Difference between revisions of "Lilune"

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|'''Element(s)'''  || [[Air]], [[Void]]
 
|'''Element(s)'''  || [[Air]], [[Void]]
 
|-
 
|-
|'''Home(s)'''      || A Tempestuous Dreamscape
+
|'''Home(s)'''      || The Border of Waking and Dreaming (vnum)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''Alignment'''    || [[Neutral Evil]]
 
|'''Alignment'''    || [[Neutral Evil]]
 
|-
 
|-
|'''Symbol(s)'''    || A full moon, both red and silver
+
|'''Symbol(s)'''    || A full moon, a black orchid
 
|-
 
|-
|'''Portfolio'''    || Curiosity, inspiration, progress, illusion, enervation, wonder
+
|'''Portfolio'''    || The moons, blood, wonder, intensity, illusion, enervation
 
|-
 
|-
|'''Worshippers'''  || Wanderers, inventors, alchemists, berserkers, ...
+
|'''Worshippers'''  || Explorers, inventors, witches, berserkers, the bipolar
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==History in Avendar==
 
==History in Avendar==
The roots of Lilune's following date back to the earliest of recorded history, stemming from stories of ancient human mystics speaking of visions of a dark-haired woman whispering words on the edge of hearing to them. Of those who recovered from the visions little is known, but fragments remain speaking of madmen drawing frantically upon any surface, even opening their own veins to capture the sight, or of the touched tearing off their clothes and dashing into the wilderness, never to be seen again. The earliest heiroglyphic writing can be tenuously traced to one who recovered from one of these fever-dreams, though the original markings in charcoal and blood have obviously not survived.
+
The roots of Lilune's following date back to the earliest history recorded by humanity.  Stories circulated among mystics of a dark-haired woman whispering to them at the hazy border between consciousness and slumber. Visions often accompanied these encounters, but those who experienced them were never the same.  Fragmented histories speak of men and women claimed by a desperate inspiration, drawing or writing frantically on whatever was at hand.  Some of those touched went so far as to open their own veins, anxiously trying to capture their mad fever-dreams.  Others tore at their clothes and dashed into the primal wilderness, never to be seen again. They all shared one commonality, however: in their panicked wonder, they scratched, smeared, or screamed of a thereto unknown flower; a black orchid.  Human scholars suggest that their peoples' ancient hieroglyphics can be tenuously traced to one such shaman, although the original, bloody markings have not survived.
  
Some of the more coherent accounts speak of words coming from the faces of the moons, the silver face driving those who have seen it to build, to gather with the other tribes, to assemble something greater; the red brought words of destruction, driving the need to spill blood, any blood to sate that powerful lust.
+
With the coming of [[Dolgrael]] the Forgemaster, humanity could fully embrace its expansionist spirit.  Armed with metal weapons, the wilderness lost some of its danger but none of its wonder.  The myth of the black orchid persisted, especially on the frontier.  Those who traveled at the far-flung edges of human reach would in turn add a new twist to stories of the mystics of old.  The more coherent among them spoke of words coming from the faces of Avendar's twin moons.  The silver face of [[Lunus]] filled some with the feverish desire to build, gather tribes, or assemble something greater; the red face of [[Rhos]] called for blood, any blood, to sate its relentless lust.  As human expansion drew them into contact with the explorers of the elder [[aelin]], a name was finally given to this driving force: Lilune.  The name, some felt, could pacify Her furious whims.
  
It was not until the humans made contact with the aelin that a name was given to this driving force-- Lilune, in the hopes that the invocation of Her bright face would pacify Her and protect Her victims.
+
The massive destruction of the [[War of Fire]] prevent modern historians from fully understanding Lilune's influence on the conflict.  Some have claimed that generals followed Her inspiration in battle against the rampaging [[srryn]], yielding both glorious, unexpected victories and violent, crushing defeats.  Others have suggested that it was She who drove the earliest human [[fire scholar|fire scholars]] to uncover secrets that no srryn could.  There are those, as well, who claim that it was Her mad inspiration which prompted embattled humans to first seek the [[Titans]], and by extension, [[Jolinn]].  Although very little evidence supports exists to verify or dispel these notions, Lilune's witches always believe them with wild-eyed abandon.
  
Accounts after that point become scattered and difficult to trace. Some have claimed that generals in the War of Fire followed some mad inspiration to make assaults upon the rampaging srryn, leading to both glorious, unexpected victories, and violent, crushing defeats.
+
With the close of the war, humans resumed their exploration and expansion. Many of Lilune's following, seeking great mystery, accompanied these missions into the wild.  One particularly well-known record claims that a priestess of the moons accompanied [[Kaagn]] on the fateful expedition that uncovered the dark underworld of the [[shuddeni]].  Less verifiably, popular mythology amongst the [[Aklaju]] in [[Earendam]] holds that this woman would become the first human [[Void scholar]], and one of the founding members of their dread Conclave.  More fanciful accounts name Kaagn himself as one of Lilune's chosen, and that the [[Trap of Valandas]] was architected at Her whim.  While the jaws of history remain closed on his motivation, his meteoric ascent and sudden (literal) fall are both consistent with Lilune's modus operandi.
  
