Hagiography of Elanthian Saints Vol.1
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
My research started innocently enough. A mention of Saint
Gyoir in an old manuscript I was looking over for High
Priestess Tallis. When I mentioned Gyoir to her, she had
little information as well. You see, I like you dear
reader, grew up without mention of the Elanthian Saints.
I did not learn it in my cloister, or when I took up a
research post in the Temple. Diligently, I set out to see
why Gyoir had disappeared from memory. Were there more
like him I wondered, and have found indeed the answer
is yes.
The best reason for the Saints of Elanthia fading into the
background that I have been able to discern is that during
the reign of Vithwok IV (246BL-243BL) the regent, Selyan
generally frowned on reverence of the saints and within a
short time it fell out of fashion at Court, and this
trickled down a bit slower to the general populace and
became even more a disused practice during the Dragon
Priest war, that by 160BL it was generally unheard of, and
the last saints elevated by the Temple council was in 170BL
(the saints of Zoluren and Theren respectively). In fact,
it fell so out of favor very few remnants remain. Shrines
were destroyed in the war or dismantled, reliquaries were
hidden away, broken up or sold to private parties and
disappeared into family vaults. One of the most prominent
remaining piece of the puzzle is a stained-glass tympanum
in Catherine’s Court in Shard of Saint Ilysia.
Some of you may question, why are there no Prydaen, Rakash,
Kaldar or Gnomes listed. And to this, I tell you quite
frankly, they have their own pantheon of which I am not
versed. If they have saints, I am unaware of it nor would
their saints belong here, in a book about the Elanthian
Saints as our saints are chosen by a council of the High
Temple based on various merits, miracles and other such
things I will not bore you with. Curiously, the process
for selecting a saint survived the purge... the council
itself does not always decide where a saint is placed.
For example, I personally have never seen a thieves guild,
but my research tells me that thieves revere Kvirinus.
Thus, it has been included here in the interest of
completeness.
Please note that the saints listed here not do represent
the fullness of the hagiography of Elanthian Saints.
From my research I am led to believe at one time there
were over a hundred saints some covering the same expertise
and area, the ones included here are but a few. In this
book are only initial saints of Guilds and of Provinces.
Perhaps as research sheds more light on the subject we will
see more documentation on saints of cities, immortals, and
other subjects.
-By my hand, Ayoe Pengetahuantuhan, hagiographer of the
High Temple
GUILD PATRONS
BARBARIAN
Gyoir (324BL - Unknown)
Several stories have been attached to Saint Gyoir, the best
known of which Gyoir faces a dragon that lived in Lake
Gwenalion. Whole armies had gone up against this fierce
creature, and had gone down in painful defeat. The monster
ate two sheep each day and when mutton was scarce, lots were
drawn, and maidens were substituted for sheep. Into this
fiasco came Saint Gyoir. Hearing the story on a day when a
nobleman's daughter was to be eaten, he genuflected while
giving a fierce prayer to Everild for steadfastness in
battle, and then rode out against the monster, and killed
it with a single blow with his lance. Gyoir then held forth
with a magnificent sermon, converting many of the locals to
the fierceness of Everild. Given a large reward by the
nobleman, Gyoir distributed it to the poor, then rode
away -- never to be heard from again.
Gyoir is represented by a serpentine creature forming a
half-circle that has been pierced by a lance.
Gyoir is remembered as the patron saint of Barbarians
and as the patron saint of skin rash, which prayer to
him has been known to cure.
Gyoir is often depicted as a rugged, good looking Elven
man with black hair and green eyes.
BARD
Rikarour (the Stammerer) (302BL - 276BL)
Plagued from early childhood with a nearly unintelligible
stammer, Rikarour felt he was destined for a mundane
existence on the family farm. However, the young man lost
his stammer when singing and had clear treble voice in
childhood that deepened into a vibrantly rich
contrabass -- a talent that was not lost on a passing
bard who happened past the family plot one day and heard
Rikarour's song as he toiled in the fields. At first
unbelieving, the bard eventually came to realize that
Rikarour was not deceiving him and that he could sing
without the same hesitation that plagued his speech.
After arriving in Zoluren, Rikarour began his career.
However, his inability to speak clearly prevented him from
gaining much work as an entertainer so he eventually left
the guild and attached himself as a cantor in a local
temple to Faenella. His songs and hymns were renown all
through the province, and he was highly sought after as
word of his talents grew. He rejected all work, however
except for that in devotion to Faenella, whom he credited
with gifting him his ability to sing. Rikarour took ill
and died in 302BL, and shortly after his burial, reports
of miracles for those who prayed to him began to spring up.
