Anara, the Verdurous Mother

Anara is the embodiment of nature itself. As one of the Greater Deities, she oversees the balance between life and death, the changing seasons, and the harmony between all living creatures. Her influence extends across Dolvareth, particularly within The Whispering Forest, where her presence is most deeply felt by those attuned to the natural world.

Her role is one of preservation, guiding the cycles of life and ensuring that no force (whether mortal or divine) disrupts the delicate equilibrium of the natural world. In ancient times, Anara was more closely connected to the elder spirits of the forest, but following their transgressions, she distanced herself from their affairs, casting them into the shadows.

Anara is revered by the druids of the Whispering Forest, who see themselves as her chosen protectors. They believe that it is their sacred duty to uphold her will and safeguard the balance she represents. However, Anara rarely intervenes directly in mortal affairs, leaving her followers to interpret her desires through the signs and cycles of nature.

Despite her distance, Anara remains a powerful force. Her influence can be seen in the flourishing of the forest, the abundance of wildlife, and the natural order that prevails in even the most remote parts of Dolvareth. Her followers invoke her name for bountiful harvests, protection from natural disasters, and to maintain the delicate harmony between civilization and wilderness.

Relationship with the Spirits

Anara’s relationship with the Spirits of the forest is complex. Once, she was their guiding force, but after their betrayal, Anara withdrew her direct influence, shunning those who sought to disrupt the balance she holds sacred.

Worship and Shrines

Anara is worshiped in sacred groves and hidden shrines scattered throughout the Whispering Forest. These sites are often tended by druids and are considered places of deep reverence. Pilgrims and travelers occasionally visit these locations, though many of the more secretive groves are only accessible to those who have earned the favor of Anara’s followers.

Anara’s places of worship are intertwined with nature; trees, rivers, and sacred stones form the foundation of her shrines. Offerings to Anara often include fruits, flowers, and crafted goods made from natural materials.

Current Role

Anara has kept a watchful eye over the growing tensions in Dolvareth but remains distant from mortal conflicts. She is aware of the schemes brewing in the Whispering Forest, particularly the machinations of the Spirits, who seek to disrupt the balance for their own ends. However, Anara has yet to take action, seemingly waiting for a moment when the natural order is truly threatened.

Some druids fear that Anara’s withdrawal has allowed the elder spirits too much freedom, while others believe that she is preparing for a greater test, one that will reveal the true nature of those who claim to protect the forest.

Personality

Anara is patient, eternal, and enigmatic. She rarely communicates with mortals directly, choosing instead to express her will through the changing seasons, the cycles of life, and the whispers of the wind. Those few who claim to have spoken with her describe her as calm but powerful, her voice carrying the weight of the entire natural world.

Her greatest concern is the balance of life, and she will not hesitate to intervene if that balance is threatened—whether by mortals, spirits, or even other deities. However, she is slow to act, preferring to allow the world to correct itself naturally when possible.

Encounters

Direct encounters with Anara are incredibly rare. Most of the time, those who seek her out do so through meditation or rituals held in her sacred groves. When she does appear, it is often in the form of natural phenomena. An ancient tree suddenly blooming or animals gathering in an unusual display. These signs are interpreted by her druids as messages from the Mother, guiding them on how best to protect her creation.