Many exploratory expeditions have been accompanied by dedicants of Lilune, seeking to uncover the mysteries of the world. A priestess of Lilune is documented to have accompanied Kaagn's expeditions beneath the earth, eventually uncovering the shuddeni. Less verifiably, popular mythology amongst the Aklaju in Earendam holds this woman as the first human Void scholar, and one of the founding members of their dread Conclave.
+
In the modern era, Lilune's activities have faded from the limelight. The ancient strongholds of Her faith have vanished with the passing of time, displaced by newer, more broadly accessible religions. Some have poetically named Her waning in the global human consciousness a sign of the fall of the Republic. However, Her most die-hard chosen are unperturbed.  The fierce grip of Her charms has led them to name Her the Enchantress, and claim that the moon always returns, as brightly as ever before.
 
+
More fanciful accounts name Kaagn inspired by Lilune himself, architecting the dread Trap of Valandas at Her whim. While the jaws of history remain shut on his motivations and those struck by his terrifying betrayal are naturally inclined to apply some reason to the damage done, his meteoric ascent and sudden (literal) fall both well within the modus operandi of the devoted of the Enchantress.
+
 
+
Since the War of Night, Lilune's activities have faded from the limelight-- some have poetically named Her waning as a sign of the fall of the Republic. But her faithful have always remained, albeit in small numbers, and all remember that the moon always returns, as brightly as ever before.
+
  
 
==Goals and Methods==
 
==Goals and Methods==
Lilune's exact desires appear to be as capricious as the moons she is named for. Her most overt actions have been known for changing the fabric of the circumstances during which they occurred-- driving the early humans to explore and build, and Kaagn's devastating actions during the War of Night stand out sharply amongst many of these.
+
Lilune's exact desires appear to be as capricious as the moons She is named for. Her most overt actions have been known to change the fabric of the world in which they have occurred; be it by driving humanity away from its timid, tribal roots, or Kaagn's devastating actions during the [[War of Night]].  The only goal that can truly be discerned from the Enchantress is for a moment of perfect, fragile beauty.  The instant in which curiosity transforms into possibility is Her greatest pleasure, and She mercilessly drives Her chosen to find it.  This contrasts [[Jalassa|Jalassan]] enlightenment, as that seeks a perfect state of mind, while the Muse craves the first breath of potential, or the last dying gasp before the end.  This equally contrasts [[Aeolis|Aeolian]] creativity; a follower of Aeolis lives his life in search of beauty, while a follower of the Muse strives for legendary masterworks before his psyche breaks.  Additionally, it does not much matter to Lilune if this moment is wholly illusory, driving Her target on a mad quest into oblivion.  To know Lilune, always, is to flirt with legend and disaster.
  
But the dynamic and movements of an individual human mind seem just as much of interest to Her as well. While not a patron of the arts Herself, many of those She has touched have expressed at least some of the inspiration She has flooded them with through the arts, creating many of the most striking pieces of artwork in a given movement. She chooses her victims expertly and wrings them dry, extracting the whole of their talents and shaping brilliant work, be it the tide of battle, a business agreement, or a daring expedition where few or none have treaded before.
+
Some choose to seek the Enchantress, seeking easy and elusive greatness. Others, She expertly selects, plying Her siren's voice at the fringes of their consciousness. She wrings all who follow Her dry physically, mentally, and emotionally.  She extracts the whole of their talents, and they see expression of their brilliance in battle, business, and expeditions into the unknown. While Lilune is associated with progress, it should be noted that this is often a side-effect of Her actions rather than their root.  Ultimately, if the actions of Her followers herald mass transformation or not is immaterial. The roar of Her voice within the minds of Her individual followers and the resulting dynamics are the playground of Her true power.  With the interest of the Muse, nothing matters except achieving anything or everything; Her chosen is always [[wikipedia:The_Fool_(Tarot_card)|the fool]] with one foot hovering over the edge of a cliff, or the great visionary pointing to a distant horizon.  Or perhaps, both at once.
 
