Wow - Blog Posts
passages that make you whisper "oh my god"
Wranduin <3
Well well well. I need more Wranduin so I wrote something myself. English isn’t my native language and my first fanfic in englisch. But I hope you can understand what I had in mind :D
Enjoy
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A Gift
„What is this?“ Wrathion smiled and sat down. He looked at Anduin with amusement. „Oh my dear king... You know what this is.“ „Yeah... I mean. It's an egg. A white egg? A dragon egg I guess?“ Wrathion nodded and laid his hand on the egg. „I have to tell you something. This egg is older than Stormwind. It belongs to the father of dragons and his mate.“ „You stole this egg?!“ „No! It was… a gift from his mate. Her name... is Sura. She is an aspect like my father was. Her role was to have an eye of thousands eggs from the five dragonflights. These eggs are... so old. They're not related to any of their kind. Sura waited and protect them with her own nest. But none dragon hatched in all these years. But now she knew their time has come. She called us. She called the leader of the five dragon flight. She gave the four the power of the aspects back and for all of us hope. Many eggs hatched as they could felt the presence of their kind. My flight... I'm not the only one more.“ He smiled. Anduin was still only listening. „Then I spoke with her, and she show me her own eggs who turned into stone in those many years. We talk about our... mates. And when I told her that I never want to lose you… Well this egg began to shaking. It was alive. Sura was surprise. She talked to the egg but there was no reaction. As I talked about us again the egg react again. So... this egg is a gift Anduin. A gift from the hope itself. Sura is a dragon of wlight, and she gave the dragons hope. She... gave us hope for… a bigger family I guess?“ Anduin blinked. Wrathion waited for another reaction, but there was no chance for the young lion. The whelp inside the egg was crying and then began to hatch. He fought against the shell. After a few seconds, where there both looked surprised, a white golden whelp hatched. Tired but proud of himself, it crawled out of his egg and looked at them. Then he gave a happy loud and lay down. It was Anduin who touched him first. „You... had waited so long... for us?“ The whelp purred by the touch. Wrahtion smilded again, petting the little dragon whelp. „It seemed so. He's cute, isn't he?“ Anduin nodded. As they took back their hands the dragon changed his form. It was a human baby. Wrathion remembered that this wasn't something a dragon could do after hatching a few minutes ago. He trained four months for his human form and this little whelp manage to do this after a few minutes?! „Is that normal?“, asked Anduin and hugged the baby. Wrathion shook his head. „Well... No. But Sura said something... Look at him Anduin... He looks like you a little.“ Anduin looked down at the baby who opened his again. There was red. Like Wrathion's but a little different... more human. „When we shape shifting we... well we can choose which race but not the look. Let me try something.“ Anduin looked a little confused as he recognized his magic spell. It was to detect the family bonds between persons. „Wrathion?“ Red lines appeared from the baby. One was connected to Anduin, one to Wrathion, both were red. This color stand for parents. Parents in blood. „He is... is our son.“ Anduin was shocked but Wrahtion could hear the sound of happines in Anduin's voice. „Yes. We have a child Anduin.“ This little whelp didn't hatch for the father of dragons or the dragon of light. No, he only hatched for them. He wanted to be with them. It was a gift. „How shall we name him?“, asked Anduin. Well, that was a good question.
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Later after many names Anduin came with ‘Silrion Medivh’ short Sil. Silrion to honor the black dragonflight. They both decided to hide him for the alliance and Sil ist most of the time by Wrathion and the other balck whelps. Ah and Wrathion told Anduin that he is now the Aspect of the earth. Ebyssian is the one who watched the whelps while Wrathion tried to help Azeroth. After two or three years another gift arrive. This time it’s alittle girl and Wrathion came up with the name Varia. She has darker skin as her brother and black curly hair like Wrathion but the blu eyes from Anduin. Well... maybe a draw a scetch or so...
Yeah, I think the same. My Demon Hunter would be pissed that Teldrasil was burned too, but she would lead the deamon hunters and would hunt any demons and other cratures that have the wishes to destroy Azeroth, because all their sacrifices would be nothing, if any other dumbass destroy Azeroth. So she will defeat Azhara and any other old god :D
Sorry for my english ;)
So…am I the only one who thinks our Demon Hunters would actually just say fuck it to this whole thing and leave on their ship?
Like…after Legion, MY DH would be pissed that Teldrasil was burned, yes, but she doesn’t have any ties left to the city-tree and her biggest priority would be go out and clean up the remaining demons on Azeroth. Then she’d leave to help Akama finish restoring the Temple of Karabor in Outland, and once that’s done, go off with her people on the Fel Hammer and just cleanse the Great Dark Beyond of demons. Let Azeroth take care of itself essentially.
You know?
tibbie r hard to draw
also this is a redraw of some shit from july 2018 here's the comparison thing ft. my shitty handwriting
The moon, the sun, the peaceful comfort of the night, and the warmth of the dawn 🌠
As promised, post canon version! They're so in love I can't- 🥹 Song: As the World Caves In
Went to my favorite antique shop to try and distract myself from everything, and ended up finding this Meet the Robinsons dinner tray. After the horrible day I've had, this at least made me smile a little. 😊🫶
I've been wanting to do a full-crew Endurance illustration for a long time, and finally the gang's all here! 28 men, dogs and cat all accounted for, with every crew member referencing either a photo of them or a story about them. It's a little over two years since I first read Lansing's Endurance and I couldn't be happier to still be researching and drawing these guys :)
obligatory Mac finds his pride screencap redraw because WTF MAN WHAT WAS THAT
Secret Life Fanmade Opening
Managed to scramble this together the past week for an after effects class ^^
The song I used is 12 by Kroh! Go check it out ✌️
I'll be adding some sketches, assets, and stills below for those interested 👌
hey just an fyi the official hellraiser facebook page reposted some of your art with credit. i wasnt sure if they asked you first or if you knew so i figured i should pass the info along!
Thank you for letting me know!! Wow that’s really exciting!
