Varlathor - "The Arboreal Sovereign"
Known by many as Father Oak, the Verdant King, and the Everbranch, and most commonly the Arboreal Sovereign, Varlathor is a patron deity born within the Elemental Plane of Wood. Varlathor is the guardian of the elemental plane of wood, and is responsible for maintaining the harmony of its ecosystems. Father Oak promotes concepts of growth, renewal, and protection.
Varlathor, according to legend, rose from the first seed of the primal forest, embodying the wisdom and patience of ancient trees. He is revered as the ultimate arbiter of disputes among woodland creatures, ensuring that balance is restored. Varlathor abhors the goddess Kimyra, who he views as a weed growing amidst his garden. Kimyra embodies unfettered growth, a concept Varlathor detests. Despite being a god of growth, Varlathor preaches the necessity of decay and dissolution in pursuit of harmony and growth within life. It is said that when Varlathor weeps, new life springs forth from his left eye’s tears, and life decays under his right eye’s tears, demonstrating the cyclical nature of growth and decay.
Varlathor appears as a massive moose formed of bark and covered in foliage. His antlers mimic an emperor's crown, sprouting high up and artistically shaped. A long branch-like prehensile tail hangs from his backside.
Areas of Concern: nature, harmony, family, carpentry, wood Divine Realm: Oak of Creation, Elemental Plane of Wood Alignment: Lawful Neutral Typical Follower Alignments: LG, NG, LN, N, rarely LE Edicts: guide civilization to grow in harmony with nature, live sustainably and according to natural cycles, preserve areas of natural wilderness, protect the balance of nature, protect endangered species Anathema: kill animals for reasons other than self-defense or sustenance, remove an element or indigenous species from a natural area Doctrines and Beliefs: Varlathor’s worshippers follow teachings of balance and harmony in all things, of an equilibrium that is delicate and must be protected. Varlathor’s teachings seek to maintain the balance between predators and prey, growth and decay, and more. He teaches that every creature has its place in the natural order. Varlathor teaches that life in the natural world follows precise patterns and cycles, and his followers strive to maintain the balance of ecosystems. They believe in nurturing the growth of forests and protecting their delicate ecosystems. Father Oak’s lessons and doctrines very rarely run long and believes that complex traditions or rituals run counter to more practical and necessary matters, such as hunting and feeding one’s family. Worshippers: Varlathor attracts the worship of druids, rangers, leshies, elves, gnomes, and more. Varlathor is often prayed to by those affected by natural disasters, seeking to restore balance and peace to their disordered lives. Carpenters often pay respects to the Verdant King, seeking his blessing as they erect beautiful works. Entire communities often pray to Father Oak & Osigium for a bountiful harvest. Rare sects of Varlathor worshippers exist however, typically Lawful Evil in alignment. These followers embody the aspects of decay within the faith. Varlathor’s worshippers typically tolerate the zealous approach that these followers carry out their faith with, for there are few who abhor the goddess Kimyra more than those that cling to Varlathor’s aspects of decay. More than once, a covert war of faith has been waged between dark followers of Father Oak and Mother Cancer, with few even aware of its passing due to their similarities to those unaware of their teachings. Many Green Men serve the Everbranch and become his avatars on Palurin, speaking with the will of Varlathor to guide the faithful in times of great trouble.
Areas of Concern: nature, harmony, family, carpentry, wood Divine Realm: Oak of Creation, Elemental Plane of Wood Alignment: Lawful Neutral Typical Follower Alignments: LG, NG, LN, N, rarely LE Edicts: guide civilization to grow in harmony with nature, live sustainably and according to natural cycles, preserve areas of natural wilderness, protect the balance of nature, protect endangered species Anathema: kill animals for reasons other than self-defense or sustenance, remove an element or indigenous species from a natural area Doctrines and Beliefs: Varlathor’s worshippers follow teachings of balance and harmony in all things, of an equilibrium that is delicate and must be protected. Varlathor’s teachings seek to maintain the balance between predators and prey, growth and decay, and more. He teaches that every creature has its place in the natural order. Varlathor teaches that life in the natural world follows precise patterns and cycles, and his followers strive to maintain the balance of ecosystems. They believe in nurturing the growth of forests and protecting their delicate ecosystems. Father Oak’s lessons and doctrines very rarely run long and believes that complex traditions or rituals run counter to more practical and necessary matters, such as hunting and feeding one’s family. Worshippers: Varlathor attracts the worship of druids, rangers, leshies, elves, gnomes, and more. Varlathor is often prayed to by those affected by natural disasters, seeking to restore balance and peace to their disordered lives. Carpenters often pay respects to the Verdant King, seeking his blessing as they erect beautiful works. Entire communities often pray to Father Oak & Osigium for a bountiful harvest. Rare sects of Varlathor worshippers exist however, typically Lawful Evil in alignment. These followers embody the aspects of decay within the faith. Varlathor’s worshippers typically tolerate the zealous approach that these followers carry out their faith with, for there are few who abhor the goddess Kimyra more than those that cling to Varlathor’s aspects of decay. More than once, a covert war of faith has been waged between dark followers of Father Oak and Mother Cancer, with few even aware of its passing due to their similarities to those unaware of their teachings. Many Green Men serve the Everbranch and become his avatars on Palurin, speaking with the will of Varlathor to guide the faithful in times of great trouble.
Devotee Benefits:
Divine Ability: Constitution or Strength Divine Font: Heal or Harm Divine Skill: Medicine or Nature Sanctification: Can choose Holy Favored Weapon(s): Bo Staff or Club/Greatclub Domains: Family, Nature, Protection, Toil, Wood Alternate Domains: Decay Cleric Spells 2: Splinter Volley, 3rd: Wooden Double, 5th: Mantle of the Unwavering Heart
Children
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