The Pearled Cathedral

Third Mense of Mortina

Rumored to be nestled within the many craters and crevices of the Mother Moon are strange and seldom spotted structures. Being so close to Aversia that the Moon itself is easily seen by any, those astronomers who gaze upon perhaps the easiest target of their search may find a temple upon the Mother Moon herself. A cathedral tucked and hidden amongst her many crevices, born purely of pearled and abyssal moonstones. This porcelain structure has been gazed upon in all the millennia by no more Aversian eyes that one may count on their hand.

Myths passed down throughout the millennia by Covens of the Moon Mother detail of the most holy site of worship, a temple birthed upon the Moon’s own surface. Shown to only her most faithful, it is suspected that this temple is the place of prayer where her followers gather in their afterlife. Despite the seldom witnesses of this structure, all rumored accounts of astronomers, and texts of her preachers detail that the Pearled Cathedral is a lone structure hidden among her surface. Empty, it has never been seen occupied when found by an astronomer; casting doubt upon the words of the preachers who claim it as a hall of congregation.

Once a Cycle, in the midst of Mortina, The Pearled Cathedral will reveal itself upon the Mother Moon and send a ray of moonlight upon Aversia from dusk till dawn. This moonlight will spread her influence over the Realm of Aversia, granting to her kin grand boons on this night. This period of darkness is known as the Mense of the Mother Moon.

Mechanics

The Mense of the Mother Moon effects many of her followers, and those close to her influence. From the Magi whose mana she conducts, to her covens fashioned from the cursed Vallah and Lycanthropes. A ray of moonlight leaves the Cathedral once a Tsel, touching Aversia. Granting her night her influence. The following boons are granted to those who qualify for the duration of the Mense by Ombra herself.

When a Mage or Runesmith bears witness to the Pearled Cathedral they are able to cast and craft all the following spells and runes, regardless of whether they possess the Discipline or not. This effect will fade once the Pearled Cathedral has ended, and dawn has risen.

When a Vallah or Lycanthrope bears witness to the Pearled Cathedral they are granted the boons of the night. These abilities will show through during the night, but will fade away once dawn has risen.

The Pearled Cathedral has effects which are accessible throughout the Mense, and effects which are accessible only during the Peak of the phenomenon. The Peak will only occur for one night, in the exact middle of the Mense. During the Peak for more powerful abilities become accessible to the Nightmother's favored for this one night.

Vallah within Mense of the Mother Moon

When amongst the darkness and night during the Mense of the Mother Moon, Vallah will find that they are able to course of [2 Turns] transform themselves into the form of a Shike. Lesser Vallah will find themselves able to transform into Lesser Shrikes; whilst Greater Vallahs may transform into Greater Shikes. Vallah will be able to remain within these transformed states until dawn.

Lycanthropes within Mense of the Mother Moon

The motherly gaze of the Mother Moon shines down upon her accursed during her Mense. All Lycans during these nights will become sentient until dawn. Unlike the rest of the Cycle, they will be in full control of their faculties and mind and choices.

Novice Magi within the Mense of the Mother Moon

The following spells may be casted by Novice Magi throughout the Mense of the Mother Moon. These spells may be only casted if the Novice or greater Mage is able to see the Mense of the Mother Moon. A Mage does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon above serves as such for the Mage. These spells are unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Spell Name: Peace of Night

• Mana: 3
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Low
• Cast Time: 3 Turns
• Spell Duration: 5 Turns
• Range: 10m
• Spell Effect: When in darkness or night, the caster may designate a target within range to be overtaken by calm. Hostility is ended for the duration upon the target.

Spell Name: Slight of Hand

• Mana: 3
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Low
• Cast Time: 2 Turns
• Spell Duration: Instant
• Range: 15m
• Spell Effect: The caster will reach through a conjured shadow which will allow them to take a chosen object from the target's form. The target must make a DC 14 check to notice if the item has been taken. If the object is held, the target will immediately be aware of the thievery, and must make a DC 14 check to resist the item from being taken by the shadow.

Adept Magi within the Mense of the Mother Moon

The following spells may be casted by Adept Magi throughout the Mense of the Mother Moon. These spells may be only casted if the Adept or greater Mage is able to see the Mense of the Mother Moon. A Mage does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon above serves as such for the Mage. These spells are unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Spell Name: Of Mother's Brood

• Mana: 4
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Medium
• Cast Time: 3 Turns
• Spell Duration: 1 OOC hour
• Range: Touch
• Spell Effect: The caster targets a creature of the night (rats, bats, wolves, etc) and channels their sight and hearing into their form. The caster is able to speak through this creature, in which the caster's own voice will be heard. If the animal is harmed, the spell will end.

