Saol (Sawh-ll)
The Great Mighty Tree
The Wise and Mighty Tree is the chief deity of the Sylvan and Fianni.
Saol is quite possibly among the most powerful of Wild Gods; it is the Wild God of trees, protection, and forests all around the world. His mighty roots are said to spread through the earth and connect every tree that sprouts from the earth --be they in known lands, or realms shrouded in the distant unknown.
Appearance & Depiction
Saol is an unmoving deity; he is a massive Oak tree found at the center of a tropical island known as Kalni. The Great Mighty Tree is the tallest tree in the world, said to reach well beyond the clouds in the sky. His face is carefully carved into the center of the great tree's trunk.Naming
Saol's name is never spoken outside of historical reference or dire consequences. Much of his worshipers only speak his name through reverence -- lauding every reference of him with much praise. Wise and Mighty Tree, Great Mighty Tree, Almighty Tallest Tree -- there are many names to refer to him, all always referring to his size, strength, or unmatched wisdom.Bestowed Blessings
Among the wild Gods, Saol is most called upon in times of crisis. He is a wild God whose prayer rarely has immediate effects; instead, protection is granted in subtle ways that protect his worshipers from danger. A knife may bounce off skin as if it had briefly turned to sturdy bark. A club will miraculously find itself stopped in the belly of an unmoving body while it remains firmly rooted to the ground. This resilience allows followers of Saol to weather all but the mightiest of blows.Fertility
Farmers -- especially Sylvan ones, worship Saol as a fertility God for plants. Orchards and plants sprout from untilled land that would otherwise be overrun by weeds, and sprout lush bounties greater than any human farm.Worshipers
The common man worships Saol for a safe and hearty harvest of plants. In olden times, Elves were renown for managing to miraculously grow their farms in lands that were rife with trees and overgrowth. This makes Saol popular for farmers. The Sylvan and Fianni venerate him as a wise protector and guardian of their home; similarly, soldiers or adventurers wishing to march into battle may clutch a sigil of Saol with the hopes of weathering through whatever task they must brace against.Divine Domains
Saol represents the Forests, Ents, and all that live beneath the tree's shade. He is seen as a great guardian that protects anyone that find themselves walking beneath the shade of his tree, so long as they do not bring harm to the forest he welcomes them into.
Mighty & Strong
Much like the unshakeable oak, Saol is assocated with unbending resolve. Worshipers are protected from illnesses and provided hardier constitutions and strength in the time of a crisis.Wise beyond Years
It's said that Saol is a living witness to all things that happen beneath the shade of a tree; for those are his roots that sprouted from the earth, unable to contain their sheer size. Saol offers wisdom and knowledge of all things that have happened within the forest, and is often seen as a great guardian that offers primal insight in exchange for protecting his forest.Divine Symbols & Sigils
Saol's holy symbol is a thick tree trunk with multiple roots sprouting out from both sides. This symbol is often weaved from thick cordage or plants, or in certain cultures, wrought in precious metals -- gold being the most popular.
Tenets of Faith
Saol is a simple deity and is famously known for not being fond of guiding or forcing his worshipers into following his own desires; he wishes for all to live free and happy, so long as they do not disturb his forest.
His doctrine is famous among Sylvan bards and sung in a short poem, known as the Song of the Forest.
O' Wise and Mighty TreeEveryone is free to live and pass through a forest so long as harm is never brought to the trees he protects.
May your branches watch over me.
So long as I'm safe beneath your shade
I'll fight off all that dare to invade
Your home, our home, our forest.
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