Allune
Allune is known as the Wise Moon, the Star Guide, or the Moonmother to those who worship her, namely the Allune Coven - Moon elves . She is the only Goddess the moon elves have ever worshipped, all the way from when elves were simply called Spellborn and had no real distinctions yet.
The Origin of Allune’s Worship and the Birth of the Allunari
Long before elves were divided into their modern covens and identities, they were known collectively as the Spellborn, beings born of magic and mystery. The Spellborn wandered a young Mordia, seeking purpose and meaning in a vast, untamed world. The stars above were their only constant, and among them, the moon shone brightest. It was said that the moon seemed to watch over the Spellborn with an almost sentient presence, its silvery light guiding them through the darkness of untamed wilderness and their own uncertain destinies.
In this time of searching, a small group of Spellborn journeyed deep into the heart of the land that would one day become the Whisperwood. These elves were led by Aelthira, a figure of boundless kindness and fierce resolve, who believed there was more to the moon’s light than mere happenstance. Aelthira spoke often of her dreams, in which a serene, luminous figure appeared before her, offering comfort and guidance. Her dreams became visions, and her visions became undeniable. They led her and her people out of the dangerous Whisperwood and west, through many terrors and tribulations, sailing across the now named Serpent's Channel, and safely landing on a a new land that was entirely unknown.
The First Blessing of Allune
As the Spellborn traveled further, they encountered hardship—starvation, monstrous threats, and internal discord. One fateful night, Aelthira, moved by a divine pull, led her people to a secluded glade where the trees opened to reveal the unobstructed brilliance of the full moon. She knelt beneath its light and offered a prayer, not of desperation, but of hope and guidance for her kin.
The moon’s light grew blinding, bathing the glade in a radiance unlike any seen before. From the heavens descended Allune, her form both ethereal and majestic, with skin like shimmering moonstone, hair cascading in threads of starlight, and eyes that reflected the endless cosmos. Her voice resonated like a melody that harmonized with the soul.
She declared that these Spellborn had been chosen to walk her Starry Path, a destiny of wisdom, balance, and celestial grace. To mark them as her chosen, Allune bestowed upon them a part of her celestial essence, transforming their forms to reflect her divine favor. Their skin gained shades of pale blue, white, and iridescent lavender, their hair turned silver, black, or deep blue, and their eyes glimmered with starlight in hues of blue, purple, and gold.
These transformed elves became the Allunari, the first moon elves, bound forever to the service of Allune and charged with guiding others along the Starlit Path.
It is here where Aelthira named the land Alluyalodoras, "The land of trust in Allune" and declared they would build their capital at the clearing where Allune herself blessed them. This capital would be known as Selunarith
The First Starseer: Aelthira
Following the Blessing of Allune, Aelthira stood apart, her transformation more profound than the others. Her hair flowed like liquid silver, her eyes mirrored the moon’s brilliance, and her presence exuded an undeniable serenity and strength. Allune spoke directly to Aelthira, naming her the first Starseer, the mortal voice of the Wise Moon.
Allune’s reasoning was clear: Aelthira embodied the ideals of the Starry Path. She was altruistic, putting the needs of her people before her own. She was determined, unyielding in the face of adversity. She was kind, radiating compassion even in the direst moments. And she was proud—not of herself, but of her people’s potential and their ability to persevere.
Allune gifted Aelthira the Shroud of Nirianore, a veil imbued with celestial magic, said to connect the Starseer to the Goddess herself. Under Allune’s guidance, Aelthira established the first tenets of the Allunari faith and began chronicling the visions and dreams granted to her by Allune. Her leadership shaped the Allunari into a united and spiritual people, devoted to balance, wisdom, and the celestial order.
The Chronicled Tale of Aelthira
The story of Aelthira, the First Starseer, is one of inspiration and reverence. It is said that her first divine vision was the blueprint for Starshine Temple, the seat of the Starseer and the spiritual heart of the Allunari. Built in the center of their settlement, its design mirrored the constellations as they appeared on the night of the Blessing, a constant reminder of Allune’s watchful presence.
