Ilsare

[hellspawn]

•Aliases: Heartsong, Lady Muse
•Race: Elf
•Worshippers: Artists, Crafters, Lovers
•Governs: Artistic Inspiration, Romance, Passion
•Mantras: Caring, Cerebral, Dramatic, Playful

Let your heart be your guide. Feel every moment. Passion is a gift to open your eyes to the world and your mind to a universe of possibilities. Find beauty in everything you see; true beauty is more than skin deep. Make Layonara a more beautiful place by creating things of beauty be they song or dance, clothing or jewelry, paintings or sculptures. The medium is not important so long as it is done with one's spirit and love for the art. Encourage the expression of art and love in others.

[hellspawn]

The clothing and armor of an Ilsarian puts tailoring second to flash. It does not have to be the fanciest, the most expensive, or the loudest, but it is in the nature of Ilsare worshippers to make sure the cut and color are flattering to the wearer. Reds of all shades and pinks and whites are favored. A small heart and clef charm is often worn around the neck on a pendant or as a pin over the heart of the follower.

[hellspawn]

Most often called simply Inspiration, the church that follows Ilsare has very little structure. The only official temple is the Breath of the Muse overlooking the River of Reflection on Mistone. Only at the Breath of the Muse can one be guaranteed to find a Nave, a follower of the Heartsong who wears all six bands of Ilsare. What exists as structure is found here in poetry, song, and novels dedicated to the ideals of Lady Muse. There is no one book that defines the faith, because there are too many writers to narrow down the ideas. There is no single song of Ilsare, because any song sung from the heart will do. There are only halls, rooms, sculptures, plays, songs and dances, jewelry, woodworking, and a dedication to the ideals of the six bands.
The closest to doctrine is the Six Bands of the Heart, an epic poem by Nave Missier El’dominae, the second Nave of Ilsare and one of the faith’s greatest poets. While the entire epic is too large to reproduce here, the highlights define five of the six bands: moment, creation, reflection, passion, and inspiration. The sixth band is faith and is rarely attained.

The moment is the first band. This can come from anywhere but most often it is art or love. Impossible to define, it is known through the individual descriptions of it such as an epiphany or a sudden and complete knowing of what must happen next. This comes from opening up to emotions and allowing one’s self to see the world on the level of the heart as well as mind. Contrary to popular belief, the moment does not have to be joyous. Any situation that creates in the worshipper the clarity of that second, the insight and inspiration of the emotions felt, is good. Rapture is only one of many emotions and insight is stirred by pain as well as joy.

Second is creation. If the moment leads to this, if the feeling as the means brings beauty or evokes emotion as its end, then everything was worth it. When one is ready to accept a second band, it is when one feels the same depth of emotion at the creation as one did at the moment.

The next stanza of the epic deals with reflection. Looking at the creation and the moment that inspired it, appreciating, remembering, understanding. Accepting, then, that the highs and lows most mortals avoid are the fuel of Ilsare. Passion is the core of her being and of her followers. The third band is given when one can demonstrate understanding of both the art and the events preceding its making.

The fourth band is passion. Passion of the art, of another, the step that takes one beyond seconds in time and into a lifetime. Ilsare is often understood to be flighty; this is not so. Those who wear the fourth band understand this. Passion is not the desire of flesh, which falls into the realm of Xeen, or an overwhelming need for things and collections which is a Branderbackian trait, but the passion for action, the desire to be in the moment of creation, whether that creation be a necklace, a dance, a book, an expression of love, or another life to the world.

Ilsare smiles on those who see something beautiful in their work, their art, or their spouse every day. She is the goddess of beauty in the eyes of the beholder and beauty from within. Passion is the wellspring her followers tap to overcome troubles. Excerpted from a common sonnet at Ilsarian weddings:


"Patient as grandmother’s lap
Subtle on a summer breeze
Dancing under Ausir’s light
Loving you is all of these
Age’s heart is weathering
Youth fades in lover’s eyes
Time can’t take what my heart knows
Innate passion of the wise"
Inspiration is the fifth band and it is one of many years. Inspiration is simply bringing out the best in others. Not only does one understand the path of Ilsare but also helps others understand it. Many of those who wear the fifth band are spellprayers of Lady Muse.

