#elune rituals

[tarellia]

Thoras'bindel: The Rite of Clear Mind

A mind assailed by troubles is as threatened as a body assailed by blades. Submerge thyself in bless'd waters, cast off thy burdens, and emerge renewed.

The waters of a moonwell are known to have healing properties for body and mind alike [1]. Thoras'bindel focuses on the latter, aiming to ease a troubled mind by encouraging a state of meditation and calm introspection. The rite is traditionally overseen by a priestess, with a small number of participants.

The rite begins with the lighting of the incense, the first step of four. The incense itself is made of purple lotus and mageroyal, both plants native to the regions surrounding Ashenvale. A total of eight of these incense sticks — representing each distinct phase of the moon — are placed equidistantly upon the periphery of the moonwell. Each stick is lit in a clockwise fashion, ideally with moonfire.

With the soothing incense filling the air, the participants can proceed to the second step. A simple green tea is prepared, and served in plain cups of ashwood. Before drinking the tea, all participants crush a single silverleaf in their hands, so that they may breathe in its calming aroma [2]. The remaining powder of the leaf is thus sprinkled onto the tea, which the participants then drink in unison.

Once the tea has been imbibed, each participant is encouraged to say a prayer. Each prayer is personal, and thus uttered in silence. It is commonplace to beseech Elune for clarity, guidance, and for the diminishing of one's worries.

At last, the fourth and final step of Thoras'bindel can commence. Each participant steps into the moonwell proper, and lowers themselves into the water. The participants breathe deeply, and thus float upon the surface. With the water in their ears, their eyes shut, and breath ing in only the scent of the incense, all other sensations of the world around them will seem a distant thing. It is at this step that they reach the height of calmness and introspection, with naught but themselves to occupy their senses. In rites with only a single participant, the overseeing priestess may kneel beside them, to keep their head above water.

The rite ends when the participants breathe out, symbolically shedding their burdens. This can only happen when the individual feels prepared for it - and in some cases, the sensory deprivation of the final step may continue for up towards an hour. In releasing their breath, they shall be submerged fully in the sacred waters. This cleansing without symbolises the cleansing within, fulfilled when the participant steps out from the moonwell, with a lighter spirit and an easier mind.

Citations and inspirations

[1]: Elegy by Christie Golden, p. 6. [2]: Elegy by Christie Golden, p. 15. Darnassian phrasing based on the Darnassian Dictionary Project.

[ashtarels-archives]

Myths of the High Priestesses

- Headcanon Speculations -

The lore and legend of High Priestesses past have largely been lost to the ages; although scattered findings and enduring myths sweep away some of the dust from the buried tales of Elune’s chosen.

Haidene - Bearer of the Basin

Haidene was the first known chosen of Elune in all of the Kaldorei’s recorded history. It is said that she heard the Goddess’s true voice, and as a child no less.

An unsubstantiated legend tells that Haidene heard the will of the Goddess to make pilgrimage across Kalimdor and create the very first independent moonwell for the burgeoning Kaldorei to thrive across the continent, and that Haidene used the iconic basin as a vessel of safekeeping for the blessed waters of the Well of Eternity. Haidene supposedly experienced dire straits on this pilgrimage; she and her kin on the brink of fatal thirst. Haidene gathered what little of their water remained, enough to sustain her for far longer if she chose to drink from it alone. The others pleaded with Haidene to drink deep and preserve herself, for she was the very incarnation of the Goddess. In a selfless act of faith, she cast the basin skyward and beseeched Elune, that she would give herself in body and soul if only it were filled, so her people could live to see another moon, and press on to the bountiful lands ahead. It is said that for her benevolence, Haidene was granted the title of High Priestess by goddess and kin alike. It was on this night that Elune taught Haidene the sacred artisanry of the ever-flowing moonwell, the very same that still persists in her statues today. It is only rumored, but this moonwell could have been the one nestled in the heart of ancient Moonglade, having since flourished into Lake Elune’ara.

Tales that have only endured by way of oral tradition say that Haidene's blessed waters were shared in the first feast of Lahassa during the earliest epoch of the Kaldorei. There are even theories that the sacred Chalice of Elune may have belonged to Haidene, the relic permanently blessed from this momentous celebration made possible by Elune and the land’s combined bounty.

Elunarian archaeologists claim that Haidene may have established the temple in Desolace, known today as the Palace or Sanctuary of Elune. A place so ancient that its real name has been lost and blotted out by demonic desecration. Many of the relics recovered here are thematically linked to Haidene: The Cup of Elune as a relic of physical and spiritual cleansing, and Elune's Handmaiden as a relic of celebrating victory and sacrificial offering. The embers recovered here from Elune’s Brazier may have indeed been borne from an actual flame, or they could be remnants of Elune’s liquid fire; an apt medium for High Priestess Haidene.

Kalo'thera - Ascended of the Stars

Kalo’thera was the next known chosen of Elune, following Haidene. Her name evokes meanings along the lines of “stellar warrior.” Unfortunately, there are no known depictions of Kalo’thera's true likeness; although some choose to stylize her in darkling garbs and armor reminiscent of the new moon, due to purported ties to Elune’s Night Warrior aspect.

It is said that Kalo'thera “ascended to the stars” at the temple of old Hajiri, though these ancient words have not been elucidated further. None now live who remember seeing Kalo’thera’s ascension ritual with their own eyes, but there are a myriad proposed theories as to what this could have meant.

She may have fulfilled all of her earthly duties as wished by Elune, or proved herself an exemplar through astounding feats; and was rewarded with the status of demigoddess for her service as high priestess. Some believe that Kalo’thera now exists as a constellation in the realm of midnight from this divine act, perhaps other demigods and demigoddesses represented in this form as well.

