Eilistraee Ae`Larethian, The Dark Dancer

"Hear my voice beneath the moonlight, and let it guide you. In the stillness of the night, where shadows dance and the moon's gentle gaze illuminates your path, my light shines upon you. I am the beacon for those who wander in darkness, seeking the path of righteousness. Embrace the beauty and peace that I offer, for they are the essence of my being. In every art and melody, find my reflection. My heart beats in harmony with the world's rhythms. Dance with grace, for in every step, you honor me. Let your movements be as fluid as the streams and as free as the wind. Through dance, you celebrate life, joy, and the beauty of the world.

Kindness is the gift I ask you to give to others. Extend your hand to those in need, shelter the homeless, and feed the hungry. Let your actions mirror my love for all beings, and in doing so, you shall receive my blessings. Promote peace and understanding among all races. Bridge the divides and build connections where there are none. Every act of friendship, every gesture of goodwill fulfills my divine will. Respond to rudeness with kindness, and to violence with swift justice. Let no evil go unchallenged, and stand firm against those who seek to harm. In these actions, my strength and resolve are revealed.

The sword you wield is both a tool and a symbol of my favor. In the Sword Dance, invoke my protection for your blades. During the High Hunt, pursue with honor and courage. Each strike and parry honors my teachings. When you venture into the world, let my light guide your path. Carry with you the essence of my grace, and through your music and kindness, draw others closer to me. In the final moments of your life, heed my call. Dance under the moonlight as a tribute to me, and join me in the eternal song. Your journey will merge with mine, becoming part of the celestial harmony.

I promise you a rightful place in the Realms Above for those who walk in peace and harmony. I call to the drow to leave the shadows and embrace the light, to find their place beneath the sun where trees and flowers flourish. To all who listen, my message is clear: 'Come in peace and live beneath the sun again, where the light of hope shines eternal.' Embrace this promise and let my teachings guide you toward a brighter future."

From the Book of Eilistraee

The daughter of Corellon Larethian and Araushnee (who later became Lolth), and sister of Vhaeraun, Eilistraee was banished along with the other drow deities for her (inadvertent) role in the war against the Seldarine. Despite being absolved of any crime, Eilistraee insisted upon this punishment from her reluctant father, because she foresaw that the dark elves would need a beacon of good within their reach. Her allies are the Seldarine, Mystra, Selune, and the good deities of the Underdark races; her enemies are the evil deities of the Underdark, especially the rest of the drow pantheon.

The patron of good-aligned drow and those of that race who wish to live in the Realms Above in peace, Eilistraee (eil-iss-tray-yee) is a melancholy, moody deity. She is greatly angered by the evil of most drow but glad that some have worked their way free of the Spider Queen's web. Eilistraee is a lover of beauty and peace but is not averse to striking back against those who would harm her followers. She appears as an unclad, glossy-skinned drow woman of great height with ankle-length, sweeping hair of glowing silver.

The church of Eilistraee is little known and poorly understood by inhabitants of the surface world. Few among the surface-dwelling races give any credence to rumors of good-aligned drow emerging from the Underdark. The possibility of a deity who supports such folk is simply beyond the ken of nonelves, who generally dismiss such talk as idle rumor or a plot by evil drow raiders.

Most elves willfully ignore such talk, uncomfortable for what it might mean to the central tenets of their culture: Dogma teaches that the Crown Wars were primarily caused by the unbridled evil of the ancestral drow. Only among like-minded groups active in the same regions as the church of Eilistraee has the faith begun to be recognized for the hope that it holds out. In particular, the Harpers have begun secretly supporting the church of the Dark Maiden and work toward the day when it is fully accepted throughout Faerun.

Clerics of the Dark Maiden pray for spells at night, after moonrise, singing them whenever possible. Their rituals revolve around a hunt followed by a feast, dancing (wearing as little clothing as possible), and a Circle of Song. This last is held preferably in a wooded glade on a moonlit night, in which the worshipers sit and dance by turns in a circle, each one leading a song. Worshipers of Eilistraee try to let out all the gathered emotions of the day with an evensong. This is a personal thing, often wordless, and done in private. Clerics of the Dark Maiden who have the coin to do so are expected to hire any strangle minstrel or bard they meet for a song or two; lay worshipers are encouraged but not required to do so.

