Difference between revisions of "Aeolis"

From Immwiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m
 
(73 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
|'''Favored Race''' || [[Aelin]]
 
|'''Favored Race''' || [[Aelin]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|'''Element(s)'''  || [[Air]], [[Spirit]]
+
|'''Pronoun(s)'''  || He/him
 
|-
 
|-
−
|'''Home(s)'''     || The Courtyard of the Gallant (vnum)
+
|'''Element(s)'''   || [[Water]], [[Earth]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
|'''Alignment'''    || [[Neutral Good]]
+
|'''Home(s)'''      || The Courtyard of the Gallant (vnum 1290)
 +
|-
 +
|'''Alignment'''    || [[Lawful Good]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Symbol(s)'''    || A rose, a silver sword
 
|'''Symbol(s)'''    || A rose, a silver sword
 +
|-1
 +
|'''Portfolio'''    || Purity, nobility, verve, refuge, guilt, tradition
 
|-
 
|-
−
|'''Portfolio'''   || The arts, gallantry, purity, romance, dreams, statesmanship
+
|'''Worshippers''' || Patriarchs, poets, romantics, newlyweds, protectors
 
|-
 
|-
−
|'''Worshippers''' || Aelin, [[bard|bards]], artists, lovers, elected officials
+
|'''House(s)'''     || Merchant (P), Champion
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==History in Avendar==
 
==History in Avendar==
−
In the age following the [[Sundering]], the aelin race rose amidst the wastelands of the Prime. Their high culture, born of both divine ember and their keen intellect, established itself with sudden and sweeping ferocity. Two parent-gods emerged from the adolescent race's conscience: Aeolis, the charismatic patron of the arts, and Alia, radiant goddess of the skies. Both were worshipped, and typically in concert; Aeolis delighted in gallantry and romance, while Alia nurtured beauty and temperance. Many of the early aelin found some of themselves in these ideals, and the connection between the divine and the mundane was strong.
+
One of the earliest civilizations to rise in the wake of the Sundering was that of the aelin. Upon their characteristic wings, they took to the skies above the Ialiedae mountains and claimed a great, floating disc as the sanctuary of their people.  This city, Ilodaiya, would become the epicenter for their emerging empire. Although they had great potential, petty in-fighting and social maneuvering threatened to strangle their civilization in its crib.  This conflict of the soul drew the attention of Aeolis, a thereto unknown deity. He appeared at the center of their imperial court, and offered a solution to their struggle: guilt.  This, he said, would guide their conscience true in the face of all adversity.  Order came by way of his first chosen, and through their artifice laid the groundwork for the shame society which underpins aelin life.
  
−
The [[War of Fire]] shattered many of the naive notions of the pre-War period, the great culture established by the aelin forefathers reduced to ash and corpse. The aelin resolutely clung to their dreams even as they were incinerated, calling out to their deific father and mother for respite. However, the [[Compact]] prevented them from taking any serious action, and instead left their children to suffer at the hands of their enemies. With the aid of early [[human|humans]], some aelin left their cities and sought the slumbering Father of the Seas, [[Jolinn]]. Together, they roused the ancient overgod and claimed the magics of [[Water]], the decisive weapon of the War. With so much lost, the post-War years focused on restoring the aelin race to its former glory. Humans embraced the high culture of the aelin, mirroring it in their Republic.
+
Aeolis himself emerged as a charismatic, unifying voice, and he encouraged the canonization of the aelin houses, the character of each based upon an iconic ancestor. Doing so, he told them, would create stable lineages to cling to. To facilitate this change, his chosen developed and popularized the arcane marriage process which persists to the present. Of course, the aelin had another, previous goddess, Alil, whose worship was thoroughly ingrained in the collective aelin consciousness; Aeolis saw this as both a challenge and an opportunity. According to common mythology, he made overture after overture to win the affection of the goddess, to no avail. Finally, he lit the constellation Lavetiae above the high city, and when the goddess beheld her sign in the night sky, her heart was won.  
  
−
The servitor-god, [[Serachel]], descended to the Prime to aid the damaged livelihood of the aelin race at the behest of Jolinn. Aeolis resented this act, as direct divine intervention was a threat to His children. His sister-goddess, Alia, believed in the actions of Serachel and chose to do so at His side. Although Aeolis attempted to dissuade Her from this course, She was resolute and Her aim was compassionate; He reluctantly conceded insofar as He did not attempt to bar Her way. Aeolis himself, however, did not take on mortal form as did His siblings. For awhile, at least, it seemed Aeolis' fears were unfounded, as Serachel and Alia did much to revitalize the battered aelin race.
+
The legend of their divine wedded bliss persisted until the War of Fire, when the srryn shattered their naive, pre-War notions with mystic flame.  The aelin resolutely clung to their dreams even as they were incinerated, calling out to the heavens for respite. However, Aeolis, unwilling to upset the Compact, assured his chosen that the return of Jolinn would be their salvation, and sent his great heroes and heroines to join humanity in the journey to Thaering Jad. Alil, however, was not content to watch the horrific deaths of their people. She flew high above the mountains and invoked her dread power, obliterating the entire province of Illata (and the srryn army within it) in the blink of an eye.  Aeolis' caution and abidance of rule was considered abandonment to many, and Alil's militant following laid claim to the imperial court and cast the Aeolian priesthood out by force.
  
