Tarsellis Meunniduin, The Ice Hearted

"I am Tarsellis Meunniduin, Lord of the Mountains, Patron of the Snow Elves. From the peaks of the highest mountains to the depths of the wildest forests, I am the guardian of nature's untamed beauty and the fierce protector of the wilderness.

In these sacred writings, you will find the essence of my being, the divine truths I embody, and the path of reverence I expect from my followers. As the master of the elements and the summoner of woodland allies, my presence is a testament to the raw, unyielding power of the natural world.

Those who seek my favor must embrace the wilderness in all its forms, its harshness and its splendor. Honor the mountains, revere the rivers, and cherish the wild creatures that dwell within the land. Remember, my wrath is swift and uncompromising against those who defile my domains or seek to undermine the balance of nature.

I am the tempest's roar, the mountain's strength, and the wilderness's enduring spirit. Follow my teachings, and you shall find strength in the wild, wisdom in solitude, and courage in the face of any darkness that dares to encroach upon my realms."

"from the Book of Tarsellis Meunniduin"

Tarsellis Meunniduin manifests as a towering figure, standing at 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, with strikingly blond hair and deeply tanned skin, adorned in luxurious furs that symbolize his dominion over the wild and untamed regions. His presence exudes both strength and serenity, embodying the elemental forces he commands.

As a deity, Tarsellis is a paradoxical blend of rugged warrior and devoted protector of the natural world. He is known for his fierce combat skills and legendary hunting prowess, yet he holds a deep reverence for the wilderness and all its inhabitants. His temperament is as unpredictable as the elements he controls—his wrath is swift and terrible, particularly against those who threaten the balance of nature, such as the drow and their goddess, Lolth.

Tarsellis's divine powers grant him invulnerability to natural forces such as heat, cold, wind, and lightning. He can summon woodland creatures to his aid and control elemental forces with ease. His giant spear, a unique weapon known only to him, never misses its target and symbolizes his unerring resolve.

Tarsellis's divine realm is known as the Wild Ride or Wild Hunt, located on the first layer of Ysgard. This realm is a rugged and untamed landscape, reflective of the deity's dominion over mountains and wilderness. He spends considerable time roaming this realm, seeking out and confronting evil creatures and powerful monsters, either to vanquish them or drive them away.

Tarsellis's origin is steeped in ancient elven mythology. According to legend, he was one of the original elven gods, ascending to divinity by a unique act of naming bestowed by Corellon. The snow elves, who regard themselves as his direct descendants, view Tarsellis as a figure of great importance, believing that their distinct characteristics are a mark of his divine favor.

In ancient times, Tarsellis was closely aligned with Solonor Thelandira, the elven god of hunting, with whom he shared a profound bond. Their friendship was shattered, however, when Tarsellis fell in love with Megwandir, a dark goddess who was later revealed to be Lolth. This romance and subsequent betrayal strained his relationship with Solonor and other deities. Despite this, Tarsellis's dedication to his realm and his people remained unwavering.

Divine Portfolio:

• Mountains
• Rivers
• Wilderness
• Snow Elves
• Elemental Forces

Religious Dogma:

1. Respect for Nature: Followers of Tarsellis are expected to hold a deep respect for the natural world. They must protect the wilderness from exploitation and ensure that natural balance is maintained.
2. Defend the Innocent: Tarsellis's devotees are sworn to defend those who are vulnerable or innocent, particularly in the face of dark forces like the drow. They should actively oppose any threats to the natural world or its inhabitants.
3. Honor the Elements: The elements of nature—earth, water, air, and fire—are revered in Tarsellis's faith. His followers are encouraged to work in harmony with these forces and harness their power responsibly.
4. Seek Justice in the Wild: Followers are taught to pursue justice through the natural order, dealing with wrongdoers in ways that reflect the raw and untamed aspects of nature. Vigilante actions against those who disrupt the balance are sanctioned.
5. Celebrate the Wilderness: Rituals and ceremonies are held to honor the wilds, including offerings of furs and large game. These celebrations are meant to show gratitude for the gifts of the natural world and to renew the bond between the deity and his followers.
6. Embrace the Wild Spirit: Tarsellis's worshippers are encouraged to embody the untamed spirit of the wilderness. This includes embracing their primal instincts and living in ways that reflect the freedom and power of nature.
7. Protect the Snow Elves: As the patron deity of the snow elves, Tarsellis's followers are tasked with safeguarding their kind and ensuring that their unique heritage and traditions are preserved and respected.
8. Oppose Corruption: The worshippers must remain vigilant against forces of corruption and darkness, particularly those embodied by the drow and their deities. They are called to actively fight against these influences wherever they appear.

