Asteryl
Woven into the grand tapestry of Tilith, the Asteryls radiate an aura of disciplined devotion tempered by a serene reverence for the night sky. They consider each community’s distinct character—be it a windswept city-state or a lone mountain village—and choose whether to offer guidance in spiritual matters, practical knowledge, or minimal interference. This stance of careful collaboration sets them apart from organizations that impose direct rule. In spirit, the Asteryls function more like vigilant caretakers than conquerors: wherever their influence reaches, they strive to uplift local customs rather than overwrite them, all while keeping an unflinching gaze on any menace that might threaten Tilith’s broader harmony.
Seldom does one find a guardian order so deeply immersed in natural beauty and arcane scholarship. Asteryl enclaves nestle among soaring crags or rolling highlands, sometimes adjacent to bustling settlements—and in such places, novices absorb not only martial training but also a profound sense of cosmic wonder. Over time, the blending of these pursuits creates a distinctive ethos: martial feats are never flashy displays of prowess but rather a reflection of patient study and deep reflection. Such humility gives the Asteryls a quiet but persuasive voice across many realms, one that can unify conflicting interests through appeals to the enduring stability of the night’s silent vigil.
Though their reputation may evoke images of solitary watchers peering at constellations, the Asteryls remain fully aware that balance relies on people, not just the vastness of the sky. Their most significant undertakings occur whenever dire challenges arise—whether guiding refugees fleeing monstrous horrors, or sharing protective wards with ally-kingdoms overwhelmed by fiendish powers. In these moments, their unity of purpose shines brightest, revealing a fellowship unafraid to confront darkness head-on. And once threats subside, they return to their watchful stations, teaching by example that cosmic harmony thrives only when mortals commit to a vigilant, collaborative path—one that regards starlight as both beacon and bridge.
Structure
The Asteryls follow a tiered hierarchy shaped by cosmic tradition and centuries of practice. At the top stands the High Celestial, the guiding voice who sets cosmic doctrine and final arbitration for all major decisions—ranging from strategic alliances to Helix Arts research. Below them are the Constellation Wardens, each presiding over a specific Spire or territory. Their chief role is mentoring seasoned Celestials and funneling crucial star-lore from distant lands back to the central assembly. These Wardens also act as spiritual anchors for local communities, ensuring the cosmic harmony championed by the Asteryls is never forgotten.
Supporting these ranks are the Celestials—veterans who serve as teachers, advisors, and traveling emissaries. Many of them train novices directly, passing down cosmic forms and advanced Helix techniques. A step below are the Moon Monks (or sometimes called Acolytes), a cadre of loyal disciples who focus on day-to-day duties and initial field missions. At the base of the ladder are the Star Novices, first-year recruits who learn everything from star mapping to rudimentary cosmic defense. They rotate among various Spires, absorbing local customs and broadening their cosmic perspective.
Culture
Culture in the Asteryls is deeply shaped by celestial observance. Members spend countless nights gazing at the skies to interpret cosmic patterns, believing such signs reveal both personal destinies and large-scale cosmic shifts. This tradition cultivates an atmosphere of calm and introspective focus, where silence under starlight is considered a sacred communal ritual. Many novices recite soft hymns while charting new constellations, weaving their findings into the Asteryls’ ever-growing star-codex.
On a day-to-day level, cooperation is a core tenet. Asteryls engage in group exercises—ritualistic sparring or collaborative Helix training—that emphasize synergy over individual prowess. Meals are typically shared in a communal hall, reinforcing the idea that each Asteryl is but one spark in a grand cosmic tapestry. Even novices are encouraged to voice insights, as the order values fresh perspectives across ranks.
An undercurrent of service also permeates their worldview. Whether providing charitable spellwork to nearby villages or guiding lost travelers during an eclipse, Asteryls see every action as an opportunity to extend the harmony they strive for internally. This altruistic streak, however, is balanced by a firm boundary of discretion, ensuring that advanced cosmic knowledge remains safe from meddling factions.
Public Agenda
The Asteryls publicly position themselves as protectors and wardens of Tilith’s cosmic balance. They pledge to monitor and address potential calamities—planar rifts, emerging cults, or demonic invasions—while offering spiritual guidance to local rulers who seek astral insight. Maintaining a delicate harmony between revealing just enough cosmic knowledge and ensuring the plane’s broader safety shapes their core mandate, letting them function as both wise advisors and decisive defenders.
Assets
Foremost among the Asteryls’ tangible assets are their Spire Sanctums. These structures, perched on mountain peaks or hidden in astral crossroads, serve as observatories, living quarters, and training halls. Each Spire houses relics from centuries of star-watching, including rare telescopes, Helix-charged orreries, and ceremonial armaments forged from cosmic alloys. Collectively, these enclaves form a crucial support network: any threatened Spire can call upon the others for reinforcements, knowledge, or resources.
In addition to real estate, the Asteryls maintain modest yet sturdy caravans and vessels—airships powered by star-infusion or well-warded seafaring boats—to traverse Tilith in times of crisis. While not as numerous as a standing army, their roving bands of Quasars and Celestials can mobilize rapidly, funneling cosmic might wherever needed. Occasional gifts of wealth from grateful rulers bolster their coffers, but the Asteryls’ true strength lies in their knowledge-rich archives and the unwavering unity of their members.
