Faunus is a deity shrouded in mystery within the pantheon of Iozaria, embodying the heart of the untamed world as a God of Life, Nature, and Peace. His worship is rooted deeply in the wild and uncharted expanses of the realm, primarily among those who live in harmony with the land, such as the reclusive firbolgs, druidic orcs, and other communities that dwell beyond the reach of civilization.
Known to present himself as a majestic stag, Faunus is a symbol of the primeval beauty and strength of nature. His influence is most potent within the dense canopies of forests and the tranquil clearings that lie hidden from the eyes of the common folk. For those who have encountered him or follow his subtle guidance, he is not just a deity but an embodiment of the forest itself—a living testament to the world's natural splendor.
Beyond the sacred groves, Faunus remains an enigmatic figure, with few outside the secluded circles aware of his existence. Yet, among his followers, he is revered as the guardian of all woodlands and a custodian of life's gentle balance. Druids, in particular, pay homage to Faunus, regarding him as the patron of their craft and the spiritual essence that guides their hand as they tend to the wilds.
Known also as Fau'Nok among certain tribes, Faunus is often invoked as 'The Spirit of the Forest' or simply 'The Forest Itself.' These titles reflect his integral role as not only a keeper of the wilds but also as the protector of the ancient secrets and the balance of nature.
The worship of Faunus is marked by rituals that emphasize harmony with nature, conservation of the wilderness, and the cycles of life. His temples are the very woods and glades he protects, with altars of stone and offerings of wildflowers and fruits common sights within his sanctuaries. He is seen as a kind deity, yet firm in his custodianship, a balance that ensures the flourishing and preservation of the natural order.
In Iozarian lore, Faunus is both a guardian and a guide, a deity whose quiet strength and wisdom echo through the rustling leaves and the whispers of the wind. His followers see him as the eternal sentinel of the forests, a divine presence as old as the land itself and as enduring as the towering trees that stand as his sacred charge.