Vytal Noctura
N I G H T M O T H E R
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: Rebuilding the Altar of Spirits to serve as a monument of unity between spirits and people of Ryloth.
- Image Credit: Artstation
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Solanaceae, Vytal Noctura
- Structure Name: Altar of Spirits
- Classification: Mountain
- Location: Nightlands, Ryloth
- Affiliation: Mandragora, Confederacy of Independent Systems
- Accessibility: While the Nightlands can be dangerous for those unprepared or ill-equipped, people are welcome to visit the rebuilt Altar of Spirits. In fact, the Solanaceae (AKA Witches of Ryloth, Druids of Ryloth, Mandragora) extend the opportunity to do so, and would gladly lead any with an interest there under their protection. Stairs lead from the base of the mountain to the peak where a flat, open platform allows a moderately sized group to explore and peer out over the Nightlands.
- Description: The physical Altar of Spirits rests atop a mountain in the Nightlands of Ryloth. It can be seen from the air, and the mountain stands out upon the horizon. It was rebuilt after the Agents of Chaos destroyed the historical landmark that was made in ages passed to honor the Spirits of Ryloth. The Solanaceae would not allow this travesty to stand, however, and set about rebuilding it to once more honor those Spirits, and the Twi'lek as cherished partners in tending to the world and all it represented. Stones of the broken ruins remain and are set along the edge in recognition of the past others sought to bury, with nine pillars of stone set at the far end representing the Spirits and the Altar itself rests at the center. Trees and other plants have begun to slowly grow down the sides of the mountain from the spiritual energy gathered about it despite the hostile environment of the Nightlands.
- The Altar of Spirits: In the center of the platform sits a large altar made of polished, alabaster stone. The stone is carved with various runes and glyphs describing the power of all spirits -- Light, Dark, or otherwise. A tribute to the coexistence the worlds share as part of a greater whole. It is said that those lain here can feel healing power of the spirits relieving them of aches and pains. With a gathering of Witches, such healing power could be brought forth to cure ease and -- so the rumors go -- bring the dead to life.
- Nine Stone Pillars: At the far end of the platform from the stairs, beyond the Altar, stand nine alabaster pillars arrayed beside one another with a slight convex bow away from visitors and worshipers. Each reflects a different aspect of the two worlds. The center and tallest of the Nine represents the unity and connection between those to its left and its right. The next two tallest reflect the god and goddess without whom restoration of this site of communion with one another and nature would not be possible. While the remaining three on either side reflect the Spirits that dwell upon and protect Ryloth and its people.
- Reflection Pool: Off to the right of the lengthy stair case up the mountain, at the peak, rests a pool of mist whose bottom is lined with crystal. Some of those that gaze into its currents have claimed to see the faces and hear the voices of departed loved ones, or catch glimpses of the lost. A Force User could sit before this pool in meditation to relive memories of the past, or in rare occurrences peer through a crack into the future if but for a moment.
SECURITY
The Altar of Spirits possesses Low security. While it is true the previous Altar was damaged beyond repair, it would do a disservice to the spirits to trample upon their land, burrowing into their mountain, and setting visitors on edge with a large array of security personnel. Instead, the Solanaceae maintain a constant vigil over the site to afford it protection against vandals, monsters, and terrorists alike. Should a great threat arise, the men and women on-site can send word using comlink or through the Force for assistance while they use their power, the animal and creature warding runes inscribed around the mountain and along the staircase to its peak, and the Force Barrier that can be activated at its peak to keep threats by Human or beast at bay until reinforcements arrive.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
When the Agents of Chaos came to Ryloth as the Capital was besieged, they came with the intent on erasing a piece of Ryloth's history -- the Altar of Spirits that was said to have been erected by practitioners of the Mandragora in ancient times. Nightmother Vytal Noctura, Sister Shamira Karuto, and Lord Commander Voph met them in battle; but despite their hard fought efforts, explosives physically tore through the stones leaving them broken atop the mountain.
The Nightmother of the Solanaceae vowed that she would not let this stand. Even if the Altar had only ever been a site of historical significance, it had been of the Mandragora and of Ryloth. The men and women set to work clearing, fortifying the foundations, and rebuilding what had been lost. For what is lost is never truly gone, so long as hearts and minds of those that believe remain.
Magick was woven through the site once more to imbue it with an environmental barrier against the harsh environment of Ryloth's Nightlands (the dark side of a tidal locked world) to allow visitors and worshipers alike to stay without requiring arctic wear. The site was also imbued with other magick to fortify it from attack and to provide shelter to those in need -- refugees from attack by Human or beast -- by erecting a Force barrier around the platform. Lastly, but not least, a single flame was ritually conjured held within a chalice set before the tallest of the Nine pillars to not only reflect the presence of the Spirits of Ryloth, but the solidarity that Living or Dead held in this place.
Tended by the Solanaceae, people are welcome to come here and to learn more about the Unseen and Undying world around them. A place to find refugee within the Nightlands, and one where a traveler can look out over the dark side of Ryloth not afraid to peer into its depths. For there is nothing to fear in the shadows with the right guide to see you through them.
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