When Stell'Arya first formed Shepherds to the Land, she believed to have spoken true. When the goddess uttered the worth "Vigor and Growth," she had summoned forth the dualities of nature: That which is wild, and that which is tamed. The result was the forming of two divinities: Eris'Neas and Cor'neas. The twin brothers of nature, along side Meri'Diana, complete the trinity of Nature gods, the first shepherds, according to the scriptures. Cor'Neas, then, represented the wild aspects of nature, the Vigor of life. Cor'Neas is usually depicted as a young man, with auburn hair and slim features. Adorning his head are a pair of ram horns that are often depicted as gilded in gold or precious gems. Many artistic liberties are taken with Cor'Neas, depending on the idea that artists wish to portray. Some statues of Cor'Neas, often carved of wood and stone, show the god of the wilds as an entity with the lower body of a goat. This imagery pays respect to his role in the creation of Satyrs, and his role as a fertility god, who makes the wild places grow. Other paintings of the god show his darker side, by depicting a monstrous beast. This idea of a creature that hunts and drives men mad or to cower fear is often used to highlight the dangers of Cor'Neas, who protects wild places and the sanctity of nature.
Cor'Neas is described in the scriptures as a godborn of wild instinct, untamed and full of vigor. Where the other gods ruled through balance and wisdom, Cor'Neas ruled through passion, wildness, and raw, primal power. The forces of growth and decay, thrummed within him like the pulse of the earth itself. This gave him power over the Domains of Nature and Wild Places.
The wild god's domain stretches across the vast, unspoiled wilderness—forests untouched by logging axes, plains where the wind sweeps freely, and deep, hidden caves where the earth's heartbeat echoes. As the protector of all wild places, the guardian of animals, and the spirit that watches over the rhythms of nature, he was also given dominion over the Domain of Animals. His influence is strongest in places where the Children had not yet made its mark. The twin god often chose to commune with all beasts, great and small, as opposed to being worshiped by the Children. It is said that he can call animals to his side in times of need, whether to defend his sacred groves or to hunt down those who dare to harm the land. The rift between Cor'Neas and mankind is a major factor behind the lack of temples to the god of wilds.
Cor'Neas is also a god of fierce retribution. While he protects the balance of nature, he is no passive observer. When the Children first became greedy and heedless, trespassing too far into his domain, he began to form the Wild Beasts of legends. Records also tell us of times that the wild god himself would make the land come to life. Trees would twist and creak as they move to ensnare those who have crossed the sacred boundaries. The very earth seemed to rise in defense, causing the land to shift, swallow, or entrap those who do not belong. He is most feared by hunters who stray too far into his forests or those who take more than what the earth can provide. His anger was often manifested as a madness, and those who anger him often vanish without a trace, their screams carried away on the wind. To those who harm the animals he loves, or desecrate the places he cherishes, he is a relentless, primal force—a god of vengeance who will make the very earth rise up against them. Yet, his protection is not limited to wrath. Those who show respect for the land, who walk lightly and honor the creatures of his domains, may find his blessing. He has been known to grant strength to hunters who act with honor, to druids who live in harmony with the earth, and those who seek his guidance in curing animals and plants within his secret groves.
Cor'Neas’ domain was the wild places—forests, meadows, mountainsides, and hillsides where life flourished. His influence stretched far across the land, from the lush fields where crops grew, to the thickest parts of the forest where ancient trees stood proud and animals thrived. His blessing brought fertility to the soil and bounty to the Wilds. When Cor'Neas roamed, the wilds would bloom, the air would be filled with the scent of blossoms, and the earth would pulse with vitality. But Cor'Neas was not only a deity of gentle spring rains and blossoming flowers. His connection to the earth's fertility meant he was also deeply protective of the wild places. To him, the wilds were sacred, and any intrusion that sought to exploit nature for profit, destroy it for convenience, or disregard its sanctity was met with wrath. To harm nature was to harm Cor'Neas himself—and those who dared to disrespect his domain found themselves facing his terrible fury. The connection of fertility also made him the god of bountiful fruition.
