Fenmarel Mestarine, The Outcast

"In the shadowed depths of the wilderness, where civilization's light fails to reach, there dwells the truth of Fenmarel Mestarine. He, who walks the path of solitude and embraces the wild, teaches us that the world is a realm of trials, untamed and unforgiving.

Hear now the words of the Lone Wolf, who roams the fringes of the known world, guiding those who have chosen the path less traveled. His voice is the whisper of the wind in the ancient forests, the murmur of hidden streams, and the call of the beasts that roam untamed. To those who find themselves cast out, misunderstood, or alone, Fenmarel Mestarine offers both wisdom and a guide for survival.

This tome is a reflection of his teachings, lessons in self-reliance, the art of camouflage, and the strength found in isolation. It is a guide for those who seek to understand their place in a world that often turns its back on them. Embrace these teachings and walk the path of the Lone Wolf, for in solitude, there is freedom, and in freedom, there is strength.

So let it be written, so let it be done. In the name of Fenmarel Mestarine, the Eternal Wanderer."

"from the Book of Fenmarel Mestarine: The Lone Wolf's Wisdom"

Fenmarel Mestarine, known as the Lone Wolf, is an enigmatic deity of the elven pantheon, particularly revered among the Wild Elves, such as the grugach. His origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is said that he was once a prominent figure within the Seldarine, the pantheon of elven gods. Fenmarel's path diverged from his kin when he rejected the seduction of Lolth, the Queen of Spiders, and distanced himself from the main elven deities.

In the early epochs, Fenmarel was a lover of Lolth, and his brief dalliance with the dark goddess nearly led to his fall from grace. However, he resisted her corruption and turned away from her influence, choosing instead to embrace solitude and the wilds. This act of defiance set him apart from his fellow deities and led to his self-imposed exile in the chaotic realm of Limbo.

Fenmarel's realm, Fennimar, is situated in the Everchanging Chaos of Limbo. It is a place of unyielding wilderness, characterized by dense forests, flowing streams, and rugged landscapes. Unlike other deities, Fenmarel has chosen to remain apart from the more structured elven realms, preferring the solitude of his chaotic domain. In Fennimar, Fenmarel is said to be a guardian of the outcasts and those who dwell on the fringes of society.

The church of Fenmarel Mestarine is unique in its structure and approach. It comprises primarily of outcasts, wanderers, and small tribes of Wild Elves. The church is characterized by a lack of formal hierarchy and is often viewed with suspicion by more traditional elven societies. Despite this, the followers of Fenmarel are skilled in survival, camouflage, and guerrilla tactics, reflecting their deity's teachings.

Fenmarel Mestarine's teachings emphasize self-reliance, secrecy, and resilience. He teaches that the world is harsh and demands individuals to forge their own paths, relying on their skills and wits to survive. His followers are trained in the arts of camouflage, deception, and guerrilla warfare, which are essential for those living on the outskirts of society.

The rituals and practices of Fenmarel’s worshippers are as varied as his followers. There are no widely recognized holy days, and many worshippers mark their own significant life events or personal milestones. Private contemplation and observance of important astronomical events are common among his followers. The ceremonial garb often consists of mud, leaves, and hide armor adorned with bones and symbols of wild beasts.

Fenmarel Mestarine's legacy is one of independence and resilience. His influence extends to those who find themselves cast out or marginalized by society. In elven lore, he represents the spirit of the untamed wilderness and the strength found in solitude. Though his church may be seen as primitive by some, his teachings provide valuable lessons in self-sufficiency and survival.

In elven society, Fenmarel is a controversial figure. His followers are often viewed with mistrust by mainstream elven communities. However, among the outcasts and those who live on the fringes, Fenmarel is a symbol of hope and strength. His teachings have shaped the lives of many who have chosen to live outside conventional society, and his influence continues to resonate through the ages.

Divine Portfolio:

• Wild Elves
• Outcasts
• Scapegoats
• Solitude

Religious Dogma:

1. Self-reliance is key in a world full of betrayal.
2. Camouflage, deception, and secrecy are virtues that help one survive.
3. Trust in your own skills and strength rather than in others.

Appearance and Symbols:

• Holy Symbol: A pair of elven eyes in darkness, or the talon/fang of a wild beast slain without assistance.
• Regalia:
  1. Fenmarel's regalia often consists of leaves, scraps of clothing, and other natural elements that blend into the environment.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

• Worshippers: Worshippers of Fenmarel are typically outcasts and those who live in isolation. They are encouraged to be self-sufficient and wary of others.
• Priests:
  • Fenmarel's priests, known as the Unbowed, often operate alone, teaching survival and guerrilla tactics. They serve as guides and protectors of wild elven communities.
• Organizations:
  • Hierarchical Structure: The church of Fenmarel has little formal hierarchy, with each priest or worshipper following their path. The structure is decentralized, reflecting the god's teachings of independence.
• Punishment and Discipline:
  • Punishments are rare and generally involve exile or further isolation for those who betray the god's teachings of self-reliance.

