The Rogue God
Slilkanaric, the Rogue God, is the God of escape, stealth, speed, bows, alcohol, shadows, luck, music.
They are know (respectfully) as: Shadow Master, The Silent Stalker, The Great Archer, The Rogue Boss, The Escape Artist, Courtier of Luck. They are also known (disrespectfully) as: The Master Drunk, The Noble Scum, Fletcher, The Coward, Runner.
The Silent Stalker is a deity of many diverse and colorful aspects; they are believed to be a youthful god, and their various embodiments seem to reflect the choices of the young. Much like the Avenger, Slilkanaric finds representation especially strong among those who are few in years. Tales of the Shadow Master depict them as being a roguish god, prone to foolish gambling, excessive drinking, cowardliness, and occasionally even thievery. In one popular story, they are depicted as stealing music from the Great Mother; in another, it is told that they stole wisps of wind from the pocket of the Chaos Star and used these to craft their arrows. Despite this, the Silent Stalker is generally seen in a positive way in most lands, as a playful poet, a crafter of good fortune, a witty lover, a swift archer, and a master brewer.
Many come to follow the ways of Slilkanaric. Some follow them because they are the host of the party. Youthful revelers tilt their drinks to the god who brought the spirits of alcohol to Krayzen. Those spirits are aspects of them, and those drinking join themselves with the Rogue Boss. Music is also the realm of this god, despite the fact that it is claimed they stole it. Poetic words in general are held to be their domain, and those that are crafty at turning a good tale, singing lively songs, or plucking out a tune are often followers. Others follow them because they lead a life of trouble and rely upon swift feet and luck to make it from day to day. To these people, the Silent Stalker provides them with the shadow that is just dark enough to hide in, or the moment when the guards happen to be looking the other way. They give them the drop of the dice that will feed them for one more day. Those that use weapons that hurl through the air, be they archers or spearpersons, often times are followers of the Great Archer. They are said to guide their bolts, javelins, and arrows to their targets. It is held that all the ways to attack with weapons from a distance were originally crafted by the Silent Stalker’s hand.
Many things are held as being aspects of Slilkanaric. The realm between light and darkness is said to be theirs. Shadows provide hiding places for those who need them; it is said that those who are in their favor can find a shadow in an open field under the midday sun. Shadows can also play tricks on the mind, and this can be used as a tool. Often times, Estar Foci are worshipers of the Shadow Master for this reason.
Music, poetry, and even witty conversation are said to be their creation. These entertainments offer an escape from the occasional harshness of existence. Well-turned phrases and humor can turn tense situations, allowing the user to avoid harm by preventing conflict. Being clever in general is often associated with Slilkanaric, and those that follow them do seem to be blessed with their craftiness.
All alcoholic beverages are said to be the Silent Stalker’s gift to mortals. Correctly made, these drinks become imbued with spirits that ease the burden of the consumer’s mind. Once again, in this way, the Shadow Master allows mortals to briefly escape the bonds of their troubles.
The colors with which Slilkanaric is commonly associated are black and blue. Black is a practical color that doesn’t stand out readily in shadow, allowing those wearing it to move in the dim light unseen. The dark blue is said to represent the sky just beyond sundown, the time of shadowy perfection; it is not yet so dark that nothing can be seen, yet the shadows are deep and dark. Some archers claim that the blue represents the air which carries their arrows to their target, while the black represents their target’s fate. Several animals are associated with the Rogue Boss. A whole variety of small mammals are said to be their embodiment; this is due to their swift feet, their crafty nature, and the skill at which they can quickly escape. Crows are said to be their creation as well, given their tendency to grab small, shiny objects and secret them away. Song birds in general are attributed to them, expressing their music in the world. Finally, cats are said to be blessed by them; they embody silent, swift motion and are particularly wise about disappearing when danger appears.
Dedicated followers of Slilkanaric lead exciting lives, generally. While frequently on the wrong side of the law, they attempt to avoid conflict when possible. They prefer to keep out of the path of danger, and when they must deal with it, they do so from as far away as possible. True worshipers of the Silent Stalker hope to enjoy what they can out of life and to find escapes when pain or trials make life difficult. By drinking, performing music and poetry, engaging in witty exchanges, and socializing in general, they seek to bring joy to life, and, through this, they embody Slilkanaric. Worshipers know that life is full of troubles, though, and know to make for the shadows when trouble comes. Some worshipers of the Silent Stalker lead shadowy lives, using their skills to steal from others. They may do this for the sake of survival, they may do it to increase their own comfort, or they may do it just for the fun of it. Whatever the case, they depend on the gifts of their great lord to keep secret their illicit activities.
Occasionally, some worshipers of the Rogue Boss are chosen by them to receive his blessing. Typically such beings represent strongly one of their many aspects. Most frequently, this takes the form of the blessed being having some minor spiritual power. Once in a while, though, Slilkanaric will grant their favor to a mortal.