Appearance and Symbols:

• Holy Symbol: The holy symbol of Tarsellis Meunniduin is a stylized eight-pointed silver star. This symbol is used in rituals and worn by his clergy as a sign of their devotion.
• Regalia:
  1. Priestly Attire: The regalia of Tarsellis's priests includes robes made of luxurious furs, reflecting his association with the wilderness and mountains. These robes are often adorned with intricate embroidery depicting natural scenes, such as mountains and rivers.
  2. Headgear: Priests often wear a headdress made of intertwined branches and leaves, representing their connection to the natural world. Some also wear a circlet or diadem with the holy symbol of Tarsellis embedded in it.
  3. Weapons: The ceremonial weapon for Tarsellis's priests is a spear, symbolizing his prowess as a hunter and warrior. This spear is often elaborately decorated with natural motifs and is considered both a weapon and a symbol of authority.

Role in Ceremonies: Tarsellis's priests play a central role in ceremonies that celebrate the natural world. They lead rituals in sacred groves or high mountain altars, offering furs and live animals as sacrifices. These ceremonies include seasonal festivals, blessings of the land, and rites of passage for his followers. The priests use the holy symbol and regalia to conduct these rituals, invoking Tarsellis's blessings and protection for the community and the wilderness they cherish.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

• Worshippers: Followers of Tarsellis Meunniduin are generally treated with respect and care, particularly those who live in harmony with nature and uphold the values of the wilderness. Devout worshippers who protect and preserve the natural world are highly valued and often receive blessings and guidance from the deity. Those who seek to exploit or harm nature may face divine displeasure or be shunned by the community.
• Priests:
  • Status: Priests of Tarsellis are held in high regard within their communities. They are seen as both spiritual leaders and protectors of the natural world. Their role involves guiding the faithful, performing rituals, and maintaining the sacred sites dedicated to Tarsellis.
  • Responsibilities: Priests are responsible for upholding the values of Tarsellis, including protecting the wilderness and confronting threats to the natural order. They also serve as mediators between the deity and the followers, offering counsel and performing ceremonies.
  • Training: Priests undergo rigorous training in both religious practices and survival skills. They are taught to respect and understand the natural world, as well as to wield their ceremonial spear with proficiency.
• Organizations:
  • Hierarchy: Tarsellis's religious organizations are typically structured in a hierarchical manner, with high-ranking priests overseeing the activities of lower-ranking clergy. The highest-ranking priests often reside in sacred mountain temples and act as the primary conduits for Tarsellis's will.
  • Affiliations: These organizations are often affiliated with other nature-based groups and entities. They may form alliances with druids, rangers, and other protectors of the wilderness.
• Punishment and Discipline:
  • Deviations: Those who fail to adhere to the principles of Tarsellis or act against the interests of nature may face a range of punishments, from public rebuke to expulsion from the religious community. Serious violations may be met with divine retribution or curses.
  • Rehabilitation: Followers who show genuine remorse and seek to make amends are often given opportunities to atone for their actions through penance, such as performing acts of restitution or dedicating themselves to a specific task that benefits the natural world.

Temples and Influence

• Temples:
  • The temples dedicated to Tarsellis Meunniduin are often located in remote and rugged mountain regions, reflecting the deity's domain over wilderness and mountainous terrain. These sacred sites are constructed with natural materials and blend seamlessly into the environment, featuring stone altars and open-air sanctuaries.
  • These temples serve as both places of worship and centers for the preservation of nature. They are often equipped with shrines and ceremonial areas where rituals and offerings are made to Tarsellis. Temples may also function as training grounds for priests and shamans, providing facilities for learning and practicing survival skills.
  • Some temples are built near or within ancient groves or sacred sites, which are considered particularly holy. These locations are often chosen for their natural beauty and their alignment with Tarsellis's ideals of untouched wilderness.
• Influence:
  • Tarsellis Meunniduin's influence extends primarily through his role as a guardian of the natural world and protector of mountain and wilderness regions. His followers are active in efforts to conserve and protect these areas, often taking on roles as rangers, druids, and environmental advocates.
  • The deity's teachings and values influence local customs and traditions in areas under his protection, promoting a respect for nature and a deep connection to the land. This influence is seen in the way communities handle their natural resources, their reverence for natural landmarks, and their approach to wildlife conservation.
  • In regions where Tarsellis's worship is strong, his influence can also be seen in local governance and community decision-making. Leaders and influential figures may seek his guidance or approval before undertaking significant projects that could impact the natural environment.
• Role in Society:

  Tarsellis Meunniduin plays a crucial role in societies that revere nature and value wilderness preservation. His teachings foster a deep respect for the natural world and encourage harmonious living with it. This role is reflected in the societal norms and values of communities where his worshippers are prominent, often leading to a heightened awareness of environmental issues and a collective effort to maintain ecological balance.