History
The seeds of the Asteryls were planted not long after mortal survivors first rallied under the Forlorn Moon banner, sometime in the centuries following the Cleansing. Although most of recorded history from that epoch was lost or garbled by cataclysmic energies, scattered references speak of a small band of stargazers—individuals who believed that cosmic alignment could reveal ways to stabilize Tilith’s fragile ecosystems. These early devotees met in hidden grottos, etching celestial charts into cave walls and practicing rudimentary Helix Arts gleaned from fragments of old-world lore.
By around Year 3000, these cosmic watchers had grown into a recognizable society of Quasar practitioners, though they did not yet call themselves the Asteryls. Renowned for traveling to mountaintops to observe meteor showers and comets, they carried forward a tradition of blending martial discipline with star-lore. Over time, these watchers earned the trust of local Beastkin enclaves who feared the monstrous threats prowling Tilith’s wilder regions. In exchange for protection, the watchers requested only room to study the stars in peace, gradually cementing their reputation as both warriors and scholars.
When the War of Ruin began intensifying around Year 5500, the nascent Quasar orders found themselves caught between cosmic horrors and the monstrous Ruin expansions. Though small in number, they were among the first to pinpoint irregularities in the night skies—troubling signs that Ruin energies bled into Tilith’s cosmic tapestry. Led by a gifted stargazer named Archon Elysander, several Quasar enclaves traveled widely, warning local kingdoms of the looming cataclysm. Many ridiculed the dire prophecies at first, yet the watchers persisted, forging alliances and building trust on the promise of cosmic safeguarding.
The conflict took a vicious turn when lesser Deities finally intervened, and vast swaths of Tilith were scarred by Ruin’s corrupting might. During this dark era, the watchers consolidated into a more formal structure, calling themselves the Lunar Ascendants for a time. They erected hidden spires in remote highlands, forging wards that intertwined Helix magic with cosmic resonance. Their efforts slowed Ruin’s spread in certain mountainous corridors, providing safe routes for refugees fleeing the main war zones. Over decades of relentless struggle, they refined their martial-cosmic techniques, planting the seeds for future generations of Quasar mastery.
By Year 6051, the Ruin War had drawn to a fraught but merciful conclusion when an enigmatic figure called Albatross banished the Ruin Sovereign Rhakspiet. While most factions collapsed in exhaustion, the Lunar Ascendants quietly persevered. That same year, they began the laborious process of rebuilding their fractured network of spires and archives, carefully piecing together star-charts lost to the conflict. Their feats of cosmic-based healing earned them renewed respect among scattered communities. Popular legend recounts how traveling Lunar Ascendants restored farmland by purging lingering Ruin miasma from the soil, demonstrating that cosmic energies could heal as well as destroy.
Several centuries later, around Year 7000, these reconstituted Quasar enclaves finally adopted the name “Asteryls,” signaling a shift from mere watchers to protectors with a unifying identity. The name derived from “aster,” referencing the stars they revered, and “ryl,” meaning guardian in an archaic Helix dialect. Each spire recognized an Abbot or Celestial to guide novices, while a High Celestial convened annual gatherings to share cosmic readings. Through these gatherings, the Asteryls quietly expanded their influence, forging pacts with local lords who tolerated (or even welcomed) cosmic vigilantes in their lands.
Over the next five thousand years, the Asteryls weathered smaller-scale upheavals: beastkin uprisings, minor demonic invasions, and the occasional reemergence of Ruin stragglers. Rather than aligning themselves with any single kingdom or monarchy, the Asteryls maintained neutrality, stepping in only when cosmic harmony was threatened. This staunch independence sometimes drew suspicion—particularly among more controlling powers who disliked an outside faction wielding star-forged might. Still, the Asteryls prevailed by emphasizing altruistic service, healing the wounded of any species, and demonstrating unbiased cosmic vigilance.
It was during the second half of this grand millennium—around Year 13000—that rumors spread of the Asteryls creating a grand “Starcall Bastion” on an isolated island. The stronghold served as the formal seat of their highest order, a place where Lunar Magistrates from each spire converged. According to fragments of lore, the earliest Magistrates saw Starcall Bastion less as an enclave and more as a cosmic tribunal, where everything from advanced Helix trials to sightings of abyssal horrors was debated. Over time, it became both a fortress and an institution of star-bound learning.
Strangely enough, commercial entrepreneurs soon discovered the island’s spectacular geography and tranquil beaches, erecting a massive theme park all around the Bastion by the year 14000. At first, the Asteryls were perplexed, even irritated, by the sudden influx of carnival architecture on their sacred terrain. Yet the local lords who invested in the park promised to keep the star watchers undisturbed, and the arrangement allowed visitors to see the Bastion from afar without breaching it. Thus began the odd coexistence of cosmic ascetics in the planetarium’s core and throngs of tourists indulging in whimsical amusements along the shore.
