Kalani of the Night

Kalani has domain over all the areas included with her Aspect Deities, but in addition she holds power over the Moon and lunar cycles, darkness, shadows, shadow magic, transformation and rebirth. 

Black Opals

In the few discovered locations in the world where Black Opals are naturally found, it is believed that these were formed from the arrows fired by Kalani in the earliest eras of existence. These gems are considered very rare and valuable and it is thought that wearing them is a way to garner the attention of the deity. They are also used in alchemy and magic for their potent protective qualities.

The Heart of Aellombra

The Heart of Aellombra is a dark smoky crystal that was originally inlaid into Kalani’s bow. She will gift this gem to selected mortals for a time when they are undertaking a quest on her behalf. It will bond with any chosen weapon and imbue it with access to her own Shadow Magic. Through the crystal the mortal can also access the voice of Aellombra, the sentient being within Kalani’s bow, who acts as a communication link between the mortal and Kalani, albeit one with its own opinions about the situation. 

Upon the completion of the quest the crystal will return to Kalani. However should the mortal die with their task unfinished, the crystal remains dormant awaiting a new individual to take up the original mantle. 

In its simplest form the symbol of Kalani is the depiction of a crescent moon. Other moon phases, or combinations of them are used in more decorative works, or depending on the circumstances of their use.

Kalani is known to favour corvid birds such as crows, ravens and magpies, and is said to sometimes use them as her eyes across the material plane. Those beings she shows interest in will often find themselves garnering the attention of these sorts of birds.

Stones associated with Kalani include Selenite, Hematite and Labradorite. Those who worship her will often have one of these stones on her and may use them in magical workings when invoking Kalani's influence.

Plants linked with Kalani are Datura flowers, Calla lilies and Rosemary. It is also of note that two of her favoured plants are known for being toxic, with calla lilies being a powerful hallucinogen.

Those who worship Kalani focus on a deep spiritual connection with the natural cycle of life, death and rebirth, and the recognition of darkness as the natural, and necessary counter to light. Followers of Kalani pay close attention to the lunar cycles of the year, seeing each phase of the moon as representative of the cycle of life of all beings.

Many of Kalani's followers also find comfort and solace in the steadyingly constant presence of the moon, fostering a compassion for those experiencing the hasher times of life's cycles.

There are certain followers of Kalani who lean more into her protective and vengeful characteristics and will take on roles related to seeking justice for others.

• Have patience, for all things pass and all return in their own time.
• Embrace endings as you would beginnings; they are all phases cast upon the same moon.
• Darkness holds peace where the light is always waiting.
• Those who take life in malice, will not be given mercy in return.

Midwinter Solstice

The 14th Markmune is the Midwinter Solstice and the longest night and it is traditional for people to decorate and gather in groups to celebrate Kalani. Whilst deference is given to Thallo throughout the day and into the sunset, once fully set the lighting of decorated Solstice Lanterns marks to shift over to celebrations of Kalani. Decorations often include the hanging of evergreen plants over windows and doorways, lighting decorated lanterns and use of the colours, deep blue, silver and black.

At Solstice celebrations it is traditional for people to come together in large groups to eat and drink into the night. Foods such as winter spiced stigit pancakes, stewed or roasted meats and preserves of red berries are common. At this time people exchange gifts, but unlike the Midsummer Solstice it is frowned upon to give a gift that has been bought for the occasion. Gifts given are often practical items that have either been made or were already owned by the gift giver. This is thought to represent the cycle of renewal as the gifted item has a new “life” with the next owner. 

The night of the Midwinter Solstice is the one night a year where Thallo is relieved of his duty as Lord of Death and Kalani herself walks the lands in his stead. To ease the burden upon her people will mark the entry of their homes with her crescent symbol to show that all within the house are well and not in need of her attention. In further honour of Kalani’s effort, gathered celebrants will ensure to have at least one person awake in the household until dawn the next day.

Kalani represented as a well built woman with the powerful shoulders of an archer, standing at over 9 feet tall. She has pale grey skin with shimmering areas on the highlights of her cheekbones and shoulders, in shifting shades of forest green and slate blue. This same shimmer is present on the tips of her elongated and pointed ears. Her eyes are an intense dark green which are matched by her often steely expression. Her hair is raven black with hints of blue where it catches the light, tumbling in thick waves to well past her waist.

In some of Kalani's depictions she also has a set of large feathered wings, black in colour with the same blue-green iridescence as the corvid birds she so favours.

In many depictions Kalani is shown to be clothed in what appears to be wreaths of shadows and darkly glittering crystals. At her wrists are crystal gauntlets and a crown of crystal shards is always present. Unlike many of the other Gods she is rarely seen to be wearing any form of footwear and shows a preference for moving through the Planes of her dominion bare foot.

Kalani is rarely seen without her decorated bow, Aellombra, from which she fires arrows tipped with the darkest of opals. This bow was her trusted weapon during the earliest times of the Wars of the Gods and is said to have gained a sentience of its own over time.

Kalani takes a close interest in her Aspect Deities and their exploits, lending her favour and aid - at times even when unasked for! Her Aspects are Nemesia, Valentilde, Miraeth and Nelyyka. Although Thallo and Yrsaenor are no longer her Aspects, she remains on good terms with them and likewise has been known to intercede on their behalf with other members of the Triarchy.

Her interactions with Othero are now fairly cordial, however there are still residual tensions over certain locations and subjects.

Kalani has a set of magpies, Arion and Nishan, who are frequently seen either with her, or alongside one of her Aspects when they are enacting her specific will.