The Elven Gods

### Sarastra, The Lunar Queen

An elven lady of stunning beauty with hair the colour of midnight stands before a shining field of stars. A gown seemingly woven from the night sky drapes her flawless ivory skin. Bright lights glitter like diamonds in her crown and raiment, and some drift about her body and dance near her hand.  Her Celestial and Royal Majesty, Sarastra rules the domain of Ysheim. The strongest amongst all the Anam’satil, she is the undisputed ruler of Ljosalfheim ruling over all lesser fey with grace and majesty. Possessing the most mortal worshippers, Sarastra has grown to become a deity of considerable power, throughout the Midlands, where many knights once swore their vows before her various effigies.

The fall of the Duchies lessened her following somewhat, however many still seek her protection from the horrors of the night and pray to her so that she may watcher over their dreams. The lady herself enjoys beauty in all its forms, filling her court with female eladrin whose souls belonged to the most beautiful and talented of her followers. Those women that pique her interest are reborn as her nightingales, serving as her personal attendants. These nightingales are typically royal eladrin of exceptional beauty who tend to take part in political matters within her court.

Ysheim is akin to an idyllic medieval region that is in a state of eternal night, the star-filled sky illuminated by the white light of a large crescent moon. The light illuminates the lands which are a mosaic of fields, dotted by the castles and keeps, home to the grail knights who swore themselves to the Lunar Queen.

### Gretchenval, The Ice Queen

Possessing pale white skin and tightly braided blonde hair, to look upon Gretchenval pervades lesser beings with a feeling of coldness as their very skin begins to shake and shiver. Her gown is exquisite, fashioned of luminous blue fabric that catches light and shines from within. Lacy ice crystals accent the gown, and a snow-white mantle cascades from her shoulders. Icicles radiate in a crownlike halo behind her head, drifting gracefully through the air. Gretchenval, referred to as her Crystalline Majesty, is the cold-hearted ice queen, she rules the northern reaches of Ljosalfheim, her lands known as Joetenheim. She holds court in Grokenheim, a castle of delicate spires carved entirely out of ice, the dwelling catches and reflects even the faintest glimmer of light, shining like a beacon and enticing travellers to risk the dangerous winter realm.

The Ice Queen is a cold and callous goddess, who exudes an aura of cold malice and is known for extreme displays of cruelty to those foolish enough to cross her. Gretchenval holds dominion over the harsh cold of winter, because of this, many elven cultures that dwell in the cold north tend to revere her. They offer prayers and sacrifices to the Ice Queen, in the hopes that she will spare them from the biting cold of Winter.

Joetenheim is described as being a frozen tundra that dominates the northern edges of Ljosalfheim. Numerous tribes of Fraughashar dwell in the frozen caves that lead into the Feydark, ever vigilant for subterranean invasions. This domain is a treacherous one, with the supernatural blizzard that engulfs it, claiming the lives of many that wander into it without the queen’s blessing. Those uninvited that survive usually find themselves hunted by either the trollkin reavers that patrol the tundras or the packs of winter wolves that infest the frozen wilderness. Those that truly draw her crystalline majesty’s ire, may find themselves hunted by her daughters, the frost witches, who ride out into the blizzard, their coming heralded by the roars of the polar bears that drive their frost encrusted sleds.

### Orthavud, The Jovial King

Dressed in hunting leathers with a thick bearskin cloak around his shoulders, the bearded king sits upon a throne carved from a whole tree trunk. A crown of holly leaves wreathes his head, and a blackened maul rests near his hand. An ornate clay pot filled with honey hangs from his hips at all times. Orthavud, also known as the Bear King or the Lord of Honey, rules the great kingdom of Bjoernheim in the north of Ljosalfheim, the close proximity of Bjoernheim and Joetenheim has bred a rivalry between the two domains, leading to various instances of “war” between Orthavud’s Bear Jarls and Gretchenval’s Trollkin Reavers.

The Lord of Honey possesses an insatiable appetite for cakes and other sweets; with the denizens of his realm producing a variety of pastries and other sweet delights in order to appease their jovial god’s appetite. It is not uncommon to see massive feasts and festivals taking place within Bjoernheim, as Orthavud greatly enjoys partaking in revelry of any form. In addition to this, Orthavud is known as being the most steadfast and loyal amongst the Elven Gods, taking oaths very seriously and although he is slow to anger, his fury is legendary especially when directed towards oath breakers.