Rikarour is represented by three wrens each clasping
a quill.
Rikarour is remembered as the patron saint of Bards,
and as the patron saint of spinsters.
Rikarour is often depicted as a hulking olive-green
Gor'Tog male with benevolent brown eyes.
CLERIC
Ilysia (249BL - 205BL )
Depicted in glorious form on a stained-glass window in
Catherine’s Court in Shard, Ilysia was an Elven cleric
(some say of great beauty) who rejected all in order to
please Idon. Despite her reverence to Idon himself, she
also helped beautify the area that would eventually become
Shard sometime after her death by cultivating wildflowers,
and other plant life in the area.
Ilysia is remembered as the patron saint of Clerics, and of gardens.
Ilysia is often represented by the Cleric Guild symbol of
two clasped hands intertwined with rose vines.
Ilysia is depicted as a dark haired Elven woman with
green eyes.
EMPATH
Kinnochenka (405BL - 375BL)
Born into a wealthy Therengian family Kinnochenka's story
is simple. She rejected the life she was born to, much to
the dismay of her parents who expected her to marry well
and bring more wealth and prestige to them. She entered
a cloister of nuns who were devoted to service to Hodierna,
and there she gave her life to public works, particularly
medical pursuits, in and around the area of Therengia.
She died tragically when a beam from a nearby hospital
construction crashed and hit her in the head.
Kinnochenka is remembered as the patron saint of Empaths
and the patron saint of lumber.
Kinnochenka is often represented by an emblem of a
bleeding heart pierced by billets.
Kinnochenka is depicted as a lithe blonde Human woman,
with bright blue eyes.
MOON MAGE
Detlef the Blind (423BL - 376BL)
History is unclear if Detlef was always blind, became
blind through illness or some other ailment or if he
rendered himself so. Regardless of this, Detlef spent
his adult life blind. He worked closely with the Moon Mage
guild in Throne City itself particularly during the time
of the Bloodworm Comet during the reign of Empress
Merthamone. Detlefs visions and prophecies are all
attributed to Phelim. From fragments of letters available,
it seems Detlef believed that Phelim had singled him out
for his devout nature and had given him access to visions
"beyond the ken of others. Detlef himself did not press
his gifts, but instead tried to use them to the best
ability he could to further the guild. His devotion to
Phelim in particular, as well as his visionary gifts earned
him great praise with his contemporaries as well as in the
years that followed his death. The phrase
By Detlef’s eyes gained some use amongst the young
immediately following his death, but seems to have fallen
into disuse after it was deemed disrespectful.
Detlef is remembered as the patron saint of Moon Mages
and the patron saint of ophidiophobics.
Detlef is often represented by an inky starred sky behind
the outline of a nightingale in flight.
Detlef is often depicted as a SKra Mur man, with his
eyes either milky white or covered by a grey blindfold,
with red-gold scales and a long tail.
PALADIN
Yalvache Ruahen (467BL - 380BL)
Already renown for her work as a strategist during the
reign of Empress Merthamone, Yalvache also helped to
raise the Zaulfung Stones as a part of Farn’s Company.
Her unorthodox ways, such as her discomfort at court
and pet monkey, Floki caused some raised eyebrows, but
as she was a brilliant scholar and strategist, this was
often overlooked. Her knowledge and work with battle
contingencies helped the Imperial armies win many battles,
often when the tides were turned against them. On her
retirement, and later on her death, older soldiers and
commanders could be heard to remark phrases such as
By Yalvache! or would find themselves wondering what
the woman would do in their place. Prayers to her quickly
became commonplace, asking her for divine intervention
of her knowledge to help the Empire.
Yalvache is remembered as the patron saint of Paladins,
and the patron saint of monkeys.
Yalvache is represented by a monkey paw closed
over a gleaming broadsword.
Yalvache is often depicted as a disheveled Elothean
woman with an abundance of blonde hair pulled back in an
utilitarian bun, and inquisitive violet eyes.
RANGER
Lirisa (897BL - 237BL?)
Fabled daughter of Sable, Lirisa was renowned for
defending the Empire from traitors with her silvered bow,
Zuzazt. As one of the older saints in the Elanthian
pantheon, there is very little information about her.
