Arhah
the Life Bringer
(a.k.a. the Staglord, Old Man of the Willows)
Arhah, revered as the Staglord or the Old Man of the Willows, holds a prominent place within the pantheon of the Ministry Divine. His dominion extends over concepts deeply entwined with the natural world, including Nature, Life, Medicine, and Peace. Arhah embodies the profound interconnection between humanity and the environment, encouraging a harmonious coexistence with the natural world. His followers revere sacred texts and rituals that underscore this intrinsic bond and celebrate the sanctity of life.
Arhah's faith extols simplicity, serenity, and a profound respect for the natural world. His followers are encouraged to find tranquility in the present moment, with the understanding that excessive worry and stress obstruct the path to surmounting life's challenges. Key tenets emphasize the mending of what is broken, the healing of wounds, and the propagation of life. Devotees stand as unwavering guardians of nature, opposing those who seek to defile it or propagate disease.
Among the holiest texts in Arhah's faith is The Almanac, an annual compendium providing long-range weather predictions, detailed gardening advice, lunar insights, folklore, and seasonal activity guides for thousands of planets. It spans a full sixteen galactic standard months, each regionally divided to aid in agricultural planning. Signs & Symbols, on the other hand, serves as a manual for interpreting dreams, deciphering ethereal symbolism, and fostering lucid dreaming and prophetic visions. Ardvan's Flora Esoterica represents a botanical treasury, painstakingly documenting the diverse plant life of Edrazion, complete with descriptions of each plant's physical characteristics, habitat, uses, and symbolic significance.
The Harvest Festival, a widely celebrated holiday of Arhah, marks the culmination of the annual harvest. People from all walks of life engage in various preparatory activities, including crop harvesting, food preservation, crafting wreaths, contests, and games. The festival culminates in the illumination of a colossal bonfire (usually holographic on ships or smaller space stations), symbolizing the victory of another abundant harvest. Temples and shrines dedicated to Arhah can be found on the outskirts of colonies or in pristine wilderness areas. These sanctuaries typically feature tranquil glades enveloped by sacred trees, often centered around pools of water. Shrines emphasize practicality, serving as places for prayer, simple meals, or respite. In urban settings, rare temples manifest as colossal trees with hollow interiors, often surrounded by urban parks.
Arhah primarily communicates with his followers through dreams, transmitting vivid images, emotions, or prophetic visions that linger upon awakening. Favor from Arhah is evident in the flourishing of new life, rapid healing of wounds, and undisturbed slumber. Conversely, his displeasure may lead to restless nights, sore feet, disorientation in the wilderness, or crop blights. Rituals devoted to Arhah encompass vision quests aided by hallucinogenic tinctures, crop blessings, acts of kindness extended to strangers, and protective measures against nightmares.
In essence, Arhah's influence spans both the natural world and the human spirit, fostering a profound appreciation for the tranquility and interconnectedness of life and nature.
Holy Symbol
Sworn Enemies
Evil Plants, Oozes, Quori, Night Hags
Favored Weapon(s)
Scythe
Sacred Animal(s)
Elk, Deer, Caribou, & Moose
Sacred Color(s)
Green
Common Worshippers
Farmers, Doctors, Terraformers, Botanists, Mediators
Preferred Offerings
Bonsai, Pipes (and tobacco), Soil from Far Away Lands, Poems, Dreamweavers
Current Location
Realm
Church/Cult
Children
Sex
Male
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