Corellon Larethian

Corellon Larethian: Creator of the Elves, the Protector, First of the Seldarine, Protector and Preserver of Life, Ruler of All Elves, Coronal of Arvandor

Symbol: Silver Crescent Moon
Home Plane: Arvandor (The Crescent Grove)
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Portfolio: Arts, Bards, Crafts, Elven High Magic, Elves, Magic, Music, Poetry, Poets, War, Warriors
Domains: Chaos, Elf, Good, Magic, Protection, War
Worshipers: Arcane Archers, Artisans, Artist, Bards, Bladesingers, Elves, Fighters, Good Leaders, Rangers, Poets, Sorcerers, Warriors, Wizards
Aliases: N/A
Cleric Alignments: NG-CG-CN
Favored Weapon: “Sahandrian” (Longsword)

History/Relationships: The leader of the Seldarine, the Elven pantheon, Corellon Larethian (Pronounced Core-ehlon-Lah-reth-ee-yen), is said to have given birth to the entire Elven race, although sometimes Sehanine Moonbow, or Angharradh, are given credit as well. Elven lore states that the Fair Folk sprang from drops of blood that Corellon shed during his epic battles with Gruumsh, mingled with Sehanine Moonbow’s, or Angharradh's tears.

The Creator of the Elves embodies the highest ideals of Elvenkind, and he is the patron of most aesthetic endeavors, including art, magic, music, poetry, and warfare. All the Fair Folk, except for those who have turned to the dark powers, which include Lolth, Ghaunadaur, Vhaeraun, and others, venerate him. Corellon Larethian is especially popular with Elven and Half-Elven mages, musicians, and poets.

As ruler of the Seldarine, Corellon has a strong relationship with all the other Elven powers, including Eilistraee, his daughter by Araushnee, whom he reluctantly banished from Arvandor, along with her mother and brother, at the Dark Maiden's insistence. Either Sehanine or Angharradh is now said to be Corellon's consort, depending on the subrace of the speaker, and the Protector works closely with the Goddess of Moonlight and the Triune Goddess in their dual aspects. Only Fenmarel Mestarine is somewhat estranged from the Coronal of Arvandor, and the Lone Wolf's differences with Corellon are not at all that great.

The Creator of the Elves has forged strong alliances with the leaders of the other demi-human pantheons, in the face of the seemingly endless waves of Human expansion and the ever-present threat of the monstrous populations and their dark powers, as well as with the good- and neutral-aligned powers of the humans. The Protector works closely with Mystra, the Mother of All Magic. Whereas the Lady of Mysteries governs the Weave, Corellon oversees Elven magic, particularly Elven High Magic, and the intimate connection between the Fair Folk and the mantle of magic that envelops the world.

Corellon's epic battle with Gruumsh One-Eye, leader of the Orc pantheon, is legendary, and the pair of pantheistic patriarchs have never reached a lasting truce in their never-ending battle over territory. Malar's relentless attacks on the Seldarine and the Fair Folk have likewise earned him Corellon's eternal enmity. The rift between Corellon and his former lover Araushnee, now known as Lolth, is still as bitter as the day he banished the Spider Queen to the Abyss, stripping her of the divinity that he himself gave her. The Protector's rift with his errant son Vhaeraun is nearly as deep, though the Protector believes that the Masked Lord can eventually repent for his evil ways. In his vigilant defense of Elves and their homelands, Corellon has earned the enmity of countless powers whose worshipers seek to seize the forests, magic, or wealth of the Fair Folk.

Corellon Larethian is a powerful warrior god, whose hands protect his creations with the gentleness of a sculptor, and the unspeakable power of a master swordsman. While other deities may reflect the joy, delights, and accomplishments of the Fair Folk, Corellon Larethian stands as an ever-vigilant watcher over them. His life spirit flows from and into the Elves and their lands, and while mortal Elves daydream and enter the reverie, Corellon never abandons his watchfulness. Only when it is time for the Fair Folk to pass from Faerûn to Arvandor, does he finally cease watching over each Elf and allows Sehanine Moonbow to take a larger role in caring for them.