As Starseer, Aelthira performed miracles that cemented her role as Allune’s chosen. She healed a dying child with a single touch under the full moon, calmed a raging beast by whispering prayers, and brought rival elven factions to peace by invoking the wisdom of the Starry Path.
When Aelthira passed into the night sky after centuries of service, the Allunari saw a new star appear, brighter than the rest. They named it Aelthira’s Light, believing it to be a sign of her eternal guidance alongside Allune.
As it is written in the annals of history, when she approached the end of her lifespan, she was filled with overwhelming peace and purpose. She had said all of her farewells, given her final blessings, passed on as much wisdom as she was compelled to, before finally settling at the seat of worship in the Starshine temple beneath the clear, twinkling night sky. It is said she lifted her veil after uttering her last prayer, causing the mourning onlookers to fall to their knees in reverence as it is revealed that she is simply an elven shaped entity of light and stars. The veil pools underneath her and a beam of moonlight surrounds the Starseer as her hands are outstretched in a wide welcoming stretch towards the sky, and she is gently lifted towards the night sky. The stars seemed to shift as she is pulled into Allune's embrace in the blanket of ink above them, settling in a new open spot where she shone brightly as a new guiding star.
The Lifting symbolizes the ultimate union of the Starseer with Allune, transcending their earthly form to become one with the cosmos. This ascension is a blessing not only for the Starseer but for all the Allunari, as the new star serves as a beacon of guidance and wisdom. It is said that each new star represents a divine truth that the Allunari must understand as they continue to walk the Starry Path.
As the Starseer is lifted to the heavens, their teachings, wisdom, and guidance continue to influence the Allunari. The Lifting is not only the end of one life but the beginning of a new phase in the spiritual journey of the Allunari people. The stars left behind by the Starseer serve as constant reminders that Allune watches over them and that the guidance of the Starseers lives on forever in the night sky.
Legacy and Worship
The Allunari have never wavered in their devotion to Allune, believing that their divine transformation marks them as stewards of her will. The Five Tenets, first articulated by Aelthira, continue to guide their lives and ensure they remain worthy of the Goddess’s favor.
Every new Starseer follows in Aelthira’s footsteps, wearing the Shroud of Nirianore and interpreting Allune’s will for the Allunari people. The living tome Of Dreams and Moons was inspired by Aelthira’s meticulous records of her visions and celestial interpretations, serving as an ever-growing testament to Allune’s influence.
The new stars born from the Lifting are recorded in detail and given a symbolic name according to the personality, goals, and accomplishments of the respective Starseer. They are invoked in prayer, in hymns, in stories etc depending on what intent the user is meaning to draw upon.
Divine Domains
She is known to give her followers the magic of healing and restoration, as well as nearly supernatural wisdom and patience.
Artifacts
Shroud of Nirianore - A veil that is given from Starseer to Starseer within the Allune Coven, granting strengthened connection to Allune.
Holy Books & Codes
"A Brief History of Starseer's Visions"
- Overview: This text chronicles the prophetic visions of every Starseer since the first, documenting how each leader interpreted Allune’s guidance to shape the Allunari’s path through history.
- Content: The book serves as both a historical record and a spiritual tool. It contains:
- Accounts of visions that led to major decisions or events, such as migrations, alliances, and wars.
- Interpretations of the visions and how they aligned with the Five Tenets.
- Lessons derived from moments when misinterpretation of a vision caused challenges or conflict.
- Significance: Newly chosen Starseers often study this text to draw inspiration and guidance from their predecessors. It is also used in council deliberations to ensure decisions honor Allune’s will.
- Lore: The text is said to be incomplete, as the final chapter will only be written by the Goddess herself when she welcomes the final Allunari into her moonlit embrace.
"The Golden Chart"
- Overview: The Golden Chart is a sacred celestial map believed to have been drawn by the first Starseer under Allune’s divine guidance. It contains intricate star patterns and cosmic alignments that are said to reveal hidden truths about the Starry Path for all living beings.
