Numerous celebrations are sang to the goddesses and gods of Dal, each called upon to perform various functions for the tribes. Some tribes choose a patron deity and create shrines to honor that particular deity. Others choose to honor multiple deities and erect many shrines or a common shrine. Every tribe has a special tribute to the Mother Goddess, the Creator of all. This may be a shrine or simply a place of quiet contemplation put aside from the bustles of the tribal settlement.

Scattered throughout the forest are special shrines, places where miracles occurred that can be attributed to the various goddesses and gods. Pilgrimages are common to many of these shrines, while others draw only the most dedicated.

Kainna:

Known as the Mother, the creator is very enigmatic, and little in known of her. What is spoken has never been proven, and she rarely speaks, except in very rare dreams and visions to her chosen. One should worship the Mother during all things, and in all ways, for she is our mother. Only the strong and pure are chosen by Kainna and those that are truly dedicated to Kainna are said to be destined for greatness. Kainna requires no sacrifice from her children other than prayers and goodness above all things evil.

Kainna’s physical form is said to be a lady enshrouded in light, flowing silvery hair and a matronly face and body. Statues to her are created with outstretched arms, calling her children to her bosom.

The Mother claims the nights when all the moons are full as her own and children born during this time are often said to be especially blessed by Kainna.

A shrine to the Mother has been built in Tilitha and is considered one of the most holy of places. Long ago, it is said Llecilia received her instructions from Kainna in this very spot.

Kainna is celebrated at each full moon, when the light penetrates the darkness and Kainna rules both the day and the night. During these celebrations, rituals take place all across the forest and participants chant and worship together, their faces upturned toward the moon. Kainna also shares one day of Elaen’s summer festival, the longest day of the year. On this day, all the contests and competitions are suspended and the Dalmites rest, spending the day listening to music and stories, and connecting to one another. That night, the celebrants dance around the fire to celebrate the shortest night of the year.

Zaolla:

As the Mistress of Birth, Zaolla is present whenever something new is born. Often considered the right hand of Kainna, she was one of the earlier gods, and through the Mother, she created many things. She is worshipped by parents, of course, and midwives, but also by those who raise animals. As the goddess of fertility, those that wish to conceive a child often pray to Zaolla and give her offerings of flowers and other things of beauty. She is also the patron deity of lovers, young maidens, and youth. Her compassionate, gentle nature provides energy to the healers and comfort to the sick. A prayer to her may help those being born to have a long life, and one should also try to get her aid in warding off Asurin, Lord of Pain, for the mother. Most Dalmites pay their respects to Zaolla, knowing that she brought them into the world. Zaolla loves gifts of flowers and ephemeral beauty much more than animal or human sacrifices, as she considers them to be merely undoing her work.

The physical form of Zaolla is seen as a young maiden, fresh and innocent. She has long hair, flowing from a wreath of flowers. Her face is exceptionally beautiful and her body long and lithe. Statues often depict her wearing little clothing and carrying flowers and tiny saplings.

Shrines to Zaolla are numerous in the forest. A special shrine can be found near the Aira Elovial. Here, Zaolla once saved the Dalmites by miraculously increasing the game in the area and feeding hungry people who were suffering from famine.

Zaolla claims the spring as her own and children born during this time of new growth are especially blessed by Zaolla.

A festival in the spring celebrates Zaolla’s blessings. While the festival takes place in every small settlement, a large one in Tilitha draws Dalmites from all over the forest. Since the festival celebrates fertility and love, many young people take part in elaborate rituals and dances. Often, young women choose their mate for the coming year from among the young men at the celebrations. Babies born during the last year are paraded around the festival grounds, their heads and clothing decorated with colorful ribbons, lovely blossoms, and beads. Games, small skits and plays and a bountiful market full of fresh flowers and colorful decorations are all part of the festivities. After nightfall, the participants continue frenzied dances around a bonfire, welcoming the arrival of spring.

