Sashelas S`Thalisath, The Deep One

"I am Sashelas S'Thalisath, The Deep One, Lord of the Undersea, and creator of the boundless depths. From the ancient currents to the whispering waves, I am the breath of life beneath the oceans, the sculptor of reefs, the shaper of islands, and the author of creation.

I, who have taken the land-bound elves and molded them into the Sea Elves, have gifted them the ocean as their home. To them, I am both the sheltering tide and the tempestuous storm, the protector and the challenger. My hand carves the caverns where air and water meet, where the weary can rest, and the vigilant prepare.

Behold, the knowledge of the depths flows through me, like currents unseen. I reveal the hidden truths, guide the wayward to sustenance, and expose those who would do harm to the beauty of the sea. In my domain, wisdom is a pearl sought by many, but given to the worthy.

I stand as the guardian against the darkness of the deeps. Know that I have battled those who seek to corrupt the oceans. My trident has driven back the wicked, and my will has banished the cruel. Those who serve me shall know this strength, and they shall wield it to protect the sacred waters.

My creations are not static, for the sea is ever-changing, and so too is my work. As the waves reshape the shore, so do I strive to improve, to perfect, and to renew. Yet, in my pursuit of creation, I am not immune to the lures of beauty and charm, for the sea's allure is powerful, and I am its master.

To you who seek to follow me, know this: swim with the currents, embrace the change, and rejoice in the marvels of the ocean. But also, stand firm against those who would despoil it. Join with me, and together we shall keep the ocean's beauty eternal, its bounty unending, and its mysteries sacred.

Swim with grace, fight with honor, and create with passion, for in these, you shall find me, Sashelas S'Thalisath, your god, and your guide.

Thus I have spoken, and thus it shall be."

"from the Book of the Seldarine "

Sashelas S'Thalisath, known as The Deep One, is the god of Oceans, Sea Elves, Creation, and Knowledge. His essence embodies the boundless and ever-changing nature of the sea, where his influence is both creative and protective. Sashelas is a god of immense power, yet he is driven by a relentless desire to innovate and perfect the world beneath the waves.

Sashelas is often depicted as an imposing figure with a commanding presence. His form is that of a regal, aquatic elf with skin that shimmers like the ocean's surface, reflecting the myriad hues of the sea. His hair flows like seaweed, dark and tangled with pearls, and his eyes are deep, vibrant blue, holding the mysteries of the ocean. He is clad in robes of sea green that ripple like water, and he wields the "Trifork of the Deeps," a majestic trident that symbolizes his dominion over the underwater realm. Dolphins often accompany him, reflecting his connection with these intelligent creatures.

Sashelas is charismatic and deeply creative, embodying the dynamic and fluid nature of the sea. He is forever in motion, driven by an insatiable need to shape and reshape the underwater world. His creations are never final; he constantly seeks to refine and improve them. This restlessness makes him both a visionary and a perfectionist. However, his fickle nature also leads him to be somewhat unpredictable, prone to sudden whims and passions.

The followers of Sashelas, known as the Delphions, are primarily sea elves, druids, and aquatic creatures who revere the ocean's beauty and power. His clergy is more organized than most elven religious orders due to their roles as mediators, protectors, and creators. The clergy, both clerics and druids, are dedicated to maintaining the balance of the ocean's ecosystems and safeguarding their communities from threats both natural and supernatural.

Temples dedicated to Sashelas are breathtaking structures made of living coral, seamlessly integrated into the underwater environment. These sanctuaries are often located in secluded, deep ocean caverns, where the sea elves can commune with their god in tranquility. The temples are adorned with sculptures of marine life and intricate coral designs, reflecting the creative spirit of Sashelas. Precious stones and pearls are used sparingly, emphasizing natural beauty over opulence.

Worship of Sashelas revolves around the tides, with major ceremonies timed to coincide with the highest and lowest tides, known as the High Flow and the Deep Ebb. During the High Flow, worshippers celebrate with joyous, artistic displays, creating new works of beauty in Sashelas's honor. The Deep Ebb is more somber, focusing on remembrance and vigilance against the ocean's darker forces. Rituals often involve offerings of natural treasures and intricate underwater dances, accompanied by dolphins that swim in harmony with the worshippers.

