The Faith of Darkness

The Faith of Darkness's structure stems from the will of The Goddess of Darkness Herself. This theocratic system of governing bodies and entities ensure that Her will is carried out amongst Golwildom as Her works are carried out amongst the stars. At the top of this governing body resides an entity known as The Moonkeeper. She is the one, sole personage on this mortal plane who has the authority to command the full force of celestial divinity that Krorone has given to Her chosen people through the latent power contained within The Wellspring of Night. From The Moonkeeper, we continue down to her Retinue of Swords, who act as the governing body of The Court of Stars. From there, each settlement, and the capital itself, has a regional ruling body known as The Lunar Council which consists of nobility, merchants, artisans and some select citizens of Nocturnis.

The Moonkeeper (She who is as The Goddess would be) :

• Highest Mortal Authority : This individual, chosen by The Goddess, is considered the direct link to Krorone and the celestial powers She offers. They interpret lunar phases, celestial events, and dreams to guide the faith and its followers, and act as Her voice in matters of state.
• Lawgiver and Judge : The Moonkeeper sets the laws and moral codes, ensuring order within the society. They also act as the ultimate judge in disputes, ensuring justice is served according to divine principles.

The Court of Stars (Supreme Judicial Body) :

• The Retinue of Swords : Three named blades serve as the protector of The Moonkeeper, and also hold official positions within The Court of Stars.
• (Judge) - The Blade Entagnon - Ensures all parties know by what laws the trails or hearings are held and ensures they proceed in accordance to what balance decrees. The Swordbearer Entagnon cannot act as a judge in the court without the Moonkeeper present, save for when a Moonkeeper is in judgement herself or if she is unable to attend due to other specific circumstances, The Swordbearer Entagnon bears the burden of holding and heading the trial.
• (Jury) - The Blade Fenntor - Ensures that the Moonkeeper and Swordbearer Entagnon have presented the laws and/or guidelines that are relevant to the hearing are spoken onto the parties involved and is understood by those parties. The Swordbearer Fenntor is obligated to defend, to the death if need be, all of those who would be brought forth to bring testimonies before the court. (Unlike other Swordbearers, The Sword Fenntor is a scholar as much as they are a swordsman. No language can remain unknown to them, and no written lie can go undetected. In the defense of those giving testimonies, this Swordbearer needs no Truthseer to issue verdicts on the usage of the Named Blade Fenntor. To raise a hand against those sworn to give testimony is to be deemed unforgiven by the blade itself.)
• (Executioner) - The Blade Annghorhast - Carries out the sentences issued by The Moonkeeper and The Court of Stars under the guidelines presented by the Swordbearer Entagnon and the spoken testimonies from those under the protection of the Swordbearer Fenntor. [Remaining Redacted]

Jurisdiction and Responsibilities:

• Interpreting The Rulings of Old and The Words that Bind : The Court's primary responsibility is to enforce the laws and commandments set forth by The Goddess through The Moonkeeper, applying them to specific cases and ensuring consistency in their application.
• Adjudicating Disputes : The Court hears a wide range of cases, from minor disputes between individuals to major crimes that threaten the social order. They carefully weigh evidence, consider arguments from both sides, and deliver judgements based on celestial law, rulings of old and principles of justice.
• Setting Precedents : The Court's rulings establish precedents that guide future decisions, ensuring consistency and fairness in the application of the law. By The Rulings of Old, we are judged. By Her Words that Bind, we will be punished.
• Advising The Moonkeeper : The Court may also be consulted by The Moonkeper in matters of law and justice, providing expert opinions and recommendations.