Corellon Larethian’s deific realm, the Crescent Grove, rests at the heart of Arvandor. It is said that the Crescent Grove is one of the most beautiful places in all of the multiverse. In the center of the Crescent Grove stands Corellon’s Tower, the palace of the Coronal of Arvandor. The palace, made of marble, crystal, and plant life is a perfect synthesis of artistry and nature. Council Hall, a chamber in Corellon’s Tower, is where, every so often, all members of the Seldarine meet and discuss their problems.

Dogma: The Tel'Quessir are both wardens and sculptors of magic's endless mysteries. Through Art and Craft, bring forth the beauty that envelops and let the spirit gambol unfettered. The song of joy and the dance of freedom shall ever soar on the wings of those who dare take flight. Guard against the slow death of stultifying sameness by seeking out new experiences and new ways.

Ward against those who seek only to destroy in their inability to create and commune with the natural and mystical world. Be ever vigilant in force of arms and might of magic against any return of the banished darkness, and also be strong in heart against the corruption from within which allowed the Spider Queen to foment the chaos and evil of the Crown Wars.

Avatar/Manifestations: Corellon usually appears as an androgynous Elf of truly unearthly beauty and grace, although he can assume the form of either sex. Despite his obvious strength, the primary impression the Creator of the Elves radiates is that of litheness and swiftness, of incredible speed and reflex. He always wears a sky-blue cloak, a large amulet about his neck with a crescent moon motif within a large circle, and a pair of dazzling battle gauntlets.

Corellon frequently wanders the Elven lands and borders in disguise, often in the form of one of the diminutive Sylvan races, observing the actions of priests, priestess’ and craftsmen, as well as defending Elven homelands from interlopers who threaten them. Though his martial might is swift and terrible, the soft-spoken Creator of the Elves is ever humble and always open to learning something new, one of his sources of might. He enjoys discovering new philosophies of thought and new methods of action, even from mortals, and he has a keen interest in other cultures.

Sometimes, Corellon Larethian manifests as an azure nimbus, instead, that envelops a living creature, weapon, or natural geological formation in an aura of flickering sky blue flame, and imparts magical abilities upon them. This is seen as a good tiding by those of the faith. The Protector demonstrates his displeasure through the appearance of a falling star, that appears to fall from the upper tip of the crescent moon, to the lower tip, like a tear, by the premature coloration of leaves on a tree, or by the sound of three twigs being snapped in quick, rapid succession.

Agents/Petitioners: Corellon's primary servitors are identical twin spirits, Lashrael and Felarathael. These two twin Solars are held by some of the Fair Folk, particularly gold elves, to be demipowers in their own right. Asides from Lashrael and Felarathael, the Protector has multiple lesser servants, including Aasimar, Aasimon, Agathinon, Asuras, Ancient Treants, Baelnorn, Buraq, Cathshee, Centaurs, Cooshee, Disenchanters, Dryads, Einheriar, Eladrin (Firres and Ghaeles), Elven Cats, Elves, Feystags, Firestars, Firetails, Gold Dragons, Hamadryads, Hollyphants, Hybsils, Incarnates of Charity, Incarnates of Courage, Incarnates of Faith, Incarnates of Hope, Incarnates of Justice, Incarnates of Temperance, Incarnates of Wisdom, Ki-rin, Kholiathra, Lillendi, Lythari, Maruts, Moon Dogs, Moon Horses, Noctrals, Nymphs, Oreads, Pers, Phoenix, Reverend Ones, Seelie Faeries, Sharn, Silver Dogs, Silver Dragons, Sylphs, Spectral Wizards, Spellhaunts, Sprites, Sunflies, T'uen-rin, Unicorns, Weredragons, and Wizshades.

Corellon Larethian has two proxies- Adarc Brightleaf and Elmher Flow. Adarc is the more powerful of the two, and has been given the gift of foresight by his master. Elmher Flow, Corellon’s other Proxy, has been gifted with the ability to automatically Charm anyone and anything in Arvandor, except for the Seldarine, or other visiting deities. Queen Amlauril Moonflower has also been gifted special powers by Corellon Larethian, and the rest of the Seldarine as well, because she serves as his, and their Chosen on Faerûn.

Felarathael and Lashrael are two powerful Solars who serve as the primary agents of Corellon Larethian. Both are tall, shining, androgynous Elves, clad in gleaming white robes. The two deliver messages for Corellon Larethian, as well as manifesting on the Material Plane, to defend Elves in peril.