She may have been slain in battle, “ascending to the stars” perhaps referring to her joining the Night Warrior’s embrace along with the other souls of the valiant dead riding across the night sky. The story of this ascension ritual might then be a widespread coverup by those who witnessed Kalo’thera’s true end.

She may have invoked the ritual of the Night Warrior, subsequently being torn apart in body by the wrath of the new moon. Ancient legends speak of the Night Warrior’s power being used as the driving force for carving out the Kaldorei Empire, Kalo’thera perhaps spearheading the expansion with this dark boon to wrest lands from the myriad world powers of the Pre-Sundering age.

Old myths describe a rare and lost regalia, called nightcloth, almost as if an opposing material to mooncloth. This was supposedly worn during the expansion era to better blend into the shadows of nightfall for battle, some claiming by Kalo’thera and the other Night Warrior witnesses. The exact origins and techniques of crafting nightcloth seem to have faded along with history; however, there are speculations that this fell out of favor within the Sisterhood due to the dangerous associated ritual that ended up slaying the invoking avatars, and even onlookers. Kalo’thera may have been the one to engrave the tablets of Bashal'aran describing the Night Warrior and the other aspects of Elune. There is a deep blue, nearly black, flame in the heart of the Ameth’aran ruins as well. Some Elunarian scholars theorize that perhaps its color owes to the Night Warrior’s midnight powers. This flame was later twisted by Athrikus Narassin using a moonstone seal to bind souls in a spiritual prison; curiously still, souls thought to be under the purview of the Night Warrior. Some say that Kalo’thera was the first to be granted knowledge of the Starshards spell by the Goddess, its namesake partially deriving from Kalo’thera. A superstition of the Sisterhood claims that it is Kalo’thera herself who now grants moonpriests this power, crystallizing pieces of starlight and raining them down from the midnight heavens to her earthbound descendants who call upon the aid of the stars.

Dejahna - Zenith of Conviction

Dejahna was the third known chosen of Elune, following Kalo’thera. She was the mentor and predecessor to Tyrande Whisperwind.

Those who braved the Tomb of Sargeras, once Dejahna’s primary temple in life, claim to have seen her incorporeal form. If her spirit is at all reflective of her appearance in life, then Dejahna preferred dark robes, with silver accents and blue gemstones. It may have been customary for a High Priestess to don specific garbs, as Tyrande replies to the news of her appointment to this position with, “I’ll become high priestess—at least until this war is over—but I will keep my present garments—” (Demon Soul, Ch. 17) Dejahna’s darkling robes could also be due to her presiding over the burial site in the depths of the temple, perhaps a ceremonial garb for rites involving the dead.

Some say that Dejahna’s harshness and austerity arose from Kalo’thera as her assumed mentor; others say that an influx of unfaithful Highborne attempting to join the Sisterhood as a last resort was seen as a mockery of the order. Dejahna supposedly then raised the standards of entry to rigorous heights, some dubbing her the Zenith of Conviction for her high expectations from novices.

Given Azshara’s growing distance from the faith, and attempts to eclipse Elune with devotion from her subjects, old rumors claim that Dejahna held a particular bitterness for the queen by the outbreak of the War of the Ancients. This may have been in part due to Azshara’s appointment of her own High Priestess: Siralen of Vashj’ir.

Dejahna’s temple hosted a handful of templars, perhaps this ancient version of a lunar paladin having once been a prestigious rank within the faith.

An ornate vial was recovered from the Cathedral of Eternal Night, whose glass was said to “bear the mark of Dejahna.” It is unclear what this mark truly is, but it could be that each High Priestess, or even priestesses as a whole, have personal sigils rooted in the Elunarian language similar to a common signature. This vial could have been her personal vessel of moonwater, or one of many that she bestowed blessings upon by way of this mark. Considering its name of "Eternal Moon,” this may refer to the blessing or enchantment on the vial lasting eternally or having a resilient quality to its magick; as it did survive the temple sinking to the bottom of the ocean, being raised again by Gul'dan, and being pillaged by demonic forces and adventurers alike.

The upper levels of Dejahna's temple contained the "Hanging Gardens," which were actually tended to by an ancient named Agronox before he fell to corruption. It could be that because this temple was the heart of night elven worship in the empire, an ancient's service in a temple was a rare sight; or, Agronox's existence here could mean that others of his kind served alongside Kaldorei priestesses in other parts of the Pre-Sundering world as well.

Dejahna fell in battle during the War of the Ancients, and named Tyrande as her successor to take the mantle. This is an interesting development, as it would seem like such a position is granted directly by Elune, as seen with Haidene. However, in Demon Soul, Marinda is sent to deliver the message of Tyrande’s succession: “‘Before her death, she named a successor…’ Tyrande nodded. This was to be expected. The new high priestess had, of course, immediately sent out messengers like Marinda to spread the word of her ascension.” This being “expected” implies that naming a successor was a traditional practice in passing on the mantle. Supposedly as Dejahna was dying, she “insisted that only her attendants would know.” (Ch. 17) This could just be referring to healers seeing to her wounds, or it could be that within the Sisterhood at this time, there may have been a specific rank for tending to the High Priestess; an interesting parallel to the handmaidens of Queen Azshara. Marinda also reveals “…that, normally, there would be a ceremony, a long entailed one that as many worshippers as possible would be invited to see.” Elunarian faithful from all over Kalimdor likely traveled great distances to see such a monumental event. This role in general also seemed heavily involved at the time, “leading this chant and that. The temple also held a blessing each evening for the rising of the moon and the good will of the gods. In addition, the leading nobles always had to have some sort of recognition ceremony for various anniversaries and other events…” (Ch. 17)

A final piece of High Priestess lore we learn from Marinda comes from the reasoning behind Dejahna’s choice: “She was of clear mind, sister. And you should understand, she had made mention of you before this. The senior sisters all understood that you were the one…and no one among them argued the decision.” (Ch. 17) This uncovers an interesting dynamic in the old Sisterhood then, that there was at least a dialogue among the senior sisters, if not a democratic process settled through debate around the next chosen High Priestess.