Procedures and Practices:

• Emphasis on Evidence and Testimony : The Court places great importance on evidence and testimony, ensuring that all parties have a fair opportunity to present their case.
• Celestial Divination : In cases where evidence is inconclusive, the Court may employ celestial divination techniques, performed by The Moonkeeper and her preistessess in the Divination Chamber that houses the Wellspring of Night, to determine the will of The Goddess of Darkness.
• Sentencing and Punishments : Punishments are determined based on the severity of the crime and the precedents set by the court in The Rulings of Old. Similar to how verdicts work for Truthseer based Swordbearers, the verdicts tend to gravitate to the following :
• Observed : The entity charged is under scrutiny, but no judgement has been passed yet.
• Rebuked : The entity charged is marked for punishment, but it is not yet lethal. The Court might deliver a severe warning or a non-lethal punishment to deter future misdeeds.
• Condemned : The entity charged is deemed a significant threat. The Court advises that accused be redeemed, any execution should be swift and just, aiming to minimize suffering.
• Unforgiven : The highest level of judgement. The entity charged is beyond redemption and must be eliminated with extreme prejudice. The convicted are sent to the executioners' courtyard for death by named blade.

The Lunar Councils (Regional Governing Body of Varying Names) :

• Advisory Body : A select group of elders, merchants, nobles and elected Stargazers skilled in maters of law, order, and spiritual matters, assists in governance of all settlements. They might specialize in different areas like interpreting aggressive acts by other nations, overseeing legal matters, or managing temples and rituals.
• Regional Representatives : Council members also serve as regional leaders, ensuring The Moonkeeper's decrees are implemented throughout the land, and they serve at addressing local concerns.

The Order of the Night (Standing Army and City Guards) :

• Swordbearers and Truthseers : These entities exist alongside The Order, wielding named blades forged at the command of The Goddess by the hands of The Star Smith. Each named blade has a forged binding that details the expectations the wielder and the inheritor are to be held to by The Goddess Herself. They are an enigmatic group as a whole, but they are bound to service by a higher calling and serve to remind the people of Her faith and all others that there are blades in the night, and they belong to Her alone.
• Guards and Militia : The Order trains those who are made to serve in swordsmanship and combat, that they may act as guardians of temples, enforcers of the law, and defenders against external threats.
• Hierarchy within the Order : Ranks within the Order are based on skill, experience, and spiritual development, with leaders being responsible for training and deploying their forces.

Lunari (General Followers) :

• Role : Ordinary followers, Lunari, are encouraged to attend rituals and are expected to adhere to the teachings of The Goddess of Darkness and the rulings from The Moonkeeper and The Court of Stars.
• Expectations : While they do not hold official positions, followers aspire to grow closer to Her embrace and may progress through the ranks into The Order of Night and even The Lunar Council based on piety, deeds, or influence.

The culture of The Faith of Darkness is structured around the core tenant of the Goddess, spoken oaths and the words therewithin that bind us all. Over the millennia, this premise has guided Her chosen people to become litigious in almost every aspect of their lives. They do nothing without a purpose, but they also do many things under rulings that outsiders would find, distasteful. Krorone has many demands of Her followers, and has as many faces for them as the moon does for the world. Her core beliefs are defined by the people, as balance is theirs to choose. By the rulings of old and the words that bind, the people have enacted the will of the Goddess through the structure of law and core values herewithin.

Core Values  

Fealty to the Moon

• Guidance from Above : The moon and stars are not just distant objects, but sources of wisdom and guidance of our past that shine with the hope of our future. The Moonkeeper acts as Krorone's voice on this plane, and serves as the final say so in the will of the Goddess Herself. All Moon (Palid) Elves will bow before Krorone when their time has come. It is spoken in the words that bind, it is written with the stars in the night sky. Followers often consult astrological charts, observe lunar phases for omens, or perform rituals under specific celestial alignments. We are expected to pay homage to the night sky and all the mysteries it reveals and conceals.

Divine Judgment and Accountability

• Cosmic Judgment : The night sky, vast and eternal, serves as a constant reminder of the ultimate judgment that awaits all souls. This motivates followers to live righteously and strive for self-improvement, knowing their actions will be judged in the grand scheme of the cosmos. Krorone sees all that transpires in the lands where night can touch the soils of Golwildom, and She is more than prepared to cast judgment upon those who have failed to uphold the faith.
• Maintaining Balance with Acceptance of Fate : While the faith emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability, it also recognizes the role of fate in shaping individual lives. This creates a balance between striving for self-improvement and accepting the predetermined aspects of one's destiny. She weaves the fates of all who are embraced in the cloak of nightfall, taken under the blanket of darkness. She does so without consent, as She alone was chosen to maintain balance. By Her word and deeds, She will see the work done.