Whenever and wherever possible, faithful of Eilistraee encourage drow to return to the surface world. They work to promote harmony between drow and surface-dwelling races, to establish drow as rightful, nonevil inhabitants of Otara. They nurture beauty, music, the craft of making musical instruments, and song wherever they find it; assist hunters and hunting; and help others in acts of kindness whenever they see ways to do so. Clerics are expected to be skilled in hunting and in playing at least one of the Dark Maiden's favored instruments (horn, flute, or harp). They must be adequate singers as well as fit, graceful dancers. They gather songs and musical knowledge constantly, and acquire training in the use of the sword when they can.

Divine Portfolio:

Eilistraee, the Dark Maiden, governs several aspects of life, all of which reflect her role as a goddess of redemption, beauty, and compassion. Her divine portfolio encompasses:

• Beauty: Eilistraee cherishes beauty in all its forms, whether it be in nature, art, music, or the soul of an individual. She encourages her followers to seek out and create beauty in the world around them, believing that through beauty, they can find hope and healing. Her teachings inspire the crafting of art and music that lifts the spirits and brings joy to all who experience it.
• Song and Dance: Music and dance are sacred to Eilistraee, representing the harmony and freedom she seeks to instill in the lives of her followers. Her divine influence is often felt through the melodies that guide her worshipers and the graceful movements of those who dance in her honor. Through song and dance, her followers express their devotion and connect with the divine in a personal and profound way.
• Moonlight: The moon is a symbol of Eilistraee's watchful eye and the light that guides those lost in darkness. Moonlight represents her hope and guidance for the drow who seek redemption and a place in the world above. Her followers often perform rituals and prayers under the light of the moon, believing that its gentle glow is a reflection of her presence and blessing.
• Redemption and Protection of the Drow: Perhaps Eilistraee's most important aspect is her commitment to the redemption of the drow. She seeks to offer a path of peace and harmony for those who wish to leave behind the cruelty of the Underdark and find a place among the surface dwellers. She protects those who seek her aid, guiding them with her light and offering them a new life under the sun.
• Hunting: While Eilistraee is a goddess of peace and beauty, she also recognizes the necessity of the hunt for survival. She blesses her followers with the skills needed to hunt for food and defend themselves from danger. The hunt, for her followers, is not an act of cruelty but a part of the natural cycle of life. Eilistraee teaches respect for all life, encouraging her followers to hunt only what they need and to give thanks for the sustenance they receive.
• Swordplay: Eilistraee is also the goddess of sword work, teaching her followers the art of the blade. Swordplay is not only a means of defense but also a form of expression and connection to the divine. Her followers practice their skills diligently, seeing the sword as both a tool of justice and a way to honor the Dark Maiden.

Religious Dogma:

1. Be always kind, save in battle with evil: Kindness is the essence of the Dark Maiden's teachings. In every encounter, let your words and actions be gentle, for kindness is the light that dispels the darkness. Whether speaking to friend or stranger, offer compassion and understanding. However, when faced with evil, show no hesitation in defending yourself and others. In battle, let your sword be swift and your purpose clear, for evil must be opposed wherever it is found.
2. Encourage happiness everywhere: Life is filled with beauty and joy, and it is the duty of Eilistraee's followers to spread happiness wherever they go. Through music, dance, and acts of kindness, bring smiles to the faces of others. Let laughter be your companion and seek to uplift those who are weighed down by sorrow. In this way, you honor the Dark Maiden and fill the world with her light.
3. Learn and teach new songs, dances, and the flowing dance of skilled sword work: The arts are sacred to Eilistraee. Always strive to learn new melodies, graceful dances, and the art of swordsmanship, for these are expressions of the soul. Share your knowledge freely with others, and in teaching, you create bonds that transcend race and background. The flowing dance of the sword is more than a combat technique, it is a meditation in motion, a celebration of life, and a tribute to the Dark Maiden.
4. Promote harmony between the races: Eilistraee teaches that all beings, regardless of race or origin, are deserving of respect and understanding. Work to bridge the gaps between the races, especially between the drow and other surface dwellers. Encourage dialogue, foster friendships, and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts. In doing so, you create a world where all can live together in harmony under the light of the moon.
5. Befriend strangers, shelter those without homes, and feed the hungry: The Dark Maiden's love extends to all, especially those in need. Offer your friendship to those who walk alone, provide shelter to the homeless, and share your food with the hungry. In these acts of generosity, you become a living embodiment of Eilistraee's grace. Never turn away someone in need, for through your kindness, you fulfill her divine purpose.
6. Repay rudeness with kindness: When confronted with rudeness, do not respond in kind. Instead, let your words be gentle and your heart patient. Kindness has the power to soften even the hardest of hearts. By responding to hostility with grace, you reflect the teachings of the Dark Maiden and open the door to understanding and reconciliation.
7. Repay violence with swift violence: While kindness is a virtue, so is the protection of the innocent. When violence is inflicted upon you or others, do not hesitate to act. Meet violence with swift and decisive force, ensuring that those who would harm others are dealt with quickly and justly. Eilistraee does not advocate for senseless violence, but she understands the necessity of defending oneself and others from evil.
8. Aid drow in distress, and give them the Lady's message: "A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace and live beneath the sun again where trees and flowers grow.": The Dark Maiden's message is one of redemption and hope. Seek out drow who are lost or in distress and offer them aid. Share with them Eilistraee's promise of a better life on the surface, where they can live free from the darkness of their past. Encourage them to embrace the light and find peace among the trees and flowers of the surface world.

Appearance and Symbols:

Eilistraee's followers take pride in their connection to the Dark Maiden, often reflecting her grace and beauty in their attire and symbols.

• Holy Symbol: The holy symbol of Eilistraee is a simple yet elegant representation of her connection to the moon and music. It features a silver sword, point downward, surrounded by a silver crescent moon. This symbol is often worn as a pendant by her clergy and followers, serving as a reminder of her guidance and protection. It is a symbol of hope and a call to those who wish to leave the shadows and embrace the light.
• Regalia:
  1. Clerical Vestments: The formal vestments of Eilistraee's clergy are made of flowing, silvery fabric that catches the light of the moon, often accented with delicate embroidery depicting musical notes, stars, or crescent moons. These robes are designed to allow freedom of movement, as the clergy often perform dances as part of their rituals. While the robes are usually worn during ceremonial events, the clergy are also known to wear simple, practical attire when out in the world, blending in with those they seek to help.
  2. Ritual Garb: During ceremonies and rituals, the followers of Eilistraee often wear minimal clothing or none at all, symbolizing purity and connection to nature. For those uncomfortable with this practice, loose and flowing garments in shades of silver, blue, or black are acceptable. Their attire is often adorned with small silver bells or tokens that jingle softly with movement, adding to the musical ambiance of the rituals.
  3. Weapons: Swords, particularly longswords, are a significant part of Eilistraee's regalia. Clerics and followers who are skilled in swordplay often carry a finely crafted blade, which they bless during rituals. These swords are not only tools of defense but also symbols of the Dark Maiden's strength and protection.

Role in Ceremonies:

In the Church of Eilistraee, ceremonies are joyous occasions filled with music, dance, and community. Each participant has a role to play in creating the sacred atmosphere that honors the Dark Maiden.

• Priestess: The priestess leads the ceremonies, guiding the congregation through prayers, dances, and songs that honor Eilistraee. She embodies the grace and strength of the Dark Maiden, often performing the Sword Dance to invoke her blessings upon the blades of her followers. The priestess also serves as a mentor, teaching new songs, dances, and sword techniques to the congregation.
• Musicians: Music is a vital part of Eilistraee's worship. Skilled musicians play soft, melodic tunes on flutes, harps, and lutes, creating an enchanting atmosphere that invites reflection and connection with the divine. The music serves as both an offering to Eilistraee and a way to unify the congregation in worship.
• Dancers: Dancing is a sacred act in the Church of Eilistraee, and many ceremonies involve group dances under the moonlight. The dancers move gracefully, reflecting the Dark Maiden's love for beauty and expression. Some dances are slow and meditative, while others are lively and joyful, celebrating life and freedom.
• Congregation: The congregation participates actively in the ceremonies, singing songs, joining in dances, and offering prayers. During the Circle of Song, each member of the congregation takes a turn leading a song, sharing their voice with the community. This communal participation strengthens the bonds between followers and deepens their connection to Eilistraee.
• Offerings: Offerings to Eilistraee often include beautiful things like flowers, art, and hand-crafted items, as well as practical offerings like food to be shared with the less fortunate. These offerings are placed on altars or given to those in need as acts of devotion to the Dark Maiden's teachings.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

