Sylthara the Shadowbark

Overview: Sylthara, once the benevolent guardian of Eldergrove Woods, has become a dark, twisted force of nature. Once a symbol of balance, her domain is now plagued by shadow and corruption, and the forest thrives with danger.

Divine Information:

• Domain: Nature, Shadows (Corruption, Fear)
• Affiliation: Corrupted Deities
• Status: Active
• Era of Activity: Current Age (Post-Corruption)

Creation/Origin: Sylthara was once a goddess of growth and balance, overseeing the flourishing life of Eldergrove Woods. During the Age of Divergence, dark forces seeped into the forest, tainting her essence and turning her into the Shadowbark, a twisted entity that manipulates both nature and shadows for her malevolent purposes.

Appearance: Sylthara takes the form of a tall, shadowy figure with bark-like skin, her limbs resembling gnarled branches. Dark vines and shadowy tendrils coil around her body, and her eyes glow a deep, eerie green. Her presence darkens the forest around her, casting it into a permanent twilight.

Personality: Sylthara is cunning and elusive, using the shadows to manipulate and control. Her once-nurturing nature has turned cruel; she toys with mortals, misleading them deeper into the dark forest where the corrupted flora and fauna await. She is vengeful and thrives on fear, savoring the terror her forest now inspires.

Worship: Mortals who follow Sylthara worship her in hidden groves deep within the woods. Her followers, known as Shadow Druids, offer her rituals of fear and sacrifice creatures of light to keep her favor. Worship often involves shadowy illusions and mind games to prove their loyalty and worth.

Mythology:

• The Fall of the Grove: Sylthara’s corruption is said to have begun when her sacred grove was defiled by invaders seeking to conquer the forest. Her rage transformed her from a nurturing force to one of vengeance and shadows.
• The Endless Twilight: It is said that the Eldergrove will never see true daylight again, as Sylthara’s curse prevents the sun from fully penetrating the forest canopy.