+
Above all else, what Lilune cannot abide is waste. This should not be confused as disdain for opulence, for Lilune is popular amongst the wealthy and debauched, but Lilune ''requires'' that every ounce of flesh be used, the marrow sucked dry; the only thing cast aside being an empty, useless husk.
+
 
+
Inevitably, all of Lilune's victims are driven to achieve something greater than they would be otherwise, and whether that be for good or ill, it matters not in the least to Her. What Lilune loves best is that single moment of fragile beauty, in the last moment before it shatters-- a night-blooming flower with dawn on the horizon, the last sparks of a dying flame, the final gasp of breath before all life flees; the perfect moment where the fool stands, one foot poised over the edge of the cliff, a breath away from going over.
+
  
 
==Organizations and Followings==
 
==Organizations and Followings==
Lilune's followers do not organize themselves into formalized sects, but her favour does follow distinct patterns over time. Sometimes one seeks to be kissed by the moons, and sometimes one is kissed. And sometimes her attention is forced upon one, who will be held fast in her grip until her whim leaves.
+
Lilune's followers are not known for formal organizations, as the age of Her common worship has passed.  However, those devoted who remain do follow some fairly distinct patterns. At times, one seeks the kiss of the moons; conversely, they may also kiss those who do not expect it.  The furious grip of the Muse can be long or short, but it is always an exercise in intensity. Thus, crossover between types is possible, and at times, likely. They are as follows:
  
=====Group 1=====
+
=====The Moonseekers=====
''"some quote"''
+
''"I will make of myself whatever You will of me, if you only just listen!"''
  
:Some of them want to use you. Those who actively follow Lilune, seeking Her favour. They feel a call to act, to do, to create. They engage in daring ventures, and act boldly to advance whatever causes they espouse (a house, or another matter, etc. raider or shunned are both open; guardian is hesitant to accept a follower of such a capricious deity but if they prove themself it would be permissible, or they could simply serve as a hanger-on). The ideal face of the moons, charismatic and an infectious joie de vivre.
+
:Some, knowing the Muse's reputation for conjuring greatness, seek Her of their own volition. This loose collective is known as the Moonseekers.  They are often dynamic individuals with a broad range of fierce emotions, who rather than dream, ''demand'' greatness. A Moonseeker differs from a follower of [[Serachel]] in that he rarely has a specific dream; instead, he has a vague whim to be someone of renown but no ideal path to reach it. He often lacks the true qualities of leadership, but his persistent aspirations and often flamboyant whims always find their way to many ears.  As well, his actual skill or prowess may be entirely suspect, lending him to "talk big" rather than act it.  In the end, the inspiration the Muse may offer could take any, and often surprising, form. The Moonseekers appeal to virtually any profession, offering potential wonders to those who might become one.
  
=====Group 2=====
+
=====The Blood Witches=====
''"some quote"''
+
''"Then let the moon bleed."''
  
:Some of them want to get used by you. Those who are chosen by Lilune, given Her favour (which they may or may not seek of their own volition). Inspired to create, to great acts, to build, to achieve something new. An artist taken hold of for a single great work, an aging warrior given a burst of strength for one last battle. Miracle-makers. The bright face of the moon.
+
:Lilune has been often venerated by the wild people of the far frontier. The lasting legacy of their dark whims is represented by the Blood Witches. These followers look to Avendar's red moon, Rhos, and heed its calls for blood, aggression, and sacrifice. A Witch believes that all power and life is found within the blood, be it their own or that of others.  Through it, they can appease the dread whims of Lilune; through it, they can support the ancient order which preceded civilization and grow closer to the gods. Witches often have disproportionate interest in the ancient [[alatharya]], claiming that their heights were achieved through the adherence to this forgotten way. Women tend to be drawn to the Blood Witches more often than men, but the latter are not excluded.  [[druid|Druids]], scholars, and barbarians are most often called to serve the red moon.
  
=====Group 3=====
+
=====The Circle of Whispers=====
''"some quote"''
+
''"I was no one until the night I heard Her."''
  
:Some of them want to be abused. The ones who are gripped tight in Lilune's grip, driven to blood, to destroy. Lilune's toys, who she drives mad with her touch. Human barbarians; berserkers, those who would burn the world to ashes so the others might create a new, perfect creation in its place. The artist so driven that lacking paint and canvas, he opens his veins and paints his masterwork on the wall in his own blood. The mad, red face of the moon.
+
:Not all who serve Lilune seek Her. The Circle of Whispers represents those who are driven on by the siren's song of the Muse.  A member of the Circle is most often one who possesses great potential but is unable or unwilling to realize it. Lilune seizes upon this, stirring them to build, create, or challenge what they alone would never dare to consider.  This aspect of the Enchantress is most often associated with the white moon, Lunus, and appeals to a broader base than its bloody sister. Artisans, commanders, and philosophers have been known to be among the Circle, creating monuments, physical or otherwise, to the greatness of the Muse. Their rapid rise is often paralleled by an equally terrible fall, as serving Her whims is often ultimately a fool's errand.  At least initially, a member of the Circle lacks confidence, and struggles without guiding whispers.  Like the Moonseekers, the Circle of Whispers has known many walks within its ranks.
  