The Will of The People

• Collective Wisdom : While individual destinies are important, the faith also values the collective wisdom of the community. Swordbearers, dream interpreters, or those skilled in celestial lore guide and advise others, strengthening the group as a whole. For She has imparted enough wisdom and power unto the people that they may create balance for themselves as they see fit.

The Blanket of Darkness

• Introspection and Inner Light : Darkness is not feared, but honored as a time for introspection, for seeking the light within. Just as the moon shines brightest against the dark sky, so too do their spirits find clarity in moments of stillness and quiet contemplation.
• Guiding Light in the Darkness : Followers see themselves as beacons of Her light and guidance in the vast darkness of the night. They offer aid and support to those lost or in need, using their knowledge of the celestial and their commitment to justice to illuminate the path for others. She has given much to a world that appreciates very little. Her chosen people walk the dark path that they may be present upon it when the souls of the lost cry out into the shadows. The curse of Her blessings come with the creation of the light, a light that is not harsh and all consuming like certain others, but one that any can look upon and be guided to Her embrace.

Strength through Unity, Unity through Faith

We strive to uphold law and order by maintaining The Balance, enforcing Her commandments, and ensuring judgments are cast truly, swiftly and without mercy. Enforcing Her will is our duty, achieved through dedication to the faith and the offering of divine correction to those who stray from the woven path The Weaver of Fate demands. Our authority knows no bounds and exists everywhere the night sky touches, everywhere that darkness envelopes, and where ever Her chosen ones stand, by the divine right of Her very being. We stand ready to defend against any threat, be they to ourselves or to The Balance, for Her people are vigilant, and in our darkest hours we find our greatest strength. No force, mortal or divine, will be permitted to alter Her grand design, and those who defy Her will shall find no refuge under these stars.

The Star Smith & Named Blades :

The Star Smith was no mere mortal, but a gift bestowed upon the people by the Goddess Herself. In a time of chaos, when the world teetered on the brink of oblivion, the Goddess reached down from the heavens and imbued a chosen soul with celestial fire pulled from the heart of a dying son.

This individual, the first Star Smith, was tasked with a sacred duty: to forge the Named Blades. These were not ordinary weapons. Each blade was forged in the flames of the soul of the smith, its metal infused with [Redacted] and tempered in the fires of creation. The Star Smith, guided by divine whispers and visions, inscribed each blade with intricate runes and sigils, and spoke unto the cooling metal the bindings that defined its purpose and power.

These Named Blades were more than just instruments of war; they were conduits of the Goddess's will, extensions of Her divine power. When a worthy soul grasped a Named Blade, they became something more, a vessel for the Goddess's might, a champion of Her cause. They were bound to the blade, and to each other, a living embodiment of the Goddess's will.

Each blade held a unique destiny, a specific role to play in the grand tapestry of existence. Some were destined to slay, others to seek, and others were to heal the sick and protect the innocent. Together, the bearers of the Named Blades were a force to be reckoned with, they were as shining stars across the tapestry of the night sky in a world shrouded in darkness.

The Origin :

The first blades to emerge from the celestial forge were unlike any that followed. They were not merely infused with the Goddess's power; they were Her will, given form. Each one a primal force, imbued with a specific aspect of Her divine essence.

1. The Blade Aequitas - The Will
2. The Blade Nurn - The Faith - Unaccounted For
3. The Blade Arun - The Balance - Sundered (177 Years Ago)
4. The Blade Nefiatal - The Seeker - Unaccounted For
5. The Blade Laefen - The Embrace
6. The Blade Alethia - The Sight - Unclaimed
7. The Blade Cressane - The Order

The Ideal:

While the first blades embodied the raw essence of the Goddess's will, the second set forged by the Star Smith were instruments of structure and definition. They brought form to the formless, giving shape to the world and society.

