By The Light Of The Moon

Delving into Blackfathom Deeps

An excerpt from Glory to the Queen Born of Stars:

"Of the wonders our queen brought to this world, perhaps none was so great as Lathar'Lazal. As masons constructed the temple, Azshara shaped the waters around it with the Scepter of Tides. She spoke the names of the rivers and the seas, and they moved at her command. Salt water from the roaring ocean and fresh water from the mountain streams trickled to Azshara's side. With the flick of her wrist, the queen partitioned them into great lakes that hugged Lathar'Lazal's sturdy foundation."

Architecture:

Blackfathom Deeps, as we know it today, was once called "Lathar'Lazal," or "Seat of the Sky" in Darnassian. Long ago, this was a temple to Elune built by Queen Azshara with the aid of Sharas'dal (her tide-scepter) in the ages before the Sundering. Pelagic imagery still endures in the architecture of these sunken ruins, described at one point to have contained "gem-encrusted bridges and effervescent lakes." Motifs of fish-head fountains, wave-inspired stonework, scale-like patterns, and ionic columns are repeated in the masonry and pottery of the forlorn halls. It is unclear what the seafoam-colored stone the temple is made of, though it is interesting to note that it almost bears a resemblance to a body of water's surface: like the way a pool shifts and shimmers with the light. Some kind of material borne of the sea, melded together with the queen's Sharas'dal, or a common mineral of the region? They could also simply bear cracks and signs of weathering considering the age of the temple, but watery stone would be fitting symbolically.

Azshara's Influence:

"Whenever she [Azshara] walked the bridges of Lathar'Lazal, nearby schools of exotic fish would array themselves in colorful patterns. She even kept a colossal sea giant bound to one of the lakes. She used her scepter to make him perform tricks and feats of strength, much to the delight of the watching Highborne. Curious night elves from the far corners of the empire journeyed to Lathar'Lazal to study the mythical creature and his habits."

Perhaps Lathar'Lazal was a bustling tourist attraction then in the days of the empire, both for education and entertainment. With such tourism drawn to the temple, I wonder if the nearby land/city of Zoram benefited from this economically.

The passage above seems to imply that the Highborne rather enjoyed the spectacle of the imprisoned sea giant, and this poses an interesting dichotomy to the original purpose of the temple: a house of Elune, simultaneously hosting a creature trapped against its will. Such an exhibition created by Azshara here speaks to her penchant for show and amusement, and possible disregard for the faith. If only a historical record existed of a priestess's personal journal or the like; and whether she would be disappointed with such behavior, or complacent in the suffering of other races/creatures as night elves often were during this era.

Tideweaver:

Queen Azshara, even before her naga transformation, always had a fascinating dominion over water, both with her scepter Sharas'dal and the Well of Eternity. Supposedly Xavius was the one who actually gifted the queen with this ornate weapon that later shaped the temple:

"A night elf named Lord Xavius presented the queen with a jeweled scepter, etched with delicate magical sigils. He promised Azshara that so long as she kept it close, it would bring her prosperity and great power. Azshara held the scepter aloft, and the jewels shimmered in the light of the moons like brilliant stars. The sight of the queen and her gift was so beautiful that it brought many of the attendant Highborne to tears."

An enigmatic man of terrifying skill and power, I do wonder where Xavius procured this weapon in the first place; as its design does not appear to be of Kaldorei craftsmanship. Perhaps it hails from the ancient jinyu culture, the primordial titans, or some other past world power. Examining its details, what do you think of Sharas'dal's origins?

"Queen Azshara's enchanted scepter afforded her great power. Imbued with the Well of Eternity's potent waters, it held sway over the rivers and the seas, aquatic creatures of all kinds, and the life energies that stirred within Azshara herself."

In the Tablet of Balancing Tides, it is stated that:

"The whispers of Elune and Neptulon play on the tides, their words etched in stone are a tribute to the balance of their power."

I find it interesting that Azshara utilized a form of magic half-intrinsic to the moon goddess. Did she derive some of her aquatic power from Elune, or use a different magick entirely? The descriptions of Azshara wielding the scepter use language that speaks to a command over water, rather than a unity with the elementals, spirits, and goddess.

