Aen'garael Reluriun - Stumbling Owl

[Slippery Catfish]

NEWLY UPDATED BIO AT THE BOTTOM BECAUSE I CAN'T MOVE POSTS TO THE TOP OR PIN THEM
FORUMS PLS​

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Aen'garael​

~Whisper of the Great Autumn Owl~​

(Common translation)
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Full name: Aen'garael Reluriun Known/Accepted nicknames: Owl Age: 150 Sex: Male Date of Birth: 1219 DR, Year of Prideful Tales, Midwinter Place of Birth: Unspoiled Woods (Wealdath), Elmanesse grounds Alignment: Chaotic Good Patron Deity: Rillifane Rallathil Favoured Deities: Solonor Thelandira, Aedrie Faenya, Silvanus Professions: 'Gardener', Hunter, Wayfinder​

Physical Description: An elven male, that much is certain by the slant of his features, the long and pointed ears, the set of his shoulders and fair health. He sports swarthy skin like oak in the first dusk and keen eyes, warm and dark as midsummer nights. A mane of somber mahogany falls freely about the shoulders and sets a wispy, stygian crown atop his head that he bears with all sincerity. Dressed in leathers and light fabrics, earthy colours and sturdy boots, the wayfinder kits himself with an unstrung longbow, quiver bristling with feather-tipped shafts and arming sword at his side. To guess his occupation is no feat of divination, or even proof of sobriety.

The wayfinder moves as one unfettered, face bereft of lines of tragedy or the proud banners of high adventure. No precious stones or finely crafted bones adorn him, save for a handful of brilliantly colourful feathers nestled among the wispy locks that were often hidden by a simple hood. True and deep emotion comes rarely to the elf's features; yet there are always honest, tender smiles to spare when the birds flutter overhead. Not wont to bitterness nor excessive exuberance, there is yet something cold and sharp set amidst those fine features when the gardener turns his cloak to the hunter.