−
When Serachel urged the embrace of the [[Void]] to the aelin people during the [[War of Night]], Aeolis vehemently opposed it. It was then that He truly realized the stakes of Serachel's involvement with His children, although Aeolis' mortal following numbered few against the political and ideological might of His rival. The unexpected arrival of [[Rystaia]] and the [[ch'taren]] granted Aeolis the opportunity He desperately desired. Her command of the Spirit offered the possibility of exposing Serachel's devious intentions. Together, He and Rystaia reclaimed both Serachel and Alia; She imprisoned Serachel in the Nightmare Realm, while He ended Alia's ability to walk amongst mortals. While He saw this as a kindness to His lost love, Alia's desperation and withdrawal transformed Her into the Mad Angel, [[Alil]]. In the post-War period, His followers sought to eradicate the infidel faith of Serachel and strike His hated name from history. As a patron of the [[Champions of Avendar]], Aeolis continues to battle the vice and selfish pride that have plagued His children for a millennium.
+
However, much as Aeolis predicted, the actions of Alil during the War's end invited the attention of a new deity, Serachel, ostensibly sent to make right the disruption to the divine order. Rather than chide the goddess, Serachel instead chose to rule alongside her, ushering in the fabled Dalae period.  While revered in certain aelin religious histories, this was one of Aeolis' darkest moments, as his priesthood had been all but marginalized, replaced by the hedonistic vainglory of the Serachelian and Alilean confluence.  As the corruption of the aelin soul grew more overt, Void magic imported from the shuddeni underworld upset the balance of the aelin houses, and appeared poised to cement the perversion of classical aelin conceits as a new social order.  While the Aeolians fought in what ways they could, the light of their dedication was nearly snuffed out.
 +
 
 +
The sudden arrival of Rystaia Lightbringer and the ch'taren radically reframed the War of Night narrative, and the banishment of Serachel to the Nightmare Realm provided Aeolis sudden opportunity.  Predicating his decision on Alil's violation of the Compact (which had yet remained unrighted), he separated Alil from the mundane world and bound her to the heavens. While a grave decision even to his following, the choice was seen as an unfortunate but inevitable consequence, and cast Alil herself as an object of pity and scorn, having been corrupted by Serachel's wickedness. However, the changes of the Dalae period could never be entirely undone, shaking the foundation of aelin society.  From then on, the Aeolian priesthood became the sentinel of their ancient patriarchy, and the vehicle through which the social order was reinstated.
 +
 
 +
Aeolis' following rose to particular prominence during the pre-modern era, with the coronation of Yesa Aea'ria as the Rose Consort.  For the first time, his creed extended measurably beyond Daphoa, and factored significantly into the overall spirit of the Champions of Avendar.  Graceful concession, righteous judgment, and romantic flair were canonized as Aeolian ideals, casting the mold in which generations of adventurers would spring.  However, the moment itself wilted as quickly as it blossomed; while heroes and heroines of the Rose appeared occasionally after, they were long overshadowed by peers of other, more militant, religions.  This, perhaps, motivated the Rose King to align himself with the Grand Federation of Merchants, to again wield his charisma to press the world toward a more ideal form.
  
 
==Goals and Methods==
 
==Goals and Methods==
−
Aeolis seeks a world filled with gallantry, purity and romance. His primary agents for this world are His children, the aelin, as their collective soul already reflects the possibility of its creation. Aeolis finds his greatest pleasures in mortalkind feeling the rush of infatuation and the joys of placing others before themselves. Many non-aelin consider Aeolis to be a sort of deific playboy, although His intentions center more on allowing others to exult in the blush of new love, rather than as a collector of endless lovers. Purity is foremost to Aeolis, as it is the overarching principle by which the rest of His portfolio need conform. It should be noted that Aeolis Himself does not suggest that His followers espouse chastity or poverty, but to keep their intentions clear; those who would be harmed by well-intentioned love probably deserve it.
+
Aeolis' most well-known goal is the harmonious existence of the aelin people with whom he shares such affinity. This society is one in which people who fit together find one another; obligations and responsibilities are unambiguous; families are stable and happy; and children are reared with obedient care.  He, and by extension his priesthood, seek to bridle and tame the dangerous excesses to which the aelin have at times fallen victim. The rigid social expectations, bureaucratic hierarchies, and paternalistic power structures all have some origin in Aeolian edict, ancient and modern.  They deviate from the social spirit of Jalassa in that this cohesion is for its own end, as his concern is more for placid backgrounds than personal improvement. His presence as a patron of the Grand Federation of Merchants, for example, is read by his following as a steadying hand to guide them away from darker roads, as much as a way to advance social cohesion overall.
  
