General:
Faenella - "the fair bard", Faenella is a performer extraordinaire and a muse of poetry and wanderlust, she is also an inventor of creatures. Faenella is the creator of the Faerie, who are considered her "progeny". Dryads, sprites, nyads, and angels (who are not Faerie but are of her domain) are all her "children". She is the patron of bards and youths who runaway from home to seek adventure, as well as adventurers themselves. Her gift to mortals was inspiration, and she created the harp and stringed instruments. Caravans are often under her protection. Despite the fact that her emblem is the wren, she loves felines (as well as birds), and keeps one close at hand as she plays her music. She is, like her other aspects, highly visible and often portrayed with glowing brown hair and bright green eyes, slender and Elven. Faenella despises undead, and will destroy them as often as possible. Her emblem is the wren.
Murrula - the goddess of beauty and gifted youngsters, Murrula sings mostly a capella and is virtually indestructable -- her creation is the phoenix. Murrula cannot stand bad singing, and will silence those who sing badly or else gift them with a beautiful voice. Murrula also seeks out young bards and will train them incognito (or one of her servants will) and make sure their wandering feet do not stray them into trouble. She is the protector of travelers and her kiss remedies hangovers, she is the creator of the flute and woodwinds. She is often pictured as a beautiful, slender young woman who appears Elven, with flowing fiery red hair and bright amber eyes. Her emblem
is a phoenix.
Idon - the "reaver" is a god of roving bands of thieves; as well as rakish rogues who love and leave women, and mothers who abandon their children to continue their life "unburdened". Idon is obsessed with his own good looks; if he sees a man or woman who he feels "outshines" him, he may turn them into a pig. While Idon is very vain, he is also charismatic. Idon is extremely lusty, and once when a member of a clan exclaimed, "By Idon!" and a visitor asked, "Why do you say that?", the clan member responded, "Because half of us are!" Idon is the god of lust and wild music usually unfavored by others --
his creation is the drum and other percussion. Idon's music is often too outrageous to listen to, but no one will ever say so to his face without risking his wrath, which can be dangerous. Idon appears as a black-haired and blue-eyed youth who is lean and well-muscled. While not a good fighter, Idon is an excellent backstabber, and he is second only to Damaris in planning a good ambush. His emblem is the heron.
Altars:
Siergelde Ruins:
look ped -- This large chunk of marble is all that remains of a statue to the goddess Faenella, whose favor is sought by crafters and those involved in commerce. Part of an arcane inscription carved into the pedestal praises this goddess for the artistic excellence she instills in her followers.
Faenella, Under Shard
Faenella's Altar, Crossings Temple
Faenella, Crossings Sewers
Faenella's Temple, Ratha 3rd Tier
Murrula's Shrine, Aesry
The altar is fashioned from a dark grey stone streaked with black swirls. Flakes of mica sparkle through in spots where green lichen does not grow upon the stone. The face of the altar shows a carved image of a phoenix, and a few words in raised letters.
There appears to be something written on it.
A square altar reads:
~May the traveler find the path sought.~
Murrula, Temple of Light, Shard
Idon, Temple of Darkness, Shard
You open some appallingly gawdy draperies over the doorway of an alcove to the north.
[Temple of Darkness, Idon's Alcove]
Garish pillows and blankets are spread out along the floor of this small shrine. Curtains in appalling colors and of various incredibly expensive fabrics hang from the walls, draping the statue of Idon who stands smirking toward the back. The strong scent of burning, spicy incense permeates the air. You also see some heavy dark blue velvet draperies tied in place with a gaudy gold cord.
Obvious exits: none.
look statue -- Idon has been chiseled out of fine white marble, revealing a bare, handsome chest and a perfectly shaped face with a slight cleft in his chin. You can almost imagine him winking slyly at you.
fall pillow -- You flop down into a pillow. Aaaaah!
Idon's Shrine, Aesry
Wyvern Mountain, Cavern
Embroidered silk panels flutter from the ceiling with every passing breeze, each depicting a slender green-eyed Elven woman with glowing brown hair. One shows her dancing, another depicts her playing a harp, while still another shows her apparently talking to a wren perched upon her outstretched finger. Mischievous sprites and other creatures of Faerie flutter about her, faint images in the panels' backgrounds. You also see a black arch and a white arch.
Obvious exits: none.
look panel -- Faenella dances gracefully on the fluttering silken panels, as tiny wrens wing around her in a swiftly moving cloud.
A white arch reads:
Murrula, protect me as I travel, and grant me inspiration in my music. May my singing fall pleasantly upon your ears, and win approbation from my audience.
Your vision blurs as you pass through the arch, and you see...
A phoenix burns in the ashes of the hearth as a slender Elven woman with flowing red hair and amber eyes plays upon a golden flute. She smiles as you pass by, and your spirits are buoyed, your steps lighter as you journey on.
A black arch reads:
May Idon's glory shine on us, his charm and wit inspire us and his wrath fall far from our doorstep.
Your vision blurs as you pass through the arch, and you see...