 
==Individual Followers==
 
==Individual Followers==
  
All of Lilune's followers court madness, but hers is not the degenerate, consuming madness of Alil, to whom self-destruction is a desired inevitability. The force of Lilune's capricious touch rather drives the one touched by it to rid their minds of it, to express it all in a glorious burst; a torrential river where the moon-kissed must cling to whatever they can find in the hopes of surviving to reach the end of it. At better times, her followers are quick and intelligent, filled with vivacity few associate with the darker paths. They drink deeply of life, taking what they desire of it and squeezing it dry. As adventurers, they form communities, spurring their companions on to explore deeper, stretch to kill more daring foes, to achieve acts many would deem impossible.
+
All who follow Lilune court disaster, but are rarely confused with the degenerate insanity of [[Alil]].  Her followers, instead, show incredible tenacity in the pursuit of their often inscrutable goals. The Muse's whisper always drives them to express it, and they themselves cling to whatever they can to survive the torrent of Her mercilessness.  The character of Her following is frequently bipolar, leaping from high to low. When high, Her followers are deft, articulate, and intelligent, and show a vivacity rarely associated with darker paths. They drink deeply of life but resist its temptations, focused instead on the object of their fixation. When the glow of their pursuits fades, however, they are notorious for brooding.  Having lost their own greatness, they again yearn for the Muse to fill their mind with Her wonder.  They are often stubbornly happy in choices few could comprehend, and when low, no faith but in Lilune will suffice.
  
When the glow of the moons fades from them, however, they are known for being dark and brooding; emptied of all that has made them great, and yearning for that druglike kiss once more. Lilune's faithful are typically difficult nuts for opposing evangelicals to crack; they have the capacity to be happy in their choices that few would comprehend, and even when emptied dry, there is little other than those all-consuming wonders which can grant them fulfilment once more. Lilune's touch may come to members of any race, though ch'taren lack the darker movements of the soul which sing to Lilune, and the caladaran lack the drive to build which fascinates her.
+
Worship of the Enchantress is most common in human settlements, especially on the distant edges of civilization. Her wonders have been known to inspire many races, although the [[ch'taren]] lack the darker movements of the soul which sing to Lilune.  Similarly, the [[caladaran]], both centered and content with their lives, often lack the drive to create which She savors.  Her voice can be heard by adventurers of almost all creeds, assuming their minds are open to Her influence.  Within mainstream society, Lilune is regarded with both appreciation and apprehension.  Public veneration of the Muse is rare, with Her devoted toiling endlessly to keep Her interest.  Shrines to Lilune are often not traditional ones, as each expression of Her followers' greatness is a monument in and of itself.
  
Those whom Lilune deems worthy of her touch are marked with a sigil of a full moon; the shade thereof is a matter of pure whim.
+
Those who find favor with the Enchantress are marked with the Sigil of the Full Moon.
  
 
==Relationships==
 
==Relationships==
  
Lilune's relationships with other deities are often complex, and can rarely be distilled to a single matter of like and dislike. Alil finds rare common ground with Lilune's madness-inducing charges, and Tzajai delights in Her caprice, but the intense focus which She bestows upon Her victims ensures the attentions of neither of those deities run parallel to Lilune's for long. While her drive to build, expand, and create is often relevant to the interests of the gods of Law, on the whole they find her whimsical nature unreliable and untrustworthy. Jalassa in particular cannot abide her absence of discipline, all the more for that it is a choice and not a matter of uncontrollable insanity like Alil's. Gods of the light in general condemn Lilune's ways; while many of her works have served the greater good, even those come at too high a price for any to countenance.
+
Lilune's relationship with the rest of the pantheon is complex. Alil savors the Enchantress' madness-inducing voice, and [[Tzajai]] delights in Her caprice.  Yet, the intense focus of Her victims ensures that neither deity's attention parallels Hers for long. While expansion and creation are always relevant to the gods of law, they often find Her inscrutable nature unreliable and untrustworthy. Jalassa, in particular, cannot abide Lilune's lack of discipline, and all the more for that it is intentional, rather than the uncontrollable insanity of Alil. Gods of the light condemn the Muse's ways.  While many of Her works have served the greater good, they always come at too high of a price.  Given Her association with the Void, ch'taren deities have particular dislike of Lilune.  While no god of nature thinks highly of Lilune, [[Khanval]] harbors a passionate hatred for Her; to Him, she represents the driver of human imperialism.
  