−
To create the world that Aeolis envisions, He encourages His followers to take up any number of personal interests, such as music, painting, poetry, or dance. All of these things are simple pleasures to the aelin, but each in turn is a facet of courtship. Additionally, statesmanship also falls amongst Aeolis' methods, as it represents a heightened form of romance, in this case being between an official and his nation. This dovetails well into the aelin belief in [[Iandir|Iandiric]] law, as it blends the best traits of leadership with the charismatic flair of aelin stylings. Dreams are possibly the most fluid of Aeolis' domains, the breadth of which is found in all manner of public and private life. Those dreams which drive people to greater heights, rather than self-destruction, are His to appreciate and encourage.
+
Romantic love is perhaps the most iconic of Aeolian methods, as its rich courtship ritual has contributed greatly to aelin artistic tradition.  As such, love, and lovers in general, are often cast in Aeolian terms or with the self-same imagery. However, core to the function of this love is pure intention, and thus, guilt (and by extension shame) is often their constant companion. This internal barometer shapes the conscience, and only when properly tuned can it divine true love from false.  While their Serachelian cousins also covet love as their own, it is guilt which directs it toward edification rather than ruin.  Predictably, because of their reputation for (at times over-the-top) charisma, near all Aeolian functions and functionaries have some penchant for the dramatic, be it in specific flourish or general presentation. This spectacular style often smooths their way, exciting fellow believers and subtly intimidating their rivals.
  
 
==Organizations and Followings==
 
==Organizations and Followings==
−
The pursuit of love and purity takes many forms, but for followers of Aeolis, it tends to be divided into three broad categories. While many who walk in the light trend toward cooperation, those who walk the Rose Lord's path often seek to break a mold rather than conform to it. As a result, many of His devoted do not organize themselves in vast numbers, preferring to surround themselves with diverse company. The major divisions are as follows:
+
The pursuit of love and purity takes many forms, but for followers of Aeolis, it tends to be divided into three broad categories. While many who walk in the light trend toward cooperation, those who walk the Rose King's path often seek to reimagine an ancient tale than create a new one. As a result, many of His devoted organize themselves in vast numbers, preferring to surround themselves with like-minded company. While this keeps their religious lineage strong, the priesthood's versatility has considerably waned.
  
−
:'''The Artists of the Rose'''
+
=====The Artists of the Rose=====
−
:''"Actually... I wrote this just for you."''
+
''"Actually... I wrote this just for you."''
  
−
:Music, painting, and poetry hold particular value to Artists of the Rose, as these can illuminate feelings, truths, and insights that common encounters lack. Many travel Avendar in search of inspiration, as the experiences that touch their own hearts, in turn, touch others'. Often, these experiences relate to the art of courtship, infatuation, or the turmoil of interpersonal entanglements. Much as Aeolis praised Alia's beauty and keen wit, so do Artists gravitate toward similar and extravagant expressions to their myriad of lovers. Some might describe them as hopeless romantics, although an Artist would rarely live any other way. Often eschewing conflict, Artists will still raise their swords if the emotions they seek to preserve are threatened.
+
:Music, painting, and poetry hold particular value to Artists of the Rose, as these can illuminate feelings, truths, and insights that common encounters lack. Many travel Avendar in search of inspiration, as the experiences that touch their own hearts, in turn, touch others'. Often, these experiences relate to the art of courtship, infatuation, or the turmoil of interpersonal entanglements. Much as Aeolis praised Alil's beauty and keen wit, so do Artists gravitate toward similar and extravagant expressions to their own of lovers. Some might describe them as hopeless romantics, although an Artist would rarely live any other way. Often eschewing conflict, Artists will still raise their swords if the emotions they seek to preserve are threatened.  Popular among adventurers, most walks, including a spate of dove-like Champions of Avendar, have chosen this path.
  
−
:'''The Order of the Silver Sword'''
+
=====The Order of the Silver Sword=====
−
:''"Villain! Stand down, lest I make short work of you!"''
+
''"Villain! Stand down, lest I make short work of you!"''
  
 
:The martial arm of the church of Aeolis, the Order of the Silver Sword composed of gallant warriors and templar. Protectors of innocence, they often risk their lives for the good of others. This protection, however, comes with an almost storybook flourish; a typical member of the Order pays special attention to both his appearance, and perhaps secondarily, his actual skill. Silver Swords often find themselves keeping company with those for whom they have amorous intentions. Although common images often depict men protecting women, there is no real aversion to other sorts of pairings as well (as the aelin largely appreciate all forms of attraction). Although they will at times take up an active pursuit of evil, a dedicant of the Order is most easily roused to defense, especially when the subjects of his affection are involved.
 
