Cernunnos Lurue, The Stag Lord


God of Deep Woods, Deer, Elk, Moose



Pantheon Gods Religious Orders Prayers and Spells

I am Cerunnos, the Horned Lord, Master of the Hunt, and Keeper of the Wild Balance. In the deep forests and untamed wilderness, I am the heartbeat of nature and the echo of the hunt. With antlers raised to the sky and eyes that pierce through the shadows, I guide the relentless pursuit of balance and the preservation of the natural order.

To you who seek my guidance, know this: Nature is a realm of contrasts, where life and death are intertwined in a sacred dance. I am both the nurturing force that sustains and the fierce predator that maintains equilibrium. My presence is felt in the whisper of the wind through the trees, the call of the wild, and the untamed spirit of the hunt.

In every hunt, there lies a purpose beyond mere pursuit. It is through the hunt that the weak are culled, the strong are tested, and balance is restored. Embrace the primal vigor of the hunt and honor the wilds, for in their preservation lies the true harmony of existence.

I, Cerunnos, call upon you to revere the sacred balance of nature. Heed my call in the moments of chaos and calm alike, for I am both the tranquil forest and the tempestuous storm. Through me, you shall find strength and clarity, as you walk the path of the hunt and uphold the sacred balance of the wild."

"Words of Cerunnos, The Horned Lord"

Divine Portfolio:

  • Nature
  • Wild Balance
  • The Hunt
  • Protection of Wilderness

Religious Dogma:

  1. Respect the balance of nature, recognizing both its nurturing and destructive forces.
  2. Honor the wild and untamed aspects of existence, embracing the primal nature of life.
  3. Engage in the hunt with purpose, understanding that it is a means to maintain equilibrium and not merely for sport.
  4. Protect the wilderness from those who seek to disrupt its harmony, and defend its sanctity with conviction.
  5. Revere the cycles of life and death as a sacred dance, essential to the continuation of natural order.

Appearance and Symbols:

  • Holy Symbol: A stag's antler, symbolizing his role as the Master of the Hunt and his dominion over nature.
  • Regalia:
    1. A spear representing his prowess as a hunter and his connection to nature.
    2. A torc signifying his former place among the fey nobility.
    3. A hunting horn known as the Horn of the Undying, whose sound reaches across any distance and can summon his Wild Hunt.

Role in Ceremonies:

The ceremonies dedicated to Cerunnos often involve ritual hunts, where participants emulate the Master of the Hunt through attire and practice. These ceremonies celebrate the balance of nature and honor the primal forces he embodies.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

  • Worshippers: Worshippers are expected to respect and uphold the balance of nature, engaging in rituals that honor both the nurturing and destructive aspects of the wild.
  • Priests:
    • Priests are trained in the ways of the hunt and nature, learning to track and hunt with a bow and spear.
    • They are expected to lead by example, demonstrating reverence for the wild and protecting it from threats.
  • Organizations:
    • Hierarchical Structure: Priesthood and worship organizations typically operate with a clear hierarchy, with high-ranking priests overseeing ceremonies and guiding lower ranks in their duties.
  • Punishment and Discipline:
    • Discipline within the worship of Cerunnos involves adherence to the principles of balance and respect for nature. Deviations or failures are met with stern correction, including additional trials or tasks to restore balance.

Temples and Influence

  • Temples: Temples to Cerunnos typically take the form of grand hunting lodges deep within forests, decorated with antlers and the trophy heads of beasts slain by his worshipers.
  • Influence:
    • Cerunnos's influence is felt in the preservation and balance of natural ecosystems. His teachings encourage respect for wildlife and the natural order.
  • Role in Society: Cerunnos's role in society involves guiding the hunt and maintaining the balance of nature. His followers often engage in ritual hunts and protection of wilderness areas, reflecting his influence on their way of life.
  • Philosophical Influence: His philosophy emphasizes the dual nature of existence, where life and death are interwoven in a perpetual dance, and balance is maintained through natural cycles and predation.
  • Cultural Impact: Cerunnos's worship has shaped cultural practices related to hunting, nature conservation, and respect for the wild. Festivals and ceremonies dedicated to him often involve elaborate rituals and deep reverence for the natural world.
  • Role in Society: Cerunnos's role in society involves guiding the hunt and maintaining the balance of nature. His followers often engage in ritual hunts and protection of wilderness areas, reflecting his influence on their way of life.