She revered Kuniyo, and disappeared after her last target,
an Elven warlord died in 237BL. Some believe she chose
to end her days in quiet revelation, or in disguise as a
companion of Arhat. So well-known was she that when the
Elanthian calendar was reordered, one of the months was
named in her honor.
Lirisa is remembered as the patron saint of Rangers,
and the patron saint of alchemists.
Lirisa is often represented by a silver bow over a
stylized green sanrisi tree.
Lirisa is depicted as an Elven woman with dark hair that
is usually pulled back in a ponytail and alert grey eyes.
THIEF
Kvirinus (612BL - 566BL)
Included here not because I believe there is any organized
guild of thieves, but I do recognize that thieves
themselves exist, and I am told that they look up to
Kvirinus. Kvirinus was a thief who started his career
during the reign of Krael, and ended it during the reign
of Mamni Timbleton. Curiously, both Halflings, as
Kvirinus himself was. Kvirinus was well known in the
underworld for his black-market trading, but particularly
well known (and we have records of this) for his dealing
and trading in goods that were required for the building
of the Ponthilas Imperial Observatory. It is not recorded,
but heavily hinted at that Kvirinus’ withholding of
materials that he obtained in a less than honest fashion
contributed to the halted the construction of the
Observatory in 589BL. Kvirinus was arrested and detained
during the insurrections and riots that broke out in Throne
City in 567 and 566BL respectively. He died in prison, but
not before various thugs and street rats began to use his
name as a sort of byword for success and the thrill of
duping their betters.
Kvirinius is remembered as the patron saint of Thieves
and the patron saint of boatmen.
Kvirinus is often represented by three stacks of gold
coins in alternating heights.
Kvirinus is depicted as a jovial looking Halfling man,
with a shock of red hair and freckles. He is almost
always smiling in all portrayals.
TRADER
Yrsa (423BL - 383BL)
Yrsa was a powerful Human trader who worked with the
Empire during the reign of Tobias Redthorne (402BL-390BL)
and helped to pool resources into strengthening the
Imperial fleet which led to victory against one of the
pirate clans. Yrsa was also instrumental assisting with
the regulations of lifting the trade sanctions against
Morganae in 389BL. Yrsa died peacefully, after living
long and fulfilling life. She began to be actively
remembered within a year of her death, with traders
themselves finding themselves sending a quick prayer to
Yrsa for her knowledge, or asking themselves what Yrsa
would do in a specific situation.
Yrsa is remembered as the patron saint of Traders and
the patron saint of silversmiths.
Yrsa is often represented by a set of perfectly balanced
scales.
Yrsa is depicted as a SKra Mur woman with slitted gold
eyes and silvery-olive scales.
WARRIOR MAGE
Kigutaarnaq (342BL - 270BL)
Alive during a time of relative peace in the Imperial
empire, Kigutaarnaq is nonetheless remembered for her
drive and determination. Kigutaarnaq has been noted to
be a scholar of fire having first been a mage of that
element. However, her focus shifted during the discovery of
blackfire. Several mentions have been made of her papers
and other works deriding blackfire -- as yet however, these
papers have not been found. Regardless, she was well
known for her work with water magic and praised for her
patience with younger mages. Her death is recorded as a
tragic accident, where a wave of her own summoned water
washed her out to the Segoltha where she drowned. However,
other sources list her not as have being drowned, but as
the goddess Eluned having taken Kigutaarnaq for her own
for having mastered such control over water.
Kigutaarnaq is remembered as the patron saint of Warrior
Mages and the patron saint against slander.
Kigutaarnaq is often represented by a flame on top of a
cresting wave of water.
Kigutaarnaq is depicted as a proud Gortog woman with a
gleaming bald head and pale green skin.
PROVINCIAL SAINTS
ZOLUREN
Aesetani Guemos (229BL - 193BL)
One might remember Aesetani from history books. He was
the leader of Zoluren after his father, Blaeduan Guemos
and ruled during the Dragon Priest incursions lead by
Dzree. Aesetani himself died in battle with the forces
of Dzree and the entire Guemos family was rounded up a
year later and executed in a brutal manner publicly.
Aesetanis perseverance and military excursions were
remembered with pride throughout Zoluren for years
afterwards during the theocracy of the Dragon Priest
empire when the city was under its thumb. People looked
to Aesetani and the Guemos family as having made a valiant
sacrifice. Like his counterpart in Therengia, Aesetani is
said to have been a presence felt by the armies during the
defeat of the Dragon Priests in 1BL.