The domain of Bjoernheim is described a maze of thick woodland that is home to all variety of bears, it is said that those who wander through it can hear the sound of laughter and joy-filled singing from the many feasts and festivals held in its elven halls.

### Nirnas, The Troll Queen

This statuesque woman towers over any tall man and most ogres. Her hair falls in a cascade of curls and looks as if it is spun from luminous copper. Her eyes are the colour of moss beds, with no iris or pupil. A billowy robe of forest green enshrouds her body, and she grasps a great ring of etched silver in one massive fist.  Nirnas, also known as the Mountain Ogress or the Lady of Copper and Crystal is not what one usually imagines from an elven goddess, she possesses a great imposing figure of mass and power. Her stature speaks of great physical strength and the stalwart defiance of the mountain itself.

She is the patron of many skilled elven craftsmen, it said that the greatest of the ancient elven smiths were those that drew her eye and were granted the honour of her tutelage. Most of the works crafted by these individuals have risen to become legendary artifacts known as Lesser Stars, and many undergo dangerous trials and quests in order to seek out these artifacts. Legends also speak of artifacts created by the Troll Queen herself, referred to as Greater Stars, are sought out by her most devoted of followers, in the hopes of proving themselves worthy of her teachings. It is unknown if any have

She rules within the mountainous region of Morkheim. Home to ogres, loxoda and great giants, Morkheim is a region that values strength and the power of Nirnas is highly sought after, with it being said that a single strand of hair from her coppery head containing all the strength a mortal might ever desire.

### Ludomir, The Mad King

Dressed in archaic nobleman’s finery, this lord has wildly unkempt bluish hair and pale, almost luminous skin. His eyes bulge slightly from their sockets as they stare vacantly. The lord’s shadow moves slightly out of sync with his body, which appears solid in some portions and nearly transparent in others. Ludomir, also known as the Exiled King, lost the favour of his wife Sarastra millennia ago after losing a duel against the Emerald Knight. The king took this to heart and upon losing his wife’s love and power he was driven to madness.

Ludomir’s domain is over madness, and many use the tale of the mad king as a cautionary one as to the dangers of infatuation. He holds a strange position within the elven pantheon, with many of his devotees usually praying for his protection from madness and his divine help in curing the corruptive madness of the abyss. There are members of his clergy however that revel in his madness, claiming that their deity’s insanity is a gift that allows them to see truths that would otherwise be hidden to them.

Ludomir now rules over Bratisheim, a mysterious land within this already strange realm. Ludomir’s court changes position every day, one day appearing in one domain only to disappear for years on end and reappear in some other far-flung court.  The king’s temper is as volatile as his kingdom, with him exhibiting happiness only to switch to a fit of rage the next, sometimes over the most trivial of things. The Mad King has been known to travel the Feywild in the guise of a decrepit old man that may on a whim either help or hinder anyone unlucky enough to cross his path.

### Mjolnar, The Sea King

This powerfully muscled elf lord wears a cloak of foam-trimmed dark blue along with a vest of woven green reeds and willow branches. His crown shines like the sun on a lake, and his flowing hair curls and moves even when there is no wind. An orb of blue light that ripples like water circles his hand. His Rippling Majesty, Mjolnar also bears the title of defender of the seas, his court resides within the great sea of Aranheim, ruling over the sea-elves and other creatures that inhabit his kingdom. He is a stern ruler with a great love for his people and a quick temper for those who endanger his domain.

Mjolnar’s main domain is over the oceans of the world, his worship is most widely spread amongst the sea elves, who view their deity as a benevolent protector. Many seafarers offer prayers to him in the hopes that he will protect them from the dangers that linger within the seas of the world, many members of his clergy hold respected positions on elven ships, as they are seen as a symbol of the Sea King’s favour. Although his worship mainly revolves around the seas, it is also believed that Mjolnar holds a deep appreciation for the arts, a remnant from his mortal life. Because of this, many of his followers devote their free time to the arts, channelling their devotion through their paintings.