    Legacy

    1. Cerunnos's teachings have deeply influenced the way his followers approach the natural world, emphasizing the importance of balance and respect for all living things.
    2. His rituals and ceremonies have become integral to cultural practices related to hunting and nature conservation.
    3. The architectural design of temples dedicated to Cerunnos has inspired similar structures in other regions, reflecting his lasting impact on religious and cultural practices.
    4. The legend of Cerunnos and his Wild Hunt continues to be a powerful symbol of the primal and untamed aspects of nature, inspiring awe and reverence in those who honor him.
    5. His influence extends to the Elven society, where his principles of balance and the sacred nature of the hunt are deeply embedded in their traditions and practices.
    6. The Influence on Elven Society: In elven society, Cerunnos's legacy is evident in the reverence for nature, the importance of maintaining balance, and the ritualistic practices associated with hunting and protecting the wilderness.

    Divine Attributes:

    • Mastery of the Hunt
    • Guardian of the Wilderness
    • Embodiment of Nature’s Duality
    • Protector of the Sacred Balance

      Organizational Structure of Religion

      The Hierarchy of the Faith:

      • High Priest/Priestess: The supreme spiritual leader and representative of Cerunnos, responsible for overseeing all religious activities and maintaining the sacred balance.
      • Archdruid: Senior druids who act as intermediaries between the High Priest/Priestess and the lower ranks, ensuring that religious doctrines are properly followed.
      • Priests and Priestesses: Clerics who conduct rituals, guide worshippers, and manage local temples.
      • Druids: Specialized clergy who focus on the natural and wild aspects of the faith, performing rites connected to the cycles of nature.
      • Initiates: Novice priests and priestesses undergoing training and proving their commitment to the faith.
      • Lay Worshippers: Followers who participate in rituals and support the faith but do not hold any formal religious position.

      Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

      • Fighting Orders

        1. Order of the Horned Hunters: Elite warriors dedicated to protecting the wilderness and upholding the principles of the hunt. They are known for their skill in both combat and tracking.
        2. Knights of the Wild: Valiant knights who act as defenders of sacred lands and natural sites, engaging in both defensive and offensive operations against those who threaten nature.
        3. Sentinels of the Forest: Specialists in guerrilla warfare and forest tactics, tasked with safeguarding the forested regions and repelling invaders.
        4. Rangers of the Sacred Grove: Rangers who focus on the protection and preservation of ancient groves and sacred natural sites, combining martial prowess with deep knowledge of nature.

      • Clerical Orders

        1. Circle of the Eldertrees: Senior clerics who manage the high ceremonies and maintain the ancient rites associated with Cerunnos.
        2. Order of the Verdant Heart: Clerics dedicated to healing, restoration, and the promotion of life within the natural world.
        3. Fellowship of the Wild Path: Clerics who focus on guiding followers in their spiritual journey through nature, offering wisdom and advice.
        4. Keepers of the Hunt: Clerics who oversee and perform rituals associated with the hunt, ensuring that it is done respectfully and in accordance with divine teachings.
        5. Wardens of the Balance: Clerics tasked with ensuring that the balance between nature's growth and decay is maintained, acting as mediators in conflicts between various factions.

      Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Cernunnos Lurue's religious and mystical framework, ensuring the protection, preservation, and enforcement of divine principles across various aspects of his followers. All are pledged to support in the defense of his church.
      See the Religious Orders section for more detail.