The sixth band is a slender strip of adamantium mixed with gold to create a blush colored metal that is wrapped around the other five bands. This band represents faith, pulling the moment, the creation, the reflection, the passion, and the inspiration into the heart of the follower and goddess. The sixth band connects the first and fifth bands, creating and completing a circle that flows through the ideas represented in precious metal. Although they don’t have to be obtained in any order, except the sixth, each slender, grooved gold ring fits together sequentially. The bands are worn on the first finger. Although it would seem bulky on the knuckle, the rings do not hamper one’s dexterity. Once the first five are joined and the sixth band is wrapped around them, the entire set fuses together. The resulting ring appears as a single large gold band wrapped by a red ribbon . The Naves say only Ilsare may then separate them.

Obtaining all six bands is a life-long pursuit for many Ilsarians though it comes about naturally through experience rather than through ambition or drive. While the first through fifth bands can be recommended or given by any follower of Lady Muse who has already earned that band, the sixth is decided by a meeting of all of the Naves; this is not taken lightly. A potential Nave does not have to apply for the position, because anyone at this level of faith will eventually catch the eyes and ears of the other Naves. They are also not required to accept the position. Most never achieve both the required level of enlightenment and the desire to inspire others. As this can take more than a lifetime, the vast share have been worn by elves. Only two have been worn by humans. It should also be noted that those artists who do not follow Ilsare may also be gifted with one of the bands, although this is uncommon. No one, despite their talent or gifts, will wear more than two bands if they do not follow the Heartsong. It should also be said that depending on the viewer, the art does not necessarily have to be good. Passion and a love of doing can suffice as inspiration to the practice which will improve skills.

There are nine known Naves currently alive: five elves, two halflings, one gnome, and one human. While most are clerics with the powers of their goddess, it is not required to be a Nave. Inspiration, passion, faith, wisdom is measured in many ways, and the grace of Ilsare’s spells are but one. Meetings of the Naves happen three times a year at the Gathering of the Red, Gathering of the Pink, and Gathering of the White.

Elections and Organizations
As noted above, Ilsare’s only temple contains her only true organization, the Naves. However, Naves are not limited to the Breath of the Muse and can be found anywhere on Layonara, practicing their arts, admiring other works, spreading the inspiration of their goddess, and finding beauty in everything. The Naves are those who have embodied the very essence of Ilsare. As of 1424, nine exist: Euchloe Summerleaf, Bianca Longbelly, Tanyl, Felaern Telloltol, Talia Hycinth, Sheba Glimmering, Unae Yeramin, Abber Longbelly, and the master ring crafter Janice of Bands.

Euchloe Summerleaf is a platinum-haired elf woman of advanced years. Still beautiful, she is the oldest Nave and has become the most permissive, granting rings as she’s moved by a situation or piece. She travels continuously, only attending Gatherings at the Breath of the Muse. Euchloe’s gift is unique. She is a cleric of the Heartsong and acts to marry others, writing and officiating beautiful ceremonies that touch the hearts of every attendee. She is one of two Naves who gives rings when she is moved by a couple or loving moment as most Naves focus on the arts. She is widowed but has three daughters and five grandchildren.

Bianca Longbelly laughs. She laughs and makes others laugh. This golden-haired halfling’s gift is in finding humor in everyday situations, and her ability to bring chuckles and belly laughs from even the most stoic set her apart. She uses humor to help others find their passions and better their skills. She worships Prunilla along with Ilsare and is considered almost a saint in her hometown. She spends the bulk of her time teaching at the Breath of the Muse and bringing laughter to the war-torn island of Corsain along with healing. Her husband as of 1402 is Nave Abber Sandlesson.

Tanyl is a younger male elf, barely 200, the strongest wizard known to worship Ilsare exclusively. His unruly shock of dark hair and pale turquoise eyes match his almost cocky smile. He’s one of the wilder Naves, running with the Love and Magic sect and performing his sardonic plays that hit the irony right where it hurts. He uses his magic to both inspire his plays and enhance them, and he starts troupes wherever he stays long enough to learn names. He’s said to be one of the wizards who helped raise the Transcendent Symphony’s unique building. Tanyl is also known to spend personal time with Marie Hartley—he’s not an elf that looks down on humans as inferior. He is not a cleric of Ilsare and is unmarried.

