In the kingdom of Avalance, long before the reign of the New Kings and the Old, the faith of the Sun and Moon was the only known faith. Their glory and benevolence were all the known world was built on. Theirs was the story of the twins, sun sister Solista and moon brother Yunuen and how they shaped the world as is now known to man. Being such an old religion, it is still mainly present in the Highlands and Ashax, who are both descendants from the Old Kings. Following in other parts of Avalance is smaller. While some places might prefer to pray to one over the other, one cannot be without the other and never will people solely choose one of the two gods.

Origin story

The origin story of the Sun and Moon is one still shrouded in a lot of mystery since it is such an old story. What is known, is that Solista and Yunuen once were one. While in perfect harmony, their existence was shrouded in boredom and they longed for something more. To create the world they separated from one another to become the Sun and Moon and bring the world the duality of light and darkness, fire and ice. With their power, they forged the lands below them. It is said that if the twins were to ever become one again, the world would come to an end as well because it was brought to life by their parting. Yet bringing the world to an end was not what the Gods had planned for the world. After all, their love for it sprung the waters and the plants, the earth and the people. Where Solista shared her warmth with the living creatures, bathing them in sunlight, Yunuen gifted them the rains to grow their crops and a light to guide them through the darkness of the night.

The people were grateful for these gifts and thus continued to worship their God and Goddess. With the arrival of the Dragon faith, some feared that the wrath of Yunuen and Solista would be invoked, but both believed in their children, knowing the ones worthy of their care would never abandon them.

Ceremonial spaces

Many people have small altars at home dedicated to Solista and Yunuen. These are the places where most of the general day praying takes place and where their respect to the God and Goddess is shown. These small altars often are located outside or next to/under windows, to make sure they are connected to the sky. The palace in Asherah has a special courtyard dedicated to the faith, while in Caer Scion there is a special room with a glass roof letting through all the lights from the sky.

Rather than temples or other grand buildings dedicated to Solista and Yunuen, there are large, fairly plain looking, ceremonial structures which are used for ceremonies and celebrations. These ceremonial structures are called Sun Spheres and Moon Spheres. In the Highlands, they are buildings with sturdy walls to keep out the cold. In Ashax they are built into the ground to shelter people from the wind, with benches all along the walls for people to sit. The structures are round and do not have a roof, thus making it possible for the Sun and Moon to gaze upon the things happening in there freely.

People come to these Spheres mostly on special days, when something needs celebrating. An important ceremony dedicated to the faith, or a festivity, there is a wide range for which these ceremonial structures are used. Most of this takes place during sunset, for both Solista and Yunuen will be able to catch a glimpse of the ceremony or celebration. In Ashax there are also the famous dawn ceremonies, in which Solista has a more present role. The round ceremonial structures are the places where tales of the Sun and Moon are told, stories are shared, ceremonial dances are performed, music is played and feasts are held.

Upon death

Once a creature, whether men or animal, has lived it’s live on earth and finds its peace in death, the twins call its soul to the heavens to shine in between them as a star in the night sky. Even though Solista would never see them again, Yunuen protects them, bathing them in his moonshine.

Bodies of the recently passed are generally buried at sunset. This way, Solista can have a last glance at her children before their souls pass on to the stars after her light disappears behind the horizon. Yunuen will welcome the wandering souls and give them a spot between their brothers and sisters. A burial at sunset is important to receive guidance from both the Sun Goddess and the Moon God, any other time is usually frowned upon and can cause souls to wander.

While the death of someone is never without sadness, the burial rites are more of a celebration than a sombre gathering. There is no black, only colours. The family will come together and stay out under the starry sky after sunset. They will feast and dance, some of their food being offered to the stars.

Marriage

There are certain rituals which apply to marriage, and while specific traditions may vary in different families, the basics are more or less the same on a wedding between people of the Sun and Moon faith. The more wealth a family possesses, the bigger the celebration will be.

The wedding ceremony takes place outside and like most celebrations of this faith, are held at dawn or sunset, to appease to both Solista and Yunuen. For this occasion, a Sun Sphere or Moon Sphere, the ceremonial places of this faith, is thoroughly decorated. A Skyseer will be there to read the skies and foretell the future of the couple based on the signs they see.

The colours for the bride and groom are dependant on their main deity. Gold for Solista and silver for Yunuen. Brides always wear their hair unfastened and make wreaths of herbs and flowers with magic properties. The more wealthy the family, the more exotic the flowers will be and the stronger the magic.

Because the traditions forming the main ceremony at a wedding are such old ones, these are the same in the two faiths. The bride and groom will have their hands tied together while facing each other, which is called hand-fasting. They will say their vows while standing in this position. After they have done so, they will be released and give each other a ring to show they belong together. After the ceremony, it is very common for there to be a party and abundant feasting.

Important days

When the aurora is exceptionally bright in the Highlands, it is said the ancestors are dancing across the night sky. During a so-called Dance of the Dead, people in the Highlands gather to dance with them.

On the brightest night, when all the stars are clear and shine their most dazzling light, the people of Ashax come together to swim in the Blue Moon Spring. The clear waters reflect the night sky and makes it seem as if the people are swimming between the stars. Just like the Dance of the Dead, it is to feel connected to their ancestors.

Skyseers

When the Twins found out humans could read their signs, they created storms and cloud signs to guide their people. These humans became the Skyseers we know today. They can read the signs and explain what they see to the untaught people, warning those who won’t listen about the dangers that come from ignoring the will of Solista and Yunuen. Skyseers are like priests, as readers of the sky they are most respected in ceremonies, they are present at weddings, naming ceremonies, burials, and other important events.

While the Skyseers do not shy away to spread their fate in the streets, they do not wage war against non-believers. Theirs is a gentle belief, which warns rather than forces people to follow them. In death, non-believers will finally glance upon the truth of the Sun and Moon and be forgiven for their human foolishness. Because the faith of the Sun and Moon is such an old one, there is not as much hierarchy within as some of the other religions known to Avalance. While there is certainly a separation between the Skyseers and other people, there is no official religious leader. Hierarchy is mostly based on respect. People always have access to rituals and guidance.

The following is a list of possible signs that can be read by Skyseers. The same sighting may mean something different at different times and locations. Seasons and natural weather occurrences are always taken into consideration by Skyseers.

Falling star - Omen of death
Sunshine - Solista is pleased
Hail - Something is wrong
Thunder - The gods are mad
Eclipse - The moon seeking out the sun, warning the end of the world may be near
Rainbow - Solista has forgiven us
Rain - Yunuen blesses the harvest to come
Wildfire - Warning sign for specific person
Mist - You may have lost your way