1. The Blade Entagnon - The Judge
2. The Blade Dacian- The Binder
3. The Blade Veritas - The Virtue
4. The Blade Fenntor - The Jury
5. The Blade Taweret - The Architect - Unclaimed
6. The Blade Unthess - The Pursuit - Sundered (636 Years Ago)
7. The Blade Annghorhast - The Executioner

The Intent :

The third set of Named Blades marked a significant turning point in the forging. While the previous blades embodied raw power and established structure, these new weapons focused on the intentions of the wielder. They acted as conduits, amplifying the user's desires and channeling their will into tangible effects.

1. The Blade Nara - The Healer
2. The Blade Devan - The Artist
3. The Blade Doyt - The Builder - Unclaimed
4. The Blade Vimala - The Instructor
5. The Blade Fleur - The Alchemist
6. The Blade Golda - The Shaper
7. The Blade Ephraim - The Diplomat - Unclaimed

The Path :

The fourth set of Named Blades introduced an element of preordained destiny. These blades were not merely tools to amplify intent, but compasses guiding their wielders towards a predetermined path. They illuminated the future, revealing fragments of fate and nudging their bearers towards a greater purpose.

1. The Blade Bor - The Knowing - Unaccounted For - Bindings are lost
2. The Blade Eva - The Pilgrim
3. The Blade Birte - The Sage
4. The Blade Katya - The Guardian
5. The Blade Anselm - The Oracle
6. The Blade Kiran - The Shepard
7. The Blade Rin - The Untold - Unaccounted For - Bindings are lost

The Cloak :

The fifth set of Named Blades marked a departure from all that came before. Forged not from the flames of the smith's soul, but from the very essence of darkness that cloaked the world before creation.

1. The Blade Uluwehi - The Usher
2. The Blade Eloisa- The Sever - Unaccounted For
3. The Blade Wiclif - The Consumption - Unaccounted For
4. The Blade Khemut - The Server - Unaccounted For
5. The Blade Tahu - The Consummation - Unaccounted For
6. The Blade Boniface - The Servant - Unaccounted For
7. The Blade Hadriana - The Unleashed - Unclaimed

The People :

The sixth set of Named Blades marked the culmination of the Star Smith's sacred duty. Forged with the determination that lit the forges one final time as the Star Smith's celestial essence burned away, and imbued with the wisdom gleaned from all their previous creations, these blades were infused with the collective hopes and dreams of both the people and the Smith themselves. These final blades were dedicated to the preservation of all that was good and the protection of those who lived under the Goddess's watchful and hateful gaze. The Star Smith disappeared after the creation of these blades.

1. The Blade Gaige - The Warden
2. The Blade Keagan - The Paragon - Unclaimed
3. The Blade Tabea - The Keeper - Unclaimed
4. The Blade Ambra - The Shield
5. The Blade Ignatia - The Unifier- Unaccounted For
6. The Blade Arrnaut - The Vision - Unclaimed
7. The Blade Dayar - The Hope - Sundered (61 Years Ago)

In the primeval depths of the Nocturnis forests, where shadows danced and starlight whispered secrets, the Faith of Darkness was born. It was there that Krorone, the Goddess of Darkness, first cast Her gaze upon the elves, weaving their destiny into Her grand tapestry. Under the protective cloak of Her night sky, and guided by the threads of fate She spun, The People flourished. Krorone established the first priesthood, the revered Court of Stars, and bestowed upon Her chosen capital, Llanfyll, the sacred Wellspring of Night. This divine gift, a conduit between the mortal and divine, cemented Her presence and solidified Her promise.

With the link forged, Krorone stepped back into the shadows, entrusting Her people to chart their own course under the watchful gaze of Her stars. She granted them the freedom to bring balance to the world as they saw fit, to navigate the intricate dance of light and darkness, and to forge their own destiny within the grand tapestry of existence. From those early days emerged tales of both triumph and tragedy, of resilience in the face of suffering, and of adaptation to the ever-shifting tides of fate. Through the forging and sundering of legendary blades, the ashes of wars not their own, and the strength born from sacrifices made in the name of survival, Her chosen people have endured. Even now, amidst the encroaching darkness, they cling to Her vision, embodying the resilience and strength inherent in the shadows they serve. The Faith of Darkness remains a testament to their unwavering devotion, a beacon of hope amidst the ever-changing tapestry of fate.