Throughout these centuries, the Asteryls refined their Helix-based cosmic arsenal, forging new stances like Dark Matter Fist and Army of One. They also deepened their scholarship, meticulously cataloging star events and cosmic anomalies that occasionally manifested in Tilith. Tales abound of Asteryl envoys singlehandedly repelling lesser demon hunts or sealing tiny planar rifts in remote highlands. Members who advanced far enough in their training earned the rank of Constellation Warden, each tasked with safeguarding multiple spires or regions.
By Year 15000, the Asteryls had become a highly respected yet deliberately mysterious faction, known for merging open cosmic displays with secrets that only initiates might learn. In popular imagination, their order seemed contradictory: contemplative monks who performed awe-inspiring feats of star-warped might whenever chaos threatened. Their spires dotted Tilith’s mountains, deserts, and hidden forest clearings, each linked back to Starcall Bastion for advanced counsel. Meanwhile, the bizarre theme park expanded, overshadowing the Bastion’s silhouette with gaudy attractions—a camouflage that ironically shielded the order’s deeper workings.
Now, in the current year 15750, the Asteryls stand at a pivotal juncture. The cosmic watchers who once huddled in hidden grottos have matured into a powerful astral fellowship, spread across Tilith’s face yet bound by unwavering cosmic principles. Starcall Bastion remains their undisputed heart, a dual realm of starlit scholarship and boisterous carnival wonder. Whether mediating planar conflicts, training novices in advanced Helix arts, or quietly investigating a new wave of Ruin sightings, the Asteryls balance humility with cosmic might—ever vigilant, ever ready to uphold the harmony they first glimpsed in the ancient glow of the night sky.
Demography and Population
Despite being spread across multiple Spires worldwide, the Asteryls are not a high-density organization. Their holdings typically revolve around Starcall Bastion—their central seat—and smaller enclaves nestled atop remote mountains or in isolated regions. Each Spire and its surrounding grounds house anywhere from a few dozen to a couple hundred Asteryls, including novices, Celestial mentors, and support staff (e.g., quartermasters, archivists).
Population Distribution:
- Around 70% are Star Novices or Moon Monks in training.
- Another 20% are fully recognized Celestials or Wardens, taking on leadership and teaching roles.
- The remaining 10% includes specialized roles—ritual archivists, cosmic healers, and logistical stewards.
- Actual births within Asteryl Spires are relatively few; many novices join as older children or adolescents from outside communities rather than being born into the faction.
- Mortality varies by region: some Spires are in harsh environments, and while combat-related deaths are uncommon, they do occur during cosmic anomalies or high-stakes missions. Overall, the order’s advanced healing methods keep the death rate modest.
- When a member passes, the Asteryls perform a solemn star-lit vigil, believing that the soul merges with cosmic energy.
Territories
The Asteryls do not claim sweeping swaths of land as a conventional kingdom would; rather, their territory is a network of strategically located Spires and enclaves spread across Tilith. Each Spire sits at a high vantage point—craggy peaks, cliffside fortresses, or secluded plateaus—chosen for the clarity of its night skies and the stability of its latent magical fields. Though scattered, these strongholds are connected by dedicated routes (often magically warded) that allow quick travel in times of cosmic emergencies. Starcall Bastion, an island-based seat of authority, anchors the entire network. While the rest of the island flourishes with a massive theme park, the Asteryls’ domain converges around the central planetarium building where leaders assemble and novices gather for grand ceremonies.
Within certain Spires, the Asteryls maintain halfway houses and Cradles—orphanages for children displaced by conflict or tragedy. These Cradles do not form a dense population center but serve as compassionate sanctuaries, offering shelter, education, and supervised martial or cosmic training to any orphaned youth who shows promise or simply needs a safe haven. Over time, some of these wards choose to enter Quasar disciplines; others, upon coming of age, return to their original homelands or travel on to other sanctums. Because of the Asteryls’ close ties with local leaders, these Cradles often enjoy support from neighboring towns—who see them as beacons of hope in uncertain times.
Beyond the Spires themselves, the Asteryls rely on broad Cosmic Alliances with villages, kingdoms, and other Forlorn Moon branches. Many of these alliances revolve around knowledge exchange; each Spire hosts a portion of the Astral Archives, a dispersed library of star maps, Helix-lore, and planar research. When a regional leader requests help—be it warding off demonic incursions or deciphering celestial omens—the Asteryls dispatch envoys or small contingents of Quasars from the nearest Spire. In return, local rulers grant them safe passage, provisions, or spaces to establish new enclaves. Thus, the Asteryls’ territory is less about contiguous landholdings and more about a sacred tapestry of sanctums, orphanages, and knowledge repositories woven across Tilith, all united under their cosmic mandate.
Military
Unlike a typical kingdom’s standing army, the Asteryls maintain what could be described as a specialized martial order rather than a conventional military force. Each Spire trains its own cadre of Quasars—individuals who blend martial prowess with cosmic attunement. These Quasars serve as rapid-response units capable of countering magical threats, planar incursions, or demonic invasions. Novices progress through rigorous discipline, mastering techniques such as the Dark Matter Fist or advanced Helix-infused weapon forms, ensuring that even a modest number of Asteryls can hold their own against far larger conventional forces. When urgent calls arise—like rifts opening in a distant region—nearby Quasar squads coordinate under a local Celestial or Warden, mobilizing quickly via spells or discreet airship caravans tied to the Asteryls’ broad alliance network.