Temples and Influence

• Temples: Hidden shrines in forests or wilderness areas serve as the primary places of worship. These shrines are often simple and blend into their surroundings.
• Influence:
  • Fenmarel's influence is strongest among wild elves and isolated communities, where his teachings help maintain their way of life.
  • Role in Society: Fenmarel plays a protective role for isolated elven communities, helping them stay hidden and survive in harsh environments.
• Philosophical Influence: Fenmarel's philosophy emphasizes independence, mistrust of outsiders, and self-reliance. This has shaped the outlook of his followers.
• Cultural Impact: Among wild elves, Fenmarel's teachings are

  Organizational Structure of Religion

  The Hierarchy of the Faith:

  • The Unbowed: Independent priests who often work alone, guiding others in the ways of survival.
  • Wilderness Guardians: Protectors of sacred sites and hidden shrines, ensuring their secrecy and security.
  • Solitary Watchers: Elven outcasts who take on the role of scouts and spies, defending borders from intruders.
  • Grugach Wardens: Leaders among wild elves who pass down the teachings of Fenmarel and maintain cultural traditions.
  • Shadow Rangers: Specialists in guerilla tactics, serving as defenders of elven territory and enforcers of Fenmarel's will.
  • Hermit Sages: Elders who live in complete isolation, consulted only in times of dire need for their wisdom and guidance.

  Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

  • Fighting Orders

    1. Order of the Lone Wolf: Elite warriors and scouts dedicated to preserving the secrecy of elven enclaves.
    2. Silent Blades: Assassins who strike at those who threaten the wild elves or Fenmarel's followers.
    3. Guardians of the Hidden Vale: Protectors of sacred forests and wilderness areas, often engaging in hit-and-run tactics.
    4. Wild Talons: Warriors who use natural elements and animal allies in battle, blending combat with nature's fury.

  • Clerical Orders

    1. Order of the Camouflaged Veil: Priests who specialize in illusion and deception, teaching others to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
    2. Shadows of Fennimar: Clerics who guard Fenmarel's realm and ensure no drow or outsiders intrude upon it.
    3. Hermits of Solitude: Ascetic priests who live in isolation, offering rare guidance to those who seek Fenmarel's teachings.
    4. Whisperers of the Woods: Priests who act as intermediaries between wild elves and the natural world, calling upon nature's blessings.
    5. Keepers of the Eternal Vigil: A group dedicated to maintaining the ancient traditions and rites of Fenmarel's faith, ensuring they are never forgotten.

  Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Fenmarel Mestarine'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. Fang of Fenmarel: A mystical dagger said to be imbued with the power of Fenmarel himself, used in sacred rituals and ceremonies.
  2. Mask of the Lone Wolf: A ceremonial mask that grants its wearer enhanced stealth and camouflage, symbolizing Fenmarel's connection to the wilds.
  3. Staff of Solitude: A staff carried by high-ranking priests, believed to channel Fenmarel's power and provide guidance in times of isolation.
  4. Amulet of the Hidden Vale: An amulet that grants its bearer the ability to hide from detection and pass through natural obstacles with ease.

  Religious Practices

  • Rite of the Hidden Path: A private ceremony where worshippers seek guidance and protection from Fenmarel, often performed in secretive locations.
  • Festival of the Lost: A yearly observance where outcasts and wild elves gather to honor Fenmarel and celebrate their survival and independence.
  • Vigil of the Silent Woods: A night-long vigil held in secluded forests to commune with nature and pay respect to Fenmarel's domain.
  • Invocation of the Lone Wolf: A ritual performed by priests to call upon Fenmarel's favor before embarking on dangerous missions or quests.

  Celebrated Holidays

  Day of Exile:

  A solemn holiday observed by many of Fenmarel's followers, marking the anniversary of their banishment from society or significant personal losses. It is a day for reflection and solitude, often observed in quiet seclusion.

  Night of Shadows:

  A festival celebrating Fenmarel's connection to the wild and the unseen. It includes various rites of camouflage and illusion, often featuring elaborate displays of stealth and subterfuge in the dark.