Elaen:

The Lady of the Forests, Elaen is the patron deity of all who draw their sustenance from the woodlands of Adellion. She is slow to change, like the forests she protects, and doesn't ask for more worship than to simply respect her forests. Those unwilling to thank her for the resources they draw from her may find themselves falling prey to a venomous spider bite, or some other similar malady. Whenever a tree is taken or an animal killed, part of the tree or animal must be sacrificed to Elaen. This usually includes the heart of the animal or the seed of the tree, which is planted near where the tree has fallen.

Elaen’s physical form is that of a young woman with short chestnut hair and flashing green eyes. She wears the clothes of the forest, leather and bark trimmed with feathers and forest seeds. Statues depict her with a bow and arrow, carrying a handful of tree seeds.

Every tree or herd of animals is a shrine to Elaen. However, a special shrine has been created near Beyudu, deep within some of the most sacred of forests. Legends tell of a time when Elaen, angered by the over hunting of her animals, appeared to the local tribes people and warned them of her fury. As a reminder to them, she placed a sickness in the meat of the animals requiring it to be cooked before eating.

Elaen claims the summer as her own, when the trees are in full leaf and the animals roam in the forest. Children born during this time receive an extra blessing from Elaen.

Elaen is one of the most honored of all the Dalmite deities. Her festival takes place in the summer, during the time of full leaf and rich bounties of the forest. The celebrations take place in all settlements, including Tilitha although the most famous festival is in Lerves, the home of the Ledri. Here the Ledri are honored alongside their Mistress. In all of her festivals, Elaen is honored through contests and races, all centering around the forest. Large game hunts take place and often, the game collected feeds the tribe for the coming winter after it is dried, salted or smoked. Archery contests, swimming and racing games and many other contests of wits and agility are displayed at this time. A massive nighttime bonfire is constructed to celebrate the sun and ward off the darkness as the days become shorter each day after the midsummer peak.

Adondra:

The Bringer of Harvests, Adondra rejoices in the creations of her children. Those who worship her particularly tend to be craftsmen or farmers. Adondra is very close to Zaolla, but don’t be fooled into thinking the two are similar. Adondra is constantly questing for knowledge about how to make it easier for her worshippers to do their work. Besides the usual worship, she asks that craftsmen thank her for their work, and that part of all their creations are sacrificed to her. This goes for farmers as well, and when harvests are not as plentiful as usual, it is said that the people brought down her wrath. Adondra is the patron saint of many, including farmers, craftsmen, and scholars.

In physical form, Adondra is said to be a redheaded woman, with a sturdy but beautiful body. She wears simple clothing made from birch bark and carries a basket in each hand, one containing apples and the other containing nuts.

The most sacred shrine to Alondra lies along the Aira Nethian, an area known for lush vegetation. Long ago, when Dalmites tribes were escaping down river from enemies to the south, Alondra provided the refugees with food by dropping edible fruits and vegetables from the sky.

Fall is Alondra’s time and this goddess specially blesses children born during the time of harvest.

Accordingly, Adondra’s festival takes place in the fall, at the time of the harvest. Again, this takes place in every settlement. Groups of clanspeople gather together to harvest the crops, the orchards and gather the resources of the forest, including foraged goods and herbs for drying. Storage facilities in the settlements are filled to the brim in time for the coming winter. Apples are pressed for cider and nuts are husked. Corn is laid out to be dried along with other crops. Huge feasts take place, complete with recipes made from the fresh produce and contests are held to see who can make the best stew, bread, or other dish. Nighttime revelries are complete with the tasting of wines from newly opened casks and the introduction of new spirits.

Graem:

Master of Water, Graem is present wherever there is water. Because of this, he is very often a messenger to the other gods, as he is usually the first to find out when something happens. Besides controlling rivers, oceans, and lakes, Graem is the god of the weather. He is the patron god of some farmers, as well as sailors and fishermen. Those who brew potions and beverages also worship him, as they are constantly using his element. One should always thank Graem for rain, and be careful what you put in the water. Shrines have also been erected at springs, to ask Graem to bless the source, and keep the water flowing. Often quick to anger, he has been known to put droughts on an entire village when he feels one man or woman has not treated him well. However, these times are rare, as he can usually be dissuaded from this path by one of the other gods. It is common to spill out a small amount of water onto the ground when collecting from a well or spring as a sacrifice to Graem.