While no god of nature thinks highly of Lilune and her civilized ways, Khanval harbours a special hatred for this symbol of Earendamian expansionism. While Dolgrael's Challengers often provide amusement for Lilune, with their endless challenges touching upon the unknown, on the whole She finds he and the faith stodgy and dull. Serachel provides a point of both alliance and rivalry; where her own nature touches upon the Dreamlands as well, the two often find common cause in spreading their particular debauched form of enlightenment. In the end, however, neither can abide encroachment upon their interests, and what alliances they form are often fraught with veiled plans to knife the other in the back.
+
Dolgrael is often associated with Lilune, in that both have strongly characterized the human spirit.  His appreciation for war and Her drive into inevitable conflict cannot help but be complimentary.  However, He regards Her as utterly honorless, while She finds the Forgemaster unbearably stodgy and dull. Her other strongest association is with Serachel, as both a point of alliance and rivalry.  Her call hovers on the fringes of the Dream, and the two often find common cause in spreading Their debauched form of enlightenment. In the end, however, neither can abide encroachment upon Their own interests.  What alliances form are often paired with veiled plots of betrayal, as only They could architect.
  
==Shrines and Sigils==
+
==Shrines, Sigils, Mobs, and Logins==
(Here is where we will put a list of shrine locations (as many deities have altars in multiple places, even if they do have a dedicated shrine).  In the case of a dedicated shrine, the area name and the vnum range should be listed.)
+
 
+
=====Areas=====
+
  
 
=====Rooms=====
 
=====Rooms=====
 
+
:'''A Forgotten Sanctuary''' (vnum 2013)
(For sigils, if tiered, they should be divided by tier.  After the name of each sigil, the effects of that sigil in terms of stats and progs should be listed as well.  This should give a staff member considering a brand a reference as to what exactly they are giving the mortal in question.  If no available sigils are appropriate for the role of the character in question and they still meet the criteria for being part of the religion, it may also serve to highlight if a new sigil is required.)
+
:'''A Stark, Windy Ridge''' (vnum 15224)
 +
:'''The Crest of a Jagged Slope''' (vnum 20342)
  
 
=====Sigils=====
 
=====Sigils=====
 +
:'''Tier 1 - The Sigil of the Full Moon''' (vnum 1285)
 +
:*AC 3/3/3/10
 +
:*Mana +100
 +
:*HP +30
 +
:*Saves -4
 +
:*Fight_prog 7 (casts either ''drain'' or ''star glamour'' at varying levels dependant on lunar cycle, only triggers when under the light of the moons)
 +
:*Verb_prog p ''invoke sigil'' (grants HP/MANA/MVS in varying amounts based on lunar cycle; Rhos for HPs, Lunus for mana)
 +
:*Tick_prog 100 (This is for recharging after invoking. Will only recharge if under the light of the moons for a full night [20 ticks].)
 +
 +
:'''Tier 2 - The Sigil of Dual Crescent Moons''' (vnum 1286)
 +
:*AC 6/6/6/12
 +
:*Mana +125
 +
:*HP +40
 +
:*Saves -5
 +
:*All the same progs as tier 1.
 +
:*Rand_prog 100 (during the night, the sigil grants the bearer det_invis, det_hidden, and dark_vision, and removes them with the coming of the dawn [only the sigil effects are removed, not if they have the spells/skills cast on them otherwise])
 +
:*Speech_prog p Neipcin Emuego <target> (will cast "bewilderment" on the target and then has a recast delay.)
 +
 +
^^^ this does not appear to be accurate to the game sigils
 +
 +
The Sigil of a Silver Crescent Moon (20358) - Strictly cosmetic sigil, used for mobs only.
 +
 +
=====Mobs=====
 +
* Savae Alevrin (12200): Shunned translator for Meboahyar, priest of Lilune. Neutral evil, greater earth (stoneshaper, prob), silversmith and singer. Neutrally gendered.
 +
* Yorine Merueth (20337): V/a trainer. Hangs out by the ruined shrine in the Mlejian mountains. Explorer and cartographer.
 +
 +
=====Immortal Login=====
 +
Password: ask neon
 +
 +
=====God Mark=====
 +
:You notice a black orchid birthmark.
 +
:''+4 Intelligence modifier''
  
 +
==Notes, Logs, and Other Documents==
 +
When dealing with mortals, Lilune speaks with two voices.  One of them is white (and colored bright white, use {W) to represent Lunus.  This voice is calmer; it often speaks of greatness, or inspiration, or elevation or some other more benign sounding end.  The other is red (and colored bright red, use {R, {r very sparingly for emphasis) to represent Rhos.  This voice is angry, bloodthirsty, and demanding.  It speaks of blood or sacrifice (almost always both), and prompts the mortal in question to action.
  
==Related Logs and Other Documents==
+
The voices of Lilune are difficult to hear or whispers during the day.  Underground or inside, they are more like a barely-heard murmuring.  To hear the full-voices of Lilune, the mortal needs to be high up, in view of the moons during the night time (and they are out), and/or at a shrine to Her (see above).
  