Deities	Attitude	Thoughts
Rillifane Rallathil	Patron	Raised to honour and respect the Leaflord as most of his kin are, the ranger is closer only to the Wild One than his model, Solonor. Long before he laid hands upon the bow, the ranger's folk brought him before the great oak tree that served as their temple and imparted to him the protection and wishes of the Old Man of the Yuirwood. To contest the quick and slow death of nature's bounty, to stand as an immutable wall of solid wood between the delicate balance and the greed of those who would bring it to ruin. When the wood elf finds himself inclined to offer prayer, it is for the protection and guidance of Rillifane Rallathil.
Corellon	Respect	Though Corellon feels far from the woodland life Aen'garael's kin lead, he is nonetheless the Father and given honour as such. Perhaps not prayed to actively or often, but always regarded with due respect.
Angharradh	Respect	The Triune Goddess said to be Corellon's wife likewise curries deep respect. Though he knows little to nothing of her teachings or love, Angharradh's wisdom is legendary and her domain over defense and plantings hold a particular place in the ranger's heart.
Aedrie Faenya	Reverence	It would surprise none who know him to be told of the ranger's fondness for the Winged Mother. Though her care was particularly for her closest people, the Avariel, his own fondness of avian life and envy of their freedoms paired with her particularly vicious beat-down of Auril makes for a deep-rooted admiration.
Erevan	Respect	Jokes have their place, and life is dull when all is solemn in perpetuity. Laughter comes too rarely in times of trouble, and privately, in the quiet of his own company, the ranger would perhaps appreciate a bit more of it. A jest, however, should never bring true harm or go too far. Joy, not pain; thrill, not fear.
Ynaerala	Curiousity	A new daughter walks among the Seldarine, so the winds have whispered, but the ranger has never seen or heard of her likeness before. What she stands for, what she wishes of them - these things are unknown to him, and so he waits and listens to the wind. Yet silence is all that greets him now.
Solonor	Reverence	The Seldarine's own hunter, his mastery of the ranger's favoured longbow is a thing worthy of true awe. A custodian of nature, ever-staunch in his responsibilities and a keeper of his word, Solonor's very demeanor is a model for the mortal hunter's own. So he likes to think, at least.
Sheverash	Respect	The enemies of the People must be hunted, and the Black Archer always answers the call. Too sorrowful and solemn by far even for one who takes his tasks as earnestly as Aen'garael, there is yet sympathy and appreciation for the pain and plight of him and his followers. Sometimes, to let things pass is to invite more pain; Sometimes, vengeance must be taken for the greater good
Malar	Hatred	The Beastlord stands out from all the Furies as the most detested in the dark corners of elven hearts. The ranger is no different. Malar despises his people and vice versa - followers of the Beastlord should expect a prickly greeting should they be caught skulking beneath the canopies of the Wealdath. Concerning, winds beyond the forest carry news that Malarite activity has increased in the region in the past few years. What was once a manageable drip has become a bleeding stream and the wound shows no signs of closing. Alertness for these beasts and agents of Malar is heightened in the present year among the ranger and his peers.
Dark Seldarine	Hatred	The Spider Queen and all her betrayers are unworthy of sympathy, mercy or kindness. Any espousing their virtues among the trees will soon lie beneath the earth or inside a beast's belly. Some crimes may never be forgiven or forgotten. Since the advent of The Longest Year, reports of isolated sightings of Lolth's puppets has risen sharply from what they were around the various elven settlements, including word from Evermeet and Evereska. Scouts perhaps, or something more? Concern for a potential mass uprising nests in the dark corners of the mind, and yet the Dhaerow don't make their move. None have so much as shown a glimpse of their silvery hair under the bows of the Unspoiled Woods so far, but will it last?
The Seelie Court	Protective	The Fey of the Seelie Court once numbered innumerable among the settlements of the forest, and none were more populous than Suldanessellar. In a stroke of tragedy, The Longest Year caused many to disappear, and others to be sent scurrying for the burrows. Even years later, the Seelie have not returned in their full number, and the remnants of their troupe are scarce and precious as desert rain. Finding fondness and kinship with the Seelie Fey, it would only be natural to the ranger to aid and defend them wherever they might be found.
Tempus	Dislike	"War opresses all equally", the Foehammer's lot like to say, and the ranger certainly agrees - the distinction between them lies in how much oppression is deemed acceptable. War is a loathsome thing even when launched with purpose, and rather avoided for the senseless bloodbath it often is. Furthermore, 'fair and honourable combat' runs strictly counter to the ranger's own hunts, and so his care for the Lord of Battles is little to none.
Helm/Tyr/Torm	Dislike	Dogmatic, strict, unbending - Not traits the ranger is wont to appreciate, even if most of their followers do well for their communities and protect the weak. These are acknowledged as the good deeds they are, but worship of these Lawful beings did not stop the people of Tethyr from once hunting his kin for sport - a thing the Elmanesse are in no hurry to forget. How truly good or useful are these laws they enforce?
Kelemvor	Neutral	As a member of the People who observes the ways and wishes of the Seldarine, the ranger feels there is little reason to pay much heed to the recently established Lord Death. It was only a scant few years ago Kelemvor's reign began, and barely any word of him at all has filtered through the forests. What little the ranger does know of the death god comes from adventurous members of the Conclave, and details are rare.
Cyric	Hatred	As the current (insane) holder of the portfolio of murder, no proper elf would ever hold approval for his goals or dogma. News of the vile practices of these Cyricists filters in from beyond the trees, and what the wind whispers is nothing good. Sowers of discord and strife, plotters and schemers, mad murderers. Enemies.
Silvanus	Respect	An ally of the Leaflord, the Oakfather's prominence among the Conclave that Y'tellarien shares the ground beneath its bows with has fostered an approval in the young ranger and an acceptance of his followers. All who stand in the shade of the trees are welcomed allies, but even they are not above a certain level of scrutiny as outsiders.

 

[Slippery Catfish]

(Art by Peter Kavanagh)
Birdsong I: In Flight

They hunted him still, in his dreams some nights.

Crude iron scuffed his feathers as death brushed near, close enough to smell and hear. Firelight danced fitfully in the darkness, raging as it sought to keep up with him, but the Owl flew fast and far; much faster and further than their clumsy legs could carry them as the blessed relief of first light loomed above the mountains. The chill from up high cut to the bone when the wind carried it down through the canopies, yet never in his Reverie was this the cause of shiver. Those eyes, glinting greed, malice and murder through the fires they held as they chased him, screamed at him, trapped, shot and butchered his kin.

In those dreams that weren't, he often felt he too had been trapped; a wing snared mid-flight, brought crashing down to the sobering, somber thoughts of what had transpired that time ago. Had been transpiring, until just the other year it seemed...

But this was an Owl grown now, with beak and talon, with great and majestic wings that could carry on the breeze with barely a sound. When he remembered those nights was of his own choosing, he knew, yet still the iron teeth of their traps and the bite of their pitchforks had some hold on him. A tether, a scar, beneath all that plumage that may never fade. Untouched by them yet forever marked.