Spell Name: Celestial’s End

• Mana: 3 + 2 per Turn
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Medium
• Cast Time: 3 Turns
• Spell Duration: Channeled
• Range: 10m
• Spell Effect: The caster sends forth a 1m wide ray of starlight 10m long before themselves. Targets caught in this ray will suffer from a blinding light, which seeks to run through their form. Those who hold hatred for The Nightmother and her celestials are said to feel intense burning from this wound. Armor will delay the wounds of this spell by one turn. Wounds will worsen for each turn a target remains in the ray, wounds are as follows:
  • Turn 1: The light will pierce the flesh of the target(s) making a Moderate puncture.
  • Turn 2: Punctures will drive deeper into the flesh of the target(s), becoming a Severe puncture.
  • Turn 3+: The light will continue to pierce into the form of the target(s), maintaining the damage of Severe punctures.

Archmages within the Mense of the Mother Moon

The following spells may be casted by Archmages throughout the Mense of the Mother Moon. These spells may be only casted if the Archmage is casting at night during the Mense of the Mother Moon. An Archmage does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon above serves as such for the Archmage. These spells are unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Spell Name: Mislead

• Mana: 5
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Medium
• Cast Time: 3 Turns
• Spell Duration: 5 Turns
• Range: 10m
• Spell Effect: The caster creates two illusory clones which are able to fully interact with the world. Aided by Ombra's own influence these duplicates are considered Divine in origin, and cannot be seen through by magical means. These clones may take three strikes before they are killed. They may cast a singular spell or take actions until dispelled.

Spell Name: Blood Puppet

• Mana: 5 + 3 per Turn
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Medium
• Cast Time: 4 Turns
• Spell Duration: Channeled
• Range: 8m
• Spell Effect: The caster leads both the mind and body of their target to perceive the world and do as they wish. Aided by Ombra's own influence this magic is Divinely hosted, and cannot be blocked by magical means or braincap. The target will see the reality made by the caster, and do as the caster guides them to. Once free, the target will feel the influence of a caster leave their mind, but will not know what was truth and what was fabrication. DC of 16 to be made with each turn.

Vallah within Peak of the Mother Moon

Within the rays of moonlight during the Peak of the Mother Moon, the Nightmother’s Vallah benefit greatly. All Lesser Vallah assume the abilities of Greater Vallah during this peak night. Whilst Greater Vallah are consumed by the night themselves, they may teleport between darkened or shaded spaces within 10 meters and take an action.

Lycanthropes within Peak of the Mother Moon

Lycanthropes while in darkness are able to heal all wounds in [6 Turns] during combat, assuming they take no damage while healing. Taking damage while healing will prevent healing for [10 Turns]. Healing per turn follows the scale below:

• 2 Post Cast Time: Minor - Minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• 3 Post Cast Time: Mild - Lacerations, minor fractures, punctures, and gashes requiring stitches
• 4 Post Cast Time: Moderate - Broken bones, minor blood loss, 2nd degree burns, minor appendages (fingers, toes, etc.)
• 5 Post Cast Time: Severe - 3rd degree burns, major blood loss, major lacerations, gashes, puncture wounds, etc.
• 6 Post Cast Time: Lethal - Fatal wounds, organ damage, limbs, etc.

Novice Magi within the Peak of the Mother Moon

The following spell may be casted by Novice Magi during the Peak of the Mother Moon. This spell may be only casted when the Novice or greater Mage is crafting at night during the Peak. A Mage does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast this spell, as the phenomenon above serves as such for the Mage. This spell is unable to be retained after the peak of the anomaly has ended.

Spell Name: Cosmic Awe

• Mana: 4
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Medium
• Cast Time: 3 Turns
• Spell Duration: Instantaneous
• Range: 10m
• Spell Effect: The caster selects a 6x6 area and sprouts from the ground the awe inspiring lights of the cosmos which will shoot to the sky. Any objects or targets caught in this radius will be rocketed 15m into the air.

Adept Magi within the Peak of the Mother Moon

The following spell may be casted by Adept Magi during the Peak of the Mother Moon. These spells may be only casted when the Novice or greater Mage is crafting at night during the Peak. A Mage does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast this spell, as the phenomenon above serves as such for the Mage. This spell is unable to be retained after the peak of the anomaly has ended.

Spell Name: Angered Comet

• Mana: 4
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Medium
• Cast Time: 3 Turns
• Spell Duration: Instantaneous
• Range: Self
• Spell Effect: The caster makes a charge, transforming themselves into a rushing comet. This comet measures 5m wide, and will punch through any obstacles within 20m. Those who oppose the comet will be severely wounded, armor will be caved in, and those in the path of the comet will be forced to the side. Any terrain obstacles, such as walls or earth are reduced to rubble.

Archmages within the Peak of the Mother Moon

The following spell may be casted by Archmages during the Peak of the Mother Moon. This spell may be only casted when the Archmage is casting at night during the Peak. An Archmage does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast this spell, as the phenomenon above serves as such for the Archmage. This spell is unable to be retained after the peak of the anomaly has ended.

Spell Name: The Bonds of Moonlight

• Mana: 5
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Concentration: Medium
• Cast Time: 4 Turns
• Spell Duration: 4 Turns
• Range: 10m
• Spell Effect: The caster wraps the body of up to three targets in rays of moonlight, tying them like lace. These shimmering bonds will restrict any physical movement, and physical attacks as the entire body has been encased in moonlight wraps. The target must begin their turn by making a DC 16 saving throw, upon a fail the bonds will tighten to a crush which will break bones, providing Severe wounds. Upon a successful save, the target will resist the crushing force of the bonds and will remain wrapped.