They did not let me know! I am slightly horrified hahaha.... I just post art for fun and to practice, it feels like someone shining a light on my terrible little tries but that’s exciting, and I do like the ones they chose
im realizing, this entire blog is probably just gonna be me freaking out over ninjago and you know what?? thats okay with me-
so i fell asleep with them four nights in a row while camping and now apparently i cant fall asleep without them 💀
i miss the romanticized versions of people in my head. they loved me so much i think. but people change, and i can’t control that. so instead i will mourn the person they once were and cling to the hollow shell they are now with the fleeting hope that one day they’ll return. it’s kind of bittersweet i guess
The Dragon Prince, an epic fantasy series by the head writer and director of Avatar: the Last Airbender, is coming soon to Netflix! Learn more at our San Diego Comic-Con panel on 7/21/18 @ 11AM in room 25ABC. “Destiny is a book you write yourself!”
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.
Shadows of the Empire II
"...the land of Suramar has been wild for ten thousand years." [Trail of Echoes]
Mount Hyjal
Shadows of the Empire
"...the ancient elven island of Azsuna. Long ago, it was where the Highborne elves of Suramar perfected their mightiest of magics. Now, it is a cursed ruin." [Down to Azsuna]
The Enigma of Elune & the Elements
The goddess Elune is known by many names across cultures and even planets; such as Mother Moon, White Lady, Night Warrior, Mu’sha, etc. She has a wide reach across various spheres of cosmology, and her domain seems to at least encompass the arcane, the natural, the astral, the spiritual, and in many unexpected connections–the elemental. It could be that, as Elune is considered a life goddess with some connections to the afterlife, she may have pseudo-elemental expressions of power because they are partially intertwined with spirit. This might explain the physical tangibility, and yet silvery-blue coloring that often manifests within elements of Elunian origin. The following is a collection of curiosities in which the goddess’s influence presents itself in such forms.
Water
The first, most notable link between Elune and the elements would be her thematic ties and manifestations of power within water. An iconic and central piece of Kaldorei culture is the moonwell: it is often the focal point of temples, and a place of respite in the wilds which restores mana, cleanses impurities, blesses armaments, purifies corruption, and even banishes maddened elementals. Dave Kosak, in his development of the Warcraft cosmology, describes the combination of spirit and water as one of the main vehicles for healing; both of which are linked to the outer ring of Nature. An old myth of the Kaldorei Empire described Elune sleeping inside of the Well of Eternity during the day, and rising into the sky as the moon each night. Today, moonwells are established through local wild spirits granting their blessing, a combination of natural and lunar magick, as well as a droplet of eternal waters from another purified well. All of these spheres together (spirit, water, nature, and arcane) encompass the very essence of Elune's moonwells.
Tears of Elune are one of the most recurring themes in relation to the goddess - seen in the pillar of creation, and lesser items scattered throughout the world. We do not know for certain how these tears form; however, there is an implication that they are a manifestation of Elune’s emotions, whether crying tears of sadness, or of joy. These remnants from the goddess seem to possess a myriad of properties the beholder can make use of: the Tearstone of Elune legendary ring has a chance to cast an additional regrowth on targets, Tears of the Goddess from the Hyjal raid slow the player’s falling speed, and Elune’s Tear can ease the symptoms of illness. Mu’sha’s Tears are gathered at the base of a waterfall in Highmountain, which are guarded by fiercely protective water elementals, to eventually be used during a ritual that allows us to witness the events of the War of the Ancients. Interestingly, these specific tears are said to “flow of their own accord,” entirely ignoring the rushing rapids that would normally carry away physical objects or other water currents; which may lend to the notion that Elune’s elemental manifestations are partially comprised of spirit. The Sisters’ Tear, born of Elune and the Winter Queen’s combined power, is yet another example of renewal and lifegiving springing forth from the goddess’s sorrow: which resulted in the growth of the World Tree, Amirdrassil.
Elune is described as having partial influence over the tides, a power that she shares with Neptulon, as evidenced by the Tablet of the Balancing Tides: "The whispers of Elune and Neptulon play on the tides, their words etched in stone are a tribute to the balance of their powers." There is additionally a brief archaeology quest in Throne of the Tides we can pick up from an ancient fountain. Delving into our historical knowledge from reading a Highborne Scroll fragment, we discover that the purpose of this fountain is to confer a blessing called “Waters of Elune,” which specifically increases our damage against the naga while inside the domain of Neptulon, further strengthening the alliance between the two. The goddess also seems to feel a responsibility, or at least have an interest, in purifying maddened water elementals. We see this demonstrated in Moon Priestess Tharill’s questline in Darkshore, who asks us to use a relic called the Orb of Elune; which has the power to soothe and permanently banish these beings back to their plane. This ultimately protects the elementals from the cycle of being resummoned, further manipulated, and driven to madness. As the orb was carried by Tharill just south of Auberdine, this may have been a prized and sacred relic of the town used in banishing angered elementals from the coasts of Darkshore. It would not be the first or only sacred artifact kept here, as Auberdine also once housed the Eye of Elune.
Elune’s aqueous blessings were also a crucial part in the battle of the Molten Front within the Firelands. It seems that somehow, the nature of Elune’s blessings can circumvent traditional interactions between elements. The very existence of a moonwell, or any body of water for that matter inside the scorching plane of Ragnaros, would reasonably evaporate. The fact that this one is able to withstand the extreme heat of the Firelands speaks to a high resistance, if not complete immunity, to the effects of fire. Ayla Shadowstorm explains that the moonwell’s waters can indeed provide some protection against flame, as well as bless the expedition’s food stores. Once the well is filled, small bushes and trees begin to sprout nearby that eventually bear eternal fruits which can be used indefinitely while inside the Molten Front. While it is unclear what role Elune plays in the existence of wisps, these spiritual beings are considered “perfectly suited” to banishing elementals (similar to the goddess herself) as seen in this quest where the wisps aid us in closing the portals of fire elementals.
In the tauren mythos of Eyes of the Earthmother, Mu’sha as she is called, is said to "dance with the waters of the tides," "flow out of shadow’s reach like water," and bind injuries with the powers of water and wind.