Sometimes, he would imagine turning to peck out their eyes, rake gruesome trails through the soft meat of their throats.

On those nights, he still shivered. But not in fear.​

 

[Slippery Catfish]

(Art by Miyora, Edit by Slippery Catfish)​ “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings.”​ Birth Name: Aen'garael Reluriun Age: 150 Year Date of Birth: 1219 DR, Year of Prideful Tales, Midwinter Place of Birth: The Unspoiled Woods (Wealdath), Elmanesse Grounds Race: Wood Elf Gender: Male Patron Deity: Rillifane Rallathil Favored Deities: Solonor Thelandira / Aedrie Faenya Alignment: Chaotic Good Class: Ranger (Watcher) Profession: Gardener, Hunter, Wayfinder Languages: Elven / Chondathan / Common Height: 6' (~183 cm) Weight: ~170 lbs (~77 kg) Build: Rangy Hair: Dark Mahogany, Loose Eyes: Russet Skin: Dusky, Swarthy Posture: Open, Leisurely Voice: Lyric Bass​ ​ Appearance​ An elven male, that much is certain by the slant of his features, the long and pointed ears, the set of his shoulders and fair health. He sports swarthy skin like oak in the first dusk and keen eyes, warm and dark as midsummer nights. A mane of somber mahogany falls freely about the shoulders and sets a humble, stygian crown atop his head that he bears with all sincerity. Dressed in leathers and light fabrics, earthy colours and sturdy boots, the wayfinder kits himself with an unstrung longbow, quiver bristling with feather-tipped shafts and arming sword at his side. To guess his occupation is no feat of divination, or even proof of sobriety. The wayfinder moves as one unfettered, face bereft of lines of tragedy or the proud banners of high adventure. No precious stones or finely crafted bones adorn him, save for a handful of brilliantly colourful feathers nestled among the wispy locks that were often hidden by a simple hood. True and deep emotion comes rarely to the elf's features; yet there are always honest, tender smiles to spare when the birds flutter overhead. Not wont to bitterness nor excessive exuberance, there lingers something cold and sharp set amidst those fine features when the gardener turns his cloak to the hunter. Personality​ Simple, sincere, dutiful; while all these things might explain his mannerisms, they are only a few branches of the oak that is the whispering owl. At once open and reserved, careless with his curiousity but closed with his confidences, it isn't difficult to sense that he seems warm yet distant. This distance is most pronounced when the task at hand draws upon the elf's sense of duty, the softness of the exterior falling away to sharp, angular ridges and preying eyes. Strangers to the woods he roams are rarely a welcome sight, guided back the way they came with a kind word or a harsh glare depending on their obligingness. Thankfully for these intruders, the elf is not quick to violence or empty threats - however, one can be sure that any promise he does make will certainly be honoured.

