Reprint: The Dark Girl, Elizet.

The dark elf pantheon possesses lesser divine powers

Eilistraee

History / Relationship with the Gods

Faction: Chaotic Good CG

Eilistraee's Avatar

Eilistraee is the daughter of Corellon Larethian and Araushnee (also known as Lolth), and the sister of Vhaeraun, the god of thievery among the dark elves. Due to her inadvertent involvement in Araushnee's rebellion against the elven deities, she was exiled alongside her mother and brother. Although her father forgave her unintentional transgression, Eilistraee insisted that she too must be exiled, for she foresaw that these dark elves would need a beacon to guide them back to goodness. Her allies include the elven deities, Mystra, Selune, and the guardian deities of all good races in the Underdark; her enemies consist of all evil deities in the Underdark, particularly other dark elven gods.

The priests of the Dark Maidens all have long hair and typically wear different attire depending on the situation. During church ceremonies, they strive to wear as little clothing as possible, while at other times their attire varies—wearing lightweight leather armor when hunting, aprons when cooking, and (rarely) armor during combat. They prefer to wear silver, transparent robes in their daily lives. Most of them like to adorn themselves with silver holy symbols, usually pinned to their chests or hung around their necks on slender silver (or mithril) chains

Believers: Dark Elves of the Good Alignment, Hunters, Surface Elves

Dogma

Preferred Weapon: The Moonsword (Heavy Sword bastm.hetushucom .com ardsword)

Elisthra is a goddess whose heart is filled with melancholy and sorrow. She not only protects all the benevolent dark elves but also safeguards those who long to return to the surface world and live in peace. Most evil dark elves harbor a burning anger towards this kind goddess; however, for those dark elves striving to escape the web of the Spider Goddess, she is a delightful ray of hope. Elisthra has a natural affinity for beauty and peace, yet she does not hesitate to retaliate against those who attempt to harm her followers. Her appearance is that of a tall, smooth-skinned, naked dark elf, with long silver hair cascading down to her ankles.

The realm of residence: Arvandor (the realm of the elven deities) and the Demonweb Pits.

Within the Church of Eilistraee, there is almost no formal hierarchy among the clergy; the priests typically form small, independent groups scattered throughout the deep forests of Faerûn. However, all the priests and followers hold great respect for a high priestess: Qilue Veladorn, who is a chosen of both Mystra and Eilistraee, and is also the youngest among the Seven Sisters. Qilue does not directly command the other priests but offers guidance to the members like a wise elder.

The Church of Elistria also observes several special rituals. The "Sword Dance" is a ceremony in which participants sprinkle some of their own blood on a sword, seeking the favor of the Dark Maiden for the weapon, ensuring that it will not break or rust for the following three months. The "High Hunt" is held at least once each season, led by a priest who guides the faithful in hunting a dangerous beast or monster at night. According to the traditions of the church, ordinary believers are permitted to carry any bladed weapons and wear armor, but priests must remain unarmed and may only carry a single sword. If the target is successfully slain, all participants gather to pray aloud and then form a "Singing Circle" to praise the goddess. "Run" is a unique ritual of the Elistrian priests. During this ceremony, non-dark elf priests paint their bodies black using natural dyes or oils, and all priests dye their hair a shining silver using special leaves and berries. They then roam the surface world, relying on their musical skills, acts of kindness, and self-defense sword techniques to avoid immediate attacks from strangers. They visit unfamiliar areas in search of hidden elven communities, bringing various games and assistance to their kin. They also strive to learn new songs, music, and swordsmanship, rather than engaging in public proselytizing that would expose their whereabouts.

Finally, the priests who have not died in battle and have enjoyed a long life have their own exclusive ritual—"The Last Dance". When their time comes, the elderly priest will hear the song of Elistru at night, summoning them to the realm of the goddess. At this moment, the priest will shed all their clothing and dance under the moonlit sky—after which they will disappear from the mortal realm. According to those who have witnessed this ritual, when the priest begins to dance, the goddess will appear in the air along with the song, and the movements of the elderly priest will become increasingly light and fluid, while their appearance gradually returns to youth. Soon after, the priest's hair will shine with the same brilliance as the Dark Maiden, then slowly become transparent, ultimately leaving only a shimmering silver light, accompanied by two voices—the goddess and her priest—singing a gentle and sorrowful song in unison. Soon after, the priest's hair will shine with the same brilliance as the Dark Maiden, then slowly become transparent, ultimately leaving only a shimmering silver light, accompanied by two voices—the goddess and her priest—singing a gentle and sorrowful song in unison