Siralen - The Contended

“Let this statue stand as an everlasting testament to High Priestess Siralen in the name of all she has done to nurture Quel'Dormir Temple into a glowing beacon of faith. May her newfound service under Queen Azshara herself shine as a testament to the potential of the noble birth nurtured in our beloved, Vashj'ir.”

The case of Siralen is a strange one, as she was not passed this mantle from a High Priestess within the Sisterhood – as was tradition. She was instead granted this title by Queen Azshara, supposedly for strengthening the faith of Quel’dormir Temple in the royal city of Vashj’ir. It is interesting to speculate how priestesses across Kalimdor reacted to this decision: whether they saw it to be just as divine an act as being appointed by Elune herself or a current High Priestess, or if they disagreed with a bestowal that strayed so far from the role’s sacred history. Many of Azshara’s epithets insinuate that she was viewed favorably in tandem with the goddess, such as Daughter of the Moon, Flower of the Moon, and Radiance of the Moon. Although, others lean towards eclipsing Elune’s worship, like Light of a Thousand Moons, for example. In any case, the appointment of Siralen then introduces the question of authority, and whether the High Priestess of the Sisterhood was considered of higher, lower, or equal status.

Noteworthy still that her service is “under Queen Azshara herself,” and it could be that this nurtured faith was actually to the Queen, as Elune is conspicuously not mentioned anywhere in this engraving. It also reads, “a testament to the potential of the noble birth nurtured in our beloved, Vashj’ir,” perhaps alluding to a growing and more obvious class divide between the highborne and common Kaldorei; or at least the boundless arrogance of the highborne caste.

[nerdy-the-artist]

The Three Pillars of Chozo Society

There are, arguably, three main pillars of Chozo society, the three aspects of their culture that shape how we view them above all else. The different Hasana and factions take them to different levels, but they remain prevalent throughout the various depictions of this ancient race.

Firstly, Warrior Prowess. The Chozo are skilled combatants. From the proud warriors of the Mawkin to the mystical warlocks of Tallon IV, combat has a spot in every iteration of Chozo identity. The word Metroid, their solution to the galaxy threatening problem of the X Parasites, actually translates to “Ultimate Warrior”. Even the peace loving Thoha created the armor Samus uses, trained her, passed on combat trials to her, and so much more.

Secondly, scientific research retains a critical role throughout our perception of the Chozo. The Thoha were masters of genetic engineering and created Mother Brain, but the Mawkin arguably had them beat in that front. Granted, comparing 2D sprites to a 3 dimensional world is a bit unfair, but ZDR looks a bit more industrialized than Zebes, with several biomechanical central units controlling various systems. Even the technology averse Talon IV Chozo were able to create amazing creations, particularly when the crisis of Phazon took precedence.

Lastly, philosophy/mysticism is something that, while mostly attributed to the Talon IV Chozo, is a pillar of the other depictions of the benevolent species. In Dread, it is stated that the advanced castle of Ferenia was once home to many ceremonies and rituals.

With all of this in mind, I think it’s safe to say that we can name the three groups of Chozo who tie most directly to these subjects. The Thoha were masters of science, and delved into it to expand their lifespans beyond what their bodies should realistically be capable of, and made some of the most powerful artificial organisms the galaxy has ever seen. The Mawkin were masters of warfare, an obsession that consumed their society and leaders. The Talon IV Chozo were the masters of mysticism, unlocking an ability to witness the future from afar, predicting the arrival of the Phazon meteor and of the woman who would ultimately save their doomed world.

Still, these three civilizations fell before various catastrophes, each endemic to a weakness of their particular society, a weakened pillar which an outside force could exploit. The Talon IV Chozo actively stepped away from their scientific advancements in order to pursue a closer relationship with nature. While a noble pursuit, it left them unprepared for the arrival of the Leviathan, which they only barely contained, and only for a time as Phazon would end up leaking through the seemingly impenetrable barrier they had made. The Thoha’s downfall came from their dedication to pacifism. While a noble pursuit, they had delegated all combat duties to others, be it the Mawkin or the Metroids, and ended up weak and feeble when the Space Pirates came to claim their world. The Mawkin ended up being felled by a threat seemingly from within. An X Parasite infected a Mawkin soldier, traveled to ZDR and spread until Raven Beak could only contain it be sealing all other Chozo in Elun with it. Simple security measures and identification equipment could have caught the X before it had a chance to reproduce (Having soldiers equipped with ranged weapons might also have helped but whatever)

[veldrune]

To establish a moonwell, night elves must first gain the blessings of local wildlife, which are combined into a ritual bundle. Water from a purified moonwell is then added. The infusion of these elements, along with Elune’s light, purifies the surrounding area for extended periods.

[erikailustra]

Where did Ranah get her wings from? I would've guessed its from being paladin but the colour doesn't match

Yes, it is from her being/became a paladin, but since she is a Paladin of Elune, I wanted her wings to have a night motif. In addition to that, these black wings already "belonged" to her because of her story with the Kyrian and the Forsworn, Elune just gave them back to her in the ritual she took part in to officially become a paladin.