In the beginning, the One Above All gazed upon the vast emptiness of our plane and was displeased of the dreamless void before them.

With their power, they could mold this plane and weave into the fabric of reality whatever their hearts desired. And so, they did.

They brought forth life, and light and in that instant began sowing the seeds of creation across all layers of this existence.

This new light, all powerful and grand, would cast a shadow that was equally profound.

Darkness and death entered the weave, and the fabric frayed at the touch of his destructive powers.

Thus began the unraveling, a cascade of destructive power that could not be stopped, but only counteracted by the power of creation itself.

The unraveling escalated, becoming a force neither entity could contain.

Witnessing the chaos of their collective power approaching them, the entities finally sought accord.

A truce was forged, and from this agreement, a new entity emerged, one tasked with halting the unraveling.

Both Light and Dark contributed to Her creation, forming a being of near-equal power and breathtaking beauty.

They beseeched Her, and She answered the call.

Forevermore, She has traversed the night sky, weaving the fabric of our reality, a testament to the enduring truce.

She drifts between light and dark, honoring both entities equally and reaffirming the ancient oaths.

And thus, the night sky calmed, and a new shape amongst the once bloody canvas of the greater cosmos settled into its rightful place, the moon was forged.

From this shape in the sky of night, light blossomed unto those who remained to look upon it, to look upon Her.

Not harsh and all consuming like that of the light of day, but serene and powerful as was the creature that was wrought at the heart of the moon's making.

Many fled from the approach of this entity, but The People were entranced as She spoke unto them . . .

"No longer will the cataclysm of stars trouble you with their plight, so long as I stand to bring balance to their actions and bind them to their spoken oaths.

You will act as my living word onto these lands.

Your souls are now in my keeping, that no other entity may judge you in a way as to keep you from Me.

Your bodies shall be given unto the world as they were made and sustained by Ilmos.

Your minds shall belong to no one other than yourselves, that you may choose what balance is, as you are My chosen, and that you can be judged by Me as an individual, unable to hide from the truth I see in your actions.

Let these be the only words you need of Me to bind.

This single chain unto the world linking living and divine.

Take the curse of my blessings and remember only I, Krorone, The Goddess of Darkness, the keeper of oaths and the bringer of balance can judge you truly.

Should your actions bring balance onto the world, I will take you into My embrace, and you will rest amongst the stars.

Should you fail me or mislead the people of this land, I will cast you into the darkness that exists between the stars to suffer for all of time and then thereafter."

Embrace the Darkness:

The moon's waxing and waning cycle embodies the universal truths of life, death, and rebirth. It reminds us that pain and suffering, though inevitable, are not permanent states of being, but rather opportunities for growth and transformation. Just as the moon embraces its darkness to emerge anew, we too must learn to embrace our own darkness. For it is within these depths that we discover our inner strength, resilience, and the capacity to overcome the trials ahead. Pain is not an ending, but a catalyst for change, urging us to shed outdated beliefs, confront our limitations, and cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves and the Goddess. By embracing the moon's cyclical journey as a metaphor for our own lives, we learn to navigate the inevitable darkness with grace and courage, knowing that within each period of suffering lies the potential for profound renewal and transformation. Embrace the darkness, for it is within its depths that we discover the true strength and resilience of our spirit.

Guide the Lost :

The whispers of lost souls echo through the night, a symphony of despair carried on the chilling wind. Each cry a faint star fallen from the tapestry of the night sky, their light flickering, threatened with extinction. We are called to heed their fading glimmers, to become as the stars themselves – steadfast, guiding, and unwavering. For just as the stars offer direction to those adrift in the darkness, so too must we become beacons for these lost souls. We shall be their solace in the cold night, their hope in the face of despair. The road ahead may be fraught with hardship, shrouded in shadows and uncertainty, but it is a path woven by Her divine hand. We must remind them that even in the deepest darkness, Her design holds purpose, and their journey, though arduous, leads towards a peace they cannot yet perceive. Let us seek out those who stumble in the night. Let us offer them the warmth of our faith, the strength of our conviction, and the solidarity found in Her embrace. We shall guide them through the trials ahead, reminding them that they are not alone, that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, we are all still a part of Her grand tapestry, and their cries have been heard by The People. We will answer.

