Selûne, the Moonmaiden

Basic Information

• Name: Selûne (pronounced "seh-LOON-ay")
• Domains: Moon, Light, Navigation, Prophecy
• Alignment: Chaotic Good
• Symbol: A silver crescent moon or a full moon with a serene face

Selûne is the goddess of the moon, stars, and navigation in the Forgotten Realms. She embodies the gentle, guiding light of the moon, offering protection to travelers and those who seek her wisdom. As a Chaotic Good deity, Selûne values freedom, compassion, and the pursuit of truth.

History and Mythology

Selûne’s origins are deeply tied to the creation of the world and her eternal conflict with her twin sister, Shar, the goddess of darkness. According to myth, the two sisters emerged from the primordial chaos and together shaped the world. However, Shar’s jealousy and betrayal led to a cosmic battle:

• The Creation of the Sun and Stars: Selûne tore a piece of her own essence to create the sun, bringing light to the world. In retaliation, Shar tried to extinguish it, but Selûne flung fragments of light into the sky, creating the stars.
• The Birth of the Elves: Selûne’s tears, shed during her battles with Shar, fell to the earth and became the first elves, while Shar’s shadows birthed monstrous creatures.
• The Time of Troubles: During this period of divine upheaval, Selûne’s avatar walked the Sword Coast, aiding her followers and reinforcing her role as a protector and guide.

Selûne’s myths emphasize her role as a beacon of hope in the darkness, a symbol of resilience against the encroaching shadows of evil.

Worshipers and Church Structure

Selûne’s followers are diverse, including sailors, travelers, lycanthropes, and those who seek guidance from the moon’s light. Her church is welcoming and compassionate, offering aid to the lost and the weary.

• Clergy: Priests of Selûne, known as Silverstars or Moonmaids, are often skilled in healing, divination, and protection magic. They serve as spiritual guides and defenders of the night.
• Hierarchy: The church is loosely organized, with temples and shrines led by High Priestesses or High Priests. These leaders are chosen for their wisdom and connection to the moon.
• Worship Practices:
• Rituals are held under the full moon, involving songs, dances, and offerings of silver or moonstones.
• The Festival of the Moon celebrates Selûne’s light with communal feasts and nighttime vigils.

Divine Realms and Sacred Locations

• Divine Realm: Gates of the Moon, located in the plane of Ysgard, is Selûne’s domain—a realm of eternal twilight, where the moon always shines and the stars guide the way.
• Sacred Locations:
• The House of the Moon in Waterdeep: A grand temple where sailors and travelers seek blessings before journeys.
• The Temple of the Moon in Silverymoon: A center of learning and prophecy, where scholars study the stars.
• Shrines on Mountaintops and Coastal Cliffs: These remote sites are used for meditation and communion with Selûne’s light.

Gameplay Mechanics

Selûne’s influence extends into gameplay, particularly for characters tied to the moon, light, or navigation:

• Cleric Domains: Light, Life, Twilight
• Favored Weapon: Moonblade (a magical sword) or a silver mace
• Divine Boons: Clerics of Selûne might gain abilities like Moonlight’s Grace (enhanced vision in the dark) or Lunar Radiance (the power to dispel darkness).
• Artifacts: Legendary items such as the Rod of the Moon (which can control tides and summon moonlight) or Selûne’s Tear (a gem that grants prophetic visions).

Campaign Hooks

• Guiding Light: Players might seek Selûne’s blessing for a perilous journey, undertaking a pilgrimage to a moonlit shrine.
• Lycanthrope Allies: Adventurers could work with Selûne’s followers to control or cure lycanthropy.
• Battles Against Darkness: Quests to thwart Shar’s agents or banish unnatural darkness from the land.

Summary

Selûne is the embodiment of the moon’s gentle light in the Forgotten Realms, a goddess who offers guidance, protection, and hope. On the Sword Coast, her presence is felt in every moonlit night and every sailor’s prayer for safe passage. For players and Dungeon Masters, Selûne provides rich opportunities to explore themes of light versus darkness, freedom, and the power of prophecy.