The Isles of Prydein - Deities - Charis, Goddess Of The Dawn.

Eilistraee, Song and Beauty

Eilistraee (pronounced "eel-ISS-tray-ee") is a goddess of song and beauty, worshiped though song and dance-preferably in the surface world, under the stars of a moonlit night. She is an ancient Goddess, worshipped primarily in the northern forests found on the continent although some sects started appearing in the countryside in the South of the Isles , predominately by Elves. She is only ever depicted as a beautiful elven woman, usually fully naked and in a dance pose. Sometimes this is with a sword for many of her followers dance with drawn blades.

She was one of the main dieties worshipped by the "Lost Elves" the followers of Queen Rhyannon who disappeared underground during the Gods War. Lost and apparently changed by an evil power they awoke. There are numerous myths and legends about these "Dark Elves" but most agree these elves now shun the light and are believed to live deep below the ground, an unnatural prospect for most elves. Many surface elves do not believe they exist and so Eilistraee remains a small cult, though what her followers lack in numbers they make up for in the power of their belief.

The first sect of Eilistraee was started by Rhynannon's sister Rosmerrille who sworre an oath to recover the Lost Ones and bring them back into the light. Priestesses (for only females are allowed into their ranks) are expected to be vigilant for any traces of the Lost Ones and help them return to the world they forsoke so long ago. They differ from the more regular, popular priesthoods in that.

Minimum Ability Scores	Dexterity 16, Wisdom 9, (Dexterity& Wisdom 16, +10% exp)
Racial Spread Of Worship	Major: Elves, Half Elves Rare: Humans
NWP's Required	Artistic ability (Singing or Dancing), Hunting, either Local History or Ancient History
NWP's Recommended	Astronomy, Blind Shooting, Chanting, Direction Sense, Orienteering,
WP's Required	Swords
Weapons Allowed	Any, Swords preferred
Armour Allowed	None, except drow (very rare) or magical only
Other Limitations	None
Spheres Of Influence: Major	All, combat, elemental, eilistraee, guardian, protection
Spheres Of Influence: Minor	healing, summoning, travelers, weather
PriestlyPowers	Spells, Sword of dancing.
Festivals	Eilistraee’s sects observe a number of festivals. The Sword Dance is a ritual of shedding a small amount of blood and invoking Eilistraee’s favor to prevent a blade from breaking or rusting for the next three months. The High Hunt, celebrated at least once each season, is a nocturnal pursuit of a dangerous beast or monster, led by Priestresses of Eilistraee. By tradition, the hunters may use any bladed weapons and wear anything—except the Priestesses, who go naked, each carrying only a single sword. If the quarry is slain, the celebrants chant prayers and perform a circle dance to the deity. At least once a year, Priestesses of Eilistraee undertake a Run. They blacken their bodies with natural dyes and oils, and boil certain leaves and berries to make their hair silvery. They then go wandering on the surface world, trusting to their music, kind ways, and sword skills to keep from being slain on sight. They go where they are strangers, making an effort to seek out elven communities, and bring them game, succor, and helping hands. They try to learn new songs, music, and sword ways, and do not come to preach their faith or make a mark for themselves. Basically they are trying to prepare the world for the return of the drow, trying to combat the fearful stories told about the Lost Ones.
Priestly Duties	Priests of Eilstraee offer spiritual guidance, preside over wedding celebrations, preside over last rites and funerals if asked.
Holy Symbol	Figurine of a dancing woman, sometimes depicted with a naked blade.