[sheyshen]

An idea I've been playing with a lot recently has been of Kieran's eyes turning silver come Tyrande going night warrior. And it's been such a fun idea to work with especially for someone like him who tends to carve his own path rather than fit in with the crowds.

And so a little fic came about! I hope you all enjoy! <3

---

Smoke poured from the burnt husk of Teldrassil, filling the sky and blocking out the stars. Though they were camped deep into Darkshore, the devastating sight was still clear to see. Kieran watched silently from where he rested, seated on the trunk of a fallen tree. Whether he was awaiting orders or an arrow through the throat, he wasn't sure at the moment, but the rest was welcome nonetheless. Seeing the tree in its current state caused guilt to gnaw at him, making him wonder if there had been more he could’ve done to stop it from happening in the first place. 

Tearing his eyes from the tree he scanned the camp, watching the night elves ready weapons and blessings as they waited for their high priestess to finish preparations for a ceremony to drive the horde back. Guarded glances and glares shot his way made it clear that his presence was merely tolerated, and where he watched them they too watched him in return. He rubbed the crescent necklace he wore with his thumb before tucking it into the alliance tabard that kept the gathering army from loosing their arrows in his direction.

Glowing green eyes amongst a sea of silver.

A familiar head of white hair strode purposefully through the camp, accompanied by a squad of worgen and a handful of adventurers following close behind. Shey had been one of the few voices that had kept his head on his shoulders after stepping through the portal to Stormwind with his injured wife in his arms and his willingness to share what details of the Horde's movements in Darkshore and Ashenvale earned him a place amongst those seeking to push back. A place that he had been forced upon him before he had had the chance to offer his bow.

Shandris's approach pulled his attention away from his thoughts and the alliance commander. She jerked her head in the direction of the dais that was set up near a moonwell. "It's time. Commander Wrynn has brought some reinforcements, and Minn'do will be starting the ritual shortly." She watched him as he stood, her expression unreadable. The rage and grief that must’ve been warring inside her were carefully masked to keep those under her command focused. He couldn’t help but admire that strength.

Stretching a moment he nodded and strode forward heading to join the gathering as Tyrande turned her attention to those before her. He took no insult as Shandris kept a step behind him as they made their way, watching his back.

Finding a place at the edge of those gathered, Shandris stood beside him as Tyrande spoke, concern flashing across her face as the ritual progressed. The moon that was once full and bright now hung ominously in the sky, darkened by the grief of Elune's children. Energy flowed from the moon and the moonwell, washing over the people gathered, a blessing or a curse, a vow of vengeance and a call for war. Like the moon Tyrande's eyes darkened to black and as the ritual continued Kieran noted similar in some touched by the spell. While not every eye changed, all those who stood before the high priestess seemed invigorated, hearts steeled and ready for battle, even himself.

As one a roar rose up, a call to battle, and as the ritual completed Tyrande took up her own weapons and led her people out into the woods. He and Shandris watched them go, their role was to scout and eliminate any threat that might try and break the lines and to support the main force rather than rush in. Shandris pulled out a map, as they called for their mounts, reviewing their plans without meeting his gaze. Kieran patted the nightsaber as she approached, Nara leaning into his touch before he mounted and readied his bow. The nightsaber usually acted as his wife's mount but with the circumstances, they had both felt it best if she went along and Theron, Kieran's wolf, stayed with his wife and daughter. Loki came up beside them, leaning affectionately against his leg as he double-checked his arrows, as if sensing that his thoughts began to return to worrying about his family.

Once supplies and weapons were set, Kieran called over to Shandris that he was ready. She brought her mount to him, nodding before meeting his eyes. The look that flashed across her face wasn't what he expected, surprise. It was short-lived as it was quickly replaced by what he swore was a smug smile. Before he could comment she urged her mount forward and rushed ahead. He followed after only a moment of hesitation.

That she was meant to lead had been already planned, a night elf's vision suited the dark more than his own, but she left him with little chance to keep pace with her. Oddly he found he had little trouble navigating the forest and caught up to her quickly enough. The steely mask had returned, the mantle of general heavy in her posture, but as he approached he caught a smirk before she turned back to the forest and the pair made their way along their route.

Destruction was everywhere, corpses of Horde and Alliance passed as they made their way, ignoring paths that were clearly blocked and focusing on areas that could hide the enemy. Passing a broken-down shredder, Kieran caught a look at his reflection in the windshield. Glowing eyes of silver blinked back at him where once there had been green. The sight caused him to pause, certain it was a trick of the light he ignored it and continued on.

They encountered pockets of resistance, a gathering of forsaken that were picking through a fallen encampment, adventurers seeking to make a quick coin. A handful of orcs who had been in the process of packing up surrendered immediately, the curious looks he received from them as they told what they knew of the forces that they faced, as well as the locations of nearby camps in exchange for their freedom struck him as strange. Perhaps they recognized him, the now former Horde commander fighting alongside the Night Elven general, perhaps they thought him a prisoner, forced to fight his allies. Either way, once they had spilled all they knew they took their things and retreated before Shandris reconsidered her show of mercy. He had expected her to have executed them on the spot, but their disinclination to continue to fight alongside the horde’s forces that remained and the chance to gain information that could turn the tide of battle proved stronger than her desire for revenge. At the moment at least.

The din of battle echoed nearby, shouts of alarm up ahead as the enemy engaged. The smell of fire and smoke filled the area as the winds shifted. Shandris bit back a curse as she signaled for them to follow a path toward the remnants of Auberdine. The longer they took on their scouting the longer the general was from her high priestess’s side, and the more the worry became obvious on her face. The pair banked, heading to the beach, and signaled a pair of passing hippogryph riders.