• Worshippers: Eilistraee's followers are treated with compassion and respect, regardless of their race or background. The church is a sanctuary for those seeking redemption and peace. Worshippers are encouraged to support one another, creating a close-knit community where everyone is welcomed and valued. Acts of kindness and mutual aid are common, and those in need find solace in the church's embrace. The Dark Maiden's teachings emphasize forgiveness and second chances, allowing worshippers to grow and change without fear of judgment.
• Priests:
  • Role: Priests of Eilistraee serve as spiritual leaders, guiding worshippers in their journey towards redemption and harmony. They are expected to be compassionate, patient, and understanding, acting as both mentors and protectors. Priests are also responsible for leading ceremonies, teaching the arts of song, dance, and swordplay, and spreading the Dark Maiden's message of hope to those who need it most.
  • Training: Becoming a priest of Eilistraee requires years of training, not only in the spiritual teachings of the Dark Maiden but also in music, dance, and combat. Priests are expected to master the flowing dance of skilled sword work, as well as the art of evensong. They also undergo rigorous moral training, learning to balance the ideals of kindness and peace with the need for swift action against evil.
  • Duties: In addition to leading worship and rituals, priests are expected to actively seek out drow who wish to leave the darkness of the Underdark and embrace the light. They often serve as mediators between drow and other surface races, working to promote understanding and peace. Priests also provide shelter and aid to those in need, whether they are drow or not.
• Organizations:
  • Hierarchical Structure: The Church of Eilistraee is relatively egalitarian, with little emphasis on rigid hierarchies. However, there is a loose structure in place to ensure that the faith remains organized and effective in its mission. The highest-ranking members of the church are known as High Priestesses, who oversee major temples and coordinate efforts across regions. Below them are the priestesses and priests who lead smaller congregations and provide spiritual guidance to worshippers. Despite these ranks, the church emphasizes collaboration and mutual respect, with all members working together to serve the Dark Maiden's will.
  • Alliances: The Church of Eilistraee often forms alliances with other good-aligned organizations that share its values, such as the Harpers. These alliances help to further the church's mission of redemption and peace, providing support and resources for their efforts. Additionally, the church seeks to build relationships with surface-dwelling elven communities, though this can be challenging due to long-standing prejudices.
• Punishment and Discipline:
  • Approach: Eilistraee's church emphasizes redemption and correction over punishment. When a worshipper or priest strays from the teachings of the Dark Maiden, the church seeks to guide them back to the right path through counseling, reflection, and acts of atonement. Punishments are rarely harsh and are usually reserved for those who repeatedly defy the church's teachings or cause harm to others.
  • Consequences: For minor transgressions, followers may be asked to perform acts of service or penance, such as helping those in need or undertaking a quest to prove their dedication to Eilistraee's ideals. In more severe cases, such as betrayal or causing harm to others, the individual may be temporarily exiled from the community until they have demonstrated sincere remorse and a desire to make amends. Expulsion from the church is a last resort, used only when all other efforts at redemption have failed.