Protect The People :

Bound to the celestial tapestry by threads of unwavering faith, we tread the path She has ordained. This moonlit road, though veiled in shadows, is ours to safeguard. We are not mere pilgrims on this journey, but guardians, entrusted with the sacred duty of ensuring safe passage for all who follow. Let our hearts be beacons, illuminating the darkness for those who falter. Let our compassion be a guiding light, gently leading the lost back to the righteous path. Let our resolve be an unyielding shield, protecting the vulnerable to the lurking shadows that seek to consume them.

Shadows of the Elves :

Our actions give strength to our own demons. Every wrongful deed, every transgression against the balance, feeds the shadows within us. These shadows, nurtured by our own negativity, grow stronger with each misstep, until they coalesce into a terrifying entity: The Emissary of the New Moon. Born of our own darkness, these emissaries are granted a single night to hunt their creators. Blessed by the Goddess and fueled by mortal transgression, they seek retribution for the wrongs that birthed them. Should they succeed in slaying their creator, they claim their former vessel as their own. But fear not for the soul that is lost, for Krorone, the Goddess of Darkness, has long ago claimed the souls of the moon elves. In Her embrace, they will find solace, even as the Prophet of Pain and the Server of Suffering delivers their just reward.

Cende i Raithel - Coming of the Night (Nightly Prayers) :

As night falls and shadows lengthen, members of the faithful turn inwards for their nightly prayers. These prayers are a time of quiet reflection, where they acknowledge the duality of their actions throughout the day. Their prayers extend beyond themselves, connecting with The Goddess of Darkness, Herself. They address the divine, draw inspiration from the stars, and honor the moon's cycle, seeking alignment with its energy. With reverence, they reaffirm their commitment to balance, embracing both pain and suffering as opportunities for growth. They seek guidance and protection, asking for wisdom to navigate challenges and surrendering to the mysteries of the universe with trust and acceptance. These nightly prayers are a source of renewal and introspection, reinforcing their core values and preparing them for the trials of the day to come.

Cerma i·Anta - Embracing the Stars (Weekly Ceremony) :

Under the vast expanse of the night sky, the faithful gather weekly to celebrate their connection to The Weaver of Fate. This ceremony unfolds in a designated outdoor space, adorned with symbols of the night sky, where members assemble in ceremonial attire. The ceremony commences with an invocation to Krorone, followed by divination practices like astrology readings and rune casting, seeking guidance from the stars. Members share personal stories and engage in guided stargazing, contemplating the constellations and their influence on destiny. Through discussions and reflections, they acknowledge the role of fate while emphasizing individual responsibility and the power of choice. The ceremony culminates in expressions of gratitude and communal bonding, reinforcing their shared beliefs and deepening their understanding of the cosmic dance. This weekly ritual serves as a powerful reminder of their core values, fostering introspection and a profound connection to the universe.

Anarithil - The Vigilance (Ritual of the Full Moon) :

Under the luminous glow of the full moon, the faith engages in a variety of rituals that reflect their core tenets. Celestial attunement rituals deepen their connection to the cosmos, involving meditations, hymns, and dances that mimic the patterns in Her night sky. In order to confront and integrate their shadow selves, they participate in shadow integration rituals, journeying into their own darkness through visualizations, sharing personal struggles, and symbolically releasing negativity. Furthermore, they enact rituals of thievery and redistribution, symbolically "stealing" objects representing wealth and engaging in acts of service to promote social justice. Finally, they celebrate love and connection through rituals that involve expressions of gratitude, dances of intimacy, and symbolic exchanges of affection, strengthening the bonds within their community. These diverse rituals, performed under the potent energy of the full moon, reinforce their commitment to balance in all aspects of life.