Temples and Influence

• Temples:
  • The temples dedicated to Tarsellis Meunniduin are often located in remote and rugged mountain regions, reflecting the deity's domain over wilderness and mountainous terrain. These sacred sites are constructed with natural materials and blend seamlessly into the environment, featuring stone altars and open-air sanctuaries.
  • These temples serve as both places of worship and centers for the preservation of nature. They are often equipped with shrines and ceremonial areas where rituals and offerings are made to Tarsellis. Temples may also function as training grounds for priests and shamans, providing facilities for learning and practicing survival skills.
  • Some temples are built near or within ancient groves or sacred sites, which are considered particularly holy. These locations are often chosen for their natural beauty and their alignment with Tarsellis's ideals of untouched wilderness.
• Influence:
  • Tarsellis Meunniduin's influence extends primarily through his role as a guardian of the natural world and protector of mountain and wilderness regions. His followers are active in efforts to conserve and protect these areas, often taking on roles as rangers, druids, and environmental advocates.
  • The deity's teachings and values influence local customs and traditions in areas under his protection, promoting a respect for nature and a deep connection to the land. This influence is seen in the way communities handle their natural resources, their reverence for natural landmarks, and their approach to wildlife conservation.
  • In regions where Tarsellis's worship is strong, his influence can also be seen in local governance and community decision-making. Leaders and influential figures may seek his guidance or approval before undertaking significant projects that could impact the natural environment.
  • Philosophical Influence: Tarsellis's teachings emphasize the intrinsic value of nature and the importance of living in harmony with it. His philosophy encourages a view of nature as a sacred and integral part of life that must be preserved and respected. This perspective fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and a reverence for the natural world as a divine creation.
  • Cultural Impact: In cultures where Tarsellis is revered, there is a notable cultural emphasis on wilderness skills, survival, and the celebration of natural beauty. Festivals and rituals often center around the changing seasons and the cycles of nature, reflecting the deep connection between his followers and the natural world. Art, literature, and traditions in these cultures frequently draw inspiration from the landscapes and wildlife that Tarsellis protects.
• Role in Society:

  Tarsellis Meunniduin plays a crucial role in societies that revere nature and value wilderness preservation. His teachings foster a deep respect for the natural world and encourage harmonious living with it. This role is reflected in the societal norms and values of communities where his worshippers are prominent, often leading to a heightened awareness of environmental issues and a collective effort to maintain ecological balance.

Legacy

1. Tarsellis Meunniduin's legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the preservation and protection of the natural world. His influence extends through the many followers and organizations that uphold his values and continue his work in safeguarding wilderness areas.
2. His teachings have inspired a generation of environmentalists and conservationists who champion the cause of protecting natural habitats and wildlife. These efforts have led to the establishment of numerous protected areas and conservation programs that reflect his divine mission.
3. The presence of his temples and the practice of his rituals ensure that his influence remains a vital force in the regions where he is worshipped. The architectural and cultural contributions of his temples continue to celebrate his divine connection to the mountains and wilderness.
4. The philosophical and cultural impact of Tarsellis's teachings has shaped the values and traditions of communities that honor him. His emphasis on harmony with nature has led to a rich cultural heritage that cherishes and protects the environment.
5. In elven society, Tarsellis is remembered as a powerful deity whose commitment to nature and the wilderness has left a lasting imprint. His legacy is reflected in the reverence for natural beauty and the continued efforts to live in balance with the environment.
6. The Influence on Elven Society: In elven society, Tarsellis Meunniduin's legacy is particularly profound. His teachings and values have shaped the elven approach to nature, reinforcing their role as guardians of the wilderness. The reverence for natural beauty, the emphasis on conservation, and the integration of nature into everyday life are all aspects of his enduring impact on elven culture.

Divine Attributes:

• Divine Domains: Nature, Tempest
• Divine Classification: Lesser Deity
• Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
• Symbols: The holy symbol of Tarsellis is a snow-capped mountain with a spear crossing through it.
• Holy Colors: Deep blue, silver, and white.
• Divine Powers: Immunity to heat, cold, wind, lightning, and natural forces; control over elemental forces; summoning of woodland creatures.