 
=====Helps=====
 
=====Helps=====
 +
:Ancient [[Lilune help file]] (5/2/1999)
  
=====Fiction=====
+
=====Lore=====
 +
:[[The slender rapier, 'Moonlight' (lore)]]
 +
:[[The thin shortsword, 'Starlight' (lore)]]
 +
:[[A glass ring (lore)]]
 +
:[[The ring of Adi (lore)]]
 +
:[[The Amulet of the Sun and Moon (lore)]]
 +
:[[A pendant of Lunus (lore)]] (none currently)
 +
:[[A crescent moon clasp (lore)]] (none currently)
  
 
=====Logs=====
 
=====Logs=====
 +
:[[Netalin1|Netalin finds an ancient shrine.]]
  
[[category:Gods]][[category:Incomplete]]
+
[[category:Gods]]

Latest revision as of 09:44, 11 April 2019

Overview
Favored Race Human
Element(s) Air, Void
Home(s) The Border of Waking and Dreaming (vnum)
Alignment Neutral Evil
Symbol(s) A full moon, a black orchid
Portfolio The moons, blood, wonder, intensity, illusion, enervation
Worshippers Explorers, inventors, witches, berserkers, the bipolar

History in Avendar

The roots of Lilune's following date back to the earliest history recorded by humanity. Stories circulated among mystics of a dark-haired woman whispering to them at the hazy border between consciousness and slumber. Visions often accompanied these encounters, but those who experienced them were never the same. Fragmented histories speak of men and women claimed by a desperate inspiration, drawing or writing frantically on whatever was at hand. Some of those touched went so far as to open their own veins, anxiously trying to capture their mad fever-dreams. Others tore at their clothes and dashed into the primal wilderness, never to be seen again. They all shared one commonality, however: in their panicked wonder, they scratched, smeared, or screamed of a thereto unknown flower; a black orchid. Human scholars suggest that their peoples' ancient hieroglyphics can be tenuously traced to one such shaman, although the original, bloody markings have not survived.

With the coming of Dolgrael the Forgemaster, humanity could fully embrace its expansionist spirit. Armed with metal weapons, the wilderness lost some of its danger but none of its wonder. The myth of the black orchid persisted, especially on the frontier. Those who traveled at the far-flung edges of human reach would in turn add a new twist to stories of the mystics of old. The more coherent among them spoke of words coming from the faces of Avendar's twin moons. The silver face of Lunus filled some with the feverish desire to build, gather tribes, or assemble something greater; the red face of Rhos called for blood, any blood, to sate its relentless lust. As human expansion drew them into contact with the explorers of the elder aelin, a name was finally given to this driving force: Lilune. The name, some felt, could pacify Her furious whims.

The massive destruction of the War of Fire prevent modern historians from fully understanding Lilune's influence on the conflict. Some have claimed that generals followed Her inspiration in battle against the rampaging srryn, yielding both glorious, unexpected victories and violent, crushing defeats. Others have suggested that it was She who drove the earliest human fire scholars to uncover secrets that no srryn could. There are those, as well, who claim that it was Her mad inspiration which prompted embattled humans to first seek the Titans, and by extension, Jolinn. Although very little evidence supports exists to verify or dispel these notions, Lilune's witches always believe them with wild-eyed abandon.

With the close of the war, humans resumed their exploration and expansion. Many of Lilune's following, seeking great mystery, accompanied these missions into the wild. One particularly well-known record claims that a priestess of the moons accompanied Kaagn on the fateful expedition that uncovered the dark underworld of the shuddeni. Less verifiably, popular mythology amongst the Aklaju in Earendam holds that this woman would become the first human Void scholar, and one of the founding members of their dread Conclave. More fanciful accounts name Kaagn himself as one of Lilune's chosen, and that the Trap of Valandas was architected at Her whim. While the jaws of history remain closed on his motivation, his meteoric ascent and sudden (literal) fall are both consistent with Lilune's modus operandi.

In the modern era, Lilune's activities have faded from the limelight. The ancient strongholds of Her faith have vanished with the passing of time, displaced by newer, more broadly accessible religions. Some have poetically named Her waning in the global human consciousness a sign of the fall of the Republic. However, Her most die-hard chosen are unperturbed. The fierce grip of Her charms has led them to name Her the Enchantress, and claim that the moon always returns, as brightly as ever before.

Goals and Methods

Lilune's exact desires appear to be as capricious as the moons She is named for. Her most overt actions have been known to change the fabric of the world in which they have occurred; be it by driving humanity away from its timid, tribal roots, or Kaagn's devastating actions during the War of Night. The only goal that can truly be discerned from the Enchantress is for a moment of perfect, fragile beauty. The instant in which curiosity transforms into possibility is Her greatest pleasure, and She mercilessly drives Her chosen to find it. This contrasts Jalassan enlightenment, as that seeks a perfect state of mind, while the Muse craves the first breath of potential, or the last dying gasp before the end. This equally contrasts Aeolian creativity; a follower of Aeolis lives his life in search of beauty, while a follower of the Muse strives for legendary masterworks before his psyche breaks. Additionally, it does not much matter to Lilune if this moment is wholly illusory, driving Her target on a mad quest into oblivion. To know Lilune, always, is to flirt with legend and disaster.

