Moons of Netherdyn
The Silvermoon, the Goldenmoon and the Unblinking Moon
"The Age of Silence ushered forth a multitude of transformations upon our world, rendering even the celestial constellations above unrecognizable. Among these manifestations, perhaps none stands as a more poignant testament than our trio of moons. Once, two were fragments of a grand divine creation, now reconstituted into a novel cosmic hierarchy, while a third has awakened, a sentient moon casting its gaze upon us with knowing eyes. Is it not a metaphor for the paradoxical state of our world—an existence both divine and aberrant?"
The Celestial Dance of Three Moons
For generations, the night sky of Netherdyn has been graced by three celestial companions. The third moon only emerged at the end of the Age of Silence, coinciding with the arrival of the new gods. The origins of the older moons however remain a subject of speculation. Some theorize that Netherdyn once had a single moon, which fragmented during the Silence, creating the twin moons. However, concrete evidence for this theory remains sparse. Throughout Netherdyn, these celestial entities are known by many names, though the twins are most commonly referred to as the Silvermoon and the Goldmoon, owing to their resplendent nocturnal hues. The Silvermoon casts a serene, silvery sheen upon the night, while the Goldmoon emits a warm, golden luminescence. The Galdoric Calendar is structured around their waxing and waning dance. When one moon waxes, its counterpart wanes. At the zenith of this lunar interplay, on the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each month, both moons share the sky as equals, creating a celestial duet of perfect halves. This harmony prevails for the majority of months, yet is interrupted during the 13th month, Ænigwhit. In this period, the Silvermoon and Goldmoon vanish from the night sky, revealing the third moon – known colloquially as "the Unblinking". This celestial body manifests as an unblinking, starry eye in the heavens. Unconstrained by the ebb and flow of waxing and waning, the Unblinking remains fixed in the sky throughout Ænigwhit's 27 days, casting its unwavering gaze upon the realm of Netherdyn. The trio of moons exerts a profound influence over Netherdyn's magical landscape. Whether drawn from the Arcane Plexus, the Otherworlds, the Netherhells, or from divine sources, the gravitational ballet of these moons intricately intertwines with the essence of magic. The lunar cycle orchestrates the augmentation and suppression of spells, enhancing potency in certain phases while diminishing it in others. This complex interplay is the focus of the scholarly field known as Astroarcana, where researchers delve into the nexus between celestial movements and arcane manifestations.Moon of Ambition and Growth
The Goldmoon, known as "Aurun" in the Galdoric language, bears various names across regions, such as "Oronthe" in Valleterna and "Simargl" in Demenore. Its resplendent golden radiance symbolizes prosperity, vitality, and accomplishment. During its waxing phases, healing magics experience significant enhancement, improving curative spells and purification rituals. The Goldmoon's influence accelerates the healing of wounds and the dispelling of poisons and curses. Additionally, fire-oriented spells gain potency, while ice-based incantations weaken. Consequently, healers, druids, botanists, and herbalists thrive under its radiant embrace.
Moon of Spirits and Introspection
The Silvermoon, called "Aelun" in Galdoric, "Lunaris" in Valleterna, and "Chors" in Demenore, emits a shimmering silver luminescence that evokes serenity, mystique, and contemplation. In the realm of Astroarcana, the Silvermoon enhances divination, insights, and revelations, and strengthens the connection between the living and the dead through necrospiritism. Its light clarifies the voices of the departed in Sheol and boosts ice-based spells while diminishing fire-based ones. Diviners, necromancers, and spiritists find their arts intensified under its radiant glow.
Symbol of the Three Moons
Moon of Madness and Secrecy
Diverging significantly from both the Silvermoon and Goldmoon, the Unblinking Moon, commonly denoted simply as "the Unblinking," transcends mere luminary status, embodying a sentient, living essence. This moon manifests solely during the month of Ænigwhit, but it is believed to be ceaselessly watchful, revealing its unbroken vigilance only in this period when the other two moons vanish. Its eerie and disconcerting aura aligns with themes of trickery, secrecy, and madness. Legends recount that in the infancy of Netherdyn, predating the Silence, the Unblinking Moon was once a luminous and protective dragon. Consumed by envy and resentment, its kin devoured its radiance, fractured its wings, and consigned it to the sky for eternity. Over time, it metamorphosed into the concealed third moon, reappearing as the Age of Silence drew to its close. In the Pantheon of the New Gods, the Unblinking is venerated by those who dwell in shadows—thieves, saboteurs, and assassins—as well as seekers of hidden knowledge like scholars and researchers. The Unblinking's impact on magic is capricious, often rendering spells and rituals perilous during its manifestation. Seasoned witches and wizards advise against performing intricate spells or daring incantations during the month of Ænigwhit, unless one is adequately prepared to grapple with the formidable alteration of their arcane capabilities under its relentless scrutiny.
Well this is a rather sinister article. At least two out of three moons aren't terrifying, I guess? Love the symbols
I suppose quite a bit of the larger world building is eldritch horror-inspired, so that theme might come up again... a few times x3 But thank you! Providing visuals, even small ones, is an important goal of mine. Just takes a lot of my time.
At the end of everything, hold onto anything.