Talrenir

Description

## Origins

The First Druid was said to be an elf named Lelea, sister of Iltir the first hunter. In ancient times when elves were very new to Arn, Lelea asked the gods why they were so separate from the other beasts- all whom could speak to each other but not to the elves. She bemoaned their separation from the rest of nature and the lack of understanding and connection with the wild and longed to be one with it. She abhorred society and wished to rejoin nature. Talrenir, who originally was only a deity that firbolgs worshiped, came to answer her call in the guise of a treant. He taught her the language of the forest (druidic) from which she was able to eventually draw great power. After this she was able to speak to animals and plants, and even transform into them. Through her connection with nature she was able to draw magical strength to both heal and hurt. She did so in the name of her god and acted as his first elven worshiper. She began the first druid circle, adverse to civilization, and dedicated to the wild lands.

Initially, Talrenir was seen as simply a god of nature and animals. He is often compared and contrasted to Ilumyra- goddess of the hunt- and though their interests overlap in ways, she is dedicated to the elves and Talrenir is dedicated to the natural world. Later Talrenir came to be the overseer of the natural order and balance- just as willing to encourage life as to take it away if order was threatened. There is a myth that Talrenir had a sister who embodied the darker side of nature over the light- a goddess who corrupted, sicked, and consumed indiscriminately and gave nothing back. So dedicated he was to maintaining balance, that he slew her himself (some claim she returned as Lalora upon assistance from Vanar).

Talrenir is the god that most druids ultimately pray to if they choose to pray at all. He is not the well they draw power from like a cleric, for a druid’s well of power is nature itself, but druids who abuse their powers can certainly end up feeling his wrath if the scales are tipped. His wrath is said to lie in swarms of biting or stinging insects- often wasps or beetles. All druids, whether they recognize it or not, are agents of his will on the material plane. One can only become a druid through pure strength of connection with the wild and natural world and is, therefore by default, a creature in his benevolence. Talrenir does not ask for offerings for he does not himself often give gifts. He is more a sentinel than a ruler. If a person he is particularly fond of is on the right path to uphold his will, he has been known to protect them or help nudge them in the right direction, but he is largely a passive god, much like Melifêr. Things that upset the natural order are a sin to Talrenir, including the undead, monstrosities, and aberrant creatures. Mass destruction of pristine wilderness can also provoke his anger.

## Appearance / Depictions

When he comes to his followers it is generally as a massive treant covered in moss and mushrooms or a humanoid in the shape of the race of the worshiper, draped in dark brown robes- likewise covered in moss and mushrooms, and wielding an oaken stave. He always comes surrounded by fireflies and when a druid spies one it is often seen as a sign of Talrenir’s good will. It is also said that any beast in the wood could be Talrenir is disguise so one should always be respectful to nature just in case. As a servant of nature itself, Talrenir does not necessarily prefer elven or firbolg worshipers over gnomes, humans, and wild dwarves who find their way into his graces. He is not only the patron of druids either. Any sentient being that is searching to be one with and protect nature can find themselves watched over by this silent deity.