The Stars of Lunari
Fellowship of the Sunan Elves
The main faith of the Moon Elves. Worship centers around the benevolent moon goddess Mene. Whilst once a goddess that showered her people with blessings, she has since gone silent, leaving her followers confused and worried.
The Lunari Faith, rooted in ancient traditions, predates the settlement of Sirelina, even back when it was known as Crescent Island. It is the largest elven faith in Suna remaining practiced today by a dwindling group of devoted followers, primarily Moon Elves but small demographics of other species of people in Marilune have been known to follow this path. With many leaving Marilune due to regional instability, the faith has spread in small pockets across the region to other islands.Mene has become quiet, almost invisible to the realm. As in ancient times, her bountiful blessings helped set the foundation for the first islands in Suna to be settled by elven travelers. In present times, however, she is all but absent from any kind of direct portents with her clergy or followers. Some clerics preach prophecies of Mene’s return, but belief in these prophecies is growing increasingly rare, and many grow wary of the truth behind this all. Meanwhile, the split-off sect of The Dark Moon has continued to grow in both prevalence and defiance in the face of the Lunari, and the dwindling number of Mene's true faithful only makes such shifts worse.
Mythology & Lore
Followers, whose devoted members are known as Lunari, revere the Moon Goddess Mene. The Lunari claim Mene was a spirit with power and capability enough to have introduced Light and Dark affinity to the world by infusing the power of a Star, one of many theories that exist worldwide. This magic is said to have given rise to many miracles amongst the Moon Elves, Mene’s chosen people. The city of Marilune, meaning "place of nocturnal light," is considered sacred and once thrived with shrines and churches dedicated to Mene. Its most iconic structure is Mene's Moonlight Temple.
Divine Origins
Mene is a Light-affinity spirit who once regularly visited the Marilune region, aiding locals and maintaining the land. She became fond of the early elves who first explored the islands of Suna and took them in as her chosen people. The elves, in turn, would come to worship her as a patron deity, even prescribing their new cultural name in honor of the same motifs she was known for, the Moon and stars. As Moon Elves settled and became self-sufficient, Mene's appearances diminished, inspiring folklore that evolved into the religion now known as the Stars of Lunari.
Tenets of Faith
The Old Faith teaches peace, kindness, and inclusivity. Worshippers claim Mene’s blessings can grant Light or Dark affinities, manifesting as starry illusion magic, such as light manipulation and disguises. Lunari view these abilities as gifts from the Stars, Mene’s creations, meant to observe and guide the Realm.
Worship
Worship consists mainly of blessings at night or before sea travel voyages. Many Lunari embark on a pilgrimage to Moonlight Tower at least once a year to pray and pay tribute inside the tower.
Leader
The Cardinals of Mene
The Cardinals of Mene
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Contributors: artymios