Labelas Enoreth

Labelas Enoreth: The Lifegiver, Lord of the Continuum, the One-Eyed God, the Philosopher, the Sage at Sunset

Symbol: Upper half of the sun setting over the horizon, with sunbeams reaching in all directions
Home Plane: Arvandor (The Vanishing Tower)
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Portfolio: History, Longevity, The Moment of Choice, Time
Domains: Chaos, Elf, Good, Knowledge, Time
Worshipers: Bards, Divine Disciples, Elves, Loremasters, Scholars, Teachers
Aliases: Chronos, Karonis, Kronus, the Simbul
Cleric Alignments: NG, CG, CN
Favored Weapon: “The Timestave” (Quarterstaff)

History/Relationships: Labelas Enoreth (Pronounced LAH-bel-lahs EN-or-eth) is the Elven god of longevity and time. After the creation of the Fair Folk, it is said that Labelas Enoreth blessed the elves with long lifespans, and decreed that their appearances would not be marred by the passage of time. The Lifegiver cooperates with Sehanine in overseeing the lifespan of elves and their growth away from and beyond mortal realms. He measures the lives of the Fair Folk and decrees when they should be ended, allowing passage to Arvandor.

As Lord of the Continuum, Labelas governs the orderly passage of time and guards against those who would alter the path of history. Labelas confers wisdom and teachings on young and old alike, and although he is rarely directly invoked, the Lifegiver is often praised. The Lifegiver knows the future and past of every Elf, Faerie, and Sylvan creature that lives on Faerûn. Labelas Enoreth is worshiped by sages, historians, philosophers, librarians, and all those who measure the changes wrought by the passing of years.

Labelas is also a philosopher-god, a patient teacher and instructor. His demeanor is calm and meditative, and he is not prone to sudden action or hasty speech. According to legend, long ago, he traded an eye for the ability to peer through time. Labelas concerns himself with transgenerational changes, and the growth of learning and wisdom among Elves. Because of his abstract role in Elven society and Elven life, he rarely involves himself directly in the lives of individual Elves, Fey or Sylvan creatures.

The Sage at Sunset has also been venerated in other guises, at various places during various times in history. When the Sy’Tel'Quessir settled the Yuirwood, the Seldarine merged with the ancient deities native to the Yuir, transforming them into aspects of the various powers of the Elven pantheon. The Simbul was the Yuir goddess of the moment of choice, and what is and what is not. When the Seldarine and the Yuir pantheon merged, the Simbul had to choose between Labelas Enoreth, the Elven deity of time and philosophy, and Erevan Ilesere, the Elven deity of change. She eventually chose to merge with Labelas Enoreth. Since, she has faded into near oblivion.

The Simbul, Queen of Aglarond, only recently discovered the divine ancestry of her name in DR 1368, the Year of the Banner. Likewise, another long forgotten aspect of Labelas Enoreth, known as Chronos, Karonis, or Kronus, was worshiped centuries ago in the tiny realm of Orva, which is now sunk beneath the waters of the Vast Swamp of eastern Cormyr. Like the Simbul, Chronos/Karonis/Kronus has, ironically, been forgotten due to the passage of time.

Labelas gets on well with the rest of the Seldarine, although his relationship with Erevan Ilesere has been sorely tested by the other's antics on occasion. The decision of the Simbul, to merge with the Lifegiver, and not the Fey Jester has also weakened their relationship, slightly. Asides for the Seldarine, Labelas Enoreth has few other allies.

In ancient times, when Mystryl was venerated as the human goddess of time, among other things, Labelas was closely allied with the Lady of Mysteries. That close relationship has continued with the current incarnation of Mystra, though the two powers are not as close as they once have been, especially since Mystra lost the dominion of time. Labelas and the Guardian of the Lost, an aspect of the draconic deity Null, also known as Chronepsis, have an understanding. It is also said that Labelas and Shekinester, Queen of the Nagas, are slowly building an alliance.

Since the Time of Troubles, Clangeddin Silverbeard, Dwarven god of battle and war, has nursed a grudge against Labelas Enoreth, for defeating him in battle on the isle of Ruathym. While the Lifegiver has attempted to apologize for his actions, the Father of Battle is slow to forgive, as is typical of dwarves. The Lifegiver strongly opposes the powers of entropy and undeath, particularly Tenebrous/Orcus and Yeenoghu. Like the rest of the Seldarine, he also opposes the Anti-Seldarine, and the Orc Pantheon.

Other allies of the Sage at Sundown include Denier, Cyrrollalee, Eilistraee, Milil, Oghma, and Savras. Other enemies include Myrkul, who is now dead, and Velsharoon.

Labelas Enoreth’s deific realm, the Vanishing Tower, is literally what it sounds like. The tower that Labelas makes his home vanishes and reappears in random intervals all around Arvandor, except for within another deity’s divine realm. When the Vanishing Tower appears somewhere, it is usually taken as a sign of trouble to come, and Corellon Larethian usually signals a meeting of all members of the Seldarine.