- Content: The chart serves as both a spiritual guide and an astrological tool. It outlines the movement of constellations and their symbolic meanings, providing the framework for Allunari rituals and the interpretation of omens.
- Significance: It is housed in the Starshine Temple, treated as the most sacred artifact of the faith. Copies of the chart, while less detailed, are distributed to acolytes for study and used in ceremonies to interpret Allune’s will.
- Lore: Legend states that the stars on the chart shift slightly in response to major cosmic or worldly events, though no mortal has ever proven this phenomenon.
"Of Dreams and Moons"
Overview
Of Dreams and Moons is a revered living tome, imbued with celestial magic to serve as an ever-expanding archive of the Allunari’s spiritual insights and celestial reflections. Divided into two interconnected sections—Dreams and Moons—the tome records the evolving history and spiritual journey of the Allune Coven. Its enchanted nature ensures that the tome always has space for new entries, a divine gift believed to stem directly from Allune herself.
Dreams
- Purpose: This section documents the Blessed Dreams experienced by Allunari individuals. Dreams deemed to carry Allune’s guidance or omens are recorded by scholars of the Starshine Temple, who determine their sacred nature and annotate them with interpretations.
- Process:
- Dream Submission: Any Allunari who experiences a vivid, meaningful dream may present it to a scholar.
- Interpretation: The scholar assesses the dream, determining if it carries celestial significance. Accepted dreams are written verbatim into the tome with interpretations and annotations.
- Cross-Referencing: If a recorded event matches a prior dream, scholars link the entries, offering further reflection on Allune’s guidance.
- Examples:
- “The Serpent of Stars revealed its path, curling around a silver spire.” (Interpreted as the founding of a new sanctuary.)
- “A lone moonflower bloomed in a field of shadow.” (Believed to herald the end of a drought.)
- Cultural Significance: This section is both a personal and communal treasure, encouraging the Allunari to view their dreams as direct connections to the Star Guide’s wisdom.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The most common crest is outstretched prayer hands reaching up to a crescent moon, threads of moonlight swirling and winding up and around the hands to the moon. The official crest does not have stars or diamonds and filigree but many customized articles of clothing or items are given artistic freedom to represent their faith.
Tenets of Faith
1. Walk the Starlit Path
"Your destiny is etched among the stars. Seek it, follow it, and guide others to their own."
- This tenet emphasizes personal purpose and cosmic alignment. The Allunari are taught to trust in Allune's guidance, using introspection, celestial observation, and spiritual rituals to uncover their unique Starry Path or Starlit Path.
- It also instills a sense of duty to help others discover their own paths, whether through healing, teaching, or diplomacy.
2. Light the Way for the Lost
"To stray is to falter, but every being deserves the chance to find the light anew."
- The Allunari are called to act as guides, healers, and mentors, offering compassion and forgiveness even to those who have wronged them. They act as role models for the behavior they want to see.
- This tenet underscores the importance of redemption and second chances, reinforcing the Allunari's role as peacemakers and spiritual shepherds.
3. Honor the Threads of Life
"Every thread in the tapestry is sacred, for all life is woven by my hand."
- This tenet instills a reverence for all forms of life, from the smallest creature to the mightiest being. It inspires the Allunari's focus on preservation, healing, and coexistence.
- It also acknowledges the interconnectedness of all things, teaching that harm to one life reverberates throughout the cosmic web.
4. Balance the Scales of Harmony
"Darkness and light, war and peace—neither must overwhelm the other, for balance is divine."
- The Allunari are charged with maintaining harmony in all aspects of existence, whether in nature, society, or the soul.
- This tenet supports their preference for diplomacy but also justifies their capacity for righteous fury when balance is threatened by unchecked aggression or corruption.
5. Seek Wisdom Among the Stars
"The heavens hold boundless knowledge; look upward, and you shall find it."
- This tenet inspires the Allunari's deep focus on celestial observation, magical study, and philosophical inquiry.
- It encourages intellectual growth alongside spiritual devotion, with the stars seen as both literal and metaphorical sources of enlightenment.
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