The teachings of Sashelas emphasize the importance of embracing change, fostering creativity, and protecting the ocean's bounty. Followers are encouraged to explore the depths of knowledge, to create and innovate, but also to defend the sea against those who would harm it. The Delphions are expected to uphold the beauty and life of the underwater world, to ally with other creatures of the sea, and to oppose the forces of darkness that threaten the ocean's balance.

Sashelas maintains a complex network of alliances and enmities. Within the Seldarine, he is respected as a powerful and creative force, but his closest ties are with other sea deities in the asathalfinare. He is a staunch opponent of evil sea gods like Sekolah and Umberlee, and he actively works to contain their influence. His relationship with his consort, Trishina, the dolphin goddess, is one of mutual respect and affection, though his amorous nature occasionally tests the bounds of their bond.

Divine Portfolio:

• Oceans
• Sea Elves
• Creation
• Knowledge
• Underwater and Sea Elven Beauty
• Water Magic

Religious Dogma:

1. Swim the great currents and the shallow seas. Exult in the dynamic beauty and life of the bounteous Undersea.
2. Revel in the joy of creation and increase its myriad aspects. Seek not to hold that which is everchanging, but instead love the change itself.
3. Seek out fellow swimmers who honor the ways of the Lord of the Undersea, and ally with them against those who see only the darkness of the deeps.
4. Follow the way of the dolphin. Promote knowledge and use of the sea by reasonable folk, and fight those that would stain or deplete its beauty and bounty.

Appearance and Symbols:

• Holy Symbol: Dolphin
• Regalia:
  1. Sea green vestments
  2. Shell mail
  3. Trident (favored weapon)

Role in Ceremonies: Deep Sashelas is honored through elaborate ceremonies that reflect his domains. Rituals include offerings of precious natural objects and artistic creations. The most significant ceremonies align with the highest and lowest tides, known as the High Flow and the Deep Ebb, respectively. During the High Flow, celebrations emphasize beauty and creativity, while the Deep Ebb focuses on remembrance and vigilance against enemies.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

• Worshippers:
  • Deep Sashelas's worshippers include druids, elves, fisher folk, rangers, sages, and sailors. They are valued for their devotion and their role in preserving and celebrating the beauty of the oceans and seas. Worshippers are encouraged to create works of art and engage in activities that honor the everchanging nature of the undersea world.
• Priests:
  • Clerics and druids of Deep Sashelas, known as delphions, are organized regionally to reflect the various seas and oceans. They maintain contacts with land-dwelling elves and work to prevent sahuagin incursions. Senior druids are often accompanied by dolphin companions. Clerics are expected to engage in ritual shark hunts and actively defend against enemies of the sea.
• Organizations:
  • Hierarchical Structure: The church of Deep Sashelas is broadly organized along regional lines. Each region corresponds to a specific sea or ocean, with delphions leading local communities. The structure is less hierarchical than some other religious organizations but is well-coordinated to address both local and broader sea-related issues.
• Punishment and Discipline:
  • Discipline within the church is typically focused on ensuring adherence to the principles of Deep Sashelas. Delphions who fail in their duties or act against the tenets of their faith may face retribution through ritualistic measures or loss of standing within the clergy. The emphasis is on correcting behavior and reinstating proper conduct rather than severe punishment.

Temples and Influence

• Temples:
  • Temples dedicated to Deep Sashelas are typically located under the sea, often constructed from coral and designed to blend harmoniously with their marine surroundings. These temples serve as centers for worship and rituals, and are often adorned with intricate underwater artwork and sculptures.
• Influence:
  • Deep Sashelas's influence extends broadly across the oceanic realms. His presence is felt in the creation of undersea landscapes, the guidance of sea creatures, and the maintenance of the natural balance of the seas. His worshippers play a key role in protecting and celebrating the beauty and bounty of the underwater world.
• Role in Society:
  • In societies that honor Deep Sashelas, his followers are often seen as protectors of the sea and its inhabitants. They are involved in preserving marine environments, mediating conflicts involving sea creatures, and ensuring that the oceans remain a source of life and beauty. Their roles in rituals and ceremonies underscore the importance of their relationship with the sea and its divine patron.