:The martial arm of the church of Aeolis, the Order of the Silver Sword composed of gallant warriors and templar. Protectors of innocence, they often risk their lives for the good of others. This protection, however, comes with an almost storybook flourish; a typical member of the Order pays special attention to both his appearance, and perhaps secondarily, his actual skill. Silver Swords often find themselves keeping company with those for whom they have amorous intentions. Although common images often depict men protecting women, there is no real aversion to other sorts of pairings as well (as the aelin largely appreciate all forms of attraction). Although they will at times take up an active pursuit of evil, a dedicant of the Order is most easily roused to defense, especially when the subjects of his affection are involved.
  
−
:'''The Magistrates of the Runil'''
+
=====The Magistrates of the Runil=====
−
:''"Brothers and sisters! What a world we shall create!"''
+
''"Brothers and sisters! What a world we shall create!"''
  
−
:Statesmen of particular renown often find themselves regarded as Magistrates of the Runil. Named after the runil, a tool of aelin judges, the category has its origins in legendary justices of the ancient aelin courts. Charismatic and upstanding, what separates a Magistrate from well-known politicians is their unrelenting dedication to maintaining both professional and statewide purity. Truly, all things that they endorse are intended for the purest of reasons. More contemporary Magistrates are no longer confined to judicial rulings or aristocracies, and instead take the role of respected diplomats and leaders. Although they may work in concert with the Sons and Daughters of Jolinn, a Magistrate is far more likely to be surrounded by a cult of personality. As a result, those chosen officially have often proven resilient to even the most potent of temptations. To be named a Magistrate is typically considered the crowning glory of a long and successful career.
+
:Charismatics of particular renown often find themselves regarded as Magistrates of the Runil. Named after the runil, a tool of aelin judges, the category has its origins in legendary justices of the ancient aelin courts. Colorful and upstanding, what separates a Magistrate from demagoguery is their unrelenting dedication to maintaining both professional and institutional purity; all things that they endorse are intended for righteous ends. More contemporary Magistrates are no longer confined to judicial rulings or aristocracies, and instead take the role of respected merchants and lawmen. Although they may work in concert with the Sons and Daughters of Jolinn, a Magistrate is far more likely to be surrounded by a cult of personality. As a result, those chosen officially have often proven resilient to even the most potent of temptations. To be named a Magistrate is typically considered the crowning glory in recognition of societal success.
  
 
==Individual Followers==
 
==Individual Followers==
−
Followers of Aeolis are traditionally moralizers, and not always rational voices even amongst the aelin. They tend to embrace a higher aesthetic than most, and their fixation on interpersonal ties and proper behavior often put them at odds with society's realists. Like their Lord, they often make encounters a breath of the fantastic, rather than the dreary mundane. If mortal life is a play, a follower of the Rose often feels that they perform one of the lead roles. This intentional distortion of reality serves to further the press toward what the aelin, in particular, are capable of being, rather than feeling powerless to the world's many evils.
 
  
−
The aelin worship Aeolis more extensively than other races, tracing His roots along with the initial rise of their cultural empire. In the years since the War of Night, other races have found themselves inspired by the storybook nature of His chosen. As one of the three patron gods of the Champions of Avendar, Aeolis' influence is widely accepted throughout the known world. In artistic circles, the blessing of Aeolis is a high mark of pride for both the bearer and those who share in their works.
+
Aeolis attracts a surprising variety of supplicants considering the specificity of his racial focus. What they share is the impression of being a grand figure in some epic drama, bringing a breath of the fantastic to the dreary and mundane.  This storybook quality tends to empower them, giving them a sense of agency and courage, rather than helplessness, in the face of the Avendar's many evils. Their variety of aesthetic pursuits, enthusiasm, and personal charm can make them polarizing figures, loved by those who accept them, and despised by those who judge them wanting.  The purity of their intentions and the quick wit with which they express them are both their sword and shield; the looming shadow of guilt, both real and imagined, is their shroud.  Generally speaking, Aeolis' appreciation for martial traditions makes his banner attractive to protector and duelist alike.  Conversely, his aesthetic ideals appeal to musicians, poets, and artists.
  
−
Those who find favor with the Lord of the Rose are marked with a rose-entwined silver sword.
+
The worship of Aeolis is most deeply ingrained within the aelin empire, including Ilodaiya and its surrounding provinces.  There, his agents have a strong presence in history, art, politics, and public administration; his personal emissary, the Rose Consort, travels abroad at his request.  Generally speaking, routine spiritual matters fall within the Aeolian domain, giving him a degree of primacy in aelin society even when compared to extraracial gods and goddesses with similar ideals.  However, other races have taken to the worship of the Rose King, often introduced by his missionaries or by way of his affiliation with either the Grand Federation and the Champions.  Humanity, in particular, has a fondness for him, and his imagery or philosophy is often used in their own, distinct marriage rituals.  His temples are vast and plenty within aelin spheres, and sparse everywhere else, often as part of larger, communal shrines.
 +
 
 +
Those who find favor with Lord of the Bloom are branded with a rose-entwined silver sword.
  
