Solonor Thelandira, The Hunter

Greetings, seekers of the bow and protectors of the wild.

I am Solonor Thelandira, Keen-Eye, the Great Archer, and the Forest Hunter. I am the guardian of the natural balance, the eternal hunter whose pursuit never ceases. I dwell in the heart of the wilderness, where the whispers of the trees and the rustling of the leaves guide my path.

My domain is the unspoiled expanse of nature, where I roam with purpose and precision. My arrows fly true, striking only those who disrupt the harmony of our world. I watch over the borders of elven lands and the delicate dance between civilization and the wilderness.

In the quiet of the forest, in the stillness of the hunt, you will find me. I am the master of the bow, the teacher of stealth, and the protector of the balance. My gaze is ever sharp, my aim unerring, and my pledge unwavering.

I call upon you, my faithful, to walk in harmony with nature. Preserve the wild places from the grasp of excess and heed the lessons of the hunt. Remember, each action has consequences, much like an arrow in flight that cannot be reclaimed once loosed.

With my guidance, you shall master the art of the bow and the wisdom of the hunt. Seek not just to survive but to honor the delicate balance of life. For in every chase, in every shot, remember the essence of the Great Archer.

I am Solonor Thelandira, and my path is the path of the vigilant hunter and the eternal guardian of the wild.

"from the Book of Solonor Thelandira"

Divine Portfolio:

• God of Hunting
• Master of Archery
• Protector of the Natural Balance
• Defender of the Wild
• Teacher of Stealth and Survival

Religious Dogma:

1. Walk in harmony with nature and oppose the efforts of those who would disturb her delicate balance.
2. Preserve the wild places from excessive encroachment, and work with those who would settle the land to preserve the beauty that first attracted them.
3. Hunt only for sustenance, culling the old and the weak from the herd so that all species may prosper.
4. Like an arrow in flight, it is difficult to arrest the consequences of an action. Choose your targets carefully, for an ill-considered action can have a long-reaching impact.

Appearance and Symbols:

Holy Symbol:

• A silver arrow with green fletching, representing Solonor's unmatched skill with the bow and his dedication to preserving the balance of nature.
• An oversized arrowhead, often embossed with intricate designs, is used as a holy symbol by his clergy. It reflects both the power and precision of his divine archery.

Regalia:

1. Suits of silvered chain mail, preferably elven chain mail, with silver cloaks and leaf green hoods. This ceremonial garb highlights both protection and a connection to the natural world.
2. Holy symbols used in regalia include a silver medallion embossed with the head of a stag or three feathers attached to a leather disk. These symbols are worn to signify devotion and reverence for Solonor.

Role in Ceremonies:

• Solonor's clergy perform vital roles as scouts and archers in elven armies, bowyers, fletchers, and archery instructors in elven settlements. They also act as hunters and providers for rural communities.
• Members of Solonor's clergy preside over initiation ceremonies into adulthood among those who largely eschew civilization.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

• Worshippers:
  • Solonor values commitment and respect for nature. Worshippers who strive to live in harmony with the natural world and contribute to maintaining its balance are highly regarded.
  • Those who seek to preserve the wilderness and uphold the tenets of Solonor are granted favor and guidance, particularly in their hunting and survival efforts.
• Priests:
  • Priests are expected to embody the values of Solonor through their actions and teachings. They serve as scouts, archers, and protectors of the natural world.
  • They are responsible for performing ceremonies, instructing others in archery and hunting, and maintaining the balance between civilization and nature.
• Organizations:
  • Hierarchical Structure:
    • The hierarchy within organizations dedicated to Solonor is based on experience and prowess. High-ranking members are often those with demonstrated skill in archery, leadership in scouting missions, or significant contributions to maintaining nature's balance.
    • Leadership roles are earned through merit, and senior members are expected to mentor younger or less experienced followers.
• Punishment and Discipline:
  • Discipline within Solonor's faith is focused on correcting actions that disrupt the balance of nature or violate the tenets of the faith. Punishments are designed to be corrective rather than punitive.
  • For minor infractions, worshippers may face penances such as additional duties or symbolic acts of restitution.
  • More severe violations could result in exile from the faith or a temporary loss of divine favor until the individual demonstrates genuine remorse and a commitment to making amends.

Temples and Influence

• Temples:
  • Temples dedicated to Solonor are typically located in natural settings such as forests or remote glades. They are designed to blend harmoniously with their surroundings, using natural materials and minimalistic designs.
  • These temples often feature archery ranges, training facilities for hunters, and areas for meditation and reflection on nature's balance.
  • Priests and clerics within these temples lead ceremonies, offer guidance to worshippers, and engage in activities to protect and preserve local ecosystems.
• Influence:
  • Solonor's influence is most pronounced in regions where natural wilderness is a dominant feature. His teachings and principles guide local policies on conservation and land use.
  • Elven communities, especially those that value their connection to nature, often consult Solonor's priests for advice on matters related to hunting, land management, and maintaining ecological balance.