Felaern Telloltol is the most controversial Nave, having a cloud over his sixth band related to hints and rumors of extortion to get it. Anyone who would have known, except Euchloe, has now passed on however, as he is the second oldest Nave. Euchloe will openly state that she did not vote for him. He is middle aged for an elf with straw-colored hair and eyes and writes impatient, nihilistic poetry that while it does evoke happy emotions, definitely leaves an impression. While he has clerical powers, what he does to inspire others is in question by some of the other Naves. He is unmarried and has been so his entire life.

Talia Hycinth is the second most controversial member, being a dark elf. She is treated with respectful distance by all her peers except Tanyl. She is typical of her race: short and slender, white haired with dark eyes that flash red at night. Although a dark elf Nave is unusual, a first in fact, her vote was unanimous as her talents are unmistakable and her prowess as a dancer goes far beyond most mortals. She acts to aid those of her kind on the surface who wish to know Ilsare and has given several bands to other dark elves. She also seems above race when appraising creativity. Her nature is shy, but she overcomes it to teach others dance and the ways of a cleric of Ilsare. She is romantically involved with one of the other rare dark elves who follow Ilsare and can be found around the Breath of the Muse more often than not.

Sheba Glimmering began life in the Mistone Academy of Innovation, working to meld magic and metal. Her true passion kept popping up in everything she created such as her etchings, filigrees, and iron scrollwork. It was Janice of Bands that found her talents and gave her the first band, and from that day forward Sheba was so touched she left the Mistone Academy of Innovation and learned the ways of Ilsare. She is a sorceress but does not pursue her power now, preferring to spend her time teaching and traveling with her husband, an inventor, when she’s not creating things of beauty. She is not a cleric of Ilsare.

Unae Yeramin is a young, fair elf, a painter, and a sculptor that is known for immortalizing moments of love and compassion on his canvases. Many of his works hang in the Breath of the Muse, but he also does commissions worldwide and donates every True from them to the temple to help support and better other artists. His signature work hangs in the room he shares with his wife, an elf from Voltrex. He painted her on their wedding day, and those who have seen the work say the liquid love in her eyes moves the viewer to tears and the warmth from the sun in her golden hair can be felt on one’s skin.

Abber Longbelly is a devout cleric of Lady Muse, a singer who has turned his rich alto into a means of prayer. He writes and sings devotionals, both solo and choral arrangements. Abber often travels to gather groups together, infusing them with a passion for choral works. He claims when a choir reaches the apex of a note, his breath is stolen away and his soul lifted. He is deeply in love with Bianca and has written several songs to her. Bianca jokes that the only way she can return the loving expression is to poke fun at how he arranges his sock drawer.

Janice of Bands is the sole human of the known Naves. Not a cleric, she is instead a jewelry crafter who is now the source of most of the golden bands. She apprenticed to her father, one of the premier jewelers in Port Hempstead, just as Port Hempstead experienced a population boom. His years of experience and her natural talent and skills set her apart immediately with her second ever commission being to Queen Allurial. Janice came to the Inspiration in her teens when a cleric of the fifth band commissioned several gold bands for some followers he felt deserving and saw the quality and artistry of her work. He encouraged her to travel to the Breath of the Muse, which she did, and she has never left. The only Nave to remain stationary, she has spent decades honing her art and training others to make both delicate ornamentations and also the slim, grooved bands that are the mark of Ilsare’s favor. She married a gem crafter native to Port Hempstead. She often calls herself and her husband a matched set. They have raised six children, one for each of her bands.

[hellspawn]

While Lady Muse does not lend herself to large, structured organizations, many smaller groups act in her name.



