Goddess of Nature
Titles: The Wildlander, Mother Nature, Guardian of the Forests, Fey Mother.
Alignment: True Neutral
Pantheon: Global
Areas of Concern: The Wilds, Plantlife, Animal Life, and Life in General
Worshippers: Druids, Gatherers, Foresters, and Rangers.
Domains: Animal, Plant, and Healing
Subdomains: Fur, Feather, Thorns, Decay, Growth, and Restoration
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
Symbol: A Leaf
Sacred Animal: Mountain Lion
Sacred Colors: Green and White
Dogma
Cypr is the guardian of nature, and the balance that exists within it. The give and take of nature is its given law. The wild is finite and she expects her followers to acknowledge and regulate this.
Value the circle of life, and keep from the temptations of unnatural immortality by means not approved by nature. This includes immortality granted by undeath and alchemical means; the unnatural prolonging of life is generally looked down upon.
Destruction is sometimes necessary for rebirth, natural forces should be allowed to take their course and should not be held back. However, the destruction of the wild outside of storms, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, ect is also something the goddess greatly cares about. Such can upset the balance, and send the wilderness into ruin.
Appearance
Cypr does not often appear in a human form, though tales have arisen that she takes the form of a half-elven woman with ruby red hair, and eyes green as the leaves. It is said that her head is adorned with wildflowers, and crested with antlers. She does not appear in populated areas, instead choosing to reveal herself in groves and areas remote in nature. Her voice is said to be beautiful, as told by those who claim to have witnessed her singing. Cypr is one of the gods who has given forth demi-children to the world. She has been known to take interest in mortal men who embody her ideals.
In her godly form she appears as a giant humanoid with elegant elven features, her form is that of wood, and she carries a great Longbow.
Providence
Those who find her favor shall find food where available, water when thirsty, or cover when hiding.
The ire of this goddess is shown by catch of thorn, spoilage of food, and haunt of predator. The very might of the wilds has singled you out, and made you its enemy. Plead for forgiveness.
Servants
Ruddic
A Mountain Lion that may appear in times of Dire need, or at the side of Cypr when she takes humanoid form. Ruddic is a capable fighter, but in the case a retreat is needed he can open a gate to the Fey Lands.
The Whispering Willow
This ghostly, groaning willow tree is stumbled upon when great misfortune is coming, often to warn wildlife of wildfires or loggers. It is a sign that a wild place is due to be destroyed by unnatural means, the willow is said to weep blood if the threatened location is a sacred place to Cypr.
Pan
Also considered a god to the Satyrs this herald of Cypr bolsters no weapons but instead a pair of reed pipes. He uses his musical abilities to inspire those he has come to protect.
Church of Cypr
While there are not Temples to Cypr, she still has shrines throughout the knowns world.
Worshipers
Cypr’s followers generally are those who do not partake in mass civilization, small communities of hunter-gatherers and Druidic bands make up most of her followers.
Obedience
Particularly devout followers of Cypr will attempt to restore nature in any way they can. This may take the form of culling invasive species from areas, or spreading seeds of wild plants where they may have been cleared.
Clergy
Most of the clergy of Cypr are Druids, Hunters, and Rangers.
Temples and Shrines
The Shrines of Cypr are not found in towns, but rather they can be found in peaceful groves off the path. If a place seems tranquil and untouched there is likely to be a shrine. While it is difficult to have a shrine within a city it can be done through a large amount of effort and the grace of the goddess. These Shrines are often a symbol of Cypr carved in a stone or some other method.
Those who perform their daily obedience in the presence of a shrine gain a +2 bonus on Knowledge(nature) checks, and always know what direction they are facing even when confused or under the effects of some magic.
Important Place Name
The Wildwood
This Ancient forest is believed to have trees aging past the millennia, and holds the gate to the Fey Lands. It is forbidden to have settlements established here and is well guarded by the Wild Keepers.
The Elder Oak
Located in the territory of Libertalia, this great Oak tree stands roughly 300 feet tall. A small druidic band dwells at its base and leads many meditations daily. The tree is considered a sacred pilgrimage for any follower of Cypr. As it seems the tree exists in both the material plane and that of the Fey Lands.
Holy Texts
Cypre does not have a holy text, instead she views the wild as her doctrine.
Legendary Text
The Leaves of Tears
A book written upon dried leaves, this tome laments the dying of the wilds. Within its pages lay a lasting promise of retribution, it is said that Cypr had to pour her heated tears into this book to avoid becoming a vengeful goddess, and if this tome is to be read the mortal who reads it shall become the vessel of Cypr’s hatred.
Holidays
The Vernal Festival
This Festival is held on the days around the Spring Equinox. While followers of Cypr often celebrate the whole week, the general public frequently celebrates solely on the equinox. Towns and regions that particularly venerate Cypr celebrate for several days.
In the days leading to the Festival, it is customary to light scented candles and leave them around windows and doors in ones house. This is done in the belief that it wards off mischievous Fey that cross into the plane during this time of increased activity of natural energy.
During the Festival, drinking and merriment is to be had, as delicious foods and games are brought to the celebration. The meals of the Festival are most often made of materials foraged from nature, and the treats making use of wild berries.
Clergy of Cypr often bake little dense cakes of oil and honey, taking donations in exchange for a symbolic sacrifice of these cakes on the donator’s behalf. It is said that those who make these sacrifices gain favor with Cypr, and be spared from predators that stalk the wilderness in their travels. The clergy use these donations in funding of the conservation of the wilderness.
Organizations
The Wild Keepers
A militant order of Druids, tasked with keeping the safety of the Wildwood. These Druids stalk the outerwoods in their beastial forms to ward off unwanted visitors and ill prepared pilgrims.
Sisters of the Cypress
A band of demi-children of Cypr, they roam around the world of Chaldonia. Vigilante in nature, these elite hunters and druids take the law in their own hands when dealing with poachers and those who aid deforestation.