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Mythology ...
"Without the power of the gods we would not be here today. Trees would not grow, the sun would not shine, and there would be no love or hope. There would be only darkness. Without us, however, they would not be gods, merely powerful beings without purpose. Our faith powers them, and in turn, they guide, protect, and bless us all. Without one, there cannot be the other. Each life, and death, upon this earth empowers them, and therefore blesses all. Never forget that, for faith is our true salvation." |
- Khiev Treilbourne
Priest of Elijah |
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St. Arlon |
The Lady of the Shield, Protector of the Realm and Blessed Saint. |
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"Lo! Down upon the battlefield Elijah saw a brilliant flash, a reflection of his own light on a battered shield and golden hair. Amidst the bodies of countless foes, she stood, a woman of glorious beauty and grace. Huddled in her shadow were the last survivors of the village that burned around them.
A legion of beasts and demons, thralls of the wicked Kaleus, assailed her. Yet, she stood! And their conviction faltered. Never before had they encountered such a stalwart defender, such a valorous figure. Her shield was her defense and a weapon, her blade true and terrible. She stepped not forward, but instead waited, keeping them away with her gaze and her will.
In the silence of that moment, Elijah fell in love, as a father would love a daughter. As he watched, the mass of creatures surged over her. With mighty rage, Elijah smote the enemies down, forgetting his oath to Arthur. He then descended upon the land. Here he found the few survivors still alive and saw that the lady’s sacrifice was not in vain. As the people knelt in reverence of Him, He knelt in reverence of her and spoke thusly, “Lady Arlon, you shall come with me to the heavens and I will give you life eternal, as you have earned it on this day.”
And she spoke back, her spirit strong, “Lord of the Sun, I would rather be here on the Earth for I cannot help those that need it if I am lax in the Heavens. That is against me. I would be as in Hell.”
“Then come and learn with me. I shall teach you the ways of the gods themselves, and watch as you throw off the mantle of Lady, forever more donning the wings of a Saint...”
- From “Defender of the Realm” in the Holy Book of the Sun.
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The chief goddess of Camelot is, without question, St. Arlon. She is the most loved of the gods, for certain, as she was once a mortal woman and her story is one of love and hope. Her tale demonstrates the ability for humankind to ascend to the heavens as well as the merciful wisdom of Elijah. Even Arthur was so touched by the tale that he forgave Elijah for forgetting his oath of not interfering directly with the mortal world.
St. Arlon’s mission is the same now as it was when she was mortal; to protect those who cannot defend themselves. She is virtuous and true, and there are none that can match her valor. Her followers strive to live up to her example by helping and protecting those who cannot do it themselves. Her faith has a very strong following among women, and she encourages them to take up a sword and shield, for who shall defend their homes if the men do not return from the battle?
Family, too, is held sacred by the faithful of St. Arlon, for not all protection must happen upon a battlefield. Parents must protect their children and be there for each other. In times of need and sorrow, it is family that is there. In celebration and rejoicing, there is no finer company than family. So it is seen in the eyes of St. Arlon. The fatherly relationship with Elijah influences the churches, as well. When members of both faiths find themselves making decisions, those of St. Arlon will often follow the lead of the follower of the Sun god. This is not blind faith, but rather respect and understanding of the relationship of their patrons, and a desire to strengthen that relationship.
St. Arlon’s portfolio includes the family, protection, children, and peace. Singing is also held in high regard in her faith, as songs can be used for many things, from singing a child to sleep to stirring a warrior’s heart when all hope is lost. The choirs in her churches are viewed as the most wondrous in the land. Her symbol is a female angel upon a shield, one hand holding a sword and the other a shield.
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