Organizational Structure of Religion

The Hierarchy of the Faith:

• High Priest: The leading figure in Tarsellis's church, overseeing all religious activities and rituals.
• Archdruids: Senior druids responsible for maintaining the balance of nature and overseeing regional temples.
• Priests: Clerics who perform daily rituals, offer guidance to worshippers, and manage local temples.
• Shamans: Spiritual guides who provide wisdom and perform rituals related to nature and elemental forces.
• Rangers: Followers dedicated to protecting natural areas and enforcing the deity's will in the wilderness.
• Initiates: New members undergoing training and initiation into the faith.

Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

• Fighting Orders

  1. Order of the Frostbite: Elite warriors dedicated to combating evil creatures and defending sacred sites in mountainous regions.
  2. Wardens of the Wilds: Protectors of the natural world, often found guarding remote areas and ensuring the balance of nature.
  3. Sentinels of the Storm: Order focused on harnessing and controlling storm and elemental forces to protect and uphold the deity's will.
  4. Guardians of the Peaks: Defenders of mountain territories who repel intruders and safeguard sacred heights.

• Clerical Orders

  1. Order of the Everwinter: Clerics who specialize in the spiritual aspects of winter and cold, guiding worshippers through rituals tied to snow and ice.
  2. Circle of the Verdant Hearth: A group devoted to nurturing and healing nature, focusing on the spiritual and physical well-being of natural ecosystems.
  3. Brotherhood of the Thunderstrike: Clerics who channel the power of storms in their rituals, invoking divine might to aid their cause and punish enemies.
  4. Sisterhood of the Sacred Groves: Female clerics dedicated to maintaining the sanctity of forests and groves, performing ceremonies that honor Tarsellis's connection to the wilderness.

Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Tarsellis Meunniduin'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. Frostspears: Legendary spears imbued with the power of winter and storms, said to be wielded by Tarsellis himself. They are capable of controlling elemental ice and summoning blizzards.
2. Mountainheart Amulet: A powerful amulet that grants the wearer enhanced resistance to cold and weather-related effects, and the ability to summon an aura of protection.
3. Stormcaller's Horn: An ancient horn that, when blown, can summon thunderstorms and lightning, used in ceremonies and battles to invoke Tarsellis's wrath.
4. Snowbound Cloak: A magical cloak that provides invisibility in snowy or mountainous environments and enhances the wearer's agility and endurance in harsh conditions.

Religious Practices

• Rituals of the Storm: Ceremonies conducted during thunderstorms to honor Tarsellis and seek his favor. These rituals often involve chanting, drumming, and offerings of lightning-charged objects.
• Winter Solstice Celebrations: Festivals held during the winter solstice to celebrate the power of winter and the rebirth of light. Participants engage in feasting, storytelling, and sharing of tales about Tarsellis's deeds.
• Mountain Pilgrimages: Devout followers undertake pilgrimages to sacred mountain peaks where they perform offerings and seek guidance from Tarsellis. These journeys are considered acts of devotion and spiritual renewal.
• Elemental Communion: Rituals where practitioners commune with the elemental forces of nature to receive blessings and guidance from Tarsellis. These rituals often involve meditation and symbolic gestures related to the elements.

Celebrated Holidays

Winter's Embrace

A major holiday celebrated during the peak of winter, honoring Tarsellis's dominion over cold and snow. It includes feasts, storytelling, and performances of dramatic reenactments of Tarsellis's legendary battles and heroic deeds.

Alignment: Aberrant

Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

Horror/Awe Factor: 16

OCCs:

• Elemental Warrior: A specialized class trained to harness the powers of elemental forces, particularly those associated with cold and storms.
• Mountain Sentinel: Guardians who protect sacred mountain sites and uphold the traditions and teachings of Tarsellis.
• Storm Priest: Clerics devoted to invoking and controlling storm and elemental magic in service to Tarsellis.

Deific Powers of Tarsellis Meunniduin

Tarsellis Meunniduin 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: Tarsellis Meunniduin has the full range of Clerical Magic and Healing Magic, including the ability to cure diseases, heal wounds, and provide protection against natural elements.

Magic Powers:

Psionic Powers: Class of Psionic: 800 ISP

Favoured Weapons

Giant spear, which is a unique weapon known only to Tarsellis, never missing its target and always returning to him when thrown.

Armour: Tarsellis favors enchanted furs that provide protection equivalent to heavy armor while maintaining mobility.

Alliances/Allies:

• Fenmarel Mestarine - Elven god of outcasts
• Shaundakul - Faerûnian god of travel

Enemies:

• Lolth - The drow goddess of chaos and deceit
• Other dark deities and evil creatures encroaching on his domains

Vulnerabilities:

• None to natural forces due to divine protection
• Vulnerable to plots and machinations of rival deities or powerful adversaries

Minions:

• Snow elves - his primary followers and worshippers
• Elemental beings of earth and ice