This item's flavor text also mentions Neptulon--Elemental Lord of Waters--interestingly now a sworn enemy of Queen Azshara and her naga forces in the present day.

The Moonshrine Ruins:

This place supposedly once hosted a moonwell, with an area known as the Moonshrine. The foundations here might suggest that before the Sundering, Lathar'Lazal could have been built just upon the shores, or expanded out into the sea itself with the tides embracing the temple all around. Swimming beneath the waters of the Moonshrine, there appear to be large pillars supporting the walkways here; much like a pier.

The Inner Sanctum:

Crescent imagery is prevalent inside of the sanctum, as well as sets of 3 seats, perhaps symbolism of the triple moon (waxing, full, and waning or the maiden, mother, and crone archetypes) holding some importance in the rituals carried out here. These could also represent a large meeting space, high-ranking priestesses for ritual, a council of leadership, divisions of the temple, seating for observers, or something else entirely. They face partitioned rooms with crescent moon symbols.

If we look at the central dais of the sanctum, (Azshari statue and cultist altar notwithstanding) there is a raised platform with a pyramid-like structure carved into the ceiling. Perhaps a skylight once existed here to let in moonlight for lunar rites, or this area hosted something of great importance to be kept safe inside the sanctum.

The Moondoors:

The moondoors are an especially interesting piece, and the last apparent threshold of the Seat of the Sky. Upon passing through, there are only a handful of pillars flanking the sides of the cavern. They seem to accompany each other in pairs on each side - marking a possible entrance, exit, or some other pathway to the temple. While I am unsure of their true purpose or the mechanism to unlock them, the various square pieces are almost akin to a puzzle. This model is used in other Kaldorei architecture and I've long been intrigued by their possible uses. These moondoors are typically used as entrances to the tall, thin ivory towers of Kaldorei ruins. Perhaps Elunarian priests or arcanists weave (or wove) intricate spellwork rooted in the arcane, or the moon cycle in order to lock these types of barriers. What was intended to lie beyond them is anyone's guess: powerful artifacts, sacred relics, enshrined lore, or even concealed secrets.

"The Great Sundering shattered the glorious temple, sinking it beneath the waves of the Veiled Sea."

I hope you enjoyed these musings! There's something equally fascinating and solemn looking back at the remnants of the Kaldorei Empire - in the shadows of glory that once eclipsed the continent.

波濤

🌙🩵💟

Elune-adore. I was inspired to make a little concept sketch of what I envision when I think about Elune the White Lady, the Night Warrior, and Mother Moon.

For those that maybe don’t know the lore of wow, we’ve never seen Elune and what she looks like. We’ve only heard her voice through her High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind in Ardenweald. So she’s a mystery to this day.

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The Liquid Fire of Elune

Records and Rituals

– Headcanon Speculations and Roleplay Uses –

The Liquid Fire of Elune, a sister substance and elemental mirror of Her sacred moonwell waters, remains a powerful addition to any lunar devout’s repertoire. Its very name and nature have long puzzled the unfamiliar, a seemingly contradictory union of forces. However, Sisterhood practices and elemental insights present some possibilities for the existence of this mystifying material.

Those of the faith are intimately familiar with the sacred attunement to Elune’s spiritual energies. It is a powerful and yet unseen connection between devout and deity, able to manifest prayer and beseechment into tangible effects. On a cosmological level, spirit is regarded as the fifth of the elements, invisible but intrinsic to all living things. Because of this common thread between even earth, air, fire, and water, spirit is able to bring balance and passivity to otherwise volatile, clashing forces. This could explain why Elune’s channeled spiritual energies could bring harmony to the addition of fire, or perhaps a fiery manifestation of faith, into a moonwell. That Her blessing is a crucial component in their formation, moonwell waters are likely at least one of the foundational bases for liquid fire; as shown in the endeavors of Stars’ Rest in Dragonblight (as well as a resistance to freezing over.) A combination of the healing properties of water and the fury of flame, this substance is especially useful in halting the spread of afflictions such as scourgeblight and breaking the will of demons. The rituals recorded herein may be conducted upon personal vessels of moonwater; although, entire moonwells may be converted in more dire circumstances with amplified reagents, invokers, and mana suffusion. Provided prayers are mere recommendations.