Fire
The satyr camp of Sargeron in Desolace, known colloquially as the Palace/Sanctuary/Cathedral/Temple of Elune, reveals an interesting relic that links Elune to the element of fire. Unearthed from the ruins of the temple here, there is a tall runestone monument known as the Ancient Vortex Runestone. It is said that the ancient Kaldorei “revered the gems created by this mystical object, claiming that they were gifts from the goddess herself. It was believed that they were weapons capable of delivering them from any enemy.” As we progress in the questline, we are able to make use of these gemstones, which summon forth a giant firestorm, whose power is strengthened “either through sustained worship of Elune, or charged by spiritual energies of the fallen.”
During the war against the scourge in Northrend, the settlement of Stars’ Rest converted their moonwell to house the liquid fire of Elune, an offshoot of traditional moonwell waters. The very nature of this substance seems to be an oxymoron, combining two opposing elements of fire and water into one. However, if we consider again Dave Kosak’s notes on the life-giving essence of spirit; he links spirit and water with healing, and spirit and fire with holy powers of retribution. The fact that Elune’s liquid fire encompasses spirit, water, and fire then becomes clearer in the goal of this quest: to pour it over the corpses of scourge-blighted animals and cleanse them of their corruption. This essentially combines Kosak’s ideas through healing their bodies and demonstrating a retribution against the unnatural state of undeath. This may also speak to the circumventing of traditional elemental interactions, as the liquid fire of this moonwell (assumedly) prevents the vessel from freezing over.
In Darkshore, a moonkin named Aroom requests our aid in cleansing their corrupted brethren. They task adventurers with slaying a ghost of their kind who wields a relic called Elune’s Torch. After retrieving the torch, Aroom creates a ritual bonfire with the flames from this item, which allows the corrupted moonkin to find rest in the afterlife and “return to Elune, finally.” It could be that these flames of Elune act as spiritual purification, essentially burning away the madness or corruption clouding the moonkin’s minds. The fact that they are able to find peace (after this torch is used to create a larger and more substantial bonfire) may indicate that Elune’s flame acts as a beacon of guidance for the dead, which allows them to more easily move on from the physical plane.
There is also a unique type of silvery blue and purple fire found in Kaldorei settlements, old ruins, and temples that is vastly different from traditional orange, red, and yellow flame. The most intriguing are the braziers found in Azsuna and Tel’anor of Suramar, a necropolis assumed to be abandoned by its groundskeepers. Yet, all throughout the area there are braziers still burning brightly as if just fed with wooden kindling. It is unclear how they are sustained, but this may reinforce the idea that it is not true fire in the typical understanding of the element, but a mixture of fire and spirit together.
Earth
While Elune seems to be more distant from the element of earth than its counterparts, it is interesting to consider her manifestations that appear in traditionally earthbound mediums.
The first is Elunite Ore - ore in general being a naturally occurring rock or stone with valuable minerals inside. Elunite is described as being a fine material to work with, and directly blessed by Elune herself. The nature of Elunite is unclear; we do not know if it is an ore that is blessed by the goddess after its formation, or if Elune has a hand in its creation within the earth. It is not a usable material by miners and blacksmiths, perhaps implying that crafting with Elunite is a rare technique known only to select artisans, Elanaria (the questgiver) being one of them. It could also be that the privilege of shaping Elunite requires performing an act in defense of the goddess’s domain; as Elanaria tells us that in order to make our weapon, we must slay a satyr corrupting a moonwell, and defeat the shade of Elura who has cursed herself to guard her shipment of Elunite ore beneath the waves for all eternity.
The next earthly manifestations of Elune come in the form of gemstones, which traditionally find their origin from “deep in the earth, brought to the surface by explosions of molten rock.” Some are also “crystallized slowly from hot fluids and gases, formed from liquids filtered into cracks and pockets in rock, formed when rocks were heated and pressurized by earth movements, and recombined to form new, different minerals.” It is unclear whether Elunian gems are created similarly, or whether they are perhaps crystallized magic of some kind. As mentioned in the section of Fire, the Ancient Vortex Runestone was said to produce gemstones that Elune bequeathed to her followers here to defend themselves with. Additionally in Winterspring, there is an old altar that once housed a precious relic called the Gem of Elune that allowed direct communication with Her, and through which she “channeled her infinite wisdom.” In Outland, there are also rare jewels called Stars of Elune that can be prospected from various native ores, and dropped by random enemies.
In the Legend of Elun’Ahir, the goddess is said to be one who gifted Eonar with a branch of G’Hanir, a Mother Tree that once existed inside the Emerald Dream. After Aman’thul ripped it from the earth, its roots still grew below ground, nourished by Eonar’s tears: “Below ground, the roots fed upon the tears of Eonar and grew strong. The war was long, but in the end, the titans claimed victory. And Eonar was pleased, knowing Elune's legacy would endure. It is said that much later, as the world entered a new age, mysterious guardians arrived who dedicated their lives to protecting the roots.”
There are also several flowers said to be touched by Elune. One grows in the shadows of Duskwood, called Elune's Grace, which glows with the intensity of the moon and attracts wolves to its location. The flowers required to craft various Blossom Crowns during the Lunar Festival supposedly hold a strong connection to the goddess as well, imbued with a "solemn peace," "Elune's might," "happiness," and "great fortune." Myrael Lunarbloom also wields a staff whose flowers bloom during this time of year, greatly empowered by a moonwell pilgrimage ritual. She even says, "Flowers flourish under Elune's light. She was always known to cherish them."
Air
The Eyes of the Earthmother tells of the goddess’s early mythological origins, and her sphere of influence includes both water and wind. It seems that Elune (Mu’sha in this story) works with the wind most commonly as a means to communicate, and to deliver thoughts, words, and feelings. While the Earthmother slumbers, Mu’sha’s powers were said to be diminished, and she could no longer harness the winds' power since they “whipped up in storms and blizzards.” She is also described as “sharing secrets” with the winds, later sending upon them a plea to the Earthmother. Eventually, the Earthmother is able to find her way back to Mu’sha, because “the winds pulled at her hands, and guided her swiftly to find her Sun and Moon.” After the Earthmother’s sacrifice, Mu’sha pays homage to her by carrying her last words on the breeze for the tauren to hear, as well as setting the winds across the tides so that her voice could always be followed. Mu’sha’s favored weaponry was also said to be the bow and arrow, the efficacy of which is highly dependent on wind flow. Her movements are described as “quick as the wind,” and when her brother, An’she, is severely wounded, she calls upon these forces in an attempt to heal his injury: “Mu'sha tried to bind her brother's wound with water and wind, but no matter what she did, he continued to bleed.”