Dogma: The march of time is inexorable, but the blessings of the Lifegiver enable the children of Corellon to live long and fruitful lives, unmarked by the passage of years. Record and preserve the lessons of history, and draw lessons from that which has unfolded. In the end, the sun always sets before the next day dawns anew. When you follow Labelas's teachings, time is on your side.

Avatar/Manifestations: Labelas appears as an androgynous elf with silver hair and misty gray eyes, one of which is always covered by an eye patch He always wears pale-colored robes of green, blue, white, and gray. He also always appears with some kind of hourglass in hand, or somewhere on his person.

Labelas rarely manifests directly, instead preferring to work through his agents, subtle signs and careful guidance. Nevertheless, on occasion he manifests as a faint mist that envelops a creature or object and alters its age. Typically, such manifestations undo the effects of aging, but the reverse has been observed on rare occasions as well. Labelas Enoreth also shows his favor by having his priests and priestess’ discover ancient, yet well preserved, gemstones and items. Conversely, he shows his disfavor my having them discover ancient gemstones and items that have suffered the ravages of time.

Agents/Petitioners: Labelas Enoreth is served by Aasimar, Aasimon, Agathinion, Ancient Treants, Asuras, Baelnorn, Einhenar, Eladnn, Electrum Dragons, Elves, Feystags, Firestars, Gold Dragons, Hollyphants, Hybsils, Incarnates of Hope, Incarnates of Faith, Incarnates of Justice, Incarnates of Wisdom, Kholiathra, Kinn, Lillendi, Lythlyx, Memory Webs, Moon Horses, Opinici, Radiance Quasielementals, Reverend Ones, Scile, Seelie Faeries, Silver Dragons, Sunflies, Talking Owls, Temporal Dogs, Temporal Gliders, Time Dimensionals, T'uen-nn, and Unicorns.

The White Stag of Labelas is a special servant of the Elven deity that has been observed only on Evermeet. It is not to be confused with the mystical white stag that supposedly appears near Neverwinter every so often. Physically, it is a large, snow-white animal, with massive muscles, and red, glowing eyes. Observers say the creature's magical aura is literally tangible, and can felt by all those who lay eyes upon it. The stag's appearance is considered to be an omen of great events to come, because it invariably leads any who follow it to a place where a vision or direct divine message from Labelas Enoreth occurs.

As a pseudodivine being, the White Stag is in no danger on the Green Isle, but should the unthinkable happen, and the beast pursued by enemies, it is fully capable of defending itself. Though capable of goring its enemies with its antlers, or smashing them with its hooves, the White Stag would most likely rely on its misdirection powers, to cause those pursuing it to lose their bearings, and eventually, lose the White Stag’strail.

The White Stag appears wherever Elves are in need of guidance and wisdom. Some claim that when the White Stag is not on the Material Plane, it is grazing the lush landscape of Arvandor, and is sent to Faerun only when Elves are in danger and Labelas Enoreth requires its services.

Labelas Enoreth has a single Chosen- Vartan Hai Sylvar. During the Time of Troubles, Enoreth used Sylvar as his avatar, and this caused considerable friction between the two afterwards. Through Hai Sylvar, Labelas Enoreth caused considerable destruction on the island of Ruathym, and caused a lot of damage to the Realms Master, a vessel that Hai Sylvar and his companions often traveled on. This caused Vartan to reject Enoreth for a time, once the Time of Troubles had concluded. The two have mended their relationship somewhat, now, and Vartan Hai Sylvar willingly aids Enoreth, though he never says he serves the deity. Vartan can cause any being he touches to instantly age twenty years, a gift bestowed upon him by the Lord of the Continuum. For a brief time, Hai Sylvar served as Labelas Enoreth’s proxy. This did not last long, however, and he returned to Faerûn, where he serves as Enoreth’s Chosen.

The Church of Labelas Enoreth: The Lifegiver has a small, but dedicated following, made up mostly of priests, priestess’ and Chronomancers. Though his church is small, the influence that they wield is quite large. The counsel of the Clerics of the Sage and Sunset are always sought when far-reaching decisions are to be made. It is said that an entire temple of Labelas Enoreth was involved in the discussion of opening Myth Drannor to N’Tel’Quessir.

Temples and shrines dedicated to Labelas Enoreth are constructed in such a manner that they withstand the passage of time. For example, his temples and shrines are often built into ancient forests, or ancient mountains. His temples always include a large sundial inlaid on the floor, along with stained-glass windows, bathing the entire building in rays of colorful light. Temples of Labelas Enoreth often have libraries, and these libraries are said to be the greatest collection of Elven lore on Faerûn.

Novice priests and priestess’ are called Tyros. Full-fledged priests and priestess’ are called Time Sentinels. Other titles used include, in ascending order, Observer, Recorder, Librarian, Lorist, Scholar, Historian, Sage and Philosopher. Collectivley, the upper echelons of Labelas Enoreth’s clergy members are known as the Wizened.

