Ilvir
God
Ilvir is the only diety which resides on Kethira among mortals. He dwells in the Pits of Ilvir, a series of underground cravens, under the crumbling tower of Araka-Kala in the Misyn plains east of Late Benath.
He is a shapechanger, taking whatever form suits him. His favorite shape is said to be that of a Serpent which features significantly in Ilviran religious art.
Ilvir is a peaceable and introspective god, rarely interfering with the activities of other deities or their adherents. He seems satisfied with endless experiments creating lifeforms, the Ivashu, for which he is known.
Ilvir makes few demands on his followers and also gives little in return.
He is symbolized by a sundered claw, one of the severed claws of Agrik, the source of the magic which he first used to make his creatures.
Some deny he is truly a god and considers him a mere demigod or demon. He is definitely the weakest of the major gods.
Divine Domains
Holy Books & Codes
Temples of Ilvir are usually full of ancient and recent holy books plus art objects; however, there is no standardized written doctrine.
The holy documents are filled with a huge variety of myths, legends, historical and political texts, illustrations, sermons, intellectual studies, and sometimes random incoherent thoughts.
Often elaborate codes, real or imaginary, are incorporated into the text. There is no consistency in scripts, although most recent books are written in lakise, however elven and runic scripts are occasionally used. It is not unknown for priests to create their own personalized scripts.
Sometimes rather than books, artwork, etchings, ceramics, carvings, and fabric patterns are sometimes used to express the holy word.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Sundered Claw
Snakes
Circles and spirals
Serpent devouring its children
Serpent devouring its tail
Colors Brown and Yellow
Number Six.
Holy Artifact Materials
Animal hides, claws, and bones.
Tenets of Faith
Worshipers of Ilvir have no common goals or principles; they act and worship as they wish. Ilviran doctrine is shrouded in obscure, convoluted, and occasionally conflicting mysticism.
Often clerics associate with Orders that follow their own versions of Ilviran theology. Some claim that even its clerics have no idea what is going on. The worship of Ilvir has always been individualistic.
Ilvir is worshiped most commonly among the Jarin, a culture that has always favored a more mystical style of worship.
Mundanic and Kalaric
However, one common brief is always present, llviran Dualism. All beings have 2 souls, the Mundaric, which controls body functions, stays in the body after death, and the other the Kalaric, the creativity, will, and personality, which leaves the body and goes to an afterlife in Araka-Kalai.
Some believe that if you serve Ilvir well in life, you will be reincarnated, maybe even into an Ivashu; however, this is hotly debated among the clergy.
Amnizyn Sacrifice
Ilvirian sects and priests often believe creation and sacrifice are key to gaining Ilvirs attention. Many create wonderful art objects, but some clerics make sacrifices.
The Amnizyn Sacrifice is the concept of giving up part of oneself to honor Ilvir and, in some cases, gain a better status in their next life. Some sects sacrifice the top joints of their fore, and little fingers, the Order of the Children of the Blind Serpent sacrifices eyesight and some clerics only hair or nails. There are no standard rules, and the Amnizyn Sacrifice is not universally practiced.
As an alternative, some clerics and faithful collect and sacrifice body parts of strange creatures to Ilvir, hoping to get reincarnated into an Ivashu after death. The more exotic the sacrifice, the better chance of success. There is even whispered talk of human sacrifices by more evil cults, with victims feed to an especially dangerous Ivashu. One thing that is never sacrificed, however, is an artwork.
The Pilgrimage
An important practice among Ilvirans is the pilgrimage to Araka-Kalai. A devoted worshiper should make at least one journey to Araka-Kalai. However, this is an expensive and dangerous trek, and many do not return.
As an alternative, some of the faithful instead undertake the Little Journey.
Little Journey
As an alternative to the Pilgrimage, some Ilvirian sects allow the Little Journey, traveling and pay reverence to six of the most holy sites throughout Hârn.
Holidays
The Araksin
The most important religious festival of the Ilviran church takes place between the first and fifteen days of the month of Ilvin.
Priests fast for the week preceding Araksin. During the festival, various artworks are displayed and plays covering all aspects of the Ilviran mythos are performed.
Physical Description
Special abilities
Ilvir enjoys creating strange life forms however he cannot create a soul, so he constantly recycles (or reincarnate) souls into new Ivashu bodies after they are slain.
Mental characteristics
Morality & Philosophy
Ilvir has no specific moral compass, neither good or evil, only creative, individualistic and free spirited.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To live in peace and create new life forms.
To observe such lifeforms and how they adapt and interact with the world.
To experiment.
To foster creativity among his worshipers and other sentient creatures.
To cause confusion and change.
To understand the nature of life.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Ilvir has several servants, all are powerful Ivashu or even demigods. However their duties are unclear.
Seafarer Ibenis,
Sudelrhynn the Bearer of Loam,
Chuchlaen Wheelwright,
Mazia the eternal pilgrim,
Tein-meran the ghost in the books,
Shireallie the perfect prophet.
Obsidipor - The Slain.
Mannerisms
Master of Araka-Kalai,
Brooder in the Blasted Plains,
The Serpent that Dwells Below,
Accursed Lord of the Barren Cycle,
Prince of the Fatherless Multitude,
Craven Lord of Sterile Lands.
Church of Ilvir Symbol
Location of Araka-Kalai
Other Articles
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The God Ilvir
The god of Art, Mysticism and Monsters.
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