An in-game connection between Elune and the realm of wind is from a side quest in Darkshore just following the events of the Cataclysm. Sentinel Selarin, at the Auberdine refugee camp, leads the endeavor to eradicate the Twilight’s Hammer wind elementals overtaking the ruins of the town. An arduous process that requires an intricate solution, as the Twilight’s Hammer can continuously resummon the elementals at their command. In order to put an end to this, the elementals must be “slain;” after which we take their bracers, thought to be physical bindings anchoring them to this plane. The way to stop this cycle once and for all is to place the bracers into a moonwell. This act is said to not only prevent the elementals from being resummoned, but completely destroying the bracers as well. While this is not said to “soothe” them like the Orb of Elune, this seems to accomplish the same goal of freeing the enslaved elementals and the remaining Kaldorei.
While not a manifestation of elemental power per se, Elune’s influence upon the winds is also demonstrated in priestesses who channel her power through song; as well as relics like the Chimes of the Moon in Tel’anor: “The Sisters say that Elune sings a song, notes pure and beautiful. The Chime does not ring often, but when it does it is the same note as the one She is singing.” During the War of the Ancients especially, the strengthening magic utilized by the Sisters was invaluable to the war effort, notably through battle chants: “Then, another welcome surprise—chanting came from the center of the advance. The Sisterhood of Elune, resplendent in their battle armor, strengthened the fighters further. Day might have held precedence at the moment, but the priestesses’ rhythmic singing literally fed the nocturnal warriors. It was as if the moon herself suddenly hung over the host.” (Demon Soul, Ch. 8)
While we may think of this magic as under the strict purview of the elementals, it has been said that "Elune’s true nature is not fully understood," and the breadth of her power and influence may be even more vast and complex than initial impressions.
The Mysteries of Elunite Ore
- Headcanon Speculations -
Elunite Ore, a rare mineral considered blessed by Elune Herself, is one often sought after; and yet shrouded in mystery. As many priests, priestesses, templars, and other devotees of the Goddess may strive to incorporate Elunite into their armaments and regalia, the quest for obtaining and fashioning this material is one that has spanned many lands and generations. This is a compendium on the nature of Elunite from various geologists, theorists, and researchers across Azeroth.
Earthly Origins
The origin of Elunite’s terrestrial formation is not entirely understood by Sisterhood scholars, nor by lithic experts of the world. One of the oldest proposed ideas is rooted in the ancient legend of Elune and the Well of Eternity: that she once dwelled in its depths during the day, and rose into the sky as the moon each night. Due to her strong former connection to this font of arcane power, it is surmised that Elunite may actually be crystallized remnants of the great well; whose leyline rivers once nourished the planet. One theorist believes that because all modern moonwells contain traces of the Well of Eternity, and are damaging to demons and scourgeblight, this could explain the similar holy properties of Elunite. However, others claim that it finds its beginnings as a simple, mundane ore embedded within the earth, which is eventually augmented with Elune’s blessings once it is exposed to the surface and directly shone upon by moonlight. More mythical sentiments say that any ore can become Elunite if the goddess wills it, and that finding it is an extremely rare and divine auspice. It is believed that processed Elunite is a multi-faceted metal whose properties can change depending on imbuement from various moon phases and other major lunar events, such as eclipses. While some think it is ever-shifting, varied accounts of miners and blacksmiths with the remarkable ability to shape Elunite describe that its qualities are determined by the state of the moon on the exact night that the ore is extracted from the earth. Either way, this is a succinct list of their observations:
Full Moon Properties: Bolsters the wearer/wielder’s healing capabilities, and is often inlaid into staves and suturing needles. Full Moon Elunite is also highly damaging to demons and the undead; therefore anyone on a demonic or undead purgation mission may seek out a weapon of this influence to aid in expunging corruption.
Waxing Moon Properties: Becomes a material which houses additional mana, that can then be tapped into for a small increase in magical reserves until recharged beneath the next waxing moon. Those who carry moonwater or the liquid fire of Elune may opt for this particular metal to house these sacred substances.
Quarter Moon Properties: Contains a natural abjurative energy which is typically used in the creation of Elunite shields, talismans, librams, wards, and armor for those who exercise a more defensive combat style, or wish to protect themselves magically against unholy forces.
Waning Moon Properties: Often the choice for Elunite accessories and other ephemera, which are usually crafted with the eventual intent of Elunarian sacrifice. When an item of waning moon Elunite is offered up, its physical form is completely consumed in exchange for a singular blessing, protection, or spell. Lunar liturgical glyphs or words of power are typically engraved on these accessories with particular spellwork in mind, although a priest/priestess may sacrifice a blank slate piece and incant one spell of choice with a greater potency.
New Moon Properties: It is said that New Moon Elunite is magically similar to the blessing of shadowmeld, allowing for easier camouflage into surrounding environments and quieter movements. Those who wish to make use of the protection offered by chainlinks or armor plates, while still retaining obscurity, may seek to have their regalia crafted with this semi-noise-dampening material. This offshoot of Elunite is additionally often sought after for the creation of arrowheads, shurikens, and other projectiles; as its magick may be utilized for brief invisibility before it dissipates and its physical counterparts reappear.
Solar Eclipse: Solar-eclipsed Elunite is often chosen in the creation of rings (such as archery thumb-rings) that are usually beset with moonstones and other blessed gems, whose imbuements can strengthen one's physical or magickal attacks.
Lunar Eclipse: Lunar-eclipsed Elunite is typically the choice material for divination tools: such as pendulums, scrying mirrors, and spirit-speaking quills. Some also craft ritual daggers with this material for the purpose of collecting flesh to be offered in Elunarian flame sacrifices.