Ritual 1: Conflagrant Crescent Oil

Ideal Moon Phase: Full

Reagents:

Sealable vessel of holding

A base of moonwell water

Conflagrant Crescent Oil (abstract below) - 1 part fire oil - 1 part elemental water - 1 part binding agent such as tallow, seed oil, kelp gel, etc - 1 lesser or greater eternal essence

Rites:

Into your chosen vessel of moonwater, combine the elemental water and incorporate thoroughly with a consecrated implement.

Slowly add fire oil and equal parts binding agent interchangeably, stirring moonwise between.

When fully emulsified, work to infuse the liquid with lunar invocations and words of power which call upon Elune's purification, cleansing, and the sanctity of life. Some have also chosen to use more retributive language, especially in the case of preparing for demonic or undead expulsion. The end of this step will be made clear once Her divine spirit brings harmony to the opposing elemental reagents, the liquid radiates a coruscant silver, and emanates warmth.

Examples are provided here, though the true importance of this step lies in your personal resonance to whichever words you choose. - “Relore / elore / shallore.” (To call, to bless, to anoint.) - “Shara / falo / alla.” (Water, flame, light.) - “Anor / falor / elor.” (Holy, balance, eternal.)

Retributive Invocation: - “Adoras / Lun’droras / Bel dinas.” (On holy grounds, The Moon flows, The Goddess preserves.) - “Shalloril anar shara / felil anar falo / shahil anar alla.” (Cleansed by water, burned by fire, graced by light.) - “Irana adalore / fel’dralar az’vorore / di’falu a’dordore.” (To light darkness, to break evil, to restore balance.)

The ritual may be optionally finalized with an eternal essence of enchantment for additional potency and longevity.

Store in a sealable vessel.

Ritual 2: Crystalline Infusion

Ideal Moon Phase: Waning

Reagents:

Sealable vessel of holding

1 part moonwell water

1 crystallized water

1 crystallized fire

1 lesser moonstone

Rites:

Place the fragments of crystallized water into your chosen vessel.

Slowly incorporate pieces of crystallized fire, allowing any bubbling to subside.

Submerge the lesser moonstone into the liquid, hold it in your hands, peer into its faceted reflection, and chant the invocations. You will know the infusion is done once the waters appear a nigh-blinding silver, replete with Her sacred moonlight. - “Lun’alla, anoril / Shara, amethil / Falo, malil.” (Moonlight, captured. Water, embraced. Flame, calmed.) - “Aramil / Amethil / Shalloril.” (Joined. Embraced. Anointed.) - “Ande-daral-melu / Ande-zaxus-dinu / Ande-qua-eran’dormil.” (May Your solace guide. May Your wrath protect. May life prevail.)

Leave to rest uncovered in direct moonlight for no less than one full night, although a moon-cycle is ideal. Veil from exposure to sunlight before dawnbreak.

After completion of the ritual, store in a sealable vessel. The crystal shards may remain in a steeping chamber, although removal is advised if kept in any glass material.

Ritual 3: Coalescence

Ideal Moon Phase: New

Reagents:

Sealable vessel of holding

1 part moonwell water

1 essence of water

1 essence of fire

⅓ part spirit dust or arkhana

Incense

1 lesser or greater eternal essence

(Optional) feather, wand or focus

Notes: Recommended for those with enchanting experience. Before undertaking the ritual (if circumstance allows), ensure as much rest, sustenance, and energy preservation for yourself and any other participants; as the coalescence ritual requires a much greater suffusion of mana. It is recommended to conduct the ritual in a well-defensible area due to the required power which might lure the corrupt; and one where concentration is easily maintained. Therefore, it is advised that at least one other accompanies your endeavors.

Rites:

To begin, add spirit dust or arkhana into your chosen vessel of moonwater. As manifested motes of spirit and order, these are a vital first addition to bring harmony to the essences of water and fire.

