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Farlon

The Eternal Guardian, Keeper of the Green Farlon (a.k.a. The Oakfather, Shepherd of Seasons, or The Rooted One (used by mortals in reverence).)

Farlon (Nature, Growth)

  • Title: The Eternal Guardian
  • Domains: Nature, Patience, Growth, Harvest
  • Personality: Farlon is a calm and enduring deity, embodying the slow, steady progress of nature. He values balance and harmony, and is seen as a protector of the natural world.
  • Symbols: An oak tree, a turtle, a sheaf of wheat.
  • Appearance: A wise old man with a beard of vines, often depicted surrounded by animals. He carries a staff that blooms with flowers and leaves, representing the cycle of seasons.
  • Followers: Farmers, druids, and those who live off the land. His followers, known as the Greenwardens , are dedicated to preserving nature and living in harmony with the earth.
  • Myth/Legend: Farlon is credited with teaching the first humans how to cultivate the land and respect the natural order. There is a story of him sleeping for a thousand years, during which the world fell into chaos, only to be restored when he awoke and began to regrow the forests and fields.

Deeper Personality & Philosophy:

Farlon teaches that true strength comes from endurance and adaptability. He is revered for his deep wisdom, often depicted as an ancient figure who has witnessed countless cycles of life and death. His followers learn to appreciate the slow unfolding of time and the subtle changes that each season brings.

Farlon's calm demeanor belies a fierce protectiveness over the natural world. He does not rush to anger, but when the balance of nature is threatened, he can be an implacable foe. His philosophy centers around the idea that all living things are interconnected, and the health of one affects the health of all.


Symbols and Sacred Objects:

  • Holy Symbol: An oak tree with deep roots and sprawling branches, symbolizing strength, endurance, and interconnectedness.
  • Artifacts:
  • The Staff of Seasons: A magical staff that grants the bearer the ability to influence the weather and the seasons. It is said that with a wave of this staff, winter can turn into spring, and barren land can blossom overnight.
  • The Cloak of Leaves: A cloak made from the first leaves that fell from the world tree. It grants the wearer the ability to commune with nature and move through natural terrains without leaving a trace.

Worship and Followers:

Temples and Worship Practices:

  • Temples of Farlon: Often located in the heart of ancient forests or near sacred groves, Farlon's temples are open to the sky, allowing natural elements to play a significant role in their structure. These temples are centers of ecological preservation and animal sanctuary.
  • Daily Rites: Followers of Farlon rise with the dawn and offer morning libations to the earth, thanking it for its bounty and asking for its forgiveness for any harm done. They spend much of their time tending to gardens, rescuing animals, and restoring natural habitats. Rituals often involve planting seeds, meditating under ancient trees, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the harvest and the solstices.

The Greenwardens:

Farlon’s devout followers, known as the Greenwardens, are dedicated to protecting wild places and nurturing the growth of all living things. They serve as both gardeners and guardians, often intervening when natural areas face threats from unnatural sources.

Notable Roles Within the Greenwardens:

  • Leafwardens: Rangers who patrol vast natural areas, ensuring that the ecosystems are balanced and that no species dominates others unduly.
  • Rootspeakers: Druids who can communicate with plants and trees, often advising agricultural communities on how to live in harmony with nature without causing undue harm.
  • Seasonsingers: Bards who use their music to influence the growth and health of plants and to teach others about the importance of nature conservation through songs and stories.

Legends and Myths:

The First Tree:

A tale from the earliest days of the world, when the land was barren, tells of Farlon planting the first tree. This tree grew to become the world tree, its roots spreading across the land, bringing life and diversity to a once lifeless world.

The Great Drought:

A legend speaks of a time when a severe drought threatened all life. Farlon walked the land, spreading dew from his cloak every morning, nurturing the parched earth back to health. This act is celebrated every year during the Festival of Dewdrops, where water is sacredly collected and sprinkled on the fields.


Followers' Practices and Beliefs:

  • Harmony with Nature: Farlon's followers strive to live in balance with the natural world, minimizing their impact and learning to take only what they need.
  • Patience and Growth: They believe in the virtues of patience and long-term thinking, often planning for the future generations rather than seeking immediate gains.
  • Seasonal Celebrations: Each change of season is marked with festivals and rituals that honor the different aspects of nature’s cycle.