Faith & Deities​ Like most elven folk, Aen'garael keeps to the Seldarine closely, but is perhaps wont to offer prayers less often than others of his kind, and certainly less than those with strong religious ties in their work. Deities Attitude Thoughts Rillifane Rallathil Patron Raised to honour and respect the Leaflord as most of his kin are, the ranger is closer only to the Wild One than his model, Solonor. Long before he laid hands upon the bow, the ranger's folk brought him before the great oak tree that served as their temple and imparted to him the protection and wishes of the Old Man of the Yuirwood. To contest the quick and slow death of nature's bounty, to stand as an immutable wall of solid wood between the delicate balance and the greed of those who would bring it to ruin. When the wood elf finds himself inclined to offer prayer, it is for the protection and guidance of Rillifane Rallathil. Solonor Reverence The Seldarine's own hunter, his mastery of the ranger's favoured longbow is a thing worthy of true awe. A custodian of nature, ever-staunch in his responsibilities and a keeper of his word, Solonor's very demeanor is a model for the mortal hunter's own. So he likes to think, at least. Aedrie Faenya Reverence It would surprise none who know him to be told of the ranger's fondness for the Winged Mother. Though her care was particularly for her closest people, the Avariel, his own fondness of avian life and envy of their freedoms paired with her graceful ferocity and staunch defence of what is hers makes for a deep-rooted admiration. Ynaerala Curiousity A new daughter walks among the Seldarine, so the winds have whispered, but the ranger has never seen or heard of her likeness before. What she stands for, what she wishes of them - these things are unknown to him, and so he waits and listens to the wind. Yet silence is all that greets him now. Corellon Respect Though Corellon feels far from the woodland life Aen'garael's kin lead, he is nonetheless the Father and given honour as such. Perhaps not prayed to actively or often, but always regarded with due respect. Angharradh Respect The Triune Goddess said to be Corellon's wife likewise curries deep respect. Though he knows little to nothing of her teachings or love, Angharradh's wisdom is legendary and her domain over defense and plantings hold a particular place in the ranger's heart. Erevan Respect Jokes have their place, and life is dull when all is solemn in perpetuity. Laughter comes too rarely in times of trouble, and privately, in the quiet of his own company, the ranger would perhaps appreciate a bit more of it. A jest, however, should never bring true harm or go too far. Joy, not pain; thrill, not fear. Sheverash Respect The enemies of the People must be hunted, and the Black Archer always answers the call. Too sorrowful and solemn by far even for one who takes his tasks as earnestly as Aen'garael, there is yet sympathy and appreciation for the pain and plight of him and his followers. Sometimes, to let things pass is to invite more pain; Sometimes, vengeance must be taken for the greater good. Silvanus Respect An ally of the Leaflord, the Oakfather's prominence among the Conclave that Y'tellarien shares the ground beneath its bows with has fostered an approval in the young ranger and an acceptance of his followers. All who stand in the shade of the trees are welcomed allies, but even they are not above a certain level of scrutiny as outsiders. The Seelie Court Protective The Fey of the Seelie Court once numbered innumerable among the settlements of the forest, and none were more populous than Suldanessellar. In a stroke of tragedy, The Longest Year caused many to disappear, and others to be sent scurrying for the burrows. Even years later, the Seelie have not returned in their full number, and the remnants of their troupe are scarce and precious as desert rain. Finding fondness and kinship with the Seelie Fey, it would only be natural to the ranger to aid and defend them wherever they might be found. Kelemvor Neutral As a member of the People who observes the ways and wishes of the Seldarine, the ranger feels there is little reason to pay much heed to the recently established Lord Death. It was only a scant few years ago Kelemvor's reign began, and barely any word of him at all has filtered through the forests. What little the ranger does know of the death god comes from adventurous members of the Conclave, and details are rare. Helm/Tyr/Torm Dislike Dogmatic, strict, unbending - Not traits the ranger is wont to appreciate, even if most of their followers do well for their communities and protect the weak. These are acknowledged as the good deeds they are, but worship of these Lawful beings did not stop the people of Tethyr from once hunting his kin for sport - a thing the Elmanesse are in no hurry to forget. How truly good or useful are these laws they enforce? Tempus Dislike "War opresses all equally", the Foehammer's lot like to say, and the ranger certainly agrees - the distinction between them lies in how much oppression is deemed acceptable. War is a loathsome thing even when launched with purpose, and rather avoided for the senseless bloodbath it often is. Furthermore, 'fair and honourable combat' runs strictly counter to the ranger's own hunts, and so his care for the Lord of Battles is little to none. Dark Seldarine Hatred The Spider Queen and all her betrayers are unworthy of sympathy, mercy or kindness. Any espousing their virtues among the trees will soon lie beneath the earth or inside a beast's belly. Some crimes may never be forgiven or forgotten. Since the advent of The Longest Year, reports of isolated sightings of Lolth's puppets has risen sharply from what they were around the various elven settlements, including word from Evermeet and Evereska. Scouts perhaps, or something more? Concern for a potential mass uprising nests in the dark corners of the mind, and yet the Dhaerow don't make their move. None have so much as shown a glimpse of their silvery hair under the bows of the Unspoiled Woods so far, but will it last? Malar Hatred The Beastlord stands out from all the Furies as the most detested in the dark corners of elven hearts. The ranger is no different. Malar despises his people and vice versa - followers of the Beastlord should expect a prickly greeting should they be caught skulking beneath the canopies of the Wealdath. Concerning, winds beyond the forest carry news that Malarite activity has increased in the region in the past few years. What was once a manageable drip has become a bleeding stream and the wound shows no signs of closing. Alertness for these beasts and agents of Malar is heightened in the present year among the ranger and his peers. Cyric Hatred As the current (insane) holder of the portfolio of murder, no proper elf would ever hold approval for his goals or dogma. News of the vile practices of these Cyricists filters in from beyond the trees, and what the wind whispers is nothing good. Sowers of discord and strife, plotters and schemers, mad murderers. Enemies.

Credit to Winterflame for format, Shadowspinner for stealing and adjusting the format. Now the stealer is the stolen.