- 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.

Malfurion Stormrage by Yaroslav Tarasenko

Thank you to Ilaira and Celassa of <Silver Circle> who suggested some of the sources listed below!

The moonwell has long stood as an integral aspect of Kaldorei culture, primarily in the realms of Elune worship, environmental harmony, and purification. Those of the Elunian faith, alongside Druids, work together to coalesce the blessings of surrounding nature and the goddess’s spiritual energies into a conjoined vessel. One particular ritual includes a bundle of freely given tokens from local animals, which is placed in the heart of the well and bathed in Elune’s light. Ultimately, the binding tie of these rites seems to be the inclusion of waters from the Well of Eternity, the good will of native life, and the peaceful coexistence between Kaldorei and nature.

One might carry moonwater for myriad reasons, or seek out a moonwell for specific purposes; as the properties and potentials of this sacred substance are vast. Below is a collection on the proven uses of moonwater; though there are likely countless others scattered throughout the game and other Warcraft media.

Table of Contents:

I.) Healing & Replenishment II.) Blessing & Anointing III.) Divination IV.) Purification V.) Demonic & Undead Retribution VI.) Growth

Healing and Replenishment

Moonwell waters have a great propensity for healing and replenishment, both on lifeforce and mana. They are “places of healing for both the land around them and those who drank of their waters. Magi and other spellcasters could even refresh their mana” (Stormrage, pg. 237). This extends beyond physical and magickal healing as well, even affecting deep emotional pain by cleansing the feelings of grief and weariness (Elegy, pg 6). Astarii Starseeker once held that moonwell water could certainly be imbibed, but its most effective use was through bathing.

Blessing and Anointing

The innate magick of moonwell water is often used for the purposes of blessing and anointing armaments, reagents, and even beings. In the anointing of weaponry, the armament itself is often dipped or quenched in a moonwell; allowing the waters’ latent sacred energies to be infused into the material. This can be done with something as small as a singular arrow, to something as large as an entire blade. Even something as inconspicuous as a stone or crystal can be submerged into a moonwell to restore its sacred properties, such as a soot-covered moonstone in the pursuit of curing sickness. Communal foodstores can be blessed by the energies of moonwell water, additionally granting protection against fire. In rites of invocation, such as the primordial ritual of the Night Warrior, a boon can be bestowed after the offering of enemy flesh directly into a moonwell. Tyrande is the most recent invoker; however, the power of the Night Warrior was utilized extensively in the expansion of the Kaldorei Empire, perhaps in a similar fashion of bodily sacrifice. A relic in the nameless temple of Desolace, called Elune’s Handmaiden, also grants the offeror a blessing upon the placement of enemy weapons into the basin. This is known as Elune’s Ritual of War, a ceremony since times of legend in which the Goddess grants divine vitality. During one of the penultimate endeavors on Teldrassil, the dryad Tarindrella combines the waters from each of the moonwells gathered across the world tree to gift temporary powers of Elune’s vengeance against corruption in the form of moonlight, tidal pulling, and starfall.

Divination

As vessels of nature, moonlight, and spirit, moonwell waters have been known to grant the power of divination; whether in the form of witnessing shades, revealing an object’s true nature, interpreting Elune’s mysteries, or preparing for dreamwalking.

The moonwells in the boughs of Teldrassil bore the echoes of Kaldorei Shades, specters who would manifest upon approach and detail their people’s recent history. An old, consecrated fountain in Desolace granted similar visions after washing one’s face in its waters: all around the temple grounds, apparitions of Elunian disciples would materialize, continuing to carry out their timelost duties. Moreover, priests of the faith are able to meditate at moonwells to interpret the mysteries of the divine; sometimes even granted epiphany on how to grasp new spellwork.

Druids often drink of moonwater when seeking to enter the Emerald Dream, and it proves especially potent when blessed by an ancient protector. Its inherent spiritual essence likely makes this metaphysical voyage much easier; their spirit said to drift off into the Dream shortly after.