Menelmacar - The Remembrance (Ritual of the Quarter Moons) :

Bathed in the balanced illumination of the quarter moon, we perform rituals that delve into the duality of existence. The faithful engage in practices such as guided meditations and balancing movements, while also marking transitions and integrating new experiences through symbolic rites of passage. Divination and foresight practices, like tarot readings and dream analysis, offer glimpses into the future, tempered by an acceptance of uncertainty as Her weave is ever-changing. Finally, they celebrate their achievements and express gratitude for blessings received through communal meals, music, and prayers. These rituals, performed under the quarter moon's unique light, emphasize the faith's commitment to balance, the Goddess's will, the changing of fate, and an appreciation for the path She has set for us all.

Eithanariel - The Affirmation (Ritual of the New Moon) :

Under the cloak of the new moon's darkness, we await our Emissary and the coming of the shadow of ourselves. Those of the faith know no rest these nights, as they remain battle ready to fight off the coming of the shadows. Our light will not falter, lest the shadow of the elf take your soul to the space between stars and leave you there as it takes your place!

The path to priesthood under The Goddess of Darkness is not for the faint of heart. It demands a deep commitment to the core tenets of the faith, beginning with a profound understanding and embodiment of duality. Aspiring priests must confront their inner shadows, embrace vulnerability, and strive for equilibrium within, recognizing the interconnectedness of opposing forces like light and dark, creation and destruction, and pain and joy. Mastery of diverse practices is essential, requiring proficiency in disciplines ranging from meditation and astrology to combat and healing. Adaptability is key, as priests must navigate both physical and spiritual realms to guide Her followers. Furthermore, they must possess wisdom and compassion, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the faith's teachings and offering empathetic guidance to those in need. Rigorous training is undertaken to cultivate discipline and resilience, including physical and mental exercises and spiritual initiations. Ultimately, priesthood is a life dedicated to service to the Dark Goddess, requiring selfless commitment to Her will and conduct that embodies the principles of balance as She has deemed fit. Those who successfully navigate this demanding path become beacons of Her light, guiding others along the woven path of fate She has made for us.

The Curse of Her Blessing :

All of those who are pure of blood have access to the power that She gave unto them when Her words were first spoken. To all of those people, Her light is theirs to call upon, that they may act as Her beacons for the lost souls that are on the dark path. Some of the people even present greater powers, such as being able to introduce darkness itself into the minds of lesser beings. Those who are truly blessed, find themselves able to pull down the veil of stars around themselves to become unseen by all save for The Goddess Herself. There are stories of greater powers lost now to time, but Her blessings still find their way into our hearts and minds. Our souls are Hers, and these gifts are our reward for services rendered.

The Moonweavers - The Order of the Balanced Soul :

The Moonweavers seeks harmony within and without, recognizing that true balance lies in embracing all aspects of existence. They strive to integrate the light and darkness, the pain and joy, the creation and destruction, and even the seemingly contradictory acts of love and thievery into a unified whole. Through a diverse range of practices drawn from all sects, they seek to embody the dynamic equilibrium of the universe, living in accordance with the will of The Goddess and finding enlightenment in the harmonious integration of all things She has created for us in Her woven fate.

• Axiom : Within the dance of light and dark, joy and sorrow, creation and destruction, lies the perfect equilibrium. Seek balance in all things, and you shall find harmony amongst Her woven fate.
• Focus : Strive for perfect equilibrium within themselves, integrating all aspects of the faith – darkness, light, pain, love, and even thievery – into a harmonious whole.
• Practices : Engage in a variety of practices from all the other sects, seeking to find a balanced approach to life. They meditate in darkness, study the stars, celebrate love, and even engage in acts of thievery when necessary.
• Beliefs : True balance lies in embracing all aspects of existence, both light and dark. They believe that all experiences, even painful ones, offer opportunities for growth and understanding. They strive to live in harmony with the universe, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.
• Popularity : This Sect has become the most prevalent in Llanfyll and is rapidly gaining followers amongst The People.