The Heartsong Archers
Ilsare has no martial organization; this small sect is the closest any group comes. Dedicated to artistry with a bow and arrow, the Heartsong Archers honor Ilsare's elven roots and prowess with the bow by learning all they can of it, practicing daily and making art of their weapons. The group does not travel as many other Ilsarian sects do and stays close to the Breath of the Muse, the better to protect the Naves, artists, and hundreds of works there. While they worship Ilsare, their focus is the betterment of their archery skills; therefore, they are considered somewhat apart from the Inspiration. This is not to say they are not appreciated. Many bandits, beasts and thieves have fled the hillside near the River of Reflections with enchanted, ornately carved arrows filling up their backsides, much to the relief of those who attend to the temple.
The Archers are young, having coalesced only in 1398 under the leadership of Abban and Faimir Hanostat. This human couple, rangers both, have attracted a number of like-minded humans and elves and small groups, which help to defend the Kingdom of Brelin as well as the Breath of the Muse. Several archers splintered off to further the enchantment side of their craft and became Love and Magic in 1410.

Love and Magic
Following the doctrine of both Ilsare and Lucinda are Love and Magic. Where the Heartsong Archers see their craft as bows, arrows, and the art of archery, Love and Magic sees it as the blending of Ilsare's creativity and Lucinda's Al'Noth. The two sects are friendly and many of the enchanted arrows used by the Archers come from Love and Magic. Love and Magic trains to protect either goddess and delves into aspects of the Al'Noth that a straight Lucindite would not be able to tap. They are headquartered on Tilmar at the moment, studying the art, music, dance, writings, and magic of the island, but they are not bound to any one location and will pack up and leave if the whim strikes them. Research into mixing spellsinging with the Al'Noth is ongoing in this sect. No one person claims to lead, because the group is small and leadership is determined by situational need and not personal power.

Transcendent Symphony
In Huangjin on Tilmar, a group dedicated to the arts and largely made up of Ilsarians has come, gone, and come again. The Transcendent Symphony performs now from the auditorium built by Marie Hartley, a fifth band devoted to Lady Muse and the idea that artists are inspired by other artists and blossom in an environment that encourages their talents. The Symphony was originally a vocal group founded by Graham Storwick in 1131 but Sinthar's march across Tilmar left the Symphony with only two living members, and the music faded. Marie's dream to revive the unique collective drove her to raise funds, performing concert after concert and seeking sponsorship, and she succeeded.

In the shape of a clam's shell, the new Transcendent Symphony performance hall is a marvel and a must-see in Huangjin. The bottom portion holds tiered seats and the stage, and the top forms a roof to allow presentations in bad weather. The entire structure is rippled like a shell with acoustics that draw musicians from around the world. Those with mage sight can see the massive amount of magic holding the shell halves apart. Behind the auditorium are housing and practice halls. Ilsare's heart motif is prominent here. Each different symbol is decorated with just about anything one can see in the constellation: brushes, clefts, quills, and dance shoes. Marie's vision has gone far beyond the simple singing group that the Transcendent Symphony once was.

The Resonance of Being
Founded in 997 by Ilsarian Freda Buchhauser, this sect is devoted to delving all the secrets of the Heartsong, their name for the tones and melodies of living things. It is from the term Heartsong that Ilsare's common alias came about. Every member is both a follower of Ilsare and a spellsinger. Their potent combination of music, song, rhythm, and emotions can affect the listener far beyond a wayward tear or a happy smile. Spellsingers can speed healing, hasten feet, refresh tired arms and legs, and even cause damage with their voices or instruments. Currently led by Edgar Whenissy, the Resonance of Being lays claim to over a hundred spellsingers worldwide. They are based in Port Hempstead.

Conductor Edgar Whenissy -- A proficient bass tenor, Edgar has run the Resonance of Being since 1408 with an eye toward increasing membership. He is devoted in his belief that Ilsare is the focal point for all spellsingers and is trying to bring as many under the umbrella of the organization as possible. He is noticeable for his shocking red hair and freckles that strip years off his middle-aged face. He is married to a soprano and has two perfect-pitch daughters and a son who is tone deaf.