As she spoke to them Kieran dismounted and made his way through the ruins. Bow in hand and arrow knocked, he picked his way through, both sabers following behind him similarly on edge. He doubted there would be more than a scout or two in the area but he could never be too careful. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary he made his way to the water, relaxing for a moment to look at his reflection. The looks from Shandris and the orcs, the reflection in the broken-down shredder, the quality of his night vision, it was all starting to feel less like a trick of the light.

He stood at the water’s edge, squatting down, and looked at the reflection on the rippling surface. The darkened moon hung overhead, feeling larger and more foreboding as time passed, and directly in front of him a pair of silver eyes watched him. Touching his face and watching the reflection mirror the movement, closing his eyes he took a deep breath and opened them again, the silver glow remained. It had been no trick of the light.

“Kieran,” Shandris spoke quietly as she strode up to him. Her voice was stern but calm, smooth, attempting to avoid startling him as he looked like a fool staring at himself in the ocean. He stood quickly, turning his attention fully on her and noting the twitch of a smile that appeared for a moment as she continued. “We’re to return to the main force and make our report.” He nodded and made his way to Nara. As he settled himself in the saddle she added in. “The color suits you.” 

He turned to ask what she meant but she had already turned and made her way to her own mount before he could. Even still he knew what she was referring to, a blessing from the mourning Elune, silver eyes like the moon when it was full, like the eyes of his wife and her people. Now his people, and his new home.

[raya-shadowmane]

Kaldorei Handfasting Ceremony

Everyone who has played a night elf has surely seen these decorations in every home. The larger bowl for multi-family homes, and the smaller bowl for single-family homes. After seeing them myself for countless years, my brain did this wonderfully creative thing that I have made my own personal head canon. The ceremony below was a creation to share with my fantastic roleplay partner, Olimos Lor'ranel. It was a surprise 'wedding' of sorts that Raya put together for their anniversary. While it was a private scene we shared, I created an outline of sorts to share with the kaldorei roleplay community.

This is by no means official lore. It is fan-made content.

Essential Components

Stone Bowl

Moonwell Water

Blessed Candle

Two Feathers (Hippogryph or Owl are favored)

Traditional Location

Because of the deep ties to nature, many kaldorei are married at a natural site such as a moonwell. Not only are the waters sacred, but they give life to the world tree. Some believe that the bonds forged in those hallowed waters will forever grow and be nourished like the world tree itself. Others believe that since the water is blessed by the moon, the bonds will be protected by Elune herself.

Elemental Blessings

Spoken by an officiant, traditionally a Priestess of Elune.

“Since ancient times, our people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for the mated pair the blessings of Nature’s Elements, Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. We do this so that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which each of those aspects mirror, not only within divinity but within ourselves as well.”

The officiant places the stone bowl in the couple's hands. 

“Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast forests and fertile lands, expansive and alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest in their relationship. And when they look up at the White Lady and Blue Child, may they know that they are as bright and constant as their love for each other.”

As they speak, the officiant guides the bowl, held by the couple, to the surface of the water, filling the vessel from the moonwell itself. 

“We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our Bride and Groom. May they be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea, flowing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will endure.”

A blessed candle is placed in the bowl to float in the water. The officiant lights the wick as they speak. 

“Spirits of Fire, we ask that the mated pair’s passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life.”

Pristine feathers are brought out and placed into the bowl as well. 

“We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this pair. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom.”

There is a moment of silent prayer before the ritual continues and the officiant lifted the blessed vessel to set aside or hand it to the matron of honor.

Blessings of the Divine

“There is an ancient story amidst our people that one can only hope this pair will see as an example of how love should be. Malorne, The Great Stag, fell in love with Elune, the goddess of the moon, during the world's first nightfall. Her light guided him through the woods and showed him he was not alone. It banished fear and brought hope. Many creatures have loved the moon and pursued her to madness. She grants light as she will, on her own timetable, and moonlight cannot be captured or possessed. Even so, night after night, the White Stag chased her across the skies. He grew so swift and strong that at last, he succeeded in reaching her. She was so moved by his devotion and beauty that she made him her consort. To this day he loves the wilds best when they are lit by her radiance.”

“I call upon Mother Moon, The Great Stag, and all Divine Spirits whose presence is felt in all things and at all times. We ask your blessings upon this couple, upon their pairing and upon their family, friends, and partners who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magic that is love.”

“{Partner A Name/ Bride}, I ask you to call upon all that is divine within you. Let it come forth and shine. In you dwells the essence of the Great Mother and the divine feminine energy of the Universe. You are She who has been worshiped and adored for centuries and throughout the ages. You are a mate, mother, lover, friend, healer, and confidant. In you is everything that anyone could ever aspire to be and more. In you is strength and wisdom, perfection and peace. Shine dear one and show your true nature as a child of the Goddess of the Moon.”

“{Partner B Name/ Groom}, I ask you to call upon all that is divine within you. Let it come forth and shine. In you lives the essence of the Great Stag, the active force that has sparked and powered all life. You are He who has been worshiped and adored for centuries and throughout the ages. You are a mate, father, protector, visionary, friend, and confidant. In you is everything that anyone could ever aspire to be and more. In you is strength and wisdom, perfection and peace. Shine, mighty one and show to all the Ancient Hunter within.”

{To Bride} “Goddess most secret, touch with your grace and fill this woman with your beauty and strength in the unending cycles of growth and change that are the years and seasons of lives spent together in love and wonder. Share with her your fertile nature from which all abundance flows.”

{To Groom} “Lord of light and life, touch with your power and fill this man with your knowledge and wisdom to guide him in this divine alchemy which is the union of two souls. Share with him the secret union of heart and mind upon which this mated pairing must be based.”

