Rellavar Danuvien, The Warder

"I am Rellavar Danuvien, the Frost Sprite King, warder against the biting cold and protector of all who walk the frozen paths. I stand as the shield against the wrath of winter, guarding my elven kin and faerie folk from the cruel hand of nature. Born of ice and snow, I once served as the spear of the wilderness, but now I walk my own path, bound by no master, yet always loyal to the Seldarine. To those who seek refuge from the storm and solace in the frost, I offer my strength. Let my spear guide you through the darkest winters, and my presence warm your hearts against the chill of despair. In the lands of eternal cold, I am with you, your guardian against the endless winter."

"from the Book of Rellavar Danuvien"

Rellavar Danuvien is a minor elven god of cold and protection from the elements, primarily worshiped by the snow elves. His origins lie in his service to Tarsellis Meunniduin, the elven god of the wilderness. Over time, Rellavar's connection to the Seldarine grew stronger, leading him to forge his own path, separate from his former benefactor. Known as the Frost Sprite King, Rellavar protects elves and faerie folk from the harshness of winter and natural disasters. He is revered for his mastery of cold magic and his deep knowledge of the Fey Mysteries, which has made him a beloved figure among both elves and frost sprites. As a member of the Seldarine, Rellavar counts many allies among the elven deities, including Erevan Ilesere and Solonor Thelandira. Despite his split from Tarsellis, the two maintain a respectful relationship and can rely on each other in times of need. Rellavar's enemies are many, especially those who seek to harm his people through winter's fury, including the goddess Auril and the frost giant deity Thrym. Rellavar's worshipers are predominantly snow elves, and his clergy is dedicated to protecting their people from the cold and from natural disasters. His temples, often hidden in arctic regions, serve as sanctuaries for those who seek protection from the elements, and his priests are known for their mastery of cold magic.

As a guardian deity, Rellavar's influence extends beyond just the elves. He is revered by those who dwell in cold climates, and his teachings emphasize the importance of preparedness, resilience, and the strength found in unity against the harsh forces of nature.

Divine Portfolio:

• Protection from the Elements: Rellavar guards his followers from natural disasters, particularly the cold and harsh winters.
• Cold Magic: Mastery over the cold and ice elements, making him revered among those who wield frost magic.
• Frost Sprites and Fey: As the Frost Sprite King, Rellavar is a protector of the fey creatures associated with cold climates.
• Snow Elves: His primary worshipers, whom he protects and guides through their challenging environments.

Religious Dogma:

1. Prepare for the harshness of winter, for it is inevitable. In the face of nature’s fury, resilience and unity will see you through.
2. Cold magic is a powerful force; it must be respected and used wisely to protect and preserve life.
3. The fey are sacred allies of the elves. Treat them with reverence, and seek their wisdom in times of need.
4. Nature’s wrath can be tamed, but it must be done with caution and respect for the balance of the world.
5. Stand as a shield for your kin. Let no storm, no frost giant, no wintery foe harm those under your protection.

Appearance and Symbols:

• Holy Symbol: A silver spear with a white circle on either side of the shaft, representing his power over cold and protection.
• Regalia:
  1. Armor: His priests and followers often wear fine white leathers or white dragon hide, symbolizing their connection to cold and purity.
  2. Cloak: A cloak of pure white, often made from the hide of arctic creatures, draped over the shoulders of his clergy during ceremonies.

Role in Ceremonies: Rellavar's ceremonies are often held in the midst of winter or before major expeditions into harsh environments. Rituals involve the offering of ice sculptures or frozen relics, symbolizing the strength and beauty of the cold. His priests often bless travelers with a protective aura against the cold, and they conduct sacred dances to honor the frost sprites during the winter solstice.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

• Worshippers: Rellavar’s followers are treated with respect, as they are seen as protectors and guardians of the elven communities. They are encouraged to foster resilience and to aid others in preparing for and enduring the harsh winters.
• Priests:
  • Rellavar’s priests are expected to be adept in cold magic and survival skills. They act as community leaders during times of crisis, particularly in winter. They are tasked with teaching their fellow elves how to survive in the harshest climates and are often sent on pilgrimages to find and guard fey portals.
• Organizations:
  • Hierarchical Structure: The clergy of Rellavar is organized in a loose hierarchy, with a high priest at the top, often referred to as the "Warden of Frost." Beneath them are the "Icewardens," who lead individual temples or communities. The ranks below are filled with priests and rangers who act as protectors and guides for the snow elves and other followers.
• Punishment and Discipline:
  • Priests and followers who betray Rellavar’s teachings or neglect their duties face exile in the harsh wilderness. They are sent on a trial of survival to prove their resilience and commitment. Lesser infractions may be met with penance, which involves prolonged meditation in icy conditions or performing dangerous tasks for the community.