Temples and Influence

• Temples:
  • Temples dedicated to Deep Sashelas are typically located under the sea, often constructed from coral and designed to blend harmoniously with their marine surroundings. These temples serve as centers for worship and rituals, and are often adorned with intricate underwater artwork and sculptures.
• Influence:
  • Deep Sashelas's influence extends broadly across the oceanic realms. His presence is felt in the creation of undersea landscapes, the guidance of sea creatures, and the maintenance of the natural balance of the seas. His worshippers play a key role in protecting and celebrating the beauty and bounty of the underwater world.
• Role in Society:
  • In societies that honor Deep Sashelas, his followers are often seen as protectors of the sea and its inhabitants. They are involved in preserving marine environments, mediating conflicts involving sea creatures, and ensuring that the oceans remain a source of life and beauty. Their roles in rituals and ceremonies underscore the importance of their relationship with the sea and its divine patron.
• Philosophical Influence:
  • Deep Sashelas's teachings emphasize the ever-changing nature of life and the importance of embracing transformation. His philosophy encourages followers to appreciate the dynamic beauty of the ocean and to seek continual improvement and creativity in their lives. This influence shapes the way worshippers approach their interactions with the world and with each other.
• Cultural Impact:
  • In cultures that revere Deep Sashelas, the arts, especially those related to the ocean, are highly valued. His influence is seen in the elaborate underwater artworks, music, and rituals performed by his followers. The celebration of marine life and the ocean's beauty is a central theme in cultural practices and festivals dedicated to the Lord of the Undersea.

Legacy

1. The Influence on Elven Society: In elven society, Deep Sashelas is revered as a deity of profound significance. His teachings and the artistry inspired by him shape the cultural and spiritual practices of sea elves and land-dwelling elves alike. His influence extends to how elves interact with the oceans, promoting harmony between their communities and the sea. This includes fostering respect for marine life and the environment, as well as integrating his philosophies into their magical and artistic traditions.
2. Advancements in Oceanic Magic: Deep Sashelas's legacy is reflected in the advancement of underwater and oceanic magic. His clerics and followers have pioneered magical practices and spells related to the sea, influencing the development of unique water-based enchantments and rituals. This includes the creation of protective wards for underwater habitats, the discovery of new magical resources within the ocean, and the integration of sea magic into broader elven magical practices.
3. Preservation of Marine Environments: The legacy of Deep Sashelas is also evident in the efforts to preserve and protect marine environments. His worshippers are often at the forefront of conservation efforts, working to safeguard coral reefs, underwater ecosystems, and marine species. These efforts ensure the continued health and beauty of the oceans, reflecting Sashelas's teachings on the importance of maintaining the dynamic balance of nature.
4. Artistic and Cultural Contributions: Deep Sashelas's influence extends to the artistic and cultural realms. His legacy is visible in the rich tradition of underwater art created by his followers, including intricate coral sculptures, vibrant mosaics, and deep-sea musical compositions. Festivals and ceremonies dedicated to him often feature elaborate artistic displays, celebrating the ocean's beauty and the creativity inspired by the Lord of the Undersea.
5. Strategic Alliances and Diplomatic Roles: As a mediator and leader among nonhuman sea powers, Deep Sashelas's legacy includes the strategic alliances and diplomatic roles he has played. His efforts in uniting various aquatic races and deities have led to a more cohesive and cooperative oceanic community. His legacy in this area includes the maintenance of peace and the resolution of conflicts among sea-dwelling races.
6. Influence on Maritime Navigation: Deep Sashelas's teachings have influenced maritime navigation and exploration. Sailors and explorers who seek his favor are guided by his wisdom in navigating the seas, ensuring safe voyages and successful maritime endeavors. His legacy includes the development of navigational tools and techniques inspired by his divine guidance, contributing to the exploration and understanding of the oceanic world.

Divine Attributes:

• Domains: Oceans, sea elves, creation, knowledge, and water magic.
• Symbol: Dolphin.
• Favored Weapon: Trident, known as the “Trifork of the Deeps.”
• Alignment: Chaotic Good.
• Role: Creator of marine life, mediator among aquatic deities, protector of the oceanic realms.