Blessing of the Bracers

"Lord of the Forest and Lady of the Moon, guardians of all that is seen and unseen. Bless these symbols and this couple who shall wear them. Keep them safe through adversity forever supported by your eternal blessing."

“Since the beginning, our people have shared tokens such as bracers, rings, necklaces, or even markings to symbolize the bonds they form with one another. They believe that the words that were spoken during the placing of these symbols would resonate over and over, like the circumference of the bands themselves, through to the heart and soul of both giver and receiver of the most monumental promise of all. The promise of a lifetime as mates, lovers, friends, and partners."

Vows Under the Gaze of the Goddess

This part of the ceremony is wholly unique to those being bonded and blessed. Traditionally, the groom speaks their vows first, followed by the bride. These are not only words of love, but promises made before Elune, under the light of the moon. After the words are spoken, the officiant pronounces them blessed and bonded to one another for the journey ahead. As such, the ceremony is sealed with a kiss!

[nixalegos]

All's well that ends well.

Continued from HERE "A temporary position, Kal'dorei society encourages pilgrimages?" He asked with obvious curiosity. "You know, it's funny, I never really considered Moonwells as needing...maintenance. They simply were. Like the Sunwell, and the Nightwell. It either works, or something got into it, and then it doesn't work anymore." He said with a amused scoff. "I mean no disrespect mind you. It must be quite the bag of emotions to not only have belief, but to have said belief...well, verified. Very few can actually say their god is real." He said by way of placation. "I aided in the Shadowlands conflict, I don't suppose there's a Kal'dorei alive who didn't hear about what happened in Ardenweald." He said, pointedly not mentioning Elune by name. "Must make the road you travel very easy indeed." "Not to detract from this topic, but is there any natural water sources nearby? A swift and silent river, to the north?" It was an innocent enough question. "Fast moving." Ah. He was relaying where the unseen lay. "As I at least, would want the opposite of that. For befouling ritual purposes." He said as way of cover.

@elunlura

[fel-temptation]

3. What is their stance on religion? Are they a devout believer, against the idea of gods, or somewhere in between? Do they make their practice or their opinions public, or keep it private?

OC Ask Game

This questions always super hard in WoW I thought unless you’re playing a Holy type character with a rigid belief system. Like, the denizens of WoW know there are gods among them and at times have even interacted with those very deities. So it’s not like she can hold a belief, rather it’s more fact.

That all being said (like context on my thought process) I’ll do my best to answer!

Korrinth is pretty much against organized religion, for example like the Church of the Holy Light, essentially because she believes herself to be an anti-thesis of what they believe. She’s fel-touched, harbors demonic souls within her being, and is irreparably corrupted down to her very essence. That’s about as far from devout as one can get. In her mind organizations like that would be more inclined to hunt her for sport or try and fail to “convert” her. Now, she’s been pleasantly surprised in this department before, but with her views she considers pleasantries an outlier. She’s actually openly hostile with clergy outside of city walls because she feels if she isn’t it makes her look like an east target. It usually takes a lot of convincing for her to trust them outside of world ending situations where they would need to work together. However, she generally does keep these thoughts to herself when in public view- her stance on that being that she’ll be arrested over the holy person if it came to who’s word the guard would believe more.

That all being said she does hold a lot of reverence for the moon, and by extension Elune. Don’t get it twisted she’s not a devout follower, but she firmly believes that the moon has unique and benevolent powers that she has grown to respect. She often will count lunar cycles and mildly base some of her decisions on its phases- especially occult rituals that call for it. While it’s not quite religious she often finds herself staring up in awe of its beauty- like she’s bewitched. Though I would absolutely put that under superstition rather then strictly religion- it’s just the closest thing she has to a deity that she respects.

Thanks @damien-ward !

[findmeinshattrath]

My previous post reminded me

I would love it if we could get some elaboration on the Worgen and the curse

What races can it effect? Thalassian elves seem likely. Nightborne? Trolls? There was one Forsaken Worgen in old Silverpine I think, but I don’t know how that would work now,

Do you need to do the ritual if you got the curse from drinking blood like the Hillsbrad survivors?

How strong are Worgen anyway? Cuz they seem basically superhuman in some instances. They jump onto roofs, scale walls and magnataur, and Genn shattered stone with his foot. They probably have heightened wolf senses too so that would be a whole thing.

Are there people lining up to get the curse passed on to them? Because with the ritual letting people keep control there are basically no real drawbacks, it seems like it would naturally appeal to a lot of people.

Plus, the curse doesn’t pass on to any children worgen would have, so it’s not like that would take the choice away from them

Also, what’s the status of the trappers who made up the Scourge Wolfcult these days?

What’s the status on the Duskwood worgen? We’ve had the Scythe of Elune for forever now and no one is using it on them?

The worgen in Felwood were (partly) the Terrowulf worgen, right? More night elf worgen in general would be very cool

[necroarchy]

Telepathy

“ Ah, Deathlord, you have returned.

I have inscribed a series of frozen runes above Acherus. Once attuned, you will be able to communicate with the Lich King more… completely.

He will be able to show you things he could not before. ”

Amal'thazad emits a horrible, rasping noise, that you can only assume is a chuckle. [ xxx ]

   While the Lich King is generally depicted as being an exceedingly powerful telepath, both in terms of communication and mental infiltration, that is… super boring in roleplay for me. So let’s try to define the parameters of his abilities!