 
==Relationships==
 
==Relationships==
−
Aeolis is considered a dependable ally within the circles of the Light. Along with Rystaia and Jolinn, He blesses the Champions of Avendar in their fight against evil in all forms. [[Calaera]], in particular, often finds Aeolis' methods a bit too mellow, but He finds acceptance with the contemplatives of [[Alajial]]. The neutral pantheon is largely indifferent to Aeolis, as He makes no strong concessions to law or chaos, but instead healthily mixes the two as necessary. Evil deities tend to despise Him, as His endless moralizing and militant following constantly trouble their followers, especially when it is done primarily for show.
+
Aeolis is considered a dependable voice within the circles of the Light; his long-standing tenure as a patron of the Champions of Avendar has encouraged his popularity in those circles. Predictably, perhaps, it is for this same reason that evil deities despise him.  However, his transition to the Grand Federation of Merchants has put him on closer terms with their fellow patrons, Chadraln and Ayaunj, than he might have otherwise.  Generally speaking, his martial bent is appreciated but not overly lauded by more militant deities such as Calaera or Dolgrael, while much of the neutral pantheon abides him without particular note.  Deities of law, such as Iandir, find commonality in his affinity for stability and social cohesion.  His relationship with Jalassa is particularly fragile, as they largely align in method but deviate strongly in overall purpose.  Conversely, deities of chaos find he and his following tiresome and repetitive.  Tzajai, for example, found only the first Aeolian tale thrilling, and all successive ones boring and trite.
 +
 
 +
Aeolis' most important relationships are with Alil and Serachel.  Alil is a source of both guilt and consternation, in that he feels if he had been more diligent or responsive, they would not have suffered their long imprisonment in the heavens before their unscheduled release.  Serachel, on the other hand, is the focus of much of Aeolian ire, as it was his coming which nearly eradicated the Rose King's place in aelin society.  Serachel's slights are many and his designs sweeping, making it all the easier for Aeolis to devote his near-singular upset in his direction, fueling all manner of conflict between their religions.
 +
 
 +
==Shrines, Sigils, and Mobs==
 +
 
 +
=====Areas=====
 +
:'''The Shrine of the Rose''' (vnums 22450-22499)
 +
 
 +
=====Sigils=====
 +
:'''Tier 1 - a rose-entwined silver sword''' (vnum 1290)
 +
:* AC 5/9/14/15
 +
:* AC -10
 +
:* Damroll +1
 +
:* Saves -2
 +
:* Charisma +3
 +
:* Speech prog p: ''Lord Aeolis keep me safe from harm'' - [[Divine Shield]] (20%) [Aeolis and [[Yesa]] only]
 +
:* Fight prog 2: [[Ray of Purity]] (character's level)
 +
:* Verb prog p: ''inspire'' - [[Inspire]] (character's level)
 +
:* Verb prog p: ''produce rose'' - Loads a rose (vnum 89) on the wearer.
 +
 
 +
=====Mobs=====
 +
:[[The silver guardian]] (vnum 22451) - Guard for the Shrine of the Rose, does candidate interviews
 +
:[[Deraneth]] (vnum 22456) - Ghost-swordmaster that watches the memorial ground
 +
:[[Keiari]] (vnum 22498) - The current Rose consort
 +
 
 +
=====God Mark=====
 +
:You notice a pinkish rose birthmark.
 +
:''+4 Charisma modifier''
 +
 
 +
==Notes, Logs, and Other Documents==
 +
Aeolis' religion can be surprisingly subtle given that it includes romantic love.  It's often difficult for players to focus on its aspects beyond a generic, patronizing chivalry, and that isn't particularly suited to the religion as a whole.  Aeolis is a god which encourages respectful treatment of others; given how many of His followers have been female, it would be bizarre to expect a gender-focused mandate such as "defending all women".  If you are going to encourage an Aeolian role, it is best if you make sure the player realizes this means more than acting like an overdramatic Romeo.
 +
 
 +
The crux of the Aeolis experience is "purity of spirit", which can be loosely translated into "having good intentions" in most circumstances.  Sometimes the people you are romantically interested in aren't interested in you; sometimes the people interested in you, you aren't interested in.  Aeolis isn't fully onto a notion of never hurting someone's feelings, because sometimes you have no choice (but being malicious is obviously no-go).  This is so fundamental to following Aeolis that it informs basically every action a follower takes, so make sure that you establish this with applicants early and stick to it.
  