[hellspawn]

Dektis
Halfway between Raylynn and Lor on the west coast of Dregar is an ancient fort. Surrounded by weeping willow trees, the huge stone structure seems an odd location for a group of Ilsare worshippers, but that is what it has become. The entire area is quiet but for the wind in the willow’s arms and the warbling of finches, sparrows, and other birds.
The fort was abandoned for centuries. In 1399, a group of Ilsarian artists were attacked while traveling from Lor and subsequently lost after fleeing bandits when they came on the old place. Taking shelter, almost immediately a few of the group felt inspiration by the silent, aged surroundings. What was to be a short rest became a week’s reprieve, then a month’s, and finally most of them settled there. Since then, they have added members gradually, some staying, some visiting for extended periods to soak up the muse of the area.

The mossy fort walls are now extensively covered with shell mosaics and murals. The landscaping is amazing, most of it centered on the single, huge weeping willow that sits next to the dragon statue in the center of the courtyard, accented with sculpture and a constant backdrop of music. Most of the artists worship Ilsare and the courtyard is considered her shrine. For traveling Ilsarians, this is a place that is often visited. The shrine and commune are ruled by the Willow Council, and it makes decisions by majority vote.

Breath of the Muse
Stories tell that the temple to Ilsare—the largest shrine, really— has existed near the River of Reflection since the first Nave was given bands. The temple area encircles a pond left wild and untouched in deference to the defenders of the wilds of Mistone. The buildings and gardens are nothing if not sculpted, however. Spilling from the swooping temple are riots of flowers and plants, punctuated with the occasional gazebo or finely crafted bench. There are places set aside for creation, for viewing the wonders of the forest or the river below, or just places to sit and relax.

The temple is run by whatever Naves are in attendance. Janice of Bands, though, has some authority due to the fact that she never leaves the Breath. There are constant visitors here. All manner of artistic expression happens here most of the time. Many come to get bands to gift to another Ilsarian, others come to recharge and focus on the worship of the Heartsong. And a good number of marriages happen here as Ilsarian couples will travel far to marry on grounds sacred to their goddess.

One special part of the grounds is the Blanking Wall. While Ilsare is the Muse of the stars, there are times when an artist reaches an impasse—a block. The Blanking Wall is built of a pink-and-green veined marble, set on the edge of the western side of the hill. Sitting in front of the wall, one can see the creamy white, the spidery tracings of color, the rectangular shape of the Wall. It is only slightly longer than a human is tall and perhaps as tall as a human as well, so a spot far enough back makes the Wall a canvas against the sky. This is both a spot to gather thoughts and open the mind as well as a sacred spot to pray to the Heartsong.

Hlint
Easily the most recognizable shrine to an adventurer, this open-air gazebo staffed by Amenithrulia, an elven healer of the Heartsong, and Calise, the human who tends to administration, has a special place in many hearts. For decades, Hlint was the gathering place of those who wished to see the world and those who were called to aid in the war against Bloodstone. This slow, sleepy town saw an influx of gold and goods as hundreds of Dragon Called and others with a bent to adventure moved through. Large enough to support the extra bodies and small enough to encourage interaction, the town had everything a starting adventurer needed including the shrine to Ilsare.

Began in 1359 by retiring Ilsarian bard Caradoc Bryce whose lute playing earned him a goodly sum of True, the shrine was his personal stage until his untimely death in 1368. By then, his lyrical stylings had attracted the lovely elven woman Amenithrulia who often accompanied him on vocals and took over the tending of the shrine as its cleric after Caradoc passed on.

Not too long after that, Hlint began to boom. The shrine, being the only local center of healing herbs and potions as well as reliable disease removal and other blessings, found itself awash in True and a popular spot for enchanters. Weddings were often held there and a lovely flower garden was put in by an adventurer as well as other upgrades to enhance the area. The amount of largess was so great, in fact, that a human worshipper and artist, Calise, was taken on to manage both the funds and all of the various requests of the shrine.

During the Dragon Called years, the Hlint shrine saw a wild menagerie of attacks, strange happenings, and bizarre creatures. But with the defeat of Sinthar Bloodstone, the town is no longer the central meeting place it once was. Lands cleared for buildings have returned to farming as rich adventurers pack up and move to the larger cities and the whole town and its shrine have settled back into a more bucolic existence. Amenithrulia still teaches voice as she has since 1375, and Calise, older now, still manages the shrine which has the True from the decades past to continue on indefinitely. But it’s not unusual to visit the gazebo and find adventurers both young and old there, reliving memories or seeing for the first time those that healed the Dragon Called who in the end won the war against Bloodstone.

