Elis

The Avian Huntress

Exhaling, an Elian huntress steels herself, notching the bow and taking careful aim at her prey. Five braids drift in the wind behind her, a symbol of her prowess. She fires one shot. It is as quick and painless a death as she can give. A young Elian sits outside, basking in the warmth of the sun while listening to the tales and songs of the returning hunters. It is said that Elis' wingspan is broad enough to encompass the entire world in her warmth and light. It is believed that she can see through the eye of every aloft hawk, falcon, and other majestic bird searching for its prey. As the goddess of the sun, sky, and day, the hours where the sun's rays grace the continent belong to Elis. Despite her tenets, Elis is primarily worshipped only by the Avian folk of the Anwar-Dai mountains, where she was believed to have been created or born. While in the past she was often depicted as taking a myriad of humanoid forms, she is now exclusively represented as a sun-kissed aarakocra. It is said that her gaze can burn even the most devout of her followers, should she desire it to, but those of non-avian descent tend to feel the ire of her gaze the most. At her core, Elis is protective of her people, their lands, and their culture.

Antagonist: The Lady of Winter (or Wrath of Winter)

The Dichotomy of Elis

Among the pantheon, Elis is commonly considered one of the more distant gods. However, within Sun's First Grace and the Anwar-Dai, she is considered an integral part of the community. While she may reside primarily in her Temple atop the highest peak in the Anwar-Dai, she does not shy away from interacting with her people, especially those who have proven their commitment to Elian culture and tradition. She commonly engages with her Beloved and frequently has children with them, though she has a tendency to demand the child's true parentage be kept secret... until they have come-of-age and proven their worth. For all the warmth and oppenness of the community, tradition and culture may still divide families, especially those born of Elis.

The Elian Braids

When a young Elian comes-of-age at 3, they may begin to undertake the trials and earn their braids, with the 5th and final braid earned at the Temple of Elis. Those who succeed in earning 5 braids are considered honored members of the community: true hunters of Elis. Yet they are also trusted with more responsibility as caretakers of the community as a whole. On rare occasions, a 6th braid may be granted. These are only granted in extreme circumstances; they are often gifted in response to personal sacrifice for the greater good of the community.

Divine Domains

Light, Twilight, Forge, Tempest, Nature, sun, sky, storms, flight, day, birds of prey.

Artifacts

Daybreak – This magical longbow is infused with the radiant energy of the sun itself. The longbow was gifted to and wielded by Rhovahk, son and Champion of Elis during the Battle of the Barrier. 

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The Amber gemstone, the sun, an ombre feather, clouds, golden wings, rainbow, bow and arrow over wings.

Tenets of Faith

Defining the Horizon – To the Sun and Sky, there are no barriers or divided regions; there is only one vast expanse through which light graces the continent. The sun only vanishes when it dips beneath the horizon. All those who follow Elis must recognize that their potential is as boundless as the sky. Followers of Elis must recognize that the world will create barriers and hurdles for them to overcome, but they can be climbed just as the sun climbs through the sky every morning. Each day is a new opportunity. But remember that the sun settles each night to rest. It is the moments when one chooses to fight and when one chooses to rest that the most beautiful colors are created. With each new horizon, actively seek the lessons learned.

One Sun to Warm All – The continent and its creatures are all blessed by the same sun. Followers of Elis believe that a smaller sun exists within each of them – a ball of energy generating warmth. This inner sun must be nurtured and cared for. It must be allowed to grow and shine. Those of Elian culture and heritage strongly believe that physical warmth is important, but the warmth of these inner suns is just, if not more, important. While every individual may fly through the sky on their own physical, mental, or emotional journey, each is entitled to return to the warmth of a community, Elis' embrace.

Keepers of Nature – All beneath the sun are under the watchful eye and protection of Elis, but the natural order of life is often to die so another may live. Regarded as the Sky or Avian Huntress, those who follow Elis strive to be the best hunters, capable of killing a creature with minimal pain. All parts of the plant or slain creature must be harvested and used. Respect must be shown to those who take life to nourish another and respect must also be shown to the creature that gave its life. It is the responsibility of all Elis' people to ensure this respect is upheld.

Holidays

The Day of the Sun

Divine Classification

Spirit of the Land

Alignment

Neutral Good

Parents

The Lady of Winter

Pronouns

She/Her/Hers

Aligned Organization

The Dremoran Pantheon