Artisanal Knowledge
Another unknown characteristic of Elunite is how an artisan attains the ability to gather and shape the ore. It seems that precious few across Azeroth have this exceptional privilege, the two most prominent having once resided in the boughs of Darnassus. Elanaria and Mathiel have not been seen since the Burning of Teldrassil, but much can be gleaned from the stories of those who once worked with them. Many miners and blacksmiths are incapable of grasping the techniques surrounding Elunite, which poses some intriguing theories. The simplest is that the secrets of this ore are strongly protected, and seldom taught to others. Another that some have posited, is that the way to gain the privilege of crafting with this mineral requires proving oneself by performing an act of protection or preservation in defense of the goddess’s domain. She then assumedly rewards this deed with the artisanal knowledge of Elunite, or it then becomes malleable to that specific person. Elanaria supposedly tasked her trade partners and trainees with sacred missions such as slaying satyrs actively corrupting moonwells, and ending the suffering of oathbound shades. The late, self-cursed Captain Elura was said to wear a precious medallion, though we do not know if it was of Elunite make. Some theorize it was simply requested as a physical token of proof for the task; while others believe it was Elunite indeed, which is why Elanaria wanted it retrieved. If the medallion was shaped of this hallowed ore, the fact that Elura still wore it even in death may speak to its deep reverence, a spiritual binding property, or a partial immateriality.
Because of its sanctity, and the profound cultural respect for it among Kaldorei, crafting with Elunite may be more common among the Sisterhood of Elune; but still heavily guarded from the rest of the world. It could be that there is a sect of the Sisterhood devoted to sacred artisanry such as this; or, the Sisterhood may commission lay craftsmen who possess the means to Elunite. This material is also said to be utilized in profession tools such as sewing needles for mooncloth tailoring, quill nibs for lunar inscription, and rune rods for Elunarian enchanting. Hippogryph riders of the Sentinel Army, as well as individual riders, may commission blessed Elunite hoofshoes for fortified hind leg attacks, periods of extended wear on the back legs, when the creatures grow old, or are unable to fly; as some claim that they ease pain. Additionally, some equip saber, owl, and chimera companions with Elunite armor, claw/talon caps, and adornments just as they would wear regalia themselves.
In regards to metalworking with Elunite, some theorize that cold working (shaping metal at or below room temperature) may be the superior method as opposed to the extreme heats used with common minerals. Byproducts of Elunite smithing, such as the coal that is left behind from this process, may be used within braziers. It is said that Elunite coals, and the flames that burn from them, are resistant to water quenching; and as such are often used in settlements or outposts with heavy rain and snowfall. The most prevalent theory as to how these fires continue to burn posits that the coals themselves must be open to the skies, as the flames are “kindled,” so to speak, by the energies of the moon each night. Members of the Sisterhood are said to carefully wrap and gift Elunite coals to patrons on various holidays for people to place within the hearths of their home as tokens of spiritual protection and good will. Communal events organized by the order additionally use Elunite coals in cooking fires as an added method of blessing food stores; which some claim temporarily defends against illness, strengthens the body, and fortifies the spirit.
As of today, it is unclear whether or not Elunite can be alloyed. It could be that those who are able to work with the ore simply refuse to do so for fear of dampening its sacred properties; or, its inherent magick may be rendered useless or significantly weaker when alloyed with other common metals. In matters of corrosion, Elunite proves particularly mysterious. It would stand to reason that the goddess’s ties to water might strengthen the ore against rusting and deteriorating over time; although, there have not been any ancient Elunite artifacts recovered as of yet, perhaps implying that the material cannot withstand the elemental ravages of the eons. One possible argument against this is that because the ore is tremendously sacred, there may be ways to reshape or reuse the material; and that is why no timelost Elunite relics have been recovered.
Lore and Legend
Ancient, yet unsupported stories, say that Luminarian was one of the first to uncover the mysteries of Elunite; his name supposedly a pseudonym of sorts to commemorate his luminary works, and the ability to shape this luminous ore. While Elunite was fabled to be the reason for his rise to prominence, many speculate that he eventually abandoned the craft in favor of arcane creations; hence his lasting fame as a magesmith, and as the creator of mythical weapons like Felo’melorn and the Prismatic Blades. It is also rumored that the legendary Ta’Kierthan Songblades may have been forged of Elunite, considering they were crafted by a renowned Kaldorei priest: many of whom employ music and singing in their devotions and spellwork. The art of bardic weaponry seems to be an elusive one, perhaps completely lost to the ages, but nonetheless a technique that Elunarian scholars still seek in the ruins scattered across the lands of Azeroth. Those who traveled through the Dark Portal nearly forty years ago, as well as Draenei refugees, have noted a striking similarity between Elunite and some regalia found on Draenor, as well as others bequeathed directly by the naaru. No one is certain where these pieces are originally from: some claim that they once belonged to adventurers and were merely traded through many hands, while others are convinced that Elune and her blessed ore could have connections to the naaru, and that the ore may be on other planets throughout the cosmos. Elunite-imbued leggings were also recovered from the forest troll stronghold of Zul’aman; though how they got there is anyone’s guess. A commonality between all of these items is an increased critical strike chance, as well as greater potency for both damage and healing via magical spells. Two of the three also provide a passive mana restoration over time (much like moonwells), perhaps owing to the nature of Elunite’s inherent power.
Myths of the High Priestesses
- Headcanon Speculations -
The lore and legend of High Priestesses past have largely been lost to the ages; although scattered findings and enduring myths sweep away some of the dust from the buried tales of Elune’s chosen.
Haidene - Bearer of the Basin
Haidene was the first known chosen of Elune in all of the Kaldorei’s recorded history. It is said that she heard the Goddess’s true voice, and as a child no less.
An unsubstantiated legend tells that Haidene heard the will of the Goddess to make pilgrimage across Kalimdor and create the very first independent moonwell for the burgeoning Kaldorei to thrive across the continent, and that Haidene used the iconic basin as a vessel of safekeeping for the blessed waters of the Well of Eternity. Haidene supposedly experienced dire straits on this pilgrimage; she and her kin on the brink of fatal thirst. Haidene gathered what little of their water remained, enough to sustain her for far longer if she chose to drink from it alone. The others pleaded with Haidene to drink deep and preserve herself, for she was the very incarnation of the Goddess. In a selfless act of faith, she cast the basin skyward and beseeched Elune, that she would give herself in body and soul if only it were filled, so her people could live to see another moon, and press on to the bountiful lands ahead. It is said that for her benevolence, Haidene was granted the title of High Priestess by goddess and kin alike. It was on this night that Elune taught Haidene the sacred artisanry of the ever-flowing moonwell, the very same that still persists in her statues today. It is only rumored, but this moonwell could have been the one nestled in the heart of ancient Moonglade, having since flourished into Lake Elune’ara.