Despite their martial focus, the Asteryls do not engage in territorial conquests or extended campaigns. The order’s military doctrine hinges on swift interventions: hitting a threat decisively and then withdrawing once balance is restored. In place of massed infantry or siege engines, the Asteryls field small, mobile teams augmented by cosmic illusions and healing arts. In defensive scenarios, each Spire also boasts an array of protective wards—like barrier runes or astral-laced parapets—allowing even a handful of defenders to fend off larger invading forces. This preference for specialized deployments over large-scale warfare reflects the Asteryls’ core principle: uphold cosmic equilibrium without succumbing to the burdens or excesses of a conventional army.
Technological Level
While the Asteryls aren’t a powerhouse of conventional technology, their study of cosmic energies grants them a distinct edge that outsiders often perceive as advanced magic. Many Spires own specialized telescopes or star-viewing apparatus crafted with rare metals and Helix-infused lenses, allowing them to pinpoint unusual stellar alignments or track subtle planar shifts. In some regions, small but prized airship vessels exist—propelled by cosmic resonances rather than steam or engines—which facilitate swift response missions to remote corners of Tilith. Their expertise in harnessing starlight for healing and protective wards further sets them apart, rivaling the capabilities of many larger nations’ academies.
On a broader scale, the Asteryls showcase a measured embrace of scientific principles, weaving cosmic insights into practical problem-solving. Instead of forging firearms or mechanized siege engines, they refine star-metal alloys into resilient staves or armor that resonates with a user’s spiritual alignment. They also compile meticulous data in their Astral Archives, charting everything from herbal potency under certain moons to recorded changes in atmospheric energies. This synergy of empirical record-keeping and Helix-driven craft yields an ongoing stream of quiet innovations—rarely as dramatic as the war machines of other powers, but consistently relevant to the Asteryls’ mission of guardianship.
Foreign Relations
Diplomatic Approach:
The Asteryls maintain a policy of benevolent neutrality—they do not claim territory in the conventional sense, nor do they raise large armies. Instead, they offer cosmic knowledge and defensive aid to neighboring regions that request assistance against demons, Ruin spawn, or planar disturbances. In return, they rely on local goodwill, trade, and donations to sustain their far-flung Spires.
Alliances & Ties:
- Forlorn Moon: They are formally a branch under this greater faction, cooperating closely with the more clandestine Zeryx.
- Local Kingdoms & Beastkin Nations: While not beholden to any single throne, the Asteryls often sign mutual defense pacts or safe-passage treaties—essential for traveling to remote spires. Most monarchs and clan leaders regard the Asteryls with respect, if sometimes tinged by wariness.
- Rogue Factions / Ruin Cults: The Asteryls actively oppose organizations that disrupt cosmic balance or harness forbidden planar energies. Though not always in open conflict, they have a clear stance against malevolent forces.
- Spiritual & Scholarly Exchanges: Certain advanced enclaves (like Tōbu for military tech or Jarakian city-states for Helix research) trade arcane knowledge with the Asteryls. This fosters a web of scholarly alliances that transcends typical political rivalries.
Laws
The Asteryls operate under a self-imposed legal framework called the Cosmic Mandates, each derived from centuries of celestial observations and Helix-based moral philosophy. These Mandates emphasize the balance between cosmic order and free will, demanding discipline without tyranny. For instance, the Mandate of Harmony forbids any Asteryl from exploiting cosmic power for personal gain, prescribing exile for those who violate it. Another, the Mandate of Faith, ensures that while the Asteryls can offer guidance and assistance to outsiders, they must remain transparent if interference could alter a community’s fate unnaturally. Any adjudication of transgressions relies on council gatherings—either at individual Spires or, for severe cases, at Starcall Bastion—where evidence is presented to a panel of Celestials or Magistrates who weigh the circumstances.
Yet these laws do not solely apply to the Quasar elite; novices and affiliated civilians are likewise bound by lesser “Star Edicts.” Such rules govern the mundane aspects of Spire life: novices are forbidden from engaging in advanced Helix combat without a mentor’s oversight, and traveling Acolytes must keep careful logs of cosmic anomalies they encounter. Punishments range from simple penance tasks—like star-chart copying or meditation vigils—to harsher sentences such as resource ration restrictions or enforced “silence periods,” in which a transgressor’s daily duties must be carried out in utter wordlessness. This emphasis on redemption over punishment reflects the Asteryls’ belief that sincere cosmic alignment can mend one’s path, provided the wrongdoer embraces the Mandates’ guiding starlight.
Agriculture & Industry
The Asteryls are not a major agricultural or industrial power by conventional standards. Instead, each Spire typically manages small-scale gardens and herb plots tailored to the local environment, focusing on medicinal plants and Helix-sensitive flora. These crops, cultivated by novices and Celestials alike, help maintain self-sufficiency for basic foodstuffs and healing reagents. Although the Asteryls do not engage in large-scale farming, they do uphold modest workshops—often producing star-forged implements or refining rare minerals gleaned from nearby high-altitude deposits. Their primary “industry” is spiritual and arcane: cosmic scholarship, martial training, and the curation of celestial knowledge.