    Holy Artifacts

    1. Horn of the Undying: A powerful hunting horn that can reach across any distance. It is used to summon the Wild Hunt and can be controlled through proper rituals.
    2. Ebony Spear: An enchanted spear that manifests Cerunnos's prowess as a hunter, capable of inflicting electricity and teleporting foes.
    3. Torc of Dominion: A ceremonial torc believed to give the wearer dominion over mundane beasts, symbolizing Cerunnos's authority.
    4. Hunting Bow: A bow used by Cerunnos, often associated with the hunt and his skill in archery.
    5. Heavy Oaken Quarterstaff: A weapon used by Cerunnos for close-quarters combat, signifying his preference for hand-to-hand engagements.

    Religious Practices

    • Ritual Hunts: On nights leading into equinoxes and solstices, followers engage in large hunts, donning attire that emulates Cerunnos's appearance and tracking down their most loathed enemies.
    • Nature Reverence: Rituals include offerings to nature, respecting wildlife, and maintaining the balance between growth and decay.
    • Wild Hunt Emulation: Followers may partake in hunts that mimic the Wild Hunt, aiming to challenge and overcome difficult quarry, often including fey and magical beasts.
    • Sacrifices: Sacrifices to Cerunnos often involve offerings of hunted game or symbolic acts of reverence to nature.

    Celebrated Holidays

    Equinoxes and Solstices: Major celebrations and rituals occur during these times, marking the changes in seasons with grand hunts and ceremonies.
    • Crimson Moon Festival: A special event where the Wild Hunt is called upon to target evildoers, often occurring on nights with a crimson moon.
    • Festival of the Verdant Heart: A celebration of nature's bounty and balance, involving feasts, dances, and rites of renewal.
    • The Great Hunt: An annual event where followers gather for a massive hunt to honor Cerunnos and demonstrate their skills.

    Alignment: Unprincipled

    Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

    Horror/Awe Factor: 16

    OCCs:

    • High Priest/Priestess
    • Archdruid
    • Priests and Priestesses
    • Druids
    • Initiates

      Deific Powers of Cernunnos Lurue
      Cernunnos Lurue has the full range of powers over her followers, and can perform all prototypical deific powers at regular cost, as well as the following special powers:

      1. Nature's Embrace

      Range: 500 feet (150 meters)

      Duration: 30 minutes

      Cost: 800 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can summon the essence of nature to envelop an area or individual in a protective aura of natural energy. This embrace provides a +8 to Parry and Dodge, absorbs up to 150 points of damage, and grants enhanced speed and agility. It also heals minor wounds and grants the ability to communicate with animals within the area.

      2. Verdant Growth

      Range: 300 feet (90 meters)

      Duration: Instantaneous

      Cost: 600 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can cause rapid growth of plant life in a targeted area, creating a dense thicket of trees, vines, and shrubs. This can be used to create barriers, entangle foes, or restore damaged natural areas. The growth lasts for 24 hours or until dispelled.

      3. Call of the Wild

      Range: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)

      Duration: 1 hour

      Cost: 1000 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can call forth and command wild animals within a large radius. These animals will act according to her will, whether to aid in battle, scout areas, or perform other tasks. The summoned animals are granted enhanced abilities and resistances for the duration.

      4. Faerie Blessing

      Range: Touch

      Duration: 1 day

      Cost: 500 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can bestow a faerie blessing upon an individual or group, enhancing their physical and magical abilities. This blessing provides +4 to all skill checks, +10% to all magic-related actions, and immunity to fear effects for the duration.

      5. Eternal Spring

      Range: 200 feet (60 meters)

      Duration: 24 hours

      Cost: 750 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can create an area of perpetual springtime, ensuring the land within remains lush, fertile, and free of blight. This power can heal plants, purify water, and increase the yield of crops within the affected area.

      6. Wild Shape

      Range: Self

      Duration: 1 hour

      Cost: 400 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can transform herself into any animal or plant form. This transformation allows her to gain the abilities, strengths, and skills of the chosen form, enabling her to adapt to various situations, whether for combat, stealth, or exploration.

      7. Nature's Wrath

      Range: 500 feet (150 meters)

      Duration: Instantaneous

      Cost: 1000 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can summon a devastating natural phenomenon, such as a violent storm, earthquake, or hurricane, to strike her enemies. This power deals massive damage and can alter the terrain, creating obstacles for her foes.

