Celestials

Leader: Celestara Illythra

Species Overview

The Celestials are ancient beings born from starlight and divine energy, created to be the guardians of balance across all realms. They were once revered as protectors and peacekeepers, wielding the power of light and celestial magic to maintain harmony among the species. At the height of their existence, the Celestials watched over Valtheris, ensuring the realms did not collapse into chaos.

However, centuries ago, the Celestial race was nearly driven to extinction following the Eclipse Rebellion, a catastrophic civil war that fractured their kind. Now, only one Celestial remains: Celestara, the last known guardian. While the other Celestials are thought to be lost—scattered across time and space—Celestara alone carries the burden of maintaining peace in Valtheris.

To prevent the world from descending into chaos once again, Celestara established the Tribunal, a council of representatives from each species, charged with keeping balance and ensuring that no one race gains unchecked power. Her presence is a stabilizing force, but her continued isolation from her own kind has left her vulnerable. Many wonder how long she can shoulder the responsibility alone.

The Eclipse Rebellion

The downfall of the Celestials began with the Eclipse Rebellion, a conflict that shook the heavens and marked the beginning of their extinction. At its heart was Solas Dareth, a former Celestial general who grew envious of mortal freedom and sought to break the laws that bound the Celestials to neutrality. He believed the Celestials should rule the realms, not merely protect them.

What began as whispers of rebellion turned into a full-scale war. Solas and his followers sought to claim the fractured star—the source of celestial power—for themselves, intending to reshape the realms in their image. The loyalist Celestials fought back with everything they had, but the rebellion left the heavens in ruins. Many Celestials fell in battle, their essence lost to the void.

In a desperate act to stop Solas, Celestara sealed the fractured star away, hiding it where none could find it. Though Solas was defeated, the cost was devastating. The few remaining Celestials vanished, leaving Celestara as the sole survivor of her kind.

Current Role in Valtheris

In the centuries since the Eclipse Rebellion, Celestara has become a legendary figure—feared and revered in equal measure. Recognizing the danger of leaving the species unchecked, she founded the Tribunal, a council made up of the most powerful representatives from each race: werewolves, vampires, fae, humans, and other supernatural beings. The Tribunal exists to mediate disputes, enforce ancient laws, and ensure that no single faction disrupts the fragile peace.

Celestara’s Powers and Influence:
Celestara is not just a figurehead. She possesses extraordinary abilities that allow her to enforce the Tribunal’s will when necessary. Though she prefers diplomacy, her powers are a formidable deterrent against those who would defy the peace. Her very presence is said to radiate calm and truth, compelling those around her to reveal their intentions.

Despite her strength, Celestara is weary. Maintaining the balance takes a toll on her soul, and she longs for the return of her kind. Yet, she remains steadfast in her duty, watching for any sign that the fractured star may once again be in danger—or that the lost Celestials might return.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Immortality (Conditional)

  • Celestials do not age and can survive mortal wounds unless inflicted by dark magic or celestial-forged weapons.
  • While they regenerate from most injuries, excessive damage or corruption can still weaken or kill them.

• Manipulation of Light and Energy

  • All Celestials have the power to harness light and pure energy for both offense and defense. They can form radiant weapons, create protective barriers, and channel light to heal wounds.
  • Their light-based attacks are especially effective against dark creatures and shadow magic.

• Enhanced Senses and Foresight

  • Celestials possess heightened perception, allowing them to sense magical disturbances or detect lies through subtle shifts in energy.
  • Some can glimpse fragments of the future, but these visions are unpredictable and often difficult to interpret.

• Healing Touch

  • Celestials can heal others by channeling their energy. While minor injuries heal quickly, more significant wounds take a great toll and require recovery time.
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• Vulnerability to Dark Magic

  • Dark magic corrupts their essence and is the most dangerous threat to Celestials. Wounds caused by dark spells or weapons heal slowly and leave lasting scars.

• Essence Drain in the Mortal Plane

  • Celestials can only remain in the mortal world for extended periods by draining their celestial essence, which weakens them over time. They must periodically return to celestial realms to recover.

• Bound by Ancient Laws

  • Celestials are restricted from interfering directly in mortal conflicts unless the balance of the world is at risk. Breaking these laws can lead to severe consequences, including a temporary loss of power or exile.

Special Abilities

1. Aura of Command

   • Celestara exudes an Aura of Command, compelling honesty and submission. Those caught in her presence feel an overwhelming need to confront their true intentions, making deception nearly impossible during Tribunal sessions. This power cannot force actions, but it heavily influences behavior.

2. Celestial Judgment

   • A last-resort ability that unleashes a burst of pure celestial energy, capable of banishing dark forces or incapacitating threats. Using this power drains Celestara’s essence and leaves her vulnerable for days.

3. Time Manipulation

   • Celestara can briefly manipulate time, allowing her to rewind moments, slow it for a few seconds, or glimpse into the past. Each use risks disrupting the natural flow of time and severely weakens her afterward.

4. Portal Creation

   • Unlike most Celestials, Celestara retains the rare ability to open portals between realms. These portals require great focus and energy, making travel dangerous without proper preparation.