Aesetani is remembered as the patron saint of the province
of Zoluren.
Aesetani is often represented by an emblem of a blooming
apple tree in front of two crossed spears.
Aesetani is depicted as a man verging on middle age with
slightly greying brown hair and blue eyes, with his face
set in a stern expression.
THERENGIA
Bamiec Theren (234BL - 186BL)
The tragic second Baron of Therengia, executed after the
Dragon Priests marched through Therenborough and captured
it. Like his Zoluren counterpart, Bamiec is remembered
for his steadfastness and his perseverance during the
military excursions that he carried out with his troops
during this time. Though the town was captured, the
citizens of Therenborough never lost hope, especially
when word got out that Bamiec’s young song Kerehald (I)
had escaped. Bamiec was revered after his death by his
citizens who loved him, and many secret shrines were
erected in his honor in homes during the Dragon Priest
occupation. It is said that his presence was felt during
the final defeat of the Dragon Priest armies.
Bamiec is remembered as the patron saint of the province
of Therengia.
Bamiec is often represented by a version of the crest of
House Theren -- a black background with a golden
seven-pointed star outlined in royal blue in the center.
Bamiec is depicted as a ruggedly handsome Human male with
silver-streaked dark blonde hair and grey eyes, his mouth
set in a firm line.
QI
Isleivur Uspenoken (the Toad -- sometimes called St. Toad) (302BL - 360BL)
We wish we could say we know the most about Isleivur,
because we know his family name and that which should
lead us to roots, has only led to dead ends. It is this
author’s speculation that his last name was a moniker or
false name. Called the Toad because of a predilection to
water, and a later ailment that left him bloated, bilious
and somewhat jaundiced, Isleivur devoted his time and
veneration to Drogor. His work took him to coastal cities,
cleaning up river ways, waterways and assisting fishermen
in ensuring longer productivity for their catches. He was
known to pray to Drogor, however, to destroy the same
fishermen he helped when they over-hunted their quarry,
prayers which would sometimes be met with the furor of a
tsunami or violent sea storm. Isleivur was lost at sea,
a fate that all who knew him agreed he would find
appropriate and fitting, and a shrine in his name on
Ratha was established where local seamen would offer
prayers and assure Isleivur that they were not hunting
their prey into oblivion. Several miracles of an unknown
nature are said to have occurred at this site before it
was lost, quite fittingly, to the sea.
Isleivur is remembered as the patron saint of the
province of Qi.
Isleivur is often represented by an emblem of a
crashing wave interposed behind a raging shark.
Isleivur is depicted either as a bilious green Human
with slicked down black hair or as a web-fingered Human
that looks suspiciously like a Merelew.
ILITHI
Sakarias (1167BL - 1006BL)
Was the last standing member of the House of the Marching
Lotus during the Elven-Human war. Sakarias is reported
as having taken up the banner for the House of the
Marching Lotus and remembered and revered chiefly because
of his staunch resolution and steadfastness to see Ilithi
victorious in her battle, and was long used as a reminder
not only of the needlessness of war but of the constancy
of the Elothean people themselves.
Sakarias is remembered as the patron saint of the province
Ilithi.
Sakarias is often represented by the crest of the
House of the Marching Lotus -- three rows of five black
lotus blossoms on a purple field, with the edges of the
lotus blossoms having been tinged a blood red.
Sakarias is depicted as a stalwart Elothean man with short
ash-blonde hair and piercing grey eyes.
FORFEDHAR
Garrock (1176BL - 986BL)
King of Kwarlog during both the Elven-Human War and
during the Long Winter. Garrock brought stability to the
kingdom with the contract signed with the Gor’Tog’s who
came into Forfedhar during the Long Winter. Gor’Togs
particularly felt affinity for Garrock for his taking the
Togs in without prejudice or a hint of slavery as such
they experienced under the hands of the S’Kra Mur.
Unreliable stories also state that Garrock, having
experienced bitter disappointment with the fickleness
of the Humans during the Elven-Human War lost his beard
and the hair would not regrow. Regardless of the truth
in this, Garrock is known for having a brass beard
covered in chips of various gems either as a false beard
or an ostentatious status symbol.
Garrock is remembered as the patron saint of Forfedhar.
Garrock is often represented by a golden shield bearing
five Dwarven hammers turned inward in a circle formation.
Garrock is depicted as a stout Dwarf with brown hair,
and a glittering brass beard. He is also shown
occasionally wearing a crown.