many forms among the mortals. In the deep forests, it is not unheard of for the Drui carve the face of the Oak Father on the tree bark, as it is said he can see and communicate through these faces. Thus, Silvanus is sometimes simply described as a face on a tree. Similar faces can be also carved on bones and stone.
However, in some stories, Silvanus takes the form of a humanoid. He is often described to have either green skin or one made of bark, most commonly oak-bark. He is described to have wild, fey-like features, and sometimes he has leaves as his hair. He has also described to sometimes appear with large antlers, which may double as branches that imitate the seasons, sometimes growing leaves. These antlers can either be part of a headpiece or sprout on the god's head.
Apparel & Accessories
In case Silvanus in a form that requires him to dress, his clothes are made of bark, leaves, bones, leathers and feathers. Sometimes he arms himself with a large maul or a spear, and he is often accompanied by wild animals, dryads and other creatures of the forest. On places where there are no forests, his apparel change accordingly to fit the wild nature around him.
Mental characteristics
Morality & Philosophy
Descriptions of Silvanus' nature vary wildly, as many might consider him as a cruel god. As protector of the wilderness, Silvanus and his worshippers are not too keen on those who destroy nature due to rabid expansion, making them even hostile towards those who attempt to tame to the wilderness.
According to the followers of the god Silvanus is a wise and calm deity, who simply promotes continuity, balance and protects the natural order. It is the excess, greed and destruction of the natural balance what the Treefather opposes; those who promote sustainability, respect the living world around them and respect the natural cycle of life do not evoke the wild god's wrath. Silvanus despises the undead, that with their mere existence break the natural order.
Social
Family Ties
While myths do not agree on Silvanus' parentage, he is often considered either a brother, counterpart or wild aspect of Chauntea, goddess of life and agriculture. The two are often described close, though having quarrels with one another about the spread of civilisation.
Atleast two children have been contributed to Silvanus, namely to daughters; Mielikki and Eldath, but there is speculation of him having even more offspring. While the mothers of his offspring are not clear, Sune is most often contributed being Mielikki's mother, and Selune Eldath's.
Relationships
The Old Oak
Old Father Tree
The Forest Father
Treefather
Horned God
DnD details
About Divine Domains & Deity Alignments
By the classic rules of DnD, certain deities are connected to certain oaths, domains and alignments, and the paladins & clerics to said deity are suggested to have same or compatible features. However, when in Melyria, we tend to be a little more permissive.
Players, as well as NPCs, are able to have alignments and domains beyond the ones assigned to a certain deity, as long as there is an explanation to this that makes some sort of sense. Make an argument that sounds reasonable, and we ain't complaining in these parts!
For example, a deity with nature and life domains might bless their cleric with the Grave domain powers, if the cleric in question fights undead to prevent them from destroying life.
I love the different interpretations of him as both a wrathful god and a calm god. The descriptions of his appearance and clothing are great too. <3