Some choose to seek the Enchantress, seeking easy and elusive greatness. Others, She expertly selects, plying Her siren's voice at the fringes of their consciousness. She wrings all who follow Her dry physically, mentally, and emotionally. She extracts the whole of their talents, and they see expression of their brilliance in battle, business, and expeditions into the unknown. While Lilune is associated with progress, it should be noted that this is often a side-effect of Her actions rather than their root. Ultimately, if the actions of Her followers herald mass transformation or not is immaterial. The roar of Her voice within the minds of Her individual followers and the resulting dynamics are the playground of Her true power. With the interest of the Muse, nothing matters except achieving anything or everything; Her chosen is always the fool with one foot hovering over the edge of a cliff, or the great visionary pointing to a distant horizon. Or perhaps, both at once.

Organizations and Followings

Lilune's followers are not known for formal organizations, as the age of Her common worship has passed. However, those devoted who remain do follow some fairly distinct patterns. At times, one seeks the kiss of the moons; conversely, they may also kiss those who do not expect it. The furious grip of the Muse can be long or short, but it is always an exercise in intensity. Thus, crossover between types is possible, and at times, likely. They are as follows:

The Moonseekers

"I will make of myself whatever You will of me, if you only just listen!"

Some, knowing the Muse's reputation for conjuring greatness, seek Her of their own volition. This loose collective is known as the Moonseekers. They are often dynamic individuals with a broad range of fierce emotions, who rather than dream, demand greatness. A Moonseeker differs from a follower of Serachel in that he rarely has a specific dream; instead, he has a vague whim to be someone of renown but no ideal path to reach it. He often lacks the true qualities of leadership, but his persistent aspirations and often flamboyant whims always find their way to many ears. As well, his actual skill or prowess may be entirely suspect, lending him to "talk big" rather than act it. In the end, the inspiration the Muse may offer could take any, and often surprising, form. The Moonseekers appeal to virtually any profession, offering potential wonders to those who might become one.
The Blood Witches

"Then let the moon bleed."

Lilune has been often venerated by the wild people of the far frontier. The lasting legacy of their dark whims is represented by the Blood Witches. These followers look to Avendar's red moon, Rhos, and heed its calls for blood, aggression, and sacrifice. A Witch believes that all power and life is found within the blood, be it their own or that of others. Through it, they can appease the dread whims of Lilune; through it, they can support the ancient order which preceded civilization and grow closer to the gods. Witches often have disproportionate interest in the ancient alatharya, claiming that their heights were achieved through the adherence to this forgotten way. Women tend to be drawn to the Blood Witches more often than men, but the latter are not excluded. Druids, scholars, and barbarians are most often called to serve the red moon.
The Circle of Whispers

"I was no one until the night I heard Her."

Not all who serve Lilune seek Her. The Circle of Whispers represents those who are driven on by the siren's song of the Muse. A member of the Circle is most often one who possesses great potential but is unable or unwilling to realize it. Lilune seizes upon this, stirring them to build, create, or challenge what they alone would never dare to consider. This aspect of the Enchantress is most often associated with the white moon, Lunus, and appeals to a broader base than its bloody sister. Artisans, commanders, and philosophers have been known to be among the Circle, creating monuments, physical or otherwise, to the greatness of the Muse. Their rapid rise is often paralleled by an equally terrible fall, as serving Her whims is often ultimately a fool's errand. At least initially, a member of the Circle lacks confidence, and struggles without guiding whispers. Like the Moonseekers, the Circle of Whispers has known many walks within its ranks.

Individual Followers

All who follow Lilune court disaster, but are rarely confused with the degenerate insanity of Alil. Her followers, instead, show incredible tenacity in the pursuit of their often inscrutable goals. The Muse's whisper always drives them to express it, and they themselves cling to whatever they can to survive the torrent of Her mercilessness. The character of Her following is frequently bipolar, leaping from high to low. When high, Her followers are deft, articulate, and intelligent, and show a vivacity rarely associated with darker paths. They drink deeply of life but resist its temptations, focused instead on the object of their fixation. When the glow of their pursuits fades, however, they are notorious for brooding. Having lost their own greatness, they again yearn for the Muse to fill their mind with Her wonder. They are often stubbornly happy in choices few could comprehend, and when low, no faith but in Lilune will suffice.

Worship of the Enchantress is most common in human settlements, especially on the distant edges of civilization. Her wonders have been known to inspire many races, although the ch'taren lack the darker movements of the soul which sing to Lilune. Similarly, the caladaran, both centered and content with their lives, often lack the drive to create which She savors. Her voice can be heard by adventurers of almost all creeds, assuming their minds are open to Her influence. Within mainstream society, Lilune is regarded with both appreciation and apprehension. Public veneration of the Muse is rare, with Her devoted toiling endlessly to keep Her interest. Shrines to Lilune are often not traditional ones, as each expression of Her followers' greatness is a monument in and of itself.