Impact of Farlon’s Silence:

Since the gods fell silent after the Great War, Farlon's followers have felt his absence deeply, as nature itself seems less vibrant and slower to recover from disasters. This has led to a greater sense of urgency among the Greenwardens to protect the natural world.

Some believe Farlon is merely in a deep slumber, gathering strength for when he is needed most, while others fear that his silence forewarns a grave imbalance yet to come.


Farlon in Dolviar’s Mythology and Society:

Farlon’s influence permeates through Dolviar’s rural and wild areas, where his teachings on balance and conservation are deeply respected. His temples are not just places of worship but active centers of ecological research and preservation, making his followers crucial to maintaining the health of Dolviar’s natural landscapes.

Divine Domains

Nature

Patience

Growth

Harvest

Seasons

Time

Artifacts

The Staff of Seasons:

  • Grants the wielder control over the weather and seasons.
  • Said to bring life to barren lands with a single wave.

The Cloak of Leaves:

  • Made from the first fallen leaves of the world tree, allowing the wearer to commune with nature and move invisibly through natural terrains.

The Bloomstone:

  • A gem infused with Farlon’s essence, capable of healing land afflicted by blight or corruption.

Holy Books & Codes

The Song of Roots and Branches

  • A collection of teachings, myths, and hymns, passed down orally before being transcribed by Rootspeakers.
  • Contains instructions on sustainable living, respect for nature, and the cycles of life.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Primary Symbol: An oak tree with deep roots and sprawling branches, representing endurance and interconnectedness.

Secondary Symbols:

  • A ring of leaves, symbolizing the cycle of seasons.
  • A sprouting seed, representing growth and renewal.

Tenets of Faith

  1. Respect all life, for it is connected through the web of existence.
  2. Take only what you need and give back more than you take.
  3. Protect the balance of nature; imbalance brings destruction.
  4. Patience and growth yield the strongest foundations.
  5. Every season has its purpose—embrace both growth and decay.

Holidays

Festival of Dewdrops (Spring):

  • Celebrates the renewal of life and the end of the Great Drought.
  • Rituals include planting trees, blessing seeds, and collecting morning dew for ceremonial use.

Harvest’s Blessing (Autumn):

  • A day of gratitude for nature’s bounty, marked by feasting and offerings to the land.

The Still Season (Winter Solstice):

  • A time of quiet reflection, honoring the cycles of rest and renewal.
  • Rituals involve storytelling and lighting symbolic candles for Farlon’s presence.

The Day of Roots (Summer):

  • A celebration of growth and connection, with rituals emphasizing community and ecological restoration.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Known Goals:

  • Maintain the natural balance of Dolviar’s ecosystems.
  • Guide mortals toward harmony with nature through teachings and festivals.

Secret Goals:

  • Prevent any force—divine or mortal—from disrupting the cycles of life and death.
  • Prepare for a time when Farlon’s power may be needed to restore the world’s balance entirely.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Farlon’s form is immense and tree-like, exuding an aura of vitality and timeless endurance. Their body resembles an ancient oak, strong and sturdy, with moss and vines draped like natural armor. Though not agile, their presence feels grounded, immovable, and deeply rooted in the earth.

Body Features

Skin: Bark-like texture, deep earthy brown with streaks of green moss and shimmering veins of golden sap. The bark is rugged and weathered, marked with growth rings that swirl and spiral, telling a story of countless eons.

Size: Towering at 12 feet tall, their body is proportioned like a mighty oak, broad and sturdy, exuding a sense of timeless strength.

Limbs: Their arms resemble thick branches, ending in hands with fingers like flexible twigs that can cradle a sapling or uproot a boulder. Their legs are like tree trunks, rooted and massive, giving them an almost immovable appearance.

Vines and Flora: Moss grows across their shoulders and back, cascading into tendrils of ivy and flowering vines that shift with the seasons—blooms in spring, vibrant greens in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and frost-kissed bare branches in winter.

Facial Features

A face carved into the bark-like surface of their torso, with deep-set glowing emerald eyes and a serene expression resembling weathered wood. Their "mouth" moves subtly, as if shaped by the rustling of leaves

Identifying Characteristics

Their bark-textured skin is marked with swirling patterns resembling growth rings, and vibrant moss grows along their shoulders and limbs. Flowers bloom periodically on their form, reflecting the seasons.