This connection between the god of the wilds and the bounty of nature was often why the god was depicted as having vibrant energy, encapsulated in the powerful curve of his ram-like horns, which spiraled toward the sky like the first shoots of spring reaching for the sun, giving him dominion over Spring. As the embodiment of spring's promise, of life returning after the long, harsh winter, Cor'Neas took on the mantle of protecting the delicate balance between nature’s growth and its vulnerability. His court, the Court of Spring, was focused on all things fertile: the flowers that bloomed after the frost, the crops that burst from the soil, the rivers that thawed and flowed again. His presence was felt in the awakening of the earth—the budding trees, the swelling rivers, and the gentle rains that nurtured life across the land. The celebration of this time of year was coined as BloomTrail, by the Children.
"Don’t wander far from the path you know, Where the tall trees bend and the wild winds blow. The flowers bloom, but don’t pick them all, For Cor'Neas watches, his eyes are tall.
He guards the woods, the streams, the sky, The beasts that roam, the birds that fly. If you break the trees, or harm the deer, Cor'Neas’ wrath will soon be near.
His hooves will stomp and his horns will twine, The earth will rumble, the stars will shine. With a roar like thunder, a howl like the breeze, He’ll twist your heart like the roots of trees.
So, mind your steps and leave no trace, Take care of nature, respect its grace. Or Cor'Neas, the god, will find you there, And teach you what it means to care."
This old song was found on many old writings by mothers and midwives. They send a very clear message on the dangers of wondering the woods alone or at night. They also warn children about the dangers of hurting nature. Because this poem and many other like it, can be found etched or written on many forms of ancient media, scholars are led to believe that the fear of Cor'Neas is as ancient and real as the scriptures make it look.
As the Wheel turns and the sun rises on the first morning of BloomTrail. BloomTrail is an ancient festival that marks the transition from the cold of winter to the warmth and bounty of spring. The Children gather in the heart of their communities, often in a sacred grove or meadow where the first flowers bloom. The elder druids or priestesses, dressed in garments woven from petals and vines, lead a procession, walking along a path marked by garlands of wildflowers. The journey along the path symbolizes the passage from winter's dormancy to the vibrant vitality of spring. As the procession moves forward, the people chant ancient hymns to Cor'Neas, their voices rising to honor the earth’s fertility. The path is cleared by couples, families, and children who lay fresh flowers and seeds upon the ground. These acts represent the planting of hopes, wishes, and blessings for the coming seasons.
At the height of BloomTrail, couples seeking the blessings of Cor'Neas participate in private rituals that honor both the natural world and the love that binds them together. These rituals take place in sacred groves or near ancient trees believed to be touched by Cor'Neas himself. A common ritual involves the couple weaving a fertility crown from vines, blossoms, and fruits. They exchange vows of prosperity, pledging to nurture their love and the earth around them. The crown is then placed on the couple’s doorstep or garden, where it is said to attract the god of the wild's blessing for their home and future. In some regions, couples bury a small wooden figurine of Cor'Neas near their garden, symbolizing the union between human life and the earth’s cycles. For those who are not yet with child, this rite is seen as a way to invite fertility into their lives—both literal and spiritual. It is whispered that Cor'Neas can hear the silent prayers of the hopeful, and through his grace, the land will give back in kind.
While the adults engage in rituals of fertility and blessing, the children of the village take part in a dances. They dress in colorful garments adorned with spring flowers and leaves, embodying the playful spirit of youth and the vitality of the season. The ritual dances are not just celebrations but rituals of protection. The dance is said to weave a protective spell around the children, keeping them safe from the elements and any malady that might arise through the year. The elders bless the children with sweet, fragrant oils made from herbs and flowers, rubbing it on their foreheads as a mark of Cor'Neas’ watchful eye. The festival culminates in a great feast where everyone shares food that celebrates the earth’s bounty: fruits, vegetables, breads, and honeyed pastries. Songs are sung in praise of Cor'Neas, and stories of past harvests and abundant seasons are told around large bonfires. It is said that marriages that happen during the time of BloomTrail are symbolic of new beginnings and fresh perspective. Funerals that are held during time of year carry undertones of giving back to the land what was borrowed and planting the seeds of new life, a promise of rebirth.