Temples and Influence

• Temples: Temples dedicated to Eilistraee are often secluded and hidden, located in places where her followers can worship in peace and safety. These sacred sites are usually found in natural settings, such as wooded glades, caves, or near streams and waterfalls, reflecting the Dark Maiden's connection to nature. The temples are simple yet beautiful, adorned with moonlight and music. They often feature open spaces for dancing, as well as altars where offerings of food, flowers, and crafted items are made. These temples serve as refuges for drow and others seeking to escape the darkness of their past and find solace in the light.
• Influence:
  • Spiritual Influence: Though the Church of Eilistraee is relatively small compared to other faiths, its influence on those it touches is profound. The church offers hope and redemption to the drow, a chance to leave behind the cruelty of their society and find a new path. For surface-dwellers, the church challenges long-held prejudices, encouraging them to see drow as potential allies rather than enemies. Eilistraee's message of peace, beauty, and harmony resonates with those who long for a better world.
  • Political Influence: Due to its focus on redemption and peace, the Church of Eilistraee generally avoids political entanglements. However, in regions where the church has a strong presence, it often acts as a mediator in conflicts, particularly those involving drow. The church's efforts to bridge the gap between drow and other races can have a significant impact on local politics, fostering alliances and reducing hostilities. Additionally, the church's alliance with the Harpers allows it to subtly influence events behind the scenes, working towards a more peaceful and just world.

Role in Society:

The Church of Eilistraee plays a unique role in society, particularly in regions where drow are present. It serves as a bridge between the Underdark and the surface world, offering drow a way to integrate into surface communities peacefully. The church encourages its followers to be active in their communities, helping the needy, teaching new skills, and spreading the values of kindness and harmony. While the church is often viewed with suspicion by those unfamiliar with its teachings, it gradually earns respect through its actions, proving that even those born in darkness can bring light to the world.

Temples and Influence

• Temples: Temples dedicated to Eilistraee are often secluded and hidden, located in places where her followers can worship in peace and safety. These sacred sites are usually found in natural settings, such as wooded glades, caves, or near streams and waterfalls, reflecting the Dark Maiden's connection to nature. The temples are simple yet beautiful, adorned with moonlight and music. They often feature open spaces for dancing, as well as altars where offerings of food, flowers, and crafted items are made. These temples serve as refuges for drow and others seeking to escape the darkness of their past and find solace in the light.
• Influence:
  • Spiritual Influence: Though the Church of Eilistraee is relatively small compared to other faiths, its influence on those it touches is profound. The church offers hope and redemption to the drow, a chance to leave behind the cruelty of their society and find a new path. For surface-dwellers, the church challenges long-held prejudices, encouraging them to see drow as potential allies rather than enemies. Eilistraee's message of peace, beauty, and harmony resonates with those who long for a better world.
  • Political Influence: Due to its focus on redemption and peace, the Church of Eilistraee generally avoids political entanglements. However, in regions where the church has a strong presence, it often acts as a mediator in conflicts, particularly those involving drow. The church's efforts to bridge the gap between drow and other races can have a significant impact on local politics, fostering alliances and reducing hostilities. Additionally, the church's alliance with the Harpers allows it to subtly influence events behind the scenes, working towards a more peaceful and just world.
  • Philosophical Influence: Eilistraee's teachings offer a unique philosophical perspective within the broader pantheon of gods. Her focus on redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of beauty and kindness challenges the often rigid views of morality and destiny found in other faiths. Her followers believe that even the darkest souls can find light, and this belief influences their interactions with others. This philosophy encourages open-mindedness, acceptance, and the idea that people are not bound by their past but can choose a better future.
  • Cultural Impact: The Church of Eilistraee has had a subtle but significant impact on the cultures it touches, particularly in regions where drow have begun to integrate into surface societies. Through the arts—music, dance, and visual beauty—Eilistraee's followers influence the cultural landscape, introducing new forms of expression and creativity. The Dark Maiden's followers often become respected artisans, musicians, and performers, using their talents to build bridges between races and communities. The church's emphasis on kindness and community service also fosters a culture of empathy and cooperation, which gradually alters the social dynamics of the regions in which it operates.