−
Aeolis has a special concern for Alil, whom He feels great guilt for failing to protect. Had He been more diligent, perhaps She would not have devolved into madness and wanton excess. He harbors a special anger toward Serachel, who He regards as a dangerous rogue deity hellbent on corrupting the collective soul of the aelin people. Through His followers, He seeks to purge the evil of the Dark Angel and elevate all mortalkind to a higher, more perfect state.
+
=====Helps=====
 +
:Old [[Aeolis website overview]] (11/19/2000)
  
−
==Shrines and Sigils==
+
=====Lore=====
−
(Here is where we will put a list of shrine locations (as many deities have altars in multiple places, even if they do have a dedicated shrine).  In the case of a dedicated shrine, the area name and the vnum range should be listed.)
+
:None
  
−
(For sigils, if tiered, they should be divided by tier.  After the name of each sigil, the effects of that sigil in terms of stats and progs should be listed as well.  This should give a staff member considering a brand a reference as to what exactly they are giving the mortal in question.  If no available sigils are appropriate for the role of the character in question and they still meet the criteria for being part of the religion, it may also serve to highlight if a new sigil is required.)
+
=====Logs=====
 +
:None
  
−
==Related Logs==
+
[[category:Gods]]
−
(This is where you list, preferably by year, any and all logs related to Aeolis.  These logs will serve as a primer for those about to fill Aeolis' shoes.  For convenience, it may help to divide the logs into smaller categories, such as inductions, general roleplay, quests, and whatnot.)
+

Latest revision as of 08:40, 13 February 2021

Overview
Favored Race Aelin
Pronoun(s) He/him
Element(s) Water, Earth
Home(s) The Courtyard of the Gallant (vnum 1290)
Alignment Lawful Good
Symbol(s) A rose, a silver sword
Portfolio Purity, nobility, verve, refuge, guilt, tradition
Worshippers Patriarchs, poets, romantics, newlyweds, protectors
House(s) Merchant (P), Champion

History in Avendar

One of the earliest civilizations to rise in the wake of the Sundering was that of the aelin. Upon their characteristic wings, they took to the skies above the Ialiedae mountains and claimed a great, floating disc as the sanctuary of their people. This city, Ilodaiya, would become the epicenter for their emerging empire. Although they had great potential, petty in-fighting and social maneuvering threatened to strangle their civilization in its crib. This conflict of the soul drew the attention of Aeolis, a thereto unknown deity. He appeared at the center of their imperial court, and offered a solution to their struggle: guilt. This, he said, would guide their conscience true in the face of all adversity. Order came by way of his first chosen, and through their artifice laid the groundwork for the shame society which underpins aelin life.

Aeolis himself emerged as a charismatic, unifying voice, and he encouraged the canonization of the aelin houses, the character of each based upon an iconic ancestor. Doing so, he told them, would create stable lineages to cling to. To facilitate this change, his chosen developed and popularized the arcane marriage process which persists to the present. Of course, the aelin had another, previous goddess, Alil, whose worship was thoroughly ingrained in the collective aelin consciousness; Aeolis saw this as both a challenge and an opportunity. According to common mythology, he made overture after overture to win the affection of the goddess, to no avail. Finally, he lit the constellation Lavetiae above the high city, and when the goddess beheld her sign in the night sky, her heart was won.

The legend of their divine wedded bliss persisted until the War of Fire, when the srryn shattered their naive, pre-War notions with mystic flame. The aelin resolutely clung to their dreams even as they were incinerated, calling out to the heavens for respite. However, Aeolis, unwilling to upset the Compact, assured his chosen that the return of Jolinn would be their salvation, and sent his great heroes and heroines to join humanity in the journey to Thaering Jad. Alil, however, was not content to watch the horrific deaths of their people. She flew high above the mountains and invoked her dread power, obliterating the entire province of Illata (and the srryn army within it) in the blink of an eye. Aeolis' caution and abidance of rule was considered abandonment to many, and Alil's militant following laid claim to the imperial court and cast the Aeolian priesthood out by force.

However, much as Aeolis predicted, the actions of Alil during the War's end invited the attention of a new deity, Serachel, ostensibly sent to make right the disruption to the divine order. Rather than chide the goddess, Serachel instead chose to rule alongside her, ushering in the fabled Dalae period. While revered in certain aelin religious histories, this was one of Aeolis' darkest moments, as his priesthood had been all but marginalized, replaced by the hedonistic vainglory of the Serachelian and Alilean confluence. As the corruption of the aelin soul grew more overt, Void magic imported from the shuddeni underworld upset the balance of the aelin houses, and appeared poised to cement the perversion of classical aelin conceits as a new social order. While the Aeolians fought in what ways they could, the light of their dedication was nearly snuffed out.

The sudden arrival of Rystaia Lightbringer and the ch'taren radically reframed the War of Night narrative, and the banishment of Serachel to the Nightmare Realm provided Aeolis sudden opportunity. Predicating his decision on Alil's violation of the Compact (which had yet remained unrighted), he separated Alil from the mundane world and bound her to the heavens. While a grave decision even to his following, the choice was seen as an unfortunate but inevitable consequence, and cast Alil herself as an object of pity and scorn, having been corrupted by Serachel's wickedness. However, the changes of the Dalae period could never be entirely undone, shaking the foundation of aelin society. From then on, the Aeolian priesthood became the sentinel of their ancient patriarchy, and the vehicle through which the social order was reinstated.