Physical quirks

When Farlon moves, it is with the creaking of wood and the rustle of leaves, and their body subtly emits the scent of rain-soaked earth.

Special abilities

Seasonal Shifts: Farlon can alter the seasons in a localized area, bringing spring’s growth, summer’s warmth, autumn’s harvest, or winter’s rest.

Nature's Renewal: They can restore ecosystems, heal plants, and revitalize barren lands with their presence.

Communion with Nature: Farlon speaks directly to plants and animals, understanding and guiding them as needed.

Immovable Presence: They are impervious to physical harm as long as they remain connected to the natural world.

Apparel & Accessories

Apparel: Farlon wears no traditional clothing but is adorned with natural elements—moss, vines, and flowers that shift with the seasons.

Accessories: A sash-like arrangement of glowing golden ivy encircles their torso, symbolizing their eternal connection to life.

Specialized Equipment

The Staff of Seasons: A magical staff that grants control over weather and seasons. It is entwined with living vines and blossoms.

The Cloak of Leaves: A shimmering mantle made from the first fallen leaves of the world tree, granting the ability to blend seamlessly into nature.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Farlon is a primordial deity, emerging at the dawn of Dolviar’s creation as a manifestation of nature’s will. They were not born in a conventional sense but coalesced from the first breath of the earth, the hum of the wind, and the whisper of seeds taking root in barren soil. Their existence began as the cycles of life, death, and renewal were set into motion.

The First Tree: The Beginning of Life

Farlon's first act was to plant the First Tree, an immense and sacred entity whose roots stretched across Dolviar and whose branches reached into the heavens. This tree became the foundation of life, its presence bringing vitality to the barren lands and teaching mortals the importance of patience, growth, and interconnectedness.

Guardian of Cycles

Throughout the ages, Farlon has served as the eternal guardian of nature's balance, ensuring that no force—whether mortal, divine, or infernal—disrupts the harmony of the natural order. They guided mortals in understanding the seasons, teaching them to respect the cycles of planting and harvesting, growth and decay.

The Great Drought: A Defining Moment

One of the most defining events in Farlon's history was the Great Drought, a catastrophic period when the natural world faced unparalleled desolation. Farlon roamed the land, spreading dew from their Cloak of Leaves and restoring life to the parched earth. This act not only saved countless lives but solidified Farlon’s role as the protector of life and growth.

Silent Witness to Mortals’ Struggles

As civilizations rose and fell, Farlon remained a silent observer, intervening only when the balance of nature was at risk. They inspired the creation of the Greenwardens, a dedicated order tasked with protecting sacred lands and teaching mortals to live in harmony with the environment.

The Great War of the Gods

During the Great War of the Gods, Farlon took no side. They focused on protecting Dolviar’s natural landscapes, shielding forests and rivers from the collateral destruction wrought by divine conflicts. Yet, despite their efforts, much of the natural world suffered irreparable harm, leaving Farlon deeply pained.

The Silence of the Gods

After the war, when all gods fell silent, Farlon withdrew into a deep slumber within the roots of the First Tree. Though their power still emanates faintly, their absence has left nature vulnerable, and their followers have taken up the mantle of guardianship in their stead. Some believe Farlon is regaining strength to return when the world needs them most, while others fear they may never wake again.

Enduring Legacy

Even in their slumber, Farlon's teachings and influence shape Dolviar. The seasonal festivals, rituals of planting and harvest, and the reverence for natural balance all stem from Farlon’s timeless guidance. Their personal history is less about events and more about their enduring connection to the natural world, which remains their legacy in the hearts of mortals.

Gender Identity

Agender. Farlon perceives themselves as beyond human concepts of gender, embodying the neutrality and inclusivity of nature itself. They are neither male nor female but represent the interconnectedness of all life.

Sexuality

Asexual. As a primordial deity, Farlon has no need or inclination toward sexuality or romantic relationships. Their focus lies in nurturing and preserving the natural world.

Education

Innate. Farlon’s wisdom and knowledge stem from their existence as an embodiment of nature. They understand the intricate workings of ecosystems, the cycles of life, and the interconnectedness of all living things inherently.

Employment

Guardian of Nature. Farlon’s purpose is not employment in a traditional sense but an eternal role. They have always served as a caretaker, ensuring balance in the natural world.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Planted the First Tree, which seeded life across Dolviar.

