Yathaghera Lurue, The Silverymoon

"In the beginning, when the world was young and untouched by darkness, Yathaghera, the Silverymoon, descended upon the lands. She was the breath of the wind in the high places, the shimmer of light upon the water, and the pulse of life within the earth. From her being sprang forth all that is pure, majestic, and untamed. Beasts of legend and creatures of magic walked beside her, for she is their guardian and their mother.

In the quiet of the forests, her whisper can still be heard, carried on the breeze that stirs the leaves. In the depths of the oceans, her presence lingers in the dance of the waves, and in the mountains, her strength is felt in the unyielding stone. The stars in the night sky are but reflections of her gaze, watching over the world with endless compassion and grace.

To those who seek the path of virtue, know this: Yathaghera walks beside you, guiding you with the wisdom of the unicorn, the grace of the pegasus, and the kindness of the kirin. Her light shines in every act of kindness, every moment of courage, and every step taken in pursuit of goodness. Strive to embody her ideals, and though you may never reach them, the journey will bring you closer to the light.

In the darkest times, when despair threatens to overtake you, remember that Yathaghera's light can never be extinguished. It is the eternal flame that burns within the hearts of those who believe in her. Let her words be your guide, her presence your shield, and her light your path. For in the pursuit of the Silverymoon, happiness shall be found, and the world shall be blessed.

"from the Book of Yathaghera Lurue"

In the dawn of time, when the cosmos was still in its infancy, Yathaghera descended upon the world as one of the first deities to shape and protect the realms. Known to many as the Silverymoon, she is the guardian of all that is pure, magical, and untamed. Her presence brought forth mythical creatures, unicorns, pegasi, griffons, and kirin, who became her loyal companions and the living embodiments of her virtues.

Yathaghera's influence extends far beyond the physical world. She is believed to have woven the very fabric of magic that flows through the realms, connecting the living creatures to the ethereal energies of the universe. Her hand is seen in the creation of mystical beasts, imbuing them with intelligence, grace, and power that surpasses the ordinary. She watches over them as a mother does her children, ensuring their safety and guiding their destinies.

Among the Elves, Yathaghera holds a special place of reverence. Known as the Winged Queen in their culture, she is more than just a deity, she is a trusted advisor and protector. Legends speak of her appearing in Elven courts, her presence as radiant as the moonlight that reflects on the sacred waters of their homeland. Her wisdom and grace have shaped Elven societies for millennia, and her guidance has been sought in times of peace and war alike.

Throughout the ages, Yathaghera has stood as a symbol of hope and purity. She has guided countless heroes on their quests, offering her divine blessing to those who strive to uphold her ideals. Despite the passage of time and the changing tides of the world, her influence remains steadfast, and her followers continue to grow.

Yathaghera's appearance is as varied as the creatures she protects. Most often, she manifests as a radiant, ethereal being,a humanoid figure of unmatched beauty, adorned with elements of nature and magical creatures. Her form is ever-changing, reflecting the purity and majesty of the world she safeguards. She may appear with the wings of a pegasus, the horn of a unicorn, or the delicate scales of a kirin, all symbols of her dominion over the magical and mythical realms.

In her more divine forms, Yathaghera is often depicted surrounded by a silver nimbus, a halo of light that represents her connection to the moon and the mystical energies that flow from it. Her voice is said to be like the music of the stars, soft yet powerful, capable of calming the fiercest storms and soothing the most troubled hearts.

Yathaghera's teachings emphasize the pursuit of virtue, kindness, and the protection of all living things. Her followers are encouraged to seek out the mythical beasts that dwell in the world, not as conquerors, but as allies and protectors. The journey toward her ideals is seen as a lifelong quest, one that brings happiness and fulfillment even if perfection is never fully achieved.

Her presence is felt in all places where nature and magic intersect deep forests, sparkling lakes, and towering mountains. She is the silent guardian of the natural world, ever vigilant, ever nurturing. To her followers, Yathaghera is more than a goddess; she is a way of life, a shining example of what the world could be if all creatures, both magical and mundane, lived in harmony.

Despite her immense power, Yathaghera is known for her humility and compassion. She often walks among mortals in disguise, offering guidance and aid to those in need. It is said that those who encounter her, whether they recognize her or not, are forever changed by the experience, their hearts touched by the gentle light of the Silverymoon.

Yathaghera's influence continues to be felt across the realms, her light a beacon for all who seek to protect the world and the creatures within it. Her story is one of eternal guardianship, a tale of love and devotion to the natural and mystical worlds that will endure as long as the stars shine above.