The majority of The Lifegiver’s priests and priestess’ are Sun Elves. Moon Elves are the next most represented subrace. Wood Elves, Aquatic Elves and Half-Elves make up the rest of the composition of his church. Unlike most other Elven faiths, there are many more priestess’ dedicated to Labelas Enoreth than there are priests.

Day-to-Day Activities: Priests of Labelas Enoreth are the keepers of Elven history and lore, and they are charged with searching for hidden facts of the past. They compile and protect such sacred knowledge, and record it for the instruction of future generations. Members of Labelas Enoreth’s clergy are also philosophers and teachers, responsible for educating the young and promoting the acquisition of knowledge.

Holy Days/Important Ceremonies: The faithful of the Lord of the Continuum do not celebrate individual holy days. To them, the passage of time is uniform, independent of the events that unfold in each regular interval. Instead, the Lifegiver's followers gather each day in small groves near his temples, as the sun sets to mark the passage of another day. This daily ritual known as the Marking of Time. They pray to Labelas Enoreth, and recite all that they have learned in the past day, to be recorded by the Lorekeepers of Arvandor that serve the One-Eyed God.

It is considered a great honor to the parents if a priest or priestess of Labelas Enoreth attends a birth. In Elven culture, this is considered a sign that the child will live a long and fruitful life. Such visitations always occur during the first sunset after the birth of the child, and involve casting a spell to bless the infant, as prayers to Labelas are exclaimed to the heavens. A Cleric of the Lifegiver does not perform such a ceremony on his/her own volition. Priests and priestess’ only perform these rites if they receive a vision in advance from the Lifegiver, giving such instructions.

Major Centers of Worship: The ruins of the Elven city of Mhnlamniir lay at the heart of the High Forest. At the height of Eaerlann's civilization, Mhiilamniir was the site of a number of major temples, shrines and seats of power for most Elven clergies in the North. While Mhiilamniir's largest building is a now-ruined temple dedicated to Corellon Larethian, the city's oldest temple has always been the Temple Beyond Time, a soaring tower shaped like an hourglass, consecrated in the name of the Lifegiver.

Labelasan religious texts suggest that the Temple Beyond Time existed as far back as the early days of Aryvandaar, nearly 25 millennia ago. Mhiilamnnr is no longer safe enough for Elven pilgrims to visit due to a green dragon, Choloracndara, who lairs in the Protector’s ruined house of worship, and claims the entire temple city as her domain. Nonetheless, Labelas's temple and its inhabitants survive unmolested due in part to the temple's peculiar relationship with the time stream. The Temple Beyond Time can be seen or entered for a few moments at varying intervals. The faithful of the Lifegiver interpret the god's omens as to when the Temple Beyond Time can be reached and then travel to the site in order to consult with the eternal seers- Barlnorn- who dwell within. The petitioners who enter the tower bear the risk that when they emerge many years may have passed, even though the interval seemed like little more than a few hours to those within.

The calm waters of Lake Eredruie, a large pond at the headwaters of the Glaemril in the forests of northwestern Deepingdale, have long been held to be sacred to Labelas by the Fair Folk. Elves who immerse themselves in the lake's waters are said to gain 3-60 years to their natural lifespans, though this only happens the first time they do this. The waters from this lake are also said to act as healing potions to Elves and Half-Elves. A tree that houses a natural spring that bubbles into Lake Eredruie is one of Labelas Enoreth’s holiest sites.

Affiliated Orders: The Order of the Setting Sun is a fellowship of Elf and Half-Elf archeologists, Bards, historians, Lorekeepers, scholars, sages, and the like who seek to preserve and/or rediscover the relics and knowledge of Elven cultures that have already passed into history. Since the reclamation of both Myth Drannor and Myth Glaurach, the Order of the Setting Sun has been very active.

The Knights Paradoxical are an elite order of Fighters, Wizards, and Clerics who seek to preserve the integrity of the time stream and prevent significant alterations to history by Chronomancers and their ilk. Members of this ancient order may be found guarding legendary time gates and tracking down copies of time conduit spells to keep them out of the hands of those who would meddle with history either deliberately or through carelessness.

Priestly Vestments: Priests of Labelas wear light gray robes of made of wispy and loose gossamer. When a small light source is viewed through the robes, such vestments shine with the deep reds, purples, and oranges of the sunset. The holy symbol of the faith is a semicircular gold disk carved to resemble the setting sun.

Adventuring Garb: Servants of Labelas disdain heavy armor and sophisticated weaponry. For most priests and priestess’ of the Lifegiver, simple light gray robes, of more durable construction than their ceremonial vestments, and a staff or dagger serve as adequate protection. When available, Cloaks of Elvenkind, Boots of Elvenkind, and similar items that allow the wearer to walk unnoticed are employed by members of Labelas's clergy.