      8. Protective Ward

      Range: 100 feet (30 meters)

      Duration: 12 hours

      Cost: 500 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can create a protective ward around an area or individual that deflects magical and physical attacks. The ward absorbs up to 200 points of damage and provides a +6 to all defensive actions.

      9. Spirit Communion

      Range: Self

      Duration: 1 hour

      Cost: 300 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can commune with the spirits of nature to gain insight, guidance, or prophetic visions. This communion allows her to receive advice or warnings from the spirits and can reveal hidden truths or future events.

      10. Rebirth of the Forest

      Range: 1 mile (1.6 kilometers)

      Duration: Permanent

      Cost: 1500 P.P.E.

      Cernunnos Lurue can rejuvenate a large area of forest that has been ravaged or despoiled. This power revitalizes the land, heals damaged flora, and restores the ecological balance, ensuring the forest can thrive once more.

      Priest/Healing Powers: Has the full range of Clerical Magic and Healing Magic

      Magic Powers: Cernunnos Lurue possesses an extensive repertoire of magical powers, including but not limited to elemental manipulation, nature control, and protection spells. These include:

      • Elemental Manipulation: Control over earth, air, fire, and water elements.
      • Nature Control: Command over flora and fauna, including accelerated growth and communication with animals.
      • Protection Spells: Shields and wards to defend against physical and magical attacks.
      • Illusion Magic: Creation of illusions to deceive or distract foes.
      • Summoning: Calling forth natural entities or mythical creatures to aid in various tasks.

      Psionic Powers: Class of Psionic: Psychic Master, with 800 ISP (Inner Strength Points). Cernunnos Lurue can utilize advanced psionic abilities, including:

      • Telepathy: Communicate mentally with individuals or groups.
      • Clairvoyance: Perceive distant or hidden events through psychic means.
      • Psychokinesis: Manipulate objects or forces with mental energy.
      • Telekinesis: Move or lift objects with the power of the mind.
      • Empathy: Sense and influence the emotions of others.

      Favoured Weapons

      Cernunnos Lurue favors weapons that are symbolic of nature and protection. These include:

      • The Oakstaff: A magical staff that channels nature's energy and offers protection.
      • The Thornblade: A weapon imbued with the essence of thorns, causing additional harm to enemies.
      • The Crescent Bow: A bow that can summon arrows made of pure natural energy.

      Armour: Cernunnos Lurue is usually seen wearing natural armor crafted from enchanted wood and living vines. This armor provides excellent protection while blending seamlessly with the natural world. It also allows for greater mobility and enhances her connection to nature.

      Alliances/Allies:

      • The Elven High Council: Allies who share a common interest in preserving nature and magical balance.
      • The Order of the Oakstaff: A dedicated group of rangers and druids who follow Cernunnos Lurue's teachings.
      • The Celestial Guardians: A coalition of deities and celestial beings who aid in maintaining cosmic harmony.
      • The Druids of the Green Circle: A circle of druids devoted to nature and its preservation.

      Enemies:

      • The Cult of Destruction: An organization that seeks to ravage nature for personal gain and power.
      • Dark Sorcerers: Those who practice forbidden magics that threaten natural balance.
      • The Iron Fist: A militant group that seeks to impose their rule over nature and magic.
      • Corrupt Nobles: Elven or otherwise who exploit natural resources for their own ends.

      Vulnerabilities:

      • Dark Magic: Powers or entities that wield dark magic can disrupt or weaken her natural defenses.
      • Industrial Pollution: Large-scale environmental damage can hinder her abilities and weaken her influence.
      • Chaotic Energies: Disruptive forces that oppose natural order can challenge her powers.

      Minions:

      • The Forest Sentinels: Enchanted creatures and spirits who protect the natural realms and serve Cernunnos Lurue.
      • The Sylvan Warriors: Elite fighters trained to defend against threats to the natural world.
      • The Faerie Court: A group of fae beings who act as messengers and allies in magical matters.
      • The Green Wardens: Druids and rangers who maintain balance and safeguard sacred groves.