The Church of Corellon Larethian: For all of the influence that Corellon Larethian has over Elven life, his church is curiously removed from Elven society, and his priests and priestess’ have less of an official role in ruling over Elven life than an N’Tel’Quess would think. The status of his clergy reflects more of the guardianship of Elves role that Corellon Larethian has, rather than his leadership role.

Temples dedicated to Corellon Larethian are rare, since most Elves have their own special ways to pay homage to the Coronal of Arvandor. That is not to say, however, that Corellite temples do not exist. Shrines dedicated to Corellon Larethian are much more common, however.

Corellite temples and shrines are almost always shaped from great geological formations, such as great rock spires, or natural amphitheatres. Trees and other plants are incorporated into the designs of the temples and shrines, resulting in places of worship that weave stone and plant together. All Corellite temples and shrines afford any worshipper a clear view of the sky, moon, and stars. Novices in the church of Corellon Larethian are called Faerna. Fully ordained priests and priestess’ are known as Faensuora. In the Common Tongue, these two words mean ‘Those Who Practice Art’, and ‘Holy Practitioners of the Art’, respectively.

In ascending order, other titles include Aegisess, Adoness, Kerynsuoress, Ivae’ess, Avae’ess, Syolkiir, Lateu’Suoress, Araegisess, Aradoness, and Arkerynsuoress. Translated into the Common Tongue, these words mean, respectively, ‘Protector’, ‘Peacekeeper’, ‘Holy Warrior’, ‘Light Bringer’, ‘Joy Bringer’, ‘Wildstar’, ‘Crescent Moon-Blessed’, ‘Great Protector’, ‘Great Peacekeeper’, and ‘Great Holy Warrior’. Higher-ranking clerics have their own special titles, but they are collectively known as Cormiira, or ‘Blessed of Corellon’.

The church of Corellon Larethian is evenly split between males and females. Amazingly enough, the church is also very diverse. Though Sun Elves and Moon Elves make up the bulk of his priests and priestess’, other subraces include Wild Elves, Wood Elves, Aquatic Elves, Half-Elves, and even a few Drow Elves.

Day-to-Day Activities: Priests and priestess’ of Corellon Larethian are expected to serve actively in the defense and artistic development of the Elven communities they are in, and to work to mediate disputes that arise among the Fair Folk or between Elves and other Sylvan creatures. In service to the Protector, many Corellite priests and priestess’ serve in the armed forces of their homeland, defending Elf-claimed territories from the relentless expansion of other races, and training their fellow Elves in combat skills and magic. Seiveril Miritar, the famous leader of the Elven Crusade, was a High Priest of Corellon Larethian.

Others work closely with Elven artisans and craftsmen, instructing them in the skills they need to create works of wondrous beauty, as well as using their own creative talents in similar pursuits. Finally, members of Corellon Larethian’s clergy are often called upon to act as diplomats, and arbitrators between various clergies, various subraces of Elves, various classes of Elven society, and even between various Elven communities. While few priests of the Coronal of Arvandor actually serve as rulers or councilors, many work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth functioning of government.

Holy Days/Important Ceremonies: Corellon Larethian’s faithful celebrate a great number of holy days, most of which are tied to astronomical events, and occur only once every few years, such as Cinnaelos'Cor, ‘The Day of Corellon’s Peace’, or more commonly known as Shieldmeet. Of particular importance, once per lunar month, when the crescent moon softly illuminates the night sky, Corellon's faithful gather in moonlit glades to celebrate the gifts of their deity in a festival known as Lateu'quor, which can be translated into the Common Tongue as ‘the Forest Communion of the Crescent Moon’.

Devotees of the Protector offer up their praises through music, song, dance, and the offering up of their most beautiful creations. True works of art are sometimes brought up to Arvandor, so as to be appreciated by the spirits of those Elves who dwell among the Seldarine, while others are kept within Corellon's shrines and temples so that the Fair Folk of Faerûn may marvel at the fruits of Corellon's greatest gift- creativity.