Moonwell water can also be used to ascertain the true nature of something, such as pouring it over a crystal to determine its composition. Opaqueness becomes transparency, and anything hidden within is revealed.

Purification

Moonwells are intrinsically purifying, so long as nature’s goodwill and Elune’s light remain, and are capable of cleansing their native environment for years at a time. Throughout history, they have been established “at sites troubled by fel or similar energies… and the sacred waters often calmed and purified the uneasy land” (Elegy, page 8).

Items steeped in corruption may be cleansed within a moonwell, most notably in the conversion of Felcloth to Mooncloth. (An alternative to creating mooncloth exists on Draenor, instead coalescing imbued cloth, primal life, and primal water.)

Living beings and even spirits can also be washed clean of the profane, or be freed from magickal entrapment with moonwell water. A seasonal tradition has developed in Felwood to pour this sacred substance atop the fallen Irontree ancients in the hopes that new life will spring forth from their remains. The satyr of the area were capable of ensnaring and torturing these protectors by crafting flutes from the ancients’ bark. Their curse was finally lifted with the aid of moonwell water, eventually “breaking the link between flute and ancient spirit.” A related event occurred in Amirdrassil, wherein dryads were able to free spirits of the dream from their stone prisons. Following the Shattering, frenzied wind elementals overtaking Auberdine were banished back to their plane after their bracers were placed in the waters of the local moonwell.

Beyond the realm of spirit, corporeal, corrupt beings seeking redemption have been cleansed of their affliction by the power of a moonwell in rare circumstances. The Fallen Priestess, a faithful-turned-satyr during the War of the Ancients, has existed as a demon since her regretful pact for over ten thousand years. After offering fel dust from the demons of the ingress into the wellspring, she petitions the Goddess, “Elune, grant me the blessing of your purity one last time,” and is cleansed back into her former self: Priestess Driana.

Demonic and Undead Retribution

Anyone facing a demonic or undead threat may seek to bring moonwell water along for the undertaking for its proven retribution against the unholy.

This is especially true in regards to breaking a demons’ will, whether to interrupt their spellwork or even compel them to speak the truth. The moonwater itself is used to weaken the demon, while the lunar scriptures of Elune seem to strengthen this effect, or perhaps possess their own atoning magick. Within demonic strongholds, this substance has been used to douse protective demonflames which often ward the area and seem to inflict powerful, negative emotions on those who enter.

Moonwell water was used in the expedition through Dragonblight, and the Stars’ Rest encampment saw its moonwell completely converted into a vessel of Elune’s Liquid Fire. This was poured over the corpses of animals afflicted by scourgeblight to cleanse their bodies and halt the further spread of undeath.

Growth

Nature and life seem to find a way of flourishing in the vicinity of a moonwell, even in the most unlikely of places.

Around the time of the Lunar Festival, specific flowers unique to this period can be bloomed with the proper rites. Myrael Lunarbloom even notes that, “Flowers flourish under Elune's light. She was always known to cherish them.”

During the battle of the Molten Front, a moonwell was constructed within the Firelands; eventually sprouting trees and shrubs which bore eternal fruits while inside this plane.

Priest of the Moon🌒🏹🌖

- 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.

MOONCLOTH, ELUNITE & MOONSTONES

To be a Priestess of Elune is not only dedicate ones entire self to the Goddess but to also strive to serve their people in the various capacities of which that is necessary. Ranging from humanitarian efforts, spiritual guidance or a source of strength during eras of strife. Every aspect of a Mooncloth is able to be utilized by a Priestess in one way or another to amplify their Divine-given capabilities.

Mooncloth

The bulk of the garb is able to be turned into makeshift bandages that can cleanse impurities and/or corruption from wounds. Also if placed over a wound, a Priestess who may find her inner well of magic waning, can magnify their healing magic through the mooncloth fabrics.

Tailors tell that the first recipe for Mooncloth was scribed by Elune herself - Heroes of Azeroth

Elunite

Is most often used for the decorative ornamental workings atop the mooncloth. Elunite is a fine metal that is considerably harmful to Demons and the Undead. It causes harm to these currptive types by mere touch alone. Often Elunite is crafted into weapons for its innate effects against the undead and fel-fused beings.