Role in Society: Solonor's role in society emphasizes the importance of maintaining the balance between civilization and nature. His followers advocate for sustainable practices and serve as stewards of the environment. They are involved in guiding policy decisions related to natural resource management and ensuring that any human expansion or development respects and preserves the natural world.

Philosophical Influence and Cultural Impact

• Philosophical Influence:
  • Solonor's philosophy emphasizes harmony with nature and the importance of balance between civilization and wilderness. His teachings encourage a deep respect for the natural world and advocate for sustainable practices.
  • His influence can be seen in the ethical guidelines followed by his followers, who strive to live in a way that preserves the beauty and integrity of their surroundings while allowing for some degree of human activity and development.
• Cultural Impact:
  • Solonor's worship has significantly shaped elven culture, particularly in how elves view nature and their role within it. Traditional elven practices such as archery, hunting, and wilderness survival are deeply influenced by his teachings.
  • Festivals, ceremonies, and cultural practices often reflect his values, with celebrations like the Shieldmeet showcasing the importance of archery and skill in nature.

Legacy

1. Solonor's legacy is deeply intertwined with the preservation of the natural world and the art of archery. His teachings have led to the establishment of numerous traditions and practices that emphasize the importance of balance and harmony with nature.
2. His influence extends to the development of elven military tactics, particularly those that involve archery and guerilla warfare, which are seen as a reflection of his strategic prowess.
3. Solonor's legacy also includes a network of temples and shrines dedicated to his worship, which serve as centers for both spiritual guidance and practical training in archery and survival skills.
4. He is remembered through numerous myths and legends that highlight his role as a guardian of the natural world and a champion of justice against those who threaten it.
5. Solonor's teachings continue to inspire and guide new generations of elves and half-elves who take up the mantle of protector and hunter, embodying his principles in their daily lives and practices.
6. The Influence on Elven Society: In elven society, Solonor's influence is seen in the way communities interact with their environment, prioritize sustainability, and honor their traditions of hunting and archery. His teachings are a cornerstone of elven cultural identity, shaping their approach to both personal and communal responsibilities.

Divine Attributes:

• Domains: War, Nature
• Symbol: Silver arrow with green fletching or a living bow
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Favored Weapon: Longbow
• Holy Color: Green and Silver
• Divine Aspect: The Great Archer, Keen-Eye

Organizational Structure of Religion

The Hierarchy of the Faith:

• High Priest
• Archers of the Faith
• Regional Commanders
• Priests and Clerics
• Initiates
• Lay Followers

Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

Fighting Orders

1. Order of the Silver Arrow
2. Guardians of the Sacred Grove
3. Sentinels of the Elven Borders
4. Wardens of the Eternal Forest

Clerical Orders

1. Order of the Keen-Eye
2. Brotherhood of the Green Bow
3. Sisters of the Silent Arrows
4. Council of the Moonlit Hunt
5. Circle of the Wild Harmony

Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Solonor'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. Silver Arrow of Destiny
2. Living Bow of the Forest
3. Quiver of Eternal Arrows
4. Amulet of Keen Sight
5. Ring of the Woodland Guardian

Religious Practices

• Monthly Gatherings: Worshippers assemble under the full moon to give thanks and perform rituals.
• Sacrifices: Hunters offer trophies from their hunts that cannot be otherwise used.
• Archery Contests: Held during Shieldmeet to honor Solonor and compete for his blessing.
• Prayer and Meditation: Followers practice in natural settings, reflecting on balance and harmony.
• Rites of Passage: Solonor's clergy conduct ceremonies marking significant life events and transitions.

Celebrated Holidays

Cinnaelos'Cor (Day of Corellon's Peace)

Each Shieldmeet, followers of Solonor gather for grand archery competitions and communal celebrations to honor Solonor and affirm their devotion. Winners of the contests receive the Keen-Eye blessing, a mark of divine favor and skill.

Alignment: Scrupulous

Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

Horror/Awe Factor: 16

OCCs:

• Rangers: Skilled in wilderness survival, archery, and tracking, embodying the principles of balance and harmony with nature.
• Archers: Expert marksmen who excel in long-range combat and are dedicated to protecting the natural world from encroachment and corruption.
• Druids: Practitioners of ancient natural magic who work to preserve the balance between civilization and the wild, often in close alignment with Solonor's teachings.
• Fighters: Warriors who focus on combat proficiency and the defense of nature and elven territories, often trained in the art of archery and woodland tactics.