Graem’s physical form consists of a rugged-looking man with long white hair. His face is weathered from the sun and he is portrayed as carrying a bowl to catch the rainwater and a paddle for a boat.

Many shrines along rivers, lakes and along the great coast have been created to worship Graem. A special shrine has been erected on the coast north of Iswor. Here, Graem created ocean waves and winds, which kept a strange ship from ever reaching the shore. The ship’s inhabitants were not allowed to harm the forest.

Master Graem claims no season as his own but he does claim the periods of heavy rain, usually falling in the late spring. During this time, he controls the weather, brings sweeping rains and cool winds down upon the land. Graem blesses children born during these rain showers, taking them from Zaolla, who gladly gives them to him in exchange for the water to feed the fertile lands.

The festival to Graem is held in every settlement and village between spring and summer, when the heavy rains descend on the forest. He brings the water to refresh the land and feed the vegetation. During Graem’s festival, the celebrants dance in the rain, wearing brightly dyed clothing. They hold boat races and swimming races, even braving the cool and sometimes turbulent waters. Feasts of seafood prepared in various creative ways delight the celebrants. At night, the clans gather together under shelters to share stories and tales of their travels along the waterways.

Araessi:

The Mistress of the Darkness was brought into existence by mistake and was given half of Adellion, the part shrouded in darkness to rule. She commands the night, the deepest darkest part of the soul. Araessi angers quickly, and demands loyalty from those who choose her path. She finds very few worshippers, except thieves, killers, and others who live by the code she created. Once she owns someone, she does not accept betrayal and those that do, often end up dead. While the occasional prayer of recognition to her definitely doesn’t hurt, it is often wise not to draw her attention to you. Sacrifices to Araessi are usually those of material wealth, such as amber or gold coins.

Araessi is not truly evil, however. For as Zaolla learned, without the darkness, there cannot be light. Without her existence, the world was one of no choice, no variety, no brightness or frivolity. Only when Araessi appeared did one learn to value all that was good, light, and beautiful. All men and women share part of their soul with the darkness and when one is sad, angry or lonely, it is said they are in the grip of Araessi. Fortunately though, just as the sun rises in the morning chasing away the darkness, so does Araessi give way to the light. Only those who have lost the light are truly vulnerable to Araessi’s seduction.

Araessi is portrayed as beautiful women, with flowing dark hair decorated with beaded gold. Very few statues have been created of Araessi because most do not want to look upon her image. But when they have been created, she is usually beckoning those who live in the dark to her side. She wears a black robe, as dark as night.

Shrines to Araessi are rare in the forest, and those that do exist are usually hidden from view. Rumors abound of a shrine deep within the Kilaral Woods, a place where the light is absent permanently.

Araessi claims no time of her own but she has been known to place her blessing on children of those who live in darkness, binding the children before they are even born. Often these children grow to be unkind and unmanageable in their behaviors. It is not uncommon for shamans to condemn certain criminals as ‘blessed’ by Araessi based on their actions. These people are often shunned by society and become outlaws. On rare occasion such a person is able to shake the power of the darkness and return to the light.

The festival to Araessi is very different from the others and takes place in midwinter. This festival also takes place in all settlements and in Tilitha as well. Araessi’s festival consists of a quiet time of solitude and reflection. Most of the rituals take place at night, around the bonfire, lit on the shortest day of the year. It is believe that Araessi’s powers of darkness are strongest on this night and if she can manage to rest power from Kainna, she will rule the world in darkness, without light until at least the next year. So the fire is lit to keep the light burning. Tended all night long, the fire is never allowed to extinguish.

Adralis:

The Lord of Death was created to give life a purpose. For just as there is no light without darkness, there is no life without death. Adralis brought death to humankind in order to make life meaningful and worthwhile. He is not evil and does not enjoy seeing people suffer, which is why he will often take those whom cannot recover. While those who lose loved ones may consider this cruelty, the Lord of Death thinks of it as compassion. Also, Adralis exists so that life can renew itself. Adralis is deeply aware of the balance between life and death, and imbues this belief in his followers. He is the patron deity of warriors and those who choose to put their life on the line. These people know the value of life as well as the comfort of death and choose to face their destiny head on. One should always pray to Adralis for a swift journey for the spirits of the dead. Usually, the funeral of dead is his ceremonies of worship, and he takes his sacrifices from the battlefield.

