Star (Lethurîa): Difference between revisions

{{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]].

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]].

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 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:

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

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.

Strict laws, enforced by the Naa'ôna and the will of the Divine, govern the passage between realms:

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.

* Most flora in [[Lethurèa]] are strict lumivores, unable to photosynthesize ordinary light.

* [[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.

* [[Naa'ôna]]

* [[Universal Law (Lethurèa)]]