Divine Portfolio:

• Nature
• Magic
• Mythical Beasts
• Purity and Virtue

Religious Dogma:

1. Yathaghera embodies the principles of purity, virtue, and protection of all magical creatures and nature.
2. Worshippers are encouraged to live in harmony with nature and uphold the ideals of kindness and grace.
3. Those who seek her blessings should strive to protect the natural world and its mythical inhabitants.
4. Acts of destruction or cruelty against nature and its creatures are seen as offenses against Yathaghera herself.

Appearance and Symbols:

• Holy Symbol: A four-pointed star with two crescent moons back-to-back.
• Regalia:
  1. A cloak woven with stardust and moonlight.
  2. A crown shaped like intertwined branches and flowers.

Role in Ceremonies:

Yathaghera's ceremonies often involve the presentation of natural offerings, such as flowers, gems, or crafted representations of magical creatures. Rituals are performed in natural settings, including forests, lakes, and mountains, to honor her connection to the natural world.

Treatment of Worshippers, Priests, and Organizations

• Worshippers: Yathaghera's followers are treated with respect and reverence, especially those who uphold her virtues and protect nature.
• Priests:
  • Priests are highly regarded and are often seen as intermediaries between Yathaghera and her followers.
  • They are expected to live by her teachings and act as protectors of the natural world.
• Organizations:
  • Hierarchical Structure: Religious organizations dedicated to Yathaghera often have a hierarchical structure with high priests at the top, followed by regional priests, and local clergy.
  • Punishment and Discipline: Misconduct is addressed with a focus on restitution and realignment with Yathaghera's teachings, often involving acts of penance or public service to nature.

Temples and Influence

• Temples: Temples dedicated to Yathaghera are built in natural settings such as ancient forests, beside waterfalls, or atop sacred mountains. They are adorned with natural elements and are maintained to reflect the beauty of the natural world.
• Influence:
  • Yathaghera's influence extends to the protection and reverence of natural environments and mythical creatures.
  • Role in Society: Temples serve as centers of learning, healing, and protection for those seeking to live in harmony with nature.

Philosophical Influence:

Yathaghera's teachings have shaped philosophies centered around the sanctity of nature, the interconnectedness of all life, and the pursuit of harmony and balance in all things.

Cultural Impact:

Her presence has influenced art, literature, and customs related to nature and mythical creatures. Festivals and celebrations dedicated to Yathaghera often feature themes of beauty, grace, and the protection of the natural world.

Legacy

1. Yathaghera's teachings have inspired many to become protectors of the natural world and advocates for magical creatures.
2. Her influence is evident in the preservation of natural habitats and the veneration of mythical creatures in various cultures.
3. The moral and ethical principles she embodies continue to guide the actions of her followers and shape their worldview.
4. Her impact on art and culture can be seen in depictions of mythical creatures and natural beauty in various forms of expression.
5. Yathaghera's legacy endures through the ongoing reverence for nature and the continued worship of her ideals.
6. The Influence on Elven Society: In Elven society, Yathaghera is revered as a central figure in their spiritual and cultural practices. Her influence is reflected in their deep connection to nature and the mythical beings they protect and cherish.

Divine Attributes:

• Protector of Magical Creatures
• Embodiment of Virtue and Purity
• Guardian of Nature
• Source of Life and Vitality

Organizational Structure of Religion

The Hierarchy of the Faith:

• Supreme Deity: Yathaghera, the Silverymoon
• High Priests and Priestesses
• Regional Priests
• Local Clergy
• Devout Followers
• Initiates and Novices

Religious Orders and their Organizational Structure

Fighting Orders

1. The Silver Blades: Elite warriors dedicated to protecting sacred sites and fighting against those who threaten nature.
2. The Moonlit Defenders: Specialize in defensive magic and combat to safeguard natural and mystical realms.
3. The Starbound Sentinels: Tasked with celestial protection and guiding lost souls in their quests.
4. The Celestial Vanguard: Engaged in offensive operations against dark forces and maintaining the balance of light and dark.

Clerical Orders

1. The Circle of the Moon: Focused on the spiritual guidance and mentorship of followers.
2. The Verdant Guardians: Dedicated to the preservation of natural environments and magical creatures.
3. The Luminary Scholars: Engaged in the study of divine knowledge and the recording of sacred texts.
4. The Hearthkeepers: Responsible for nurturing community spirit and aiding those in need.
5. The Dawnbringers: Actively involved in rituals and ceremonies that mark the changing of seasons and celestial events.

Each of these orders plays a crucial role in the overarching structure of Yathaghera Lurue's religious and mystical framework, ensuring the protection, preservation, and enforcement of divine principles across various aspects of her followers. All are pledged to support in the defense of her church.
See the Religious Orders section for more detail.

Holy Artifacts

1. The Crescent Star Amulet: A sacred artifact that symbolizes the union of moon and star, granting protection and insight.
2. The Moonlit Staff: A powerful staff used by high priests to channel divine energy and perform sacred rituals.
3. The Celestial Tome: A revered book containing the teachings and prophecies of Yathaghera.