  Alignment: Unprincipled

  Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

  Horror/Awe Factor: 16

  OCCs:

  • Ranger: A skilled warrior and wilderness expert dedicated to protecting the natural world and following Fenmarel's teachings.
  • Thief: A practitioner of stealth and subterfuge, using their skills to navigate the shadows and execute Fenmarel's will.
  • Cleric: A priest who channels Fenmarel's divine power to aid his followers, performing sacred rituals and maintaining the faith.
  • Illusionist: A spellcaster specializing in deception and disguise, reflecting Fenmarel's influence over illusion and secrecy.

  Deific Powers of Fenmarel Mestarine

  Fenmarel Mestarine has the full range of powers over his followers and can perform all prototypical deific powers at regular cost, as well as the following special powers:

  1. Shadow Cloak

  Range: Self

  Duration: 1 hour

  Cost: 500 P.P.E.

  Fenmarel can envelop himself or an ally in an aura of shifting shadows, granting complete invisibility in low-light conditions and a +8 to stealth-based actions. This cloak also provides a +10 to Dodge and a +5 to Parry, and makes the wearer immune to scrying and detection spells.

  2. Feral Strength

  Range: Self or touched

  Duration: 15 minutes

  Cost: 300 P.P.E.

  Enhances physical strength and agility to superhuman levels, providing a +10 to Strength and a +15% to Acrobatics and Climbing skills. The user also gains resistance to physical damage, reducing all incoming damage by 20 points.

  3. Nature's Veil

  Range: 200 feet (60 meters)

  Duration: 10 minutes

  Cost: 400 P.P.E.

  Creates an area of illusionary terrain that blends perfectly with the surrounding environment. This veil hides all creatures and objects within it, providing complete concealment and a +20 to stealth actions. The veil also masks sounds and scents.

  4. Wolf's Howl

  Range: 500 feet (150 meters)

  Duration: Instantaneous

  Cost: 200 P.P.E.

  Unleashes a supernatural howl that instills terror in enemies within range. Affected targets must make a Fear save (Difficulty 16) or be paralyzed with fear for 1d4 minutes. Those who succeed are shaken but not paralyzed.

  5. Forest's Embrace

  Range: 50 feet (15 meters)

  Duration: 1 hour

  Cost: 350 P.P.E.

  Summons thick, protective foliage around a target area, providing cover and protection. This power grants a +8 to Parry and Dodge and absorbs up to 150 points of damage. It also heals minor wounds (up to 20 HP) of those within the embrace.

  6. Beast Bond

  Range: Self or touched

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Cost: 300 P.P.E.

  Forms a telepathic link with a wild animal or creature. This bond allows communication and coordination with the beast, enhancing the user's abilities to command and understand animal behavior. The user also gains the physical traits and senses of the bonded animal for the duration.

  7. Echoes of the Wild

  Range: 100 feet (30 meters)

  Duration: 10 minutes

  Cost: 250 P.P.E.

  Calls forth the primal echoes of the wilderness, allowing the user to mimic the sounds of wild animals and natural phenomena. These echoes can be used to create distractions, lure enemies, or communicate silently with allies.

  8. Hidden Path

  Range: 100 feet (30 meters)

  Duration: 15 minutes

  Cost: 400 P.P.E.

  Creates a hidden pathway through any terrain, allowing the user and their allies to travel undetected. This path is invisible to all except those who are aware of its existence and provides a +10 to stealth and evasion attempts while traveling.

  Priest/Healing Powers: Fenmarel Mestarine has the full range of Clerical Magic and Healing Magic.

  Magic Powers: Fenmarel Mestarine has access to all magic related to his portfolio, including illusion, nature manipulation, and chaotic forces.

  Psionic Powers: Class of Psionic: Various abilities are available with 800 ISP.

  Favoured Weapons

  Fenmarel Mestarine's favored weapons include the dagger, spear, and longbow. These weapons align with his focus on stealth, survival, and wilderness skills.

  Armour: Fenmarel Mestarine typically wears light, nature-themed armor, such as hide armor adorned with leaves and natural embellishments. This armor provides both camouflage and mobility.

  Alliances/Allies:

  • Solonor Thelandira - his brother and a fellow elven deity.
  • Various animal lords of the Beastlands, including the Cat Lord and the Wolf Lord.

  Enemies:

  • Lolth - the drow goddess with whom Fenmarel Mestarine has a long-standing enmity.
  • Corellon Larethian - the ruler of the elven gods, who harbors strained relations with Fenmarel.

  Vulnerabilities:

  • Weakness to direct, organized confrontations with large groups, as his powers favor stealth and guerrilla tactics.
  • Vulnerability to enchantments and illusions that disrupt his camouflage or stealth abilities.

  Minions:

  • Wild elves and outcasts who follow his teachings and act as his eyes and ears in the world.
  • Beasts and creatures of the wilderness that are bound to him through his powers.