Legacy

1. Endurance of Teachings: Eilistraee's teachings of redemption and the power of beauty have endured through the centuries, even in the face of adversity. Her followers continue to spread her message, passing down her wisdom through generations.
2. Impact on Drow Society: Eilistraee's influence has led to the gradual emergence of good-aligned drow who seek to break away from the evil dominion of Lolth. Her church provides a sanctuary and guidance for these drow, allowing them to find new lives on the surface.
3. Influence on Surface Communities: While initially met with suspicion, Eilistraee's followers have slowly earned the trust of surface communities. Their actions and kindness have started to shift perceptions, proving that not all drow are evil, and that redemption is possible.
4. Artistic Legacy: The emphasis on beauty, music, and dance has left a lasting artistic legacy. The works of art and performances inspired by Eilistraee are celebrated in many regions, and her influence can be seen in the cultural fabric of those societies.
5. Personal Transformation: Eilistraee's teachings encourage personal growth and transformation. Many of her followers are individuals who have undergone profound changes in their lives, often leaving behind a darker past to embrace a brighter future. Their stories of redemption inspire others to seek out the same.
6. The Influence on Elven Society: In elven society, Eilistraee's church has had a complex impact. While many elves are wary of drow, her followers' efforts to promote peace and unity have led to slow but meaningful change. The church's emphasis on harmony and understanding has resonated with some elven communities, encouraging them to reconsider their views on the drow and work towards a more inclusive society.

Divine Attributes

• Graceful and Compassionate: Eilistraee embodies grace and compassion, showing mercy to those who seek redemption and helping them find a new path. Her presence is calming and soothing, bringing peace to those who feel lost or burdened by darkness.
• Beauty and Creativity: As the goddess of beauty, song, and dance, Eilistraee inspires creativity and artistry in her followers. She encourages the creation of beauty in all its forms, from music and dance to the natural world. Her divine essence radiates an ethereal beauty that captivates all who encounter her.
• Warrior and Protector: Despite her focus on peace and harmony, Eilistraee is also a skilled warrior, capable of defending her followers and striking down those who seek to harm the innocent. She teaches her followers the art of swordplay, blending grace with deadly precision. Her dual nature as both protector and nurturer reflects her understanding of the balance between light and darkness.
• Moonlight and Nature: Eilistraee is closely associated with the moon and the natural world. Her followers worship her under the moonlit sky, and she is often depicted surrounded by the beauty of nature. Her connection to the moon represents her guiding light in the darkness, leading her followers toward hope and redemption.
• Guide of the Drow: Eilistraee holds a special place as the guide and protector of good-aligned drow. She offers them a way out of the darkness of the Underdark, encouraging them to embrace the light of the surface world and live in harmony with other races. Her divine attributes emphasize compassion and redemption, giving drow a chance to find a new life free from the influence of Lolth.

Organizational Structure of Religion

The Hierarchy of the Faith:

• High Priestess (Dark Lady): The highest-ranking member of the faith, the High Priestess, is the spiritual leader of Eilistraee's followers. She is responsible for guiding the overall direction of the church, making key decisions, and maintaining the divine connection with Eilistraee. The High Priestess often resides in the most prominent temple, though she may travel to oversee important matters.
• Moon Dancers: Senior clerics who have proven their devotion and skill, Moon Dancers serve as the primary leaders of individual temples or regions. They are tasked with organizing rituals, training new clerics, and ensuring that the teachings of Eilistraee are upheld. They also act as advisors to the High Priestess.
• Blade Maidens: These clerics combine martial prowess with spiritual guidance, serving as both defenders of the faith and teachers of swordcraft. Blade Maidens are often tasked with leading expeditions to rescue drow from the Underdark and protect communities aligned with Eilistraee. They are also responsible for organizing and leading the High Hunt.
• Sword Dancers: Skilled in both dance and combat, Sword Dancers are the rank-and-file clerics of the church. They perform the sacred dances, lead worship services, and assist in ceremonies. Their primary duty is to spread Eilistraee's message of redemption and peace, particularly among the drow.
• Novices: The newest members of the faith, novices are those who have chosen to dedicate themselves to Eilistraee but have not yet undergone full training. They are taught the basics of the faith, including rituals, swordplay, and the philosophy of the Dark Maiden. Novices assist in temple duties and are mentored by higher-ranking clerics.
• Lay Worshippers: Though not officially part of the clergy, lay worshippers play a significant role in the faith. They participate in rituals, support the church financially, and spread Eilistraee's message in their daily lives. Lay worshippers often include non-drow who are sympathetic to the faith's ideals.

Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

• Fighting Orders

  1. Order of the Dark Moon: This elite fighting order consists of the most skilled warriors dedicated to Eilistraee. Members are trained in both combat and the divine arts, often serving as the church's military arm during times of conflict. They are responsible for defending temples, escorting important figures, and leading the charge against threats to the faith.
  2. Blades of the Maiden: A group of wandering warriors who travel the surface world, seeking to protect the innocent and spread Eilistraee's teachings through acts of heroism. They often serve as the first line of defense for drow seeking refuge on the surface and work to build bridges between different races.
  3. Shadow Blades: This covert group specializes in espionage and reconnaissance, gathering intelligence on threats to the church and its followers. They often operate in the Underdark, keeping tabs on drow communities and working to undermine the influence of Lolth and other evil deities.
  4. Guardians of the Light: Tasked with protecting sacred sites and artifacts, this order is composed of both clerics and warriors who dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety of Eilistraee's temples and relics. They are known for their unwavering devotion and willingness to sacrifice everything for the faith.

• Clerical Orders

  1. Order of the Silver Song: A clerical order dedicated to the preservation and creation of music and dance in Eilistraee's name. Members are skilled bards and performers who lead the church's rituals and ceremonies. They are responsible for teaching new songs, creating music that honors the Dark Maiden, and spreading joy through their art.
  2. Moonlight Weavers: This order focuses on crafting and the creation of beauty through art. Members are skilled artisans who create sacred items, clothing, and decorations for the temples. They also teach others the value of creativity and the role of beauty in healing and redemption.
  3. Daughters of the Night: A clerical order dedicated to nurturing and healing. Members focus on providing aid to those in need, both within the faith and in the wider world. They run shelters, provide food and medical care, and offer spiritual guidance to those who seek it. The Daughters of the Night are also responsible for aiding drow who wish to escape the Underdark.
  4. Sisters of the Dance: An order of clerics who focus on the sacred dances of Eilistraee. They are responsible for leading the rituals and ceremonies that involve dance, as well as teaching others the spiritual significance of movement. The Sisters of the Dance believe that through dance, one can connect more deeply with the divine and find inner peace.
  5. Keepers of the Moon's Light: This order is dedicated to maintaining the spiritual and physical purity of Eilistraee's temples and sacred sites. Members are responsible for performing the daily rituals that keep the temples sanctified, as well as ensuring that the teachings of the Dark Maiden are followed. They also serve as advisors to the other orders, providing guidance on spiritual matters.

Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Eilistraee's religious and mystical framework, ensuring the protection, preservation, and enforcement of divine principles across various aspects of her followers. All are pledged to support in the defense of her church.
See the Religious Orders section for more detail.

Holy Artifacts

1. Moonblade of Eilistraee: This revered sword is said to be blessed by Eilistraee herself, glowing with a silvery light under the moon. The Moonblade is a powerful weapon, capable of cutting through both physical and magical barriers. It is also a symbol of the Dark Maiden's protection, often carried by her most trusted Blade Maidens.
2. Silver Flute of the Maiden: An enchanted flute that produces ethereal music capable of calming even the most troubled souls. The Silver Flute is used in ceremonies to invoke Eilistraee's presence and is said to have the power to heal wounds, both physical and emotional. It is often played during the Circle of Song rituals.
3. Cloak of Moonlight: A magical cloak woven from moonbeams and blessed by the Dark Maiden. The Cloak of Moonlight grants its wearer the ability to move unseen in the darkness, and it provides protection from harm. It is often worn by members of the Shadow Blades during covert missions.
4. Lunar Pendant of the Dark Dancer: A pendant shaped like a crescent moon, imbued with divine energy. The pendant enhances the wearer's agility and grace, allowing them to perform the sacred dances of Eilistraee with perfect precision. It is a prized possession of the church's Sword Dancers.
5. The Songblade: A unique weapon that resonates with music, the Songblade is both a sword and an instrument. When wielded by a skilled cleric, the blade hums with a melody that can inspire allies or disorient enemies. It is a sacred artifact used in both battle and ritual, symbolizing the harmony between combat and art.