A heron stretches its wings and seems to dance to the rhythm of a wild drumbeat which fills the air. As you pass, a dark-haired young man with flashing blue eyes glances at you, then smiles charmingly. Despite his charismatic manner, something -- perhaps the shadowy figures in the background -- makes you uneasy, and you hurry on.
Books:
Excerpt from "A Book of Anlasaen" (MelBA) Aesry library:
Revelfae -- Revelfae Anlas was when Faenella's progeny are said to come forth to dance, if the followers gather to play a song, to sing, or dance to call them. A bard among the party was recommended to assure success.
Festival items:
- a carved wooden wren hanging from a soft leather cord (look) The wren is carved from a soft brown wood, each detail of her feathers and expression so accurate it almost breathes. A carved wooden wren reads: "Brown bird, I hear thy call -- I follow where e'er you lead. The lifeless flee from us all, Faenella's song be my song and creed." - Web Festival - Pyff's tent
- a red satin tabard sewn in brilliant gold thread with the emblem of the wren of Faenella - Jeraya Lanival Festival - silver tent
- an oaken icon of the goddess Faenella (look) A slender young woman dressed in purple tights, waistcoat and feathered cap strums a harp. Her green eyes gaze off in the distance thoughtfully as she sings. - Fest Of Eluned - Iormethani's Godly Objects
- a pale ashwood music box inlaid with silver (look) Cast in fine silver, a revolving platform within the box supports a cleverly modeled tableau depicting a silver willow tree leaning gracefully over a still pool of glassy water. The slender figure of a nyad, carved from rock crystal clear as ice, rises from the surface of the pond, one languid arm raised above her head towards a singing wren half hidden in the branches of the willow tree. A pale ashwood music box reads: "Music reborn from silence. Honoring the 20th anniversary of the re-founding of the Bard Guild, year 369." - Wren Faire
- a gold medallion symbolizing dedication to Faenella (look)
Etched into the face of the medallion is the goddess Faenella in her mortal form -- a slender, graceful Elven woman. In her outstretched hands sits a wren, wings spread, getting ready for flight. Circling around her flowing hair is the mighty phoenix and a graceful heron. The heron's long neck is outstretched in flight, its beak grasping the tail feathers of the phoenix. - Ice Fest - Gods Tent
- a scrimshawed ivory pendant hand-etched with the image of a warbling wren -- Etched intricately into the ivory is the image of small wren happily perched atop a golden harp, its tiny beak opened in song. - Jaal Jeraya - Altared Visions
- a silver-dusted cambrinth orb etched with the image of small wren pecking at the strings of a harp - Arthe Dale Mini-fest - Bunglefoot's Tent
- a verdant green prayer tapestry embroidered with a willowy dryad -- Tiny brown agate wrens bead the edges of the lush silk tapestry. - Temple Re-opening Fest - Sputkin's Splendors
- an oaken icon of the goddess Murrula (look) A beautiful woman with fiery red hair and bright amber eyes leans against an altar, playing a flute. Flames leap about her feet, but she seems uncaring. - Fest Of Eluned - Iormethani's Godly Objects
- a stone tankard painted with a phoenix (look) Rising out of the ashes of another burned out tavern, the phoenix traverses the remains of the bar and clutches a rescued keg in its maw. - Ice Fest - Tryllm's Tent
- a polished oak music box inlaid with gold (look)
Born of heat and crafted with precise skill, a glittering glass sculpture rises from the display platform. Ranging from colorless clarity through all the subtle shades of orange, gold and red, the blown glass depicts a nest of leaping flame. Rising from the heart of the fire is the figure of a singing woman, arms raised and caught at the moment of transformation into burning wings. A polished oak music box reads: "Music reborn from silence. Honoring the 20th anniversary of the re-founding of the Bard Guild, year 369." - Wren Faire
- a crystal-dusted cambrinth orb etched with the vision of a phoenix rising resplendent amidst dancing flames - Arthe Dale Mini-fest - Bunglefoot's Tent
- a fiery red silk prayer tapestry embroidered with a brilliant golden phoenix -- Fingers of orange flame have been embroidered on the tapestry, dancing upward around the form of the phoenix. - Temple Re-opening Fest - Sputkin's Splendors
- an oaken icon of the god Idon (look) A dark youth stands beating a drum. A long knife hangs by his side. - Fest Of Eluned - Iormethani's Godly Objects
- a rich mahogany music box inlaid with bronze (look) A raised platform supports the finely carved and painted figure of a dark haired young man with a bodhran in one hand, his other hand holding the tipper poised to stroke the drum's surface. The drummer's expression is haughty, at once dangerous and beguiling, his blue painted eyes boldly self-assured. A rich mahogany music box reads: "Music reborn from silence. Honoring the 20th anniversary of the re-founding of the Bard Guild, year 369." - Wren Faire
- an onyx-dusted cambrinth orb etched with the strutting image of a preening heron - Arthe Dale Mini-fest - Bunglefoot's Tent
- a mirrored gold silk prayer mat embroidered with a basking heron - Temple Re-opening Fest - Sputkin's Splendors
Mentor Event Items:
Altered Items:
some dark golden Elven chainmail emblazoned with a phoenix (look) The links over the chest are dyed with the striking image of a phoenix which is the hue of molten gold. Its wings are mantled and its head is thrown back as if in song. Blazing scarlet flames dance behind it, threatening to engulf the magnificent bird even as it is born anew from the conflagration. Surrounding the aureate illustration is a knotwork border of ivy intertwined with Saemaus Kiss roses.