Aranheim is described as being a massive ocean within the Feywild that is dotted with various archipelagos that are home to various eladrin settlements, however the true beauty of Aranheim lies below the ocean’s surface where one is met with beautiful sights from colourful coral reefs to vibrant green forests of seaweed, all occupied by a variety of aquatic fey spirits that come in all shapes and sizes.  Aranheim borders the domain of Quessian, which is home to the archfey Nariella. There are rumours that Mjolnar and Nariella hold a strange affection for each other, their shared power of the seas of the Feywild drawing them towards one another. However, due to the controversial nature of such an affection, it is uncertain whether there is any truth to these rumours, or if they’re mere hearsay.

### Voluthruud, The Wolf King

Astride a midnight horse sits a shirtless elven huntsman. His broad chest is thickly muscled, and sports tattooed knot work. Great stag antlers crest the huntsman’s head, curving above his rich brown hair. The pale green glow that shines from his eyes obscures the elf’s strong features, and a massive spear twined with glowing green vines drives forward in his clenched fist. Voluthruud, also known as the Emerald Hunter or the Fey Wolf was once the most hated amongst the Anam’satil. Relentlessly hunted by his brethren for his betrayal and his role in their banishment to the Feywild. However, many of his divine brethren have forgiven Voluthruud after his aid in defeating the demon lord Camazaath.

That being said, they still harbour some degree of resentment towards the wolf king, especially Gretchenval and Sarastra, who waste no opportunity to voice their disdain towards the betrayer. For his part, Voluthruud rarely takes part in the politics of Ljosalfheim, preferring to spend most of his time wandering the mortal realms. He is venerated by those that dwell within the wilderness and is considered to be the patron of all elven hunters. He is also said to be the father of lycanthropy, having created the first lycanthropes in order to combat the aforementioned abyssal incursion. He is said to appear to all those that are afflicted by the curse, occasionally invading their dreams as they succumb to the lust for the hunt.

### Baba, The Witch Queen

Clad in stained and tattered green robes, resulting from millennia of experiments with the wild magic that runs rampant in the realm. Her hair unkempt and nose crooked, she is always seen carrying with her a mortar and pestle along with a silver dagger with an ironbark hilt.

Amongst the Anam’satil, the witch queen is said to hold the strongest connection to the Feywild, shunned by many of her brethren, she is closer to the archfey and has taken a far more neutral stance when it comes to the struggles between the two dominating factions of the plane. The witch queen is said to be first and most powerful hag, and is usually associated with knowledge and magic, with a strong emphasis over witchcraft. Her followers are usually innate casters who utilize strange magical rituals to draw their deity’s attention. Those seeking her blessing are said to be changed, their link to the witch queen’s domain growing, so much so that it is not uncommon for them to manifest minor mutations that may eventually lead to them transforming into hags. Alternatively, those draw the witch queen’s attention may find the fate of their bloodline forever tied to her, with their descendants occasionally being born as hexbloods who eventually transform into hags.

The Witch Queen, rules over no land, instead travelling the realm in a little hut that is carried by two massive chicken legs. It is said that Baba is always searching for new ways to unlock the secrets of wild magic and test her rival deities. She is accompanied by her sons, the Three Horsemen. Each one a legendary warrior in their own right, legends state that they are the illegitimate sons of the Emerald Knight, although this statement has been greatly disputed by the other Anam’satil. Initially, Baba would send her children out to face their father in the hopes of besting him in combat and proving their superiority, after his defeat however, they have taken the roles of emissaries for their mother, travelling the feywild in order to discuss treaties and right any wrongs done to their mother.

The three horsemen change over time, but they are typically male warriors, their appearance distinctive: each one dresses in coloured and lacquered armour that suit their name, with coloured horses to match. However, whilst their bodies may change, their spirits have always remained the same, either migrating to new stronger bodies through the use of pacts and bargains, or forcefully possessing the bodies of those strong enough to defeat them. The three horsemen never appear at the same time, with The Bright Day cursed to appear from dawn to mid-day, The Red Sun from mid-day to sundown and The Dark Night governing from dusk till dawn.