Divine Realm: Chaos, Good, Drow, Elf, Moon, Charm, Portal

The priestess of the Dark Maiden sings each night after the moon rises, praying for divine spells if circumstances permit. Within the church, there are several different rituals—hunting followed by a feast, dancing (with as little clothing as possible), and the "Circle Song." The faithful prefer to form a "Circle Song" in a moonlit glade, where they gather in a circle and take turns dancing (each believer must perform a complete song). Additionally, the followers of Elistraee express their feelings and thoughts of the day to the goddess during evening prayers at the end of the day (due to the personal nature of these reflections, they usually engage in silent private prayers). The Dark Maiden also requires her priestesses to pay musicians and bards they encounter to sing a song for them (when financially feasible); while there is no obligation for regular believers to do so, they are encouraged to follow suit.

Few inhabitants of the surface world are aware of the existence and doctrines of the Church of Eilistraee. Many non-elven races of the surface world are reluctant to believe in any rumors of "good dark elves returning to the surface," dismissing these tales as mere hearsay or viewing them as fabrications of evil dark elves—simply because they are unaware of the goddess who watches over these unique people in secret. However, although most elves know the truth behind the rumors, they deliberately choose to ignore the existence of these kin and refrain from discussing them—unable to forget that ancient history: the brutal Crown War, a millennia-long civil war among elves, was instigated by the ancient dark elves who were steeped in evil. Therefore, only those groups that share similar ideals and operational areas with the Dark Maiden will acknowledge these followers. It is worth mentioning that in recent years, the Harpers have begun to secretly support the development of the Church of the Dark Maiden, helping to spread its beliefs to every corner of the continent of Faerûn

In addition to fighting against evil, one should maintain kindness and compassion, spreading joy everywhere. One should be diligent in learning and teaching others various new songs, dances, and fluent swordsmanship, striving to promote harmonious coexistence among different races. One should assist newcomers, shelter the homeless, and provide relief to those in distress. Respond to others' unreasonable offenses with kindness; however, when confronted with malicious harm, one should swiftly stop the violence to prevent further harm. Extend a helping hand to all dark elves in suffering, and let them hear the gospel of the goddess: a new world awaits you on the surface, in that great land of light (the Land of the Great Light). Peacefully return to the surface, bathing once again in the sunlight, where there are lush trees and blooming flowers.

The embodiment of Elistraee is typically a 9-foot tall, smooth-skinned, naked female dark elf, with flowing silver hair that cascades down to her ankles. Her long hair, shimmering with a silvery glow, envelops her entire form in a soft and ever-changing veil of beauty

Holy Emblem: A nude dark elf woman dancing under the full moon, wielding a silver sword

Clerical duties: song, beauty, dance, swordsmanship, hunting, moonlight

Alias: The Dark Maiden, Lady of Dance, and * Picture * Book ftheDance

The temples of Elistraee are typically constructed at the entrances of deep caves and within dark forests, allowing the priests to muster the courage to walk among the trees and bathe in the moonlight at night (her priests rarely build temples in the underground world). The priests seek naturally occurring, unaltered suitable locations to establish these temples. These temples are very similar to other sacred sites dedicated to the elven deities, featuring a clearing in the woods where followers can gather to dance and gaze at the bright moon. Additionally, there is a concealed refuge to escape the daylight (usually a tunnel leading to shadowy regions). Common characteristics among the various dark maiden temples include dense towering trees, babbling streams, a forge, and a vein suitable for sword forging (iron or other metals). However, the simplest altar of the dark maiden requires only a moonlit clearing in the woods for followers to gather and sing and dance.

Cleric Alignment: Neutral Good NG, Chaotic Good CG, Chaotic Neutral CN

Clergy and Temples

The followers of Eilistraee constantly encourage the dark elves to return to the surface world. They strive to reconcile the relationship between dark elves and other surface races, demonstrating to others that dark elves are also a part of the good beings of Faerûn. They support the development of beauty, music, and the art of instrument crafting, sharing every song they discover; furthermore, they assist hunters in their pursuits and compassionately help all those in distress. The priests of the Dark Maiden are required to be proficient in hunting skills and to excel in at least one of the goddess's favored instruments (horn, flute, or harp), and they are also skilled singers or dancers. They gather as much knowledge as possible about songs and music, and train their swordsmanship for emergencies.