LUNARETH
General
History: Born beneath the pale gaze of the moons, the Lunareth are not truly daughters of the heavens, though plenty of old tales call them that. Their beginning is said to reach back to an age when Aabahran itself could no longer bear the wounds left by mortal hands. Storms, quakes and famine could slow the harm, but they could not choose a target or follow it into the dark. So the world answered in another way. From living wood, pale stone, wild growth and moonlit essence, the first Lunareth were shaped. The moons did not create them, but their light marked them. Beneath Lysenties and Dyphrities, these rare women were given a purpose: protect what must endure, mislead those who would spoil it, and remove threats too dangerous to leave alone. For long ages, the Lunareth were little more than rumor. When Lysenties and Dyphrities vanished from the sky, their marked children faded from the world as well. Only old warnings, strange songs and woodland superstition remained. Now that both moons have returned, so have the Lunareth. Some call their return a blessing. Others call it an omen. Each Lunareth is marked from birth by the moon under which she awakens. Those touched by Lysenties are called Luminous, and many become guardians, healers and clerics of wounded places. Those shaped beneath Dyphrities are known as the Veiled, and often favor fear, secrecy, sabotage and confusion. The divide is not perfect, but the moon that marks a Lunareth leaves a deep pull on her nature. The Lunareth remain rare, more often rumor than witness. Wood elves speak of pale figures moving between trees, silver eyes over moonlit lakes, and beautiful women whose footsteps leave no trail. Those who try to capture or harm them often vanish. Darker stories claim they can be slain by those who wield shadow-born magics. Appearance: Lunareth appear as slender, graceful women made of living wood, smooth stone and flowing plantlife. Vines may fall like hair, blooming with pale flowers among the Luminous or darker blossoms among the Veiled. Their skin often resembles polished bark or moonlit stone, with faint light beneath the surface. Their eyes are usually silver, pale blue or shadowed violet. Though willowy, they move with careful poise, and no two look quite alike. Hometown: The Lunareth are seen most often in groves, mountains, deep forests and lonely coasts. If one lingers near mortal lands, she is almost always there for a reason, whether to guard a sacred place, stalk a quarry or quietly watch events unfold. Society: Lunareth society is closer to a sisterhood than a nation. They gather rarely, usually in small circles called together by lunar signs or the needs of the world. Most live alone, and their alliances tend to last only as long as the purpose that made them. Since the return of Lysenties and Dyphrities, old stories of moongatherings have begun to stir again, telling of Lunareth meeting beneath aligned moons to trade warnings, memories and omens. Religion: The Lunareth do not worship as most mortals do. They revere Aabahran as the source of their purpose, and honor Lysenties and Dyphrities as sacred lights beneath which they were awakened. Some follow faiths when useful or called though, especially when those faiths serve the wilds, vengeance against destroyers, or the healing other protectors. Relationships with Other Races: Most mortals regard the Lunareth with awe, fear and suspicion. Their beauty may be disarming, but their motives are rarely clear. Druids, shamans and some elves may treat with them, while Giants, Kaddars and others known for ruinous appetites may find themselves stalked, misled or punished by unseen hands. So far as anyone knows, all Lunareth are female. Physical Adaptations: Lunareth bodies hold deep reserves of lunar and natural energy, giving them strong magical potential. Their forms are graceful but not built for brute strength or great speed, so they rely more on endurance, patience and vitality. They weather harsh places well, but all share a dangerous weakness to entropy, the force that unravels life and severs the bonds that sustain them. Whether Luminous or Veiled, every Lunareth carries the same burden: mortal in life, yet bound to a purpose shaped by Aabahran itself. Lunareth can be the following classes: Ranger, Cleric, Monk, Invoker, Necromancer, Healer, Shaman, Bard
Aabahran