Temples and Influence

• Temples:
  • Rellavar's temples are often hidden in remote, icy regions such as mountain peaks, glaciers, or arctic tundras. These sanctuaries are built from natural elements like ice and snow, sometimes with enchanted crystals that emit a faint glow, serving as beacons of hope in the harsh wilderness.
  • Inside the temples, the architecture reflects the beauty of winter, with intricate ice sculptures and frost-covered altars. Priests of Rellavar maintain these sacred spaces, ensuring they remain bastions of warmth and protection against the elements.
• Influence:
  • Rellavar's influence is most strongly felt among snow elves and those who live in cold climates. His teachings promote resilience, unity, and preparedness, making him a crucial figure in communities facing the challenges of winter.
  • Beyond the snow elves, Rellavar's teachings have also permeated other elven communities and some human cultures, particularly those living in northern regions. His followers respect nature's power and emphasize the importance of harmony with the environment.
• Role in Society:
  • Rellavar's role in society is that of a protector and guide. His priests often serve as advisors on surviving harsh winters and protecting communities from natural disasters. They are also skilled healers and are known to aid travelers who are lost or in need of shelter from the cold.
  • In elven society, his influence encourages a deep respect for the natural world and the magic within it. His followers are often seen as the first line of defense against winter's fury and are valued for their wisdom and foresight.
• Philosophical Influence:
  • Rellavar's teachings emphasize balance between strength and compassion, using cold as both a shield and a weapon. His philosophy is one of endurance, teaching that true strength comes from weathering life's storms together.
• Cultural Impact:
  • In the cultures that worship Rellavar, festivals celebrating the winter solstice often involve rituals dedicated to him. These rituals include offerings of food and warmth, symbolizing his role as a provider during the harshest times of the year.
  • Artistic depictions of Rellavar often show him as a majestic figure standing against a backdrop of snow and ice, with frost sprites dancing around him. His influence can be seen in winter-themed artwork, poetry, and songs that praise his protection and guidance.

Legacy

1. The formation of snow elf societies that thrive in the most inhospitable climates, thanks to Rellavar's guidance.
2. The creation of cold magic schools, where Rellavar's priests and mages teach the manipulation of frost and ice for both defense and preservation.
3. The establishment of sacred arctic temples that serve as both places of worship and refuge from nature's wrath.
4. His influence in the development of winter festivals and traditions that honor the balance of nature, resilience, and community strength.
5. The elevation of the frost sprites to a revered status among the elven pantheon, solidifying their connection with the Seldarine.
6. The Influence on Elven Society: In elven society, Rellavar's legacy is one of endurance, protection, and reverence for the natural world. He has shaped the way elves interact with the elements, particularly in how they harness cold magic and build communities that can withstand nature's most challenging forces.

Divine Attributes:

• Alignment: Neutral Good.
• Domains: Tempest, Nature, Protection, Cold.
• Symbol: A silver spear flanked by two white circles, representing his mastery over cold and protection from the elements.
• Favored Weapon: Spear or frost-forged weapons.
• Holy Days: Winter Solstice, marked by rituals and feasts to honor Rellavar's protection during the darkest, coldest nights of the year.

Organizational Structure of Religion

The Hierarchy of the Faith:

• High Priest (The Frost Warden): The highest-ranking member of Rellavar's faith, responsible for guiding the entire church and overseeing the most important rituals.
• Archpriests: Leaders of individual temples, each responsible for the protection and spiritual well-being of their communities.
• Elemental Savants: Priests who specialize in cold magic and have dedicated their lives to mastering the elemental forces that Rellavar commands.
• Wardens: Guardians of the temples, trained in both martial and magical skills to defend the sacred sites and protect pilgrims.
• Acolytes: New initiates who are learning the ways of Rellavar, often tasked with maintaining the temples and assisting in rituals.

Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

• Fighting Orders

  1. The Order of the Frozen Spear: Elite warriors who serve as both protectors of Rellavar's temples and enforcers of his will. They are trained in the art of cold combat and are capable of channeling frost magic through their weapons.
  2. The Icebound Sentinels: A group of rangers and scouts who patrol the arctic wilderness, ensuring the safety of snow elf communities and the sanctity of Rellavar's sacred lands.
  3. The Glacial Guard: Defenders of the most sacred sites, they are charged with protecting the ancient portals and temples hidden deep within the ice.

• Clerical Orders

  1. The White Mantle: A religious order focused on teaching and healing, dedicated to preserving life and guiding communities through the harshest winters.
  2. The Cold Whisperers: Mystics who meditate on the mysteries of cold magic, seeking deeper understanding of Rellavar's divine power.
  3. The Frostbound Seers: Oracles who can foresee impending natural disasters and advise communities on how to prepare and survive.
  4. The Winter's Embrace: A compassionate order dedicated to providing shelter, warmth, and healing to those in need, particularly during the most extreme winters.
  5. The Shapers of Ice: Artisans and crafters who create intricate works of art from ice and snow, celebrating the beauty of winter and the grace of their god.

Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Rellavar Danuvien'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. Frostforged Spear: A sacred weapon imbued with the essence of Rellavar's power. This spear is said to never melt, even in the hottest conditions, and channels devastating cold energy with each strike. It is passed down to the highest-ranking priest in a community of snow elves.
2. Cloak of the Winter King: A mystical cloak made from the hide of a white dragon, blessed by Rellavar. It grants the wearer protection against all forms of cold and enhances their cold-based magic. This artifact is worn by the high priests during sacred ceremonies.
3. Crystal of Eternal Winter: A powerful relic that can create and control localized winter storms. It is often kept in the most sacred temple of Rellavar and used only in times of great need, to defend against overwhelming threats.

Religious Practices

• Frostbinding Ritual: A ceremony where followers of Rellavar bless their weapons and armor with cold magic, making them more effective against creatures vulnerable to frost.
• Winter Vigil: During the harshest nights of winter, worshipers hold a vigil in Rellavar's honor, where they meditate and offer prayers to the Frost Sprite King to protect their communities.
• Fey Communion: A ritual that strengthens the bond between elves and fey creatures, particularly frost sprites. This ceremony is conducted during times of great need to seek guidance and support from the fey realm.
• Elemental Offerings: Regular offerings of natural elements like ice, snow, and pure water are made at Rellavar's shrines to ensure his blessings and protection from the elements.

Celebrated Holidays

• Winter's Embrace: Celebrated during the Winter Solstice, this holiday involves a great feast and rituals honoring Rellavar for his protection during the longest night of the year. Communities gather to share warmth, food, and stories of endurance.
• The Frostfall: A celebration marking the first snowfall of the year, where offerings are made to Rellavar to bless the coming winter. This day is also seen as a time to fortify homes and prepare for the cold season.

Alignment: Unprincipled

Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

Horror/Awe Factor: 16

OCCs:

• Priests of Rellavar: Individuals devoted to the protection of their communities from the elements, skilled in cold magic and survival tactics in harsh climates.
• Elemental Savants: Specialists in elemental magic, particularly cold-based spells, who serve as the elite arcane force of Rellavar's followers.
• Rangers of the Frost: Guardians of the arctic wilderness, these rangers patrol the snowy realms and protect their people from threats, both natural and supernatural.

Deific Powers of Rellavar Danuvien
Rellavar Danuvien 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:

Priest/Healing Powers: Rellavar Danuvien has the full range of Clerical Magic and Healing Magic, with a special focus on cold and protection spells. His priests can heal frostbite, create protective wards against cold, and restore vitality to those afflicted by extreme weather conditions.

Magic Powers: Rellavar wields powerful cold magic, including the ability to summon blizzards, create ice barriers, and freeze enemies in place. He can also manipulate the weather to protect his followers and ensure their survival in harsh climates.

Psionic Powers: Rellavar is a Mindmage with a total of 800 ISP (Inner Strength Points). His psionics focus on mental protection, weather manipulation, and enhancing the endurance and resilience of his followers against the elements.

Favoured Weapons

Rellavar's favored weapon is the Frostforged Spear, a magical weapon that channels his cold power. This spear is a symbol of his might and is used by his champions to defend against threats to his people.

Armour: Rellavar is often depicted wearing armor made of white dragon hide, which grants him incredible resistance to cold and physical attacks. His followers craft similar armor as a tribute to his divine protection.

Alliances/Allies:

• Erevan Ilesere: The trickster god of the Seldarine, who shares a bond with Rellavar due to their mutual connection with the fey.
• Solonor Thelandira: The elven god of hunting, who respects Rellavar's protective nature and often aids him in defending the elven people.
• Titania and Oberon: The rulers of the Seelie Court, who recognize Rellavar's role as a protector of fey and grant him their favor.

Enemies:

• Auril: The Frostmaiden, whose malicious winter storms directly oppose Rellavar's protective influence.
• Thrym: The frost giant deity, who seeks to bring eternal winter and destruction to the lands under Rellavar's protection.
• Queen of Air and Darkness: The dark fey queen who opposes Rellavar's alignment with the Seelie Court and seeks to corrupt the fey under his care.

Vulnerabilities:

• Heat and Fire Magic: While Rellavar is a master of cold magic, his powers are significantly weaker against intense heat and fire-based attacks.
• Disruption of Natural Order: Disruptions to the natural balance, such as unnatural warm spells or chaotic forces, can weaken his influence and make his protective spells less effective.

Minions:

• Frost Sprites: These tiny fey creatures serve Rellavar, acting as messengers and guardians of his sacred places.
• Snow Elves: His most devoted followers, these elves serve as his priests, rangers, and warriors, protecting their communities in his name.
• Ice Elementals: Powerful beings of living ice that Rellavar summons to defend his temples and followers from threats.