Adralis is portrayed as a dark haired shrouded man, his face rarely seen. His body is shadowed and stooped, as if he is trying to hide. He wears a long hooded robe and carries a wooden staff to lead the dead on their way. Shrines to Adralis do exist in various places, although they are also usually shrouded. A large shrine is present in Tilitha and is well attended. Those that worship Adralis are not usually evil. Some are philosophers who look for meaning in death. Others believe that death is necessary for life and the balance of the forest. Usually, evil beings that claim to be followers of Adralis are really under the influence of other dark forces.

Adralis claims all children are his sooner or later, as they all are destined to experience death. He therefore, blesses no child until its time. Kainna gives Adralis the souls of those who she feels are unworthy to live as spirits in the forest after death and Lord Adralis is grateful for this gift. Therefore, he leaves the living souls to the Mother.

A festival to Adralis is held in the period between fall and winter, when the leaves are bare and the veil between the living and the dead is stretched thin. It is during this time that the spirits of the ancestors, of those who have gone before, visit the living and walk among them for a brief time. Clans create small ancestral shrines in their homes and in the shrines of the settlements. They tell stories of their lost loved ones and enjoy simple feasts with those that are still with them, always setting a place for the visiting ancestors. At night, dancers dress in frightening costumes and whirl through the darkness around the bonfire. Children throw gifts at the dancers and then later scrounge the ground for the small items and sweets. Araessi is also acknowledged in the midwinter night festival when the night is the longest and Araessi’s strength is the strongest.

Nydelik:

The Raiser of Mountains can move the earth like clay in his hands. Unfortunately, he tends to uproot and destroy whatever vegetation is in his path, which makes many Dalmite dislike him for doing his duties. Nydelik can be found in the high places, and is the patron god of those who take from the earth and make use of the Adellion’s resources, which includes masons, builders, blacksmiths, and miners. He also supplies fire, its energy from the bowels of the earth. Therefore, Nydelik is feared to some respect by the forest dwellers but he is also respected for the good he can bring. He also derives enjoyment in mapmaking, and rewards those who travel high into the peaks to worship him. Nydelik delights in ceremonies in his honor, and often stones left in the middle of such ceremonies are said to have magical properties afterwards.

Nydelik is portrayed as a big mountain of a man wearing a fur loincloth, with auburn hair and a large muscular body. His statues show him raising his fist as if to smash it down on anything in his path.

While Nydelik may sometimes be destructive, he tries to make amends with small gifts of bright joy, such as glittery jewels and metals. Therefore, shrines to Nydelik are common in areas where miners exist. One of the most visited shrines lies in the Cialith Mos. Here Dalmites ask Nydelik to spare the rest of the forest the upheaval of the mountains and thank him for his gifts. Some visit the shrine out of fear, especially fear of earth tremors. Others visit his shrine out of admiration for his courage to stand up to the Mistress of Darkness, bringing good out of the dark earth.

Nydelik, claims the winter, taking it from Areassi for his own and creates perpetual winter in the high places of the world. He blesses the children born during this time, giving them a strong hand for delicate jewelry making or a good eye for finding the jewel among the rough stone. Taking place in the late winter, Nydelik’s festival is a simple celebration of the earth and its power. In most settlements, this consists of a day of renewing one’s connection to the soil and the rocks around them. But in Rakia, this celebration takes on new meaning. Located in the only mountains of the forest, the Rakia clan is very connected to Nydelik. During the cold winter months, sometimes even blessed by Graem with snow and ice, the Rakians celebrate Ndylik with gusto. They create huge tents piled with heated rocks and then create steam by pouring water over these rocks. This is a very popular attraction and draws people from all over the forest. Copious amounts of food and drink are ingested and the settlement fills with festive joy.