Tales that have only endured by way of oral tradition say that Haidene's blessed waters were shared in the first feast of Lahassa during the earliest epoch of the Kaldorei. There are even theories that the sacred Chalice of Elune may have belonged to Haidene, the relic permanently blessed from this momentous celebration made possible by Elune and the land’s combined bounty.
Elunarian archaeologists claim that Haidene may have established the temple in Desolace, known today as the Palace or Sanctuary of Elune. A place so ancient that its real name has been lost and blotted out by demonic desecration. Many of the relics recovered here are thematically linked to Haidene: The Cup of Elune as a relic of physical and spiritual cleansing, and Elune's Handmaiden as a relic of celebrating victory and sacrificial offering. The embers recovered here from Elune’s Brazier may have indeed been borne from an actual flame, or they could be remnants of Elune’s liquid fire; an apt medium for High Priestess Haidene.
Kalo'thera - Ascended of the Stars
Kalo’thera was the next known chosen of Elune, following Haidene. Her name evokes meanings along the lines of “stellar warrior.” Unfortunately, there are no known depictions of Kalo’thera's true likeness; although some choose to stylize her in darkling garbs and armor reminiscent of the new moon, due to purported ties to Elune’s Night Warrior aspect.
It is said that Kalo'thera “ascended to the stars” at the temple of old Hajiri, though these ancient words have not been elucidated further. None now live who remember seeing Kalo’thera’s ascension ritual with their own eyes, but there are a myriad proposed theories as to what this could have meant.
She may have fulfilled all of her earthly duties as wished by Elune, or proved herself an exemplar through astounding feats; and was rewarded with the status of demigoddess for her service as high priestess. Some believe that Kalo’thera now exists as a constellation in the realm of midnight from this divine act, perhaps other demigods and demigoddesses represented in this form as well.
She may have been slain in battle, “ascending to the stars” perhaps referring to her joining the Night Warrior’s embrace along with the other souls of the valiant dead riding across the night sky. The story of this ascension ritual might then be a widespread coverup by those who witnessed Kalo’thera’s true end.
She may have invoked the ritual of the Night Warrior, subsequently being torn apart in body by the wrath of the new moon. Ancient legends speak of the Night Warrior’s power being used as the driving force for carving out the Kaldorei Empire, Kalo’thera perhaps spearheading the expansion with this dark boon to wrest lands from the myriad world powers of the Pre-Sundering age.
Old myths describe a rare and lost regalia, called nightcloth, almost as if an opposing material to mooncloth. This was supposedly worn during the expansion era to better blend into the shadows of nightfall for battle, some claiming by Kalo’thera and the other Night Warrior witnesses. The exact origins and techniques of crafting nightcloth seem to have faded along with history; however, there are speculations that this fell out of favor within the Sisterhood due to the dangerous associated ritual that ended up slaying the invoking avatars, and even onlookers. Kalo’thera may have been the one to engrave the tablets of Bashal'aran describing the Night Warrior and the other aspects of Elune. There is a deep blue, nearly black, flame in the heart of the Ameth’aran ruins as well. Some Elunarian scholars theorize that perhaps its color owes to the Night Warrior’s midnight powers. This flame was later twisted by Athrikus Narassin using a moonstone seal to bind souls in a spiritual prison; curiously still, souls thought to be under the purview of the Night Warrior. Some say that Kalo’thera was the first to be granted knowledge of the Starshards spell by the Goddess, its namesake partially deriving from Kalo’thera. A superstition of the Sisterhood claims that it is Kalo’thera herself who now grants moonpriests this power, crystallizing pieces of starlight and raining them down from the midnight heavens to her earthbound descendants who call upon the aid of the stars.
Dejahna - Zenith of Conviction
Dejahna was the third known chosen of Elune, following Kalo’thera. She was the mentor and predecessor to Tyrande Whisperwind.
Those who braved the Tomb of Sargeras, once Dejahna’s primary temple in life, claim to have seen her incorporeal form. If her spirit is at all reflective of her appearance in life, then Dejahna preferred dark robes, with silver accents and blue gemstones. It may have been customary for a High Priestess to don specific garbs, as Tyrande replies to the news of her appointment to this position with, “I’ll become high priestess—at least until this war is over—but I will keep my present garments—” (Demon Soul, Ch. 17) Dejahna’s darkling robes could also be due to her presiding over the burial site in the depths of the temple, perhaps a ceremonial garb for rites involving the dead.
Some say that Dejahna’s harshness and austerity arose from Kalo’thera as her assumed mentor; others say that an influx of unfaithful Highborne attempting to join the Sisterhood as a last resort was seen as a mockery of the order. Dejahna supposedly then raised the standards of entry to rigorous heights, some dubbing her the Zenith of Conviction for her high expectations from novices.
Given Azshara’s growing distance from the faith, and attempts to eclipse Elune with devotion from her subjects, old rumors claim that Dejahna held a particular bitterness for the queen by the outbreak of the War of the Ancients. This may have been in part due to Azshara’s appointment of her own High Priestess: Siralen of Vashj’ir.
Dejahna’s temple hosted a handful of templars, perhaps this ancient version of a lunar paladin having once been a prestigious rank within the faith.
An ornate vial was recovered from the Cathedral of Eternal Night, whose glass was said to “bear the mark of Dejahna.” It is unclear what this mark truly is, but it could be that each High Priestess, or even priestesses as a whole, have personal sigils rooted in the Elunarian language similar to a common signature. This vial could have been her personal vessel of moonwater, or one of many that she bestowed blessings upon by way of this mark. Considering its name of "Eternal Moon,” this may refer to the blessing or enchantment on the vial lasting eternally or having a resilient quality to its magick; as it did survive the temple sinking to the bottom of the ocean, being raised again by Gul'dan, and being pillaged by demonic forces and adventurers alike.