Ignite your preferred incense in preparation to call upon Elune’s aid in the endeavor of harmony and blessing the waters. - “Shara’endel / Falo’endel / Melah’endel.” (Breath of Water. Breath of Fire. Breath of Guidance.) - “Tor ka ande Dal Shara / Tor ka ande Dal falo / Tor ka ande Dal melah.” (Let it be Your water. Let it be Your fire. Let it be Your guidance.) - “Ande ka droru aminor Dal / Ande ka felo zaxus Dal / Ande ka melu alla Dal.” (May it flow with Your serenity. May it burn with Your wrath. May it guide with Your light.) - “Bess il / al anato / dorini’aramil.” (From nothing, to pieces, oneness.)

Weaving your mana as a guide, work to fully infuse the essence of water into your vessel. (Some prefer the use of their hands, a feather, a wand, or some other anchoring focus.) Let its path be fluid and flowing, as is the way of water; though too great a restraint or too loose a freedom, and the essence shall be lost to ice and air.

Once you are ready to continue, direct the wayward energies of the fire’s essence as if its path were guided by your own mana. A delicate balance weighs amid the unruly nature of fire: a delicate balance to be respected and maintained. Stray from it too long, and its vim be snuffed: allow it to spread, and it will know no control.

The coalescence will be complete upon the waters taking on the signature silver radiance of liquid fire.

After completion of the ritual, store in a sealable vessel.

With gratitude for Vestia Moonspear’s guidance.

Ritual 4: Terrene Tincture

Ideal Moonphase: Third Quarter

Reagents:

Sealable vessel of holding

1 vial or jar

Mortar and pestle

Gloves, gauntlets, or any form of fire protection for the hands

2 parts moonwell water

1 part flammable, distillate base (such as fermented rice, grain, honey, or fruit)

⅓ part cinderbloom or firebloom stamen

⅓ part aqueous or aquatic herb

⅓ part moon lily (Elune’s Grace may be used as well; although great caution is advised in regions with a dense lupine presence)

Rites:

Finely pluck or grind the moon lily, and place their leaves, petals, and blooms into your chosen vessel.

Don fire protection for the hands, and carefully incorporate the stamen of the cinder or firebloom.

Fill with the distillate base, stirring the contents moonwise.

Allow to rest in direct moonlight for one full cycle, veiling from sunlight before each dawnbreak.

When you are ready to undergo the ritual, open or unseal your vial or jar, and strain through a finely meshed cloth. - “Falo, bess tel / Lun’el, bess tel / Droru, bess tel.” (From earth, fire. From earth, moonleaf. From earth, water.) - “Dal sha, ilu karaeth / Dal thor, ilu karaeth / Dal dorini, ilu karaeth.” (In them, Your grace. In them, Your fury. In them, Your will.) - “Dora quel’ama / Dinah qua sera / Ethah fel'irana.” (A principle most high. The sacred protection of life. The banishing of the profane.)

The transformation will be complete upon the liquid’s hue taking on a radiant silver shift.

After completion of the ritual, store in a sealable vessel.

Ritual 5: Within Reach

Ideal Moon Phase: Any

Reagents:

Sealable vessel of holding

A base of moonwater

1 candle

Elunite Coals/coals from a silver brazier/ashes from a silver brazier

Note: A minimal reagent list, this ritual is intended for more dire circumstances when the procurement of rare ingredients is unattainable.

Rites:

Carve the surface of your candle with liturgical sigils of balance, the protection of life, and sacred cyclicality.

Place the lunar coals or ashes into your vessel, stirring moonwise. The joining of these reagents and moonwater will produce a lunar lye, whose final efficacy will rely on the Goddess’s imbuement.

Light your candle or whichever source of fire is available to you, and prepare for invocation. - “Dal daroth an’o / Dal owyn an’o / Dal faro an’o.” (I am Your nexus. I am Your font. I am Your beacon.) - “Darn’a anu dal / Elah anu dal / Dorini anu dal.” (For Your divinity. For Your blessing. For Your will.) - “Anu ash’al a’qua / Anu ash’al falah / Anu ash’al dora.” (We do this for life. We do this for balance. We do this for truth.)

Snuff the candle’s wick (or fire source) in the lunar lye. The ritual’s success will be marked by the solution bursting into silvery liquid fire, which can then be stored in a sealable vessel.

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