an emerald green silk pack embellished with a phoenix on the flap (look) Silvery white, gold, and ruby inks depict an exquisite phoenix rising triumphantly above dancing flames. Its head is thrown back as if it were about to burst into song. Surrounding the brilliant bird is a delicate knotwork border of ivy entwined with golden lyrandia blossoms.
Misc:
Misenseor Abbey, High Altar Chamber Columns
a gold Idon casting (sold in Temple of Darkness in Shard) will have the same look as this column
You tap the Idon column. - In fine detail, the craftsman has depicted a banquet table set in the castle of a baron. A handsome Human man in a tattered cloak sits at the head of the table, surrounded by many beautiful and exotic women wearing crowns and tiaras. The ladies vie for the stranger's attention as a number of pigs root about for scraps on the stone floor.
Crossings Cleric Guild Monk: A group of unruly vagabonds approaches the guildhall, obviously with trouble in mind. The monk shouts, "Begone miscreants, or I shall curse your brew to always be watery in Idon's name!" With a collective shudder, the group retreats with many a foul oath.
Crossings Cleric Guild Monk: The monk smiles in your direction and cheerily says, "May Murrula bless you with endurance." before turning to greet another guest.
prayer
You see: You take a deep breath and close your eyes, silently beseeching Faenella for your hands to be steady and your touch true.
Others see: Mellisandre takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, seeming to
gather energy from a silent prayer.
Constellations:
wren - ?
phoenix - ?
The Heron is a wide constellation of some fifty stars which form the image of a winged heron gliding across the warm summer skies.
Shard, Emerald Lane Open Market
You see a very impressive statue of Faenella.
The statue is carved of creamy, shell pink marble shot through with gold. The eyes of the goddess of Bards gazes down upon the area, and a sweet smile curves her lips. Dressed in a tight blouse and a swirling skirt, you can almost imagine the song she must be lilting as her arms cradle her deep-bellied lute Mythrindell, her fingers poised to pluck the strings.
A statue of Faenella begins to darken and shift, slowly changing from a visage of the goddess of Bards and into a more sinister image. (shifts to Damaris, then back to Faenella)
[Crossing Temple, Tower Tunnels]
The dark and cold are so pervasive, one might doubt that light had ever fallen on this chill stone, or warmth filled this icy air. Hundreds of spiders have woven a tangle of cobwebs over the years, and now dust-laden threads cling tenaciously to all they touch. A thick layer of dust covers the tunnel floor and almost obliterates a mosaic that, once a glory of color, is now barely discernible through the grime.
look mosaic -- A young Elven lady with flowing brown hair and green eyes strums a golden lyre while resting in a peaceful glade. Sprites and small birds playfully circle about while dryads peer inquisitively from behind the trees.
Faenella Prayer Gate, Aesry
Perched precariously atop a rose quartz prayer gate, an orached wren watches over those who pass beneath.
look wren - Chiseled from speckled orached, the wren's wings are spread as though ready to leap into the air. Eyes of polished black opal gaze down at the path leading beneath the prayer gate.
You bow to the orached wren, and the sound of a lute, played with exemplary skill and style, fills your ears.
look gate - The prayer gate is a large, thick arch which straddles the road and provides shelter from the elements. Covered with small white crystals which move with the breeze, producing sweet chimes when they touch, the arch is a symbol of the true passion of Surlaenis's people: music.
[Aesry Surlaenis'a, Beneath the Prayer Gate]
Resonating at the slightest sound, the pale rose quartz gleams with a rainbow of reflected light. Patiently lifesculpted by a generation of Elves, the walls of the prayer gate meet seamlessly above. Dense veins of black crystal writhe just beneath the surface of the gate, twisted by the lifesculptor's art into images of musical instruments.
Songs:
A Bardic Prayer Prayer - By: Firannion Matrevyn
Goddess of the glowing hair,
Lady, lift my voice.
Hearken to a bardic prayer,
Lady, lift my voice.
Lady, lift my voice aloft.
Breathe within me strong and soft.
Sound your music clear and oft.
Lady, lift my voice.
Sweet Faenella, guide me still,
Lady, lift my heart.
Teach me how to work your will,
Lady, lift my heart.
Lady, lift my heart aloft.
Drum within me strong and soft.
Sound your music clear and oft,
Lady, lift my heart.
Help me use these gifts you've sent,
Lady, lift my soul.
Let me be your instrument,
Lady, lift my soul.
Lady, lift my soul aloft.
Play within me strong and soft.
Sound your music clear and oft,
Lady, lift my soul.
The song ends with a single sustained note.
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