The upper levels of Dejahna's temple contained the "Hanging Gardens," which were actually tended to by an ancient named Agronox before he fell to corruption. It could be that because this temple was the heart of night elven worship in the empire, an ancient's service in a temple was a rare sight; or, Agronox's existence here could mean that others of his kind served alongside Kaldorei priestesses in other parts of the Pre-Sundering world as well.
Dejahna fell in battle during the War of the Ancients, and named Tyrande as her successor to take the mantle. This is an interesting development, as it would seem like such a position is granted directly by Elune, as seen with Haidene. However, in Demon Soul, Marinda is sent to deliver the message of Tyrande’s succession: “‘Before her death, she named a successor…’ Tyrande nodded. This was to be expected. The new high priestess had, of course, immediately sent out messengers like Marinda to spread the word of her ascension.” This being “expected” implies that naming a successor was a traditional practice in passing on the mantle. Supposedly as Dejahna was dying, she “insisted that only her attendants would know.” (Ch. 17) This could just be referring to healers seeing to her wounds, or it could be that within the Sisterhood at this time, there may have been a specific rank for tending to the High Priestess; an interesting parallel to the handmaidens of Queen Azshara. Marinda also reveals “…that, normally, there would be a ceremony, a long entailed one that as many worshippers as possible would be invited to see.” Elunarian faithful from all over Kalimdor likely traveled great distances to see such a monumental event. This role in general also seemed heavily involved at the time, “leading this chant and that. The temple also held a blessing each evening for the rising of the moon and the good will of the gods. In addition, the leading nobles always had to have some sort of recognition ceremony for various anniversaries and other events…” (Ch. 17)
A final piece of High Priestess lore we learn from Marinda comes from the reasoning behind Dejahna’s choice: “She was of clear mind, sister. And you should understand, she had made mention of you before this. The senior sisters all understood that you were the one…and no one among them argued the decision.” (Ch. 17) This uncovers an interesting dynamic in the old Sisterhood then, that there was at least a dialogue among the senior sisters, if not a democratic process settled through debate around the next chosen High Priestess.
Siralen - The Contended
“Let this statue stand as an everlasting testament to High Priestess Siralen in the name of all she has done to nurture Quel'Dormir Temple into a glowing beacon of faith. May her newfound service under Queen Azshara herself shine as a testament to the potential of the noble birth nurtured in our beloved, Vashj'ir.”
The case of Siralen is a strange one, as she was not passed this mantle from a High Priestess within the Sisterhood – as was tradition. She was instead granted this title by Queen Azshara, supposedly for strengthening the faith of Quel’dormir Temple in the royal city of Vashj’ir. It is interesting to speculate how priestesses across Kalimdor reacted to this decision: whether they saw it to be just as divine an act as being appointed by Elune herself or a current High Priestess, or if they disagreed with a bestowal that strayed so far from the role’s sacred history. Many of Azshara’s epithets insinuate that she was viewed favorably in tandem with the goddess, such as Daughter of the Moon, Flower of the Moon, and Radiance of the Moon. Although, others lean towards eclipsing Elune’s worship, like Light of a Thousand Moons, for example. In any case, the appointment of Siralen then introduces the question of authority, and whether the High Priestess of the Sisterhood was considered of higher, lower, or equal status.
Noteworthy still that her service is “under Queen Azshara herself,” and it could be that this nurtured faith was actually to the Queen, as Elune is conspicuously not mentioned anywhere in this engraving. It also reads, “a testament to the potential of the noble birth nurtured in our beloved, Vashj’ir,” perhaps alluding to a growing and more obvious class divide between the highborne and common Kaldorei; or at least the boundless arrogance of the highborne caste.
Other Notes:
The ancient high priestesses may have each worn a traditional headpiece depicting the Elunian cycle that was passed on through the ages. Tyrande Whisperwind still has this in her possession, and it was noted to have been entrusted to her during the War of the Ancients. -Headpiece of the Elunian Cycle, a quest reward from [Full Might of the Elves]
Traversing Tel'anor: Legends of Unsundered Kalimdor
Tel'anor, the grave city of ancient Kaldorei, still stands as a monument of ancestral reverence. Many plaques here are illegible, but some have withstood the sands of time, and grant us a glimpse into those who played important roles in the War of the Ancients, or had a lasting impact on Kaldorei culture.
Lilyiana Meadowblade
"Her blade was second to none, and flowed through her foes like a blade of grass dances in the wind."
A legendary warrior famed for her prowess, Meadowblade introduces some interesting concepts about Kaldorei surname conventions.
Considering the myth surrounding her bladework, it could be that she was given this name by others as a token of her mastery, or even took this name for herself; in contrast to the typical passing down of names from one generation to another. We do not know her social status, but a third possibility is that perhaps an ancient custom was to bestow surnames with the idea of prophecy in mind. In times of old, star augurs may have had a hand in reading one’s stellar birthchart, and interpreting omens or premonitions of a newborn’s life path, experiences, or destiny. The parallels between Meadowblade’s name and skills could, from a certain perspective, seem fated for the stuff of legends from the beginning. There was a sentiment in the same vein before the Sundering in regards to Kaldorei born with amber eyes, most of whom with this characteristic were of mythical and powerful stature (Queen Azshara, the Stormrage brothers, Moon Guard sorcerers recruiting those with golden eyes.)
Lilyiana's resting place is in the same pavilion as Dorendil Wildcaller's memorial; though whether they are related in some way is unknown. Perhaps they were life-partners, comrades, friends, or were simply considered of equal reverential status.
Dorendil Wildcaller
"Nature and society called to him alike, and he was one of the first to speak with the hippogryphs. His legacy lives on in our eternal kinship with them."
The quest [Forces of Nature: Hippogryphs] speaks of a legend that "they were created by Cenarius himself as a gift for the night elves. They're wary of other races, but they're intelligent enough to recognize a friend of a friend." Perhaps Dorendil was an ancient naturalist, ranger, or hunter; considering as well his surname of Wildcaller, who proved himself a worthy ally to Cenarius and the forests, similar to Malfurion Stormrage. It seems that Dorendil was able to walk the line between these two worlds - one of the Kaldorei forebears who sowed the seeds of trust between hippogryphs and night elven culture.
General Startalon
General Startalon, one of the finest generals our people has ever known. He commanded the Hippogryph riders during the War of the Ancients.