Trade & Transport
For overland transport, the Asteryls rely on narrow, warded pathways connecting distant Spires through perilous terrain. These routes often weave across cliff sides and mountain passes, making them inaccessible to large caravans. As a result, they utilize smaller pack animals—such as sure-footed goats or scaled beasts in certain regions—to move essential supplies in a “light caravan” style. Swift Quasar couriers occasionally escort these caravans to deter bandits or to shield them from Helix anomalies.
When distances grow too great—or time is critical—the Asteryls deploy airship vessels powered by cosmic energies. These craft are limited in number but invaluable for rapid response, enabling Quasars to reach threatened areas or deliver vital goods without weeks of arduous travel. Such airships seldom carry commercial cargo for outsiders; they exist primarily to support Asteryl operations and emergency relief missions.
Trade relationships remain largely informal, relying on local alliances forged with nearby kingdoms or Beastkin enclaves. These agreements specify that the Asteryls offer cosmic wards and protective services in exchange for staple goods (grains, textiles) that each Spire might lack. Given their scattered enclaves, they have no unified highway system to facilitate mass commerce—any commerce is localized and rooted in goodwill or mutual necessity, rather than large-scale profit.
Education
In the Asteryls’ world, education encompasses two distinct, yet interwoven, paths: one for those seeking to join the order and train as Quasars, and another for the orphans—or any non-Quasar youth—who grow up under the Asteryls’ guardianship without necessarily embracing cosmic guardianship themselves. At a glance, the Asteryls appear to be a purely martial-spiritual order; in truth, they also function as caretakers and mentors for children from many walks of life. Their Cradles, scattered across various Spires, are safe havens where no child is forced down the Quasar path, though they are gently guided by the cosmic principles that shape Asteryl culture.
Children who arrive in the Cradles—often orphans or those entrusted by families seeking better prospects—receive a foundational education rooted in compassion and basic learning. They begin by exploring simple reading, writing, and arithmetic skills, all framed by the Asteryls’ emphasis on cooperation and moral responsibility. Daily routines, such as communal meals and shared chores in the garden, teach them practical life lessons. Surrounded by star-lore references, the children develop an awareness of cosmic patterns and elemental harmony, though it’s offered in a gentle, story-like form rather than as a strict regimen. Many orphans find comfort in these astral narratives, seeing the night sky as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Within these Cradles, staff and tutors with no Quasar obligations run the day-to-day schooling, ensuring the children learn vital crafts and trades that can help them beyond the Spire walls. This includes horticulture, basic healing with herbs, or even simple blacksmithing, all integrated into the local environment. Whether weaving baskets or tending to orchard trees, the young come to understand that the simplest tasks, performed under starlight, can be suffused with mindful intent. It’s a gentle approach that fosters curiosity and self-reliance, allowing each child to pursue personal passions without fear of judgment.
For children who show interest or aptitude in deeper cosmic practices—or those whose guardians specifically brought them to the Asteryls for ‘star-guided instruction’—a more structured path unfolds. Starting around adolescence, these youths are gradually introduced to Quasar philosophies. They learn simple breathing exercises by candlelit courtyards, read from star-charts in small groups, and begin to see how physical discipline and cosmic observation might fuse into a single calling. There is no mandate to follow these lessons; some take to them willingly, while others remain content with the standard schooling. None are chastised or exiled for choosing not to pursue cosmic arts.
Children who desire to become Quasars eventually transition to the novice track, where they formally train under senior mentors. They move beyond fundamental reading and mathematics into the study of astral phenomena, the discipline of harnessing inward ‘star-energy,’ and an introduction to martial forms. Their free time shrinks, as the rigorous schedule balances physical endurance drills, meditative star-watching, and moral discussions about the difference between defense and aggression. Even at this stage, the Asteryls avoid dogmatic indoctrination: novices are encouraged to question and reflect, ensuring their commitment is sincere.
Those who do not choose the Quasar path remain integral members of the Cradle community, receiving more advanced versions of the everyday skills taught earlier. They might apprentice under a craftmaster, learn animal husbandry, or study herbal remedies. The Asteryls believe that no one’s worth is lesser for not becoming a cosmic guardian; after all, the cosmic tapestry requires many threads. Some of these youths grow into skilled farmers, scribes, or local healers, often returning the kindness they once found in the Cradle by assisting new arrivals.
In both streams—Quasar and non-Quasar—students are imbued with an ethos of empathy and stewardship. The star-lore is ever-present: no matter the final destination, children in Asteryl care grow up hearing tales of ancient cosmic battles, moral parables set among swirling galaxies, and legends of heroic guardians who saved Tilith from threats beyond mortal understanding. Over time, even those uninterested in martial matters absorb lessons on cosmic harmony. Observers visiting a Spire might find an orphan practicing simple star-mapping for fun, while another is excelling in cloth-dying using pigments from night-blooming flowers—two contrasting but equally prized pursuits within the Asteryls’ broad educational canvas.
