Elodi

*“And in those first days it was said that Elodi wept long and bitterly.* "*Dear children -- my children --  woe that you would ever feel pain and know suffering.  Find peace in your eternities. I will guard you forever.*”
—Songs of Elodi

**Elodi** is the god of the Elysians as introduced in Asphodel. They act as goodness incarnate and the fully realized form of all the Seven Virtues. They had a tender relationship with their children, often acting towards them in a paternal manner that encouraged growth and well-being. Unlike their counterpart, Elodi acted with a sense of self-sacrifice and remorse. They have never gloried in the suffering of others, only grieved that suffering happened at all.

Elodi encouraged the goodness and health already evident in a person with intention to bless and heal them as much as they could without compromising their individuality and autonomy. Their blessings came irregardless of some ineffable plan, with occasionally disastrous results. God though they are, Elodi chose servanthood over tyranny. Unlike the Christian God with whom one might be tempted to conflate them, Elodi could not hate, could not destroy, and could not kill.

## Personality

Elodi exists as a powerful driver of growth and life. They're a strictly benevolent individual disinterested in harming anyone or anything. No one is too far away from their mercy; though Ahriman has been their enemy for eternity and the Sheolfolk his tools for destruction, both have been forgiven by them and will continue to be forgiven despite their crimes. Their philosophy of forgiveness abandons wrath, loathing, and punishment; reckoning, restitution, and resolution are their favored tools of peace.

True goodness is hard to find and hard to understand; in Asphodel, a place of pain and potential destruction, it's perhaps best understood in moments and afterthoughts, the stretches of peace, prosperity, and wellness where one is undisturbed and delighted. Goodness is not especially complicated; its components are simple and culminate into a single portrait of transcendent bliss. So straightforward are Elodi's capacities that understanding them becomes all the more difficult. What more can be seen behind transparency?

Elodi is not overwhelming, they are not obvious. Often times their power was so unassuming that Elodi was nearly invisible. In comparison to Ahriman, Elodi is almost dull. Their lack of self-investment can make them feel more like a dispenser than a person, or like an infinity rather than a thing alive. In some ways, Elodi prefers this. They are a piece of the world's stability and provider of health to all who seek it, but beyond the scope of Asphodel's well-being, Elodi is detached.

## Gender

While Elodi refers to themself with they/them pronouns, the projection of Elodi's followers onto Elodi does Elodi no harm, and Elodi does not discourage it.  Elodi, when once asked about the nature of their gender, said, "Yes and no.  Everything and nothing."  Gender is considered more spiritual than physical to Elysians, and any adaptations taken on are at the discretion of the genderqueer individual.

Notably, Ahriman refers to Elodi as "he."

## Blessings and Boons

Elodi did not withhold when giving to others, choosing instead to outfit followers with vitality whenever possible.

* First, they gave fairness. What is truth? What is a lie? Elodi required that assumption undergo review, that proposition be met with critique. An even, open platform required the possibility of rebuttal and relief; argument and discussion were tools for deeper, surer understanding. It was against Elodi's being to presume of others, whether that be in assessments of individual decisions or summaries of a person's quality. An honest mind always allowed the possibility of personal failure, so Elodi taught.
* Second, they gave a cleansing. Existence had the potential to be both painfully heady and heavy, a struggle Elodi was well aware of. The capacity to withstand the hell life threw at their followers was a potent gift, one meant to steady their children no matter how difficult their circumstances. This great swath of patience was a buffer against the illness of anger and bitterness, a way of freeing one's self from the lingering maladies of difficulty. Find peace like a river, and let those waters wash away the injuries of yesterday, it was said.
* Third, they gave clarity. A troubled mind could do for a person no good. Awareness and the scrutiny needed to dissect and free oneself from those banes inherent was a strange gift, but one that swiftly came to express its value in peace and war alike. Attentive wariness could cut through delusion and deceit like a knife; shrewd discipline maintained the boundary between sin and would-be sinner. If you don't want to be the way you are, children were sternly reminded, you don't have to be.
* Fourth, they gave forbearance. To those who wanted peace in detachment, Elodi's humble nature gave great comfort. There was strength in confrontation, but greater power still in the capacity to step away from that which would normally inflame. The urge to defend and protect one's self was completely unnecessary if one was secure in themself, Elodi taught. The greatest form of protection could be none at all.
* Fifth, they gave reverence. To those with want beyond comprehension and use, Elodi would distill and purify those of wanton hearts. Fulfillment need not be such a struggle; wavering could be optional. The quest for sanctity was the epitomic task of the dutiful: in turning to discipline, one found the capacity to achieve all that was desired and more. A stubborn will and a spine of steel were available for the asking -- all it required was the desire to ask and the consecration of said desire.
* Sixth, they gave compassion. Goodness was not meant to exist in isolation, it was intended to spread forever and ever! Pleasure was to be found in the company of others, and in that bond, kindness and gentleness could abide and flourish. Whatever gifts you are given, Elodi reminded, they are wasted if kept with you; when you give, you spread the blessings you have found, and all may delight. Perhaps the height of virtue was to be found truly in love. No other parcel of goodness could burn quite as bright.
* Seventh, they gave direction. To the listless, to the wandering, to the undecided and dispassionate, Elodi would give perspective and dedication. To the hopeless, to the beseeching, to the wondering and confused, Elodi would give insight. Intimacy with Elodi would be given to those who drew close, and to the distant they would inspire interest. This was not a god of abandonment.

## Gifts to Children

Eternal war is a hard agony to endure, and -- unable to stop it so long as Ahriman lived -- Elodi tried to cushion the experience with endowments as much as possible.

* Elysium.  Soon after Asphodel's birth, the isles were created to keep the Elysians away from the Sheolfolk and other threats on the Surface (and below.) Its independent ecosystem sustained life fairly efficiently, though trips were made often to the Surface for most resources required for building and clothing. The cities and towns on the isles were traditionally made of brick and stone, and hosted a gratuitous amount of temples, schools, and libraries.
* The *doro*. A race of griffin-looking creatures bearing wings strong enough to fly Elysians all over Asphodel (an important mode of transportation, given that the majority of Elysians wouldn't have wings strong enough to support long flights.)

## Dwelling Place

Elodi did not dwell in temples or shrines but instead made their home on the highest island in the Overrealm, called the King's Isle. When Elodi was not with their children, they could be found there.

## Trivia

* No, Elodi does not have biological children.
* Yes, Elodi might be considered a loser.
* Elodi has depression.