Silvanus

Silvanus

Silvanus (pronounced: /sɪlˈvɑːnʌs/ sihl-VANN-us), the Forest Father, is the god of nature, though later considered only the god of wild nature and druids. Silvanus is one of the oldest and most prominent deities in Faerûn, and the wilder counterpart to Chauntea the Earthmother. His worshipers protect places of nature from the encroachment of civilization with vigor and are implacable foes of industrious peoples.

Relationships

Whilst having no superiors, Silvanus has been a long-time ally of Chauntea the Earthmother despite their clergies' differences. He is also allied with Lathander. Silvanus is served directly by Eldath and Mielikki, whom some believe are his daughters, and indirectly by Gwaeron Windstrom, Lurue, and Shiallia. Silvanus resents the destructive nature of the storm lord, Talos, and the Lady of Poison, Talona, who encourages disease beyond what is natural. He reserves his greatest hatred, however, for the Beastlord Malar and his followers, working against his insatiable bloodlust at every opportunity. Silvanus despises life-threatening impulses in anything.

Worshipers

The church of Silvanus has a pervasive influence, especially across the continent of Faerûn. Non-worshipers often view the church unfavorably due to its tendency to disrupt expansion into woodland, sometimes with violence. Examples of rituals for worship are entreaties for spells at sundown or in moonlight. The Dryad Dance is a replenishing ritual of wild, wayward dance that calls out dryads to join the ritualists for mating. Most Silvanite clerics, sometimes referred to as Forest Masters, also function as druids or rangers.

Dogma

Silvanus sees and balances all, meting out wild water and drought, fire and ice, life and death. Hold your distance and take in the total situation, rather than latching on to the popular idea of what is best. All is in cycle, deftly and beautifully balanced. It is the duty of the devout to see this cycle and the sacred Balance as clearly as possible. Make others see the Balance and work against those that would disturb it. Watch, anticipate, and quietly manipulate. Resort to violence and open confrontation only when pressured by time or hostile action. Fight against the felling of forests, banish disease wherever you find it, defend the trees, and plant new flora wherever possible. Seek out, serve, and befriend the dryads and learn their names. Kill only when needful, destroy fire and its employers, and beware orcs and others who bring axes into the forest.