The Church of Nightfall
Gentle Protector of Those Lost in Dark
The Church of Nightfall is a serene and inclusive faith devoted to the concept of the Penumbra—a metaphorical celebration of the twilight’s beauty and the peaceful transition into night without fear. The Church reveres the sunset as a time of quiet reflection and the night as a sanctuary of rest and renewal, rejecting the age-old association of darkness with malevolence. Instead, they teach that darkness, like light, has its place in the natural order, offering comfort, protection, and the promise of a new dawn. The Church of Nightfall holds special significance in Moonstead, a community with a history of oppression and marginalization. The Church has become a vital cultural and spiritual center, fostering unity and solidarity among the oppressed. It is a beacon of hope, offering solace and protection to those cast aside by society and serving as a gathering place for voices that often go unheard.
Mythology & Lore
The Church of Nightfall recognizes no specific figures as idols of the faith; instead, it holds a broad and intrinsic veneration for the symbolic role the transitory roles of sunset and sunrise play in the continued existence of the world. Lanterns that glow with ethereal colored flames like lavender, blue, or white are an often associated icon of the Church.
Tenets of Faith
- Denouncement of Evil in the Shadows: While the Church stands against truly malevolent creatures and forces that lurk in darkness, they are equally firm in denouncing the notion that darkness itself is inherently evil.
- Advocacy for Affinities of Darkness: They provide a haven for those with dark affinities, such as shadow magic practitioners or nocturnal beings, standing against prejudice and discrimination.
- Comfort in the Night: The Church seeks to console those who fear the dark, from frightened children to weary travelers, through soothing rituals, protective blessings, and reassuring teachings.
- Fighting Against the Dark: Like unseen guardians, many church envoys are skilled warriors, mages, and investigators who specialize in recognizing, tracking, and slaying several kinds of beings and entities that live and operate at night or who draw strength from the concealment of shadow.
Worship
The Church of Nightfall is marked by its gentle and inclusive ceremonies. Followers gather at dusk to watch the sunset in communal peace, offering prayers of gratitude and hope. Their temples, adorned with soft candlelight and twilight-colored drapery, provide sanctuaries where individuals can meditate, share their fears, or find companionship in times of darkness.
Clerics of the Church, known as Twilight Keepers, offer blessings to travelers and those who work in the night, invoking the Penumbra’s protection. Their most renowned ritual, the Night's Embrace, is performed to soothe those haunted by nightmares or fears, involving calming chants, warm lantern light, and shadowy illusions that transform into comforting shapes.
Leader
Father Xaan Stoker
Contributors: Foxhound99