Solanor, the Guardian Stag

## Solanor, the Deity of the Wilderness and Nature

### **Introduction**

Solanor stands as a beacon of harmony between the living beings of Astraeon and the untamed wilds that cover the land. Represented often as a majestic stag or a wise old tree, Solanor's presence is deeply rooted in the forests, mountains, and rivers of the continent. His teachings are an eternal echo in the wind, a guide for those who seek to coexist with nature rather than conquer it.

### **Divine Powers and Abilities**

1. **Nature's Whisper**: He can communicate with and understand all creatures of the wild, from the smallest insect to the largest predator.
2. **Elemental Control**: Solanor wields influence over natural elements, able to summon winds, cause plants to grow rapidly, or calm raging rivers.
3. **Healing Touch**: With a mere touch, he can heal injuries of both flora and fauna, restoring them to their natural state.
4. **Guardian of the Wild**: Solanor can call upon the animals and plants of the wilderness to aid in defense or support of his sacred lands.

### **Sacred Symbols**

Solanor's symbols include the intertwined branches of an ancient oak, the pure spring that feeds into life-giving rivers, and the ethereal stag that roams the mystical forests.

#### **Sacred Grounds and Sites of Power**

* **The Evergreen Sanctuary**: A hidden grove where the trees are always lush, and animals gather in peace. It's said to be a place of profound healing and rejuvenation.
* **The Whispering Falls**: A waterfall with waters that are believed to grant visions and guidance to those who drink from it, especially during moonlit rituals.
* **The Circle of Stones**: An ancient site where the energies of the land are strongest. Druidic rituals here can influence the health of the entire continent.

### **Worship and Rituals**

Temples dedicated to Solanor are rare, as his followers prefer to worship in natural sanctuaries like groves, caves, or by sacred rivers. Rituals often include the planting of trees, animal blessings, and dances that celebrate the seasons. The Solstice and Equinox are especially significant, marked by grand festivals that honor the cycles of life and growth.

#### **Rituals and Ceremonies**

* **The Green March**: A pilgrimage through the wilds to honor Solanor, undertaken by his most devout followers. This journey tests their survival skills and deepens their bond with nature.
* **Moonlit Offerings**: On full moon nights, followers gather in sacred sites to offer gifts to Solanor, seeking his blessings and guidance.

#### **Solanor's Avatar**

* On rare occasions, Solanor manifests an avatar, a blend of stag and human, to walk among his followers and impart wisdom or aid directly.

### **Clergy and Followers**

Rangers, druids, farmers, and all who respect the balance of nature follow Solanor. The clergy, known as the Keepers of the Grove, are usually druids and rangers who act as guardians of sacred natural sites and teachers of Solanor's wisdom.

### **Legendary Artifacts**

The Horn of the Stag, a mystical item said to summon creatures of the forest, and the Staff of the Verdant Grove, a relic that can heal the land and purify waters, are both linked to Solanor's mythos.

### **Challenges and Enemies**

Solanor's enemies include Gorgorath, the Desolator and those who exploit nature with no regard for balance or sustainability. He opposes deities and forces that promote chaos, destruction, and mindless expansion into the wilds.

### **Relationship with Other Deities**

Solanor often allies with gods of life, healing, and water, but may clash with deities of industry, war, or fire. His relationships reflect his goal of maintaining equilibrium in the natural world.

### **Myths and Legends**

Solanor's legends tell of the First Grove, where life began, and the Eternal Hunt, a mystical chase that represents the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Many a tale is spun around campfires about the God's interventions to save a wounded animal or guide lost travelers back to safety.

### **Conclusion**

Solanor's influence permeates the wild places of Astraeon, a gentle yet firm reminder of the intrinsic connection between all living things. His followers are guided by principles that emphasize nurturing, protection, and a deep, abiding love for the natural world. In a land where nature's majesty unfolds in every glen and valley, Solanor's voice is a constant whisper, calling all to live in respectful unity with the wilderness.