Religious Practices

• Daily Offerings: Devotees present natural offerings such as flowers, fruits, and gems at dawn and dusk.
• Seasonal Festivals: Celebrations of equinoxes, solstices, and lunar phases, reflecting Yathaghera's influence.
• Rituals of Renewal: Ceremonies performed to honor nature's cycles and to seek blessings for health and fertility.

Celebrated Holidays

• Lunar Festival: A celebration of the full moon, marked by feasts, dances, and ritualistic ceremonies.
• The Spring Awakening: A festival celebrating the arrival of spring, focusing on renewal and growth.
• Harvest Moon: An autumn festival that honors the bounty of the earth and expresses gratitude for its gifts.

Alignment: Unprincipled

Size: 13 feet (Imposing presence)

Horror/Awe Factor: 16

OCCs:

• Celestial Knight
• Moonlit Sorcerer
• Nature's Guardian

Deific Powers of Yathaghera Lurue

Yathaghera Lurue has the full range of powers over her followers, and can perform all prototypical deific powers at regular cost, as well as the following special powers:

1. Ocean's Embrace

Range: 100 feet (30 meters)

Duration: 10 minutes

Cost: 400 P.P.E.

Yathaghera can summon the calming and invigorating embrace of the ocean, providing protection and rejuvenation to her followers. This power allows her to heal physical and magical wounds, and to grant temporary resistance to elemental damage.

2. Celestial Guidance

Range: Global

Duration: Variable

Cost: 500 P.P.E.

She can provide visions and dreams to her followers, offering guidance and insight into their quests and decisions. These celestial messages are often cryptic but reveal profound truths about the path ahead.

3. Forest's Heart

Range: 500 feet (150 meters)

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: 300 P.P.E.

Yathaghera can channel the essence of the forest to restore vitality and grant enhanced strength and endurance to her followers. This power also allows her to commune with the spirits of the forest for strategic guidance.

4. Celestial Shield

Range: Self or single target

Duration: 30 minutes

Cost: 350 P.P.E.

She can create a protective barrier that shields her followers from harm. This shield is highly resistant to physical and magical attacks, providing a formidable defense in times of peril.

5. Healing Touch

Range: Touch

Duration: Instantaneous

Cost: 250 P.P.E.

Yathaghera can channel her divine energy through a touch, instantly healing injuries and curing ailments. This power can be used to mend wounds, restore vitality, and remove toxins or diseases from her followers.

Priest/Healing Powers: Yathaghera Lurue has the full range of Clerical Magic and Healing Magic.

Magic Powers: Yathaghera Lurue can perform all types of magic, with a special emphasis on nature and light-based spells. Her magic is deeply intertwined with the cycles of the natural world and the celestial bodies.

Psionic Powers: Class of Psionic: High Empath 800 ISP. Yathaghera Lurue has access to powerful empathic abilities, allowing her to influence emotions and connect with the feelings of others on a profound level.

Favoured Weapons

Yathaghera Lurue's favoured weapons include:

• Moonblade - A radiant sword imbued with celestial energy.
• Star Staff - A staff adorned with star-like crystals that enhance magical abilities.
• Nature's Bow - A bow crafted from the heartwood of ancient trees, capable of firing arrows imbued with natural power.

Armour: Yathaghera Lurue typically wears enchanted celestial armour that shimmers with the light of the moon and stars, providing both protection and enhancing her divine powers.

Alliances/Allies

• The Celestial Court - A coalition of divine beings who uphold the balance of light and nature.
• The Order of the Sacred Grove - A group dedicated to preserving the natural world and its sanctity.
• The Moonlight Enclave - A circle of druids and nature spirits who revere Yathaghera Lurue as their patron deity.

Enemies

• Netheroc - The deity of darkness and corruption, opposed to Yathaghera Lurue's principles of life and light.
• Chaos Entities - Beings that seek to disrupt the natural order and spread chaos across the realms.
• Undead Abominations - Creatures that defy the natural cycle of life and death.

Vulnerabilities

• Dark Magic - Powers that draw from the essence of darkness and corruption can weaken her influence and hinder her abilities.
• Anti-Magic Fields - Areas or artifacts that nullify magic can affect her ability to use her divine powers effectively.
• Chaotic Energies - Forces that promote disorder and imbalance can disrupt her connection to the natural order.

Minions

• Elemental Guardians - Powerful beings made of natural elements that protect sacred sites and assist her followers.
• Celestial Heralds - Divine messengers who spread her will and offer guidance to her worshippers.
• Forest Sentinels - Enchanted creatures and treants that act as protectors of the natural world.