The Scourge

   For the Scourge and the Cult of the Damned, he is automatically capable of contacting them no matter the distance or other mitigating factors. Generally, this is due to the magical bonds which have tied that person to him. For the Scourge, it’s that they’re… Scourge. For the Damned, it is due to them drinking a concoction upon their initiation which binds their spirit to his will. ( Though the concoction is undoubtedly weaker than we are led to believe; while it binds them to him, it is not strong enough to override their own free will and their ability to turn cowardly when things go sideways. )

   For affiliate organizations of the Scourge such as the Wolfcult of Arugal and the Vrykul tribes loyal to him, there does not appear to be any analogous way for the members to be connected to him. Thus, they relied entirely upon messengers like the val’kyr who did have that connection and/or summoning rituals in order to draw and hold his attention.

    Admittedly, most undead who wish to contact the Lich King need to do so via rituals. Mental speech is not the most effective way of communicating complicated information, which is why even the upper echelon of the Scourge do not approach the Lich King mentally with their reports. We see this when Archlich Kel’Thuzad must talk to Arthas via wizard telephone when we raid Naxxramas, after all. Additionally, it’s a very top-down connection; few individual undead possess the mental power or allowance to spiritually contact the Lich King without his explicit say-so, and that’s probably best for them. He’s not especially patient with those who speak to him in this manner, as it goes against the flow of how he ties his telepathic connection to his subjects with his ego. Don’t call him --- he’ll call you.

Everyone Else

   Attempting to contact anyone who is not Scourge affiliated depends upon a number of extenuating factors. Distance and location, for one. It is pitifully easy for him to infiltrate the minds of those who walk the halls of Icecrown Citadel, as we see in the fire mage artifact quest; the Citadel is his domain, from the Throne to its wretched depths, and nothing occurs within it which he does not know. On the other hand, he has no clue what anyone in Uldum is thinking, ever, unless he physically stepped foot there ( which he never will, because fuck the heat and fuck the sand and royally fuck all that Titan bullshit. ) ( He can’t even truly feel heat and he’d still hate it. )

   The minds of the living, though he would never admit it, are difficult for him to infiltrate unless they are standing in land which is ‘his’ --- Northrend, the Plaguelands, his territory in the Shadowlands, anywhere which the Scourge has blighted and desecrated and thus turned into his unholy ground. Wielding artifacts connected to his power such as Shadowmourne also drastically reduces an individual’s ability to keep him out, due to those artifacts serving as direct conduits through which he may travel into your brainspace. Minds which lack the acuity to keep him out are easier to penetrate than those which understand the danger and are prepared against it. Those who are protected by the Light, Elune, powerful loa, or some other patron will also be harder targets for his mental invasions than those who are not.

    Undead which are no longer bound to him or whom were created by those who used to be bound by him are in something of a liminal space, mental invasion wise. They’re practically as easy as the Scourge for him to contact mentally, as we see with the Deathlord quests, but actually reading their minds isn’t nearly so simple. While he can catch the general impressions of their thoughts, such as if they’re angry or focused or lying or any such other thing, actually deep-diving into their minds requires effort. And, like the living, they too benefit from whatever walls they can put between him and their brainspace --- though perhaps not as much as the living, depending upon the individual undead in question. They’re his but not, and that warps the whole interaction into a strange cant that leaves him perturbed.

    However, with time these defenses can wear away. According to old Forsaken lore, the undead run the risk of falling into a mindless state in which they “ revert to the Scourge's will and lose themselves to the Lich King. ” His call is ceaseless. Ignoring it is difficult. Eventually, you might not be able to.

    Undead resurrected through means wholly divorced from the Scourge are weirdos and  not really something he entirely knows how to handle / has ever had to handle in his existence thus far. He’d loathe them utterly and immediately attempt to destroy or dominate them.

[wowtalesofadventurers]

Macina bio

I wanted to cover some extra Worgen characters I think up for National Werewolf Day tomorrow.

Macina is a female night elf druid whose also a Worgen and the younger sister of Alanriana. Born during the Long Vigil along her older sister, Macina were made a priestess of Elune, through she seem more skilled as a druid.

Some time after the Cataclysm, Alanriana agree to take Macina along with her friends Richard and Victoria to the continent of Lordaeron to help both the Argent Crusade and the Cenarion Circle in healing the Plaguelands. Their ship however end up in Gilneas and, as they deal with some Forsaken soliders that wanted them dead, the sisters were ambushed by a pair of Worgens, with Macina getting bitten by one of the Worgen. While Alanriana defeated both Worgens and forced them bring them back to Teldrassil just in case that the Worgens were, as they were actually were, transformed Gilnean, but Macina now have the Worgen curse.

In Darnassus, as Macina transformed into a Worgen, she soon went through the Ritual of Balance which made her regain her control, and she find that having the spirit of Goldrinn within her strengthen her Druid powers. Macina would end up having a relationship with Richard's alive brother Howard Redstone until they married.

[talah-dorei]

Festival of the Moon

Ishnu'alah Shan'anre! Come celebrate the first Lunar New Year in Bel’Ameth with two days filled with celebration of our ancestors, the Wild Gods, and the Goddess Elune.

When: February 9th and 10th Time: 7-11pm CST Who: This is a faction neutral event, but be warned the Sentinels of Bel'Ameth are watching.

Here are some activities to look forward to: ▫️ Vendors ▫️ Grand Hunt ▫️ Saber Racing ▫️ Bear Wrestling ▫️ Fortune Telling ▫️ Drinking Contests ▫️ Transmog Contests ▫️ Rituals Honoring our Ancestors and Elune ▫️ and more!

We will need vendors for both days!! Preferably we are looking for menus themed around Kaldorei culture, Wild Gods, or Elune. Submit your menu at the link below by January 31st.

If you would like to help, collaborate, or assist in anyway outside of vendoring feel free to send Celiwin Dreamspeaker a DM in Discord.