Families that voluntarily place their children in an Asteryl Cradle often do so to grant them life-enriching skills in a stable environment. Contrary to rumor, these children are not forcibly converted into cosmic warriors. Instead, they enjoy a blend of scholastic, artistic, and moral education, woven through an otherworldly lens. Parents sometimes prefer that their children mature among mountain air and starlight rather than uncertain city streets. Should a child exhibit a strong calling to become a Quasar, the staff welcomes them to the novice track, but if not, they can grow into everyday artisans, scholars, or travelers—carrying the Asteryls’ values of compassion and vigilance wherever they roam.
Ultimately, this dual approach to education—the cosmic path for aspiring Quasars and the everyday path for everyone else—ensures the Asteryls remain accessible to any who seek shelter or knowledge within their enclaves. The orphan who wishes to become a farmer in a distant valley learns side by side with the novice dreaming of starlit glory. Both see the same constellations, partake of the same communal breakfasts, and learn to heed the gentle hum of cosmic equilibrium. Some eventually leave, forging their own destinies beyond the Spire walls; others pledge themselves to cosmic guardianship.
Despite sharing common ideals and overarching principles, not all Spires operate identically when it comes to instruction or resources. A remote, storm-lashed peak might stress endurance drills and meditative focus to brace novices against harsh winds, while a desert-bound Spire might emphasize illusions to stave off scorching sun and the art of coaxing water from sparse terrain. Even the Cradles differ: some run bustling communal orchards where children help harvest medicinal plants, others maintain smaller libraries to bolster literacy. In this way, each Asteryl stronghold subtly tailors its curriculum and priorities to the local environment, ensuring that no two Spires approach education in quite the same manner.
Infrastructure
Most of the Asteryls’ infrastructure revolves around their Spires, each built to suit challenging terrains—whether perched on a craggy peak or concealed in a mist-laden valley. Rather than maintaining traditional roads or city walls, they rely on discreet mountain pathways and lightly warded walkways that ensure safe transit for traveling Quasars and supply caravans. At Starcall Bastion, the largest “public” infrastructure item is the planetarium-like building at its core, which anchors administrative functions. Smaller amenities—like dedicated aqueducts, communal sleeping quarters, and broad training terraces—often blend with the natural environment rather than dominating it. This approach keeps the Spires largely hidden from prying eyes while offering enough communal space for daily life.
Despite the absence of large-scale public works like highways or city ramparts, each Spire maintains its own internal design suited to local conditions. Mountain Spires might use aerial pulley systems and rope bridges to move supplies, desert sanctums rely on carefully placed cisterns and illusions to conserve water, and forest enclaves thread living vines through the canopy for stable platforms. Across all these variations, Helix-based wards protect critical spots—be it an herb garden or a novices’ dormitory—acting like a magically-charged extension of each Spire’s unique architecture.
Mythology & Lore
The Asteryls trace their spiritual roots back to a constellation of ancient stories centered on Tilith’s earliest sky-watchers. In these tales, fragments of cosmic light fell to the world during times of turmoil, guiding nameless wanderers out of the chaos left by wars and Ruin incursions. Over generations, those wanderers became revered as “star-sages,” capable of reading omens in meteor showers and cyclical eclipses. According to Asteryl legends, the night sky itself granted these sages the ability to heal fractures in the mortal realm, binding them to a higher cosmic mandate. This sacred duty—healing the wounded plane through starlight—still underpins the Asteryls’ belief that the heavens watch over Tilith and select chosen guardians to uphold harmony.
A favorite fable among novices recounts a spirit known as the “Wandering Moon,” said to have appeared when the world was darkest. Passing from settlement to settlement in spectral form, it led lost souls to the safety of high cliffs, away from roving terrors on the plains. The first watchers, the tale goes, followed the Wandering Moon’s glow until they discovered hidden grottos with glints of cosmic ore—material from which star-forged weapons could be crafted. This story symbolizes how the Asteryls view destiny: starlight provides not an unearned gift, but a compass that leads those who are steadfast to resources and knowledge they must earn through devotion.
Divine Origins
While the Asteryls stand as one of the most recognized arms of the Forlorn Moon today, their beginnings were far more humble. Shortly after the Cleansing reshaped Tilith’s landscapes, small enclaves of scholars and monks took refuge atop high ridges, where thin air and clear skies helped them monitor shifting celestial patterns. Initially, these enclaves had little structure beyond a shared passion for nighttime observation. Over centuries of recording star positions, interpreting meteor activity, and correlating cosmic phenomena with earthly events, they gradually coalesced into a more organized fellowship. The spread of Helix knowledge—particularly ways to draw upon starlight for martial and healing arts—further bound them together, birthing the first generation of Quasars.
Formal recognition came when these scattered star-watching groups united under a single ethos: defending Tilith’s fragile equilibrium by harnessing both cosmic insight and disciplined physical training. Over time, the name “Asteryls” emerged, referring to “those who walk beneath guiding stars,” as they integrated near every region’s vantage point—mountain peaks, deserts, even hidden oases. Their presence grew more pronounced following major crises, like the War of Ruin, when their unique approach to safeguarding and prophecy proved invaluable. Now, though they remain decentralized, their shared identity as stewards of cosmic order shines through, linking novice star-pupils, veteran Quasar warriors, and half-forgotten legends of old sky-watchers into one luminous tapestry.
