Next Deity - Esmarwrath
Of the First Brood, Esmarwrath is believed to be nearly as old as Tashalasheeri herself, both hatchlings birthed by the Dragon Goddess M'thuna and her mate, Xaluas...
Lore
Deities of Imarel - by T.A. Saunders ©2013 v1.0
| Classification | Ethos | Sphere of Influence | Home Plane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Imarel, Celestial | Neutral | Those who choose to act with valor in life and in death. | Kladhaal, the Crossroads |
| Symbol | Animal | Servant | |
| A downwards-pointing broadsword, with golden wings affixed to it. | Golden-feathered Blood Hawk | Vegrdaudhr (Warriors brought to the crossroads who choose to remain and serve) | |
Also referred to as the First Valkyrie, Elestra is Krondhir's daughter. Born to the Spirit of War during his mortal life, it is said that Elestra accompanied him on all his campaigns, even as a girl, watching the battles, helping tend wounds and bringing food, water and blankets to the sick. When she was old enough, Krondhir saw her trained as a shield maiden for the army of unified Northlandic tribes he commanded.
In time, Elestra made her own legend, both in fighting by her father's side, and while leading special missions and the army as a whole, in his stead. Before long, victories began to heap onto her name, as they did her father's.So plentiful were their triumphs, that talk began about finally bringing the tribes under the rule of one chieftain, and to build a city from which that chieftain would rule. Thus began the settling and founding of the city that would become Storm Haven (and later renamed 
Krondhis, in his honor).Elestra, ever loyal to her father and his goals, became the city's Captain of the Guard. Under her, an all female City Guard was formed, named affectionately, the Daughters of Storm Haven, or simply The Daughters.
Not all were pleased to see the tribes unified under Khrondir. Many held to the old traditions, that Northlanders should roam, take what they like from the land, and from those too weak to keep what was theirs. Farming, settling and trading were for weak fools, who couldn't claim what they desired from others. These tribes, commonly called the Lost Tribes of the North, banded together with Hidulan giants and their Masoq slaves, with promises of gold and plunder, if they would but help smash the fledgling city.
On the second month of the year 955 AC, this amassed army assaulted the city, in what is known as the Siege of Storm Haven.The battle is a pitched one, that results in dead into the tens of thousands littering the battlefield, when it is all said and done. Storm Haven holds out for thirty seven days, before the siege is broken by a valiant charge led by both Krondhir, at the gates, and Elestra and the Daughters engaging the army of Giants, Masoq and barbarians, in a flanking maneuver established by sneaking out of the city the night before.
This battle would claim the lives of both Krondhir, who held the gates at impossible odds, fighting giants as they attempted to smash through the city walls, and Elestra, whose final charge broke the barbarian line, and forced an already beleaguered and beaten enemy into full retreat. Storm Haven would continue, not with a chieftain, but with a council comprising of the six tribes that followed the now-ascended Spirit of War, and his daughter who likewise ascended as the Spirit of Valor.
Worshipers of Elestra are commonly warriors of various sorts, that value valor and honor over all other things, though she is not exclusive to them. There are temples dedicated to her in Khrondis, and elsewhere in the north, including Miroa where she is most revered, though others exist further south, as far as Sundown. As in life, Elestra commands Khrondir's armies in battle, including the Khrondirdotur, his Valkyries. Elestra wields a great golden broadsword in battle, known as Brakanfuer, and a hawk-crested shield called Durtros, that is said to be able to reflect any sorcerous attack upon its caster.