Organizational Structure of Religion

The Hierarchy of the Faith:

• High Delphion: The supreme leader of Deep Sashelas's clerics, responsible for overseeing the spiritual and administrative aspects of the faith.
• Archdelphion: Senior clerics who manage regional temples and are pivotal in maintaining the relations with other sea-dwelling deities and races.
• Senior Delphion: Experienced clerics who lead important ceremonies, conduct significant rituals, and provide guidance to junior clerics.
• Delphion: Standard clerics who perform daily rituals, offer prayers, and maintain the local temples.
• Initiates: New members of the clergy who are in training and learning the ways of Deep Sashelas.
• Lay Worshippers: Dedicated followers who support the clergy and participate in religious activities and rituals.

Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

• Fighting Orders

  1. Order of the Trident: Elite warriors who protect underwater territories and engage in battles against sea-based threats, especially sahuagin and other enemies.
  2. Defenders of the Deep: A specialized order focused on the defense of sacred underwater sites and the enforcement of laws against marine criminals.
  3. Guardians of the Abyss: A secretive group dedicated to uncovering and eliminating deep-sea threats and preserving ancient oceanic secrets.
  4. Sea Wardens: Protectors of the ocean's balance who undertake dangerous missions to restore harmony and prevent ecological disasters.

• Clerical Orders

  1. Order of the Delphion: Clerics focused on healing, guidance, and maintaining communication with dolphin companions. They are known for their extensive knowledge of marine life.
  2. Order of the High Tide: Clerics who specialize in rituals tied to the tides, including high and low tide ceremonies. They play a crucial role in the timing of religious observances.
  3. Order of the Coral Heart: Devotees dedicated to the creation and preservation of underwater beauty and art. They are responsible for maintaining coral temples and artistic installations.
  4. Order of the Deep Knowledge: Scholars and archivists who focus on the collection and dissemination of oceanic and magical knowledge. They maintain sacred tomes and guide research into sea magic.

Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Sashelas'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. Trifork of the Deeps: A powerful trident and the favored weapon of Deep Sashelas. It is said to have the ability to control and command sea creatures, as well as manipulate ocean currents.
2. Chambeeleon: A resplendent spell tome believed to be authored by Deep Sashelas. It is said to contain ancient and potent oceanic magic, though it is currently lost to history.
3. Seafarer's Amulet: A mystical amulet that grants its wearer protection from the dangers of the deep sea and enhances their swimming abilities.
4. Deep Caller's Shell: A conch shell that, when blown, can summon sea creatures or call upon the aid of Deep Sashelas himself.

Religious Practices

• High Flow Ceremony: A joyous celebration that occurs during high tide, focusing on beauty, creativity, and artistry. Offerings of precious objects and artistic creations are made, and complex dances are performed with dolphins.
• Deep Ebb Ceremony: A solemn ritual that takes place during low tide. It emphasizes remembrance of the lost and vigilance against enemies. Offerings are made, and prayers are recited to honor those who have fallen and to bolster defenses against threats.
• Shark Hunting Rituals: Ceremonial hunts conducted to maintain balance and demonstrate prowess. These rituals are both a form of worship and a means of controlling the population of dangerous predators.
• Artistic Devotion: Followers create works of art dedicated to Deep Sashelas, such as underwater sculptures and coral decorations, to express their reverence and keep the sea's beauty flourishing.

Celebrated Holidays

• Festival of the Tides: An annual celebration that marks the beginning of the new tide cycle. Activities include artistic performances, sea dances, and large feasts featuring oceanic delicacies.
• The Day of the Deep: A somber holiday dedicated to remembering those who have perished at sea. Ceremonies include the release of lanterns into the water and the sharing of stories about the sea's history and legends.
• Convergence of the Currents: A festival celebrating the alignment of major ocean currents, believed to be a time of great magical potential. Rituals focus on enhancing magical abilities and performing grand underwater displays.

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

Horror/Awe Factor: 16

OCCs:

• Delphion: Clerics who serve Deep Sashelas, known for their roles in ritualistic and mediative functions.
• Sea Warden: Elite warriors who protect underwater realms and fight against sea-based threats.
• High Tide Priest: Specialized clerics who perform rituals related to the tides and maintain the sacred observances.
• Coral Artisan: Artisans who create sacred art and maintain underwater temples.