Ended the Great Drought by revitalizing the land with dew from their cloak.

Established the seasons, teaching mortals to work with nature’s rhythms.

Failures & Embarrassments

Unable to prevent the deforestation and exploitation of sacred lands during mortal conflicts.

Their silence after the Great War has left their followers feeling abandoned, despite their enduring presence.

Mental Trauma

None in a mortal sense, but Farlon experiences the suffering of the natural world deeply, as if it were their own pain. The scars of ecological destruction weigh heavily on them.

Intellectual Characteristics

Farlon possesses a timeless wisdom and deep understanding of natural cycles. They are contemplative, patient, and slow to act, ensuring that decisions align with the long-term balance of the natural world.

Morality & Philosophy

Morality: Neutral Good. Farlon values harmony, growth, and the well-being of all living things. They act in ways that promote balance and sustainability, often prioritizing the greater good over individual desires.

Philosophy: "Nature endures. Growth comes from patience. Balance is life."

Taboos

Desecrating sacred groves or destroying the First Tree's descendants.

Exploiting nature without giving back to it in return.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Farlon is driven by a deep desire to maintain the balance and harmony of the natural world. They prioritize nurturing growth, protecting ecosystems, and teaching mortals to live in harmony with nature. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the cycles of life—birth, growth, death, and renewal—continue without disruption.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Savvies:

  • Masterful understanding of ecosystems, plant life, and the delicate balance of nature.
  • Skilled in guiding mortals with wisdom and teaching patience and resilience.
  • Excellent at long-term planning and foresight, considering the impact of decisions over generations.

Ineptitudes:

  • Struggles with the urgency and immediacy of mortal problems, often preferring to let time resolve conflicts.
  • Ineffectual in navigating mortal politics or societal complexities, as they view such matters as fleeting.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes:

  • The scent of blooming flowers and freshly tilled soil.
  • Quiet forests, the rustle of leaves, and the sound of gentle rainfall.
  • Acts of kindness toward nature and sustainable practices.

Dislikes:

  • Destruction of forests and defilement of sacred natural sites.
  • Exploitation of the earth for greed or power.
  • The short-sightedness and recklessness of mortals in ecological matters.

Virtues & Personality perks

Profound patience and wisdom, guiding their actions with an eternal perspective.

Resilience, both physical and spiritual, as an embodiment of nature’s enduring spirit.

A calming, nurturing presence that inspires those around them to seek balance.

Vices & Personality flaws

A tendency to withdraw when overwhelmed by mortal destruction, relying on followers to act in their stead.

Difficulty empathizing with the urgency of mortal lifespans, sometimes seen as indifferent.

Secret belief that some parts of nature must die for balance to be restored, which can lead to tough, seemingly cruel decisions.

Personality Quirks

Their "breath" sounds like a soft breeze through trees.

Flowers on their body bloom or wilt depending on their mood.

Taps their fingers rhythmically, mimicking the sound of raindrops.

Hygiene

Farlon is nature personified and does not require hygiene in a mortal sense. Their presence is inherently clean and fresh, resembling the renewal of a spring morning.

Representation & Legacy

Symbols:

  • The oak tree with deep roots and sprawling branches, symbolizing interconnectedness and endurance.
  • The First Tree, seen as Farlon's greatest gift to the world, representing the origin of all life.

Legacy:

  • Farlon's teachings of patience, growth, and ecological balance have shaped the practices of mortals, especially the Greenwardens.
  • Seasonal festivals and rituals honoring the cycles of life are widespread across Dolviar, reflecting Farlon's influence.
  • The First Tree remains a sacred site, visited by those seeking wisdom and peace, even during their silence.

Social

Reign

Duration: Eternal, as Farlon’s “reign” is more a timeless guardianship than a rule.

Memorable Moments:

  • Planting the First Tree and spreading life across Dolviar.
  • Ending the Great Drought with the dew from their Cloak of Leaves.
  • Establishing the natural seasons, teaching mortals to work in harmony with nature.

Contacts & Relations

Primary Affiliations:

  • The Greenwardens: Rangers, druids, and bards who serve as their stewards and protectors.