Startalon's description implies that companionship with hippogryphs is such a long-standing practice in Kaldorei culture, that it extends as far back as the Pre-Sundering age. By extension, it reveals that there was a specific hippogryph rider wing of the ancient night elven military; though whether it was an established force for many years, or created spontaneously during this monumental war, is uncertain.
These creatures seem to have been integrated into ancient society somehow, as we see with the Leyfeather Hippogryphs. They are described as having been “ancient mounts of the highborne” that possess “latent magical powers.” This begs the question of where this family of hippogryphs originated from: perhaps they evolved into an inherently magical creature due to their proximity to the Well of Eternity, or they were bred/created by ancient Highborne society. Due to their vivid plumage and arcane nature, perhaps these could have served as ceremonial mounts for parades, airshows, and the like to entertain the noble caste prior to the Sundering. Additionally, the hippogryphs of the Moon Guard Stronghold on the outskirts of Suramar may indicate that they were used by these peacekeepers while on guard duty, or even for traveling.
Thaedris also reveals that he meditates near Startalon’s grave for guidance, which may lend to the notion of receiving signs, messages, or premonitions from the act of venerating spirits and spending time in resting places for the dead.
The Windstrikers
"Marksmen without peer, their skill with a bow was an inspiration to generations of archers. Their family developed the gauntlets the Sentinels wear, carefully articulated mail links that empower our archers to this day."
The Windstriker epitaph indicates that they were a well-known name in the realm of archery during the eras before the Sundering as exemplars, artisans or instructors.
The craftsmanship of these ‘carefully articulated mail links’ somehow survived the Sundering, and then the several centuries after until Tyrande established the Sentinel Army we know today. We are not given much detail about what these links are exactly, but there are a few possibilities: they could have been any combination of protective arm guards, gloves, mail bracers, or thumb rings. Since they are described as empowering to archers, there may also be some sort of enchantment or magical blessing involved in their creation as well. Given that these gauntlets carried over into the newly established Kaldorei culture, the magic may have been some sort of heightened vision, strength, or accuracy bestowed by priestesses, druids, or wilderness spirits.
Above their monument is the head of an owl, perhaps hinting at an old heraldic system tying symbols to family names; or that the Windstrikers had a renowned kinship with these birds of the night.
Aelynn and Banlorus Truecaller
"Brave Aelynn and noble Banlorus ruled the battlefields and courts alike. They fell as they lived, protecting our people from threats on all sides."
The wording of this plaque insinuates that Aelynn was likely a renowned warrior, and Banlorus was perhaps a Moon Guard, noble, or other person of high status who held some political sway in the Kaldorei Empire. Their involvement in "the courts" could be the Highborne social circles of old, or possibly courts in reference to areas of law and justice given the wording of “protecting our people from threats on all sides.” The Well of Eternity novel reveals that there was a system of social punishment in ancient Kalimdor, ranging anywhere from exile to outright execution, as evidenced by Malfurion fearing being shunned, which was “the most dire punishment that could be inflicted upon a night elf other than death.” (Ch. 13.)
Arnaera
"In service to a mythical cause, they were a shining gem to our people, giving aid where they could in assisting the populace. Alas, the hammer fell and Arnaera made a journey west. They were reborn in winter's heart, and their grand design continues."
Arnaera's entry is the vaguest of them all, and this grave lies hidden in the riverbed of Tel'anor. It's fun to speculate what this mythical cause could have been: perhaps something in service to the Kaldorei Empire, one of the dragonflights, the Wild Gods, the titans, or some other influential force on Azeroth? The thematic word choice between shining gem, hammer, and grand design feel evocative of jewelcrafting or some kind of artisanry; though they may also just be meant to mythify Arnaera.
'The hammer fell' could be a reference to something involving the Hammer of Khaz'goroth, the sacrifice of Tyr, or a metaphor for some other historical event entirely. The 'rebirth in winter's heart' could be the ancient settlement of Shandaral, modern-day Winterspring, Dragonblight, or the afterlife realm of Ardenweald.
Latara Feathersong
"A huntress of the Sentinels, she led the vanguard in many campaigns. Her bravery and compassion were endless. Anu dorah, I remember.”
Latara is the wife of Thaedris Feathersong, the Nightfallen we meet in Tel'anor who, after 10,000 years of isolation, seeks to free her spirit and reunite with her in the afterlife. It seems that Thaedris was the one to engrave her plaque, though we do not know if this was prior to the War of the Ancients, or in more recent times after the Suramar barrier was lowered. She appears to have held a high station in the Sentinels, yet another reference (alongside the Windstrikers epitaph and Cathedral of Eternal Night) that may allude to an organization of the same name predating the Sundering. Latara may have led the vanguard during the expansion of the Kaldorei Empire, or perhaps in defense against incursions from rivaling world powers such as the myriad troll nations, qiraji, nerubians, klaxxi, earthen, vrykul, mogu, tauren, etc.
During the quest [The Final Ingredient] we retrieve her bow, which "glows with a faint white light" and "has potent magic in it" according to Thaedris. Latara may have been a priestess before her role as a Sentinel leader, her weapon carrying over from this past occupation; as was common with many of the Sentinels in times past.
At the conclusion of Thaedris’s questline, we free the grounds of Tel’anor from a powerful hex that has been taking hold of the grave city. As Latara is released from her suffering as a banshee, she whispers to us, “My mind is… cleared. I will sleep now. Give Thaedris my love.” Perhaps as a final act of gratitude, “a great power enveloped one of the arrows left in her quiver." It seems then, that a spirit can use the very last of their essence to leave behind a blessing or boon in the physical realm; in this case, an arrow laced with Latara’s love for Thaedris.
Not unlike the offerings given to the dead at the memorials here, the departed have their own way of paying respects to the living who honor them, too.
Ande ka bindel kalar'dormir. Anu dorah. (May they rest in the terrace of stars. We remember.)
Ashtarel Moonshoal, Sister of the Shore 🐚 Artwork by Firbess
“Min’dorei na’di Lune rae Minn-sharas’shal, anu andas isil rae lura fal.” (Daughters of the Moon and Her tides of night, we are one with silver and sea.) - Binding words of the shoreside sisters, ancient Zoram