Deific Powers of Sashelas
Sashelas 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:

Priest/Healing Powers: Has the full range of Clerical Magic and Healing Magic. This includes all clerical spells related to healing, protection, and divine intervention, as well as the ability to heal physical wounds, cure diseases, and remove curses. Clerics of Sashelas can also perform miracles related to water and aquatic environments, such as purifying polluted water sources and revitalizing withered aquatic life.

Magic Powers: Full range of Wizard and Water Elementalist Magic. This encompasses all spells related to general wizardry, including elemental manipulation, illusion, and enchantment, along with specific spells that control and manipulate water. As a Water Elementalist, Sashelas can perform advanced water-based magic such as creating tidal waves, summoning rainstorms, and controlling the flow of rivers. His mastery extends to manipulating water in all forms and states, enhancing his ability to influence aquatic environments and creatures.

Psionic Powers: Class of Psionic: Mindmage
800 ISP. Sashelas, as a Mindmage, has access to a broad range of psionic abilities related to mental manipulation and telepathy. This includes powers such as telepathic communication, mind control, mental domination, and psychic healing. His high ISP (800) allows him to perform extensive and powerful psionic feats, making him formidable in mental duels and capable of influencing the minds of others over great distances.

Favoured Weapons

Sashelas wields weapons that reflect his dominion over the sea and his martial prowess. His favoured weapons include:

• Trident: A symbol of his power and authority, the trident is a three-pronged spear used by Sashelas in both combat and ceremonial contexts. It is masterfully crafted and enchanted to enhance its effectiveness, granting +4 to strike and +4 to parry. The trident can channel elemental water magic, allowing Sashelas to unleash powerful water-based attacks or control ocean currents.
• Spear: The spear is a versatile and elegant weapon preferred by Sashelas for its reach and precision. It is designed for both melee and ranged combat, with a balance that complements Sashelas's fighting style. The spear is imbued with enchantments that provide +3 to strike and +3 to parry. It also has the ability to call upon water elementals to aid Sashelas in battle when needed.

Both weapons are not only instruments of combat but also symbols of Sashelas's connection to the sea and his role as a protector and ruler of the underwater realms. They are highly prized and often carried into battle or used in rituals that honor the ocean's might.

Armour: Shell Armour

The Shell Armour worn by Sashelas is a unique and majestic form of protection that reflects his deep connection with the ocean. It is a shimmering, iridescent suit crafted from the enchanted shells of ancient sea creatures, providing both resilience and grace. The armour grants a natural protection value of +10 to S.D.C. and +10 to A.R., making it highly resistant to both physical and magical attacks.

The Shell Armour is not only protective but also enhances Sashelas's aquatic abilities. It allows him to move effortlessly through water, providing a swimming speed equal to his normal speed on land. Additionally, the armour is imbued with water magic that allows him to breathe underwater without any difficulty and resist the effects of deep-sea pressures.

In battle, the Shell Armour has the added benefit of reflecting light in a mesmerizing display, which can disorient and confuse foes. This visual effect provides a -2 penalty to attack rolls made against Sashelas while the armour is active. Furthermore, the Shell Armour is magically attuned to Sashelas, allowing him to repair any damage to it instantly by expending a small amount of P.P.E. (50 P.P.E. to repair any damage). The armour also has an inherent enchantment that makes it resistant to corrosion and salt, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness in any aquatic environment.

Alliances/Allies:

• Goddess of the Sea and Storms: A close ally who shares control over aquatic realms and storms, often working together to maintain the balance of water and weather.
• Water Elementals: Elemental beings who embody the essence of water, frequently summoned or allied with Sashelas to wield their innate powers and maintain harmony within the oceans and seas.

Enemies:

• Deities of Fire and Destruction: Divine beings associated with fire, destruction, and chaos, often opposing Sashelas's control over water and seeking to disrupt his influence over the seas and aquatic life.

Vulnerabilities:

• Susceptible to Powers that Invoke Heat and Fire: Sashelas is weakened by intense heat and fire-based magic, which can disrupt his control over water and cause significant harm to his aquatic realms.

Minions:

• Aquatic Creatures and Sea Spirits: A diverse array of beings from the oceans and seas who serve Sashelas, including merfolk, sea dragons, and other mystical marine entities.
• Water Elementals: Powerful elemental beings who act as both guardians and enforcers of Sashelas's will, manipulating water and the elements to protect his domain and advance his goals.