Banner art by Grace Liu

[prismaticaurene]

Specifically Elune and the Guild get to be the ones doing the W4 raid (The one that's canonically an abandoned Wizard Bastion) -- and once they land there, her intuition just starts SCREAMING at her that This Place Should Not Be Like This. Bonus points when they get to Deimos and just immediately clocks her as a Wizard and assumes that she's been sent to kill him. Fun Fact: Elune doesn't know she's a wizard. She found the ritual in Glint's lair (because it makes sense to me that glint had records of it) and used it hoping that whatever it did would let her save Glint. It just knocked her unconcious, with her not realizing what it did for the longest time because her weird connection to the Dream basically cloud-saves all her memories. It's not until Hestia starts SoTO and finds out about the Wizards Court that they get all the pieces and Oh Boy is it a mess.

Guess who went and made Wizard Ascension worse? Specifically what if undergoing it basically stockpiles parts of the people who have undergone it before-- memories, thoughts, feelings, etc. It's not so heavy when it's just Mabon and Isgarren at the start with no predecessors, but over the centuries-- the weight of all of those + the memories of Vass and Akeem's deaths + Waiting Sorrow leaving makes it pretty Painful to deal with. (Kinda like a DIY Sylvari Dream with None of the Active Caretaking That Keeps It PG/Safe for civilians) And part of the reason memories get lost in transit is that more ascensions happen, the worse it will get. Why add Unnecessary weight to the pile? Anyways I may have at some point made Elune Accidentally A Wizard and the vibes go between 'The Wizards Don't Know About Who This Sudden Mysterious Wizard is" and 'She's having full flashbacks to the deaths of people she doesn't know and all she knows of those who live is that They're not interested in helping save Tyria from the Dragons."

[wyrmguardsecrets]

"This is your reminder that Elune canonically abandoned the Night Elves during the 4th War as she tried to get as many of them to die as possible in order to fix the drought in Ardenweald"

Sounds like ✨️somebody✨️ got pissed about the lore without actually knowing it (or is trolling).

Elune has never canonically had a wisescale massive effect on Azeroth. She works primarily through her agents, their rituals, and prayers. In fact, lulling thousands of Kaldorei into peaceful slumber/death (Elergy) was one of the more impactful demonstrations of her power.

The Kaldorei have never worshipped Elune because she can take away all their problems because she can't, and there are plenty of examples in lore of them acknowledging her limitations on Azeroth. With your line of thinking, you could say she abandoned them during the War of Ancients, the War of the Satyr, the Cataclysm, and the Battle of Mount Hyjal because these events had massive losses of life also.

.

[the-silver-circle]

Event Information

Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Time: 5:00pm (WrA server) or 7:00pm (MG server)

Where: Amberpine Lodge, Grizzly Hills (Northrend)

Invite: Open (Alliance & Neutral)

Attire: Formal Silver or White Clothes

Important Note: This RP takes place before the timeskip, so NO Dracthyr please

Recommended Addons: Listener

About the Event

Illthanyn, also known as the Cleansing, is a celebration of the longest night of the year as well as a time to reflect on the events of the past year. A time to look ahead at the new year, and shed what burdens weigh us down so we may allow Elune’s light to flow into us.

Recognized as the longest night of the year, and the eve of cleansing when Elune’s healing touch reaches out to her children. Kaldorei all across Kalimdor don formal silver or white clothes and gather in their town or city’s place of worship to celebrate.

“Since the beginning of time, we have gathered in this season to celebrate the rebirth of Elune’s light within us. ” “Illthanyn is the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. Traditionally, the end of the year is a time to look back and reflect. It is also a time to look ahead to the future, to make plans and set goals.”

Invitation Information

This is server event open to characters who respect the Kaldorei and Elunarian ceremony. All who attend are advised to bring a few [Elixir of Tongues], out of courtesy for any neutrally affiliated Horde characters that may attend. There will be a gift exchange portion to the event.

Elunarian Ritual: The Solstice Cleanse

A trinity of three chosen priestesses recite a prayer for the gathering to honor the coming winter. Then, participants are led through a traditional ritual of cleansing, to shed the burdens of the past year and make room to welcome and endure all that is ahead of them. Throughout these activities, themes of Elune's aspects are interwoven, as Illthanyn signals the natural shift from the darkness of the Night Warrior to the new light of Mother Moon.

Ritual Attire 

All attendants are welcome and encouraged to participate in the Cleansing Ritual, and asked to come to the celebration in silver or white attire for the holy pilgrimage and ceremony.

Winter Feast, Dance and Gift Exchange

Following the ceremonies, a feast is held in Elune's name, where fruit, bread, cookies, sweetened meat, mulled wine and warm drink are shared in Her honor. In this relaxed setting, musicians typically volunteer to play a few songs to provide revelers, friends and couples the opportunity to dance together.

Musicians Needed

The hosts of Illthanyn are actively seeking volunteer musicians to perform a song or two at the end of the Winter Feast, and to help inspire revelers to enjoy a seasonal dance, to stir their hearts and warm their bones. If you are interested in volunteering, please post a reply to this thread to let us know and we will reach out to contact you!

Secret Gift Exchange

It is customary for every reveler to bring a wrapped gift to the Illthanyn celebrations. Please bring a wrapped gift for this portion of the event. You may gift something of either sentimental value or actual value (weapons, pets, etc), but it must be able to be wrapped with wrapping paper. Stackable items cannot be wrapped. The rule is you must exchange gifts AT LEAST THREE TIMES and with THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE before you can open the third gift you receive!

Please bear in mind that you can only exchange (trade) wrapped gifts with members of your own faction and server.