Novice Runesmiths within the Mense of the Mother Moon

The following runes may be crafted by Novice Runesmiths throughout the Mense of the Mother Moon. These runes may be only crafted if the Novice or greater Runesmith is crafting at night during the Mense of the Mother Moon. A Runesmith does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon grants such ability to the Runesmith. This rune is unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Name: Weaver’s Icon

• Mana: 4
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Activation: Time
• Activation Time: 2 Turns
• Duration: 1 Charge
• Range: Touch
• Effect: When imbued onto a weapon, this rune causes the weapon to glow brightly with celestial energy. Whatever target the weapon strikes will feel the force of a miniature supernova as the celestial energy is expended, sending the target and any objects or people within 5 meters of it flying back 5m. Anyone looking directly at the impact will be blinded for 1 turn if they are within 10 meters. This causes the bearer of the weapon to stagger, but nothing more.

Adept Runesmiths within the Mense of the Mother Moon

The following runes may be crafted by Adept Runesmiths throughout the Mense of the Mother Moon. These runes may be only crafted if the Adept or greater Runesmith is crafting at night during the Mense of the Mother Moon. A Runesmith does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon above grants such ability to the Runesmith. This rune is unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Name: Astral Gate

• Mana: 4 Mana
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Activation: Time
• Activation Time: 3 Turns
• Duration: 1 turn
• Range: 20m
• Effect: The rune opens many small portals in a 7x7x1 wall. Dozens of small meteorites rip through the direction of the runesmiths choosing for 20m. They are capable of ripping through steel plate armor, causing Severe punctures.

Master Runesmiths within the Mense of the Mother Moon

The following runes may be crafted by Master Runesmiths throughout the Mense of the Mother Moon. These runes may be only crafted if the Master Runesmith is crafting at night during the Mense of the Mother Moon. A Runesmith does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon above grants such ability to the Runesmith. This rune is unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Name: Conjure Lustelio

• Mana: 4 Mana
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Activation: Time
• Activation Time: 3 Turns
• Duration: 10 Turns
• Range: 5m
• Effect: This rune will send into the air the depiction of Lustelio’s constellation, which shines down upon it. Anything within the subtle glow of the constellation gains a subtle sense of peace. Their concentration cannot be broken while standing within the glow

Novice Runesmiths within the Peak of the Mother Moon

The following runes may be crafted by Novice Runesmiths during the Peak of the Mother Moon. These runes may be only crafted if the Novice or greater Runesmith is crafting at night during the Peak of the Mother Moon. A Runesmith does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon above grants such ability to the Runesmith. This rune is unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Name: Conjure Lahna

• Mana: 3 Mana
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Activation: Time
• Activation Time: 3 Turns
• Duration: 10 Turns
• Range: 5m
• Effect: This rune will send into the air the depiction of Lahna’s constellation, which shines down upon it. Anything within the subtle glow of the constellation may roll twice for any roll, and take the roll they choose for the duration.

Adept Runesmiths within the Peak of the Mother Moon

The following runes may be crafted by Adept Runesmiths during the Peak of the Mother Moon. These runes may be only crafted if the Adept or greater Runesmith is crafting at night during the Peak of the Mother Moon. A Runesmith does not require the proper Disciplines or catalyst to cast these spells, as the phenomenon above grants such ability to the Runesmith. This rune is unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Name: Nightmother’s Blur

• Mana: 5 Mana
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Activation: Time
• Activation Time: 3 Turns
• Duration: 10 Turns
• Range: 15m
• Effect: The rune shrouds the area in darkness and creates dozens of shadowy figures that resemble any humanoid figure the runesmith chooses. The shadows appear to randomly attack anything within its area, including each other, but cause no harm on their own. This makes it easy for the user to disguise their own attacks within it. The runesmith is able to see clearly within this darkness. Any sound made within the radius is replicated by every shadow.

Master Runesmiths within the Peak of the Mother Moon

The following rune may be crafted by Master Runesmiths during the Peak of the Mother Moon. This rune may be only crafted if the Master Runesmith is crafting at night during the Peak of the Mother Moon. A Runesmith does not require the proper Disciplines to cast these runes, as the phenomenon above grants such ability to the Runesmith. This rune is unable to be retained after the anomaly has ended.

Name: Conjure Otota

• Mana: 5 Mana
• Disciplines: Pearled Cathedral
• Activation: Time
• Activation Time: 3 Turns
• Duration: 1 turn/ 3 turn pin
• Range: 10m
• Effect: This rune will open a gate for a depiction of the Moon of Otota to fly through wherever the runesmith chooses within range. This strange, tuberous, and arcane moon will fly forth to impact the ground of a 9x9x9m area. Those caught in this area will receive crushing injuries from the impact of the Moon, weighing up to Severe. Any targets must then make a DC 14 check, or they will be physically pinned underneath the green and lilac metal for 3 Turns before the material dissipates.

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