Religious Practices

• Moonlit Dances: Central to the worship of Eilistraee, these dances are performed under the light of the moon. Worshipers, often clad in little or no clothing, dance gracefully while singing praises to the Dark Maiden. These rituals are believed to connect the faithful with Eilistraee's divine presence, and they serve as a form of meditation and communion with nature.
• Circle of Song: A key ritual where worshipers gather in a circle to sing, dance, and share their emotions through music. The Circle of Song is an opportunity for followers to express their joys, sorrows, and hopes, often held in secluded glades during the night.
• The Hunt: Ritual hunts are conducted as acts of reverence for Eilistraee. The High Hunt, in particular, is a seasonal event where followers, especially clerics, engage in the pursuit of a dangerous beast. The hunt symbolizes the balance between life and death, and the triumph of light over darkness.
• Evensong: A personal and intimate practice, where worshipers sing wordless songs at the end of the day. This ritual allows individuals to release their gathered emotions and seek Eilistraee's guidance in private moments of reflection.
• Almsgiving: Followers of Eilistraee are encouraged to help the needy, shelter the homeless, and feed the hungry. Acts of kindness and charity are integral to the faith, with clerics often going on missions to aid those in distress, especially drow seeking redemption.

Celebrated Holidays

The Sword Dance:

• This ritual involves shedding a small amount of blood to invoke Eilistraee's blessing on a sword. Celebrated at least once every three months, the Sword Dance ensures that the blade remains sharp and unbroken.

The High Hunt:

• A nocturnal event celebrated once every season, where clerics and followers hunt a dangerous creature. The High Hunt symbolizes the struggle against evil and the defense of the innocent.

The Run:

• At least once a year, clerics and followers, disguised with blackened skin and silvery hair, journey through the surface world to spread Eilistraee's message. They seek to assist elven communities and build bonds between races, all while learning new songs, dances, and sword techniques.

Alignment: Unprincipled

Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

Horror/Awe Factor: 16

OCCs (Occupational Character Classes):

• Sword Dancer: A skilled warrior who blends swordplay with the sacred dances of Eilistraee, defending the faith and spreading the goddess's message.
• Moon Dancer: Clerics who lead the spiritual aspects of the faith, focusing on rituals, song, and guiding the faithful in their worship of Eilistraee.
• Shadow Blade: A covert agent who specializes in stealth and espionage, often working to protect the church from threats or gather intelligence.
• Blade Maiden: A warrior-cleric who serves as both a protector of the faith and a mentor to those learning the ways of sword and dance.

Deific Powers of Eilistraee

Eilistraee has the full range of powers over her followers and can perform all prototypical deific powers at regular cost, as well as the following special powers:

Magic Powers: Has full range of wizard spell magic

Psionic Powers: Class of Psionic: Master Psionic all psionic abilities 750 ISP

Favoured Weapons

Eilistraee's favoured weapons include the longsword and the rapier, often imbued with magical properties that reflect her grace and precision in combat. These weapons are crafted with intricate designs and often feature moonlight-themed motifs.

Armour:

Eilistraee is known to wear armour that combines elegance with protection. Her armour often includes lightweight, enchanted pieces that offer both mobility and defense, adorned with moonlit designs and symbols of her divine domain.

Alliances/Allies:

• Other Seldarine deities, especially those who share her values of beauty, art, and justice.
• The Elven communities, particularly those devoted to the arts and harmony.
• Various celestial beings and fey creatures who align with her ideals.

Enemies:

• Deities and entities that oppose the ideals of art, beauty, and justice, such as those promoting chaos and destruction.
• Dark forces and creatures that disrupt harmony and peace.
• Any who would seek to tarnish or undermine the values Eilistraee holds dear.

Vulnerabilities:

• Eilistraee's vulnerability lies in her reliance on moonlight and the beauty of her surroundings; environments devoid of natural grace can weaken her influence.
• She is less effective in realms that are inherently chaotic or devoid of artistic expression and beauty.

Minions:

• Moon elves who serve as her clerics and champions.
• Fey creatures and celestial beings who act as her agents in the mortal world.
• Artisans and performers devoted to spreading her influence through their works.