Aeolis' following rose to particular prominence during the pre-modern era, with the coronation of Yesa Aea'ria as the Rose Consort. For the first time, his creed extended measurably beyond Daphoa, and factored significantly into the overall spirit of the Champions of Avendar. Graceful concession, righteous judgment, and romantic flair were canonized as Aeolian ideals, casting the mold in which generations of adventurers would spring. However, the moment itself wilted as quickly as it blossomed; while heroes and heroines of the Rose appeared occasionally after, they were long overshadowed by peers of other, more militant, religions. This, perhaps, motivated the Rose King to align himself with the Grand Federation of Merchants, to again wield his charisma to press the world toward a more ideal form.

Goals and Methods

Aeolis' most well-known goal is the harmonious existence of the aelin people with whom he shares such affinity. This society is one in which people who fit together find one another; obligations and responsibilities are unambiguous; families are stable and happy; and children are reared with obedient care. He, and by extension his priesthood, seek to bridle and tame the dangerous excesses to which the aelin have at times fallen victim. The rigid social expectations, bureaucratic hierarchies, and paternalistic power structures all have some origin in Aeolian edict, ancient and modern. They deviate from the social spirit of Jalassa in that this cohesion is for its own end, as his concern is more for placid backgrounds than personal improvement. His presence as a patron of the Grand Federation of Merchants, for example, is read by his following as a steadying hand to guide them away from darker roads, as much as a way to advance social cohesion overall.

Romantic love is perhaps the most iconic of Aeolian methods, as its rich courtship ritual has contributed greatly to aelin artistic tradition. As such, love, and lovers in general, are often cast in Aeolian terms or with the self-same imagery. However, core to the function of this love is pure intention, and thus, guilt (and by extension shame) is often their constant companion. This internal barometer shapes the conscience, and only when properly tuned can it divine true love from false. While their Serachelian cousins also covet love as their own, it is guilt which directs it toward edification rather than ruin. Predictably, because of their reputation for (at times over-the-top) charisma, near all Aeolian functions and functionaries have some penchant for the dramatic, be it in specific flourish or general presentation. This spectacular style often smooths their way, exciting fellow believers and subtly intimidating their rivals.

Organizations and Followings

The pursuit of love and purity takes many forms, but for followers of Aeolis, it tends to be divided into three broad categories. While many who walk in the light trend toward cooperation, those who walk the Rose King's path often seek to reimagine an ancient tale than create a new one. As a result, many of His devoted organize themselves in vast numbers, preferring to surround themselves with like-minded company. While this keeps their religious lineage strong, the priesthood's versatility has considerably waned.

The Artists of the Rose

"Actually... I wrote this just for you."

Music, painting, and poetry hold particular value to Artists of the Rose, as these can illuminate feelings, truths, and insights that common encounters lack. Many travel Avendar in search of inspiration, as the experiences that touch their own hearts, in turn, touch others'. Often, these experiences relate to the art of courtship, infatuation, or the turmoil of interpersonal entanglements. Much as Aeolis praised Alil's beauty and keen wit, so do Artists gravitate toward similar and extravagant expressions to their own of lovers. Some might describe them as hopeless romantics, although an Artist would rarely live any other way. Often eschewing conflict, Artists will still raise their swords if the emotions they seek to preserve are threatened. Popular among adventurers, most walks, including a spate of dove-like Champions of Avendar, have chosen this path.
The Order of the Silver Sword

"Villain! Stand down, lest I make short work of you!"

The martial arm of the church of Aeolis, the Order of the Silver Sword composed of gallant warriors and templar. Protectors of innocence, they often risk their lives for the good of others. This protection, however, comes with an almost storybook flourish; a typical member of the Order pays special attention to both his appearance, and perhaps secondarily, his actual skill. Silver Swords often find themselves keeping company with those for whom they have amorous intentions. Although common images often depict men protecting women, there is no real aversion to other sorts of pairings as well (as the aelin largely appreciate all forms of attraction). Although they will at times take up an active pursuit of evil, a dedicant of the Order is most easily roused to defense, especially when the subjects of his affection are involved.
The Magistrates of the Runil

"Brothers and sisters! What a world we shall create!"

Charismatics of particular renown often find themselves regarded as Magistrates of the Runil. Named after the runil, a tool of aelin judges, the category has its origins in legendary justices of the ancient aelin courts. Colorful and upstanding, what separates a Magistrate from demagoguery is their unrelenting dedication to maintaining both professional and institutional purity; all things that they endorse are intended for righteous ends. More contemporary Magistrates are no longer confined to judicial rulings or aristocracies, and instead take the role of respected merchants and lawmen. Although they may work in concert with the Sons and Daughters of Jolinn, a Magistrate is far more likely to be surrounded by a cult of personality. As a result, those chosen officially have often proven resilient to even the most potent of temptations. To be named a Magistrate is typically considered the crowning glory in recognition of societal success.