Tenets of Faith
Despite each Spire shaping its teachings to fit local terrain and culture, the Asteryls share a concise but profound set of core tenets known collectively as the Star-Charter. Foremost is Harmony with the Cosmos, which affirms that practitioners must attune to starlight not merely for personal power, but to serve the natural balance of Tilith. Related to this is Watchful Guardianship—the belief that a Quasar’s greatest responsibility is to stand vigilant against threats, whether they arise from Ruin, demons, or internal strife. Asteryls also revere Measured Intervention, urging them to deploy cosmic gifts wisely: one must heal, guide, and defend, but never impose authority or wage conquest for personal ends.
Another consistent principle underscores the Value of Free Will: no recruit or Cradle child is pressed to become a cosmic warrior without consenting to the mantle of responsibility. Alongside this individual freedom, the Asteryls embrace Communal Service, recognizing that each Spire’s success depends on shared effort in caretaking, crisis response, or building alliances with nearby settlements. Although the Star-Charter stands as a unifying set of ideals, each Spire interprets it through a local lens—one might emphasize self-reliance in a harsh desert environment, while another champions quiet compassion amid dense forests. In this manner, the Asteryls preserve a fluid but steadfast moral framework, binding diverse traditions under one radiant cosmic mission.
Ethics
At the heart of the Asteryls’ ethics is measured responsibility, a principle that binds their pursuit of cosmic power with the awareness that all actions carry weight across Tilith. They believe the night sky’s vast harmony sets an example to follow—just as stars shine without demanding tribute, so should the Asteryls guard and guide without seeking dominion. This fosters an ethos of self-restraint and humility: even the most gifted Quasar is expected to consider peaceful avenues, heal broken communities, and share knowledge without forcing others into submission.
Equally vital is respect for free will and life, shown in how they educate orphans in the Cradles without compelling them to become Quasars, and how they only intervene in local conflicts if invited or if unchecked harm threatens the broader balance. Asteryl teachers often sum it up as: “We walk in starlight to serve all, never to rule.” If a fellow Quasar breaks these ethical norms—by twisting cosmic gifts for personal greed or crushing autonomy—they risk condemnation from peers, as the group places cosmic harmony above loyalty to any single individual.
Priesthood
Those who guide each Asteryl Spire hold the title of “Celestial” or “Spire Warden,” individuals chosen for their profound grasp of cosmic lore and proven moral clarity. They are appointed through a consensus process: once a promising Quasar demonstrates unwavering commitment to the Star-Charter and leads effectively during crises, neighboring Celestials and senior Quasars collectively endorse them for leadership. In formal gatherings—often at Starcall Bastion or a regional moot—this prospective Warden undergoes a solemn verification of both skill and integrity. Only then do they receive the official blessing from the High Celestial or Grand Magistrate, who symbolically presents them with a unique cosmic insignia (often a star-etched torque or staff).
Spire Wardens distinguish themselves from local dwellers through subtle yet unmistakable markers: they may wear garments woven with shimmering astral thread, maintain a radiant helm studded with stones reminiscent of celestial constellations, or carry a staff crafted from star-metal found high in the peaks. While they typically dress plainly among ordinary folk to remain approachable, these small but telling details hint at their elevated role. Beyond attire, their deep engagement in cosmic affairs—hosting star-watch assemblies, guiding novices in Helix-based arts, and exchanging cosmic data with allied enclaves—sets them apart from everyday villagers. Yet Wardens strive to keep this distinction humble, seeing themselves not as overlords but as watchful stewards entrusted with bridging the heavens and the needs of the mortal realm.
Granted Divine Powers
The Asteryls’ supernatural gifts arise from what they call “cosmic resonance,” a profound alignment between mortal spirit and the energies radiating from Tilith’s night sky. When properly guided, this resonance allows a Quasar to surpass ordinary physical limits, achieving uncanny bursts of speed or seemingly effortless leaps that onlookers compare to shooting stars. In addition, some develop the ability to shape illusions infused with faint starlight—a gentle shimmer that can misdirect foes, shield allies, or lend hope in moments of despair. Healing arts also blossom under this practice: an Asteryl adept might channel celestial warmth through their palms to mend wounds, drawing on the belief that each star’s gentle glow carries revitalizing properties. While these powers serve as potent tools for defense and care, their true essence lies in honoring harmony, never brute force.
Those who live by these cosmic principles yet do not walk the formal Quasar path—perhaps a caretaker in a Cradle or a community elder inspired by Asteryl philosophy—often enjoy subtler benefits. They might find themselves unusually calm under stress or able to sense small disruptions in the environment, akin to a star-lore “intuition” that wards off misfortune. Certain devout adherents speak of receiving faint dreams or visions under clear night skies, guiding them toward benevolent actions or warning of oncoming threats. In all forms, these powers reflect the Asteryls’ core ethic: the starlit energies do not exist to conquer or dominate, but to safeguard balance and nurture life wherever the cosmos is heeded.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Despite their lofty ideals, the Asteryls cannot avoid entanglements in Tilith’s shifting alliances and power struggles. Kings and clan leaders who appreciate cosmic vigilance court the Asteryls for counsel, hoping to glean any forewarning of demonic incursions or planar rifts. In turn, the Quasars sometimes act as quiet intermediaries during delicate peace talks, leveraging their reputation for impartiality. Yet this neutrality also makes them a target for suspicion, particularly when rulers fear that starlit oracles might unveil inconvenient secrets. Whispers abound of certain Spires harboring knowledge that could disrupt royal successions or uncover hidden war crimes; some lords attempt bribes or subtle espionage to glean that knowledge, though the Asteryls seldom surrender sensitive intelligence.