Star Chamberlains :

With eyes fixed on the celestial canvas, these diviners dedicate their lives to unraveling the mysteries of The Goddesses woven fate. They meticulously study the stars, believing that these celestial bodies hold profound wisdom and influence the course of fate and destiny. Through astrology, astronomy, and divination, they seek to understand the true will of Krorone, using their knowledge to guide their lives and offer counsel to others seeking meaning and direction amidst the chaos of the world.

• Axiom : As above, so below. The patterns of the weave reflect the destiny of all beings, and by understanding the stars, we can navigate the currents of Her woven fate.
• Focus : Deep study of the stars and celestial bodies, seeking to understand their influence on fate, destiny, and the will of The Goddess.
• Practices : Observing celestial events, creating astrological charts, interpreting omens, and performing rituals aligned with planetary movements.
• Beliefs : The stars and planets hold profound wisdom and influence the course of events. By understanding the celestial patterns, they can gain insight into the past, present, and future.
• Popularity : This Sect has always worked alongside the others. It is neither gaining nor loosing membership at any noticeable rate.

The Eclipses :

Operating in the twilight realm between morality and rebellion, the Eclipses view thievery as a tool for social justice. They believe that wealth and power should be shared equitably, and they challenge those who hoard resources and exploit the vulnerable. Skilled in stealth and subterfuge, they move through the shadows, redistributing wealth and exposing hypocrisy, acting as agents of balance in a world rife with inequality.

• Axiom : From the shadows, we strike.
• Focus : Embrace thievery as a means of redistributing wealth, challenging societal norms, and exposing hypocrisy. They see themselves as poise weights on Her divine scales.
• Practices : Skilled in stealth, infiltration, and subterfuge. They operate in the shadows, under the blanket of darkness, targeting those who abuse their power or hoard wealth unjustly.
• Beliefs : Thievery can be a tool for social justice and a means of restoring balance. They believe that material wealth should be shared equitably and that those who exploit others deserve to be challenged.
• Popularity : This Sect exists, or so we still think. Its work is being done, but no one openly claims to be a part of it.

The Moonlit Loveweavers :

For the Loveweavers, love is not merely an emotion, but a sacred force that binds the universe together. They celebrate love in all its forms – romantic, platonic, familial, and universal – seeing it as a path to healing, connection, and transcendence. Under the velvet cloak of night, they gather to foster intimacy, compassion, and understanding, believing that through love, they can overcome suffering and experience the true beauty of existence.

• Axiom : Love is the bridge that spans the divide, the balm that heals all wounds, and the force that unites all creation in Her embrace.
• Focus : Embrace love and connection as essential aspects of the divine balance.
• Practices : Gatherings under the night sky, celebrating love in all its forms, engaging in rituals that foster intimacy and connection, and promoting acts of kindness and compassion.
• Beliefs : Love is a sacred force that binds the universe together. Through love, they can achieve harmony within themselves and with others, transcend suffering, and experience the true beauty of existence.
• Popularity : This Sect is popular with some, but considered taboo by most, it is in a state of decline as other Sects have become more open-minded.

The Order of the Shadowed Soul :

More than just worshipers of darkness, the Order of the Shadowed Soul delves into the depths of pain and suffering, seeing them not as evils to be avoided, but as profound teachers on the path to enlightenment. They believe that by confronting and embracing these challenging aspects of existence, they can transcend their limitations, forge resilience, and achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and the will of The Goddess. Through intense rituals involving physical and emotional trials, they seek to break down the barriers between light and dark, finding unity through the wisdom that resides in the shadows.

• Axiom : Embrace the darkness within, for it is the crucible that refines the soul and reveals the truth at the heart of Her making. As it is written in the stars, upon our bones, and in our scars.
• Focus : Embrace of darkness, pain, and suffering as paths to enlightenment.
• Practices : Meditation in darkness, ritualistic scarification, fasting, and exploring the limits of endurance.
• Beliefs : Pain is a sacred teacher, suffering is a crucible that forges strength, and darkness holds profound wisdom. They see themselves as "Soul Striders," navigating the darkness within and without to achieve spiritual growth.
• Popularity : This Sect has dissolved by all accounting. Being the oldest Sect left in the faith and having lost it members to broader and kinder ideas of faith over the millennia, there are few known practitioners left.