Novalia Lore - The Witch Moon

The Witch Moon

When the three moons of Kedu are new, the magical protections of the surface weaken. Monsters swarm in the darkness, peasants keep vigil by candlelight, and chapels echo with unceasing prayers of protection. It is a night of fear for all - except those sworn to the powers of darkness.

The Light of Kedu or the Light of Ammonar?

There is indisputably some power which protects the surface of Kedu from the evil that lurks beneath the ground. But where this protection comes from is hotly disputed.

The Empyrean Church teaches that the light of Ammonar, the sun god, protects his people. Thus his light keeps away the forces of darkness during the day, and at night does so indirectly through the dim reflections of the moons. This explains why the Witch Moon is the time when evil flourishes, free from the suppressing light of Ammonar.

The Church of the Compact teaches that the Light of Kedu is a foundational law of the cosmos, established by the Firstborn who built it at the Creator’s command, and therefore beyond the power of anyone, even the Ascendants.

What is certain is that creatures of darkness cannot willingly cross the threshold of the surface except during the witch moon, or at places of particular corruption and evil. On the night of the Witch Moon, the wild places swarm with monsters.

The Light of Civilization

It appears that civilization is a further deterrent against the incursions of the Dragon’s minions. Citizens of Sudet City and Evoristan sometimes dare to walk the streets in defiance of the Witch Moon. The knights of Prince Reeve III Wolfe openly patrol the surrounds of Summa. But in the Borderlands, none venture forth after dark. Town garrisons keep watch from fortified shelters, surrounded by bright bonfires.

On the outskirts of civilization, border towns are surrounded by armies of goblinoids, ghosts and demons prowl the streets, and people quake with fear in their homes. 

The thresholds of homes and occupied buildings seem to offer a powerful defense against the darkness on the Witch Moon. However, they must be kept lit through the night. A well lit house with its master keeping watch is almost always safe, although the sounds from outside are often harrowing. In the countryside, farmers will gather their livestock into barns and keep vigil with lamps and candles all through the night, lest they awake to find their flocks slaughtered or stolen.

Beastmen and Chaotic Men

The Witch Moon is a common time for attacks against civilized areas by Chaotic armies. Wild men of the Titan Hills, steppe barbarians and surface-dwelling beastmen like orcs, bugbears and gnolls are the most common aggressors.

When surface-dwellers join the attack, hiding in a lit home is no defense. If chaotic surface-dwellers breach the perimeters of lawful civilization, goblinoid creatures will soon follow. Force of arms will then have to repel beastman and goblinoid alike.