Amenithrulia – The elf who heals in the name of Lady Muse is a rather plain blonde—until she opens her mouth and sings. Her soaring alto has bonded hearts and changed lives. She is a member of the Resonance of Being. She has been accused for years of conducting a clandestine relationship with Quartermaster Talon, but recently it was revealed that they are merely good friends and half their whispered conversations were whether he was going to work up the courage to court Calise. Amenithrulia presided over the wedding of her friends in one of the most joyous ceremonies ever seen in Hlint. The middle-aged, unmarried elven lady is the godmother to Calise’s adopted children.

Calise – A still pretty woman in her 60’s, Calise has competently and confidently managed the administration of the shrine. The dark-haired lady was courted clandestinely by Quartermaster Talon and finally accepted his proposal (his third proposal) in 1414, and they have since married. He retired, taking a post on the Hlint council, and the formerly childless couple adopted four war orphans as their own.

[hellspawn]

Prayers
Prayers to Ilsare are said at the opening of each day when courting or attempting to woo a lover, before attempting artistic endeavors, and whenever the mood strikes them. When praying, an Ilsarian will often hold her symbol over their heart.

Common prayer to Ilsare by young women:
"Grace me the words to catch this man’s eyes
Open my heart so that wounds won’t deter me
Sing on the wind to tickle his ear
And let my soul finally find home"

Holy Days


•Gathering of the Red
For everyone, this happens in the first week of spring and continues on for days. The time is not set; some years it’s longer, others shorter. It is a celebration of all who follow Ilsare. During this event, the hillside is covered in beautiful, colorful tents and joyous music. Arts and crafts, plays and dancing, choruses and wandering muscians accent sculpture and some of the finest foods ever cooked. It’s said only an Ilsarian cook can give a Prunillan a run for their money and nowhere is that more true than at the Gathering of the Red.


•Gathering of the Pink
This happens on the summer solstice at the Breath of the Muse and is a gathering of apprentices. All those who are apprenticed to an Ilsarian worshipper come to listen, learn, and take vows if they wish. Those with a desire to become a cleric of the Heartsong often begin at this event.


•Gathering of the White
This is held on the winter solstice at the Breath of the Muse. All the Naves that can gather to discuss potential sixth bands, speak of promising Ilsarians they have seen, and celebrate their goddess. This event is for Naves only.


•Heartsong’s Loving
A day to celebrate Ilsare’s Inspiration as it relates to love, this happens at the height of summer and is celebrated by Ilsarian worshippers and non-worshippers alike. Spouses express love for each other, renewing vows, or taking time to remind the other what about them they love. Many Ilsarian weddings happen at this time and at the Breath of the Muse. Mass weddings are often performed because of the number of couples wishing to marry on this day.


•Creation Day
Crafters and artists take the first day of golden leaves (fall) as Creation Day. This has no set day but happens sometime around the beginning of fall and can be different for different locales or individuals. It is a time to create, to attempt more than has been done before, and to stretch one’s imagination. It is a personal, private celebration and not well known outside the Inspiration.

[hellspawn]

•Allied:

◦Aeridin
◦Deliar
◦Kithairien
◦Lucinda
◦Shindaleria

•Friendly:

◦Az'atta
◦Beryl
◦Goran
◦Katia
◦Mist
◦Prunilla
◦Toran

•Neutral:

◦Folian S'pae
◦Grannoch
◦Xeen

•Unfriendly:

◦Rofirein
◦Dorand

•Enemy:

◦Aragen
◦Baraeon Ca'Duz
◦Branderback
◦Corath
◦Grand
◦Pyrtechon
◦Shadon
◦Sulterio
◦Vierdri'ira
◦Vorax

[hellspawn]

•Alignment:
◦Chaotic Good



•Cleric Alignments:
◦Neutral Good
◦Chaotic Good
◦Chaotic Neutral



•Domains:
◦Air
◦Good
◦Protection