Individual Followers

Aeolis attracts a surprising variety of supplicants considering the specificity of his racial focus. What they share is the impression of being a grand figure in some epic drama, bringing a breath of the fantastic to the dreary and mundane. This storybook quality tends to empower them, giving them a sense of agency and courage, rather than helplessness, in the face of the Avendar's many evils. Their variety of aesthetic pursuits, enthusiasm, and personal charm can make them polarizing figures, loved by those who accept them, and despised by those who judge them wanting. The purity of their intentions and the quick wit with which they express them are both their sword and shield; the looming shadow of guilt, both real and imagined, is their shroud. Generally speaking, Aeolis' appreciation for martial traditions makes his banner attractive to protector and duelist alike. Conversely, his aesthetic ideals appeal to musicians, poets, and artists.

The worship of Aeolis is most deeply ingrained within the aelin empire, including Ilodaiya and its surrounding provinces. There, his agents have a strong presence in history, art, politics, and public administration; his personal emissary, the Rose Consort, travels abroad at his request. Generally speaking, routine spiritual matters fall within the Aeolian domain, giving him a degree of primacy in aelin society even when compared to extraracial gods and goddesses with similar ideals. However, other races have taken to the worship of the Rose King, often introduced by his missionaries or by way of his affiliation with either the Grand Federation and the Champions. Humanity, in particular, has a fondness for him, and his imagery or philosophy is often used in their own, distinct marriage rituals. His temples are vast and plenty within aelin spheres, and sparse everywhere else, often as part of larger, communal shrines.

Those who find favor with Lord of the Bloom are branded with a rose-entwined silver sword.

Relationships

Aeolis is considered a dependable voice within the circles of the Light; his long-standing tenure as a patron of the Champions of Avendar has encouraged his popularity in those circles. Predictably, perhaps, it is for this same reason that evil deities despise him. However, his transition to the Grand Federation of Merchants has put him on closer terms with their fellow patrons, Chadraln and Ayaunj, than he might have otherwise. Generally speaking, his martial bent is appreciated but not overly lauded by more militant deities such as Calaera or Dolgrael, while much of the neutral pantheon abides him without particular note. Deities of law, such as Iandir, find commonality in his affinity for stability and social cohesion. His relationship with Jalassa is particularly fragile, as they largely align in method but deviate strongly in overall purpose. Conversely, deities of chaos find he and his following tiresome and repetitive. Tzajai, for example, found only the first Aeolian tale thrilling, and all successive ones boring and trite.

Aeolis' most important relationships are with Alil and Serachel. Alil is a source of both guilt and consternation, in that he feels if he had been more diligent or responsive, they would not have suffered their long imprisonment in the heavens before their unscheduled release. Serachel, on the other hand, is the focus of much of Aeolian ire, as it was his coming which nearly eradicated the Rose King's place in aelin society. Serachel's slights are many and his designs sweeping, making it all the easier for Aeolis to devote his near-singular upset in his direction, fueling all manner of conflict between their religions.

Shrines, Sigils, and Mobs

Areas
The Shrine of the Rose (vnums 22450-22499)
Sigils
Tier 1 - a rose-entwined silver sword (vnum 1290)
  • AC 5/9/14/15
  • AC -10
  • Damroll +1
  • Saves -2
  • Charisma +3
  • Speech prog p: Lord Aeolis keep me safe from harm - Divine Shield (20%) [Aeolis and Yesa only]
  • Fight prog 2: Ray of Purity (character's level)
  • Verb prog p: inspire - Inspire (character's level)
  • Verb prog p: produce rose - Loads a rose (vnum 89) on the wearer.
Mobs
The silver guardian (vnum 22451) - Guard for the Shrine of the Rose, does candidate interviews
Deraneth (vnum 22456) - Ghost-swordmaster that watches the memorial ground
Keiari (vnum 22498) - The current Rose consort
God Mark
You notice a pinkish rose birthmark.
+4 Charisma modifier

Notes, Logs, and Other Documents

Aeolis' religion can be surprisingly subtle given that it includes romantic love. It's often difficult for players to focus on its aspects beyond a generic, patronizing chivalry, and that isn't particularly suited to the religion as a whole. Aeolis is a god which encourages respectful treatment of others; given how many of His followers have been female, it would be bizarre to expect a gender-focused mandate such as "defending all women". If you are going to encourage an Aeolian role, it is best if you make sure the player realizes this means more than acting like an overdramatic Romeo.

The crux of the Aeolis experience is "purity of spirit", which can be loosely translated into "having good intentions" in most circumstances. Sometimes the people you are romantically interested in aren't interested in you; sometimes the people interested in you, you aren't interested in. Aeolis isn't fully onto a notion of never hurting someone's feelings, because sometimes you have no choice (but being malicious is obviously no-go). This is so fundamental to following Aeolis that it informs basically every action a follower takes, so make sure that you establish this with applicants early and stick to it.

Helps
Old Aeolis website overview (11/19/2000)
Lore
None
Logs
None
Retrieved from "http://gelatinous-cube.net/neongrey/index.php?title=Aeolis&oldid=3780"