Noctura, the deity of darkness and secrets

Overview

Noctura is revered as the embodiment of darkness, secrets, and the unseen, worshiped predominantly by those who seek knowledge beyond the ordinary. She is depicted as a mysterious and enigmatic deity, offering wisdom and power to those who dare to delve into the shadows. Her followers see her as a guide through the unknown, revealing hidden truths and granting strength through understanding the arcane and the forbidden.

Mythology

According to legend, Noctura emerged from the void at the edge of creation, where light could not reach. She wove the fabric of the night and filled it with stars, each a beacon of knowledge and power. From her whispers, the first incantations were spoken, and the secrets of the universe were revealed to those who could listen. Her shadowy presence is said to be felt wherever secrets are kept and mysteries abound.

Worship

Worship of Noctura is marked by rituals that embrace the night and the hidden. Her followers conduct ceremonies under the cover of darkness, in secluded groves, hidden temples, and ancient ruins. Major festivals in her honor include the Night of Whispers, celebrated during the new moon, and The Veil of Shadows, observed during the longest night of the year to honor the power and wisdom of darkness.

Clergy and Temples

Noctura's priests, known as Shadowweavers, wear robes in deep purples, blacks, and silvers. They are often scholars, spies, and sorcerers, skilled in both the arcane and the subtle arts of deception and discovery. Her temples are hidden sanctuaries, often located in remote or secretive places, designed to reflect the mystery and enigma of Noctura. These temples are adorned with intricate carvings, enchanted symbols, and artifacts that conceal ancient knowledge.

The Whispering Void

In -90 BSE, with Noctura's influence solidified, The Whispering Void was formally recognized as the official cult of Blackspire. This establishment attracted practitioners of dark magic from across Atha, transforming into a center for research into the eldritch and the unknown. The Whispering Void thrived in Bright Harbor, a bustling port city known for its trade and a crossroads of various cultures and secrets. The city's diverse and sometimes shadowy dealings provided fertile ground for the Voidseekers, who excelled in trade, espionage, and the acquisition of forbidden knowledge.

Symbols and Sacraments

The most recognized symbol of Noctura is the crescent moon, often worn as an amulet by her followers. Another sacred symbol is the veil, representing the hidden and the unseen. Rituals often involve the use of candles, incense, and mirrors, symbolizing Noctura’s presence and the revelation of secrets.

Influence

Noctura’s teachings have shaped many aspects of life in regions where her faith is strong. Laws and customs often reflect her principles, emphasizing wisdom, caution, and the pursuit of hidden knowledge. Her festivals are times of reflection and revelation, celebrated with secret gatherings and the sharing of esoteric knowledge that reinforce communal bonds and the pursuit of understanding.

Legends and Artifacts

Numerous relics are attributed to Noctura's legends, including the Tome of Shadows, a book said to contain the secrets of the universe, and the Mirror of Midnight, reputed to reveal hidden truths and future events when gazed upon under the new moon.

Divine Intervention

Tales abound of Noctura's interventions in mortal affairs, from the sudden uncovering of hidden dangers to the guidance of lost souls through the darkness. Such stories reinforce her followers' faith and spread her worship across the lands.

Related Myths

• The Sundering