Elunite ore is incredibly fine and is believed to be blessed by the Mother Moon herself. -The Shade of Elura

Moonstone

In relation to Mooncloth robes, moonstones are most often use to adorn the more decorative Mooncloth robes. Moonstones themselves can be left as offerings for the deceased or at shrines for Elune. Additionally, a Priestess may channel her divine magics through the Moonstone. The stone acting as a conduit of sorts.

A Moonstone is an artifact that is able to causes an eclipse that blocks out the sun and creates an artificial night. -Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

REGIONAL INFLUENCES

The Kaldorei have a deep connection to the land. They view themselves as much as part of the cycle of nature as the flora and fauna. Priestesses are no exception to this and some may even draw upon the region where they took their priesthood training or their homeland to decorate their Mooncloth Robe.

Winterspring

Priestesses who took host in the snow capped landscape of eternal winter may have Mooncloth Robes that are very decorated with moonstones and Elunite. As if to mimic the regions hoar frost (the sparkles on the snow) or the icicles that dangle from every tree branch. Theirs may also be adorned with feathers to commemorate the regions local Moontouched Owlbeast population. Or fur to line their garbs from a good game.

Darkshore

With the expansive shoreline and near constant overcast, Priestesses from Darkshore may decorate their Mooncloth Robes and decorative adornments with shells. Some even decorate the bodice of their garb with sewn in shells that mimic beadwork. Pearls are also sought after. In some cases a Priestesses may spend years collecting pearls of varying color to mimic the phases of the Moon.

Ashenvale

Within the heavy overhang of canopy are various types of flora. Priestesses who trained here or were raised in Ashenvale may decorate their Mooncloth Robes with Spider's Silk from the webs spun by Wildthorn Venomspitter's. The embroidery may also be decorative in the shape of leaves or local flowers. Often a Priestess may embroider their sleeves with imagery akin to the Purple Lotus which is native only to Kalimdor.

Feralas

With the station of the Sentinel Army residing in Feathermoon Stronghold, Priestesses from the area of Feralas may wear more practical garb. Often forgoing the lengthy sleeves and skirts and wearing a set out trousers with an off hanging Mooncloth skirt. Elunite decorum is also more common here. Including but not limited to pieces that have been crafted to be used as weapons just as they are meant to be worn.

ACCESSORIES

It is not uncommon for a Priestess to wear pieces of jewelry with the intention to always have an offering to Elune on hand. or to leave at a shrine or burial stone of the deceased. A Priestess may also gift an accessory to one whom is enduring a time of strife or unease, intending for them to wear the blessed accessory themselves for good fortune or respite.

CRAFTING A MOONCLOTH ROBE

One does not simply obtain a Mooncloth Robe. A Mooncloth Robe is made specifically for the Priestess who is going to wear it. Once they have completed their trainings within the Sisterhood and are nearing their graduation into Priesthood, a student will begin the necessary preparations to create their own Mooncloth Robe which signifies their station in Kaldorei society as a Priestess.

Mooncloth can be taken from the robes of fallen Priestesses' and repurposed. It's not uncommon for a Priestess to take the Mooncloth from an aunt, mother or sister's robes and refashion them for herself if they themselves have fallen in Battle. To carry on the legacy of their relative or loved one by their endeavors.

Felcloth can be purified by ritualistic ceremony and subsequently makes Mooncloth. This is most common as the ceremony demands that the Priestess collect Felcloth which is adorned by those of Demonic Influence, or demons themselves. The soon-to-be Priestess would set out, either alone or with fellow students, and clear out an infestation of demons. They would then collect the Felcloth necessary for their purification ritual and return to their respective Temple.

Now more than ever the repurpose of Mooncloth is popularized since the fall of the Legion. Some robes are the result of several repurposed Mooncloth Robes.

Ashtarel Moonshoal, Sister of the Shore 🐚 Artwork by Firbess