More covert forms of intrigue arise when factions with darker aims try to subvert or infiltrate the Asteryls’ ranks. Unscrupulous power brokers recognize that a Quasar’s endorsement can legitimize questionable leadership or tip the balance in a brewing conflict. Occasionally, impostors or disguised agents from rival powers have sought to earn novice status at a remote Spire, only to be unmasked by the unwavering cosmic ethics that saturate the order’s training. Meanwhile, the Asteryls carefully maintain alliances with local knights or Beastkin enclaves, forging subtle webs of influence that enable them to dispatch warnings or rally defenders at a moment’s notice. By straddling the line between spiritual guardians and diplomatic arbiters, the Asteryls remain a quietly potent force in Tilith’s labyrinthine political landscape.
Sects
Although the Asteryls function as a unified order devoted to cosmic harmony, their wide network of Spires leads naturally to distinct sects that reflect each sanctuary’s history, environment, and leadership style. A desert Spire might forge a “Sunsear Commune,” where Quasars specialize in illusions and water-conservation spells to mitigate scorching sun and widespread droughts. Meanwhile, in a highland stronghold hidden by swirling fog, the “Cloudveil Circle” arises—known for adopting tranquil breathwork and subtle healing arts that soothe both travelers and the nearby Beastkin.
In lush forest regions, one might encounter the “Gladebound Sanctum,” whose Quasars cultivate advanced herbal remedies and unite local wildlife against potential invaders. These members teach novices how to read star patterns even under thick canopy, tailoring cosmic energies toward stealth and reconnaissance. By contrast, in mountainous terrain battered by storms, the “Windcrest Fellowship” emphasizes robust martial training and resilience. Unrelenting gales shape everything from their calloused footwork to the heavy staves they craft from star-imbued oak, allowing them to endure extremes that would daunt more placid sects.
Starcall Bastion itself hosts a core sect informally called the “Bastion Keepers,” comprising veteran mentors, accomplished Quasars, and administrative figures who oversee the entire Asteryl network. Because the Bastion receives visitors from all across Tilith (due to the theme park and its central leadership role), these Keepers maintain a more cosmopolitan approach: novices glean bits of wisdom from every major Spire tradition, merging illusions, healing, and martial prowess in an eclectic tapestry of methods. In many ways, the Bastion Keepers stand as the Asteryls’ beating heart, knitting the other sects together with shared counsel and events.
Despite the differences among these sects—some leaning toward illusions, others championing combative strength, and still others championing environmental stewardship—each upholds the Star-Charter’s pillars of vigilance, measured intervention, and cosmic attunement. While they may adopt localized names and customs, sects remain deeply interconnected: it’s common for a Quasar who has trained in a jungle enclave to spend a season at a wind-swept Spire, exchanging insights with peers. In this way, the Asteryls’ many sects weave a unified presence across Tilith’s diverse landscapes, all bound by their shared vow to protect life under the eternal watch of the stars.
“Where Starlight Guides, We Stand.”
Founding Date
3050
Type
Military, Knightly Order
Capital
Alternative Names
Astral Knights, Starcallers, Twilight Wardens
Training Level
Trained
Demonym
Asterian (singular) / Asterians (plural)
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Founders
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
While the Asteryls conduct ordinary exchanges with the Cragdram-issued Chip rings, they also retain a special Lunair Coin—a rare brass-and-steel token stamped with crescent and full-moon designs—bestowed only for remarkable services or ceremonial honor, rather than general trade.
Major Exports
The Asteryls’ most valued “exports” are services rather than tangible wares. Local lords and neighboring kingdoms often request cosmic wards, Helix-driven healings, or advanced Quasar training. Occasionally, a Spire might trade a star-forged blade or a meticulously copied star chart to trusted partners. These items—crafted from rare alloys or containing Helix blessings—are prized for their unmatched durability and magical properties. However, such offerings are reserved for allies whose integrity aligns with the Asteryls’ cosmic mandate, making Asteryl exports highly sought after but deliberately scarce.
Major Imports
Though each Spire practices limited agriculture and crafts, the Asteryls still rely on external imports to sustain life at high elevations or remote outposts. Chief among these are staple grains, cured meats, and potable water containers from lowland communities. Many spires also import specialized building materials—timber or stone of certain densities—for maintaining watchtowers exposed to extreme winds or Helix storms. These essential supplies arrive via caravan or, in urgent cases, airship drops arranged through allied merchants.
Luxury items—like exotic spices or intricately woven tapestries—periodically make their way into Spire halls, but only if friendly rulers or traveling merchants choose to gift them. While the Asteryls do not forbid such comforts, they do not actively seek them. In fact, novices often treat these goods as valuable cultural curiosities, studying their origins or using them as teaching tools to foster cross-faction unity.
Parent Organization
Location
Controlled Territories
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