Menelwen, Mother of the Moon

The lady of the Moon and creator deity of the Elves, Menelwen is venerated by elves and other mortals alike. She is one of the Gods who have returned since the calamity, still retaining much of her power due to the moon being present in both the material, shadow and fey planes.

With her return the Elves of the world have become emboldened, with their mother and creator once again illuminating their path. Other races too rejoiced, Menelwen was a god not just of elves and moon, but of dreams and guidance. She returned not much changed like other gods, for she knew that she was needed.

History

Menelwen came into existence along with the moon; she embodies the guiding moonlight on dark nights and the dreams of those who sleep. She extends across multiple planes, whereas some other gods are limited to just the material plane. This is due to the moon itself being existent in both the material plane, the Feywild, and Shadowfell, and as the moon and Menelwen are one and the same, she is present in these realms too.

The moon's existence across multiple realms has turned it into somewhat of an arcane conduit, transferring magic across multiple realms, allowing for shadow, fey, and weave magic to be used across planes of existence. As Menelwen is the goddess of the moon, she is also venerated as a deity of magic and the source of the Elves' innate arcane abilities.

Menelwen's title as Mother of the Moon comes from her creation of the elven race. While she was not the first creator deity, she was the only one who created a race outside the material plane, as the Elves were born into the Feywild, created by Menelwen from pure moonlight. She made her children in her own images, the full moon, crescent moon, and new moon. Nearly all elves venerate Menelwen at least to a certain extent; most worship her along with other gods or at least acknowledge her as their mother. The only Elves that do not worship their creator are the Bright Elves.

The Guiding Moonlight

After Menelwen's return, she has taken as active a role as she can to ensure the gods' full return and to separate the planes once again. Her guiding light is more than a celestial phenomenon; it is a beacon of hope and a rallying point for those who seek to restore balance to the world. As many of the pantheon have done, Menelwen has extended her gifts of the arcane and the moonlight to Elves and other mortals alike.

Followers of the moon maiden have been given guiding moonlight to lead the people of Talsya through a difficult and confusing reality. The moon has also become a symbol of the gods, with Menelwen strengthening the magics of mortals, creating Lunar sorcerers among Elves and Clerics of Menelwen alike. Her presence is felt in the soft glow of the moon, offering solace and clarity to those who gaze upon it. By her divine will, the night itself has become a sanctuary, where the lost can find their way and the weary can find peace.

Since her return after the calamity, there is a new vigor among the elves. Reinvigorated by their creator's presence, they feel a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Menelwen's return has sparked a renaissance in elven society, inspiring new hope and faith under her guidance. Her dreams and visions are more frequent and intense, providing her followers with the wisdom and direction needed in these trying times.

In addition to her general acts of hope and faith, Menelwen has blessed the Elves with sorcerous powers, drawn from the moon. The faithful Elves of Menelwen are bestowed with magical abilities tied to the moons phases, granted to fight for the world and gods. In addition to sorcerers, The Moonmaiden has used her unique position as a multiplanar

Her Gifts of Silver

Like many deities that have returned, Menelwen has bestowed upon her followers gifts that previously would have been seen as overstepping the Gods' authority. Individuals blessed by Menelwen undergo a transformative process, their bodies becoming conduits for her divine moonlight. Those touched by her blessing develop intricate patterns of shimmering cracks upon their skin, from which soft moonlight emanates, illuminating their surroundings with a celestial glow.

This phenomenon is often seen among devotees such as Lunar Sorcerers and Menellian Paladins, who draw upon Menelwen's divine power to fuel their arcane and martial abilities. The presence of these cracks serves as a visible manifestation of their connection to the moon goddess, symbolizing their role as champions of her celestial cause. As they are empowered by the moon, their powers will never wane when approaching the Feywild or Shadowfell, like some arcane magic or other divine powers may. Menelwens multiplanar nature has been used to the her full extent.

She knows the other planes, and she does not fear their lords.

Titles

The Mother of the Moon
The Moonmaiden
Mother of the Elves
Our lady of Silver
She Who Guides

Alignment

Chaotic good

Symbol

Crescent moon

Portfolio

The Moon, Elves, Guidance, Dreams, Sanctuary

Domains

Twilight, Arcana, Life

Worshipers

Elves, Navigators, Healers, The Lost

Channel divinity

Arcane abjuration
Preserve life
Twilight sanctuary