Deific Powers of Solonor Thelandira

Solonor Thelandira 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: Solonor Thelandira has the full range of Clerical Magic and Healing Magic. This includes powerful spells for restoration, purification, and support, as well as divine intervention to aid his followers in times of need.

Magic Powers:

1. Divine Archery

Range: Line of Sight
Duration: Instantaneous
Cost: 100 P.P.E.
Solonor can imbue his arrows with divine energy, allowing them to pierce through any magical or physical defenses. These arrows always find their mark and deal significant damage to evil creatures.

2. Nature's Embrace

Range: 100 feet
Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: 150 P.P.E.
Solonor can summon the natural world to his aid, causing plants and vines to grow rapidly and ensnare enemies. This ability can be used to create barriers or restrain foes.

3. Shadowstep

Range: Self
Duration: 1 minute
Cost: 75 P.P.E.
Allows Solonor to move through natural shadows, effectively teleporting short distances within areas of darkness or cover. Useful for quick escapes or surprise attacks.

4. Forest's Ward

Range: 50 feet
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: 100 P.P.E.
Creates a protective barrier of natural energy around a designated area, providing significant protection against physical and magical attacks.

5. Beast Communication

Range: 1 mile
Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: 50 P.P.E.
Solonor can communicate telepathically with animals, gaining their assistance or information about the surrounding area. This power allows him to understand and influence wildlife.

6. Keen-Eye's Precision

Range: Line of Sight
Duration: Instantaneous
Cost: 125 P.P.E.
Enhances Solonor's aim with supernatural accuracy, ensuring that any ranged attack he makes is almost guaranteed to hit its target, bypassing even magical defenses.

7. Moonlit Veil

Range: Self
Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: 100 P.P.E.
Shrouds Solonor in a cloak of moonlight, making him nearly invisible in dim or moonlit conditions. This ability aids in stealth and evasion.

8. Earth's Resilience

Range: Self
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: 150 P.P.E.
Grants Solonor increased durability and resistance to physical damage by drawing upon the strength of the earth. He becomes significantly harder to injure.

9. Ensnaring Roots

Range: 100 feet
Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: 125 P.P.E.
Summons thick roots from the ground to trap and immobilize enemies within a specified area. Effective for crowd control and battlefield manipulation.

10. Divine Guidance

Range: Self or target
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: 75 P.P.E.
Provides enhanced perception and insight, allowing Solonor or a chosen individual to see through illusions, detect hidden threats, and make better strategic decisions.

Psionic Powers:
Class of Psionic: Master Psionic
800 ISP
Solonor's psionic abilities include telepathy, telekinesis, and enhanced sensory perception. His control over these powers reflects his divine nature and connection to the natural world.

Favoured Weapons

Solonor's favoured weapons include the longbow and the elven short sword. His longbow is often adorned with intricate carvings of natural motifs, while his short sword is a finely crafted blade used for close combat when necessary.

Armour:
Solonor prefers light, flexible armour that allows for ease of movement and stealth. His typical attire includes elven chain mail or enchanted leather armour, both providing protection without hindering his agility.

Alliances/Allies:

• Corellon Larethian - The chief of the Seldarine and ally in the defense of elven realms.
• Fenmarel Mestarine - The Lone Wolf, with whom Solonor shares a strong bond despite their philosophical differences.
• Shevarash - The Night Hunter, united in their hatred of the drow.
• Eilistraee - The goddess of good drow, with whom Solonor has a close relationship, sometimes depicted as a romantic one.
• Mielikki - Lady of Forests, another goddess concerned with the natural world.

Enemies:

• Malar - The Beastlord, whose bloodlust is in direct opposition to Solonor's principles.
• Talos - The Destroyer, whose destructive nature threatens the balance Solonor seeks to maintain.
• Lolth - The Spider Queen, whose followers, the drow, are a primary target for Solonor's wrath.
• Members of the Unseelie Court - The dark fey who embody corruption and chaos.

Vulnerabilities:

• Vulnerability to powerful anti-divine magic or artifacts that can disrupt his connection to the natural world.
• Susceptible to magical illusions that can obscure or distort natural environments, making it difficult for him to track or hunt effectively.

Minions:

• Elven Rangers - Skilled warriors and scouts dedicated to preserving the balance of nature.
• Forest Guardians - Enchanted creatures and spirits that aid in the protection of natural lands.
• Hunters and Woodsmen - Mortal followers who serve as both protectors of the wild and agents of Solonor's will.