Silvanus, the Oak Father

Basic Information

• Name: Silvanus (pronounced "sil-VAN-us")
• Domains: Nature, Wilderness, Druids, Animals, Plants
• Alignment: True Neutral
• Symbol: A green living oak leaf or a summer oak tree

Silvanus is the god of wild, untamed nature in the Forgotten Realms. He represents the raw, primal forces of the natural world, from the deepest forests to the most remote mountains. As a True Neutral deity, Silvanus cares little for the struggles of civilization, focusing instead on maintaining the balance of nature itself.

History and Mythology

Silvanus is one of the oldest deities in the Faerûnian pantheon, his presence dating back to the dawn of the world. He is often depicted as a towering figure made of living wood, with a crown of leaves and eyes that glow like embers. His myths emphasize his role as a guardian of the wilds and a fierce protector of natural balance.

Key Events

• The Dawn Ages: Silvanus is believed to have shaped the first forests and wilderness areas of Faerûn, giving life to the ancient trees and creatures that inhabit them.
• The War of the Seldarine: During this ancient conflict, Silvanus sided with the elven gods against the forces of chaos, helping to preserve the natural world from destruction.
• The Time of Troubles: Silvanus walked the mortal world during this period, reinforcing his connection to the land and its creatures. His avatar was seen in the High Forest, where he communed with ancient treants and druids.

Relationships

Silvanus is allied with other nature deities, such as Mielikki (goddess of forests) and Chauntea (goddess of agriculture), though his focus on wild nature sometimes puts him at odds with Chauntea’s more cultivated domains. He opposes gods of destruction and corruption, such as Talos (god of storms) and Malar (god of the hunt), who threaten the balance he seeks to maintain.

Worshipers and Church Structure

Silvanus’s followers are primarily druids, rangers, and those who live in harmony with the wild. His church is decentralized, reflecting the untamed nature of his domain.

• Clergy: Druids of Silvanus, known as Oak Fathers or Green Wardens, serve as spiritual leaders and protectors of the wilds. They often live in remote groves or wander the wilderness, tending to the land and its creatures.
• Hierarchy: The church has no formal structure, with leadership based on wisdom and respect. Elder druids, known as Archdruids, guide local circles and mediate disputes.
• Worship Practices:
• Rituals are held in sacred groves or natural clearings, often involving offerings of fruits, nuts, or carved wooden totems.
• The Festival of the Greengrass celebrates the renewal of life in spring, with communal feasts and dances under the stars.

Divine Realms and Sacred Locations

• Divine Realm: The House of Nature, located in the plane of Elysium, is Silvanus’s domain—a vast, untamed wilderness where the forces of nature reign supreme.
• Sacred Locations:
• The High Forest: An ancient woodland on the Sword Coast, home to treants, elves, and druids who revere Silvanus.
• The Grandfather Tree: A massive oak in the High Forest, said to be a direct manifestation of Silvanus’s power.
• The Misty Forest: Another sacred woodland, where druidic circles gather to protect the land from encroaching civilization.

Gameplay Mechanics

Silvanus’s influence is deeply tied to nature and the wilderness, making him a popular choice for druidic characters and those connected to the natural world.

• Cleric Domains: Nature, Life
• Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff or scimitar
• Divine Boons: Clerics and druids of Silvanus can call upon abilities like Wild Shape, Entangle, or Commune with Nature. They may also gain bonuses to survival skills or animal handling.
• Artifacts: Legendary items such as the Staff of the Woodlands or Silvanus’s Cloak are tied to his divine power.

Campaign Hooks

• Defenders of the Wild: Players might be tasked with protecting a sacred grove from loggers or hunters.
• Balance of Nature: Adventurers could investigate unnatural phenomena, such as corrupted wildlife or blighted forests, seeking to restore equilibrium.
• Druidic Quests: Followers of Silvanus might undertake pilgrimages to ancient sites or seek rare herbs for powerful rituals.

Summary

Silvanus is the embodiment of wild