Ethera's Ring

I have studied the constellation known as Ethera's Ring for many years now, and yet its secrets continue to elude me. The unpredictable nature of its stars, combined with the inconsistency of its orbit, make this system quite the enigma. No matter how long a particular star is studied for, there is no consistency to the ebb and flow of its light. Some theorize that it has something to do with the strength of magic in the kingdom of Cynia, but that can hardly be the case. After all, why would the stars care about such a small portion of the world? As if Raveth has no significance in the eye of the gods. Rather, I believe it may have more to do with the strength of the constellation's namesake goddess herself. If she can only appear before her worshippers when all the stars in her ring are lit, then it certainly stands to reason.

I would certainly like to investigate further into this. Perhaps if I can be allowed to view the Eve of Blessings ceremony in person.

— An excerpt from the journal of Makhael of Raveth, Scholar

This ring-shaped collection of stars is comprised of twenty-five individual celestial bodies, of which only fifteen are visible most nights. It is said that Solix Astera created this constellation as a gift to his first bride Nexis Ethera.
Only once every 25 years is there a night where all 25 stars become visible in the night sky, called the Eve of Blessing. The Astralan Church holds a ceremony on these rare occasions wherein the priestesses of Solix all gather in the largest church in Tyrincros. At the height of the event the light from the stars will coalesce into a vision of the lost goddess, showering blessings upon the congregation before vanishing once again.
The constellation can be found in the night sky beginning in the Second Moon of Spring, coming to its zenith during Summer, and disappearing during the Third Moon of Autumn. The Eve of Blessing can occur at any point between the rising and setting of the constellation. More and more stars become visible in the nights leading up to this event, acting as a good marker for the clergy of the church to begin preparations for the Blessings Ceremony, however it is not unheard of for there to be false starts. The most stars that have ever become visible without it culminating in an Eve of Blessings is twenty-one.

Alternative Name(s)

Astera's Bride

Type

Star System