On rare occasions, such revels spontaneously unleash a glorious magical ceremony, whose results are guided by the Creator of the Elves himself. Sometimes, the landscape is reshaped, and the site is thereafter considered sacred to the Protector. At other times, the communal magic coalesces into an item of unearthly beauty. Such items are then enchanted by Corellon's senior most priests and priestess’, and are thereafter considered holy relics of the faith.

Major Centers of Worship: Corellon's Grove, located near the center of the northern half of Evermeet, at the heart of the great forest that blankets the Green Isle, is believed to be the site closest to Arvandor in all of the Realms. Many Tel'Quessir claim to have seen Corellon Larethian himself, as well as other members of the Seldarine, wandering amidst this oasis of unearthly beauty. Corellon's Grove is visited by the Fair Folk of Evermeet for solemn ceremonies, private worship, or simple private meditation. The trees that surround Corellon's Grove magically weave their branches together, preventing entrance to the shrine. Treants sometimes join the guardian trees in watching over the shrine, as do the countless other Sylvan creatures that roam the Green Isle. Wrought iron gates entwined with ivy and blooming roses year-round permit passage only to Tel'Quessir who approach, wishing to worship Corellon and the Seldarine.

Magical fountains are scattered throughout the grove, and their enchanted waters are said to confer one or more effects similar to those of potions. Within the Grove were shrines dedicated to Aerdrie Faenya, Hanali Celanil, Labelas Enoreth, Rillifane Rallathil, Sehanine Moonbow, and the King and Queen of Faerie, Oberon and Titania. The Ar’Tel'Quessir who constructed Corellon's Grove chose not to include shrines to the rogue powers of the Seldarine such as Erevan Ilesere, Fenmarel Mestarine, Shevarash, and Solonor Thelandira, to the Sept’Tel’Seldarine, to the Yuir Deities, or to aspects of the Seldarine worshiped by the other subraces, such as Angharradh, Bear, Eagle, Raven, or Wolf, but all mentioned powers and aspects of powers were nonetheless venerated in Corellon's Grove by the Fair Folk in their own ways.

In the aftermath of the destruction of Corellon’s Grove, caused by the rampage of the Elf-Eater in DR 1371, the Year of the Unstrung Harp, all the Fair Folk rebuilt the Grove, and it was expanded and changed considerably. When completed, the reconsecrated Grove contained shrines of all the known powers and distinct aspects of the Seldarine, and its design better represents the diverse architectural styles employed by the various subraces of the Tel’Quessir.

Affiliated Orders: Corellon is the divine patron of many knightly orders, many of which claim to trace their heritage and membership hack to the Time of Flowers. Such orders are typically composed largely of Fighters and Wizards, but their compositions have varied widely over the millennia and from culture to culture. Notable orders in ages past have included the Knights of the Golden Wyrm, the Blade of Sahandrian, the Fey Staghorns, and the Swords of the Seldarine.

On Evermeet, the Wings of Yathaghera, the Knights of the Alicorn, the Weavers of Bladesong, and the Vassals of the Reverend Ones are all pledged to support the Protector, in the defense of the Green Isle. Few orders have remained on the mainland of Faerun since the Retreat began, but of those that remain, the Swords of Evereska are the most notable for their unwavering defense of that alpine vale. Outside of Elven homelands, the most frequently encountered agents of an Elven order pledged to Corellon Larethian belong to the Fellowship of the Forgotten Flower, a loosely structured organization dedicated to the recovery of lost Elven relics, items and artifacts from long-abandoned Elven realms, such as Aryvandaar, or Ilefarn.

Priestly Vestments: Ceremonial vestments for priests and priestess’ of Corellon Larethian are often worn in normal situations by choice, although such attire is not required. The garb consists of azure robes, made of gossamer and embroidered with silver quarter moons. Silver circlets engraved with the Protector's symbol are worn on the brow. The holy symbol of the faith, a silver or mithral crescent moon, is worn on a slender silver chain hung from the neck.

Adventuring Garb: When adventuring, Corellon's priests and priestess’ generally favor sky blue cloaks, Elven chain mail, long swords, and long bows, in conscious imitation of their divine patron. Leather, studded leather, or Elven chain mail is favored in situations requiring stealth, in addition to Cloaks of Elvenkind and Boots of Elvenkind, whereas Elven chain mail or Elven plate mail are favored in situations requiring direct, head-on conflict.