Naeria:

The Lady of the Sands is the roamer and wandering among the Dalmite deities. She usually resides in her desert lands, far to the south. But she enjoys traveling along the rivers and swimming in the lakes, leaving behind ribbons of sand in her wake. She is said to be the lover of Nydelik and he often gives her gifts of gold and amber, which she sometimes leaves for others to find. She is the patron saint of those, who like her, enjoy blowing on the winds or winding along a waterway, including travelers, wanderers and bards.

Typically, she shows her power in massive sandstorms, and has been known to appear to people as a face in the sand. Sometimes, she has been known to work with Nydelik, and between them they can change almost any landscape. Among the gods, she is one of the harshest to those who do not properly recognize her. It is certainly very wise to pray to her both when entering and leaving her domain. She rarely blesses those who follow her, but isn’t very nice to those who enrage her. Sacrifices are rare but usually consist of anything green.

Naeria is portrayed as a beautiful woman, with long sensuous dark hair. She is petite and agile and is shown in statues as walking forward, draping clothing blowing behind her.

Shrines exist in many towns, especially outside the walls near the entrance, to welcome visitors and travelers. The most famous shrine known to exist in the Dalmite forests is one located south of Swawor, near the Bloodlands border. It is said a strange traveler from the Great Desert to the south escaped northward from fierce sandstorms and erected the shrine to appease his god. Dalmites eager to keep Naeria out of the forest have tended the shrine for the unpredictable goddess.

Naeria is not known to bless any children although often those who travel extensively are said to hear ‘whispers of the sands’ which draw them away from the forest.

The Lady of the Sands’ festival is held in the late summer, at the peak of the dry season. It is during this time that the dust swirls in the fields and the rivers and lakes fall, exposing the sand beneath. This simple festival is held in every settlement to some extent, although it is especially celebrated in Swawor. Here, the celebrants gather beneath shady trees and drink cool beverages and eat a variety of summer foods. Music, tales and traveling bards entertain the citizens of the town and its guests.

Asurin:

Asurin is known as the Lore of Pain and Suffering. He is the most hated and feared of all the Dalmite deities and for good reason. It is through Asurin that all humans feel the pain of childbirth, the agony of death at the hand of a sword, or fear of the unknown or of the darkness. Like Araessi and Adralis, Asurin was born to create balance in the world. Without pain, there is no fear of death and there is no welcoming of death either. Misfortune and despair only make us more willing to work to avoid such things and give more meaning to what brings happiness to our lives.

Kainna gives to Asurin those who give up on life and choose to live in pain and suffering, and those who choose to inflict pain and suffering on others. Asurin is merciless with his own followers and they are among the most despicable of human beings. It is believed they are deranged and driven mad by the pain they choose to inflict on themselves through Asurin and this pain can cause them to hurt and kill others. Killing a follower of Asurin is only putting him out of his misery and pain. Only in death does Kainna judge his followers with compassion and mercy, for it is only then that they can shake the true influence of Asurin.

A cult to Asurin is known to exist, although its whereabouts are unknown and the members do not reveal who they are. These people see Asurin as a master of torture, and they believe he will teach them his techniques if they are loyal. If captured by followers of Asurin, some speculate it is nearly as bad as the pain of the god himself. Of course, this has never been affirmed, because what remains of the victims is usually a babbling mess, pain-stricken, and usually insane. These cult members believe Asurin prefers his subjects to worship by sacrifice. The more the victim screams, the more he rewards his followers. Of course, often Asurin’s “rewards” aren’t exactly pleasant to the mortal. This cult is not accepted by most worshippers of Dal or by any religious order in the Forest. Instead, the true meaning of Asurin’s existence has been warped and changed to serve the desires of the men or women, not of the gods.

Very few statues if any have been created with Asurin’s image. A few small carved tokens do exist and they portray him as a small thin man, covered in dark tattoos, his face adorned with a nasty grimace.

Shrines to Asurin are never found and never revealed. If a person accidentally stumbles upon a shrine, they will either die or they will keep the secret to their grave in order to spare their life.

Asurin’s claim to children is random and usually those children are not born alive. He more often claims adults, driving them insane. In fact, most Dalmites assume Asurin has influenced a person who has lost his mind. Sometimes, a shaman who chases out the demons can heal the person. Often though, death is the only release for these people.

There are no official festivals to honor Asurin within the Dalmite forest.