View source for Star (Lethurîa)

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Lethurèan Star}}

A '''Star (Lethurèa)''' is not a roiling ball of superheated plasma, as understood in many universes, but a radiant rift—an aperture between [[It'slâmwâ]] (the Realm of Celestial Light and Spirit) and [[Yedistren]] (the Material Realm). These rifts bathe entire planetary systems in the '''Light of It'slâmwâ''', nurturing flora, sustaining lumivores, and serving as the sacred gateways for spirits both entering and leaving Yedistren. Every star is both a bridge and a barrier, essential to the cosmological, spiritual, and biological tapestry of [[Lethurèa]].

== Overview ==
From the surface of a Lethurèan world, a Star appears as a blindingly brilliant white light—yet to gaze upon it is to experience not pain, but a soul-deep sense of warmth, hope, and peace. Unlike mundane stars, the light of a Lethurèan Star does not fatigue or blind the eyes, instead uplifting the spirit.

Each Star always appears oriented toward the observer, as if it “faces” all who behold it, an effect likened to a hole in a four-dimensional fabric, always presenting its depth. Stars anchor planetary systems and serve as metaphysical focal points, stabilized by their own inherent structure and protected by their celestial guardians, the [[Naa'ôna]].

== Cosmology and Structure ==
Originally, every system in [[Lethurèa]] possessed its own Star. Over time, certain systems such as the [[Hemedrus System]], home to [[Gokolok]], have been shrouded by [[Malisik Corruption]], rendering their Stars blackened and their worlds cast in spiritual shadow. The presence or absence of a Star determines the health, prosperity, and spiritual balance of a system.

Stars are surrounded by immense Celestial Cities—ringed metropolises constructed of condensed, woven light. These “[[Cities in the Stars]]” are inhabited by the [[Naa'ôna]], who enforce [[Universal Law (Lethurèa)]] and safeguard the passage of souls.

== Celestial Light ==
The '''Celestial Light''' streaming from each Star is neither ordinary nor truly physical. Mundane [[Photo-Voltaic Cell|photo-voltaic cells]] cannot absorb this light; only specially-crafted [[Luma-Voltaic Cell|luma-voltaic cells]] are capable of harnessing its essence. Celestial Light is composed of “luma particles,” not photons, and once absorbed by matter, these luma particles phase out of [[Yedistren]] and return to [[It'slâmwâ]].

Celestial Light nurtures nearly all life on Lethurèan worlds. Most local flora are obligate lumivores, relying on Star-light to survive, while fauna and sentient beings benefit from its indirect, life-affirming properties. The absence of Celestial Light leads to physical, spiritual, and ecological collapse.

== The Naa'ôna and the Cities in the Stars ==
The Stars are ringed by the awe-inspiring [[Cities in the Stars]], built from woven, crystalline light and centered on the rift itself. These cities are visible in certain astronomical alignments and feature three golden rings, statues of the primordial [[Meera Jenlek|Mother]] and [[Merrik Jenlek|Father]], floating pylons, and streams of spirits flowing into the Star.

The [[Naa'ôna]]—luminous, ageless, and compassionate guardians—reside here. They are the second spirits to have entered [[Yedistren]], following the [[True First War]] and the great migration of the [[Free Spirits]]. Though technically mortal, the Naa'ôna are untouched by time and bear radiant “celestial flames” in their chests. They serve as:

* Guides for spirits traveling between realms,
* Deliverers of the [[Elements of It'slâmwâ]] to the worthy,
* Gatekeepers ensuring the sacred boundary between life and death,
* Protectors of the innocent during cosmic crises.

Some Naa'ôna, should they abandon their post, may become [[Golgarok]], fallen guardians and prophets of darkness.

== Passage of Spirits ==
The process of death and birth in [[Lethurèa]] is cosmically entwined with the Stars. When a being dies, their spirit is drawn toward the Star, guided by Naa'ôna. Passing through the rift is an experience of perfect joy and peace—regardless of the soul’s ultimate destination. Birth, too, involves spirits passing from [[It'slâmwâ]] through the Star into [[Yedistren]], always overseen by the Celestial Guardians.

Only those who die violent, unnatural deaths may become “lost” in the [[Voyd]], though the Naa'ôna seek to recover them unless unfinished business holds them to Yedistren a while longer.

== Universal Law and the Sacred Boundary ==
Strict laws, enforced by the Naa'ôna and the will of the Divine, govern the passage between realms:

* The living may not enter [[It'slâmwâ]].
* The dead may not return to [[Yedistren]].
* Violation of these laws may result in spiritual degradation, exile to a lesser spiritual kingdom, or, in grave cases, banishment to [[Gozog'nok]].

No historical records or legends exist of these boundaries being successfully violated.

== Festivals, Myths, and Influence ==
Stars are universally revered across [[Lethurèa]]. The New Year is celebrated at noon, when the Star is at its zenith. Annual [[Lumi Festivals]] are held to honor the Star’s light—some planets celebrate every 50 days, others every millennium. Flora, fauna, and entire cultures are shaped by the rhythms and presence of their local Star. The earliest art and myth depict the Naa'ôna as “Star Beings,” a tradition preserved in lullabies and sacred carvings.

== Technology and Magic ==
Directly harnessing Star power—known as “star-tapping”—is forbidden except for those possessing an [[Element of It'slâmwâ]]. Celestial Light cannot be stored in mundane batteries or cells. There is no link between Stars and ley lines, which are tied solely to the [[Voyd]].

== Trivia ==

* Most flora in [[Lethurèa]] are strict lumivores, unable to photosynthesize ordinary light.
* The Stars are said to “always face you,” no matter your position on a planet.
* [[Naa'ôna]] cities are visible as luminous rings during rare astronomical alignments.
* Fallen Naa'ôna, or [[Golgarok]], are both feared and revered by dark cults.

== See Also ==

* [[Naa'ôna]]
* [[It'slâmwâ]]
* [[Yedistren]]
* [[Malisik Corruption]]
* [[Luma-Voltaic Cell]]
* [[Universal Law (Lethurèa)]]
* [[Golgarok]]
* [[Voyd]]
* [[Elements of It'slâmwâ]]