Aetherinith the Stardancer

### Physicality

Shimmering silver scales; facial frill framing the face around the cheeks; leathery spinal frill extending from the base of the skull to the base of the tail; various leathery protrusions on the joints and down the length of the tail; overlapping leather flaps on the spiked wings; eyes resembling orbs of molten mercury.

## Worship

### Notable Places of Worship

* Starhold
* Lunnamin Leth

### Offerings

Relics of humanoid history, coins, gems, jewellery

**Aetherinith the Stardancer** is one of the World Bones of Illandor. She is a mythic silver greatwyrm created by Tilo and Avo, and makes up the province of Estrella Tseluna.

## Name

Aetherinith's name translates to 'Firmament's friend' in Draconic, from *aether* (Firmament: literally 'star-veil') and *inith* (friend).

## Description

Estrella Tseluna's tiny size is thought to be due to Aetherinith's body curling up tightly as she slumbers, her triple-layered ridged wings and various jagged protrusions creating the extreme mountainous topography of the province. The gap in between her body and legs is thought to have created the Valley of the Stars, whilst the crown of her skull is believed to be the plateau upon which Portis Estrella is situated.

## Geographical Influence

As well as physically making up the province's topography, Aetherinith's presence influences the climate and environmental phenomena of Estrella Tseluna. It is widely accepted that Aetherinith controls the weather, and it is thought that Avo gifted Aetherinith with the ability to create solid structures in the sky constructed from clouds and fog. In fact, a common belief is that the very peak of the Moonkissed Mountains is concealed behind a barrier of such fog to hide a monument dedicated to Tilo, built by Aetherinith and Avo during the construction of the world. Reports from pilgrims travelling up to the Monastery of the Four claim that the icy winds surrounding the mountains seem to push unwary travellers back from the dangerous cliff edges, protecting them from falling. Whether or not this is true is unknown, but it is notable that there are remarkably few reported incidents of pilgrims falling to their deaths in what would be assumed to be rather treacherous conditions.

## Role in Creation

It is believed that Tilo and Avo created Aetherinith together as a sign of gratitude towards the Stars for their diligent service to Se. Aetherinith was intended to be the first 'worshipper' of the Stars.

## Cultural Interpretation

### Physicality

   Aetherinith is depicted as one of the smallest dragons, with shimmering silver scales and beautiful overlapping leather flaps on spiked wings. A facial frill frames her face around the cheeks, and a large leathery frill extends from the base of the skull down the length of her body to the base of her tail. Further flap-like protrusions extend down her tail, as well as on her joints. Her eyes are thought to resemble orbs of molten mercury.

### Personality

It is common for cultures to personify the World Bones to understand them in terms they would be able to relate to. This is most prevalent in the humanoid races. Aetherinith is often depicted as virtuous, friendly and cheerful, protecting those who enter her realm of influence if they are pure of heart and intention. This personality is borrowed heavily from Tilo, suggesting that, when creating Aetherinith, Avo either allowed Tilo to shape a personality, and Tilo chose to reflect her favoured qualities, or Avo shaped Aetherinith after her sister. In either case, it is evident that Aetherinith is one of the kindest and gentlest dragons, developing strong bonds with mortals through Tilo's love for them.

### Abilities

Stories paint Aetherinith as a [key trait], able to [skills, charms]. In almost every iteration of Aetherinith's tale, she is described as breathing [breath] and [element through scales]. Some stories posit that she is able to [special ability]. Many believe that she can [regional], due to the regional effects that indicate her presence.

## Religious Offerings

As Estrella Tseluna is one of the oldest provinces, it is believed that Aetherinith treasures the relics of humanoid history, finding great interest in these grand echoes of empires past. As such, offerings of antiques, inventions and similar relics are often left at shrines to Aetherinith.