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Moonfire was a magical substance sacred to the goddess Selûne the Moonmaiden.[1][2][3]

Description[]

Moonfire was formed as a product of certain rituals conducted by the Selûnite clergy. If the goddess was pleased by a ceremony, she bathed the milk or wine (or its combination[3]) poured on the altar with moonlight, transforming it into moonfire. This strange matter had an opalescent appearance, glowed with a white light, and felt as soft as silk with a consistency like custard. It could move, flowing like a fluid down from the altar.[1][2][3][note 1]

Effects[]

This mass of moonfire crept away from the altar to touch or envelop whatever or whoever the goddess chose with a variety of results, such as enchanting items, empowering the faithful, and destroying undead.[1][2][3]

Some common magical items produced by moonfire were:

as well as various magical shields.[1] On a typical occurrence, magic items worth a total of 5000 to 10,000 gold pieces would be created. Any remaining moonfire fell inert but was still potent and collected by the priests as moonfire salve, with up to six jars.[3] These items were intended for use by the clergy.[1][2]

In certain circumstances, mortals who were faithful to Selûne and were touched by moonfire would receive a magical power.[1][2] Some common examples were:

Moonfire would do these things only as Selûne willed it. No-one knew of a way to force it to produce a certain result, those who tried to steal it came away empty-handed, and it disappeared when the goddess desired.[1][2]

Beliefs[]

It is a blessed night, and a good sign for you all, that Our Lady of Silver considers you worthy to see her gift.
— High Initiate Courynna Jacerryl, upon receiving moonfire[3]

The clergy saw moonfire as a holy substance; if stolen, they would go to extraordinary lengths to retrieve it. When moonfire appeared, the clergy considered it a good sign, believing the night was blessed and they were worthy. Those it touched were thought to be marked for a special destiny.[3]

History[]

Once, High Initiate Courynna Jacerryl and her followers once performed a "night stalk" ceremony in honor of the goddess, who was pleased and produced moonfire. Courynna called this a blessing, and when it touched Maera's hands, Courynna suggested the goddess had something special planned for her. She directed her followers to gather the sacred substance.[3]

Appendix[]

See Also[]

Notes[]

  1. Magic of Faerûn, page 17, has the Mystery of the Night ritual be a precursor to producing moonfire. However, while the prior sources discuss moonfire immediately after the Mystery of the Night, it is not necessarily the case that the Mystery produces moonfire. Instead, the conditions described for creating moonfire are the same as those of the night stalk ritual. This article treats moonfire as potentially being produced from any ritual.

References[]

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