Relations:

  • Revered by mortals who depend on nature for survival.
  • Respected by other deities (before their silence) for their neutrality and wisdom

Family Ties

Farlon has no direct family but considers all living things their kin, bound together in the web of life.

Religious Views

Farlon does not follow any deity, as they are one of Dolviar’s primordial forces. They embody the cycles of nature and life, teaching balance and harmony as sacred principles.

Social Aptitude

Charisma: Subtle but immense, drawing respect through calm wisdom rather than overt charm.

Confidence: Absolute, rooted in their eternal purpose and unshakable presence.

Ego: None; Farlon views themselves as a caretaker, not a ruler.

Extroversion: Deeply reserved, interacting with mortals only when the natural world’s balance is threatened.

Etiquette and Mannerisms: Always composed, gentle in words and actions, with a grace akin to the rustling of leaves or the sway of a great tree.

Mannerisms

Tilts their head gently as though listening to an unseen wind.

Pauses thoughtfully before speaking, as if considering the weight of their words.

Often touches the earth or plants around them, a gesture of reassurance or connection.

Hobbies & Pets

Pets: None in a traditional sense, but animals instinctively gather around them, sensing their nurturing nature.

Hobbies: Observing the growth of forests, tending to sacred groves, and guiding the cycles of nature.

Speech

Tone of Voice: Low, resonant, and soothing, like the murmur of wind through trees.

Pitch: Deep and steady, calming yet powerful.

Accent/Dialect: Timeless and universal, their voice transcends regional dialects, understood by all who listen.

Common Phrases:

  • “The roots of today shape the branches of tomorrow.”
  • “Balance is life’s truest harmony.”
  • “Patience grows the strongest oak.”

Compliments: “You tend to the earth as though it were your kin.”

Insults: Rare, but when necessary: “You trample on the gifts that sustain you.”

Greetings: “Walk gently, and may the earth rise to meet you.”

Farewells: “May the seasons guide you, and the land keep you safe.”

Swearing: None; Farlon speaks only with purpose and wisdom.

Metaphors: Often uses nature-based metaphors, such as “Even the mightiest storm yields to the seasons’ calm.”

Wealth & Financial state

Class: Divine entity, beyond mortal concepts of wealth or possessions.

Assets: Sacred groves, ancient forests, and natural sanctuaries are considered Farlon’s “wealth.”

Debts: None, though their followers often feel indebted to them for the bounty of the natural world.

Divine Classification
Primordial Deity Embodiment of nature, growth, and the eternal cycles of life and decay.
Religions
Alignment
Neutral Good
Current Status
Farlon is in a deep slumber, gathering strength to restore balance to the natural world.
Honorary & Occupational Titles

The Eternal Guardian

Keeper of the Green

Shepherd of Seasons

Rooted One

Oakfather

Age
Ancient, predating mortal history, as old as the first seeds and cycles of nature.
Date of Birth
Unknown
Date of Death
NA
Circumstances of Birth
Farlon was not born in a conventional sense; they emerged as a manifestation of nature's will during the world's formation, symbolizing balance and growth.
Circumstances of Death
NA
Birthplace
The primordial heart of nature, where the First Tree took root.
Place of Death
NA
Children
Current Residence
Unknown
Pronouns
They/Them, reflecting their encompassing and neutral nature.
Sex
Asexual, embodying all aspects of life and growth.
Gender
Agender, reflecting nature's neutrality and inclusivity.
Presentation
Flowing robes of leaves and bark, symbolizing harmony and the cycles of life.
Eyes
Deep emerald, almond-shaped, slightly glowing, half-closed in a serene, thoughtful gaze.
Hair
Mossy green vines, long, cascading, interwoven with flowers, flowing like a natural crown.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Bark-like texture, earthy brown with green moss patterns, smooth yet rugged, marked by natural ridges.
Height
12'
Weight
1200lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases

"In patience lies strength; in growth, purpose."

"The seeds of today are the forests of tomorrow."

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

"Harm the earth, and you harm yourself."

Belief/Deity
Farlon does not follow any deity but is the embodiment of nature, patience, and growth.
Known Languages

All known languages

Character Prototype

Farlon’s character prototype could be described as a blend of Treebeard from The Lord of the Rings and Gaia from mythology, embodying patience, wisdom, and the nurturing, protective aspects of nature. They are a stoic guardian with deep connections to the land and its cycles.


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