Long Lost Crystal Sword

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Whisperwind by Macarena Kahl

Cathedral of Eternal Night: Lost Sanctum of the Sisterhood of Elune

Cathedral of Eternal Night, perhaps called "Azshal'adora" in Darnassian.

These were the uppermost chambers of the Temple of Elune, now known as the Tomb of Sargeras. The corrupting emerald fires of fel magic slowly creep through the entrance of these once hallowed halls, but remnants of the Sisterhood's former glory still endure further into the Cathedral.

Hall of the Moon:

When traversing the dungeon, there are rooms to the side of the main path that may be opened and fully explored. These circular spaces contain what could be old moonwells, outlined with pillows and embraced by floating flowers overhead. These were likely places of meditation or communion with Elune, but I could also imagine these pools being used for healing, cleansing, scrying, stargazing, etc.

Perhaps a coincidence, but when inspected closer, these flowers have eight main petals; similar to how there are eight notable phases of the moon. (I wonder if eight is considered a lucky or holy number in Kaldorei society?)

Windows of stained glass adorn the walls and the ceilings here, filigree and diamond-shaped motifs (like the Tears of Elune) being repeated in the lower levels of the temple as well. Despite this being an indoor place of worship, it's clear that keeping moonlight visible/sensed was important in the Cathedral. In some rooms, it appears that the moonlight from outside shines directly into the pools, perhaps imbuing them with lunar blessings. This could have also just been a way for priests of Elune to feel closer to Her even when inside.

Countless scrolls and bookshelves can be found in all rooms, many of them housing a plethora of desks. Eerily, some still have an open scroll or book laying atop their surface with bookmarks in place, untouched by the sands of time.

I'm curious as to what texts are hidden here, but I suppose there's a few obvious things that come to mind. They could be prayers the Sisters were trying to commit to memory, songs of the Elunarian faith, stories/legends about the Well of Eternity, sacred texts of the Goddess, students' notes/textbooks, and more; as this could have also been a place of learning for newer inductions into the Sisterhood as well.

Perhaps the writings in this repository could make for interesting RP adventures in retrieving old texts, relics, lore about ancient Kalimdor, or attempts at discerning old Elunarian spellwork, prayers, stories, etc!

The small tabletop game on the right also caught my eye. Pieces of arcane crystal float above the board, maybe an old version of Kaldorei/Highborne chess.

Another detail in some of these areas are the looms resting to the side of the moon-pools: this could have been a place where mooncloth or holy vestments were created or blessed, as evidenced by one of the sub-zones here being called "Sacristy of Elune." A sacristy is a place where "a priest prepares for a service, and where vestments and other things of worship are kept."

Chapel of Tranquil Song:

An easily missed side-room leading up the first set of stairs is the Chapel of Tranquil Song. It is a small church with two sets of pews, and a fallen crescent-harp. This room further reinforces the idea that music and song have been a prominent aspect of Elune worship, and I think this could be an interesting take on healing in RP as well. Calming singing and instruments like the harp could possibly help heal wounds alongside the lunar magic of the Goddess, akin to an Elunarian bard.

The Twilight Grove:

The next level of the Cathedral is called "Twilight Grove," a large platform housing ethereal flowers that glow like stars with a font of moonlight (almost like a silver lake) pouring in through the ceiling. Agronox's dungeon journal entry describes these as the "Hanging Gardens," which he once tended to before his fall to corruption. I find it interesting that these plants seem to flourish hanging upside down, rather than growing on the ground level. Some petals and leaves also seem to be translucent, reminiscent of a spirit or the like.

I am unsure what these herbs are exactly, but perhaps they are specifically nourished by moonlight. Maybe priests of Elune utilize celestial herbs of some kind that bolster the magic granted by the Goddess, grant visions/spiritual boons, or emanate a calming aura in places of worship. It could also be that mundane herbs may be grown near a moonwell or a font like this one, and with time are imbued by Elune's blessings.

Chapel of the Sentinels:

This chapel is yet another Legion reference to a group called the Sentinels existing before the War of the Ancients. The others mentioned are in Tel'anor (resting place of WotA heroes) upon the plaques of the Windstrikers and Latara Feathersong.

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."

Latara: "Here lies Latara Feathersong. A huntress of the Sentinels, she led the vanguard in many campaigns. Her bravery and compassion were endless."

Maybe this order existed before the Sundering, with special places reserved for them like this chapel, and was simply revived in name by Tyrande Whisperwind a few centuries later.

The Emerald Archives:

A grand library containing innumerable books of all categories, it seems that these archives contained Highborne enchantments as well. Before the Sundering, there may have been an emphasis on Priestesses being educated/learned in many different areas of study, including knowledge of the arcane. These are the books we see from Thrashbite's dungeon journal entry:

Satirical Animated Book: an animated tome overflowing with stifingly satirical writing. As the tomes open, all sound is magically absorbed into the ancient pages, silencing all players for 5 seconds.

Fictional Animated Book: An ancient work of fiction springs to life, the magical runes leaping from the page to fetter would-be readers. Slows all players.

Biographical Animated Book: Account of a long-forgotten sorcerer's life can prove to be dangerously beguiling. Entrancing narrative charms a random player, but breaks if their health goes below 30%.

All of these fire arcane bolts at the party. Books as weapons in mage RP is something I'd never thought about, but makes so much sense!

There is an achievement for this boss fight called "Steamy Romance Saga," implying that even erotica could have also been kept in the library.

A mural to the left of the Emerald Archives depicts a Kaldorei woman bearing a shield (likely the Aegis of Aggramar that was kept here prior to the Sundering) and a spherical protection spell against green flames from what appears to be a dragon.

The way leading to the next area is called "Path of Illumination."

Chapel of Tears:

Another side-room on the way up the winding staircase is named the Chapel of Tears. This could have been a place of safekeeping for the Pillar of Creation: Tears of Elune, or a chapel of mourning. Somehow, a fel-infused Fal'dorei (nightborne spider) has made a nest here.

Other references to Elune's tears:

Tearstone of Elune

The Sisters' Tear

Mu'sha's Tears

Tears of the Goddess

Elune's Tear

Tears of the Moon

In any case, references to tears of Elune crop up all over Azeroth, most of which possess some kind of restorative/cleansing/life-giving powers. I believe that while the tears could certainly represent sadness of the Goddess, they could also represent tears of happiness, as the Pillar of Creation is described to "embody the dream of what Azeroth could be," and maybe the strong healing magic imparted by them is rooted in hope. I feel that Elune's connection to water could also be another avenue for RP, perhaps harnessing rejuvenating aquatic magic alongside the lunar blessings of Elune.

Sacristy of Elune:

The pinnacle of the Cathedral is known as the Sacristy of Elune, with areas of now-empty shelves and pillaged chests. The stained glass has been turned a fel-green, broken open and shattered onto the floor. The name suggests that this was once a place where sacred items were kept, such as vestments, furnishings, sacred vessels, and Elunarian records.

Given the ancient origin of the Cathedral, this could have been a prominent place that mooncloth was created: "Tailors tell that the first recipe for mooncloth was scribed by Elune herself." It is unknown if a tailor must use felcloth and purify it in a moonwell to eventually create mooncloth, or if any cloth can be used with the proper rituals/spells/blessings.

Hope you found this interesting, thanks for reading!

"Andu’lun-adala-ande’nar." (May the moon light your way.)

A Refreshing Morning by こうちゃんぱぱ

🌙🩵💟

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.)

Bel'ameth, the Arms of the Goddess

"Isil noras rae shala dielas." (Silver skies and safe journeys.)

In the Heart of Amirdrassil

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]