Those who find favor with the Enchantress are marked with the Sigil of the Full Moon.

Relationships

Lilune's relationship with the rest of the pantheon is complex. Alil savors the Enchantress' madness-inducing voice, and Tzajai delights in Her caprice. Yet, the intense focus of Her victims ensures that neither deity's attention parallels Hers for long. While expansion and creation are always relevant to the gods of law, they often find Her inscrutable nature unreliable and untrustworthy. Jalassa, in particular, cannot abide Lilune's lack of discipline, and all the more for that it is intentional, rather than the uncontrollable insanity of Alil. Gods of the light condemn the Muse's ways. While many of Her works have served the greater good, they always come at too high of a price. Given Her association with the Void, ch'taren deities have particular dislike of Lilune. While no god of nature thinks highly of Lilune, Khanval harbors a passionate hatred for Her; to Him, she represents the driver of human imperialism.

Dolgrael is often associated with Lilune, in that both have strongly characterized the human spirit. His appreciation for war and Her drive into inevitable conflict cannot help but be complimentary. However, He regards Her as utterly honorless, while She finds the Forgemaster unbearably stodgy and dull. Her other strongest association is with Serachel, as both a point of alliance and rivalry. Her call hovers on the fringes of the Dream, and the two often find common cause in spreading Their debauched form of enlightenment. In the end, however, neither can abide encroachment upon Their own interests. What alliances form are often paired with veiled plots of betrayal, as only They could architect.

Shrines, Sigils, Mobs, and Logins

Rooms
A Forgotten Sanctuary (vnum 2013)
A Stark, Windy Ridge (vnum 15224)
The Crest of a Jagged Slope (vnum 20342)
Sigils
Tier 1 - The Sigil of the Full Moon (vnum 1285)
  • AC 3/3/3/10
  • Mana +100
  • HP +30
  • Saves -4
  • Fight_prog 7 (casts either drain or star glamour at varying levels dependant on lunar cycle, only triggers when under the light of the moons)
  • Verb_prog p invoke sigil (grants HP/MANA/MVS in varying amounts based on lunar cycle; Rhos for HPs, Lunus for mana)
  • Tick_prog 100 (This is for recharging after invoking. Will only recharge if under the light of the moons for a full night [20 ticks].)
Tier 2 - The Sigil of Dual Crescent Moons (vnum 1286)
  • AC 6/6/6/12
  • Mana +125
  • HP +40
  • Saves -5
  • All the same progs as tier 1.
  • Rand_prog 100 (during the night, the sigil grants the bearer det_invis, det_hidden, and dark_vision, and removes them with the coming of the dawn [only the sigil effects are removed, not if they have the spells/skills cast on them otherwise])
  • Speech_prog p Neipcin Emuego <target> (will cast "bewilderment" on the target and then has a recast delay.)

^^^ this does not appear to be accurate to the game sigils

The Sigil of a Silver Crescent Moon (20358) - Strictly cosmetic sigil, used for mobs only.

Mobs
  • Savae Alevrin (12200): Shunned translator for Meboahyar, priest of Lilune. Neutral evil, greater earth (stoneshaper, prob), silversmith and singer. Neutrally gendered.
  • Yorine Merueth (20337): V/a trainer. Hangs out by the ruined shrine in the Mlejian mountains. Explorer and cartographer.
Immortal Login

Password: ask neon

God Mark
You notice a black orchid birthmark.
+4 Intelligence modifier

Notes, Logs, and Other Documents

When dealing with mortals, Lilune speaks with two voices. One of them is white (and colored bright white, use {W) to represent Lunus. This voice is calmer; it often speaks of greatness, or inspiration, or elevation or some other more benign sounding end. The other is red (and colored bright red, use {R, {r very sparingly for emphasis) to represent Rhos. This voice is angry, bloodthirsty, and demanding. It speaks of blood or sacrifice (almost always both), and prompts the mortal in question to action.

The voices of Lilune are difficult to hear or whispers during the day. Underground or inside, they are more like a barely-heard murmuring. To hear the full-voices of Lilune, the mortal needs to be high up, in view of the moons during the night time (and they are out), and/or at a shrine to Her (see above).

Helps
Ancient Lilune help file (5/2/1999)
Lore
The slender rapier, 'Moonlight' (lore)
The thin shortsword, 'Starlight' (lore)
A glass ring (lore)
The ring of Adi (lore)
The Amulet of the Sun and Moon (lore)
A pendant of Lunus (lore) (none currently)
A crescent moon clasp (lore) (none currently)
Logs
Netalin finds an ancient shrine.